• CHE4804 - Analytical Chemistry IV
• ORC2601 - Organic Chemistry II (Theory)
• ORC2PRA - Organic Chemistry II (Practical)

My research focuses on the development of sustainable materials and analytical techniques for environmental remediation and pollutant monitoring. I investigate low-cost, biowaste-derived adsorbents, such as macadamia shells, chitosan composites, and spent coffee grounds, for the removal of pharmaceuticals and heavy metals from wastewater, using both adsorptive and photocatalytic methods. I also work on the synthesis and optimization of novel materials, including magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers and iron sulphide-loaded biochar, for targeted removal of contaminants like tetracycline, efavirenz, and hexavalent chromium. In addition to remediation, my work includes the determination of hazardous compounds in food and environmental samples, such as furanic compounds in mopane worms, corn, and peanuts, as well as heavy metal accumulation in fruits, vegetables, and soils. Through this integrated approach, my goal is to support water and food safety, advance environmental monitoring, and contribute to circular economy practices in chemistry.

• Surface modification of materials for application in food, environment and perfumes
• Synthesis of smart polymer composites for diverse applications.
• Soil amelioration by biowaste to improve food quality and immobilize pollutants
• Development and optimization of sample preparation methods for use in water and food.

1. Determination of Cd, Mn and Ni accumulated in fruits, vegetables and soil in the Thohoyandou town area, South Africa. Water SA. 46(2), 285-290. Moyo B., Matodzi V., Legodi M.A., Pakade V.E., Tavengwa N.T. (2020).   

2. Endocrine disruptors-(estrone and β-estradiol) removal from water by nutshell activated carbon: Kinetics, Isotherms and Thermodynamic Studies. Chemical Thermodynamics and Thermal Analysis. 2021, 100013. Khotha D., Ikechukwu P. Ejidike, Mtunzi F.M., Pakade V.E. (2021).

3. Determination of furanic compounds in Mopane worms, corn, and peanuts using headspace solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Food Chemistry. 369, 130944. Masite N.S., Ncube S., Mtunzi F.M., Madikizela L.M., Pakade V.E. (2022).

4. Molecular imprinting with deep eutectic solvents: synthesis, applications, their significance, and benefits. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 362, 2022, 119696. Madikizela L.M., Ncube S., Nomngongo P.N., Pakade V.E. (2022).

5. Reduction and adsorption of hexavalent chromium by iron sulphide-loaded biochar: Isotherms, Kinetics and Thermodynamics. ChemistySelect. 8,  e20230117. Qhubu M.C., Lesaoana M., Nomngongo P.N., Pakade V.E. (2023).

6. Comparative study of the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under visible light irradiation using Bi₂₄O₃₁Br₁₁-anchored carbonaceous and silicates catalyst support. Physical Sciences Reviews. 9(3), pp. 1389-1400. https://doi.org/10.1515/psr-2022-0326. Sanni S.O., Akpotu. S.O, Pholosi A., Pakade V.E. (2024).

7. Adsorptive and photocatalytic remediation of greywater in wastewater: a review. Adsorption, 2025, 31(3), 58. Sanni, S.O., Pholosi, A., Pakade, V.E., Brink, H.G. (2025).