“Development of a High-performance Composite Activated Carbon from plastic waste (PET)and Biomass for Pollutant Removal in Aqueous Solutions.”
Country of Study
Cameroon
Institution
National Higher Polytechnic School of Douala
Expected Year of Completion
2025
Thematic Area
Climate Change, Natural Resources, and the Environment
Education
Marie Cecile holds a diploma in Greenhouse Gases Measurement, Reporting and Verification from the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (USA). She also holds a Master of Science degree in Bioprocesses and Applied Chemistry from the National Higher Polytechnic School of Douala in Cameroon, which she completed in October 2022. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Bioprocesses and Applied Chemistry, while working as a Graduate Student Instructor at the same institution. She is also working as an independent consultant in various industries with a focus on process and environmental aspects. Marie Cecile has completed her coursework and successfully defended her research proposal. She is expected to graduate in December 2025.
Research Summary
Marie Cecile’s research addresses the critical issue of water contamination from mining key minerals — particularly Manganese — essential for achieving the Paris Agreement’s climate goals through clean technologies. Mineral extraction frequently leads to significant water pollution, threatening both human and ecological health. To minimize the environmental footprint of the energy transition, the study develops an innovative photocatalytic oxidation approach that uses a synergistic combination of solar energy, nanoparticles and activated carbon from waste materials, specifically plastic (PET) and palm nut shells for the simultaneous removal of Manganese and associated bacteria. By leveraging readily available solar resources and repurposing waste, this research offers a simple, energy-efficient, and innovative approach that combines adsorption, photocatalysis, and nanotechnology for water purification, promoting resource recovery and environmental sustainability, particularly in solar-rich regions like Africa.
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