Yakubu Yakmut Saleh

I am a first year PhD research student with an MSc in Environmental Engineering and Project Management and a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.

I currently work with Nigeria's Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission under the Field Production and Development department with previous stints in the department of Health, Safety and Environment. This job role and field experiences prompted my quest for an effective method of in situ remediation of crude oil contaminated underground water which is prevalent in oil-producing communities of the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.

The knowledge and application of Nanotechnology are rapidly gaining ground due to the size and characteristics of nanoparticles. Its ability to cover large surface areas and the ease of migrating through porous soil and rock media make it a preferred option.

My research intends to explore the use of environmentally friendly nanomaterials, nano zero valent irons (nZVI) to remedy crude oil contaminated underground waters (mainly shallow wells) in rural communities.

Synthesize nZVI using natural plant extracts as it has been acheived in numeous articles, examine the efficacy of the biosythesized nZVI and  determine the optimum blend required for ground water remediation.

My primary supervisor is Charles Knapp and secondary supervisor is Stella Pytharouli, both in the depatment of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

1. Ground water remediation
2. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
3. Hydrology and hydrogeology