http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/349 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 02:04:39 GMT 2026-04-04T02:04:39Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4669 Development of magnetite zeolite nanocomposite for sustainable crude oil spill remediation Kobusinge, Irene Oil spills pose a significant threat to both marine and freshwater ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, public health, and socio-economic stability. Uganda, poised to commence commercial oil production by 2026 through the Tilenga and Kingfisher projects with an estimated output of 6.5 million barrels per day, faces heightened risks of environmental contamination—particularly in ecologically sensitive areas such as the Albertine Graben. Traditional oil spill remediation methods often prove inefficient, recovering only a small fraction of spilled oil, thereby necessitating the development of more effective and sustainable alternatives. This research investigated the effectiveness of magnetite-zeolite nanocomposites as an environmentally friendly, reusable adsorbent for crude oil spill remediation in Uganda. The nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized using several techniques, alongside adsorption isotherm studies. These analyses provided detailed insights into the material’s surface morphology, structural integrity, chemical composition, and functional group interactions. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted under varying operational conditions such as contact time, initial oil concentration, and adsorbent dosage (Eskandari et al., 2018) to evaluate the nanocomposite’s performance in terms of adsorption capacity, removal efficiency. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to statistically optimize the process parameters using Central Composite Design (CCD) in Design Expert software and graphs drawn with origin pro software. The results demonstrated that the magnetite-zeolite nanocomposite exhibited high adsorption efficiency, magnetic recoverability, validating its potential for large-scale application in oil spill response strategies with 93% removal efficiency after Optimisation. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable oil spill remediation technologies and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 14 by offering an innovative and context-specific solution to Uganda’s oil pollution challenges. Dissertation Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4669 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4668 Investigation of pectin-based adhesive from sweet potato residues for enhanced binding of nonwoven fabrics. Akello, Winnie The growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly adhesives in the textile industry has highlighted the need to explore natural alternatives to synthetic, petroleum-based adhesives. This project investigated the effectiveness of pectin-based adhesive from sweet potato residues for binding nonwoven textile materials. Sweet potato peel, an abundant agricultural byproduct in Uganda is under-utilized and yet can be used as a low-cost source of pectin. The study focuses on three main objectives: optimizing the pectin extraction process, characterizing the chemical properties of the extracted pectin and evaluating its adhesive performance in binding nonwoven fibers. The use of Response Surface Methodology to optimize the extraction parameters mainly extraction time and extraction temperatures using Composed Composite design experiment consisting of 32 runs was employed to determine pectin yield as the response with hydrochloric acid as the extraction solvent. The pH of the extraction solvent was kept constant at 1.5. This was followed by modifying the adhesion of the extracted pectin using calcium chloride as a crosslinking agent and glycerol as plasticizer. Both modified and unmodified extracted pectin sample was analyzed on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (for functional group and degree of esterification) which are very crucial for adhesive properties. The adhesive’s binding strength, thermal stability and water resistance tests were carried out to assess the suitability for textile applications. These properties were conducted on nonwoven cotton fabrics as hygienic nonwoven fabrics. Results from this study demonstrated the potential of sweet potato derived pectin as a renewable, environmentally friendly adhesive contributing to sustainable development in the textile industry Dissertation Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4668 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4610 Investigation of the impact of polyethylene terephthalate powder and graphite materials on water absorption, mechanical and rheological properties of concrete Nancy, Auma This study investigated the impact of incorporating Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) powder and graphite nanomaterials on the concrete’s water absorption, mechanical and rheological properties. The primary objective was to evaluate how these materials, when used as a partial replacement for cement, influence concrete performance. After characterization, the PET-NANO material was found to be highly crystalline (86.6%). A series of concrete mixes were produced based on a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) design, with varying percentages of nano-sized PET and graphite (from 0% to 5%). Results showed that the inclusion of nano-sized PET and graphite materials generally reduced the slump of the concrete mixes. However, an optimal mix containing 3% PET and 1% graphite demonstrated a significant enhancement in mechanical properties compared to the control mix at 28 days, compressive strength increased by 6.04%, flexural strength by 34%, and tensile splitting strength by 2.7%. This optimal mix also exhibited a 9% reduction in water absorption. Conversely, replacement levels above 3% and using larger particle sizes (1.18mm and 2.36mm) caused a significant deterioration in all measured properties. The study concluded that adding a low percentage of nano-sized PET and graphite enhanced concrete’s strength, but the particle size and replacement percentage are critical factors. Dissertation Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4610 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4597 Development of a PET - concrete culvert using PET aggregates and stone aggregates Naliko, Issa The study which is entitled as Development of a PET- Concrete Culvert using PET Aggregates and Stone Aggregates was carried out to investigate the possible applicability of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste as a substitution of natural aggregates in the production of concrete culverts. The situation of plastic waste being a significant environmental issue in Uganda has overwhelmed the drainage systems, a reduction in the capacity of landfills, and urban flooding. In the meantime, the escalating price and availability of natural aggregates have raised the price of construction materials which have demanded the need to have sustainable alternatives and cost-effective materials. This research therefore aimed to come up with a PET-concrete culvert, which can be described as partially replacing coarse stone aggregates with PET aggregates, characterize the materials, develop the optimum mix design and test and simulate the structural performance of the culvert using the experimental testing method and using finite element modeling method. In the study, the researcher adopted experimental design approach with the sample being PET agglomerates of recycled beverage bottles (Rwenzori, Pepsi and Coca-Cola) and mineral agglomerates of Namagumba quarry and River Malaba. Laboratory tests were done in the Busitema University and ministry of works and transport laboratories. The water to cement ratio was at its optimum level of 0.45. Culvert structural behavior was simulated and modeled in the COMSOL Multiphysics software. Findings demonstrated that the PET aggregates and mixes with 1.0% replacement with PET had good chemical and physical properties, and a mix with 1.0 percent PET replacement had higher compressive strength of the mix at 28 days than the control samples. The further evidence of the analysis of the finite elements was the increased ductility, deformability, and the ability to absorb energy in the best proportion of PET. The study has found that flexural performance of concrete may be improved and sustainable waste management provided by use of PET aggregates. Nevertheless, PET in excess of 1.0% has a great impact on lowering strength. PET-concrete has been suggested to be used in those types of structures that do not depend on tension like culverts, pavements, and wall panels. Future studies need to be aimed at determining the long-term stability and chemical resistance of PET-modified concrete subjects to different environmental environments. Dissertation Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4597 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z