College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)

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    Determination of calorific values of vegetable oils using the calorific bomb method.
    (Makerere University., 2009-08-18) Magala, Hannington
    The topic of study was to determine the calorific values of vegetable oils using the Calorific bomb method. The mineral oil samples used were collected from varying petrol Stations. Four samples of vegetable oils were studied and these include: corn oil, sun Flower seed oil, fully refined palm olein and fully refined palm olein, sun flower seed oil. Two samples of mineral oil were studied and these include: Kerosene and Diesel. The method used to determine calorific values of different oil samples was Pfaundler-Stohmann, where data was analyzed using Ms Excel and different graphs were generated.Kerosene, corn oil, fully refined palm olein and diesel are arranged in order of increasing Calorific values as the results obtained. This was because of their varying densities. Calorific values of vegetable oils have been determined. The fired samples of vegetable Oil contained a higher amount of energy compared to Kerosene (mineral oil), fully refined Palm olein contained the highest calorific value and corn oil with least value amongst Vegetable oils. Diesel has a higher calorific value compared to Kerosene. Therefore, I would recommend the use of fully refined palm olein as the best edible oil Compared to others since it contained the highest energy. More studies need to be carried Out on how to use high energy vegetable oil as fuels with ability to run machines.
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    Perceptions of renewable energy and its utilization in urban and peri urban areas in Wakiso and Kampala districts.
    (Makerere University, 2014-05) Sekiziyivu, David
    Renewable energy has the potential for delivering socio-economic and environmental benefits to societies, and hence with the aim of providing affordable and reliable energy services as a contribution to poverty eradication, contributing towards development and enhancing the modernisation of biomass conversion technologies, Uganda launched a renewable energy policy in 2007. Social acceptance is among the factors which can determine successful outcomes for renewable energy projects, and, given the newness of the renewable energy industry in Uganda, this study enhances knowledge on how specific aspects of social acceptance, namely knowledge, perceptions and utilization, play out among local communities in in the country. Two communities, were interrogated using a survey technique in Kampala and Wakiso districts, areas where renewable energy projects are starting to be developed. This research found that fragmented knowledge around renewable energy exists, and that tertiary education, employment and income influence knowledge creation in the studied area. Perceptions around renewable energy were highly positive, yet people‟s ability to identify only economic benefits could introduce negative attitudes or conflicts in the future. This study provides unique insights into the relationship between renewable energy and local communities in in two areas in Uganda, calling for greater understanding of local social context, specifically communities and their social structures, in deployment of renewable energy technologies.
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    An investigation on the efficiency of the multiple effect evaporators and their performance at Sugar Cooperation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL)
    (Makerere University, 2015) Mukaga, Geofrey
    This study mainly undertakes determining the efficiency of the multiple effect evaporators and their performance over a given time in days, the adverse effects of the efficiency of the evaporators i.e. the decrease in the efficiency significantly affects the overall efficiency of the process This study addresses the efficiency and undertakes to give the options that can be taken to improve performance of the evaporators and also maximize steam usage in the process.
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    Project Report about Geologic Mapping carried out in Igayaza, Isingiro District, Western Uganda.
    (Makerere University., 2015-06-05) Kabagambe, George
    The Geologic mapping exercise project was carried out in Igayaza area, Isingiro District about 30 KM South of Mbarara town, Southwestern Uganda with a major aim of acquiring geologic mapping skills ad techniques as a requirement for a future geologist. The mapping area E is within the Karagwe Ankolean system of rocks which is the northern most extension of Kibaran mobile belt. The Igayaza synclinorium is a South Westerly plunging fold in the Karagwe –Ankolean rocks of south west Uganda. The study was mainly based on surface geological mapping and field interpretation of samples collected in area E. The lithology comprises of the thin arenaceous formations that are predominated by a quartzites while the thick argillaceous formations constitute of shales. Other rock units in area E include the conglomerates and the breccia though not mappable. The quartzites are mainly found at the ridge summits while the shales are found along the slopes of ridges and in valleys between ridges resulting in a region of rugged topography. The study area exhibits bedding and faults as the major structures according to their extent relative to the used scale. The topography is hilly with flat ridges and valleys giving the area a poor drainage pattern. This has led to the scarcity of water and thus the linear human settlement pattern. Economic activities carried out include quarrying of quartzites, cattle keeping on a small scale and agriculture. The area has no potential for petroleum simply because the rocks are not fossiliferous . This report is of a detailed geologic study of study area E, and a cover of the whole Igayaza synclinorium in relation to the whole of the karagwe – Ankolean rocks include in a chapter of regional synthesis. The report consists of six chapters with different aspects.
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    A geological mapping project report of the Albertine graben area, Ntoroko district, Western Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2016-06) Ssembera, Richard
    This report discusses the findings and interpretation of the geologic field mapping exercise done by fourth year students of B.Sc. in petroleum Geoscience and Production. The study was carried out on, Semliki basin, which is one of the most prospecting basins for petroleum exploration in Uganda and available data shows the presence of a petroleum system. The field exercise was carried out in this area (Kibuku) with a major aim of collecting and interpreting stratigraphic, petrographic, sedimentologic and structural data; which are very important in hydrocarbon exploration. To achieve this aim, surface geological and structural data were collected through thorough study of the basement rocks and sediments. Seismic, Gravity and Aeromagnetic data were provided to by the Department of geology and petroleum studies, Makerere University in form of images for interpretation. The study began with analysis of the basement rocks along foothills of the Northern Rwenzori block while identifying the structures and measuring their trends. This was a step by step strategy starting from older basement rocks to younger sediments (establishing the contact at UTM 0192485E, 0102062N) in the Semliki plain. Logging was then carried out on the sedimentary lithologies and discussions held at the established stations. The data obtained was analysed, presented in groups and interpreted. The basement lithology comprised; altered granites, granitic gneisses, schist and amphibolite while the lithology of sediments comprised inter-fingered fluvial and lacustrine sediments with Mt Rwenzori and the escarpment as the provenance. The major sedimentary environments are fluvial, deltaic and lacustrine. Semliki basin has a complete petroleum system as evidenced by the Semliki seismic section, facies and the interpreted Turaco 1 and 2 well log data that showed presence of hydrocarbons at depth with significant temperature and pressure. The thick well sorted sands of Kisegi formation are believed to be the reservoir rock in the study area due to the high-quality sands with good permeability and large lateral extent. The cap rocks are the clays and shales as well as gypsum. The sediments are very young (Miocene in age) and shallow implying little possibility of hydrocarbons forming in the area. However, the presence of the Sempaya hot spring can play a very big role in providing the necessary temperature required to generate hydrocarbons from the organic matter in the shale. The hydrocarbons can then migrate to the reservoir and trapped by the sealing faults hence accumulation. This justifies the hydrocarbon potential of the study area.
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    Carbon dioxide purification from fermentation by cryogenic process and distillation process
    (Makerere University, 2017) Aliguma, Moses
    The aim of the study was to reduce on carbon dioxide emission arising from alcoholic fermentation processes that impact on human health and environment and also assess the relationship between temperature and pressure parameters during purification of carbon dioxide. This work was done at BDF distillery. Multi-stage compression, refrigeration, separation and distillation is cryogenic separation and distillation method that separated majority of the CO2 from the gas mixture with relatively high purity. Subsequently, the separated crude liquid CO2 is distilled under high pressure and near ambient temperature conditions so that low energy penalty purification is achieved. Initially gaseous mixture is stored in the carbon dioxide sack then initially dehydrated before they are fed into the system, compressed, and cooled down to near ambient temperature thus achieving the cryogenic separation and liquefaction processes where most of the water is condensed and can be extracted out afterwards, while the rest is absorbed by a high-efficiency adsorbent (molecular sieve). At this point, a part of the CO2 is liquefied from the mixed gases. Using a gas-liquid separator CO2 product is separated from gaseous mixtures of the purge gases. The crude liquid CO2 separated from the cryogenic separation subsystem is further purified in the distillation subsystem at temperatures –20 °C to 20 °C and –10°C to 30 °C, to improve its purity. A sample of liquefied carbon dioxide after distillation is taken to laboratory for purity test using carbon dioxide purity tester. Its purity range was between (99.2- 99.9) % with impurity (2% to 5 %.) content in the separated liqui
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    Cultivation of oyster mushroom at Mushroom Training Centre Bwindi Amagara Association
    (Makerere University, 2017) Twinomujuni, David
    A comparative research project was conducted at Bwindi Amagara Association in Kanungu District between 16/5/2017 to 19/8/2017 and only Oyster mushroom was selected. This type of mushroom was grown in different conditions, that is, well moist environment and one with more light. Well moist environment has more species diversity which affects the density of mushrooms and ultimately has a negative bearing on the entire community. Therefore, the study required a dimension of 25 × 10m2. This study area had more mushrooms which were identified and counted. Those mushrooms that were growing in well ventilated and lighted area had low diversity of mushrooms. It found out that those growing in moist environments had more mushrooms compared to that of lighted area. Problem statement Effects of dampness on the mushroom growing diversity, density and size. Purpose of the study The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of moisture or dampness on the mushroom growing diversity and density. This was achieved by comparing mushrooms growing in normal environments and the ones growing in dampness. General objectives To compare the mushrooms growing in damp environment and those growing in the environment with all the requirements. Specific objectives To estimate the density of mushrooms growing in different environments that is damp environment and well lighted environment. To determine the size of the mushrooms. To determine the most abundant species in damp and lighted growing rooms. Research questions What is the density of mushrooms growing at damp environment? What is the most abundant species growing in damp areas compared to those in lighted environment? What is the variation in the abundance of oyster mushroom growing in different environments? Hypothesis The density of mushrooms growing in different environments is the same. There is uniform mushroom abundance in both damp environment and lighted environment. Study area The study survey was carried out at Mushroom training and growing centre of BwindiAmagara Association between 14th - 18th – November 2016 in Kanungu District. This survey was mainly;  To equip with knowledge and skills of how to grow oyster mushrooms on solid state fermented substrate.  To equip with knowledge of different species of mushrooms those that grow wild and the ones under domestication.  To find how oyster mushrooms growing influence can the economic status of local people in Kanungu district as a case study. Significance of the study  The project needs minimal space  Mushroom project acts as alternative source of income to the family and therefore raising the standards of living.  It requires minimal time to mature and requires little capital  It provides employment opportunities to people working directly in the business as spawn producer, gardening, harvesting and marketing.  It has a ready market in either fresh or dried form.  Availability of agricultural waste substrates used which are affordable by mushroom growers. Expectations from the growing include - To empower complete knowledge and skills in mushroom cultivation. - To encourage the participants to acquire basic practices in mushroom cultivation. - To encourage open communication. Learning how mushrooms, spps of mushroom cultivated, challenges faced during growing of mushroom, substrate used, clean environment, maintenance in mushroom cultivation, market research for the mushroom, compare the suitability of oyster mushroom and other spps, nutritive value of oyster mushroom, differences between poisonous and edible mushrooms, gestation period of oyster mushroom, entrepreneurship and value addition to oyster mushroom and how mushrooms dish can be prepared.
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    Effect of storage and handling practices on incidence of the soft rot bacterium, Erwinia carotovora in tomatoes, in Kasubi Market Kampala District
    (Makerere University, 2017-05) Mwesigwa, Enock
    Storage and handling affect the quality of harvested agro-produce. Proper storage and handling can help to manage losses caused due to contamination by micro-organisms which reduce the quality of the produce; this includes tomatoes. It was therefore the purpose of this research to find out the effect that the storage and handling practices of tomatoes in Kasubi market in Kampala district had on the incidence of Erwinia carotovora. Erwinia carotovora is a destructive bacterium to plants and causes soft rot disease (Bhat, 2010). The disease is called soft rot because of the characteristic decay of soft tissue which results in a slimy watery mass (Agrios, 2005).It affects a wide range of plants and in particular, affects vegetable species from all families (Bhat, 2010). It attacks stems, roots and fruits (Ploetz et al., 1993). The research was carried out in Kasubi market, Kampala district. It involved a survey using a questionnaire to find out the storage and handling practices of tomatoes in the market. Laboratory tests were also carried out using Crystal Violet Pectate medium selective for Erwinia carotovora to find out if the bacterium was present in the representative samples obtained from the market (Van der Wolf, 1996). The data obtained showed that soft rot caused by Erwinia carotovora wasn’t the major cause of losses in the market on regard to tomato vending. However, the data obtained showed that it does account for 21% of the losses. 86% of the vendors surveyed stored their tomatoes in boxes that weren’t usually changed and 50% of the vendors sold their produce from areas on the ground which may contain the bacteria (Romberg et al., 2002). The data also showed that 86% of the vendors do not change their means of storage- boxes, and this makes contamination possible when the bacteria are present by acting as a continual source of inoculums. A control experiment was carried out by using the same questionnaire in Shoprite supermarket Lugogo, Kampala district and it was found that they buy from vendors in markets and not solely from farmers. It was also found that these tomatoes can last up to a month. A recommendation for the need of further research was proposed.
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    Effect of temperature on the hydrolysis of cellulose
    (Makerere University, 2017-05) Ssemwogerere, Abraham
    Saw dust is a lignocellulose material mainly regarded as a waste from wood cutting here in Uganda. A given percentage of the saw dust is used in poultry as a bed layer but only a small percentage is used leaving a significant value as waste. Lignocellulose materials mainly contain a mixture of carbohydrates polymers (cellulose and hemicellulose), lignin, extractives and ashes. The most abundant lignocellulose material on earth is wood
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    A wind powered Electricity generator
    (Makerere University, 2017-06) Chemayek, Chesang Joshua
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    Impact of fosroc grinding aid on setting time of cement
    (Makerere University, 2017-07) Ahaisibe, Wilfred
    The usage of Grinding Aids (GAs) in cement factories has demonstrated interesting results in improving the performance of cements. It is well known that grinding aids have a chemical effect on cement chemistry and some of its specific properties that is why this research was undertaken. This research project was undertaken to evaluate the impact of FOSROC Grinding Aid on the setting time of cement while maintaining optimal compressive strength at the same time. This GA was added in small increasing amounts/dosages starting with a blank sample (No GA). The tested cement properties included water demand, Blaine fineness, setting times and compressive strength. The results showed that the use of higher concentrations of GAs can lead to significant improvements in the performance of cements characterized by reduced setting times and higher compressive strengths. Compared with the control/blank sample, Initial setting times were significantly reduced from 250 (0 % of GA) to 223 minutes (3g of GA) and 287 (0%) and 111 (3g) when using Ordinary Portland Cement and Pozzolanic Portland Cement respectively. Final setting times reduced from 340 (0 % of GA) to 303 minutes (3g of GA) and 371 (0%) to 232 (3g of GA) when using Ordinary Portland Cement and Pozzolanic Portland Cement respectively. However, the2 days compressive strength increased slightly by 4.49 and 4.7% for 1.5g and 3.0g of GA respectively when using Ordinary Portland Cement. 5.1 and 7.3% for 1.5g and 3.0g of GA respectively when using Pozzolanic Portland Cement.
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    Effect of voltage and initial pH on treatment efficiency of dairy waste water by electrocoagulation using aluminum plates
    (Makerere University, 2017-08-29) Susume, Isaac
    Main objective: To study the effect of initial pH and applied voltage on COD reduction in dairy waste water by electrocoagulation. Specific Objective: To recycle waste water from a dairy plant.
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    A research project on assessing the quality of used edible oil in restaurants around Wandegeya, Kikoni and Kikumi Kikumi
    (Makerere University, 2017-09-12) Katenta, Sydney
    Objective of the research project: It is aimed at assessing the quality of edible oil used in restaurants or takeaways. Specific objectives: This research has to determine the following parameters in the cooking oil i.e. polar compounds, acidity and free fatty content as well as peroxide value. Conclusion: According to the research most oils were not safe to be reused yet these restaurants kept reusing it.
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    Phytochemical analysis of coleus latifolius claimed to have antimalarial activity
    (Makerere University, 2018) Musoke, Robert
    Malaria is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the world, with 10-150 million people showing signs and symptoms of the disease annually. It is also known to be popular in Uganda claiming approximately 42 children under the age of five daily. A number of approaches have been used to reduce malaria in Uganda and those approaches include; Reproductive Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH) shaped plan, use of Insecticide Treated-Nets (ITNs), Integrated Community Case Management (ICCM) among other. Despite the approaches malaria still remains a burden to Ugandans. Chemotherapy is the most important method of controlling malaria, although the incidence of parasite resistance to common drugs is on rise. People in Uganda especially those in rural areas rely mainly on herbal medicine for their primary Health care. The dependence is due to; limited access to modern medicine, confirmed therapeutic evidence of herbal medicine, and believe that herbal medicine pose no risk. Many antimalarial plants have been documented but only a few have been analyzed and their phytochemical assay established, basing on this back ground coleus latifolius (also known as mubiri in Luganda) was analyzed. Coleus latifolius is claimed by the local people to have antimalarial activity. Mainly it is used in conjunction with other antimalarial plants and the mode of administering is smearing. The fresh plant was collected, washed and then crushed, it was then cold macerated using water, methanol and Ethyl acetate in separate beakers. The extracts were concentrated and then using the standard method for phytochemicals analysis, phytochemicals were tested. The phytochemical analysis of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of fresh leaves of coleus latifolius revealed the presence of Saponins and reducing sugars while the Ethyl acetate extract contained saponnins, tannins, reducing sugars and phenolics. Tannins, Saponins and phenols are known for antimalarial activity therefore their presence indicates that they are the one responsible for the antimalarial activity of coleus latifolius.
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    The effect of blending emulsifiers/surfactants on emulsion stability
    (Makerere University, 2018) Wembabazi, Timothy
    The effect of blending surfactants on emulsion stability was studied. Emulsions whose Phase Inversion Temperature (PIT) is quit high above the storage temperature are stable, and such products have a long shelf life. In this work, the emulsion system consists of water (aqua phase) and cyclohexane (oil phase). The surfactants/emulsifiers used are tween 20 and cetyl alcohol. First, an emulsion of water/tween 20/cyclohexane was prepared in proportions of 48.5%w/w, 3%w/w and 48.5%w/w respectively and the PIT determined. Then both surfactants were blended in equal proportions with the same amounts of water and cyclohexane, and the new PIT was determined using the conductimetry method. It was found out that the PIT of the emulsion when only tween 20 is used as the surfactant was 45 ˚C and that when both tween 20 and cetyl alcohol were used as emulsifiers was 42 ˚C. Hence, from the observations, blending surfactants has a negative effect on emulsion stability; i.e. lowers the emulsion PIT which facilitates de-emulsification processes.
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    Design and construction of a water level sensor system
    (Makerere University, 2018) Kyanjo, Brian
    This project is titled water level sensor system. It is designed to indicate the level of water to over-head tank. This device is unique because this water level sensor circuit also has an alarm feature. It does not only indicates the amount of water present in the overhead tank but also gives an alarm when the tank is full to either turn on or off the tap. It also has an automatic switch that switches on the water pump.
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    The design and construction of an automatic change over switch
    (Makerere University, 2018) Nambalirwa, Alice
    The poor state of power supply in developing countries, calls for alternatives sources of power generation and automation of electrical power generation to back up the utility supply. Over time, automation of electrical power supply has become vital as the rate of power outage is predominantly high. As a result of this power outage, developing countries experience slow development processes in both public and private sectors of economy.
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    Using recycled cooking oil to manufacture laundry soap
    (Makerere University, 2018) Nkonwa, Francis
    During frying, temperatures rise up to around 170oC to 190oC. At these temperatures, complex, multistage reactions of hydrolysis, oxidation and polymerization occur within the oil producing polar molecules like proteins, free fatty acids and others which together degrade both physical and chemical properties of the oil like colour, smoke point etc. Among other products formed with in the oil are the free radicals which when ingested into the body attach themselves to the heathy cells forming carcinogenic cells. Several works have been done to expose the danger of repeated heating and use of vegetable oils but very little work or even none has been done to provide an alternative use for the oil apart from using it and that’s why this project becomes relevant. Cooking oil heated for 7 hours was collected from hotel, treated with activated carbon, filtered using filter paper and funnel and free fatty acid test was done to check the efficiency of the treatment process which was found to be 70%. 3 soap samples were prepared where sample 1 and 2 were prepared using treated oil but sample 1 was recovered 3 times whereas sample 2 was recovered once with NaCl. Sample 3 was a blend of 50% treated oil and 50% fresh oil. The samples were than tested for moisture content, total alkali, free caustic alkali and total fatty matter (TFM). It was found that the TFM in sample 2 is high enough in that a considering a blend would be irrational. The 81.67% TFM in sample one would be high enough in that addition of builders would just reduce this value to a required minimum of 62% for laundry soap. Therefore recycled cooking oil can be used to make laundry soap.
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    Geological and stratigraphic field study of Kibuku (Semiliki) area in the Albertain Graben, Ntoroko District, Western Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2018) Kaija, Jerome
    The area of study, Kibuku is found in Semliki basin located in the southern part of the Albertine graben (Ntoroko district), western Uganda. Semliki area lies onshore south of Lake Albert, it is bounded by the escarpment to the east and south and by rivers Lamia and Semliki to the west. It covers approximately 1200km². . The Albertine Graben lies on the western arm of the East Africa rift system with the rift flanks rising to approximately a height of 400m above the Graben on the eastern side. The rift flanks are underlined by the Basement Complex rocks such as granitic-gneisses, gneisses, amphibolites, schists, and quartzites which have undergone intense metamorphism. The field work and excursion study in the Albertine graben is conducted by students pursuing petroleum Geoscience and Production program during the recess term of third year under the guidance of our lecturers. The aim of this study was to enable us apply the geological, geophysical and other knowledge we have acquired during the course of the program to understand the geology, scrutinize and analyze the petroleum system of the area practically, also study the environments of deposition and the depositional processes that took place in the area. The Stratigraphy of the mapped Kibuku area comprises of fluvial and lacustrine deposits. The fluvial deposits include sand, conglomerates and thin layers of clays whereas the lacustrine deposits comprised of thick clay layers, mudstones and silt sediments. These sediment deposits have different types of bedding characteristics, nature of formation contacts, sedimentary structures and directional properties, textures, sorting, cementation, coloration, grain size and degree of consolidation. These differences are probably attributed to climatic changes, water discharge, sediment load, river mouth processes, waves, tides, currents, winds, slope together with the tectonics and geometry of the receiving basin The structures encountered include in syn-rift lithology include lamination, ripple marks, bedding (cross and graded beds), intra-sedimentary faults, Diapiric structures whereas for pre-rift lithology includes foliation, joints, faults.
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    A geologic and stratigraphic field study of Kibuku Area (Semliki Basin)
    (Makerere University, 2018) Mubiru, James Elvis
    The area of study was Semliki basin located in the southern part of the Albertine graben (Ntoroko district) western Uganda. The aim of this study was to enable us apply the geological, geophysical and general class knowledge we have acquired during the course of the program to understand the geology, scrutinize and analyze the petroleum system of the area, study the environments of deposition and the depositional processes that took place in the area. The area’s basement lithology consists of altered granites and undifferentiated gneisses with some dolerite intrusions as well. Overlying the basement rocks are sedimentary rocks that is sands, clays and silt, mainly of the fluvial and lacustrine nature believed to have originated in the Rwenzori ranges. The contact between the sediments and the basement is marked with a basal conglomerate. The basin was affected by intensive tectonic activity, that led to metamorphism of the basement rocks and formation of vast types of structures with in the basement and sediments, examples of these structures include faults, joints, folds, veins and banding. Formation of these lines of weaknesses within the rocks allowed percolation of mineral rich fluids. The minerals later precipitated to form gypsum deposits, which is very abundant in the area, mainly within the sands and clays. Several other structures exist in the sedimentary rocks some of which include; cross beds, mud diapirs and bioturbation structures. At the Makondo fault area, thick clays had plenty of fresh water oyster shells, bivalves, fish bones and fins which confirmed the lacustrine and fluvial origin of the sediments. The presence of hot springs with in the area indicated the presence of high enough geothermal gradients for maturation and expulsion of hydrocarbons. We concluded that the study area has a working petroleum system characterized with all the required system components that is source rocks, reservoir rocks, seals, traps and migration pathways.