East African Journal Of Science, Technology and Innovation
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A novel copper wire assisted activated carbon electrode in capacitive deionization for water hardness removal
Full text linkThe need to apply electrical energy in water hardness removal technologies has led to great expenses for saline water treatment due to high energy consumption. This study presents a novel approach to capacitive deionization (CDI) using Copper Wire-Assisted Activated Carbon (CWA-AC) electrodes which offer superior water hardness removal efficiency and reduced energy consumption compared to conventional electrodes. CWA-AC electrodes were fabricated by coating activated carbon and carbon black powder onto copper wire surfaces using epoxy adhesive. They demonstrated promising capabilities in water hardness removal from both natural and simulated water. Systematic experimentation involving the variation of activated carbon weight and copper wire length achieved the optimal CWA-AC electrodes at 100 mg of activated carbon and a 5cm length of copper wire. These electrodes exhibited an impressive electrosorption capacity of 10.25 mg/g when treating a calcium chloride solution having a concentration of 80 mg/L. In practical application, the optimal CWA-AC electrodes effectively reduced the hardness of tap water from 287.9 ± 1.2 to 158.6 ± 4.2 mg/L (achieving a removal efficiency of 44.91%) while consuming the energy of 0.174 ± 0.013 kWh/m3 only. This research highlights the potential of CWA-AC electrodes in CDI for hardness removal efficiency and reduced energy consumption compared to conventional electrode designs which achieved water hardness reduction from 287.9 ± 1.2 to 196.2 ± 6.8 mg/L (a removal efficiency of 31.85%), even though consuming more energy of 0.226 ± 0.016 kWh/m3. These findings suggest a promising path for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of desalination processes using CDI
The Farmer’s Perception on the Yield Performance of the Different Rice Genotypes under Field Conditions in Tanzania
No full textThe Participatory variety selection (PVS) for salt-tolerant rice genotypes with Tongil type rice was conducted in Ndungu, Chanzuru and Magozi irrigation schemes located in different agro-ecological zones in Tanzania during the 2021/2022. The study aimed to identify high-yielding and acceptable rice genotypes through farmers\u27 selections. The experiment involved ten rice genotypes with Tongil types and two check varieties tested under saline-sodic soils. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used. Thirty farmers were invited to participate in the selection at the maturity stage before harvesting. Farmers selected three best and three poor-yielding genotypes. Genotypes Tong rt10 and Tong rt1 were selected by farmers as best genotypes in two locations, while Tong rt2, Tong rt3, Tong rt8, and SATO 1 were selected once by farmers in one location as best genotypes. No genotype was selected as best in all locations. Farmers\u27 selections ranked Tong rt9 and Tong rt7 as poor-yielding genotypes. In order to compare farmers\u27 selection and statistical results, yields of rice genotypes for each location were first analyzed independently and then combined analysis for the three locations using GenStat statistical package 15th Edition at p ≤ 0.05; Treatment means separated by Tukey\u27s 95% confidence intervals. Genotypes responded differently on salt injury; SATO 1, Tong rt 10, Tong rt 3, and Tong rt 5 scored the averages of 4 on a 1 – 9 scale, indicating that plant growth was normal, moderately tolerant to tolerant. In contrast, some genotypes scored an average of 5, indicating reduced growth and tillering, most leaves discolored, and few elongating. Other genotypes scored six (6), showing entire growth ceasing with most plants leaves dying. Based on farmers\u27 preferences, genotypes Tong rt 10 and Tong rt 1 were selected. These genotypes are recommended for future rice variety trials and development
Nutritional composition and microbial quality of Processed edible dung beetle larvae (Scarabaeus satyrus)
Full text linkThe larva of the African dung beetle (Scarabaeus satyrus) is a delicacy in human diets. This insect is presumed to be nutritious, while its safety aspects are in doubt. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional composition and microbial quality of the processed larvae using standard methods of analysis. The larvae were collected from farms in three regions of Bungoma, Kakamega and Siaya using random sampling. The samples were subjected to toasting, oven drying and roasting. A factorial arrangement was used in the study and data analysed using generalized linear models. The study focused on proximate composition of Moisture, protein, fat, fibre, and ash, elemental Mineral analysis as well as microbial content of total viable counts (TVC), Salmonella, Staphylococcus sp., Coliforms and yeasts and moulds. Results showed that S. satyrus larvae contained crude protein of 59.65 - 66.05 g/100g, crude fat (15.18-16.87 g/100g) and crude ash (4.45-4.67g/100g) on dry weight basis. The mineral Iron was the most abundant trace element with a value of 19.19mg/100g, while phosphorus was the most plentiful macro mineral with 331.42mg/100g. Salmonella sp. was not detected in any of the samples. Total viable counts, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, yeasts and moulds were present with raw samples from Bungoma County containing highest amounts of total viable counts (6.20±0.06 Log cfu/g). The roasting technique had the greatest effect of reduction of viable counts by over two log cycles to 4.15±0.05 Log cfu/g. The study showed that heat processing is effective in lowering the microbial load to levels that are safe for human consumption. These findings indicate that S. satyrus is a rich source of macro nutrients and minerals, and is recommended as an alternative protein source
Ethnobotanical Survey of Phytotherapeutic Management of Diabetes and Hypertension Diseases in Mpigi District, Uganda
Full text linkDiabetes and hypertension are escalating global health challenges, affecting over 500 million and 1.3 billion people respectively, and significantly contributing to mortality, especially in less developed regions. The prevalence of these diseases is rapidly increasing underscoring the urgent need for effective prevention, management, and treatment strategies. Various allopathic medicines have been produced but with low curative efficiency and side effects. On the other hand, medicinal plants have been a key alternative form of treatment for human ailments including diabetes and hypertension. Despite their importance, the majority of them have not been studied and documented. This study was conducted to assess the use of medicinal plants in the management of diabetes and hypertension diseases in the Mpigi district, Uganda. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with traditional herbalists followed by field visits for taxonomic classification of the plants. Data was analysed using Atlas.ti software and IBM SPSS Statistics 29 was used to calculate frequencies. Fifty-four herbalists were interviewed, and 64% of them had an experience of more than 6 years in treating diabetes and hypertension. One hundred and twenty plant species were mentioned to be used by herbalists to manage diabetes and hypertension. Forty-seven percent (47%) of these plants treat diabetes, 24% treat hypertension and 29% treat both diabetes and hypertension. These plants were distributed to 52 different families, key among them include Asteraceae, Solanaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. The most frequently used parts included leaves (38.7%) and bark (20.6%). Highly mentioned plants included Tithonia diversifolius, Aloe vera, Catharanthus roseus, Kigelia africana, Prunus africana, Momordica foetida, and Centella asiatica. Key threats and conservation strategies were also mentioned. It is concluded that traditional healing knowledge still plays a key role in managing human ailments and therefore these findings are key for the management of diabetes and hypertension and for future research in drug development.
Phosphorus reserves depletion, concentration in a single geolocation, and the likelihood of weaponization for geopolitics: a scenario analysis
Full text linkOne of the most serious issues that humanity will confront in the future is the depletion and concentration of phosphorus in a single geographical location. It is the most limiting and critical element for food production, with no natural alternatives. Because most soils are phosphorus deficient, intensive application of phosphate-based fertilizers is mandatory to boost agricultural productivity on limited farmland. More phosphorus in the form of fertilizers is needed to produce enough food to feed the booming global population; yet, much of it is lost to streams, causing eutrophication. Besides, phosphorus for fertilizer production is sourced from reserves that were predicted to deplete in less than thirty decades, with resources first concentrated in North Africa. The study aimed to examine and forecast the future reserve depletion, distribution, and the likelihood of using phosphorus as a geo-political instrument, based on the assumption that the scarcer and more unevenly distributed the resource, the more desirable it is for political weaponization. Phosphorus depletion time was calculated using the static reserve-to-production (R/P) ratio, and future resource trends were projected under varied scenarios from 2023 to 2220 using time series analysis. The study found that on average, the global reserves will take 300-400 years to deplete, while that of China and the United States reserves will be depleted by 265 and 2073, respectively. By 2100, a substantial portion of the reserves will be in North Africa, accounting for around 95% of global phosphorus reserves. In this sense North Africa will dominate the phosphorus market, making it more oligopolistic. Given its importance to survival, North Africa, like any other resource-rich country, is likely to exploit phosphorous as a geopolitical weapon, especially during times of intense resource competitio
Assessment of the influence of water quality on the primary productivity of the mtera dam, Tanzania
Full text linkMtera Dam, the largest dam in Tanzania, was built primarily for hydroelectric power generation. It also serves other potential purposes, including fishing, irrigation, and community water supply. Despite government efforts, fish production in the dam has decreased, and pollution levels have increased due to disturbances caused by anthropogenic activities. This study investigated the influence of physical and chemical water quality parameters on Mtera Dam\u27s primary productivity. Water samples were collected from three fish landing sites and each site was divided into strata I (shallower part) and strata II (Deeper part). Temperature (temp), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity (Turb), phosphate (PO43-), nitrate (NO3-), nitrite (NO2-), silicate (SiO2), and chlorophyll a (Chl-a) were measured. Most parameters fell within allowable limits, except for temperature, which exceeded them, and pH levels, which approached maximum standards (8.48±1.01) in the dry season. Measurements were as follows: pH (7.71±1.07), temp (30.64±4.17°C), DO (7.72±1.22 mg/L), TDS (120.23±11.10 mg/L), EC (239.68±22.87 µS/cm), Turb (165.37±22.59 NTU), PO43- (3.25±3.85 mg/L), NO3- (11.88±6.75 mg/L), NO2- (9.27±6.49 mg/L), SiO2 (7.72±4.09 mg/L), and Chl-a (8.08±7.03 mg/L). Physicochemical parameters exhibited significant variations across seasons and stations (p < 0.01) and showed a significant correlation with primary productivity (p < 0.01). Linear regression results indicated that physicochemical parameters positively influenced primary productivity (p < 0.01). Chl-a significantly varied between strata I and strata II in dry (4.34 ± 3.04 mg/L) and wet seasons (11.82 ± 5.04 mg/L) within a range of 1.4 mg/L to 24.42 mg/L. The study observed changes in primary productivity as water quality variables fluctuated. Therefore, implementing a more comprehensive and adaptive management approach that includes long-term, improved water quality monitoring programs is necessary
The potential of tilapia cage farming in Semi-Arid Regions: A Case of Dabalo Dam, Dodoma, Tanzania
Full text linkAquaculture offers a sustainable solution to meet the global demand for fish and enhance food security. However, in regions where conventional aquaculture faces constraints due to limited water resources and a scarcity of natural water bodies, alternative approaches are needed. This study investigated the feasibility of tilapia cage farming at Dabalo Dam in Dodoma, one of the semi-arid regions in Tanzania. The research examined the growth performance of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) over two production cycles, using different stocking densities and seed sources. The fish were reared in a rectangular iron cage for six months, and fed commercial feeds, with feeding ratios adjusted based on body weight and environmental conditions. Monthly weight and daily survival rate measurements monitored the fish growth while water quality parameters were measured intermittently. The results indicated significant growth differences between the production cycles. Cycle 2 demonstrated superior performance, with an average final weight of 395.17 ± 80.50 g, compared to 120.88 ± 0.75 g in cycle 1. Survival rates remained high in both cycles, demonstrating the fish population\u27s resilience to the prevailing environmental conditions within the dam. The study highlights that seasonal fluctuations in water quality parameters and dam depth affect farming operations, posing both challenges and opportunities. This research offers valuable information on the potential of water reservoirs to support aquaculture development and improve livelihoods in semi-arid areas. However, the success of such initiatives depends on factors such as water conditions, seed quality, and stocking density considerations
Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of Mfyome Talc-Bearing Rocks from Usagaran Belt, Tanzania: Implication for Industrial Applications
Full text linkThe Mfyome talc-bearing rocks occurrence is found in the Konse Group of the Paleoproterozoic Usagaran Belt. Despite its known occurrence, the mineralogical, geochemical, and physical properties have not been studied to ascertain its potential for industrial applications. This study, therefore, investigated the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of talc-bearing rocks in the Mfyome area to determine industrial suitability. Integration of fieldwork, petrographic studies, X-ray diffraction, and geochemical (XRF and ICP-MS) analyses were employed to comprehensively characterize them. Mineralogical studies reveal talc (average 57.5%) is the dominant mineral phase and it is associated with quartz, feldspar, muscovite, sericite, calcite and opaque minerals. This diverse range of mineral associations suggests that the protolith of the talc-bearing rocks is of sedimentary origin, particularly dolomitic carbonate rocks. The geochemical analysis indicates that the talc-bearing rocks are characterized by high SiO2 (52.93%) and MgO (36.59%) contents, with low Fe2O3 (1.15%), Al2O3 (3.12%), and CaO (0.26%). Notably, the low concentrations of Ni (40.83ppm), Co (16.74ppm), and Cr (16ppm) further support the sedimentary provenance of the talc-bearing rocks, as these trace elements are typically enriched in talc deposits of ultramafic origin. Based on the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, the talc-bearing resources are suitable for use in the manufacturing of low-loss electron ceramics, paper, plastic, and roofing and the talc-bearing rocks of “talc + chlorite” assemblages are suitable for the paint industry. It requires appropriate beneficiation to be suitable for the rubber and textiles industries. Further, its composition doesn’t meet the necessary criteria as a raw material for wall and floor tiles, electrical insulation ceramics, paints, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and refractory industries. This study provided valuable insights into the geology and industrial potential of the talc-bearing resources in the Mfyome area, which contribute to the sustainable development of the mining and manufacturing sectors in Tanzani
Stock price prediction: a comparative analysis of classical and quantum neural networks
Full text linkStock price prediction is one of the fast-growing fields, in developing countries like Tanzania it has a significant impact on investments in the public sector, private, and individual investors. The traditional prediction methods under statistical and econometric techniques cannot handle non-stationary financial time series stock data and produce accurate results. Hence, machine learning techniques are used for stock price prediction for this complex problem relying on past stock prices. This study utilizes a Long Short Term Memory neural network designed with a dropout layer, which reduces data\u27s overfitting and diffusion gradient by Rectifier Linear Unit activation. Further, a Multiple Linear Regression network with more hidden layers for additional tuning of weights for better prediction and a Variational Quantum Neural Network utilizing PennyLane and Quantum Dense libraries to run quantum circuits for prediction are considered. The results of performance predictors like the coefficient of determination, the mean square error, the mean absolute error, and the mean absolute percentage error are compared to identify the best neural network for low stock price prediction on the National Microfinance Bank and the Cooperation Rural Development Bank data of Tanzania
The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Toward Toxoplasmosis Among Community Members in Iringa Municipal, Tanzania
No full textToxoplasmosis caused by an intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, is emerging as one of the causes of morbidities and mortalities in many countries. In Tanzania, Iringa is among the regions reported to have high human cases of the disease. However, information about the risk factors for its transmission is lacking. The work explored community awareness about the disease in Iringa municipal. A cross-section study was conducted in Iringa Municipal, to assess the community knowledge, attitude, and practices associated with toxoplasmosis transmission as a basis for planning control strategies. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to selected respondents from households with complaints of rodent infestation and or keeping pigs in randomly selected wards of Iringa municipal to gather information on awareness, attitude, and practices regarding toxoplasmosis and respondent’s social demographic characteristics such as sex, age, economic activities, and level of education. A total of 143 participants were interviewed, where 63.6% and 36.4% were males and females, respectively. Of the respondents, 21% were government-employed, and 49% had attained post-secondary education. The majority of the respondents (32.2%) were of 36-45 years followed by a group of 18-25 years (23.1%). No association between disease knowledge and sex was observed, however, respondents aged 18-25 years had significantly higher knowledge compared to other age groups (p-value=0.037). The knowledge was found to increase with the level of education whereas those with the tertiary level were more knowledgeable about the disease (p <0.0001). Among the observed risky practices for disease transmission included livestock keeping, keeping cats, and unprotected handling of abortion cases in animals. The study has established inadequate knowledge about toxoplasmosis among community members and the presence of disease transmission practices risking the public health in Iringa municipal. Therefore, public health education is recommended to prevent transmission of the disease