Polluted rivers pose cancer risks, AAUA Don seeks urgent zero-discharge policy

By Precious Oluwole

Nigeria’s worsening water pollution crisis has reached a dangerous tipping point, with contaminated rivers now posing significant cancer risks to millions of citizens, a professor of Environmental Chemistry at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko has warned.

Delivering the university’s 55th Inaugural Lecture on Tuesday, Professor Isaac Ayodele Ololade declared that continuous exposure to avoidable environmental pollution is threatening human survival, particularly for communities that rely heavily on rivers for domestic and recreational use.

 

Speaking on the theme, “Environmental Chemistry: The Science Behind a Healthier Planet,” Prof. Ololade drew from years of research conducted on major rivers across southwestern Nigeria.

He revealed that both direct skin contact and ingestion of contaminated water significantly increase carcinogenic risks.

“Both dermal and ingestion routes are practically significant in the carcinogenic risk assessment to human health in all the rivers investigated in our studies”.

He warned that cooking, bathing, and swimming in polluted rivers expose residents to dangerous toxic substances.

Based on multiple studies, the professor said he could “authoritatively” conclude that continued dependence on polluted river systems amounts to sustained exposure to preventable health hazards.

To reverse the trend, Prof. Ololade called for the immediate enforcement of a zero-discharge policy to curb the direct release of untreated industrial and urban waste into water bodies.

He criticised what he described as an “unfriendly attitude” toward water resource management, warning that unregulated pollution undermines marine protection, tourism, recreation and sustainable development.

Highlighting the human cost of environmental negligence, the environmental chemist presented findings from research conducted among auto mechanics in Ondo State. Laboratory analyses of blood and urine samples revealed alarmingly high levels of carcinogenic substances and toxic metals, which he linked to indiscriminate disposal of workshop waste.

He recommended strict monitoring of mechanic workshops, proper waste segregation using designated containers, spill response planning, routine air quality checks, and comprehensive environmental safety training for mechanics and apprentices.

Beyond water pollution, Prof. Ololade advocated a broader, multi-layered waste management strategy. He urged governments at all levels to enact and strictly enforce environmental regulations, impose stiff penalties on violators, and launch aggressive public awareness campaigns to promote responsible waste disposal.

He also recommended a ban on single-use plastics, expansion of recycling programmes for paper and plastics, and the provision of adequate waste bins in public spaces.

According to him, investment in modern sanitary landfills with proper containment systems is critical to prevent soil and groundwater contamination caused by open dumping sites.

The professor further proposed waste-to-wealth initiatives such as controlled incineration for energy generation, alongside the deployment of digital technologies to optimise waste collection routes and improve operational efficiency.

While acknowledging the structural challenges facing developing countries like Nigeria, including inadequate funding, limited infrastructure and shortages of trained environmental management personnel, Prof. Ololade stressed that no single solution would suffice.

Despite the daunting obstacles, he expressed cautious optimism that collective action could turn the tide against environmental degradation.

“As we confront the pressing challenges of environmental degradation, the vision of a pollution-free world feels increasingly distant,” he said.

“However, through collective efforts and innovative solutions, this ideal can shift from being a mere fantasy to a tangible goal.”

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Olugbenga Ige, described the inaugural lecturer as a distinguished scholar whose research contributions have earned the institution national and international recognition.

He noted that the university’s inaugural lecture series provides a platform for professors to present their research findings to society, with the aim of generating ideas that can drive community development and sustainable progress.