Innovation: A process sequence and technology for the production of industrial chemicals from organic wastes via microbial fermentation has been identified and patented in Nigeria (CERTIFICATE NUMBER 004722 . Various predetermined categories and amount of organic wastes were provided as substrates for fermentation, wherein a predetermined amount of tropical microbial strains were provided as inoculums for the said fermentation process The organic wastes comprising agricultural residues, food and animal wastes and any other related wastes wherein these residues were converted to industrial chemicals but not limited to gluconic, lactic and acetic acids. Expensive methods of pretreatment (e.g. saccharification) are avoided, and the use of abundantly generated substrates and nutrients (all residues) are employed to cut down on cost and avoid competition with food.

Sector/Industry Application: The range of industrial biochemicals produced from this innovation are feedstock materials for the food, medical, pharmaceutical and personal care industries. For example, Lactic acid is used as a monomer for the production of the bio degradable poly lactic acid (PLA). Gluconic acid and its salts are used in household cleaner, in industrial cleaner, in inks, paints, dyes, for metal finishing, as paper/textile auxiliaries and in water treatment and as food preservative. These materials are currently being imported into Nigeria, making the cost of production very expensive and causing further damages to the environment via importation.

Description: My research provides process sequence for the production of industrial chemical from various organic wastes via microbial fermentation. This technology uses a “double-edge” strategy approach that deals with managing waste in the environment, and at the same time generating wealth from waste. It addresses over 70 % of the SDGs including SDGs 4, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 17. In line with SDG 9 (industry and innovation), this invention will promote innovation in the health, food, Paint and coatings, textile and personal care market; promoting more local content which will increase the GDP. It will create direct impact via employment, and indirect impact on commencement of production by encouraging new entrant into the market (SDG 8 decent work and economic growth) and 17. Using green products instead of fossil-fuel base products gives a better quality assurance to the consumers that their product is free of toxic chemicals . Waste to wealth sensitization in community development with vocational training in waste management, soap making, and other cosmetics production with an aim to birth more clean technology entrepreneurs (SDGs 4 - quality education, and 12- responsible production and consumption).

Problem: Problems of waste management - Over 2.01 billion tonnes of waste is generate, less than 20% is recycled, others ends in landfill or allow to rotten, releasing 3.6 Gt of CO2 Eq. globally. This invention contributes to reducing greenhouse gas and waste management issues through bioconversion of waste to industrially important organic acids and other adjacent products. It will create local content by generating wealth and creating a bio-based economy which will increase the GDP and employment of Nigeria. Problem of over-dependence on fossil fuel will gradually be resolved, especially with already predicted eventual fossil fuel depletion. Fossil-based synthetic industrial chemicals are injurious to health due to their toxicity, hence gradual replacement with green chemicals will gradually eliminate toxicity crisis. Cost of production in Nigeria is expensive due to importation of industrial raw materials such as organic acids. In addition, fake/poor quality acids are imported into Nigeria, making Nigeria a dumping ground. Local content is highly desirable for economy growth and to be a self-reliant nation. Need to go green and eco-friendly to preserve the climate, to be globally relevant and compliant with other nations of the world.