UDOM IR :: Browsing by Author "Machunda, Revocatus L."

Browsing by Author "Machunda, Revocatus L."

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Antibiotic-resistant microbial populations in urban receiving waters and wastewaters from Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2023) Ripanda, Asha Shabani; Rwiza, Mwemezi J.; Nyanza, Elias Charles; Miraji, Hossein; Bih, Numfor Linda; Mzula, Alexanda; Mwega, Elisa; Njau, Karoli N.; Vuai, Said Ali Hamad; Machunda, Revocatus L.
Antimicrobial resistance against certain medications in the pathogenic microbial community is globally increasing due to the continual discharge and disposal of pharmaceuticals in the environment. The phenomenon resulted in significant antibiotic resistance among several exposed Enterobacteriaceae species, with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and rivers serving as significant reservoirs. Despite antibiotic resistance being a tragedy, particularly in treating diseases by using antibiotics, local and regional studies indicating the severity, resistant species and the molecular level insight into these pathogens are scarce, thus requiring immediate intervention. This study, therefore, investigated wastewater from wastewater treatment ponds and receiving waters for the presence of resistant pathogens through phenotypical and molecular approach screening of their genes. Among the 57 analyzed samples, 18 (67%, n = 27) isolates of Klebsiella spp.., 4 (80%, n = 5) isolates of Proteus spp., 1 (100%, n = 1) of isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 6 (18%, n = 34) of E. coli found were resistant to at least 1 among the tested antibiotics. E. coli had an 83% higher proportion of multi-drug resistance (MDR) than Klebsiella spp.., which had 68.5%, and no MDR was shown by P. aeruginosa isolates. Among the 20 bacterial isolates of antibiotic-resistant genes, showed that E. coli harboured 39%, followed by 22% of Klebsiella spp. Eleven (11) isolates of these 20 (55%) contained sulphonamides resistant genes: Sul 1 (n = 4) and Sul 2 (n = 7). Ten (10) isolates (50%) contained the tetracyclineresistant genes in which 4 isolates showed the Tet A, Tet B – 1 and 5 isolates contained Tet D. β-lactamases (bla CTX-M and bla SHV) were found in 7 isolates (35%). The existence of these antibiotic-resistant species in the urban receiving and wastewater presents a threat of transmission of diseases to humans and animals that are not cured by the existing medications, jeopardizing public health safety.
Biomass-based carbon electrode materials for capacitive deionization: A review
(Springer Nature, 2019) Elisadiki, Joyce; Kibona, Talam Enock; Machunda, Revocatus L.; Saleem, Muhammad Wajid; Kim, Woo-Seung; Jande, Yusufu A. C.
Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a promising water purification technology which works by removing salt ions or charged species from aqueous solutions. Currently, most of the research on CDI focuses on the desalination of water with low or moderate salt concentration due to the low salt adsorption capacity of the electrodes. The electrosorption capacity of CDI relies on the structural and textural characteristics of the electrode materials. The cost of electrode materials, the complicated synthesis methods, and the environmental concerns arising from material synthesis steps hinder the development of large-scale CDI units. By considering the good electrical conductivity, high specific surface area (SSA), porous structure, availability, mass production, and cost, porous carbon derived from biomass materials may be a promising CDI electrode material. This review presents an update on carbon nanomaterials derived from various biomasses for CDI electrodes. It covers different synthesis methods and the electrosorption performance of each material and discusses the impact of the SSA and porous structure of the materials on desalination. This review shows that a variety of biomass materials can be used to synthesize cost-effective CDI electrode materials with different structures and good desalination performance. It also shows that diverse precursors and synthesis routes have significant influences on the properties and performance of the resulting carbon electrodes. Additionally, the performance of CDI does not depend only on BET surface area and pore structure but also on the applied voltage, initial concentration of the feed solution, and mass, as well as the capacitance of the electrodes.
Contribution of illicit drug use to pharmaceutical load in the environment: a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa
(Hindawi, 2022) Ripanda, Asha S; Rwiza, Mwemezi J.; Nyanza, Elias Charles; Machunda, Revocatus L.; Vuai, Said Hamadi
Illicit drug abuse and addiction are universal issues requiring international cooperation and interdisciplinary and multisectoral solutions. These addictive substances are utilized for recreational purposes worldwide, including in sub-Saharan Africa. On the other hand, conventional wastewater treatment facilities such as waste stabilization ponds lack the design to remove the most recent classes of pollutants such as illicit drug abuse. As a result, effluents from these treatment schemes contaminate the entire ecosystem. Public health officials are concerned about detecting these pollutants at alarming levels in some countries, with potential undesirable effects on aquatic species and increased health hazards through exposure to contaminated waters or recycling treated or untreated effluents in agriculture. Contaminants including illicit substances enter the environment by human excreta following illegal intake, spills, or through direct dumping, such as from clandestine laboratories, when their manufacturer does not follow accepted production processes. These substances, like other pharmaceuticals, have biological activity and range from pseudo persistent to highly persistent compounds; hence, they persist in the environment while causing harm to the ecosystem. The presence of powerful pharmacological agents such as cocaine, morphine, and amphetamine in water as complex combinations can impair aquatic organisms and human health. ese compounds can harm human beings and ecosystem health apart from their low environmental levels. Therefore, this article examines the presence and levels of illicit substances in ecological compartments such as wastewater, surface and ground waters in sub-Saharan Africa, and their latent impact on the ecosystem. The information on the occurrences of illicit drugs and their metabolic products in the sub-Saharan Africa environment and their contribution to pharmaceutical load is missing. In this case, it is important to research further the presence, levels, distribution, and environmental risks of exposure to human beings and the entire ecosystem.
Data from the batch adsorption of ciprofloxacin and lamivudine from synthetic solution using jamun seed ( Syzygium cumini ) biochar: Response surface methodology (RSM) optimization
(Elsevier, 2023) Ripanda, Asha; Rwiza, Mwemezi J.; Nyanza, Elias Charles; Bakari, Ramadhani; Miraji, Hossein; Njau, Karoli N.; Vuai, Said Ali Hamad; Machunda, Revocatus L.
This dataset expresses the experimental data on the batch adsorption of ciprofloxacin and lamivudine from synthetic solution using jamun seed (JS) (Syzygium cumini) biochar. Independent variables including concentration of pollutants (10-500 ppm), contact time (30–300 min), adsorbent dosage (1-1000 mg), pH (1-14) and adsorbent calcination temperature (250,300, 600 and 750 °C) were studied and optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Empirical models were developed to predict the maximum removal efficiency of ciprofloxacin and lamivudine, and the results were compared with the experimental data. The removal of polutants was more influenced by concentration, followed by adsorbent dosagage, pH, and contact time and the maximum removal reached 90%.
Defluoridation of water supplies using coconut shells activated carbon: batch studies
(International Journal Of Science And Research (IJSR), 2014) Said, Mateso; Machunda, Revocatus L.
Drinking water with elevated fluoride levels results in serious irreparable health problem that has attained an alarming dimension all over the world, Tanzania being one of the affected countries; techniques have been under study for years. Batch experiments were carried out to determine the effect of various adsorbent factors such as adsorbent dose, initial pH, particle size and contact time on adsorption process. Adsorption efficiency was observed to increase with decrease in particle size, the highest efficiency recorded was 68.2 and 65.9% for field and synthetic water respectively when particle size less than 150µ of coconut shells activated carbon were used. Adsorption was observed to be favoured by pH in acidic range and the maximum efficiency of 58.4% was recorded at pH of 2.0 and particle sizes between 4.18-2.36mm. The pH of the effluent was lowered to acidic range which necessitates further treatment of the effluent or coupling with other materials for pH elevation before use. Adsorption increases with adsorbent dose hence at a smaller influent concentration; the required standard of 1.5mg-F- /l can be met. Equilibrium isotherms have been analysed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and both of the models fit to explain the adsorption behaviour of fluoride ions onto Coconut shell activated carbons, during this study it was established that when properly activated; coconut shells can be appropriate for use household filters that could be cost effective in rural areas of Tanzania due its local availability and its colour adsorption property
Ecological consequences of microplastic pollution in sub-Saharan Africa aquatic ecosystems: An implication to environmental health
(Elsevier BV, 2024) Moto, Edward; Hossein, Miraji; Bakari, Ramadhani; Mateso, Alfred Said; Selemani, Juma Rajabu; Nkrumah, Salma; Ripanda, Asha; Rwiza, Mwemezi J.; Nyanza, Elias Charles; Machunda, Revocatus L.
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 ecosystem. Aquatic organisms are at risk of ingesting MPs, leading to accumulation in tissues, ultimately affecting entire food chain. This study aims to provide an overview of sources of MPs, distribution, and potential environmental impacts. MPs have been documented in various substances such as bottled water, salts, seafood, and even the air. However, the full extent of the health consequences on human exposure remains uncertain. Therefore, it is imperative that we draw public attention to the presence of these pollutants in the environment. To mitigate adverse effects of MPs, reducing plastic consumption, implementing improved waste management practices, and advocating sustainable behaviors are essential for well-being of natural ecosystems and the health human populations.
Ecological consequences of microplastic pollution in sub-Saharan Africa aquatic ecosystems: An implication to environmental health
(Elsevier BV, 2024) Moto, Edward; Hossein, Miraji; Bakari, Ramadhani; Mateso, Alfred Said; Selemani, Juma Rajabu; Nkrumah, Salma; Ripanda, Asha; Rwiza, Mwemezi J.; Nyanza, Elias Charles; Machunda, Revocatus L.
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 ecosystem. Aquatic organisms are at risk of ingesting MPs, leading to accumulation in tissues, ultimately affecting entire food chain. This study aims to provide an overview of sources of MPs, distribution, and potential environmental impacts. MPs have been documented in various substances such as bottled water, salts, seafood, and even the air. However, the full extent of the health consequences on human exposure remains uncertain. Therefore, it is imperative that we draw public attention to the presence of these pollutants in the environment. To mitigate adverse effects of MPs, reducing plastic consumption, implementing improved waste management practices, and advocating sustainable behaviors are essential for well-being of natural ecosystems and the health human populations.
Modification strategies to enhance electrosorption performance of activated carbon electrodes for capacitive deionization applications
(Elsevier, 2019) Sufiani, Omari; Elisadiki, Joyce; Machunda, Revocatus L.; Jande, Yusufu A.C.
Capacitive deionization (CDI) is the competitive technology for water desalination which appears to become an alternative to conventional methods such as ion exchange resins, reverse osmosis, and electrodeionization. Variety of materials including, carbide-derived carbon, activated carbons, carbon nanotubes, carbon aerogels and mesoporous carbons have been studied for CDI applications most of them being porous carbons. However, materials such as carbon nanotubes are highly expensive and hinder applications at large industrial scale. Activated carbon is a cheap and commercially available electrode material for CDI though its desalination capacity is limited by factors such as low electrical conductivity, inability to selectively remove specific ions, co-ion expulsion, poor wettability, inappropriate pore size distribution and lack of inter-pore connectivity to enable ion diffusion. These factors have raised a concern to most researchers and try to find a way to modify the surface of porous materials. Some strategies have been used to modify activated carbons including dip-coating in dopamine solution, mixing with quaternized poly (4-vinylpyridine), combining with graphenes and carbon nanotubes, direct fluorination and etching in acid solution to mention few. This review highlight factor(s) that cause low performance of activated carbon and modification strategies used to treat activated carbon to enhance its adsorption performance. Furthermore, characterization methods used to confirm whether the modification was successful and the practical application of modification methods have been discussed. To our view this work will provide an understanding of the contribution offered by modified activated carbon electrodes in the development of CDI technology.
Optimizing ciprofloxacin removal from water using jamun seed (Syzygium cumini) biochar: A sustainable approach for ecological protection
(Elsevier BV, 2024) Ripanda, Asha; Rwiza, Mwemezi J.; Nyanza, Elias Charles; Bih, Linda Numph; Hossein, Miraji; Bakari, Ramadhani; Sigh, Somit Kumar; Reddy, Giridhar; Ravikumar, C.R.; Murthy, H.C. Ananda; Njau, Karoli N.; Vuai, Said Ali Hamad; Machunda, Revocatus L.
Scientific interest in antimicrobial pollutants, such as ciprofloxacin, has increased. Due to spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, resistance genes, and their dissemination to the environment. Therefore, their remediation is necessary to ensure ecological sustainability. The current study aimed to optimise the removal of ciprofloxacin from synthetic water using jamun seed (JS) (Syzygium cumini) biochar using a response surface methodology (RSM). Result indicates ciprofloxacin elimination efficiency ranged between 32.46 and 94.95%, indicating the material can be improved and used for remediation of organics. The residual standard error of 4.4% were found for the predicted model, implying that the model is credible and can be used to predict future experimental findings. The R-squarred value for the improved Langmuir model's R2 is 0.9681 which is inclose agreement with the Freundlich isotherm, R2 0.9757. Therefore, JS biochar could be utilized for the remediation of ciprofloxacin from contaminated water and wastewater for ecological safety and sustainability.
Optimizing ciprofloxacin removal from water using jamun seed (Syzygium cumini) biochar: A sustainable approach for ecological protection
(Elsevier BV, 2024) Ripanda, Asha; Rwiza, Mwemezi J.; Nyanza, Elias Charles; Bih, Linda Numph; Hossein, Miraji; Bakari, Ramadhani; Sigh, Somit Kumar; Reddy, Giridhar; Ravikumar, C.R.; Murthy, H.C. Ananda; Njau, Karoli N.; Vuai, Said Ali Hamad; Machunda, Revocatus L.
Scientific interest in antimicrobial pollutants, such as ciprofloxacin, has increased. Due to spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, resistance genes, and their dissemination to the environment. Therefore, their remediation is necessary to ensure ecological sustainability. The current study aimed to optimise the removal of ciprofloxacin from synthetic water using jamun seed (JS) (Syzygium cumini) biochar using a response surface methodology (RSM). Result indicates ciprofloxacin elimination efficiency ranged between 32.46 and 94.95%, indicating the material can be improved and used for remediation of organics. The residual standard error of 4.4% were found for the predicted model, implying that the model is credible and can be used to predict future experimental findings. The R-squarred value for the improved Langmuir model's R2 is 0.9681 which is inclose agreement with the Freundlich isotherm, R2 0.9757. Therefore, JS biochar could be utilized for the remediation of ciprofloxacin from contaminated water and wastewater for ecological safety and sustainability.
Porous carbon derived from Artocarpus heterophyllus peels for capacitive deionization electrodes
(Elsevier, 2019) Elisadiki, Joyce; Jande, Yusufu A.C.; Machunda, Revocatus L.; Kibona, Talam Enock
Sustainable clean water for human use can be attained through cost effective water purification technologies where by capacitive deionization (CDI) technology is among them. To attain high CDI performance porous carbon materials with good electrical conductivity, high surface area, specific capacitance and good chemical stability are essential. In this study high surface area porous carbon has been synthesized through carbonization of agricultural waste jackfruit peels (Artocarpus heterophyllus) followed by KOH activation at 600, 700, and 800 °C for 1 h. It was found that, the activation temperature significantly increased the BET surface area of the synthesized carbon from 607 m2/g to 1955 m2/g. Desalination experiments were carried out with 30–500 mg/L NaCl solution in batch mode at a flow rate of 2.5 ml/min while applying voltage of 1.2, 1.4 and 2.0 V to the cell. The electrosorption capacity and salt-removal efficiency increased with increasing BET Surface area and applied potential. Specifically, ACJF1:1-700 exhibited highest specific capacitance of 307 F/g, high salt removal efficiency and electrosorption capacity of 5.74 mg/g when voltage of 2 V was applied. These results indicated that the Artocarpus heterophyllus can be promising CDI electrode materials for low salinity water desalination.
Removal of lamivudine from synthetic solution using jamun seed (Syzygium cumini) biochar adsorbent
(Elsevier, 2023) Ripanda, Asha; Rwiza, Mwemezi J.; Nyanza, Elias Charles; Bakari, Ramadhani; Miraji, Hossein; Njau, Karoli N.; Vuai, Said Ali Hamad; Machunda, Revocatus L.
Antiviral drugs such as lamivudine have been globally identified in the environment and marked as emerging pollutants of concern due to their bioactive extremity. Following therapeutic uses, approximately 70% of the oral dose of lamivudine is eliminated renally as the parent drug. Concerns has been raised for neighbouring aquatic bodies due to effluent produced from production plants containing high concentrations of antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs, such as lamivudine, are extremely bioactive, prompting interest in their urgent removal from the environment. The purpose of the present study was to optimize the removal of lamivudine from the synthetic solution using jamun seed (JS) (Syzygium cumini) biochar. The influence of sorption parameters such as pH, lamivudine concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and calcination temperatures on the removal of lamivudine was investigated and optimized using a response surface methodology (SRM) based on optimal design. The results indicated that, a quadratic model best fits data with a model regression coefficient R2, adjusted R2, and predicted R2 of 0.9934, 0.9761 and 0.8340, respectively. The JS biochar calcined at 750°C, at pH 8, initial lamivudine concentration of 10 ppm and contact time of 30 min indicated a maximum experimental removal efficiency of 84.9%. The residual standard error (RSE) value was 3.5% implying that the model was reliable. Isotherm data for the adsorption of lamivudine on JS biochar followed the Freundlich isotherm, with an R2 value of 0.9977 while R2 for the modified Langmuir model was 0.9852. These findings indicated that JS biochar is potentially useful for removal of lamivudine, and other organics from contaminated water and wastewater effluents. Therefore, this study presents an environmentally friendly remedy against lamivudine for a healthier ecology
Removal of lamivudine from synthetic solution using jamun seed (Syzygium cumini) biochar adsorbent
(Elsevier BV, 2023) Ripanda, Asha; Rwiza, Mwemezi J.; Nyanza, Elias Charles; Bakari, Ramadhani; Miraji, Hossein; Njau, Karoli N.; Vuai, Said Ali Hamad; Machunda, Revocatus L.
Antiviral drugs such as lamivudine have been globally identified in the environment and marked as emerging pollutants of concern due to their bioactive extremity. Following therapeutic uses, approximately 70% of the oral dose of lamivudine is eliminated renally as the parent drug. Concerns has been raised for neighbouring aquatic bodies due to effluent produced from production plants containing high concentrations of antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs, such as lamivudine, are extremely bioactive, prompting interest in their urgent removal from the environment. The purpose of the present study was to optimize the removal of lamivudine from the synthetic solution using jamun seed (JS) (Syzygium cumini) biochar. The influence of sorption parameters such as pH, lamivudine concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and calcination temperatures on the removal of lamivudine was investigated and optimized using a response surface methodology (SRM) based on optimal design. The results indicated that, a quadratic model best fits data with a model regression coefficient R2, adjusted R2, and predicted R2 of 0.9934, 0.9761 and 0.8340, respectively. The JS biochar calcined at 750 °C, at pH 8, initial lamivudine concentration of 10 ppm and contact time of 30 min indicated a maximum experimental removal efficiency of 84.9%. The residual standard error (RSE) value was 3.5% implying that the model was reliable. Isotherm data for the adsorption of lamivudine on JS biochar followed the Freundlich isotherm, with an R2 value of 0.9977 while R2 for the modified Langmuir model was 0.9852. These findings indicated that JS biochar is potentially useful for removal of lamivudine, and other organics from contaminated water and wastewater effluents. Therefore, this study presents an environmentally friendly remedy against lamivudine for a healthier ecology.
A review on contaminants of emerging concern in the environment: a focus on active chemicals in sub-Saharan Africa
(Scientific Research Publishing, Inc., 2022) Ripanda, Asha S.; Rwiza, Mwemezi Johaiven; Nyanza, Elias C.; Njau, Karoli N.; Vuai, Said A. H.; Machunda, Revocatus L.
Active chemicals are among the contaminants of emerging concern that are rarely covered in regulatory documents in sub-Saharan Africa. These substances are neither in the list of routinely monitored substances nor in the guidelines for routine environmental monitoring activities. This has been of concern to public health officials, toxicologists, communities, and governments, hence the need for risk assessment and regulation of these substances. In this review article, the presence of active chemicals in the sub-Saharan African environment was investigated. The results indicate the availability of few studies in some countries, while in other countries no reports of active chemicals were found, hence the need for further research targeting such countries. It was further observed that mixtures of active chemicals from different therapeutic categories—such as antibiotics and analgesics—were reported. The natural environment is increasingly at risk due to the presence of these substances, their metabolites, and their transformation by products. These substances are characterized by persistence as a result of their non-biodegradable nature; hence, they circulate from one environmental compartment to another through the food chain, causing harm along the way. Most studies that evaluated the toxicity of these substances considered the effects of a single drug, but observations indicated the presence of drug mixtures, hence the need for further evaluation of the effects of drug–drug interactions—including synergistic and additive effects—for environmental sustainability. The presence of ACs in several environmental compartments at quantifiable quantities was discovered in this investigation, indicating the potential for ecosystem injury as a result of bioaccumulation, bioconcentration, and biomagnification through the food chain. This necessitates further research on the subject in order to ensure a healthier environment.

Browsing by Author "Machunda, Revocatus L."

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