Don identifies coal as potent material in tackling environmental issues
A Professor of Fibre Science and Colour Chemistry, Abayomi Adetuyi, says coal is a potent tool in tackling the menace of wastewater.
Adetuyi stated this while delivering the maiden lecture series of the Faculty of Basic, Medical and Applied Sciences (FBMAS) of the Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos state, on Thursday.
The theme of the lecture was: “Activated Charcoal: An Absorbent with Difference for Waste Water Purification”.
According to the don, the coal, though an unnoticed material which has been in use for over centuries, has remained powerful in the midst of humans, especially to those who know its value.
Speaking further, he described activated carbon/charcoal (AC) as a unique, well-known and important adsorbent.
He explained that it could be used effectively in the adsorption process for efficient removal or uptake of a broad spectrum of toxic materials, from gas and liquid phases (pollutants from air, soil and liquids).
According to him, the use of AC is perhaps the best broad spectrum control technology available at the moment.
“The uniqueness in the property of activated carbon or charcoal is due to the rare attributes of carbon atoms that form the major composition of the material.
“Carbon has a capacity of being able to bond together to form very long, durable chains with or without branches or rings of various sizes and often contain thousands of carbon atoms (catenation)
“Again, carbon is the only chemical element that has a major field of chemistry devoted to the study of its compounds, called organic chemistry.
“Over 95 per cent of millions of chemical compounds are carbon compounds and most organic compounds come from living things or things that were once living, such as crude oil and coal.
“Also, life chemistry is carbon chemistry and what makes it suitable for life, also makes it suitable for many industrial processes.
“Chemists all over the world pride it as a slogan; nothing in the world that is not chemistry,” he said.
Speaking further, he noted that activated carbon was porous and had more useful surface area per gram, than any other material available for physical adsorption.
“In fact, a teaspoon of activated carbon has more surface area (500 – 1,500 m2/g) than a football field (4,050 – 10,800 m2),” he stated.
Adetuyi noted that activated carbon could be manufactured from carbonaceous materials, including coal (bituminous, sub-bituminous and lignite) peat, wood, or nutshells like coconut.
According to him, the manufacturing process consists of two phases: carbonisation and activation, adding that the carbonisation process includes drying and then heating to separate by-products.
He explained that this included tars and other hydrocarbons, from the raw material, as well as drive off any gas generated.
“The process is completed by heating the material over 400 °C (750 °F) in an oxygen-free atmosphere that cannot support combustion,” he said.
He explained that man’s daily activities were majorly water dependent and therefore discharged ‘waste’ into water.
According to him, some of these substances includes body wastes (feaces and urine), hair shampoo, hair, food scraps, fat, laundry powder, and many others.
“Invariably, much of the water supplied ends up as wastewater, which has an impact on people’s health and the environment.
“In the nineteenth century, flush toilets led to an increase in the volume of waste for these agricultural lands.
“Due to transport challenges, cities began to use drainage and storm sewers to convey wastewater into water bodies against God’s precepts,” he said.
On her part, the Dean of the Faculty, Dr Modupeade Adetunji, stated that the the maiden lecture of the faculty, was a flagship event that underscored the university’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement.
“Today, we gather to explore the fascinating world of activated charcoal and its transformative impact on waste removal.
“The faculty has established itself as a trailblazer at Trinity University, showcasing our dedication to innovation and leadership through various groundbreaking events.
“Notably, we successfully organised the inaugural Scholar Conference RAIB 2024, from Sept. 19 to Sept. 21, with the theme ‘Biotechnology as a Catalyst for SDGs; Achieving Sustainability through Innovation and Collaboration, among others’.
“Today’s lecture highlights the critical role of science in addressing everyday challenges.
“Activated charcoal, a seemingly simple material, holds immense potential for improving our environment and quality of life.
“As we delve into the world of activated charcoal, we recognise its relevance to our daily lives.
“We face mounting waste management issues, especially in major cities of the country like Lagos, environmental degradation and health concerns.
“This lecture, therefore, offers a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge research, spark meaningful conversations, and cultivate sustainable solutions,” she said.
In his remark, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Clement Kolawole, noted that the institution had remained a place of contestation of ideas and platforms for researches.
According to him, the lecture has unveiled processes as well as created platform for deeper researches and new ways of doing things.
He stated that similar opportunity would also be extended to other faculties of the institution, to make the lecture series an annual event.
