By Abbas Nazil
A Nigerian environmental scientist, Suka Momta, has introduced what he describes as a groundbreaking solution to oil pollution in the Niger Delta, claiming it can transform contaminated water into clean, usable water within hours.
The Rivers-born researcher said the innovation, developed over more than 30 years, uses an organic-based nanotechnology designed to eliminate harmful hydrocarbon pollutants from water bodies and restore the environment to its natural state.
Speaking at an Energy and Maritime Reporters Roundtable on Rivers State Television, Momta explained that the technology has already been tested in polluted communities and demonstrated to an oil company operating in the region.
According to him, the method is capable of breaking down toxic compounds such as Polyaliphatic Biphenyls and Polychlorinated Hydrocarbons, which are commonly associated with oil and gas pollution and are known to persist in the environment.
He said the process works rapidly, dissolving these pollutants within hours and converting them into water that meets standard properties such as acceptable pH levels.
Momta noted that conventional methods of addressing oil pollution have often proven inadequate, as they can take years and sometimes fail to fully restore affected ecosystems.
He added that the Niger Delta environment remains highly fragile, with widespread contamination affecting creeks, rivers, groundwater, and surrounding communities.
The scientist emphasized that his solution offers a permanent and environmentally safe alternative, capable of treating polluted groundwater without the need for excavation or displacement of residents.
He explained that the technology can operate at any depth, making it possible to clean underground water sources without destroying buildings, crops, or local infrastructure.
Momta also highlighted the potential application of the innovation in treating produced water generated during oil extraction, which is typically contaminated with hydrocarbons and restricted from being discharged into the environment.
He said the new method could allow such water to be safely treated and reused for purposes such as irrigation, thereby reducing environmental risks and supporting sustainable practices.
While acknowledging that the technology may be more expensive than traditional approaches, he argued that its benefits outweigh the costs due to its zero environmental risk and absence of re-contamination.
He stressed that the solution does not harm humans, crops, soil organisms, or ecosystems, unlike some existing remediation methods.
Momta concluded that the innovation could provide a long-term answer to the region’s environmental challenges, offering hope for restoring heavily polluted areas and improving living conditions in the Niger Delta.