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Papers
11 resultsShowing papers from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
ClearPharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Aquatic Environment: How Can Regions at Risk be Identified in the Future?
This review discusses the growing concern over pharmaceuticals and personal care products as environmental contaminants in aquatic systems, particularly in regions with limited monitoring infrastructure. Researchers outline key research priorities for the next decade, including improving predictions of where these chemicals pose the greatest risk. The study emphasizes the need for better global surveillance and risk assessment models to protect both ecosystems and human health.
Optimized Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) Production by Moderately Haloalkaliphilic Bacterium <i>Halomonas alkalicola</i> Ext
Researchers isolated a salt- and alkali-tolerant bacterium from a Kenyan lake and optimized its production of the biodegradable polymer PHBV as an alternative to conventional plastics. Through systematic optimization of growth conditions, they achieved a polymer yield of over 45% of the bacterial cell mass. The study demonstrates that extremophilic microorganisms can serve as efficient producers of biodegradable plastics suitable for packaging and biomedical applications.
Nano- and Microplastics in Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles: A Review of Occurrence, Health Risks, and Regulatory Needs
This review of existing research found that tiny plastic particles break off from single-use water bottles and get into the water we drink. When people consume these microscopic plastics, they may cause inflammation, disrupt healthy gut bacteria, and create harmful stress in our bodies. The problem is that there are currently no consistent safety rules or testing methods to protect consumers from these plastic particles in bottled water.
Decadal Assessment of Microplastics, Pharmaceuticals, and Pesticides as Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Kenya's Surface Waters: A Review
This review assessed a decade of research on microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides in Kenya's surface waters, finding high microplastic concentrations in coastal waters and widespread antibiotic contamination linked to untreated sewage rather than wastewater treatment plants.
Emerging technologies for enhanced removal of residual antibiotics from source-separated urine and wastewaters: A review
Researchers reviewed emerging technologies for removing antibiotic residues from human urine and wastewater, including distillation, ammonia stripping, adsorption, and advanced oxidation processes, with particular focus on treating urine separately at the source before it reaches central treatment plants. Reducing antibiotic discharge is critical because these residues in waterways drive the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can threaten human health.
Evaluation of the Food Barrier and Mechanical Properties of Carrageenan‐Starch Composite Films
This study developed and tested composite films made from carrageenan and starch for food packaging applications, evaluating their barrier properties against water vapor and oxygen as well as mechanical strength. The bio-based composites showed promising properties as plastic-free food packaging alternatives.
Cellulose nanofibrils and silver nanoparticles enhances the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite film
Researchers developed a biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite film reinforced with sugarcane bagasse cellulose nanofibrils and silver nanoparticles, finding that the combination significantly improved mechanical strength and antimicrobial properties, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic food packaging.
Development and Evaluation of Recycled Polypropylene and Bean Pod Powder Composite Biomaterial for Fused Filament Fabrication
Researchers developed a composite biomaterial using recycled polypropylene and bean pod powder for fused filament fabrication 3D printing, evaluating its mechanical and thermal properties as a strategy for diverting both plastic and agricultural waste from the environment.
Reutilizing Single-Use Surgical Face Masks to Improve the Mechanical Properties of Concrete: A Feasibility Study
Researchers investigated reutilizing single-use surgical face masks as a material to improve the mechanical properties of construction or composite materials. The study demonstrates a potential upcycling pathway for pandemic-generated mask waste, converting a pollution problem into a resource.
Impact of chick mash, rice bran, and wheat bran as starter feeds on the performance of black soldier fly larvae in food waste treatment
Researchers evaluated the impact of three starter feeds (rice bran, wheat bran, and chick mash) on the performance of black soldier fly larvae used for food waste bioconversion. The study measured larval weight, substrate reduction, feed conversion ratio, and bioconversion rate to determine optimal starter feed selection for food waste management.
Environmental and Cost Advantages of Using Polyethylene Terephthalate Fibre Reinforced Concrete with Fly Ash as a Partial Cement Replacement
This study examined the environmental and cost benefits of using recycled PET plastic bottles as fiber reinforcement in concrete, combined with fly ash as a partial cement replacement. Repurposing plastic waste in construction materials could help reduce the volume of plastic entering the environment as microplastics.