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Item Optimizing future cropland allocation in a biodiverse savanna by integrating agricultural benefits and ecological costs(Springer Nature, 2025-10-17) Song, Lei; Frazier, Amy; Crawford, Christopher; Estes, Anna; Estes, LyndonContext Producing sufficient food to meet a growing population while minimizing the ecological impacts of agricultural expansion is a major global challenge, particularly in biodiverse regions where cropland development threatens ecological integrity. Tanzania exemplifies this tension, as efforts to meet food security goals often conflict with the conservation of its rich ecosystems. Objectives We aimed to optimize the spatial allocation of future cropland to balance agricultural productivity with key ecological objectives. Additionally, we evaluated alternative strategies for meeting future food demands, such as increasing cropland usage intensity and expanding high-yield crops, to reduce pressure for further cropland expansion. Methods We developed a spatially explicit trade-off model that linearly aggregates multiple land use objectives using flexibly assigned weights. The model integrates crop yield potential (for maize, paddy rice, sorghum, cassava, and common beans), travel time to markets, and ecological costs related to biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and landscape connectivity. We applied the model to Tanzania to identify optimal areas for cropland expansion under a range of decision-making solutions and agricultural development scenarios. Results Our analysis revealed that incorporating more decision-making factors, even with modest weights, yields greater overall benefits than emphasizing fewer objectives. Compared to a yield-only strategy, a hybrid strategy that equally weighs agricultural and ecological priorities reduced travel time to markets by 25.4%, biodiversity loss by 1.4%, carbon loss by 0.8%, and connectivity loss by 27.5%, while requiring only 2.6% more land. Additionally, increasing cropland area usage intensity and expanding the cultivation of high-yield crops can effectively boost food production, with the potential to double the current production using existing cropland alone. Conclusions Our findings highlight the potential of spatially optimized, multi-objective planning to reconcile food production with ecological conservation at the landscape scale. By explicitly quantifying trade-offs and synergies among competing objectives, this approach offers a flexible and transferable framework for sustainable landscape planning in other ecologically sensitive agricultural frontiers.Item Mechanical, chemical performance, and microstructural behavior of montmorillonite-burnt red soil bricks incorporating coffee ash biochar(Science Publishing Group, 2025-10-17) Hepautwa, Amani; Jande, YusufuThis paper investigates the application of circular economy principles by recycling spent coffee grounds (SCG) to produce coffee ash biochar (CAB), which is then used in the creation of burnt red soil bricks (BRSB) fired at temperatures between 900 °C and 1,100 °C, with 10% Montmorillonite as an additive (Al-Hasani, 2024; Cano and Reyes-Vallejo and Sánchez-Albores and Sebastian and Cruz-Salomón and d. Hernández-Cruz and et al., Sustainability, 2025, 17(1), 99; Chop, Investigation of Coal Combustion Residuals for Ceramic Applications and Production, 2024; Chung et al., Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2021, 12, 6273–6291; George, Electrical and mechanical characteristics of carbonaceous composites, 2023; Goswami and Kushwaha and Kafle and Kim, Catalysts, 2022, 12(8), 817). Comprehensive comparisons were made using coffee ash pyrolyzed at temperatures of 300 °C, 350 °C, and 500 °C, as substitutes for red soil at replacement levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The results indicated a decreasing trend in the mechanical properties of the burnt red soil bricks with increasing coffee ash content. Under optimal water-cement (w/c) ratios, the compressive strength (CS) of red soil bricks containing 5% SCG increased by 49.7% compared to the control when pyrolyzed at 350 °C. For bricks with 10% SCG, compressive strength improved by 53.5%, while flexural strength (FS) increased by 66.1% and splitting tensile strength (TS) rose by 38.4% when pyrolyzed at 300 °C. Additionally, the study found significant reductions in water, chloride, and sulfur penetration by 41.5%, 44.4%, and 34.3%, respectively, indicating improved durability and resistance to environmental factors. The water permeability coefficient remained relatively consistent across samples. This innovative approach addresses the disposal challenges of spent coffee grounds while benefiting both the economy and the environment. This study demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating SCG into burnt red soil bricks and examines the impact of SCG on their performance. Experimental results were analyzed through range analysis and analysis of variance to identify optimal combinations for varying performance requirements. Microstructural evaluations were performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) techniques (Singh and Patel, Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 2025, 27(1), 170–192). These analyses provided insights into the structural integrity and bonding mechanisms within the composite materials. The findings suggest that SCG pyrolyzed at 300 °C and 350 °C, particularly at a 10% and 5% replacement level, delivers the best mechanical and chemical performance (Hanfi and Saftah and Alsufyani and Alqahtani and Mahmoud, Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2025, 226; Mohammed and Joy and Zahid and Rafid, Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 2025, 37(5)). The study highlights the environmental benefits of using spent coffee grounds (SCG) in red soil brick manufacturing, reducing landfill waste and carbon emissions. This approach promotes resource efficiency and sustainable construction. Future work will focus on durability and scalability for industrial applications. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACTItem Addressing Pesticide-Related Suicides in Low-Income Countries: A cross-sectional study in Tanzania.(Research Square, 2025-10-21) Mwezi, Raphael; Bukalasa, Joseph; Otieno, Fredrick; Kombo, Rosevera; Ochola, Grivin; Muro, Florida; Honest, Anicet; Urasa, Sarah; Davis, Mark; Eddleston, Michael; Dekker, Marieke; Howlett, William; Vianney, John – MaryIntroduction: Pesticides are a signi cant cause of poisoning tragically also leading to suicides globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where agriculture is a primary livelihood. In 2019, the global suicide rate was 9.0 per 100,000, with pesticide self-poisoning representing a major method of suicide in LMICs which have substantial parts of the population depending on agriculture for their income, particularly in Africa. This study aims to assess the status of pesticide poisoning and suicide in Tanzania, addressing gaps in treatment, management, and reporting. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in ve regions of Tanzania—Mwanza, Iringa, Kilimanjaro, Morogoro, and Arusha—known for intensive agricultural activities. Data from Regional Referral and District Hospitals were reviewed for con rmed pesticide poisoning cases from January 2017 to November 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed reported cases, while unreported and unrelated poisonings were excluded. A comprehensive record review was undertaken, collecting demographic, clinical, and treatment information. Results and discussion The analysis revealed 636 reported cases of pesticide poisoning, with Mwanza accounting for 31.8% of incidents. Males constituted approximately 63.5% of the cases, and the majority (64.9%) were intentional exposures, often linked to suicide attempts. Organophosphates were identi ed as the most common pesticide agents, responsible for 34% of cases. The ndings highlighted regional disparities, with signi cant variations in poisoning rates correlating with agricultural practices and socio-economic factors. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted preventive action interventions in Tanzania. Mental health support and regulatory measures to restrict access to highly hazardous pesticides are crucial. Education on safe pesticide handling can mitigate both intentional and unintentional poisonings. The ndings align with global trends, emphasizing the importance of understanding local contexts to develop effective public health strategies. Conclusion Pesticide poisoning remains a critical public health issue in the largely agricultural society of Tanzania, necessitating comprehensive approaches to regulation, education, and mental health support. Addressing the multifaceted causes of pesticide-related suicides will contribute to improved health outcomes and align with sustainable development goals.Item rsenic removal from water using capacitive deionization electrode materials derived from Moringa oleifera seeds(SAGE Publications, 2025-12-23) Mwangesi, Magdalena; Machunda, Revocatus L.; Jande,Yusufu Abeid ChandeLow-cost activated carbon electrodes derived from Moringa oleifera seeds were developed for the efficient removal of Arsenic from contaminated water by capacitive deionization (CDI). The elec-trodes were synthesized using a carbon slurry composed of Moringa oleifera powder (MOP), poly(vinylidene fluoride), and carbon black. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the surface morphology. In contrast, their electrochemical properties, including capacitance and electrical conductivity, were analyzed through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The capacitance values, as determined from CV and EIS measure- ments, were 201.3 Fg−1 and 122.62 Fg−1 for MOP (MOP-1:1 and MOP-1:2), respectively. The Arsenic removal efficiency was evaluated under optimized electrochemical conditions, achieving an efficiency of 89.38% when treating a 100 mg/L arsenite solution at an applied voltage of 1.2 V and pH 9. These findings highlight the potential of Moringa oleifera seeds-derived carbonelectrodes as sustainable, cost-effective materials for Arsenic removal through CDI.Item Universal Characteristics of Landfill Leachate Generated from Food and Organic Wastes(Science publishing group, 2025-10-28) Aluvihara,Suresh; Pestano-Gupta, Ferial; Omar, Mohammad Hamid; Hilonga, AskwarThe management of municipal solid waste (MSW) containing significant fractions of food and organic matter presents critical challenges, primarily due to the potent and dynamically evolving nature of the resultant landfill leachate. This study addresses the persistent variability observed in leachate composition across diverse geopolitical regions, which often complicates the design and optimization of robust treatment systems, leading to inefficient resource expenditure and environmental non compliance. Utilizing a comprehensive, comparative meta-analysis of leachate data derived exclusively from anaerobic decomposition phases of high-organic-content landfills globally, this research aimed to delineate the foundational physicochemical parameters that exhibit universal consistency, irrespective of confounding site-specific operational or climatic factors. This methodological approach involved the rigorous standardization and statistical integration of analytical metrics sourced from over fifty operational and closed landfill sites across four continents, focusing specifically on early to intermediate decomposition stages where the high initial organic loading remains the principal driver of chemical composition. The analysis conclusively identified several quantitative and qualitative characteristics intrinsic to high-organic-waste leachate that transcend geographic location or specific waste input details. Notably, a consistently high average BOD/COD ratio (ranging strictly from 0.45 to 0.70) was established as a definitive marker during the early acidogenic and intermediate methanogenic phases, signifying substantial initial biodegradability driven by massive concentrations of short-chain volatile fatty acids (VFAs), primarily acetic and propionic acid. Furthermore, ammonia nitrogen concentrations consistently ranked as the predominant inorganic constituent, often correlating directly with the initial protein input and exhibiting extreme resistance to conventional biological removal due to frequent co-occurrence with inhibitory high salinity levels. These findings collectively underscore the critical need for standardized pre-treatment strategies that specifically target VFA neutralization, recalcitrant ammonia stripping, and management of extremely high organic loading, offering a foundational, universal baseline for engineering design across disparate organic waste disposal scenarios.Item Cost-Effective Materials and Technologies for the Removals of Metals and Heavy Metals from Leachate(Science publishing group, 2025-10-11) Aluvihara,Suresh; Pestano-Gupta,Ferial; Hilonga,AskwarLandfill leachate, a highly complex and toxic wastewater, which poses significant environmental and public health risks due to its heavy metal content. The ubiquitous presence of toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and chromium in leachate poses significant environmental and health risks, necessitating efficient and economical remediation strategies. Traditional methods, while effective, can be prohibitively expensive, especially for large-scale operations or in regions with limited financial resources. Consequently, there is a growing imperative to identify and implement treatment solutions that balance efficacy with affordability. This includes exploring the potential of widely available and low-cost adsorbents like agricultural by-products (e.g., rice husks, banana peels, sawdust), industrial wastes (e.g., fly ash, blast furnace slag), and natural minerals (e.g., zeolites, clays). Furthermore, innovative technologies such as constructed wetlands, bio-sorption using specific microbial communities, and electrochemical methods utilizing inexpensive electrodes are being investigated for their economic viability and environmental sustainability. The overarching goal is to develop practical, scalable, and cost-efficient approaches to mitigate metal pollution from leachate, thereby safeguarding water resources and public health. The focus on cost-effectiveness is intrinsically linked to the principles of sustainable waste management. Leachate treatment often represents a significant operational cost for landfill operators, and the economic burden can impede the adoption of necessary environmental protection measures. Therefore, research into low-cost materials and technologies is paramount. This abstract will critically review the performance of various cost-effective adsorbents, considering their adsorption capacity, selectivity for specific metals, regeneration potential, and operational stability. It will also delve into the technological aspects of implementing these solutions, evaluating factors such as energy consumption, land footprint, and ease of operation and maintenance. The integration of these affordable materials and technologies into existing leachate management infrastructure is explored, with an emphasis on their potential to reduce overall treatment costs and enhance the long-term sustainability of landfill operations. By highlighting these economically viable options, this work aims to provide a comprehensive overview for researchers, engineers, and policymakers seeking practical solutions for effective and affordable heavy metal removal from leachate.Item Development of persulfate-treated bone char for efficient fluoride adsorption in aqueous media: kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamic studies(Springer Nature, 2026-01-08) Ibrahim, Mohamed; Akinropo, Oyetade; Mouhamadou, Sali; Nikiforov, Anton; Leys, Christophe; Sadou, Dalhatou; Hilonga, AskwarEndemic fluorosis in human skeletal frameworks is caused by drinking water with a high amount of fluoride ions (F−). Addressing the challenge necessitates the development of a high-performance adsorbent for F− removal in aqueous media. Thus, the current study evaluates the performance of BC associated with persulfate (PS) for F− removal for the first time (BC/PS system). The adsorption performance of the BC/PS system was tested at 10 mg/L initial concentration and pH = 7 while varying the contact time (1–5 min). Additionally, a persulfate-treated BC (BC-PS) was prepared and tested for F− adsorption. The modified adsorbent (BC-PS) was characterized to evaluate the morphology, surface area, surface functional groups and chemical composition materials. The BC/PS system showed significantly higher F⁻ removal efficiency (52.1% to 86.63%) compared to BC alone (22.23% to 42.93%) under 1 and 5 min contact time. The observed effect was mainly attributed to the acidification properties of BC/PS system due to the release of H+ during the adsorption process. Also, BC-PS adsorbent exhibited almost twice the sorption capacity (15.981 mg/g) as compared to 9.037 mg/g of BC for F− removal. The isotherm model reveals that the process follows Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.999) with process kinetics defined by a pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.996). Thermodynamic analysis of F− adsorption on BC-PS indicates an endothermic physisorption (∆H° = 1.70 kJ/mol) and non- spontaneous (∆G° ˃ 0) process. Overall, the study revealed that PS treatment of BC can enhance the adsorption efficiency of the absorbent, making it a sustainable sorbent alternative.Item Investigating cultivation, application and valueadded products of mushrooms and truffles: a review(Springer Nature, 2026-01-07) Adeeyo, Adeyemi; Oluwaseun, Ishola; Mercy, Alabi; Joshua, Oyetade; Adijat, Ogundola; Titus, Msagati; Eduard StamMushrooms and truffles are types of fungi rich in bioactive compounds with incredible industrial, nutritional and medical importance. However, they remain underutilised and call for evaluation of new perspectives on the sustainable cultivation and exploration of cutting-edge applications in the areas of nutrition, medicine, dietary, and the production of industrial enzymes. This study aimed at the development of value-added products from these fungi with vast uniqueness in nutrition, medicine and in biofuel production while underscoring their mycoremediation potential. The review presented mushrooms and truffles with a unique cultivation approach for their sustainable growth, while reporting an appreciable energy value of 772 Kcal/Kg of mushrooms, especially for Lentinus edodes. Also, the study revealed vital bioactive isolates such as ceramides, lentinan, fatty acids, carotenoids, resveratrol, minerals, vitamins and protein, accounting for their nutritional benefits, especially in minerals, vitamins and proteins. The pharmacological potentials such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer of these microorganisms were explored. These appreciable benefits have informed various applications in nutritional, medicinal and cosmetic products. Also, the study reported the mycoremediation activity of these microorganisms, especially for heavy metals and hydrocarbon-based pollutants. It further presents their application in biofuel production, with emphasis on green fuel alternatives apart from various derived industrial enzymes. Thus, the report presents the need for growth, sustainability and effective utilization of the fungi bioactive compounds in biotechnological and industrial applications.Item Multimedia assessment of heavy metal pollution and health risks in a riverine agro-mining landscape(Springer Nature, 2025-01-05) Kadala, Charles; Rwiza, Mwemezi J; Mwaijengo, Grite; Sawe, Shovi; Mataba, GordianHeavy metal pollution in agro-mining zones threatens ecosystems and human health through bioaccumulation and food-chain transfer. This study assessed heavy metal pollution and associated health risks in the Likuyu River catchment by measuring concentrations of zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb). During the rainy season, samples of water, sediment, soil, and locally cultivated vegetables were systematically collected along a 22.7 km stretch of the river. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), providing a multi-media view of contamination and exposure pathways. Although water showed low ionic concentrations, Cd exceeded the WHO limit (0.01 mg/L). Sediments revealed elevated Zn at Site A (108.0 mg/kg) and Ni at Site E (35.97 mg/kg), with Ni surpassing the threshold effect concentration (TEC) of 22.7 mg/kg. However, overall sediment pollution was low: Zn enrichment was slight (CF = 1.14), and a negative Igeo with PLI < 1 indicated unpolluted conditions. Soil from Site D had Ni at 107.2 mg/kg, exceeding the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) limits, with CF = 1.58 and Igeo = + 0.07, indicating moderate pollution. Other sites showed CF < 1, negative Igeo, and low PLI, reflecting minimal contamination. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) and Napa cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt) accumulated high levels of Ni and Pb, with Pb exceeding the Codex Alimentarius limits and Ni surpassing the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) limits. Bioaccumulation was evident (BAF > 1), and health indices indicated noncarcinogenic (HI > 1) and carcinogenic risks (CR > 10⁻4), especially in cowpea (CR = 0.347). Elevated Ni and Pb in soils and vegetables indicated localized exposure risks, highlighting the need for targeted monitoring, informed vegetable selection, and coordinated mitigation in agro-mining areas.Item Fossil evidence for trait diversification in an adaptive radiation(Springer Nature Limited, 2025-11-05) Ngoepe, Nare; Mwaiko, Salome; Kishe, Mary; Wienhues, Giulia; Temoltzin-Loranca, Yunuén; King, Leighton; Mustaphi, Colin; Grosjean, Martin; Tinner, Willy; Matthews, BlakeAdaptive radiation is an important process for the origin of functional and ecological biodiversity. Understanding how, when, and why adaptive radiations occur is a long-standing interest in evolutionary ecology. Although many adaptive radiations have been studied, few studies resolved the temporal sequence of events during adaptive radiation. Here, we assembled a continuous record of tooth fossils of Lake Victoria’s haplochromine cichlid fish, the most rapid and youngest of the classical adaptive radiations, from sediment cores extending from lake refilling ~ 17 thousand years ago to the present. We use these fossil records to reconstruct ecomorphological temporal patterns in the unfolding of this adaptive radiation. Our results reveal a rapid expansion in morphospace, from an undiverse ancestral condition, within the first three millennia after the onset of the modern lake. Comparison with modern cichlid teeth suggests that large-scale diversification across the food web emerged within these first three millennia. We detect a clear signal of an evolutionary trend from trophic generalists to specialists, but we also show that generalists persisted amid the growing radiation of specialists. Altogether, this pattern confirms the unusual evolutionary potential of the Lake Victoria hybrid lineage of haplochromine cichlids that seeded the radiation and the unusual speed with which the adaptive radiation occurred.Item Assessment of water-soluble fluoride contamination in cultivated and uncultivated soils along the slopes of Mount Meru, Tanzania(Springer Nature, 2025-11-06) Edward, Erick; Moirana, Ruth; Mwema, Mwema; Mtei, KelvinFluoride contamination has become a growing concern worldwide, including in Tanzania, due to its potential health impacts. This study examined the levels and spatial distribution of water-soluble fluoride (WSF) along the slopes of Mount Meru, comparing cultivated and uncultivated soils. Soil samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory following standard soil analysis procedures. The findings revealed that WSF concentrations in cultivated soils ranged from 11.9 to 366 mg/kg, while uncultivated soils ranged from 3.11 to 119.33 mg/kg. Notably, about 93.3% of the topsoil in cultivated areas exceeded the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guideline of 16.44 mg/kg for fluoride in the soil, whereas only 6.67% of uncultivated topsoils surpassed this limit. In the subsoil, 96.67% of cultivated areas exceeded the FAO threshold, compared to 25% in uncultivated areas. The significant differences in WSF levels between these soil types highlight the potential risks associated with agricultural practices, particularly the overuse of agrochemicals and irrigation with fluoride-contaminated water. Addressing these concerns is essential for maintaining soil health and safeguarding food safety. The elevated WSF in cultivated soils is sufficient for plant uptake, potentially accumulating in edible parts and entering the food chain. These results provide critical insights for policymakers, farmers, and public health authorities regarding agrochemical management, contributing to strategies for sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental health in fluoride-affected regions.Item Reinforcement efficiency of sisal fibres in composites for structural applications(Elsevier B.V., 2025-07-29) Ansbert, Clemence; Machunda, Revocatus; Madsen, BoComposites made up of natural fibres in a polymer matrix have gained extensive attention due to their environmentally sustainability and good mechanical properties. This is a fundamental study of sisal technical fibres and their reinforcement efficiency. Sisal technical fibres from three harvest times groups have been used for manufacturing of composites with aligned fibres and varying volumetric composition. Based on microscopy of composite cross-sections, the sisal technical fibres were found to consist of about 50 – 200 single fibres with cross-sectional area of 143 ± 57 µm2 and lumen content of 23 ± 9 %. The polymer matrix was found to be able to flow into the lumen of the single fibres, resulting in composites with a relative low porosity content. The volumetric composition of the composites is found to be well predicted using the established fibre and matrix correlated porosity factors. Stiffness and failure stress of the composites were measured in the ranges 6 – 15 GPa and 80 – 220 MPa, respectively. By using micromechanical models, the reinforcement efficiency of the sisal technical fibres was found to be the same for the three harvest times groups, with an overall fibre stiffness of 56 GPa. Based on the used models, stiffness and specific stiffness of the sisal fibre composites were compared with other fibre composites. The predicted maximum specific stiffness of 3.4 GPa0.5 g−1 cm3 for the sisal fibre composites is comparable to other fibre composites, which shows the good potential for using sisal fibres in composites for structural applications.Item Eco-friendly vegetable leather dyeing using green and sustainable natural dye from Lannea schweinfurthii(John Wiley & Sons, 2025-09-15) Kalangali, Vaileth; Kanth, Swarna; Njau, Karoli; China, CeciliaBecause of the hazardous effluent load of synthetic dyes, the global community is seeking the inclusion of natural dyes in various fields. Lannea schweinfurthii, widely cultivated in northern Tanzania, offers a promising natural dye source because its stem bark is rich in coloured phytochemicals. This study focused on extracting an organic dye from the stem bark of Lannea schweinfurthii using solvent extraction assisted by a magnetic stirrer and applying it to dye vegetable-tanned leather. The influence of extraction temperature (40, 60, 80°C), time (10, 35, 60 minutes) and stem bark powder concentration (0.02, 0.06, 0.1 g/mL) were optimised using response surface methodology with a Box–Behnken Design. Under optimised conditions of 0.1 g/mL concentration, 43 minutes and 77°C, a maximum absorbance of 4.9 was achieved. At these conditions, the desirability function of 1.000, which indicates the optimal performance, was attained. Fourier Transform–infrared analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins and their derivatives. Also, a zeta potential of −1.36 was recorded. The dyeing process was conducted with and without mordant. The premordanting technique was followed using 2% (on weight of leather) of potassium aluminium sulphate, copper sulphate and ferrous sulphate as mordants. The dyed samples exhibited various colour shades with good colour fastness, enhanced colour intensity and notable antimicrobial properties. Therefore, dyeing using the stem bark of Lannea schweinfurthii represents a major step toward the eco-friendly fabrication of leather products.Item Eco-friendly and Cost-effective Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment Technologies: A Review(Science Publishing Group, 2025-09-11) Aluvihara, Suresh; Alam, Syed; Omar, Mohammad; Hilonga, Askwar; Zaryab, Abdulhalim; Sadeg, SalehThe escalating global water crisis, driven by population growth, industrialization, and climate change, necessitates urgent advancements in sustainable water and wastewater treatment. Conventional treatment paradigms, while effective, often entail significant operational expenses due to high energy demands, intensive chemical consumption, and complex infrastructure requirements, leading to substantial environmental footprints and making them financially prohibitive for many communities, particularly in developing regions. This abstract critically examines the imperative for shifting towards eco-friendly and economically viable treatment technologies that mitigate these challenges. It explores the inherent limitations of traditional methods, which frequently generate considerable sludge volumes requiring further management and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, thereby underscoring the pressing need for innovative solutions that prioritize both environmental stewardship and financial accessibility in securing global water resources. This paper reviews a range of emerging eco-friendly and cost-effective technologies poised to revolutionize water and wastewater management. We delve into advanced biological processes such as anaerobic membrane bioreactors and integrated fixed-film activated sludge systems, which promise reduced energy consumption and enhanced contaminant removal, alongside nature-based solutions like constructed wetlands and phytoremediation, lauded for their low operational costs and ecological benefits. Furthermore, the abstract considers innovative hybrid systems, resource recovery approaches that transform wastewater into valuable products (e.g., energy, nutrients), and decentralized treatment options designed for adaptability and scalability. These technologies offer compelling advantages, including minimized chemical usage, lower energy footprints, reduced infrastructure costs, and a substantial decrease in sludge generation, making them particularly attractive for achieving sustainable urban and rural water security. The integration of these solutions holds significant potential to enhance resilience against water stress, promote circular economy principles, and ensure equitable access to clean water globally.Item Cellulose extraction from Venezuelan treebine and fabrication of cellulose-based superabsorbent polymers: Characterization and water absorption analysis(Springer Nature, 2025-11-23) Oyetade, Joshua; Nason, Abigail; Mulimi, Lilian; Adeeyo, Adeyemi; Machunda, RevocatusThe non-biodegradability and environmental persistence of conventional superabsorbent polymers led to the development of biodegradable cellulose-based SAPs (CB-SAPs) via the amalgamation of extracted cellulose from Venezuelan treebine, coupled in situ with polyacrylic acid. The methods investigated cellulose loadings (0.5–2.5 wt%) with initiator (0.25–0.75 g) and crosslinker (0.05–1.5 g) amount while evaluating the conditions such as pH (3–11) and salt in various solutions (NaCl, CaCl2, AlCl3). Analysis of the plant’s constituents shows high lignin (38.56%), hemicellulose (28.85%) and cellulose (16.64%) content. SEM images revealed a porous and sponge-like architecture for the cellulose and a lamella- layered morphology for CB-SAP. The optimal water absorbency (83.05 g/g) occurred at pH 7 with 1 wt% cellulose. Salt solutions, particularly with multivalent ions, reduced absorbency and higher initiator and crosslinker levels also decreased performance.Item Evaluation of Purification and Disinfection Potentials of Plant-Based Biomass from Wild Sesame Plant(Microbiol Research, 2025-11-25) Adeeyo, Adeyemi; Eulendah, Hlavangwani; Alabi, Mercy; Oyetade, Joshua; Msagati, Titus; Makungo, RachelThe limitations reported for conventional approaches in the treatment and disinfection of water have led to a recent exploration in the use of plant-based water treatment solutions. This technique leverages natural, renewable, and often locally available resources with appreciable environmentally friendly features, cost-effectiveness, and a sustainable nature compared to chemical and energy-intensive conventional methods. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the water purification and disinfection potential of Sesame plant biomass. The experimental process entails the use of plant fibre, leaf dry matter, and ash for the treatment of sampled water from the river and spring source at concentrations of 1–5 g/L. The physicochemical and microbial properties of river and spring water were evaluated after 30 min and 24 h of treatment. Raw river water showed higher pH, conduc- tivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, and turbidity than spring water. Treatment increased pH in both sources (river 6.86–7.94; spring 6.46–8.28), remaining within regulatory limits. The greatest salinity reduction (79.03 mg/L) occurred with dry leaf matter in river water. Sesame ash showed the strongest antimicrobial effect, inhibiting E. coli by 99% in river water and completely in spring water. The reduction in total coliforms by 98% also highlights its potential for sustainable water purification.Item Modelling the distribution and transport of heavy metals on water and soil: a systematic review(Springer, 2025-11-28) Baseka, S.; Mwema, F; Jain, R.; Masanja, V.The behaviour of heavy metal contamination is dynamic, influenced by seasonal changes, hydraulic fluctuations, and physical, chemical, and biological processes. It’s necessary, therefore, to extend heavy metal analysis to methods and models that describe their distribution and transportation. Thus, this systematic review has investigated the methodologies and models used to describe the distribution and mobility of contaminants in areas where water and soil media play a significant role. The review adhered to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement as a guideline. An extensive search strategy was developed to ensure that relevant literature on heavy metal modelling in distribution and transportation was obtained. It is identified that the spatial distribution models can be grouped into machine learning, Bayesian and regression models, and satellite images. They handle complex spatial relationships and integrate diverse data sets. Their drawback is that they don’t include processes related to heavy metal dynamics. To account for the mobility of heavy metals, advection–diffusion equation, bivariate linear mixed models and spatial-temporal kriging with trend play a significant role. The study suggests an increased focus on the understudied dumpsites or landfills in the distribution and transport of heavy metals. The application of machine learning needs to be extended to temporal predictions, rather than spatial-only cases, which are frequently used. The temporal predictions should be improved by including multi-season or multi-event data. Also, the development of 3- dimensional models and non-equilibrium kinetics should be encouraged to account for the complex flows.Item Seasonal river connections modulate community structure in (sub) tropical temporary pools(Elservier, 2025-12-01) Mwaijengo, Grite; Vanschoenwinkel, Bram; Brendonck, LucIn natural river systems in arid and semi-arid lands, surrounding floodplains may contain temporary pools. Some of these may be mainly rain-filled (endorheic systems) while others may be partly rain-fed but connect to the flooding river during a good rainy season (river-connected pools). However, how seasonal river flooding affects the community structure in temporary floodplain pools is not well understood, particularly in the Afro-tropical region. Here, we studied the role of seasonal river connections in modulating water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate community structure and functional feeding groups in a set of endorheic versus river-connected temporary pools in a river-floodplain ecosystem in northeastern Tanzania. Benthic macroinvertebrate communities from the two habitats were significantly differentiated. Spatial species turnover (β-diversity) was higher in river-connected pools, but endorheic ones supported a higher taxon richness (alpha diversity). Benthic macroinvertebrate community dissimilarity between pools was largely determined by turnover rather than by nestedness. Hydrological connectivity was positively associated with electric conductivity and negatively associated with nutrient concentrations in the river-connected pools. In addition, the river facilitated fish dispersal, which likely excluded predation sensitive taxa such as the large branchiopod crustaceans Streptocephalus bourquinii and Streptocephalus wirminghausi. Taxon richness of collector- gatherers and scrapers was significantly different between pool types. Indicator species analysis revealed no specific fauna unique to river-connected pools. This study illustrates that land management schemes that aim to preserve temporary-pool biodiversity should strive to include both endorheic and river-connected pools to support high regional biodiversity, potentially with a priority for the more diverse endorheic systemsItem Enhanced Hydrogenation of Cyclohexanone: A Multi‐ Scale Investigation Into Noncatalytic and Catalytic Pathways Towards Sustainable Conversion(Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2025-11-14) Kariim, Ishaq; Park, Ji‐Yeon; Swai, Hulda; Kivevele, Thomas; Lee, In‐GuThe selective hydrogenation of oxygenated compounds is crucial for the conversion of biocrude into platform chemicals. However, the presence of stable oxygenated species, cyclohexanone, in biocrude limits possess a challenge for easy conversion process. This study aims to investigate both Noncatalytic and catalytic hydrogenation of cyclohexanone as a model compound to understand its trans- formation pathways. Monometallic and trimetallic catalysts supported of biochar were developed using impregnation method and characterized via SEM‐EDS, FTIR, BET, NH3‐TPD, XPS and TEM to correlate structural features with catalytic performance. In supercritical ethanol condition at 350°C, Zn‐supported biochar promoted aromatization (4.65 area%), Ce‐supported biochar achieved the highest ketone conversion (83.20 area%), and Ni‐supported biochar exhibited the highest hydrocarbon selectivity (18.27 area%). The performance of Ni and Ce during the hydrogenation of cyclohexanone model compound resulted in the development of NiCeMo‐ biochar catalyst for the application towards the upgrading of real‐life biocrude. The NiCeMo catalyst depicts the presence of Ni2+ , Ce3+ / Ce4+ and Mo4+ /Mo6+ which promotes the hydrogen generation and activation and the formation of oxygen vacancy. The catalyst showed optimal performance at 350°C and 2 h, achieving 95.95% ketone conversion with accompanying heavier alcohols in the absence of an external hydrogen supply, demonstrating its potential as hydrogenation catalystItem Detection of Microbial Contaminants in Water: Conventional Methods, Pragmatic Alternatives, and Nanosensing Techniques(John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2025-08-28) Adeeyo, Adeyemi; Edokpayi, Joshua; Alabi, Mercy; Oyetade, oshua; Ubomba‐Jaswa, Eunice; Jaca, Penny; Makungo, RachelThe complexities of microbial detection and conventional enumeration necessitates the adoption of pragmatic alternatives. This review expands the boundaries of knowledge for microbial detection and sensing, particularly within the field of water quality analysis. Observed alternatives to conventional techniques for microbial analyses in recent studies include Microarray, Fluo- rescent in situ hybridization (FISH), loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) and flow cytometry, while nanosensors stood out as an alternative for microbial detection in real‐time. This study presents the limitation of conventional methods of detection in water and presents nano- particles as a detection agent with possibility of incorporation into point‐of‐use detection. It is notable that nanosensors are currently emerging in the detection of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens in water and have been used in the detection of bacterial pathogens than viral. Nanosensors are established as good choice for rapid water analysis with application in point‐of‐ use and analytical devices. In the use of nanozymes, the choice over natural enzymes can be linked to their unique and excellent catalytic activities, cost‐effectiveness and ease of mass production.