School of Physical Sciences (Phys-Sciences)

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    Accessing the suitable parameters for the production of carbonized briquettes using bagasse, clay as binder and molases as a filler.
    (Makerere university, 2022) Musiime, Ivan Bbala
    Sugar Coperation Of Uganda Limited SCOUL generates about 1.5 million tons of sugarcane bagasse per year which has enormous potential for exploitation in modern commercial applications. 0.8 tons of bagasse is used in the cogeneration process during the production of electricity leaving 0.7 tons of bagasse useless and an environmental hazard. Due to rising fossil fuel prices, availability in large quantity and rapidly growing interest in bio energy as well as technological advances and environmental concerns, bagasse could be utilized for the formulation of carbonized briquettes for household use to supplement wood charcoal. In this study briquettes were formulated using carbonized bagasse, clay as a binder and molasses as a filler. Bagasse was obtained from SCOUL for carbonization. Carbonization was carried out using a brick-built kiln while blending used a manually operated drum mixer at Josa Green Technologies in Wakiso District. A piston type briquetting press fitted onto a universal strength testing machine was used for the production of briquettes. The most optimum parameters that produced briquettes which complied with current charcoal specifications for household use were in the ratio of 1:1:40 for molasses, clay and carbonized bagasse respectively at 0.50N/mm2 pressure. At this formulation, briquettes were produced whose ash content, volatile matter and calorific energy were 36.4%, 27.2% and 4.390 Kca/g respectively. The briquettes produced burnt without sparks and were smokeless, producing no irritating smell. They ignited easily and took relatively long before they extinguished. They were recommended for household use in Uganda.  
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    Activated carbon derived from banana peels for the removal of cadmium ions from waste water in Nansana Municipality
    (Makerere University, 2024-06) Habaasa, Edgar
    This study was conducted to investigate the removal of cadmium (II) from aqueous solution by using low cost, natural and eco-friendly bio sorbent of Banana peels Activated Carbon (BPAC) through batch experiments. The Activated Carbon was characterized by FTIR, SEM, TEM with EDX. Various adsorption parameters such as effect of pH, amount of the biomass, initial concentration of Cadmium ion and contact time on the adsorption capacity of the bio sorbent were studied. Biosorption experiments were carried out at the temperature of 25ºC. The percent removal of Cadmium ions was 98.35% from synthetic wastewater. These results were observed at the optimum dose of 0.8 g at pH 4.0. The removal of Cadmium ions from wastewater is mainly influenced by pH of the synthetic wastewater and the amount of bio sorbent dose. The equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and the model parameters were evaluated. The kinetic study showed that the pseudo-second order kinetic model better described the biosorption process. These results demonstrated that the Banana peels could be used as a natural bio sorbent for removal of cadmium (ii) ions from aqueous solution
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    Adsorption and corrosion inhibition properties of ricinus communisin acid solutions
    (Makerere University, 2024-10-31) Mukhwana, Felix
    The castor plant, with its potential phytochemical constituents, presents an opportunity to serve as a green corrosion inhibitor.This study aims to evaluate the adsorption and corrosion inhibition properties of castor plant extracts on mild steel in acidic media. Leaves of the castor oil plant were sun dried using both sunlight and an oven. The dried leaves were then ground to increase the surface area. Solvent extraction was carried out using ethanol as a solvent and filtered. The extract obtained in ethanol solvent was concentrated, distilling off the solvent. Solutions of the extract were prepared in the concentrations of (50,25,10) v/v per cent, with the respective corrodents as solvent that is 0.5M H2SO4 and 1M HCL. Weighed mild steel coupons were separately immersed in 250 mL open beakers containing 1.0 M HCl and 0.5 M H2SO4. Also, mild steel coupons were separately immersed in 250 mL open beakers containing 1.0 M HCl and 0.5M H2SO4 with various concentrations of the castor oil leaf extracts. After 4 hours the coupons were taken out, immersed in acetone, dried and reweighed. The weight loss was calculated as the difference between the initial weight and the weight after the removal of the corrosion product. The experimental readings were recorded to be used in calculating corrosion rate and the inhibition efficiencies The corrosion rate of mild steel decreased with increasing extract concentration in both acidic environments confirming the formation of a protective layer by the extract molecules on the steel surface. The gravimetric method revealed that the castor plant extract exhibited promising corrosion inhibition efficiency (IE) across different concentrations in both 0.5M H2SO4 and 1M HCl The effect of temperature on corrosion rates with and without the castor plant extract provided valuable insights into the adsorption behavior and potential mechanism of inhibition.
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    Adsorption behavior of amoxicillin and sulfamethoxazole antibiotics onto activated carbon antibiotics
    (Makerere University, 2020-12) Kemigisha, Nancy
    The ability of activated carbon to adsorb the antibiotics, amoxicillin and sulfamethoxazole from an aqueous solution was studied for batch experiments. The adsorption study was done for several variables as contact to e, adsorbate dosage and pH. It was found out that generally the adsorption rate increases with increase in contact time only up to a point when equilibrium is reached and the rate of adsorption equals the desorption rate in the aqueous solution at optimum time. Further increase in time causes no change in rate of adsorption. The rate was also found to increase with pH till an optimum pH after which the rate decreases. Increase in adsorbent dosage was also found to increase with the rate if adsorption till a maximum point after which the rate remains constant. The adsorption kinetics was studied for several adsorption isotherms that were found to always exist together but the favourability of one depends on the individual study parameters which are R for the Langmuir model and n for the Freundlich model
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    Adsorption of lead (II) ions from synthetic waste water using biochar derived from sugar cane bagasse
    (Makerere University, 2019-07) Ebwosu, Moses
    In this research, adsorption technique was applied for the removal of heavy metal i.e. lead and zinc in synthetic waste water. Biochar derived from sugarcane bagasse was preferred to any other materials because of its availability in Uganda. The objective of study was to investigate the removal efficiency of biochar derived from bagasse as an adsorbent for lead ions from synthetically prepared heavy metal concentrations. Adsorbents were prepared by pyrolysis of sugar cane bagasse, the biochar obtained was then ground into smaller particles. The waste water was prepared synthetically in the laboratory by dissolving metal solutions (lead nitrate) into deionized water. The prepared water was treated against the adsorbent with varying pH and adsorbent dosage using constant initial concentration of metals. The optimum pH was observed to be pH 7 for the maximum removal of lead ions. While the maximum efficiency for adsorption of biochar was 96.85% at its optimum PH of 7. The results obtained from the experiment were recorded and graphs were plotted to study the behavior of the adsorbent material in removing heavy metals from the water.
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    Adsorption of lead and different colors from waste water using coconut shells adsorbent in form of simple activated carbon
    (Makerere University, 2024) Kintu, Moses Edrine
    The activated carbon was prepared under limited supply of oxygen from coconut shells as the precursor.The coconut shells are the ones from coconut trees scientifically known as Cocos nucifera, L. Three different pyrolysis temperatures were considered with each three different soaking times investigated. Then also three different activation temperatures were used that is 650, 850 and 1250oC. The effect of the different activation conditions was investigated by comparing absorbance of Methylene blue in samples which had undergone the different conditions.The results strongly indicated that activated carbon used in this study were effective in removing methylene blue with a great reduction of colour and contact time to achieve equilibrium.
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    The adsorption of volatile organic compounds
    (Makerere University, 2021-03-24) Musamali, Margaret
    Volatile organic compounds (vocs) discharged into the environment cause negative and health hazards. In the recent years adsorption process has been employed to aid in the remediation process of VOC removal. In this project techniques such as adsorption process were employed in the removal of Volatile organic compounds an indoor pollutant at Global Paints Company Limited using activated coffee husks and wood Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) discharged into the environment cause negative and health hazards. In the recent years adsorption process has been employed to aid in the remediation process of VOC removal. In this project techniques such as adsorption process were employed in the removal of Volatile organic compounds an indoor pollutant at Global Paints Company Limited using activated coffee husks and wood as adsorbents. These VOCs arise from paint production process which includes the grinding of pigment, cleaning of the mixer tanks, blending and packaging of the finished paint product. The adsorbents used in the process were used because of their excellent adsorbability and are locally available in Uganda they are also highly efficient in removal of VOCs with a percentage removal ranging from 80%-100% . The main objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness and efficiency in the use of activated coffee husks and wood adsorbents in the adsorption process of VOCs. The adsorbents were activated by using physical (steam) and chemical activating agents (phosphoric acid) for wood and coffee husks respectively. The VOCs were obtained by taking 40g/m3 from a the vent connected to the batch mixing tank and then treated against two adsorbents of mass 250g/m3 at varying duration at constant temperature and pressure. The experimental data was obtained and breakthrough curves were drawn after the adsorption cycle to show how the outlet concentration varies with time and these provided a basis from which the breakthrough times can be obtained to show the time the adsorbent takes to permeate completely through the column. The curves were drawn in excel and the adsorption capacity for each VOC- activated carbon system was calculated to show the adsorption capacity of each activated carbon. From the experimental data it was noted that the best activated carbon system for the adsorption of the VOCs was coffee husks due to its high surface area to volume ratio and high macropore volume this offered greater adsorption capacity to the VOC compared to when using activated wood as an adsorbent. The breakthrough time represented the time it takes for the VOCs to be completely adsorbed by the adsorbent The break through time when activated coffee husks was used as an adsorbent on both acetone and dichloromethane was 140 minutes and 160 minutes respectively. The break through time when using activated wood as an adsorbent for both acetone and dichloromethane was 150minutes and 120 minutes. After wards recommendations to the company were given in relation to the activated carbon selected so that extensions to the batch mixer should be implemented inorder to capture any VOC produced during the process manufacture steps this xi would both improve the working conditions of the workers and the state of the ecological systemas adsorbents. These vocs arise from paint production process which includes the grinding of pigment, cleaning of the mixer tanks, blending and packaging of the finished paint product. The adsorbents used in the process were used because of their excellent adsorbability and are locally available in Uganda they are also highly efficient in removal of vocs with a percentage removal ranging from 80. The main objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness and efficiency in the use of activated coffee husks and wood adsorbents in the adsorption process of vocs. The adsorbents were activated by using physical (steam) and chemical activating agents (phosphoric acid) for wood and coffee husks respectively. The vocs were obtained by taking 40g/m3 from a the vent connected to the batch mixing tank and then treated against two adsorbents of mass 250g/m3 at varying duration at constant temperature and pressure. The experimental data was obtained and breakthrough curves were drawn after the adsorption cycle to show how the outlet concentration varies with time and these provided a basis from which the breakthrough times can be obtained to show the time the adsorbent takes to permeate completely through the column. The curves were drawn in excel and the adsorption capacity for each VOC- activated carbon system was calculated to show the adsorption capacity of each activated carbon. From the experimental data it was noted that the best activated carbon system for the adsorption of the vocs was coffee husks due to its high surface area to volume ratio and high macropore volume this offered greater adsorption capacity to the VOC compared to when using activated wood as an adsorbent. The breakthrough time represented the time it takes for the vocs to be completely adsorbed by the adsorbent The break through time when activated coffee husks was used as an adsorbent on both acetone and dichloromethane was 140 minutes and 160 minutes respectively. The break through time when using activated wood as an adsorbent for both acetone and dichloromethane was 150minutes and 120 minutes. After wards recommendations to the company were given in relation to the activated carbon selected so that extensions to the batch mixer should be implemented in order to capture any VOC produced during the process manufacture steps this xi would both improve the working conditions of the workers and the state of the ecological system0g/m3 at
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    Aeration optimization of the waste water treatment at hariss international effluent treatment plant in tula-kawempe.
    (Makerere University., 2023-08-05) Ongu, Emmanuel
    Aeration systems often consume a significant portion of the total energy utilized in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Therefore, optimizing the aeration process is essential to improve overall plant efficiency, reduce operational costs, and minimize environmental impact. In this study, the wastewater parameters (COD, TSS, TDS and Total Nitrogen) were obtained from Hariss International Ltd Effluent Treatment Plant with the assistance and supervision of the employee in-charge. The results were obtained in a full-scale bioreactor located at the Hariss International Limited WWTP, where a nitrogen removal based on a nitrification–denitrification process was being tested. It has been shown that the crucial parameter to ensure a complete removal of COD and nitrogen was to give the system a long time of on–off aeration to complete both the nitrification and the denitrification processes, The wastewater parameters obtained were fed in a simulation run such that the obtained results were being tested again in the WWTP. The industrial data used to perform the analysis was obtained from Hariss International Limited wastewater treatment plant located In Kawempe along Mperewe-Tula road and hence the corresponding data is collected from the plant. Data includes influent flow rate, influent pollutants, effluent pollutants, and aeration process parameters. The effluent quality parameters were determined using the available methods used at the plant. The experiment was majorly hands on and also computational efforts applied. It was observed that the Effluent Quality (EQ) index was decreasing as the number of cycle increased. Using 6 cycles a day (i.e. 6 air-on and 6 air-off periods) an effluent load of 426 kg/d and an aeration energy consumption of 541kWh/d was reached. Increasing the number of cycles up to 12 per day, the effluent load reduced to 408 kg/d while the energy consumption of the aeration also decreased somewhat, down to 501 kWh/d. In conclusion, In order to validate the results achieved with this optimization method, further investigations should be carried out both for pilot-scale and full-scale treatment plants.
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    Albertine Graben Area Semliki Basin geological field mapping project in Ntoroko District, Western Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2022-11-28) Golooba, Fredrick
    This project goes into detail on the fieldwork that was done in the Albertine Graben's Semliki Basin from June 12 to June 23, 2017. The fieldwork was done in Kichwamba, in the quarry behind Kisegi Hill, along the seasonal Kisegi River, on the Kibuku Road Cut, in the Turaco Area, and at Sempaya Hot Springs. Studying the local environment and sediment deposition processes as well as comprehending physical sedimentological and sequence stratigraphical formations were the primary goals of the fieldwork. The fieldwork's specific goals were identifying the lithologies of the Semliki basin, the structures found in the basement and in the sediments, the various components of the petroleum system, and the facies and depositional settings. To measure, record, and store geological data, several materials were utilized. Group members were instructed in the study process using the manuals that were given to each group. Although some activities, including the presentation of results, required solo work, the majority of the work was done in groups. In order to draw conclusions regarding the Semliki basin's potential for petroleum, we gathered a large amount of structural and stratigraphic data. Lacustrine, deltaic, and fluvial sediments made up the research area. The basin was subject to active tectonic activity. This resulted in the construction of the many structures that we saw in the sediments and basement. These structures, such as faults, joints, folds, veins, and banding, are examples. Cross bedding, unconformities, faults, as well as mud dips and deformation bands, are some of the sedimentary structures that have been found. Plunging folds, faults, and mud diapirs would provide excellent structural sealants. The presence of hot springs nearby indicated a strong enough geothermal gradient, which is crucial for source rock maturation and hydrocarbon ejection. To fully comprehend the rocks and sediments that make up the Semliki sedimentary basin, sedimentology, stratigraphy, and tectonics are used. With this knowledge, one may interpret the geologic history and assess the economic significance of these rocks (e.g Boggs, 1995). We came to the conclusion that the research region had a good (functioning) petroleum system with all the necessary system components, such as source rocks, reservoir rocks, seals, traps, and migration pathways, and there is a potential of petroleum finding
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    Alternative bio waste management by vermicomposting in cities case study: production of organic vermicompost fertilizer and study of its chemical parameters
    (Makerere University, 2023-01-30) Walusimbi , Sahara Badru
    The aim of the project was to produce vermicomposting from organic solid wastes using the earthworm Eisenia fetida and check the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium level of the yielded vermicompost. This study examined the potential of the E. fetida in the vermicompost of urban organic wastes. Physical and biochemical parameters were analyzed during the period of 30 days. Pre-decomposition was 10 days and subsequent vermicomposting was 25 days. The role of these species of Verm technology was found in parameters such as total nitrogen (%), available phosphorus (%), exchangeable potassium (%) and pH.
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    An alternative method for determining chloride content in alternative fuels
    (Makerere University, 2020-12) Murungi, Andrew
    The chloride determination in cement plant alternative fuels (AFs) is an essential activity that helps keep the cement quality in the target and of standard. The alternative fuels may include Coffee husks, rice husks, Gnut husks, palm kernels and saw dust. In this study, two methods were used to determine the percentage chloride content in the AFs. The two methods were compared to the existing method of using a bomb Calorimeter. The two methods included the Volhard method and the potentiometric method. Results showed that the Volhard method had limitations of time consuming and inaccuracies due to similar color changes of the filtrate before titration and the endpoint and was therefore ruled out. The potentiometric metric method was found to be suitable for the chloride determination since its deviation from the calorimetric method was less significant.
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    Aluminum recovery from waste Pharmacuetical Blister packages.
    (Makerere University., 2024-10-04) Nsubuga, Dickson
    Waste pharmaceutical blister packages (WPBs) are a source of solid waste in Uganda due to increased pharmaceutical industries and drug importation, which are composed of plastics and aluminum, therefore acting as a potential source for secondary aluminum. The structure of WPBs makes the recycling of aluminum notably more complex than typical aluminum recycling. Currently in Uganda, WBPs are disposed of as municipal solid waste; thus, aluminum is lost from the circulation during incineration. In this work, two types of WPBs were studied, each with two plastic layers and a metallic layer. Delamination of WPBs to separate aluminum and plastic(s) was investigated by using a solution of organic solvents. The effects of acetone to isopropanol ratio (0–100 vol.%) and different types of WPBs on delamination behavior were investigated. The results suggested that aluminum separation and recovery from WPBs is 100% at optimum conditions (50v/v% and 40OC) and it was found that the aluminum content was 85.61µg/g in the recovered aluminum foil which was in response with previous literature. Moreover, an overall indicative flow sheet for recovering and post-processing of segregated aluminum from the plastic was also suggested.
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    Analysing the occurrence of sunspots
    (Makerere University, 2024-12-05) Okurut, Samuel
    This study focuses on analyzing the occurrence of sunspots over a specific period to understand their temporal patterns and potential correlations with solar cycles. Using historical data, the analysis employed statistical methods to identify trends, periodicity, and anomalies in sunspot activity. The results highlight the cyclical nature of sunspot occurrence, confirming the presence of the approximately 11-year solar cycle. Additionally, the study explores the implications of sunspot activity on space weather and its broader impact on technological systems. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of solar dynamics and their significance in astrophysical and terrestrial contexts.
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    Analysis of biodiesel from the waste of sunflower cooking oil produced in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2024-08) Namugenyi, Ruth
    Biodiesel is a product from the transesterification of alcohol and vegetable oils. It is a greener alternative to petroleum diesel. Waste Cooking sunflower Oil produced in Uganda was used for biodiesel production in this study. The biodiesel was produced by transesterification process using potassium hydroxide as a catalyst. At optimal reaction conditions ( 1:5, 1hr, 60OC and 1.5%wt), a maximum biodiesel yield of 88% was achieved. Biodiesel obtained was light yellow in color. The physicochemical properties of biodiesel such as density, acid value, cetane number and iodine value were analysed, which were found to be 1.196 g/cm³, 2.85 mgKOH/g, 81.5 and 4.19 I2g/100g respectively. These properties were compared with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The acid value and density were found to deviate from ASTM limits. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of the biodiesel showed carbonyl group of an ester at 1738 cm-1 . The UV spectrum confirmed the presence of conjugated aldehydes such as 2,4 decadienal and unconjugated methylesters. The GC analysis showed that the biodiesel contained mainly of pentadecanoic acid methylesters. It also confirmed the presence of oxidation compounds such as aldehydes and ketones. In conclusion, this study presents the utilisation of waste sunflower cooking oil as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production in Uganda.
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    Analysis of energy saving potential by condensate return
    (Makerere University, 2022-10-13) Kandebe, Isaac
    Condensate is a term given to a liquid when steam loses its latent heat energy. In a heating process, when steam transfers part of its energy, known as latent heat to the process being heated, condensate is formed with a portion of energy known as sensible heat energy. Normally, the condensate temperature is the same as the steam temperature at the same working pressure. Therefore, the amount of energy content in the condensate is directly related to the condensate mass and directly related to the temperature difference between the steam and feed water. In an idealized system, all the steam produced can be returned as condensate but due to loses and leakages, about 60-70% condensate return is possible. In the past, condensate return has not been considered feasible but with increasing prices of fuel and uncertain price changes, energy saving approaches like condensate recovery in particular are a very economic and a cleaner production method. Condensate recovery also implies reduced costs during water treatment and pumping to the boiler house at the facility.
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    Analysis of galaxy spectra for purposes of morphological classification
    (Makerere University., 2023-05) Lubega, Benon
    The classification of galaxies plays a crucial role in understanding the diverse nature of the universe and its evolutionary processes. In this project, I present a comprehensive study on the classification of galaxies based on their spectra, focusing on the analysis of galaxy spectra to discern distinctive features and patterns that differentiate various galactic types. My research employs a combination of obtaining data from publicly available surveys, pre-processing, and analysis of galaxy spectra obtained from SDSS. Through careful analysis and feature extraction, I identify key spectral signatures that provide insights into the physical properties of galaxies. These spectral features encompass emission lines, absorption features, and continuum properties, which serve as valuable indicators of galactic characteristics such as star formation rates. I analysed six(6) galaxy spectra and found out that three of these galaxies are star forming and the rest were AGN using Hα, Hβ, [O II], [N II], [S II] and [O II] emission lines.
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    Analysis of magnitude-color diagrams of stellar clusters.
    (Makerere University, 2023-08-01) Sserwanga, Joseph
    The project aimed to estimate the ages of three stellar clusters (Melotte-72, Melotte-69, and Berkeley-29) through analysis of their Color-Magnitude Diagrams (CMDs) using the Turn-Off Point method with data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Age estimates were approx imately 709.2 mega years for Melotte-72 and approximately 3.18 giga years for both Melotte-69 and Berkeley-29. Since Melotte-72 is an open cluster, it’s expected to be younger than Melotte 69 and Berkeley-29 which are globular clusters.
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    Analysis of Mercury adsorption onto activated Carbon originating from cow bone.
    (Makerere University., 2023-11-05) Deng, Jok
    This project was aimed at providing a solution to significant amounts of mercury released during laboratory work through laboratory wastewater drainages to the environment. This project was however limited to studying the effectiveness of activated carbon obtained from cow bone in removing a known concentration of mercury from the waste water. The carbon was obtained from burning the bones in limited oxygen and later activated using orthophosphoric acid. The activated carbon was then soaked in this wastewater overnight to adsorb the mercury onto the activated carbon surface. The analysis was carried out using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). This implied that the cow bone-activated carbon was able to remove up to 99.9969% of the mercury concentration within this water. It was therefore concluded that activated carbon from cow bone is an alternative and environmentally friendly method of reducing pollution due to mercury.
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    Analysis of microbial and mineral content of bottled mineral water in Makerere Kikoni
    (Makerere University, 2023-01-16) Mumpe, Shallon
    Different brands of bottled mineral water have emerged following the increase in the sales of bottled mineral water around Uganda. Widespread production and consumption of inadequately processed or contaminated bottled mineral water can lead to waterborne disease outbreaks. To safeguard public health, it is important that the quality of the available bottled mineral water is periodically assessed. This study was carried out to assess the microbial and mineral water content of bottled mineral water. For the study, a total of 48 samples of different volumes ranging from 500ml to 650ml were selected. The study was guided by the research objectives: to determine the microbial content of the different bottled mineral water brands and to determine the mineral content of the different bottled mineral water brands. From the many brands of bottled mineral water being sold in Makerere kikoni, eight brands were identified and selected. Three samples for each of the eight brands of bottled mineral water were purchased from supermarkets and retail shops along sir Apollo Kaggwa road. According to the information displayed on the labels, the most listed frequently parameters were pH, Ca, Cl, Fe and Na which were found on all brands. Other listed parameters were K and Mg which were on 7 brands, Fe and TDS which were found on 6 brands, nitrate which was listed on two brands and sulphate on four brands. Different brands specified different compositions and different elements. It was found out from the results that most of the declared values of the different parameters on the bottle labels are not consistent with the actual compositions obtained. Physio-chemical parameters were analyzed for each brand in addition to the total coliform and E. coli counts. The total coliform count ranged from 0 to 18 cfu/100ml while the E. Coli count ranged from 0 to 9 cfu/100ml. Only one of the brands had pH in the range of 6.5-8.5 which is specified by UNBS. The calcium composition ranged from 1.0-15.9mg/l. It was found out that the calcium composition was below the specified value by UNBS of 150mg/l. The iron composition was found to be in the range 0.08-0.56 mg/l. Only one of the brands had a value outside the guideline value of 0.3mg/l. The range of chloride concentration of the tested brands, 3.1-29.0 mg/l was found to be within the UNBS guideline value of 250mg/l. Sodium concentration ranged from 0.6 mg/l to 66.0mg/l. This was found to be within the UNBS guideline value of 200mg/l.
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    Analysis of Naturally Occuring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in surface water in mining areas of Kasese district.
    (Makerere University, 2023-08-23) Nakiyimba, Anitah
    Mining is the process which involves extraction of minerals and geological materials from the earth. This activity may have a detrimental effect on the environment hence impact health of animals and human. The concentrations of the naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in mineral concentrates, water, soil, products increases during processing of minerals. The main aim of this study was to analyse the concentration levels of radioactivity levels of surface water in mining areas of Kasese district found Western Uganda. A total number of seventeen (17) samples were collected from surroundings of Hima, Lake Katwe, Kilembe mines and Kasese Cobalt Company Limited sampling points. The radioactivity levels were determined using the Gamma ray spectrometry, using High Pure Germanium detector. The concentrations of levels of activity of the radionuclides Ra-226, K-40 and Th-232 in the water samples were identified and measured. Gamma index, Radium equivalent, external hazard and internal hazard radiological risk parameters were therefore used to assess the radiation hazards for the radionuclide measurements analyzed in the water samples. The major nuclide in abundance was determined to be K-40 in all areas. The average activities of K-40, Th-232 and Ra-226 were found to be 4374.6 Bq/L, 170.5 Bq/L, and 290.5 Bq/L respectively. These concentrations exceeded the world UNSCEAR activities with the minimum activities of K-40, Th-232 and Ra-226 obtained at 2955.2 Bq/L from Hima A8, from Hima A8, 0 Bq/L from Hima A3, KCCL A1 and A4, 188.6 Bq/L from Hima A3 respectively. The maximum activities of K-40, Th-232, and Ra-226 were obtained at 5995.9 Bq/L from KCCL A16, 383.3Bq/L from Hima A13, 409.0 Bq/L from KCCL A16 respectively. The levels of radiation were used to measure the radiation hazard that the people living around the mining areas were exposed to which were found to be higher than ICRP limits. The results from this study will be used as reference to monitor the environmental impact of the mining activities and geology studies. According to the results of this study, mining activities and presence of various minerals in this area lead to an elevation of the radioactivity levels and radiological risk to residents in Kasese district.