Browsing by Author "Maingi, Francis"

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Effects of alum, soda ash, and carbon dioxide on 40–50 year old concrete wastewater tanks
(Physical Sciences Review, 2023-11-06) Maundu, Mutua; Ouma, Linda; Maingi, Francis
Concrete is among the foremost used construction materials around the world, however, there is limited information to determine how aging concrete is affected by chemicals. Concrete is used in the construction of domestic and industrial infrastructure including walls, beams, roof slabs, pipes and drainage systems. With increasing industrialization, chemicals are continuously released contributing to concrete degradation. Sulfuric acid is one of the most detrimental chemicals to concrete, yet it is commonly used in most industries. The effects of carbon dioxide, alum, and soda ash on 40–50 year old concrete structures were determined. Results showed the presence of Fe3+ ions with a mean concentration of 3.24 ± 0.02 mg/L in the residuum on the alum tank. This was due to the slightly acidic alum solution reacting with calcium hydroxide and iron in the concrete matrix over years thus depriving concrete of its binding power. The high amount of soda ash, a strong base, corrodes the concrete walls and surfaces hence creating cracks on the concrete matrix. Carbonation effects brought about by carbon dioxide were also observed at the time of the study.
Response Surface Methodology Analysis Of Animal Manure Mixtures On Macronutrient Content
(IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 2024-08-22) Magero, Simon; Ouma, Linda; Maingi, Francis
The macro and micronutrient composition, pH, and absorptivity of manure from livestock and poultry differ. To increase the nutrient content of soils, several types of manure must be combined. One strategy to increase manure efficiency is mixing ratio optimization. This study aimed to ascertain the nutrient levels of manure from various farm animals and assess the interactions between the manure and the resulting nutrients. Polynomial equations were created as a mathematical model to tie the factors to the responses. The central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to investigate the impact of different animal manures on macro nutrients that were chosen as responses. RSM was also used to determine each manure type's level of significance as well as the interactive effects. According to the findings of the study, goat manure was richest in phosphorus (1.27%), potassium (1.24%), and calcium (4.68%), whereas poultry manure was richest in nitrogen (1.45%). The study showed that while a combination of cattle and swine produced a mixture high in nitrogen, blending goats, poultry, and swine manure gave the highest phosphorus levels. A mixture of cattle, goat, and pig manure was provided an organic fertilizer that was rich in calcium and potassium. To assist in blending different types of wellchosen animal manure for the creation of the intended nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, second and third-order polynomials were devised. Calcium, potassium, and phosphorous fitted best in a third–order polynomial while nitrogen was fitted in a second-order polynomial.
Synthesis And Characterization Of Struvite By Aqueous Precipitation Using Wastewater And Hot Spring Water
(IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry, 2024-07-22) Nasambu, Edith; Maingi, Francis; Ouma, Linda Immaculate
Struvite (MgNH4PO4.6H2O) is a phosphate mineral that has recently become a prudent venture for many researchers due to its nutritional value to plants in the field of agriculture. The cost of production of this mineral heavily relies on the cost of the magnesium source used. In this study, hot spring water was investigated as a potentially cheaper natural source of magnesium ions while sewage wastewater was used as a source of phosphate and ammonium ions for the struvite synthesis. The synthesized struvite composite was then characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The precipitate purity and phosphorous recovery were analysed. XRF results showed that synthesized struvite majorly consisted of magnesium oxide and phosphorous oxide. XRD analysis showed the presence of orthorhombic crystalline phases between 4-9 degrees (2𝜃) with struvite peaks at 2𝜃 values 15.8, 20.9and 46.3 which matched struvite ICDD card information. SEM revealed irregular, crystalline, and rod-like morphological structures that were consistent with those identified in the literature. The synthesized composite contained a percentage purity of 68.61% and phosphorous recovery of 76.15%. The presence of phosphorous and nitrogen in the struvite which is plant macronutrients makes the composite potential fertilizer for agricultural applications.