A Nigerian researcher, Ayobami Oni, has developed a device that uses heat to track the movement of groundwater, offering a way to investigate how pollutants travel beneath the Earth’s surface.
Oni’s work in groundwater and environmental research has earned him the Blue Integrated Partnerships Extra Mile Award, recognising his contributions to the field.
The Nigerian-born researcher received the award in October 2026 following his participation in a summer programme across the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the United States and British Virgin Islands, where researchers examined rainfall patterns, watersheds and changes in surface water.
According to Brandspur Brand News, Oni’s research focuses on understanding the movement of underground water and how contamination can spread through groundwater systems.
His innovation is a three-dimensional device that estimates the speed and direction of groundwater movement by using heat as a tracer. The approach provides a way to investigate underground water flow and better understand the potential movement of pollutants.
Groundwater research is important for environmental monitoring because contamination beneath the surface can be difficult to trace. Understanding how water moves underground can help researchers investigate pollution pathways and assess risks to water resources.
Oni’s academic background includes a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in Ondo State. He later obtained a Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Purdue University in the United States.
His award adds to the international recognition of Nigerian researchers working in specialised scientific fields, including water management and environmental protection.
