As part of the Niger Delta, Rivers State is a major hub for Nigeria1s oil and gas industry. There is a growing concern over pollution in this area that affects environmental degradation and public health. Respiratory-related illnesses such as asthma and lung infections have almost doubled between 2018-2023.

Algae is a potential solution because of its ability to sequester carbon. Algae capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into biomass through photosynthesis. One acre of algae can remove up to 2.7 tons per day of CO2. Algae also has the potential to remove heavy metals from wastewater and thus improve the quality of local water sources and reduce the environmental impact of oil refining activities.