By Anna-Lena Lindskog
Water pollution caused by pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other organic contaminants is an increasing global issue, especially in regions with limited wastewater treatment infrastructure. A new doctoral thesis from Umea University in Sweden offers an innovative and sustainable solution by demonstrating how agricultural waste can be converted into effective materials for water purification.
In her chemistry research, Brigitte Mukarunyana demonstrates how biochars and hydrochars—carbon-based materials produced from biomass such as coffee husks, coffee pulp, wood and sugarcane residues—can effectively remove harmful contaminants from wastewater. The research combines advanced laboratory experiments with field studies to address real-world water pollution challenges.
"Wastewater bears our mark; biomass restores," says Mukarunyana. "This research shows that locally available materials can become part of the solution to protect water resources and public health."
She defends her thesis June 12 at Umea University.
Traps and adsorbs pollutants
The work focuses on water systems in Rwanda, where rapid urbanization, agriculture and limited wastewater treatment contribute to widespread pollution. Field investigations revealed high levels of organic contaminants in both hospital wastewater and rivers. In hospital effluent, pharmaceutical concentrations reached 244,000 nanograms per liter, while river samples contained more than 50 different pharmaceutical compounds, alongside pesticides and plant-derived substances.
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