Just so you know, environmental pollution is the unfavorable alteration of our surroundings, wholly or largely as a byproduct of man’s actions, through direct or indirect effects of the changes in the energy pattern, radiation levels, and chemical and physical constitution and abundance of organisms. Environmental pollution is a global problem and is common to both developed as well as developing countries, which attracts the attention of human beings for its severe long-term consequences. The decline in environmental quality as a consequence of pollution is evidenced by loss of vegetation, biological diversity, excessive amounts of harmful chemicals in the ambient atmosphere and in food grains, and growing risks of environmental accidents and threats to life support systems. Pollution is viewed from different angles by different people but is commonly agreed to be the outcome of urban-industrial and technological revolution and rapacious and speedy exploitation of natural resources, increased rate of exchange of matter and energy, and ever-increasing industrial wastes, urban effluents, and consumer goods.

In my country today (Sierra Leone), environmental pollution is not a new phenomenon, yet it remains the nation’s greatest problem facing humanity, and the leading environmental causes of morbidity and mortality. Man’s activities through urbanization, industrialization, mining, and exploration are at the forefront of national environmental pollution. Both urban and rural areas of Sierra Leone share this burden together, though awareness and stricter laws in urban places have contributed to a larger extent in protecting our environment. However, the national attention towards pollution is still very weak. Thus, the impact is still being felt due to its severe long-term consequences. 

Fortunately, this environmental injustice can be resolved through remediation practices. This solution is effective as compared to the conventional methods, such as the physical removal of contaminants from a polluted site or the chemical treatment of pollutants, which affect the area’s biodiversity. Moreover, these techniques help change or convert the pollutant from one form to another rather than completely degrading or removing it from the site (Noel and Rajan, 2014). Hence, compared to conventional remediation practices, remediation with different kinds of plants or algae seems to be promising because of its low cost, eco-friendly nature, and easy implementation strategies. 

To this end, if only environmental ambassadors like us can continue to raise awareness on the need to practices safe methods such as the remediation method, then, the ecosystem could be a better and healthier place to live for everyone.