I arrived in Uganda on the 6th of February 2022 and thereafter registered as a student on the 14th of February 2022. I got my registration number as "2021/HD13/23029X" and my student number as "2100723029." My MSc research project is “Development of zeolite/ 〖Bi〗_2 O_3 nanocomposite for removal of rhodamine b dye from wastewater".

The increasing contamination of wastewater with synthetic dyes poses a significant environmental challenge. The effective removal of Rhodamine B dye from wastewater is of great importance due to its harmful environmental impact. This study focuses on the development of a zeolite/bismuth oxide nanocomposite for the effective removal of Rhodamine B dye from wastewater. The synthesis of the nanocomposite was achieved through the sol-gel method, followed by thorough characterization using various techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), point of zero charge determination, and surface resonance analysis. The optimization of the removal process involved investigating the influence of several parameters on the efficiency of Rhodamine B dye removal. The results revealed that the optimum conditions for maximum removal efficiency (100%) were achieved at pH 4, an initial dye concentration of 0.5 mg/L, an adsorbent dose of 0.55 g, a contact time of 10 minutes, and a temperature of 25 °C. The zeolite/Bi2O3 nanocomposite was then used to test its efficiency in removing Rhodamine B dye from real wastewater samples.

The percentage of Rhodamine B dye removed by zeolite/Bi2O3 nanocomposite was 98.12% of the real wastewater sample. This study, therefore, suggests that zeolite/Bi2O3 nanocomposite is a promising absorbent for Rhodamine B dye in aqueous solutions and real wastewater samples. This study, therefore, suggests that zeolite/Bi2O3 nanocomposite is a promising absorbent for Rhodamine B dye in aqueous solutions and real wastewater samples.

Skills development

Below are some of the personal skills I have acquired during your scholarship period including the events I have attended:

1. Smart Nanotechnology for Societal Applications
   • Organizer: Amity Institute of Nanotechnology, Noida, UP-20131, India
   • Date: June 27th - 30th, 2022
   • Focus: Explored nanotechnology applications for societal benefit.
2. Water Treatment Ancillary Topics
   • Date: September 29, 2022
   • Focus: Explored equipment options and selection for water and wastewater treatment.
3. Biological Wastewater Treatment (Advanced Track)
   • Organizer: Horizon Academic
   • Date: June 20th, 2023
   • Focus: Delved into advanced biological wastewater treatment techniques.
4. Global Entrepreneurship Management Summit (AAROHAN)
   • Organizer: ATLAS SkillTech University
   • Date: March 23-29, 2023
   • Focus: Participated in a summit focusing on global entrepreneurship and management.
5. . Second Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum
   • Date: July 25th - 30th, 2023
   • Focus: Attended a forum addressing economic and humanitarian aspects of Russia-Africa relations.

The differences between online lectures such as: Smart Nanotechnology for Societal Applications Amity Institute of Nanotechnology, Noida, UP-20131, India, June 27th - 30th, 2022; Existing Treatment Plant Rehabilitation and Upgrade in July 26 2022; Water treatment ancillary topics (equipment options and selection for water and wastewater treatment, ) in Sep 29 2022; Biological wastewater treatment (Advanced Track), Horizon academic, June 20th, 2023; Global entrepreneurship management summit AAROHAN from ATLAS SkillTech University, March 8 23-29th, 2023.