Nigerians have been advised on the need to embrace proper ways of storing water to reduce the menace of bisphenol A and other toxins that are harmful to human existence.
An analytical chemist and Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Technology at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Dr. Peter Ayodele Oyewusi, gave this advice while delivering the 22nd edition of the Prof. E.K. Obiakor lecture series of the institution.
Oyewusi, who spoke on the topic, “Analytical Chemistry: An Invisible Presence in Our Everyday Lives,” advised that the general public should endeavour to store water, using glass or ceramic bottles.
He noted that if they had to use plastic bottles, “they should use the ones that are free of bisphenol A, an organic synthetic compound that is capable of inducing some cancers in human.”
The inaugural lecturer, who called on manufacturers and the organised private sector to harness all relevant data generated during chemical processes in the nation’s ivory towers, appealed to government at all levels to assist analytical chemists through adequate funding to procure relevant and up-to-date equipment at various laboratories.
While commending the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Taiwo Akande, for equipping the institution, he enjoined NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to form a synergy and live up to expectations by clamping down on producers of packaged water found to have contravened government policies governing production of safe, potable water by ensuring strict compliance with such policies by manufacturers.
Oyewusi concluded, among other recommendations, that government at all levels should devise creative means of providing potable water for the general public, as this would go a long way in ensuring zero level outbreak of water-borne diseases in the country.
He further explained that this could be achieved through a new method of water treatment, which employed “nanotechnology,” which, according to him, is cheap and easily affordable by government and the general public.
The lecturer advised the public to always employ qualified water chemists to assist in designing standard operating procedures that would suit their water treatment programme.
The Rector of the polytechnic advised producers of packaged water to always employ the services of a water analyst to ensure maintenance of quality and standards.
She advised relevant government organs and agencies to take the recommendations of the lecturer seriously as these were measures that would guarantee safety of lives and enhance the health and wellbeing of the citizens. The Prof. E.A.Obiakor Lecture Series of the institution was inaugurated in June 2001 by the then rector, Prof. Olawumi Ajaja.
It was inaugurated to disseminate knowledge and was named after the founding rector of the institution, late Prof. Edward Obiakor, who administered the institution between January 1977 and December 1985.
