School of Physical Sciences (Phys-Sciences) Collection
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ItemDesigning waste water treatment plant for Medipharm Pharmaceutical Industries (EA) Limited(Makerere University, 2023)The study was carried out at Medipharm Industries East Africa (EA) to design a waste water treatment plant (WWTP). Medipharm being a pharmaceutical industry requires clean and safe water in the manufacturing processes and doing other industrial activities hence a need to design a WWTP to supply sufficient water. Samples of waste water from Medipharm pharmaceutical industries (EA) were collected and analyzed experimentally to determine Potential of Hydrogen (PH), turbidity, color, total dissolved solids, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and others. These were done to know how much their waste is contaminated and hence design the best method for waste water treatment for the plant. After sample analysis of the waste water, the best method identified was a combination of both chemical and biological processes. Combination of these two methods generate a clear effluent with residual COD) and BOD of 640 and 125 mg/L corresponding to 95.2 and 91% respectively. Aerobic biological treatment using feed batch operation permits COD removal rate of 800mg/L and average growth yield of 0.4% of biomass/g COD. The methods identified for the waste water treatment processes were flocculation, coagulation, aeration, disinfection, clarification and filtration. The other part of the project was to develop the block diagram (Figure 2), the process flow diagram (SFigure 1), the material and energy balance (Figure 3), , design calculation and sizing some major equipment used in the plant that cover a capacity of 30,000m3/day. After carrying critical economic evaluation considering other factors like cost of equipment, capital available, location of the plant, labor, capacity of the plant and others in mind the overall process was viable because the cost of operation will be reduced and so does the local community receive treated water from the designed plant.
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ItemComparing the effect of binder on the quality of bagasse briquettes(Makerere University, 2026)Briquettes made from biomass, such as sugarcane bagasse, a by-product of sugarcane mills, is a renewable energy source. This research aimed at the production and characterisation of bagasse briquettes. The major raw material, bagasse, underwent drying, size reduction, sieving, addition of molasses and clay (binder), densification using a manual press and finally drying of the briquettes. Physical and chemical parameters investigated include density, shatter resistance, calorific value, moisture content, volatile matter, ash content and fixed carbon. The results show calorific value of bagasse was 17.29MJ/kg, cowdung-binder briquettes was 15.92MJ/kg, molasses-binder briquettes was 16.49MJ/kg. The analysis revealed a composition of 47.49% carbon, 5.133% hydrogen, 1.557% nitrogen and 45.446% oxygen. Therefore bagasse has a high calorific value and can be used for briquetting to replace fossil fuels and firewood. In addition, due to its availability, utilizing it as a fuel source has an economic advantage.
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ItemCharacterization of microplastics from wastewater treatment plants in Kampala(Makerere University, 2025)This study aimed to evaluate the presence, types, and removal efficiency of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater treatment processes at Lubigi and Bugolobi Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) in Uganda. Wastewater samples were collected from both influent and effluent points across two sampling campaigns at each plant. Microplastics were characterized based on shape, revealing that beads, fragments and fibers were the most dominant types across all samples. Quantitative analysis indicated that Bugolobi WWTP achieved consistently high MP removal efficiencies, ranging from 87.24% to 95.93%, while Lubigi WWTP exhibited a wider range of performance, from 30.99% to 94.10%. This inconsistency at Lubigi suggests possible operational fluctuations or infrastructural limitations. Supporting physicochemical analyses showed reductions in turbidity, BOD, COD, and nutrient levels between influent and effluent samples, validating the general effectiveness of the treatment processes. The findings highlight the need for improved treatment infrastructure, regular monitoring, and policy-level attention to microplastic pollution in wastewater management systems.
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ItemProduction of carbonized briquettes from candlenut shells using unripe banana peelings as the binder(Makerere University, 2025)This study investigated the fuel characteristics and performance efficiency of biomass briquettes made from carbonized candlenut shells, in combination with an organic binder derived from boiled banana peels. These peels, typically considered agro-waste, were selected for their adhesive properties and environmental sustainability. Four distinct briquette samples were formulated, each characterized by a specific binder-to-char mass ratio: 0.24, 0.50, 0.75, and 0.80, which were chosen to evaluate the effect of increasing binder concentration on various physical and combustion-related properties of the briquettes. The samples underwent a series of standardized laboratory tests to determine their calorific value, moisture content, ash content, bulk density, mechanical durability, and drop resistance. The results revealed a consistent trend whereby increasing the binder proportion generally led to a decrease in calorific value and burning rate, attributed to the relatively lower energy density of the banana peel binder compared to the carbonized candlenut shell. However, higher binder content was positively correlated with improvements in mechanical durability, cohesion, and resistance to breakage, likely due to the enhanced binding effect and increased starch and fiber content from the boiled banana peels. Among the four samples, the briquette with a binder-to-char ratio of 0.50 demonstrated the most optimal balance between thermal efficiency and physical robustness, making it the most practical choice for domestic energy applications that require moderate heat output and reasonable handling strength. On the other hand, samples with higher binder ratios (0.75 and 0.80) exhibited longer ignition times and slower burning rates, characteristics that could be advantageous in scenarios requiring sustained heat release over extended periods, such as slow cooking or space heating
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ItemA Semiliki basin field study report(Makerere University, 2025)This report presents findings from fieldwork conducted in Uganda's Semliki Basin (Albertine Graben) from 30/06/2024 to 10/07/2024, analyzing stratigraphic, sedimentologic, and structural data critical for petroleum exploration. The basin, formed by tensional tectonics, contains Middle Miocene-Recent sediments overlying Jurassic/Permo-Triassic to Early Tertiary strata unconformably deposited on Precambrian basement (granite/gneiss/amphibolite). Lithologies include variably sorted sands (white/yellow), clays, polymictic/monomictic conglomerates, and siltstones showing cyclic fluvial-deltaic (coarsening/fining upward) and lacustrine (blocky) deposition. Paleocurrent analysis (Stereonet rose diagrams) suggests braided/meandering river systems, while gypsum/iron(III) minerals indicate semi-arid conditions. Stratigraphy comprises (ascending): Kisegi, Kasande, Kakara, Oluka, Nyaburogo, Nyakabingo, and Nyabusosi Formations. Structural analysis reveals NE-SW trending basement faults/joints (minor SE-NW trend) influencing sedimentary structures (cross-bedding, unconformities, mud cracks). Sempaya Hot Springs evidence active crustal thinning, providing sufficient thermal maturity (TTI) for hydrocarbon generation in Kasande Formation source rocks, with Kisegi Formation as reservoirs. Reservoir compartmentalization by thin clays/gypsum poses production challenges, while joints facilitate migration and normal faults create traps. The basin also shows significant geothermal potential.