case studies—“GROUNDED IN EVIDENCE, GROWING WITH NATURE”

Background

Decades of petroleum exploration and oil spills have devastated ecosystems across the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Communities face lasting environmental, health, and economic challenges due to persistent contamination from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). As a native of the Niger Delta and a seasoned environmental scientist, Dr Anthony Futughe dedicated his doctoral research to developing nature-aligned, cost-effective methods for land remediation.

This work reflects Ecorem Tech’s founding mission: to translate science into regenerative solutions that restore polluted ecosystems and empower affected communities.

The Challenge:

Oil spills in the Niger Delta have left vast areas contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—persistent organic pollutants known for their toxicity, bioaccumulation, and resistance to degradation. Traditional clean-up methods are costly, energy-intensive, and often ecologically disruptive.

The Innovation:

Led by Dr Anthony Futughe, Ecorem Tech’s Founder and CEO, this research introduced a triple-action remediation approach combining:

• Soil Solarization: Passive solar heating to accelerate degradation of toxic compounds
• Phytoremediation: Use of Chromolaena odorata, a fast-growing indigenous plant, to absorb and break down contaminants
• Biosurfactants: Natural, biodegradable agents enhancing pollutant bioavailability without harming the environment

This integrated strategy demonstrated significantly improved degradation of PAHs—achieving up to 60% removal of phenanthrene in just 28 days of solarization and over 90% reduction with full treatment cycles.

Key Outcomes:

✅ Eco-friendly & low-cost remediation for petroleum-contaminated land
✅ Improved soil health and microbial enzymatic activity
✅ Enhanced plant growth and resilience in polluted sites
✅ Potential scalability for post-oil remediation across Africa

Ecorem Tech Impact Link:

This breakthrough research forms the foundation of Ecorem Tech’s Bio-Remediation Solutions, shaping product lines like EcoHydro-Break™ and Nature-Based Consultancy Services aimed at delivering regenerative solutions to impacted sites.

Researcher’s Perspective

“This project reinforced our belief that the answers to complex environmental problems lie in nature itself. By working with soil, sun, and native flora—rather than against them—we can restore balance and build resilience for communities long overlooked by conventional remediation technologies.” — Dr Anthony Futughe, Ecorem Tech

Relevance to SDGs:

• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

📘 Publication Source:

FUTUGHE, A. E., Jones, H. and Purchase, D. (2023). A Novel Technology of Solarization and Phytoremediation enhanced with biosurfactant for the sustainable treatment of PAH-contaminated soil. Environ Geochem Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01460-0

Background

Dr Isimekhai is an environmental toxicologist with a focus on pollution risk assessment, chemical speciation, and contaminated land management. Her interdisciplinary approach merges environmental diagnostics with public health insights, making her a key contributor to Ecorem Tech’s research-led innovation platform. 

The Challenge

In the absence of formal e-waste recycling infrastructure, informal dismantling and open burning of electronic waste release highly toxic heavy metals into the soil and environment. These include cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), which are persistent, non-biodegradable, and pose grave ecological and health risks.

Despite being a global hot spot for e-waste influx, Nigeria lacks effective environmental controls and data-driven risk assessments at these informal sites.

The Innovation

Dr Khadijah Isimekhai, an environmental toxicologist whose doctoral research aligns with Ecorem Tech’s mission, led an in-depth environmental risk study using:

• Sequential Chemical Speciation to determine the bioavailability of heavy metals
• Pollution Load Index (PLI) to evaluate the intensity of soil contamination 
• Ecological Risk Index (PERI) and Risk Assessment Code (RAC) to classify and quantify potential ecological hazards

Key Findings

✅ Extremely high levels of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd exceeding international soil guideline values 

✅ Bioavailable cadmium (Cd) posed the greatest ecological risk due to its chemical form and toxic response factor.
✅ Soil pH, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) influenced the leaching and retention of contaminants.
✅  Evidence of vertical migration of metals into subsoils, increasing the long-term environmental risk 

Ecorem Tech Impact Link:

Dr Isimekhai’s work informs Ecorem Tech’s urban soil health assessments and contamination advisory services, particularly in high-risk informal economies. It provides a replicable scientific foundation for:

• Sustainable remediation planning in densely populated urban markets
• Soil health diagnostics and contaminant source tracking
• Integrating waste-to-value circular economy strategies for e-waste zones

This aligns with Ecorem Tech’s vision to turn environmental challenges into regenerative opportunities.

Researcher’s Perspective

 “Informal e-waste recycling may provide livelihoods, but it silently poisons urban soils and communities with heavy metals that persist for generations. My research is driven by the need to expose these hidden risks, quantify them scientifically, and guide safer, more sustainable pathways for waste management in emerging economies. Through evidence-based assessments, we can turn overlooked pollution into informed action.”
— Dr Khadijah A. Isimekhai 

Linked SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being 
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production 
• SDG 15: Life on Land

📘Publication Source:

 Isimekhai, K.A., Garelick, H., Watt, J., & Purchase, D. (2017). Heavy metals distribution and risk assessment in soil from an informal E-waste recycling site in Lagos State, Nigeria. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. [DOI:10.1007/s11356-017-8877-9]

Background

As the world moves toward climate neutrality, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has become an essential strategy for industrial decarbonisation. However, the safe injection of CO₂ into geological formations remains one of the most technically delicate steps in the CCS chain. Dr Revelation Samuel’s research contributes a critical innovation to this process by addressing the ramp-up dynamics of CO₂ injection into depleted oil and gas reservoirs.

This work aligns with Ecorem Tech’s mission to provide science-based solutions that advance net-zero pathways and minimise environmental risks. 

Objective

To develop a validated, time-dependent simulation model for CO₂ injection ramp-up flow rates, offering guidance for safe, efficient carbon storage and minimising wellbore failure risks due to pressure and temperature shocks.

Methodology

Using a Homogeneous Equilibrium Mixture (HEM) model, the study simulated transient CO₂ flow in an injection well under three ramp-up durations:

• Fast (5 minutes)
• Medium (30 minutes)
• Slow (2 hours)

Key parameters such as pressure drops, Joule-Thomson (JT) cooling effects, and the potential for hydrate or ice formation were examined using input from real-world data sets, including the Goldeneye injection site in the UK and the Ketzin pilot site in Germany.

Key Findings

✅ Fast ramp-up (5 min) resulted in the smallest pressure and temperature fluctuations, reducing the risk of hydrate formation, steel casing stress, or blockage

✅ Slower ramp-up (2 hrs) increased the likelihood of critical temperature drops (down to 226 K), with associated wellbore risks
✅The model was validated using experimental injection data, proving robust for predicting start-up conditions under multiple site-specific scenarios
✅The findings offer best-practice guidelines for CCS developers, operators, and policymakers aiming to meet IPCC storage safety protocols

Relevance to Ecorem Tech

This research provides scientific grounding for Ecorem Tech’s consulting services in:

• GHG Carbon Accounting & Verification
• Carbon Market Strategy & Storage Advisory
• Place-Based Decarbonisation & Net Zero Planning
• Carbon Infrastructure Resilience Assessments

It also supports policy-informed approaches to large-scale nature-compatible carbon sequestration.

Researcher’s Perspective

“This work helps ensure that as we scale up CCS, we do so safely. Modelling ramp-up dynamics in real time gives us the insight needed to protect both infrastructure and the ecosystems surrounding injection wells.”— Dr Revelation J. Samuel

Publication Source

Samuel, R.J. & Mahgerefteh, H. (2019). Investigating the impact of flow rate ramp-up on carbon dioxide start-up injection. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 88, 482–490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2019.04.025

Background

As part of her doctoral research, Dr. Morufat Li-Hammed explored the industrial application of two microalgal species—Dunaliella salina and Spirulina platensis—within the context of sustainable cosmetics, bioenergy, and the circular bioeconomy. Her research aligns closely with Ecorem Tech’s mission to transform nature-based research into scalable, regenerative environmental solutions.

The Challenge

Industries such as cosmetics, food, and energy face growing pressure to transition from synthetic, resource-intensive models to bio-based, renewable alternatives. However, unlocking the full potential of biological platforms like microalgae requires both scientific validation and application-ready product design.

Research Approach

Dr Li-Hammed’s study involved:

• Biochemical profiling of D. salina and S. platensis for protein, pigment, and antioxidant content
• Use of green solvents (jojoba oil, glycerine) for clean bio-extraction
• Development of natural antioxidant creams using algal extracts
• Application of in silico safety modelling (molecular docking, toxicity profiling) to predict skincare compatibility
• Co-authoring a chapter in the Encyclopedia of Sustainable Management on algae as bioenergy resources

Key Findings

• Dunaliella salina showed higher β-carotene and protein content, while Spirulina excelled in carbohydrate and moisture balance
• Formulations that combined both algal extracts displayed synergistic antioxidant activity, outperforming individual extracts
• Creams passed accelerated stability testing and retained bioactivity under typical shelf-life conditions
• Computational analysis confirmed non-toxic, skin-beneficial phytochemicals and supported ethical alternatives to animal testing

Circular Economy Impact

The study reinforces microalgae’s value in circular bioeconomy models:

• Can be grown on marginal land using non-potable water
• Capture atmospheric CO₂ while generating high-value compounds
• Enable closed-loop, zero-waste cosmetic and energy product lines

Relevance to Ecorem Tech

This research directly supports Ecorem Tech’s efforts to:

• Advance EcoAqua-Clear™ with scientifically validated microbial platforms
• Promote nature-based innovations in environmental remediation and bio-safe formulations.
• Integrate circular economy and bioeconomy principles into product pipelines and advisory services
• Publications & Knowledge Transfer
• Comparative Biochemical Profiling of Dunaliella salina and Spirulina platensis (2024)
• Algae Bioenergy – Chapter in Encyclopedia of Sustainable Management (Springer, 2023)

Researcher’s Perspective

“Microalgae represent a paradigm shift in how we formulate products—from energy to skincare—by focusing on abundance, regeneration, and scientific validation. My work reflects Ecorem Tech’s values: transforming research into impact that supports people, planet, and policy.” —Dr Morufat A. Li-Hammed, Ecorem Tech

Background

The indiscriminate disposal of petroleum sludge in Nigerian urban centres, particularly near automobile workshops, has led to severe soil pollution with hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Conventional remediation methods are expensive, resource-intensive, and often ecologically harmful.

Dr Nosa Obayagbona's research explores fungal-based bioremediation as a low-cost, environmentally sustainable alternative—aligned with Ecorem Tech’s commitment to science-driven, nature-based environmental regeneration.

Objective

To isolate and assess the hydrocarbon-degrading potential of fungi found in contaminated soils from auto-mechanic workshops in Benin City, Nigeria—evaluating their effectiveness in breaking down petroleum sludge under various nutrient and environmental conditions.

Approach

The study involved:

• Collecting topsoil from six auto workshops and one control site
• Isolating 20 fungal species including Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp., and filamentous fungi consortia
• Evaluating their sludge degradation capabilities using spectrophotometry, turbidity, pH, and gas chromatography (TPH-DRO)
• Testing co-metabolic enhancement by adding glucose as a secondary carbon source

Key Results

• Aspergillus flavus achieved 96% TPH (Diesel Range Organics) reduction in 20 days
• Fungal consortia showed synergistic biodegradation, outperforming individual strains in some cases
• Biodegradation was accompanied by a decrease in pH and increase in turbidity—indicating active metabolic assimilation
• Sludge-utilizing fungi were found to thrive even in acidic, sandy soils with moderate heavy metal content

Relevance to Ecorem Tech

This work supports Ecorem Tech’s development of:

• EcoHydro-Break™ – a nature-based soil remediation product built on microbial biodegradation of hydrocarbons and local adaptation
• Bioaugmentation advisory services – helping public and private clients apply safe fungi-based strategies for land recovery
• Circular environmental solutions using indigenous organisms to restore ecosystems without chemical burden

Researcher’s Perspective

“Fungi offer a scalable, localised, and nature-compatible solution to oil pollution in urban and industrial soils. This research shows how native microbial systems—when harnessed properly—can reverse decades of environmental degradation.” — Dr. Nosa Obayagbona

Publication Source

Obayagbona & Enabulele (2013): Biodegradation potentials of automobile workshop soil mycoflora on flow station petroleum sludge **Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Vol. 3(1), pp. 19–25_

Background

Biodiversity loss—driven by habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change—poses a severe threat to ecosystem resilience. However, the mechanisms and cascading consequences of extinction events remain poorly understood, particularly at the microbial trophic level. Dr Obed Amabogha’s work offers new insight into this critical knowledge gap using controlled aquatic microcosm experiments to simulate species loss and observe ecological reactions.

Objective

To experimentally investigate how the extinction of a single omnivorous species (Blepharisma japonicum) impacts the population dynamics of coexisting ciliates (Paramecium caudatum, Colpidium striatum) and bacterial prey, within a simplified microbial ecosystem.

Methodology

• Created 50 aquatic microcosms with defined food web structures of protists and bacteria
• Employed LED light treatments to induce targeted extinction of Blepharisma
• Monitored species abundance over 23 days using standard microscopy, dilution plating, and statistical analysis
• Assessed ecological responses before and after species removal

Key Findings

• Paramecium populations rebounded following Blepharisma removal, confirming      competitive suppression
• Colpidium went extinct earlier due to intense competition, regardless of Blepharisma’s removal
• Bacterial populations increased significantly where Blepharisma was removed, suggesting release from top-down pressure
• No significant cascading extinction effects were observed, but early signs of habitat instability emerged due to resource overuse

Relevance to Ecorem Tech

This study provides critical theoretical and empirical insights for Ecorem Tech’s work in:

• Ecosystem restoration through biodiversity-aware bioremediation design
• Building  models that anticipate the ecological trade-offs of species loss
• Informing nature-based solutions that restore trophic balance using microbiological indicators

Researcher’s Perspective

“This work underscores the invisible but vital roles microorganisms play in ecosystem stability. Understanding extinction isn’t just about saving charismatic species—it’s about preventing hidden collapses at the microbial level that threaten environmental recovery.” — Dr Obed Amabogha

Publication Source

Amabogha, O.N. & Amabogha, B. (2023). Understanding Extinction and its Consequences: An Experimental Microcosm Model. International Journal of Environmental Sciences & Natural Resources, 31(5), Article 556326. DOI: 10.19080/IJESNR.2023.31.556326

Background

In many developing regions, including parts of sub-Saharan Africa, smallholder farmers rely heavily on agrochemicals to control devastating crop diseases. While effective, these chemicals are increasingly linked to soil degradation, food contamination, and ecological harm. Recognising the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives, Dr Anthony Futughe’s article explores how fungal biocontrol agents can replace synthetic pesticides in managing plant pathogens, offering a safer, sustainable solution for global food systems.

Research Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of fungi-based biocontrol methods—particularly Trichoderma spp.—as an eco-friendly alternative to agrochemicals in controlling pre- and post-harvest crop diseases such as Fusarium wilt in tomatoes and blue mould in citrus fruits.

Methodology

The study employed a mix of lab trials and field experiments, including:

• Soil solarization and biological treatments using Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, and Saccharomyces strains
• Testing of fungal antagonism on infected crops through various inoculation strategies
• Comparative efficacy analysis with conventional agrochemicals
• Root necrosis assessments and pathogen re-isolation for confirmation

Key Findings

✅ Trichoderma spp. significantly reduced incidence of Fusarium wilt in tomatoes—especially when applied using root-dip methods at higher spore concentrations

✅In post-harvest citrus trials, blue mould (Penicillium italicum) was effectively suppressed by fungal antagonists—Trichoderma again demonstrating superior efficacy
✅Fungal-based treatments offered longer-lasting protection, reduced pathogen re-emergence, and zero toxicity to non-target species
✅ Early application of fungal agents (before or at the same time as pathogen exposure) was critical to success

Relevance to Ecorem Tech

This research directly supports Ecorem Tech’s commitment to:

• Nature-Based Crop Protection
• Development of EcoDeWeed™, EcoBio-Biofertilizer Blends™ and fungi-based bioproducts
• Circular bioeconomy and soil health enhancement strategies
• Promoting low-cost, scalable solutions for smallholder farmers and climate-vulnerable regions

Researcher’s Perspective

“This study proves that sustainable agriculture isn’t just a concept—it’s achievable through strategic application of nature’s own defenders. Fungal biocontrol agents offer a credible path away from chemical dependency, toward healthier soil, safer food, and regenerative farming.” — Dr Anthony Futughe

Linked SDGs:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
• SDG 15: Life on Land

📘Publication Source:

Emoghene, A. O. & Futughe, A. E. (2016)
Fungi as an Alternative to Agrochemicals to Control Plant Diseases. In: Purchase, D. (Ed.), Fungal Applications in Sustainable Environmental Biotechnology. Springer.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42852-9_3

Background

Soils contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—toxic by-products of oil spills and industrial activities—are notoriously difficult to clean. Traditional chemical treatments often damage the soil ecosystem, leaving it barren and toxic. Dr Popoola’s groundbreaking research explores a biochemical, nature-aligned method using earthworms and microbial biosurfactants for soil restoration.

Research Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of biosurfactant-enhanced vermiremediation—a process combining beneficial earthworm species and rhamnolipid biosurfactants—for the removal of toxic 3-, 4-, and 5-ring PAHs from contaminated soils.

Methodology

Using a 28-day microcosm study, soils were spiked with phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene (BAP). The study employed:

• Epigeic (Eisenia hortensis) and Anecic (Lumbricus terrestris) earthworm species
• Rhamnolipid biosurfactants at 0.1 g/kg concentration
• Enzyme analysis (EROD, MROD, GST) to measure biochemical responses to PAHs
• Soil and microbial health assessments

Key Outcomes

✅ Complete degradation of 3- and 4-ring PAHs within 28 days
✅ Up to 80% degradation of 5-ring BAP, a highly recalcitrant compound
✅ Rhamnolipids were non-toxic, even enhancing worm growth and microbial diversity
✅ Epigeic species (E. hortensis) proved more resilient than anecic species
✅ Enzymatic biomarker response confirmed detoxification at the cellular level

Ecorem Tech Impact

This study forms the foundation for EcoHrdo-Break™, Ecorem Tech’s flagship bioremediation product line. It directly supports our services in:

• Sustainable Land Remediation
• Nature-Based Solutions Advisory
• Bioindicator-Driven Soil Health Monitoring

It also complements circular economy goals by enabling organic pollutants to be safely transformed by earthworm-soil-microbe symbiosis.

Researcher’s Perspective

“Nature already has the tools we need—we just need to understand how to work with them. This study demonstrates how humble organisms like earthworms can become central players in cleaning up one of the most persistent pollutants in the environment.” — Dr Solomon Popoola

Linked SDGs:

• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
• SDG  6: Clean Water and Sanitation