DAVID OLUGBENGA ADETITUN
@unilorin.edu.ng
Senior Lecturer
UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN
Dr. David Olugbenga Adetitun is a senior lecturer and a specialist researcher, scholar, and teacher in environmental microbiology. He has won several scholarships and awards, including the Fulbright visiting scholar award to USA and the Association of African Universities (AAU) small grants for theses and dissertations. He has over 40 scholarly peer reviewed publications. He has supervised over 100 undergraduate students’ projects. He has also supervised more than eight master's and PhD students. He has served as the timetable and examinations officer of the department and also as the financial secretary of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ilorin.
EDUCATION
B. Sc., M. Sc. and Ph. D. Microbiology. University of Ilorin.
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Microbiology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Pollution
FUTURE PROJECTS
Application of Nanoparticles in Investigating the Biodegradation of Phenolics in Industrial Wastewaters
Nanoparticles, due to their unique properties, have the potential to enhance the biodegradation process of phenolic compounds in wastewater. The high surface area-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles allows for increased interaction between the microorganisms and the phenolic compounds, leading to improved degradation efficiency. Additionally, nanoparticles can act as catalysts or carriers for enzymes or microorganisms, further enhancing the biodegradation process . Phenolic compounds are widely used in various industries, such as the production of plastics, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. However, the release of phenolic compounds into the environment can have harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. Biodegradation, the process by which microorganisms break down organic compounds, is a promising method for the remediation of phenolic compounds in industrial wastewater. Industrial wastewaters are an environmental concern.
Applications Invited
Collaborator
Investigating the Biodegradation of Phenolics in Industrial Wastewaters
The investigation of the biodegradation of phenolics in industrial wastewater is an active area of research. It involves studying the mechanisms involved in the degradation process, identifying the microorganisms responsible for the degradation, and optimizing the conditions for the process to occur. This research aims to provide insights into the biodegradation of phenolics and to develop effective treatment strategies for the removal of these pollutants from industrial wastewaters. Phenolics are a class of organic compounds that are widely used in various industrial processes, including the production of plastics, resins, and adhesives. As a result, phenolics are frequently found in wastewater streams from these industries, which can pose a significant environmental hazard if not properly treated. Biodegradation is a promising approach to treating phenolic-containing wastewater, as it relies on the use of microorganisms to break down these compounds into less harmful byproducts.
Applications Invited
Collaborator
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
David Olugbenga Adetitun
Springer International Publishing
D. Adetitun, B. Fathepure, H. Hugh, O. Kolawole and A. Olayemi
The primary goal of this study was to isolate hydrocarbon-degrading organisms and assess their ability to bioremediate petroleum-contaminated soil and water. Nigeria is one of the major oil producing countries and petroleum contamination is widespread in agricultural soil. Alcaligenes sp. strain 3k was isolated from a kerosene-polluted soil in Ilorin, Nigeria. We also assessed its ability to degrade plant lignin, as lignin is a complex aromatic heteropolymer commonly found in soil and aquifer environment. Strain 3k was originally grown on mineral salts medium with kerosene as a sole energy and carbon source. The capacity of the isolate to degrade both aromatic, aliphatic hydrocarbons and lignin-like compounds was tested. Among the tested compounds, the organism utilized kerosene, hexadecane, cyclohexane, phenol and benzoate as the sole sources of carbon. In addition, strain 3k also degraded various lignocellulose compounds as the sole source of carbon. However, hexane, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene were not metabolized. Our study demonstrates that soil organisms like Alcaligenes could play important role in the reclamation of petroleum-contaminated soil and water. Utilization capacity of lignin as the sole carbon source suggest that these organisms can survive on plant detritus and also have the ability to degrade hydrocarbons upon accidental or deliberate contamination of agricultural soil and water.
Adedibu C. Tella, Samson O. Owalude, Gift Mehlana, Sunday J. Olatunji, David O. Adetitun, Mathew O. Kolawole, Nzikahyel Simon, and Lukman O. Alimi
Informa UK Limited
ABSTRACT New divalent transition metal nicotinamide (nia) complexes containing fumarate (fum) dianion and fumaric acid (H2fum), [M(H2O)4(nia)2](fum)·(H2fum) [M = Co (1), Cu (2), and Ni (3)] have been synthesized.The compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, infrared, UV-vis, XRPD, and TGA. Structural analysis of 3 using single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique revealed that the Ni(II) ion is coordinated by four aqua and two nia ligands in an octahedral geometry. The structure of 3 is completed with fumarate (fum2−) dianion acting as a counterion while fumaric acid (H2fum) is present as a molecule of solvation. The three complexes were investigated for biological activities.
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Publications
1. Omojasola, P.F., Adetitun, D.O., Oshin, O.O. & Omojasola, T.P. (2009): Environmental Health Hazard Assessment of Hospital Wastes in Ilorin Metropolis. Nigerian Journal of Microbiology. 23(1); 1878-1885, Published by Nigerian Society for Microbiology. Available online at
2. Adetitun, D. O. and Oyeyiola, G. P. (2011). Environment Health Hazard Assessment of Municipal Wastes in Ilorin Metropolis. International Research Journal of Microbiology. 2(7); 220-225.
3. Anibijuwon, I.I., Adetitun, D.O., Kelly, B.A. And Bankefa, E.O. (2012). Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Ear Discharge. International Journal of Biology, Pharmacy And
Allied Sciences. 1(6):795-805.
4. Anibijuwon, I.I., Oladejo, B.O., Adetitun, D.O. and Kolawole, O. M. (2012). Antimicrobial Activities of Vernonia amigdalina against Oral Microbes. Global Journal of Pharmacology. 6 (3):178-185.
5. Kolawole, O.M., Anibijuwon, I.I., Adetitun, D.O., Babatunde, S.K. & Anjorin, E. (2012): Antimicrobial activity of some synthetic compounds on fungi associated with post harvest rot of red pepper (Capsicum annum). Notulae Scientia Biologicae. 4(4);45-48, Published by University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (UASVM), Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Available online at
6. Adetitun, D.O., Araoye, H.K., Akinyanju, J.A. & Anibijuwon, I.I. (2013): The antimicrobial effects of the leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera on
GRANT DETAILS
i. CITA Petroleum Limited Research Grant (100,000 USD) 2014 – 2016
ii. Association of African Universities. Small Grants for Thesis and Dissertations (3,500USD) 2014/2015