Theses and Dissertations

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Assessment of Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment Plants and Their Influence on The Seasonal Performance of the Kalobe Waste Stabilization Ponds in Mbeya City, Tanzania
(Mbeya University of Science and Technology, 2025-12-03) Gerson, Eline
This study assessed the effectiveness of industrial wastewater pretreatment plants and evaluated their impact on the performance of the Kalobe Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSP) in Mbeya City. The investigation focused on three major industries—Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL), Coca-Cola Kwanza, and Pepsi SBC—whose discharges form a substantial portion of the influent entering the WSP. Weekly sampling was conducted from March to July, covering both wet and dry seasons, and water quality parameters including BOD, COD, TSS, nitrate, phosphate, pH, and flow were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. The results revealed that industrial effluent significantly influences the loading and performance of the Kalobe WSP. TBL exhibited the highest organic loads, particularly COD and BOD, while Coca-Cola showed elevated phosphate concentrations linked to chemical usage in production. Seasonal variation was also evident; wet-season inflows caused hydraulic surges that reduced hydraulic retention time and lowered pollutant removal efficiency. Removal efficiencies for COD and phosphate remained below Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) limits, indicating persistent treatment challenges. Variations in pollutant loads were primarily attributed to measurable factors such as fluctuations in chemical dosing efficiency, variations in pretreatment system performance, and increased hydraulic loading during periods of stormwater infiltration. The study concludes that the underperformance of Kalobe WSP is driven by high industrial loads, inadequate pretreatment efficiency, sludge accumulation, and wet-season hydraulic stress. Strengthening industrial source control, enforcing national discharge standards, and upgrading the WSP with supplementary treatment units such as constructed wetlands or chemical precipitation systems are essential. The quantitative findings, based solely on measured influent and effluent characteristics, provide a clear assessment of operational performance and support evidence-based improvement strategies for wastewater management in Mbeya City.
Assessment of the Population size, Distribution and Threats to Conservation of Rhampholeon Acuminatus in Nguru Mountain, Morogoro, Tanzania
(Mbeya University of Science and Technology, 2025-12-01) John, Enoka Munduka
Nguru Spiny Pygmy Chameleon (Rhampholeon acuminatus) is a critically endangered dwarf chameleon endemic to the Nguru Mountains in Morogoro, Tanzania. The species faces severe threats due to habitat degradation as a result of human activities, particularly agricultural expansion. This study assessed the population size, distribution, habitat conditions and conservation challenges of R. acuminatus in the Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve (MNFR) which is part of the Nguru Mountains. A combination of field surveys, environmental assessments and community interviews was employed to determine population dynamics, habitat quality and community’s perceptions on the conservation of R. acuminatus. Findings showed that, a total of 57 individuals of R. acuminatus were recorded, with 88 % in montane forests (≥1400 m.a.s.l.), 12 % in submontane forests (700–1400 m.a.s.l.), and none in lowland areas. The species' distribution correlated strongly with elevation, canopy cover and humidity, with montane forests providing the most suitable habitat. There is significant variation in population density between habitat zones (p < 0.05), with montane forests offering more stable environmental conditions for the species. The species’ limited range highlights its vulnerability to deforestation and habitat degradation. Local communities exhibited limited awareness of the species, with only 23.4% of respondents correctly identifying it. Additionally, 31.5% of respondents expressed no perceived benefits of conserving the species (p = 0.001), and 25.2% were unaware of threats (p = 0.0148). With 88.3% of respondents reporting land clearance for farming. Notably, 97% of respondents indicated that no formal education programs on R. acuminatus had been conducted, highlighting a significant gap in conservation awareness. Findings from this research emphasize the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies, including habitat restoration, law enforcement against deforestation and community-based education programs. Enhancing local awareness and integrating sustainable agricultural practices into conservation initiatives are critical to mitigating threats to R. acuminatus. Without immediate intervention, the species faces an increasing risk of extinction. This study provides baseline data for future conservation planning and policy formulation, ensuring the long-term survival of R. acuminatus within its natural habitat in the Nguru Mountains.
Comparative Efficacy of Plant Conditioners, Essential Oils Versus Fungicides in Managing Rust and Powdery Mildew Diseases in Winter Wheat
(University of Debrecen, 2025) Msigwa, Christopher Costas.
Determination of optimum mixture of tea waste and sawdust for gasification as a source of energy for tea factory: A case of Itona Tea Factory
(Mbeya University of Science and Technology, 2023-12-01) Mwampulo, Andrew
Processing tea requires a lot of energy. However, only significant energy inputs particularly those from fossil fuels, wood fuel, and electricity have been able to support high agricultural productivities and, in turn, the expansion of the green revolution. Due to the recent increase in price and scarcity of these fuels, there has been a shift in the usage of alternative energy sources, such as waste (specifically, agricultural waste), which has the potential to address concerns related to both the environment and energy issues. Moreover, these energy resources have not been able to provide an economically viable solution for agricultural applications even if they seem to contain amount of energy which can be source of energy to be used in various factories in rural areas through gasification process. This study presents an experimental assessment of energy potentials from tea wastes and saw dust available at Itona Tea Factory for tea drying processes as important data for agricultural wastes. The experimental measurement of energy potential from tea wastes was done using bomb calorimeter, muffle furnace and energy balances to determine calorific value, moisture content and energy potentials of tea waste and saw dust respectively. According to the findings, there is sufficient electrical energy for the tea drying process in the tea processing plant, with a total energy potential of 2.78x108kWh. In order to process 9.6 million kg of tea from a 4.5-thousand-hectare tea plantation in Mufindi (during 2021–2022), the total energy usage (4.5 kWh/kg of produced tea) was 4.32x107 kWh. Gasification of these wastes could provide the energy needed to process tea while reducing the environmental harm caused by burning wood fuel and disposing of waste.
Modelling the impacts of climate change on sediment yield in the Songwe River sub-Basin, Tanzania
(Mbeya University of science of and Technology, 2025-12-03) Mwalwiba ,Lupakisyo George
Environmental decline driven by climate change affects hydrological and sedimentation processes, eventually, resulting to variations in sediment transport. The changes in temperature and precipitation are evident in developing countries including Tanzania. The Songwe River sub-basin is one of the areas climate changes which has experienced an increase in sediment production. However, there limited modelling studies that assess the impacts of climate change on sediment yield in the Songwe River sub-basin. This study aimed to model the impacts of climate change on sediment yield in the Songwe River sub-basin. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model and QGIS software were used to simulate sediment yield under historical climate conditions (1984–2005) and future climate projections (2011–2040, 2041–2070 and 2071–2100) for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Precipitation and temperature data were obtained from four selected CORDEX regional climate models (CCLM4, HIRHAM5, RACMO22T and RCA4) driven by different General Circulation Models (GCMs). Bias correction of regional climate models (RCMs) output was done by using linear scaling method. Land use and land cover (LULC) maps for 1990, 2000 and 2020 were created from Landsat TM and OLI_TIRS imagery with supervised classification using the Maximum Likelihood Algorithm and Kappa statistics for accuracy assessment. Future LULC changes for 2040, 2070 and 2100 were projected using the Cellular Automata (CA) – Markov Model. The bias-corrected RCM outputs and LULC maps for 2020, 2040, 2070 and 2100 were input into the calibrated SWAT model to simulate sediment yield with results compared across the RCMs. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Curve Number for Moisture Condition II (CN2) was identified as the most sensitive parameter for simulating sediment yield. The findings indicate an increase in sediment yield over time with the most significant rise under the RCP8.5 scenario particularly in the late century where sediment yield could increase by 35–50%. The models projected a 10–15% increase in sediment yield by 2040, rising to 20–35% by 2070 with HIRHAM5 showing the largest increase. The study emphasizes the importance of a multi-model approach and highlights the vulnerability of elevated sub-basins near agricultural areas to increased sedimentation. The findings support incorporating climate change adaptation strategies into national and regional water and land management policies.
Modelling the Transmission Dynamics of Banana Xanthomon as Wilt Disease with Control Measures
(Mapinda, John Joel, 2020-03) Mapinda, John Joel
Banana Xanthomonas Wilt disease (BXW) is a bacterial disease which highly threaten ba nana production in East and Central Africa. It is caused by a bacteria known as Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm). Mathematical modelling gives an insight on how to best understand the transmission dynamics and control of the disease. The existing mathematical models for the dynamics of BXW disease have not included contaminated soil, community farming education programmes and clearance of Xcm bacteria in the soil. This study formu lated a model which includes contaminated soil. In analysis of the model, the existence and stability of the equilibrium points was checked, calculated the basic reproduction number and carried out sensitivity analysis of some model parameters. We further conducted numerical simulation to validate the results. The numerical simulations showed that the infection rate by contaminated farming tools (βi and βe), the infection rate by contaminated soil (ω2), vertical disease transmission rate (θ), and the shedding rate of Xcm bacteria in the soil (φ) are posi tively sensitive to the basic reproduction number. While, the most negative sensitive parameters are the clearance rate of Xcm bacteria from the soil (µh), removal of infected plants from the farm (r), harvesting (αp), and banana plants disease induced death rate (d). The result also showed that contaminated soil contributes to the transmission and persistence of BXW dis ease. Furthermore, the basic model was modified to include the control measures. Numerical simulations was conducted to examine the impact of the suggested control measures. It was observed that as Participatory community farming education programmes, timely removal of infected banana plants, clearance of Xcm bacteria in the soil and vertical transmission control measures increases it dramatically reduces the number of secondary infections hence greatly contribute to the control of the BXW disease. Therefore, It is recommend that, along with the existing control measures such as sterilization of farming tools, timely removal of the male bud using a forked stick and planting healthy suckers, scientist and technologist should carry out studies to find a way to reduce or avoid vertical disease transmission and increase the Xcm clearance rate in the soil. Furthermore, technology for early detection of infected plants should be brought down to the local farmers at affordable costs. This will help stakeholders to detect and remove the infected plants from the farm in time and hence reduce the number of sec ondary infections. Moreover, Participatory community farming education programmes such as Farmers field schools (FFS) should be emphasized and practised.
Modelling the Transmission Dynamics of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt Disease with Control Measures
(2020-03) Joel, Mapinda, John
Banana Xanthomonas Wilt disease (BXW) is a bacterial disease which highly threaten ba nana production in East and Central Africa. It is caused by a bacteria known as Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm). Mathematical modelling gives an insight on how to best understand the transmission dynamics and control of the disease. The existing mathematical models for the dynamics of BXW disease have not included contaminated soil, community farming education programmes and clearance of Xcm bacteria in the soil. This study formu lated a model which includes contaminated soil. In analysis of the model, the existence and stability of the equilibrium points was checked, calculated the basic reproduction number and carried out sensitivity analysis of some model parameters. We further conducted numerical simulation to validate the results. The numerical simulations showed that the infection rate by contaminated farming tools (βi and βe), the infection rate by contaminated soil (ω2), vertical disease transmission rate (θ), and the shedding rate of Xcm bacteria in the soil (φ) are posi tively sensitive to the basic reproduction number. While, the most negative sensitive parameters are the clearance rate of Xcm bacteria from the soil (µh), removal of infected plants from the farm (r), harvesting (αp), and banana plants disease induced death rate (d). The result also showed that contaminated soil contributes to the transmission and persistence of BXW dis ease. Furthermore, the basic model was modified to include the control measures. Numerical simulations was conducted to examine the impact of the suggested control measures. It was observed that as Participatory community farming education programmes, timely removal of infected banana plants, clearance of Xcm bacteria in the soil and vertical transmission control measures increases it dramatically reduces the number of secondary infections hence greatly contribute to the control of the BXW disease. Therefore, It is recommend that, along with the existing control measures such as sterilization of farming tools, timely removal of the male bud using a forked stick and planting healthy suckers, scientist and technologist should carry out studies to find a way to reduce or avoid vertical disease transmission and increase the Xcm clearance rate in the soil. Furthermore, technology for early detection of infected plants should be brought down to the local farmers at affordable costs. This will help stakeholders to detect and remove the infected plants from the farm in time and hence reduce the number of sec ondary infections. Moreover, Participatory community farming education programmes such as Farmers field schools (FFS) should be emphasized and practised
OPTIMIZING THE EFFICIENCY OF SUBSIDY FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM; A CASE STUDY OF MBEYA, TANZANIA
(MBITA, OSCAR DAVID, 2025-06-30) MBITA OSCAR DAVID
Agriculture remains the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, employing over 65% of the population and playing a vital role in food security and rural development. To enhance agricultural productivity and ensure affordable access to essential inputs, the Tanzanian government implemented a fertilizer subsidy program targeting smallholder farmers. Despite its intentions, the current distribution system faces critical challenges, including inefficiencies, fraud, delayed deliveries, and low user satisfaction. The primary objective of this study was to optimize the efficiency of the subsidy fertilizer distribution system. The study examines how blockchain technology can address existing challenges by providing transparency, traceability, and enhanced accountability. A mixed-methods approach involving stakeholder interviews and structured questionnaires revealed weaknesses in the current system, underscoring the need for innovation. In response, a blockchain-enabled framework was developed, incorporating a layered e-voucher system built on a hybrid N-tier and microservices architecture. The framework includes Key features such as smart contracts for automated eligibility verification and a permissioned ledger to ensure tamper-proof data integrity. Functional and heuristic testing confirmed the system’s usability, scalability, and reliability. The proposed solution offers a robust and scalable model for policymakers and practitioners to modernize fertilizer subsidy programs in Tanzania, utilizing decentralized technologies.
Study on Improving Properties of Bio-Oil Recovered from Plastics Waste for Industrial uses in Tanzania Case Study: Dar Es Salaam City
(Mbeya University of Science and Technology, 2025-12-10) Hebuka, Erasto
The rise of energy demand in the globe has prompted the consideration of utilizing plastic waste for bio-oil production. Bio-oil production from biomass material is a practice that has existed for many decades; however, the challenge has remained on the improvement of the oil properties to fit for commercial application. This study investigated the potential of producing and upgrading bio-oil from plastic waste through a catalytic pyrolysis process. Plastic waste samples composed of Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene (HDPE), and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), shredded to 1.5 to 2.5 mm sizes and blended in a ratio of 50/25/25, respectively, were pyrolyzed in a fluidized bed reactor at optimal conditions of 560oC to 650oC, a heating rate of 15 ◦C/min and N2 gas flow rate of 100 mL/min in the presence of Zeolite catalysts (ZMS-5). Produced bio-oil was treated with fossil diesel, calcium hydroxide, and sodium sulphate to enhance its properties. Results show bio-oil production increased to 65 wt.%, while char was reduced to 3.5 wt.%. Treatment with 20 wt. % diesel reduced bio-oil kinematic viscosity by 58% and improved stability from 20% to 50%. The addition of 16 g calcium hydroxide reduced the bio-oil acidity by 51% from a pH of 3.2 to 4.85. Furthermore, the bio-oil moisture content was reduced from 10wt. % to 5.2%wt through the addition of 10 g of sodium sulphate, while the lower heating value was improved to 39.0 MJ/kg. The catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste in a fluidized bed reactor, and the various treatments performed on the generated bio-oil proved to be an effective technique to enhance the economic value of plastic waste and its environmental management at large.
THE IMPACT OF LAND COVER AND LAND USE ON THE HYDROLOGIC RESPONSE IN THE OLIFANTS
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2006) Ncube, Mthokozisi
Water availability in Southern Africa is highly variable both in time and space, thereby exposing the region to high risks in water availability. This is further compounded by numerous human activities which have significant impact on water resources. The brunt of the risks associated with water scarcity is particularly heaviest on resource- constrained farmers who depend largely on rain-fed agriculture for subsistence. With continuously increasing demands on the water resources, the need for a better understanding of the hydrological systems becomes crucial as it forms the gateway for providing reliable information for managing water resources. It is also increasingly becoming more important to address land and water linkages because land use decisions are water use decisions. Operational hydrology provides an insight into the effects of man-made changes, the foreseeable hydrological characteristics at a given site, and the long-term prediction of the future hydrological effects of human activities. This provides for a more holistic approach in managing land and water resources as well as the impact of land use on partitioning rainfall into streamflow. This report discusses the application of the SWAT model to the B72E - F quaternary catchments in the Olifants Water Management Area to assess streamflow generation and the effects of human-environment interactions on the hydrology. Results show an expected correlation between land cover and the hydrologic response where an increase in land cover corresponds to a reduction in the streamflow. Range grass shows a higher reduction in the streamflow followed by forestry with arid land giving the highest increase in streamflow. Prediction in the similar neighbouring and ungauged B72A catchment gives a MAR of 68mm. Additionally, a rigorous analysis of the concepts of a local hydrological model, HDAM, is done with respect to rainfall which is the main driver of the model. Modifications of some of the relationships used in the model are suggested with the potential of streamlining the model and making it more applicable in the region.

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