Browsing by Author "Mwalusambo, Gabriel"

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    Ammonium removal from water using flow capacitive deionization with MgO-modified biochar derived from orange peels
    (Elsevier B.V., 2025-08-14) Mwalusambo, Gabriel ; Jande, Yusufu ; Elisadiki, Joyce ; Son,Moon ; Alfredy, Tusekile
    Ammonium (NH+4 ) in water presents substantial environmental challenges, such as eutrophication and toxicity that necessitate effective removal strategies. This study developed flow electrodes using biochar obtained from orange peels for the removal of NH+4 from water through flow capacitive deionization (FCDI). The biochar was prepared through carbonization and modification with MgO at varying ratios using the co-precipitation method. The modified biochar exhibited highhydrophilicity and demonstrated a specific capacitance of 238 F g− 1.The FCDI process was optimized at an applied voltage of 1.2 V, an electrode flow rate of 10 mL min− 1 and a 2.5 wt% carbon content in the flow electrode. The modified flow electrodes showed effective performance, attaining an average NH+4 removal rate of 17.3 mg m− 2 min− 1, removal efficiency of 86.7 % and retention of 91.3 % after 30 cycles. Notably, the modified MgO flow electrode resulted in approximately 62 % reduction in energy con sumption during electrosorption compared to pristine biochar, indicating advantages emanating from reduced solution and charge transfer resistances. Experiments with simulated municipal wastewater confirmed the modified electrode's superior ability, consistent stability over multiple cycles, and selectivity in NH+4 removal. This study highlights the efficacy of the developed flow electrodes for FCDI systems, offering a straightforward electrode synthesis method and effective NH+4 removal
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    High-performance eco-concrete beams with calcined montmorillonite, metakaolin pyrolyzed coffee grounds, and hybrid fibers for enhanced bending strength and microstructural refinement
    (PLOS One, 2026-03-05) Hepautwa, Amani; Hilonga, Askwar; Mrosso, Register; Alfredy, Tusekile; Mwalusambo, Gabriel; Lesafi, Fina; Chande, Yusufu
    This study investigates the flexural performance and microstructural evolution of reinforced concrete beams incorporating calcined montmorillonite (CMMT), metakaolin (MK), pyrolyzed coffee grounds (PCG), and hybrid fibers (steel or banana) as sustainable partial replacements for natural sand and cementitious binders. The replacement levels—12.5% SCM (CMMT or MK) and 15% PCG—were selected based on preliminary optimization trials and evidence from prior studies that identify these ranges as the threshold at which pozzolanic reactivity, workability, and particle packing achieve maximum benefit without compromising matrix integrity. Thirteen mix groups and a control beam were cast and tested under four-point bending, with three replicates per group. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05) confirmed significant differences in peak load, stiffness, ductility, and energy absorption across mixes (p < 0.05). Beams containing CMMT and 1.5% steel fibers achieved the highest flexural capacity, exhibiting a 92–105% increase in ultimate load relative to the control, while mixes with 1.0% banana fibers demonstrated the greatest ductility and post-cracking deformation capacity. Improvements in stiffness (up to 68%) and energy absorption (up to 120%) were closely linked to microstructural refinement observed through XRD and SEM. Quantitative indicators—including a 22–34% reduction in portlandite peak intensity, an increase in amorphous C–S–H content, and visibly compacted interfacial transition zones—corroborated the enhanced matrix densification induced by CMMT and PCG.The combined use of PCG, CMMT, and natural/steel fibers significantly reduced reliance on natural sand and cement while improving structural performance, demonstrating a viable pathway for developing high-performance eco-concretes for structural applications. Although direct durability tests were not conducted, the observed microstructural densification suggests potential improvements in long-term resistance to moisture and chloride ingress, warranting further research.
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    Mechanical and physical properties of steel fibers and banana fibers.
    (PLOS One, 2026-03-05) Hepautwa, Amani; Hilonga, Askwar; Mrosso, Register; Tusekile Alfredy; Mwalusambo, Gabriel; Lesafi, Fina; Jande, Yusufu
    Mechanical and physical properties of steel fibers and banana fibers.