Nigerian Scientist Develops Groundbreaking Eco-Friendly Method to Clean Polluted Groundwater

Nigerian Scientist Develops Groundbreaking Eco-Friendly Method to Clean Polluted Groundwater

Athens, Georgia — May 2025
As global water security faces increasing threats from pollution and climate change, Nigerian geoscientist Oyindamola Oseni is pioneering a low-cost, sustainable method to clean contaminated groundwater—offering new hope for communities around the world grappling with water pollution.

Oseni, a doctoral researcher at the University of Georgia, is developing a nature-based approach that combines plant-root systems, naturally occurring microbes, and biochar—a carbon-rich substance derived from organic waste—to break down stubborn pollutants such as nitrate and perchlorate. These toxic chemicals are often associated with industrial, agricultural, and military waste, and can persist in soil and water for decades.

“Contamination is a reality in many parts of the world,” Oseni explains. “The question is how science can be used to offer solutions that are both effective and accessible to vulnerable communities.”

Traditional methods of groundwater cleanup are often expensive and technologically demanding, making them unsuitable for many low-income areas. Oseni’s research focuses on a more affordable and scalable solution—harnessing natural processes to detoxify the environment. By enhancing the activity of beneficial microbes with biochar, she aims to accelerate the breakdown of pollutants while improving soil health.

Her innovative work supports the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s goals around sustainable groundwater management and environmental justice. Internationally, it advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including clean water access, climate action, and sustainable innovation.

“Science must meet community needs,” Oseni says. “If it doesn’t improve lives on the ground, we’ve missed the point.”

With a background in environmental geochemistry, microbiology, and engineering, Oseni brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her work. She earned her master’s degree with distinction from the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), where she was a recipient of the African Union scholarship. At the University of Georgia, she has been recognized with internal research grants and was named Outstanding Teaching Assistant by both the Department of Geology and the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Oseni has presented her research at key scientific gatherings, including the American Geophysical Union (AGU) conference, the Georgia Water Resources Conference, and the Clemson Hydrogeology Symposium. Her work has drawn acclaim for its real-world relevance and potential for wide-scale impact.

In addition to her research, Oseni is committed to mentorship and cross-continental collaboration. She continues to support emerging scientists and is building networks between U.S. and African researchers to promote inclusive, practical environmental solutions.

As climate change places increasing pressure on global water systems, Oseni’s work represents a beacon of innovation—blending science, sustainability, and social responsibility. Her journey from Nigeria to the front lines of environmental research in the United States highlights the essential role African scientists are playing in tackling the planet’s most pressing challenges.

Her mission remains clear: to make environmental science a tool for empowerment, resilience, and justice—wherever clean water is needed most.