Join us for our next seminar of 2025.

March 19, 4pm ET

Title: Harnessing Molecular Sorbents for Environmental Remediation, Metal Recovery, and Sustainable Recycling

with

Benilde Mizero, MSc

Department of Chemistry, McGill University

Bio:

Bénilde Mizero is a dedicated PhD candidate in Environmental Chemistry at McGill University, with a strong background in analytical chemistry. Holding an MSc in Chemistry from the University of Manitoba and a BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology, Bénilde has gained extensive experience as a teaching assistant and research assistant across various academic institutions. His research focuses on the development of sustainable and eco-friendly methods for metal recovery and waste management, as well as method development for advanced analytical techniques like mass spectrometry and chromatography. With a rich history of scientific publications, Bénilde is committed to contributing to the field of chemistry while continuously pursuing growth and learning opportunities. He actively participates in initiatives like the Canadian Black Scientists Network

Abstract:

The escalating levels of environmental pollution remain a critical global concern, as evidenced by numerous environmental studies. One key repository for atmospheric pollutants is snow, it serves as an immediate record of atmospheric processes, effectively capturing various contaminants from its formation in the clouds to its deposition on Earth. Snow plays a crucial role in Earth’s radiation balance, influencing climate change, while its melting and accumulation pose significant risks to human health. Despite this, remediation strategies for snow pollution—particularly those addressing emerging contaminants such as nano- and microplastics in urban environments—remain limited.

Another major contributor to environmental pollution is conventional metal ore processing, which has intensified with increasing technological demands. The extraction and recovery of critical metals, such as neodymium (Nd), tantalum (Ta), and niobium (Nb), are essential to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with traditional mining practices.

Herein, we present three novel approaches to address these environmental challenges. First, we demonstrate the use of naturally occurring molecular sorbents (clay) to extract nano- and micro-contaminants from snow. Second, we explore the sorptive capabilities of a semi-modified natural material—carboxy-functionalized nanocellulose—to selectively recover neodymium from electronic waste. Third, we investigate the potential of highly porous synthetic materials, which offer tunable structures, large surface areas, and functional versatility, for the recovery of coltan minerals and explore their extension to electronic waste recycling.

These innovative approaches represent a significant advancement in pollution mitigation. They offer promising solutions for improving urban snow remediation, reducing contaminant re-emission into the environment, and enhancing ecosystem and human health. Simultaneously, these methods provide a sustainable, cost-effective technology for the recovery of scarce metallic elements from electronic waste, mining residues, and industrial wastewater.

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Our monthly online seminar series, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines, aimed at a general STEMM audience.

All are welcome!

• 4pm ET
• Third Wednesday of every month
• October 2024 through May 2025.

Register once and we will remind you each month.

Watch this space for seminar speaker announcements!

• April 16
• May 21

The CBSN/RCSN gratefully acknowledges the University of Toronto Scarborough and its support as the Network Host Institution, and the Academic Program Committee of the Network for the BE-STEMM Seminar Series.