Aisha Ishaq, a final year student in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Kaduna State University (KASU), has developed a way to recycle polyethene waste into candle wax.

Ms Ishaq unveiled her research result in Kaduna on Thursday at the maiden exhibition organised by the university to promote research among academics and researchers.

She stated that her research used water polyethene sachets to produce the candle wax, noting that she aims to clean up the environment as polythene water sachets litter the country.

Ms Ishaq explained that the research converted polyethene waste into a useful form to reduce plastic waste in the environment.

“One of the environmental issues in most communities in the country is the large number of polyethene waste made from polyethene water sachets deposited in domestic wastes and landfills,” she stated. “When you look around you, what you will see littering the environment are these water sachet wastes, and I decided to do something about it to keep the environment clean.”

The KASU student further explained that she needed financial support to secure approval from relevant regulatory bodies to begin mass production of the candle wax.

Aliyu Adamu, KASU’s deputy director at the Directorate of Research and Development, said the exhibition provided an opportunity for researchers from the university, other academics and research institutions to showcase their findings and share experiences.

Muhammad Tanko, KASU’s vice-chancellor, described research as a critical component of any university. Mr Tanko added that the exhibition was part of the institution’s efforts to revive research among academics to provide solutions to societal problems.

(NAN)