Chemist Studies Road Dust and Beach Sand in Durban for Pollutants

BY: .

Nigerian Dr Abdulmumeen Abdulkadir has earned a PhD in Chemistry from UKZN for his identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Durban road dust and beach sand.

Said Abdulkadir’s supervisor, Professor Bice Martincigh: ‘Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous pollutants that arise from incomplete combustion processes. They are of concern because of their mutagenic and carcinogenic nature.

‘Abdulkadir developed a molecularly imprinted polymer for extracting PAHs from road dust and beach sand, and his research promotes eco-friendly monitoring methods, reducing solvent consumption and costs, while enhancing environmental benefits.’

Said Abdulkadir: ‘The significance of my research is that I developed an environmentally friendly method that uses smaller amounts of chemicals and lowers costs for extracting and analysing these harmful pollutants. PAHs are dangerous because they can cause genetic damage, birth defects and cancer. They are generated mainly from the burning of fossil fuels, making their presence in the environment a concern.’

Abdulkadir’s motivation to research PAHs stems from their negative impact on human health and the environment. ‘As persistent organic pollutants, PAHs contribute to acute and chronic illnesses due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic properties,’ he explained. ‘Their widespread presence from industrial activities, vehicle emissions and biomass combustion underscores the need for advanced research on their environmental fate, toxicological effects and remediation strategies.

‘I am driven by the potential to develop innovative monitoring techniques, sustainable remediation approaches and policy recommendations to mitigate exposure. PAHs are of concern because of their mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic nature, as they arise from the incomplete combustion processes of fossil fuels.’

Abdulkadir devised an eco-friendly method that reduces solvent consumption and costs for the analysis and monitoring of the ubiquitous pollutants.

He chose to complete his PhD through UKZN because of its excellent academic reputation and diverse and vibrant academic community with scholars drawn from around the world. He also found Durban to be a beautiful city in which to live and study.

His future plans include securing a well-paid job; making significant contributions to scientific knowledge, environmental health and sustainable development; and mentoring future graduate and undergraduate scientists.

He thanked his “ebullient and empathetic” supervisor, who played the most important role in getting him to where he is now.

‘Earning a PhD is a significant achievement, showing dedication, perseverance and a profound contribution to knowledge in one’s chosen field,’ said Abdulkadir. ‘It signifies not only academic success but also personal growth and critical problem-solving skills, contributing to meaningful advancements in research and society.

‘I am most grateful to Almighty God for my life and to all those who assisted me in whatever way.’

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Supplied