Materials, Energy, Water and Environmental Sciences

Optimal design and analysis of a grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system using HOMER Pro: A case study of Tumbatu Island, Zanzibar

Said, Thani; Kichonge, Baraka; Kivevele, Thomas (SCI, 2024-04-04)

This study addresses the pressing issue of quality electricity access in remote regions, with a specific focus on Tumbatu Island in Tanzania. Most studies on quality improvement concentrate on low-voltage distribution lines ...

Design of a Cooling System Integrated with Ultraviolet Light for Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables at Variable Tropical Weather Conditions: A Case Study of Arusha, Tanzania

Gunda, John; Pogrebnoi, Alexander; Kichonge, Baraka (AJOL, 2023-09-30)

Post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables pose significant challenges, especially in tropical climates. This study introduces the development and performance evaluation of a solar-powered evaporative cooling storage ...

Comprehensive Analysis of Fuel Properties of Adansonia digitata Methyl Ester with the Influence of Nanoparticle Additives Extracted from an Agricultural Waste

Kapile, Fredrick; Bereczky, Akos; Ntalikwa, Justin; Kivevele, Thomas (Springer Nature Link, 2022-02-06)

Purpose This paper reports the results of experimental investigations on the influence of the addition of silica nanoparticles extracted from rice husk (an agricultural waste) on the major physicochemical properties of ...

Electrosorption of paraquat pesticide on activated carbon modified by aluminium oxide (Al2O3) with capacitive deionization

Alfredy, Tusekile; Elisadiki, Joyce; Dahbi, Mouad; King'ondu, Cecil; Jande, Yusufu (Elsevier, 2024-03-01)

Composite electrode materials for removing paraquat from contaminated water were synthesized by loading aluminium oxide (Al2O3) onto activated carbon (AC) via co-precipitation method. The composite properties were investigated ...

Solvothermal liquefaction of orange peels into biocrude: An experimental investigation of biocrude yield and energy compositional dependency on process variables

Kariim, Ishaq; Park, Ji-Yeon; Kazmi, Wajahat; Swai, Hulda; Lee, In-Gu; Kivevele, Thomas (Elsevier, 2024-01)

The efficient valorization of biomass for energy-derived biocrudes is essential for effective waste management. However, the production of biocrudes with high energy and reduced oxygen contents during the liquefaction ...

Potential of Canna indica in Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment: A Review

Karungamye, Petro (MDPI, 2022-08-11)

This article reviews investigations in which Canna indica was utilized in constructed wetlands (CW) for wastewater treatment of a variety types. It is strongly urged that ornamental flowering plants be used in CWs as ...

Application of sustainability indicators for the evaluation and selection of robust organic-rich wastewater treatment technology for resource recovery

Chrisogoni, Paschal; Mwemezi, Rwiza; Njau, Karoli (AIMS Press, 2024-10-29)

A comparative study was conducted to compare the performance of waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) with an upflow operation type advanced facultative pond integrated with constructed wetland (AFP-CW) technologies. Our aim ...

Adsorptive Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater Using Low-Cost Adsorbents Derived from Agro-based Materials.

Bayuo, Jonas; Mwemezi, Rwiza; Mtei, Kelvin (Springer Nature, 2024-03-29)

Recently, anthropogenic activities have evolved into sources of pollution, particularly when it comes to the discharge of harmful heavy metals into the natural environment. As a result, the concentration of diverse heavy ...

Analysis of spatio-temporal climate variability of a shallow lake catchment in Tanzania

Nyembo, Latifa; Larbi, Isaac; Mwemezi, Rwiza (IWA Publishing, 2021)

This study analyzed the trends and spatio-temporal variability in rainfall and temperature, and the length of the rainy season (LRS) in the Lake Manyara catchment, Tanzania, covering a period between 1988 and 2018 using ...

Biochars derived from banana and mango peels in isolated systems revealed high removal efficiency of endocrine-disrupting compounds from water.

Kasambala, Hildegard; Mwemezi, Rwiza; Mpumi, Nelson; Mwema, Mwema Felix; Njau, Karoli (Springer Nature, 2024-10-01)

This study investigated the effectiveness of biochar derived from banana and disrupting endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) from water in isolated systems. The study aimed to provide an eco-friendly solution for water ...

“Tree of life”: how baobab seed-derived biochar could lead to water safety for underprivileged communities through heavy metal (Fe) removal – SDG 6

Mkelemi, Magdalena; Mwaijengo, Grite; Mwemezi, Rwiza (Royal science of chemistry, 2024-09-24)

The abnormally gigantic baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) is often referred to as the “Tree of Life” due to its ability to provide food, water, shelter, and traditional medicine for both humans and animals in arid ...

Ecological consequences of microplastic pollution in sub-Saharan Africa aquatic ecosystems: An implication to environmental health

Moto, Edward; Hossein, Miraji; Bakari, Ramadhani; Mateso, Alfred; Selemani, Juma; Nkrumah, Salma; Ripanda, Asha; Mwemezi, Rwiza; Nyanza, Elias; Machunda, Revocatus (Elsevier Inc., 2023-12-01)

Microplastic pollution (MPs) emerged as a significant environmental concern due to its persistent nature. These MPs particles endure in waters, soils, and even the atmosphere, posing potential threats to the entire ...

Assessment of Physicochemical Profile and Heavy Metal Constituents in the Groundwaters of Rural Areas in Southwest Tanzania

Mkelemi, M.; Mwaijengo, G.; Mwemezi, Rwiza (Springer Naturer, 2024-07-10)

This study focuses on groundwater quality in rural areas of Tanzania, addressing the literature gap on water quality data for sustainable rural development. Most rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa depend on groundwater ...

Optimization of divalent mercury removal from synthetic wastewater using desirability function in central composite design of response surface methodology

Bayuo, Jonas; Mwemezi, Rwiza; Mtei, Kelvin (Springer Naturer, 2023-12-07)

Heavy metals exist in the ecosystem both naturally and due to anthropogenic activities and as recalcitrant pollutants; they are non-biodegradable and cause acute and chronic diseases to human beings and many lifeforms. A ...

Optimization of desorption parameters using response surface methodology for enhanced recovery of arsenic from spent reclaimable activated carbon: Eco-friendly and sorbent sustainability approach

Bayuo, Jonas; Mwemezi, Rwiza; Choi, Joon; Sillanpaa, Mika; Mtei, Kelvin (Elsevier Inc., 2024-06-05)

Desorption and adsorbent regeneration are imperative factors that are required to be taken into account when designing the adsorption system. From the environmental, economic, and practical points of view, regeneration is ...

Applicability of bio-adsorbents synthesized from maize/corn plant residues for heavy metals removal from aquatic environments:an insight review

Bayuo, Jonas; Mtei, Kelvin; Mwemezi, Rwiza (International Journal of Environmental Quality, 2023-07-04)

The underutilization of agricultural waste products in recent years has resulted in environmental issues owing to improper disposal. As a result, heavy metals removal from aqueous systems utilizing sorbent materials produced ...

Recent and sustainable advances in phytoremediation of heavy metals from wastewater using aquatic plant species: Green approach

Bayuo, Jonas; Rwiza, Mwemezi; Choi, Joon; Njau, Karoli; Mtei, Kelvin (Elsevier, 2024-11)

A key component in a nation's economic progress is industrialization, however, hazardous heavy metals that are detrimental to living things are typically present in the wastewater produced from various industries. Therefore, ...