Bio
Chuks Kenneth Odoh is a Nigerian microbiologist and environmental scientist specializing in environmental microbiology and biotechnology. He holds a PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS). His research focuses on phytoremediation of heavy metal‑polluted soils, sustainable agriculture, and the environmental impacts of mineral exploration. Dr. Odoh has authored multiple peer‑reviewed papers on these topics, including studies on the use of Vigna unguiculata for lead remediation and the ecological consequences of mining in Nigeria. He is also an active academic fellow and has served as a peer reviewer for several journals. Based in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, he continues to contribute to the fields of environmental microbiology and plant–microbe interactions.
Educational Journey
University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
PhD • Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology
Experience
Research
Phytoremediation Potential of Vigna Unguiculata on Lead Polluted Soil and its Biotoxic Effects on Soil Microbial Activities
The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of lead nitrate on soil microbial activities, growth performance, and the phytoremediation potential of Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) grown in agricultural soil. Pristine sandy loam soils were polluted with nitrate salt of lead at four different levels (50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) in triplicates. A significant (P < 0.05) retarding effect of the metal salt on the studied parameters was observed. Consistently, total bacterial population was found decreasing with rise in lead dosage. Lead was also found to significantly (P < 0.05) affect the microbial metabolism as witnessed by the lowering of CO 2 evolved in the test samples. A generalized growth reduction in the performance of Vignaunguiculata observed when compared to the control showed that lead phytotoxicity was concentration dependent. Bioaccumulation capacity of the plant was determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FS 240 AA Agilent Technology) after pulverization and digestion of the plants using HCl/HNO 3 (3:1 v/v). Favourably, roots appear to be a better site for metal residence than shoots. The Bio-concentration Factor (BCF) and Translocation Factor [BCF > 1 (3.99); TF < 1 (0.67)] value obtained conclusively suggest that cowpea is a suitable candidate for the phytostabilization of lead contaminated soil especially at highly polluted sites.
Environmental Impacts of Mineral Exploration in Nigeria and their Phytoremediation Strategies for Sustainable Ecosystem
Mineral exploration and processing have caused varying degree of environmental damage in Nigeria. These include alteration of ecological state, air, water, soil pollution, destruction of soil flora and fauna, loss of vegetation, landscape degradation and radiation emission. Since mineral exploration is still at the developmental state and in the hands of artisanal miners in most developing nations, the environmental impact of their ill-fated activities is inevitable. For a robust, sustainable eco-mining to be achieved, government agencies, environmentalist and industrial prospectors must take sound precautionary measures in remedying polluted sites and limiting re-introduction of hazardous material into the environment. Unlike the conventional physical and chemical remediation techniques that are uneconomical with potentials of generating large volume of chemical wastes, phytoremediation is said to be otherwise. However, as efforts are being made to minimize wastes disposal in mining industries through recycling, landfill and/or in-pit storage, scientific green-base technology such as phytoextraction, phytostabilization, phytovolatilization, rhizodegradation, phytodegradation and rhizofiltration could be adopted through legislative enactment as a requisite strategy for the return of abandoned mine sites to it aesthetic natural setting by industrialist.
