http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/859 2026-04-13T16:01:14Z 2026-04-13T16:01:14Z Chiumia, Admore Samuel http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/999 2024-11-19T11:39:18Z 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment Of The Potential Adoption Of Liquefied Petroleum Gas For Cooking In Urban Households And Institutions In Malawi Chiumia, Admore Samuel More than 96% of Malawians relied on wood fuels (firewood and charcoal) for cooking and heating in 2018. About 4 million people in the country now use charcoal for cooking in urban areas which; has led to loss of forests resulting into increased run off, siltation of rivers and consequently depletion of water resources in lakes and rivers in Malawi. This research aimed to assess the potential adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as an alternative fuel to charcoal and firewood. Slovin’s Formula was used to calculate sample size in which a total of 1200 households were interviewed. Further laboratory tests showed LPG as more efficient as a cooking fuel than electricity, charcoal, and firewood. Thermal efficiencies were recorded as LPG 68.1% (6kg LPG stove), electricity 56.2 (2kw hot plate), firewood 25.3%, improved firewood stove and Charcoal 23.2%, improved charcoal stove. The surveys conducted found that institutions used multiple cooking fuels depending on factors such as availability and cost. While electricity was the most preferred cooking fuel by institutions (54.5%), LPG was reported as the back-up fuel for 100% of the institutions surveyed. LPG is perceived as an affordable fuel option by 26.3% of the institutions surveyed. At the household level LPG-users reported benefits of efficiency (39%); reliability (37%) and cleanliness (27%). While the majority of high income urban households use electricity for cooking, the majority of low and medium income urban households use charcoal for cooking. The research highlighted limited knowledge of LPG efficiency and safety among potential users. These barriers to LPG uptake are compounded by the fact that LPG is perceived to be more expensive than other cooking fuels, there is less LPG supply, and the LPG distribution network is less developed than other cooking fuels. Despite these challenges, the market assessment revealed considerable potential for LPG market growth in Malawi, especially in urban areas where prices of charcoal continue to grow. intermittent electricity supply and low cost have proven to be key drivers of LPG demand. The researcher recommends that the Government of Malawi through MBS and MERA, facilitate harmonization of local and international standards of LPG gas handling and distribution to effectively support and regulate the sector. In conclusion to ensure Malawi’s energy/environmental security, it is imperative that alternative cooking fuels (such as LPG) be promoted, incentivized, and adopted in Malawian household. A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Physics and Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of a Degree of Master of Philosophy in Applied Sciences (Renewable Energy).

2021-10-01T00:00:00Z Utsale, Constance Chifuniro http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/996 2024-10-08T09:53:04Z 2024-07-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment Of Air Quality, Noise Levels And Heavy Metal Concentrations During Dry And Rainy Seasons From Industrial Areas Of Blantyre City, Malawi Utsale, Constance Chifuniro This research investigated concentration of air quality, heavy metals and noise levels from industrial areas in Blantyre City, Malawi. Air, noise, and soil samples were collected in both dry and rainy seasons at 15 industrial sites based in Makata, Limbe, Maselema, Chirimba and Maone in Blantyre. Sampling and analysis of air, noise and soil employed the use of standardized methods detailed in the American Public Health Association (APHA), Canada Standards, English Standards as well as Malawi Standards (MS). Air was analyzed for Carbon Monoxide (CO), Total Suspended Particles (TSP), Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) and Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5). Heavy metals were assessed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Soil was analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn). Noise levels were also recorded using a noise level meter. In the rainy season, the average concentration values of CO, TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 were 0.49 ± 0.65 mg/m3, 85.03 ± 62.18 μg/m3, 14.65 ± 8.13 μg/m3, and 11.52 ± 7.19 μg/m3, respectively. Dry season average concentration values increased to 1.31 ± 0.81 mg/m3, 99.86± 30.06 μg/m3, 24.35 ± 9.53 μg/m3, and 18.28 ± 7.14 μg/m3. Noise levels remained below public MS and WHO standards (85 dB). Chirimba AP had the highest mean Zn concentrations of 822 mg/kg in the rainy season and 579 mg/kg in the dry season. Maone NM had the highest Cd concentrations, measuring 2.09 mg/kg in the rainy season and 3.06 mg/kg in the dry season. Chirimba AP also had the highest Cu concentrations with levels of 105 mg/kg in the dry season and 79 mg/kg in the rainy season. The study found that the 87 % of soil sample concentrations were in line with England's stipulated standards for heavy metal concentrations, with exceptions noted in specific instances like Chirimba AP and Makata LF, where concentrations surpassed the defined limits signifying a health concern. In the rainy season, the range of soil mean pH was 6.3 - 7.83 while in the dry season it was 6.67 - 8.15. In the rainy season, the range of soil mean electrical conductivity was 24.3±0.35 μS/cm - 265±0.42 μS/cm while in the dry season it was 43.8±0.49 μS/cm - 2353±5.508 μS/cm. Source apportionment of air quality parameters as well as heavy metals showed various factors contributing to the respective concentrations. A geo-accumulation index analysis of heavy metals in soil was done to assess potential contamination risks and Zn was shown to be a major contaminant, presenting an ecological and pollution risk. The results of the source apportionment analysis using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model indicated that air and heavy metal pollution were mainly caused by (1) metal processing and manufacturing industries, (2) plastic manufacturing industries (3) cement manufacturing industries, (4) food manufacturing industries, (5) beverage manufacturing industries and (6) furniture manufacturing vii industries. It was recommended for periodic sampling be done to observe the seasonal pollution trends considering potential impacts on public health and environmental sustainability. Further studies should look at factors affecting the dynamics of PMF in Blantyre City. This will help in putting up measures that can help to control the release of pollutants and ensuring public health. A Dissertation Submitted to the Department of Physics and Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Protection and Management

2024-07-01T00:00:00Z Mnjeza, Bedah http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/992 2024-10-03T09:22:07Z 2024-07-01T00:00:00Z

Technical And Financial Feasibility Of On-Site Tea Organic Waste Usage: A Case Of Tea Estates In Mulanje District, Malawi Mnjeza, Bedah Hygienic waste disposal poses a significant challenge in developing countries, especially those with high population densities, such as Malawi. Inadequate waste management across all types (solid, liquid, and thermal) and from diverse sources impacts various industries worldwide, including agriculture, mining, and construction. The Tea industry in Malawi faces similar challenges due to inadequate waste management practices, particularly with regards to the organic waste generated from tea factories. Lack of knowledge on utilizing this waste has led to improper disposal in dumpsites. Additionally, the high costs associated with purchasing and applying inorganic fertilizers in tea fields have prompted the need to explore alternative waste management solutions. This study specifically aimed to assess the levels of NPK nutrients in organic tea waste and examine the financial feasibility of using it onsite in Mulanje District, Southern Malawi. Samples were collected from three tea estates in Mulanje District. The technical analysis focused on determining the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content in the organic tea waste, as these are essential primary nutrients for plant growth. A financial analysis was conducted to evaluate potential cost savings if inorganic fertilizers were replaced or co-applied with organic waste. The study revealed that the average proportion of nitrogen in the organic tea waste was 3.19%, phosphorus was 0.58%, and potassium was 0.43%. These NPK nutrient contents were significantly lower than those found in chemical fertilizers (T-compound). The application rate of tea waste required to supply the same amount of nitrogen as chemical fertilizer (T-compound) was determined to be 1935 Kg/ha. Furthermore, the use of tea waste would result in total savings of 22.2% of the total cost of chemical fertilizer. The study provides evidence of the NPK nutrient levels in organic tea waste and highlights the financial feasibility of its onsite usage for tea production. To address the issue of poor waste management, it is recommended that tea factories focus on increasing the value of tea waste over time through industrial processing activities aimed at producing useful products or sources of energy, such as through reuse, recycling, or composting. By implementing these recommendations, the tea industry in Malawi can contribute positively to the country's economy while addressing environmental concerns related to waste management. Master of Science in Environmental Protection and Management Dissertation Submitted to the Department of Physics and Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Malawi – The Polytechnic, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Protection and Management

2024-07-01T00:00:00Z Abraham, Amon http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/988 2024-10-03T08:56:36Z 2024-02-01T00:00:00Z

Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Of Broiler Chicken Farmers On Antibiotic Use And Residues In Blantyre, Malawi Abraham, Amon Antibiotics are used in livestock farming for treatment, disease prevention, growth promotion, preventing outbreaks, and controlling disease outbreaks. Antibiotic use has become more common among farmers due to the high demand for poultry products. Across cross-sectional quantitative survey across ten urban and peri-urban areas of Blantyre was undertaken amongst 50 small, medium, and large-scale broiler farmers. The study’s objectives were to assess farmers' knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) on antibiotic use in broiler production, analyze antibiotic residues in chicken meat samples, and examine correlations between farmers' KAP on the use of antibiotics and antibiotics residue accumulation. 40 meat samples were collected among the farmers and analyzed for ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, and trimethoprim residues. To evaluate the farmer's KAP on antibiotic use a pretested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data through face-to-face interviews. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests were used to determine the association. Statistical significance was determined using a p-value of less than 0.05. All the farmers administered antibiotics to their flocks, and 46% (23/50) of them claimed to use antibiotics to treat any disease. 62% (31/50) of farmers have never attended any training on antibiotic use. 58% (29/50) of farmers had never heard of AMR. 66% (33/50) follow recommendations from other farmers. 82% (41/50) of farmers adhere to withdrawal periods, and 38% of farmers reported using antibiotics for a longer period in sick chickens. The High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) screening showed that amoxicillin represents the highest residue percentage (92.5%), trimethoprim (32.5%), ciprofloxacin (10%), and least sulfamethoxazole (2.5%). Contaminated samples were higher, lower, and least in commercial, medium, and small-scale broiler management systems respectively. Amoxicillin residue ranged from 0.058926 - 5.138996 μg/kg, trimethoprim was 0.33909 – 3.25580 μg/g, sulfamethoxazole was 0.058926 - 5.138996 μg/g and ciprofloxacin was ND - 0.956627 μg/g. These residue levels were below the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) recommended limit according to the European Union (EC). This study revealed that chicken samples collected from broiler farmers from urban and peri-urban areas of Blantyre contain antibiotic residues. Therefore, it is important to monitor antibiotic use in broiler chickens to ensure that residue levels remain below the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) and to prevent the potential development of antibiotic resistance. A Dissertation Submitted to the Department Environmental Health, Faculty of Applied Sciences, in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of a Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Health

2024-02-01T00:00:00Z