Innovative research of Dr Igwegbe and Prof. Białowiec

• For Dr Igwegbe, interdisciplinary collaboration is extremely important, as it allows scientists to look at a scientific problem from a broader perspective.
•   Through her research, Dr Igwegbe has contributed to improving public health, protecting water resources and developing more efficient pollution treatment processes in Nigeria.

As an Ulam NAWA scholarship holder for researchers from abroad, Dr. Chinenye Adaobi Igwegbe is currently a researcher at UPWr. Under the guidance of Prof. Andrzej Białowiec, leader of the Waste and Biomass Valorization (WBVG) Leading Research Group and head of the Department of Applied Bioeconomics, she is conducting research focusing on investigating the upcycling of phosphorus. 

– In particular, we are investigating the conversion of food waste by Hydrothermal Liquefaction or Carbonization (HTLC) – subjecting wet waste to temperatures in the range of 180 to 300 °C and autogenous pressure in combination with biological treatment of the hydrothermal wastewater generated from the HTLC process (HTWW), which is a post-process condensate rich in organic compounds and nutrients. We want to develop an energetically self-sufficient, cost-effective, and zero-waste phosphorus recycling technological system. Phosphorus compounds have potential applications in various industries such as coatings, plastics and rubber, glass and ceramics, paper and printing, masonry and asphalt products, textiles, and leather production – explains Dr. Igwegbe.

The team's approach is innovative because it combines the production of biofuel from food waste with the upcycling of phosphorus, which has not been done before. By promoting the circular economy and sustainability, her research will contribute to addressing the critical environmental challenges facing the world today.

– To achieve this, we’re taking a multidisciplinary approach to the research. It includes bio-waste characterization, experiment design, optimization, and statistical modeling using machine learning techniques to design HTL/C experiments for efficient experimentation and improvement. It also includes biological treatment of hydrothermal wastewater (HTWW) for biomethane and phosphorus production. In addition, we are analyzing the physicochemical properties of the resulting biomass, including its biodegradability and calorific value, to explore its potential use as a food additive – Dr. Chinenye Adaobi Igwegbe emphasizes.

Interdisciplinary collaboration is a key to success

In order to promote a collaborative and inclusive research environment, Dr. Igwegbe highlights that it is important for her to work closely with scientists from different backgrounds. Her work also involves training and mentoring graduate students in the lab, thus giving them the opportunity to learn innovative techniques and contribute to scientific discovery. Furthermore, it disseminates research results to the scientific community and the public through various means such as publications, presentations, and outreach activities.

– Through my research at UPWr, I aim to broaden our understanding of nutrient recovery from food waste and provide practical solutions to pressing societal problems. I am happy to continue my research journey here and look forward to the discoveries that lie ahead – says Dr. Igwegbe and emphasizes that Poland, and Wrocław and the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences in general, are fascinating and unique places that offer many opportunities. – I was particularly drawn to the university's reputation as a leader in this field. I'm excited about the prospect of working alongside some of the brightest minds in this area, and I believe my skills and expertise would make a valuable contribution to the team – says the scientist.

Dr Igwegbe is working towards a clean environment, especially in her home country

Dr. Chinenye Adaobi Igwegbe is also a lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria. Her research interests are in the areas of environment, sustainability, energy and process design, optimization, and modeling.

-In the last 12 years, my research has focused on three important areas of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Science: Firstly, wastewater treatment using various methods such as adsorption, biosorption, coagulation-flocculation, electrocoagulation, and membrane filtration. Secondly, biomass conversion to create adsorbents, coagulants, polymer composites, and biodiesel, and thirdly, process design/modeling/optimization. Through my research, I have contributed to improving public health, water conservation, and the development of more efficient pollution treatment processes, which is invaluable in Nigeria. Additionally, my research promotes sustainability by facilitating the production of renewable energy and materials, while reducing waste, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental impact, resource depletion, and energy consumption – says the scientist.

Dr. Chinenye Adaobi Igwegbe is the author of numerous scientific publications, including books, has served as editor-in-chief, research editor, and reviewer for several reputable journals, and as an experienced researcher, has supervised the research work of undergraduate and postgraduate students. In addition, she has had the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed researchers from around the world, from countries such as Iran, Jordan, India, Mexico, the United States, South Africa, Malaysia, Japan, Poland, Greece, Germany, Cameroon, China, Libya, and many others. Through these collaborations, she says she has improved her research design, data collection, data analysis, laboratory techniques, literature review, research paper writing, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

– I’m really passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with students and fellow researchers and I’m eager to continue my research journey at UPWr, where I can learn from others and contribute to the progress of the scientific community – says Dr. Igwegbe.

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