Department of Chemistry

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A review on heavy metals contamination in some vegetables
(Busitema University, 2022) Oloka, Xaviour
Agricultural produce such as vegetables has been a primary source of food for many homes. Green vegetables in the diet provide the body with vital vitamins, minerals and fiber which are very essential for human growth. There are two categories of HM namely; essential HM and non-essential HM. Essential HM include Manganese, Zinc, Copper and Iron, all the essential metals play different key roles in human body for example Iron as a metal complex in the heme plays a key role in biding molecular oxygen in the lungs and transport it to other cells in the body, Manganese is responsible for metabolism of lipids and amino acids, Copper is responsible for making red blood cells and Zinc responsible for cell division. On the other hand, non-essential HM include; Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Chromium and Nickel. Essential HM is required by the human body in small portion however, when it is concentration becomes high results into a number of diseases affecting the kidney, heart, brain and central nervous system. The human body get exposed mostly to heavy metals through consumption of vegetables contaminated with heavy metals. This has raised concern about the food security for good human health. Over use of fertilizers, mining, use of pesticides, use of waste water for irrigation of the vegetables mentioned but a few are some of sources of heavy metals. This reviews heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni) accumulation in vegetable crops (onions, green pepper, cucumber, potatoes and tomatoes) and their impact on human health. Key words: Bioaccumulation, Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), Heavy Metals (HM)
Adsorption and kinetics of chlorpyrifos from wastewater using activated carbon from orange peels.
(Busitema University, 2026) Adiyo, Nancy
Widespread agricultural use of Chlorpyrifos leads to severe surface runoff and aquatic contamination. Traditional wastewater treatments fail to eliminate this persistent, lipophilic pollutant, posing human health risks like neurotoxicity. Commercial activated carbon effectively captures such organic pollutants but remains prohibitively expensive. Utilizing abundant agricultural waste like orange peels offers a dual solution for cost-effective environmental remediation and sustainable waste management. The study aimed to synthesize and characterize orange peel-derived activated carbon (OPAC), evaluate optimal operating parameters (pH, dosage, contact time), and examine adsorption kinetics and isotherms. Prepared orange peels were chemically activated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) at a 1:2 w/w ratio and carbonized. Characterization included Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and iodine number determination. Batch experiments were monitored using UV-Vis spectrophotometry at a maximum wavelength of 290 nm to trace Chlorpyrifos concentrations. Characterization confirmed a highly active material with a prominent iodine number of 435.0. pH optimization revealed that Chlorpyrifos removal is significantly higher in acidic media, peaking at an 87.5% removal efficiency at pH 3.0 and decreasing sharply past the point of zero charge (pHzpc=7.0). Kinetic data aligned closely with the pseudo-second-order model (R2=0.9954), showing a calculated equilibrium capacity (qe) of 7.07 mg/g and establishing that chemisorption is the rate-limiting step. Equilibrium profiling demonstrated an excellent fit with the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.9944), yielding a maximum monolayer capacity (Qm) of 10.57 mg/g and a favorable dimensionless separation factor (RL) of 0.3339. Conversely, the Freundlich model was unfavorable (n = 1.8202). In conclusion, orange peel-derived activated carbon serves as a highly efficient, ecologically sustainable, and low-cost bio-adsorbent for remediating pesticide-polluted water systems.
Adsorption and kinetics of profenofos from waste water using activated carbon from sugercane bagasse.
(Busitema University, 2026) Apolot, Maureen
Profenofos, an organ phosphorus pesticide, is widely used in agriculture, leading to its frequent detection in wastewater streams. Its presence poses significant environmental and health risks due to its high toxicity and persistence. Conventional wastewater treatment methods often fall short in effectively removing such recalcitrant organic pollutants, necessitating the development of sustainable and efficient alternatives. This study addresses the critical need for an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to Profenofos removal by investigating the potential of activated carbon derived from sugarcane bagasse, an abundant agricultural waste product, as an adsorbent. The primary objective of this research was to synthesize and characterize activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse and evaluate its efficacy in adsorbing Profenofos from aqueous solutions. Specific aims included optimizing the activation process, determining the adsorption kinetics and isotherms, and assessing the influence of various operational parameters such as pH, contact time, and initial Profenofos concentration on the adsorption efficiency. The study employed a batch adsorption technique, utilizing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for adsorbent characterization, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry for Profenofos concentration analysis. Key findings revealed that the sugarcane bagasse-derived activated carbon exhibited a high adsorption capacity for Profenofos, with optimal removal observed at a neutral pH and extended contact times. Adsorption kinetics were best described by the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting a chemisorption mechanism, while the Langmuir isotherm model provided the best fit for the equilibrium data, indicating monolayer adsorption on a homogeneous surface. The maximum adsorption capacity was determined to be significantly high, demonstrating the adsorbent's strong affinity for Profenofos. This study successfully demonstrated that activated carbon produced from sugarcane bagasse is a promising, sustainable, and economically viable adsorbent for the effective removal of Profenofos from contaminated waste water
Adsorption of Methyl orange from waste water using maize cobs powder as an Adsorbent.
(Busitema University, 2026-09-05) Chebet, Brighton
Methyl orange is a synthetic azo dye commonly used in laboratory and industrial applications, and its discharge into water bodies can cause environmental concerns due to its persistence and potential effects on aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the potential of maize cob powder as a low-cost and readily available adsorbent for the removal of methyl orange from aqueous solutions. Maize cobs were collected, cleaned, dried, ground and sieved to obtain fine powder, which was used in batch adsorption experiments. The effects of contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, pH, and reusability on methyl orange removal were investigated. The residual dye concentration was determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 464 nm. Adsorption capacity and percentage removal were calculated from the initial and equilibrium dye concentrations. The results showed that methyl orange removal increased with increasing contact time, reaching 86.8% after 120 minutes. Increasing the adsorbent dosage from 0.1 to 0.6 g increased dye removal from 23.6% to 94.66%. However, percentage removal decreased as the initial dye concentration increased, from 92.9% at 10 mg/L to 32.0% at 100 mg/L. The adsorption process was strongly influenced by pH, with the highest removal efficiency of 87.2% observed at pH 2.0, while removal decreased to 24.4% at pH 12.0. Reusability experiments showed that the adsorbent maintained appreciable performance after four adsorption-desorption cycles, with removal efficiency decreasing from 94.5% in the first cycle to 75.8% in the fourth cycle. The study concludes that maize cob powder has considerable potential as a cheap, locally available and environmentally friendly adsorbent for removing methyl orange from contaminated water while promoting the beneficial utilization of agricultural waste.
Adsorption of methyl red from waste water using banana peel powder as an adsorbent.
(Busitema University, 2026) Kwemboi, Isaac Kitiyo
Methyl red is a synthetic dye that can contaminate wastewater from industrial activities and poses potential risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study investigated the potential of banana peel powder as a low-cost and environmentally friendly adsorbent for the removal of methyl red from aqueous solution. Banana peels were washed, dried at 80 °C, ground and sieved to obtain fine powder. The adsorbent was subsequently subjected to chemical treatment using phosphoric acid. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of pH, contact time, initial dye concentration and adsorbent dosage on methyl red removal. The concentration of methyl red before and after adsorption was determined using UV-Visible spectrophotometry at a maximum wavelength of 520 nm. Adsorption kinetics were evaluated using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, while equilibrium behaviour was assessed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The results showed that methyl red removal increased with increasing contact time, reaching equilibrium at approximately 100 minutes, with a maximum removal of 63%. Increasing the adsorbent dosage from 0.10 to 0.60 g increased the percentage removal from 29.0% to 92.4%, although the adsorption capacity per unit mass decreased as the dosage increased. The optimum pH for adsorption was reported as approximately pH 3. The calibration curve showed a strong linear relationship between methyl red concentration and absorbance, with an R² value of 0.9997. The adsorption data were reported to fit the pseudo-second-order kinetic model better than the pseudo-first-order model, suggesting that surface interactions played an important role in the adsorption process. The findings demonstrate that banana peel powder has considerable potential as an inexpensive and readily available adsorbent for methyl red removal from contaminated water.
Analysis of cypermethrin residues in fresh tomatoes sold in nagongera food market in nagongera town council, tororo district in eastern uganda
(Busitema University, 2023) Mudume Isihaka
Cypermethrin residues in fresh tomatoes were determined using uv-visible spectrophotometry. The method is based on hydrolysis of cypermethrin in alkaline solution to cyanid ion and reacts with iron (III) ions to form colored complex compounds. The results confirmed the residues were present in the tomatoes and the concentration was found to be 0.0096 mg per 250 g of tomato. Cypermethrin residues may lower the quality of tomatoes and pose health risks to humans. Therefore, regulation and monitoring pesticide residues in tomatoes produced should be done to avoid effects on human health
Analysis of nagongera town council water and soil for microplastic contamination
(Busitema University, 2024) Ssemugenyi, Edison
Microplastics are small fragments of plastics of size less than 5 mm. They generally breakdown from plastic materials such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, and others due to different factors like abrasion, high temperatures and high pressure. Microplastics have detrimental effects when humans are exposed to them, these include; breast cancer, prostate cancer, organ dysfunctioning, inflammation, miscarriage and others. This research was aimed at analyzing and comparing the level of microplastic contamination in the different water sources utilized by the residents of Nagongera town council and the different soil samples of Nagongera town council. Therefore, it could serve to sensitize the residents about the dangers of improper disposal of plastic wastes and also recommend on the best water sources suitable for human consumption that is those with the least level of microplastic contamination. The analysis of microplastics was done using FT-IR spectroscopy where the spectra were compared with the standard spectra of microplastics.
Analysis of nagongera water for phthalates
(Busitema University, 2024) Nambuba, Esther
This study was aimed at analyzing the presence of phthalates in different water sources using advanced analytical techniques. Specifically, I employed UV-VIS spectrometry and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis to investigate the following water types: My findings revealed varying concentrations of phthalates across these water sources. The UV VIS spectrometer allowed me to quantify specific phthalate compounds, while FTIR analysis provided insights into their chemical structures. In conclusion, this study contributes valuable data to water quality management in Nagongera. The concentrations of were pond water 0.1015 mg/mL, stream water 0.0994 mg/mL, borehole water 0.0314 mg/mL, packed water 0.0352 mg/mL, and tap water 0.0410 mg/mL. Recommendations for minimizing phthalate contamination include regular monitoring, source-specific interventions, and public awareness campaigns. By understanding the phthalate profiles in different water types, we can safeguard community health and promote safe drinking water practices.
Antibiotic susceptibility of zoonotic bacteria isolated from oral cavities of indigenous dogs from semi-urban areas in Uganda.
(Wiley, 2024) Mukasa, Paul; Ogwang, Patrick Engeu; Owor, Richard Oriko; Lejju, Julius B.; Gumisiriza, Hannington; Ntulume, Ibrahim; Adaku, Christopher
Dog bites are a source of zoonotic infections to humans, such as pasteurellosis and meningitis. Zoonotic bacterial identification and their antibiotic susceptibility assessment are key towards the successful management of such infections. This study isolated and identified zoonotic bacterial species from the oral cavities of indigenous dogs and also determined their antibiotic susceptibility profile. Oral swab samples collected from 54 indigenous dogs (domestic [36] and stray [18]) were cultured on agar media, and then on selective-differential media. The colony morphology and conventional biochemical tests were used to identify the bacterial isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. A total of 232 bacterial isolates were obtained, from which 29 bacteria species (18 Gram-negative and 11 Gram-positive) belonging to 19 genera and 13 families were identified. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria species constituted 69% and 31%, respectively. The most prevalent bacteria species was Staphylococcus aureus (10.8%) followed by Escherichia coli (9.5%), while Yersinia enterocolitica (0.4%) was the least common. Most bacteria species belonged to family Enterobacteriaceae (11) followed by Vibrionaceae (04). All the sampled dogs had a number of multi drug–resistant superbugs in their oral cavities. However, all the tested bacterial isolates were only susceptible to imipenem and chloramphenicol. All the identified bacteria species were resistant to metronidazole, amoxicillinclavulanic acid and ceftazidime. Therefore, antibiotics such as imipenem and chloramphenicol could be of better choice for managing dog bite infections compared to the antibiotics recommended by Uganda Clinical Guidelines, such as metronidazole and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Keywords: dog bites | oral cavities | susceptibility | zoonotic bacteria
Antimalarial mechanism of action of compounds from zanthoxylum species : an in-silico study.
(Busitema University, 2026) Mugwabi, Musa
Malaria remains a critical global health crisis exacerbated by emerging drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. This study investigated the multi-target antimalarial mechanisms of phytochemicals derived from the genus Zanthoxylum using an integrated computational framework. A comprehensive database of 251 Zanthoxylum-derived compounds was constructed and subjected to Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) screening via SwissADME. Out of these, the majority of the small alkaloids exhibited favorable drug-likeness parameters with zero Lipinski rule violations. Ligand-based target prediction using SwissTargetPrediction identified 1,047 potential compound targets which were intersected with 108 malaria-associated disease genes from GeneCards, DisGeNET and OMIM yielding 22 high-confidence overlapping targets. Network topology analysis in Cytoscape revealed central immune-modulatory and pathogenesis hubs notably Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF, degree = 18), Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4, degree = 15) and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM1, degree = 14). Molecular docking executed via AutoDock Vina within the PyRx interface validated strong binding interactions against prioritized targets. Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1, PDB: 5ETW) demonstrated exceptional binding affinities with lead compound cpd_53 at –10.7 kcal/mol and cpd_3 at –10.5 kcal/mol, stabilized by continuous pi-pi stacking interactions with the core heme cofactor. ICAM1 (PDB: 1P53) displayed moderate binding, led by cpd_3 at –7.8 kcal/mol. These findings elucidate a multi-target mechanism spanning direct antiparasitic action, host immune modulation and infection blocking positioning Zanthoxylum alkaloids as excellent putative lead scaffolds for downstream in vitro validation.
Assessing the impact of rice growing on water quality : a case study of Nakwiga wetland of Busolwe town council in Butaleja district.
(Busitema University, 2026) Nawedde, Bruno Mweru
This study assessed the impact of rice growing on the water quality of Nakwiga wetland in Busolwe Town Council, Butaleja District. Water samples were collected from upstream, rice-growing, and downstream areas and analyzed for temperature, turbidity, pH, nitrates, and phosphates. Results showed that temperature, turbidity, nitrate, and phosphate concentrations were highest in rice-growing areas, while pH was slightly lower. The elevated nutrients were attributed to fertilizer application and soil erosion. The study concluded that rice cultivation significantly affected water quality in the wetland. It was recommended that farmers adopt minimum tillage, maintain buffer strips, and manage water to reduce pollution.
Assessing the quality of domestic water consumed by the nagongera town council community, tororo district-uganda
(Busitema University, 2023) Engwenyu, Michael
The aim of this study was to monitor the quality of domestic water within Nagongera town council with the specific objectives of determining electrolytic conductivity and its pH, total dissolved solids, water hardness and fluoride ion concentration so as to determine its quality. Six samples from borehole and four from tap were collected for laboratory analysis. Water samples were collected from the boreholes of Mahanga ss, Nagongera Mosque, pastor Ofumbi, Dubai hostel, Pastor Odongo and campus.The taps included Dasafe hospital tap (A), Fawe hostel(D), down town (C) and Agum hostel (B). The results from the laboratory analysis showed average pH is slightly acidic and indicates corrosion problems, especially in areas of Dubai hostel borehole. Electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids values are very low; these give a measure of the ionic load and contaminants in the water. Hence, from the EC and TDS values, the water in Nagongera Town Council has low salt concentration. The water hardness relatively low but greatly high in Down Town Tap (C). Fluoride ion concentration relatively fair but high in campus borehole, Nagongera mosque and pastor Ofumbi hostel borehole. Fluoride ion concentration is very high in Tap (C) thus indicating that water in Tap (C) is not safe for drinking. The results showed that, the water in Nagongera Town Council can be regarded as being of good quality for drinking and agriculture purposes however, tap (C) and campus borehole should be critically analyzed. This study recommends further studies with reference to the chemical and microbial analysis to be done especially in Down town tap (C) and campus borehole to have a broader picture of this water quality.
Assessing the quality of domestic water consumed in Bugiri municipality, Bugiri district, eastern Uganda.
(Busitema University, 2026) Omaira, Ronald
This study assessed the quality of domestic water consumed in Bugiri Municipality, Bugiri District, Eastern Uganda, with particular emphasis on physicochemical parameters and fluoride contamination. Water samples were collected from ten strategic sampling points, comprising six boreholes and four tap water sources, during the dry season to ensure consistency in sampling conditions. The samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, and fluoride ion concentration using standard analytical methods including conductometry, EDTA titrimetry, and fluoride ion-selective electrode potentiometry. The results revealed that most physicochemical parameters were within the World Health Organization (WHO) and Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) drinking water quality guidelines. pH values ranged from 6.42 to 7.43 for boreholes and 6.89 to 6.93 for tap water, with the NDIFAKULYA borehole (pH 6.42) falling slightly below the recommended minimum of 6.5. Electrical conductivity ranged from 167.5 to 491.3 μS/cm for boreholes and 423.3 to 423.4 μS/cm for tap water, all well below the WHO guideline of 1000 μS/cm. Total dissolved solids ranged from 84.03 to 246.2 mg/L for boreholes and 211.4 to 211.6 mg/L for tap water, all within acceptable limits. Total hardness values ranged from 12 to 58 mg/L for boreholes and 50 to 60 mg/L for tap water, classifying all samples as soft water (<75 mg/L as CaCO₃). However, the most significant finding was the elevated fluoride concentrations in borehole water, which ranged from 0.61 to 2.22 mg/L. The NDIFAKULYA borehole recorded the highest fluoride concentration (2.22 mg/L), followed by NKUSI B (1.60 mg/L), both exceeding the WHO and UNBS permissible limit of 1.5 mg/L. Tap water fluoride concentrations ranged from 1.40 to 1.45 mg/L, remaining within the acceptable guideline. The elevated fluoride levels are attributed to the geological composition of the region, particularly the Precambrian basement rocks containing fluoride-bearing minerals such as fluorite (CaF₂) and apatite. Most physicochemical parameters indicate acceptable water quality, fluoride contamination in specific boreholes poses a significant health risk to consumers, particularly the risk of dental fluorosis in children and skeletal fluorosis with prolonged exposure. The study recommends regular water quality monitoring, community sensitization on fluoride-related health risks, implementation of defluoridation technologies such as bone char filters or activated alumina filters, and exploration of alternative safe water sources for affected communities. These findings provide baseline data for local authorities to implement targeted interventions in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Keywords: Water quality, fluoride contamination, physicochemical parameters, boreholes, Bugiri Municipality, drinking water standards, Fluorosis, conductivity
Assessment and mitigation of water hardness in borehole and shallow well sources in Kaderuna sub-county, Budaka district, and efficiency of locally available materials for removal of calcium and magnesium ions.
(Busitema University, 2026) Dimaye, Bezereli
Groundwater from boreholes and shallow wells is the principal source of domestic water for the majority of households in Kaderuna Sub-County, Budaka District, Eastern Uganda, yet its hardness status had never been scientifically documented despite persistent community complaints of excessive soap consumption, scale formation, and skin irritation. This study assessed the total, calcium, and magnesium hardness of five groundwater sources (three boreholes and two shallow wells) and evaluated the efficiency of three locally available materials — banana peel ash (BPA), rice husk ash (RHA), and wood charcoal (WC) — for removing calcium and magnesium ions. Hardness was determined in triplicate by EDTA complexometric titration (APHA Method 2340 C). A pooled water sample representing all five sources was then subjected to batch adsorption experiments in a 3 × 4 × 4 factorial design (three materials, four dosages of 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 g/L, and four contact times of 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes), and removal efficiency was calculated from pre- and post-treatment hardness values. Baseline total hardness ranged from 196.3 mg/L at BH-3 to 341.5 mg/L at SW-1 as CaCO3, with all five sources classified as "hard" to "very hard" under WHO guidelines, although none exceeded the UNBS maximum acceptable limit of 500 mg/L. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in hardness among the sources (p < 0.001). In the batch experiments, removal efficiency increased with both dosage and contact time for all three materials. Banana peel ash was the most effective, removing 79.8% of total hardness at 10 g/L after 60 minutes (rising only marginally to 82.3% at 120 minutes), compared with 61.4% for rice husk ash and 46.3% for wood charcoal under the same conditions. These findings confirm that groundwater in Kaderuna Sub-County is generally hard to very hard and that banana peel ash, an abundant agricultural waste material, offers the most practical and effective option for household-level water softening in this setting. The study recommends community sensitization on the preparation and safe use of banana peel ash for water treatment, continuous hardness monitoring of the sampled sources, and further research on the regeneration and long-term performance of the material under field conditions.
Assessment of nutrient pollutants in samples of water from selected parts of nagongera stream located in nagongera division of tororo district, eastern uganda
(Busitema University, 2022) Oitakol, James
The purpose of this study was to assess the level of nutrient pollutants in Nagongera water stream. Specifically, it was to determine the total concentration of Nitrogen and Phosphorus and to establish the level of water pollution by Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Nagongera water stream. The samples were obtained from Nagongera stream and were collected using bottles. The samples of water from different sites were analyzed using A JEN WAY Geneva plus Model 6705 UV-Visible Spectrophotometer set at a wave length of 890nm. This was first zeroed by use of blank solution in a cuvette (1cm) thick, followed by the standards of concentrations 1mg/l, 2mg/l, 3mg/l, 4mg/l, 5mg/l and 10mg/l in order to calibrate the instrument. The study found out that the concentration of Nitrogen and that of Phosphorus were below as compared to their standards which therefore showed the level of water pollution by Nitrogen and Phosphorus were below their standard concentration. The study concluded that water in Nagongera is not suitable for consumption because of high concentration of phosphorus in site 2. Due to this, there is need for policy makers and other stake holders to regulate the nutrient pollution in Nagongera stream by restricting direct drainage of detergents containing effluents from residential and commercial settings.
Assessment of phospholipid content of locally produced chicken eggs for phospholipid composition in Tororo District
(Busitema University, 2026-08-19) Karim, Ssebutinde
This study investigated the extraction, characterization, and oxidative stability of phospholipids obtained from local and exotic chicken eggs collected from Tororo District. Lecithin was extracted from (30 g) of egg yolk using the Folch extraction method. Phospholipid classes were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with ninhydrin and iodine vapor visualization, and oxidative stability was assessed spectrophotometrically at (570 nm) over 7 days. Functional groups present in the extracted phospholipids were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT/IR) spectroscopy. The results showed that local eggs produced (10.094 g) of crude lecithin from 30 g of yolk, whereas exotic eggs produced (7.760 g), indicating a higher lecithin yield in local eggs. TLC analysis confirmed the presence of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine in both egg types. However, local egg lecithin consistently exhibited higher Rf values, suggesting the presence of more hydrophobic and possibly more saturated fatty acid chains. Oxidation studies revealed that local egg lecithin had lower absorbance values over 7 days, increasing from 0.712 on day 0 to 1.819 on day 7, compared to exotic egg lecithin, which increased from 0.973 to 2.335. These findings indicated that local egg phospholipids were more resistant to oxidation. FTIR analysis further confirmed the presence of characteristic phospholipid functional groups, including O-H, C-H, C=O, P=O, and P-O-C stretches in both samples. The sharper carbonyl absorption band observed in local egg lecithin suggested a greater degree of fatty acid saturation. Overall, the study demonstrated that local chicken eggs contain more stable phospholipids and may therefore provide advantages in nutritional and industrial applications.
Assessment of phospholipid content of locally produced chicken eggs for phospholipid composition in Tororo District.
(Busitema University, 2026-08-19) Ssebutinde, Karim
This study investigated the extraction, characterization, and oxidative stability of phospholipids obtained from local and exotic chicken eggs collected from Tororo District. Lecithin was extracted from (30 g) of egg yolk using the Folch extraction method. Phospholipid classes were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with ninhydrin and iodine vapor visualization, and oxidative stability was assessed spectrophotometrically at (570 nm) over 7 days. Functional groups present in the extracted phospholipids were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT/IR) spectroscopy. The results showed that local eggs produced (10.094 g) of crude lecithin from 30 g of yolk, whereas exotic eggs produced (7.760 g), indicating a higher lecithin yield in local eggs. TLC analysis confirmed the presence of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine in both egg types. However, local egg lecithin consistently exhibited higher Rf values, suggesting the presence of more hydrophobic and possibly more saturated fatty acid chains. Oxidation studies revealed that local egg lecithin had lower absorbance values over 7 days, increasing from 0.712 on day 0 to 1.819 on day 7, compared to exotic egg lecithin, which increased from 0.973 to 2.335. These findings indicated that local egg phospholipids were more resistant to oxidation. FTIR analysis further confirmed the presence of characteristic phospholipid functional groups, including O-H, C-H, C=O, P=O, and P-O-C stretches in both samples. The sharper carbonyl absorption band observed in local egg lecithin suggested a greater degree of fatty acid saturation. Overall, the study demonstrated that local chicken eggs contain more stable phospholipids and may therefore provide advantages in nutritional and industrial applications.
Assessment of Physicochemical Parameters in Groundwater Quality of Mella Sub-County, Tororo District
(Busitema University, 2024) Ndigi, Shamiru
Ndigi Shamiru Groundwater is the major source of drinking water in many areas which is abstracted through boreholes and wells for domestic and industrial use. Effective water quality monitoring assists in checking the equality of water available for consumption. This study was carried out to evaluate the physicochemical quality of borehole and well water parameters in Mella sub-county, eastern region of Tororo district where groundwater is the main source of drinking water. The physicochemical parameters analyzed include; Electrical Conductivity (EC), temperature, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, milliVolts (mV) and turbidity using standard methods of analysis. Obtained results were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO), for drinking water. E.C ranged from 88.37-558.6 S, temperature ranged from 27.3-28.0 oC, TDS ranged from 46.48-293.6 ppm, pH ranged from 5.11-6.68 and turbidity ranged from 0.06-397 NTU.
Assessment of physicochemical quality of borehole water and iron oxidation.
(Busitema University, 2026) Kayuyu, Ashiraf
Access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge in many rural and urban areas of Uganda. The study assessed the physicochemical quality of borehole water and iron oxidation in Nagongera Town Council, Tororo District, Eastern Uganda. Water samples were collected from one randomly selected borehole at six different times of the day i.e. (04:00, 05:00, 06:00, 07:00, 08:00 and 09:00 AM) for three consecutive days. The parameters analysed were pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC) and iron concentration. Iron concentration was determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at 490 nm after complexation with potassium thiocyanate. The results showed that pH values ranged from 6.8 -7.1, temperature from 21.9 °C - 24.2 °C, and electrical conductivity from 392.4 µS/cm - 436.8 µS/cm. These parameters were within the reference limits used in the study for drinking water. However, iron concentration varied significantly with time of water collection and the rate of pumping. The highest concentration was 3.350 mg/L, recorded at 04:00 am which was far above the WHO guideline value of 0.3 mg/L. Iron levels decreased progressively with continued pumping, reaching 0.180 mg/L by 09:00 am. This pattern is attributed to the accumulation of dissolved ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) under anaerobic stagnant conditions overnight, followed by flushing of stagnant water and oxidation of Fe²⁺ to insoluble ferric iron (Fe³⁺) upon exposure to oxygen during daytime pumping. The study concludes that the borehole water was generally acceptable with respect to pH, temperature and electrical conductivity, however, early morning water contained elevated iron concentrations that may cause aesthetic problems such as metallic taste, colour and staining. It is recommended that residents allow the water to run for several minutes each morning before collection for drinking and cooking purposes, and that low-cost iron removal methods such as aeration followed by filtration be promoted. Access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge in many rural and urban areas of Uganda. The study assessed the physicochemical quality of borehole water and iron oxidation in Nagongera Town Council, Tororo District, Eastern Uganda. Water samples were collected from one randomly selected borehole at six different times of the day i.e. (04:00, 05:00, 06:00, 07:00, 08:00 and 09:00 AM) for three consecutive days. The parameters analysed were pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC) and iron concentration. Iron concentration was determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at 490 nm after complexation with potassium thiocyanate. The results showed that pH values ranged from 6.8 -7.1, temperature from 21.9 °C - 24.2 °C, and electrical conductivity from 392.4 µS/cm - 436.8 µS/cm. These parameters were within the reference limits used in the study for drinking water. However, iron concentration varied significantly with time of water collection and the rate of pumping. The highest concentration was 3.350 mg/L, recorded at 04:00 am which was far above the WHO guideline value of 0.3 mg/L. Iron levels decreased progressively with continued pumping, reaching 0.180 mg/L by 09:00 am. This pattern is attributed to the accumulation of dissolved ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) under anaerobic stagnant conditions overnight, followed by flushing of stagnant water and oxidation of Fe²⁺ to insoluble ferric iron (Fe³⁺) upon exposure to oxygen during daytime pumping. The study concludes that the borehole water was generally acceptable with respect to pH, temperature and electrical conductivity, however, early morning water contained elevated iron concentrations that may cause aesthetic problems such as metallic taste, colour and staining. It is recommended that residents allow the water to run for several minutes each morning before collection for drinking and cooking purposes, and that low-cost iron removal methods such as aeration followed by filtration be promoted.
Assessment of physiochemical properties of water and variation of concentration of nitrate ions in river Namatala at selected sites located in Mbale city eastern Uganda.
(Busitema University, 2026) Magombe, Tonny
This study assessed the physiochemical properties and nitrate ion levels in River Namatala, Mbale City, and Eastern Uganda. Water samples were collected from three selected sites: upstream, midstream, and downstream. Parameters measured included temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, total hardness (TH), dissolved oxygen (DO), and nitrate concentration (NO₃⁻). Standard analytical methods were used, including the Winkler method for DO, EDTA titration for hardness, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry for nitrates. Results showed progressive deterioration in water quality from upstream to downstream. Turbidity increased from 230 NTU upstream to 930 NTU downstream, far exceeding WHO drinking water guidelines. Dissolved oxygen decreased from 10.4 mg/L upstream to 4.4 mg/L downstream, falling below the WHO ideal of 5 mg/L. Nitrate concentrations increased from 0.06 mg/L upstream to 0.188 mg/L downstream, though all values remained well below the WHO limit of 50 mg/L. TDS, EC, and total hardness also increased downstream but remained within acceptable limits. pH (7.1–8.4) and temperature (20.4–23.2°C) were within normal ranges. The study concludes that River Namatala is experiencing significant pollution from domestic wastewater, agricultural runoff, and urban activities, particularly affecting turbidity and dissolved oxygen. The water is unsuitable for direct human consumption without treatment. Regular monitoring, public awareness, and pollution control measures are urgently recommended

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