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Makungu Madirisha

Dr Makungu Marco Madirisha

College of Natural and Applied Sciences

Chemisty

Biography

Dr. Makungu Marco Madirisha is a Lecturer and Research Fellow in Chemistry at the University of Dar es Salaam. He holds a BSc with Education (Chemistry and Physics) from the same institution, an MSc in Chemistry from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, and a PhD in Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Chemistry from the University of Twente, the Netherlands. Dr. Madirisha has further honed his expertise through international research fellowships, serving as a Visiting Assistant Research Fellow at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Toulouse, France, and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of South Africa. His research focuses on the development and application of sustainable materials, with particular emphasis on geopolymers and alkali-activated materials for enhancing wellbore cementing in geothermal, oil, and gas operations. He also investigates their broader applications in construction, gas storage, slow-release fertilizers, and environmental remediation. Additionally, Dr. Madirisha explores the development of pillared interlayered clays and biochar for similar applications. A core part of his work involves repurposing of solid waste to develop sustainable products that contribute to the circular economy. Dr. Madirisha is committed to practical, evidence-based research that delivers real-world benefits. He believes in bridging the gap between academia and society, ensuring that technological advancements address pressing societal challenges rather than being pursued as ends in themselves.

Research Interest

• Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Chemistry (Wellbore Cementing, Drilling Fluids, Flow Assurance)

• Materials Chemistry (Geopolymers, Alkali-Activated Materials, Cement, Pillared Interlayered Clays, Slow-Release Fertilizers, Biochar)

• Environmental Remediation (Wastewater Treatment, Repurposing of Solid Wastes, Biogas Upgrading)

• Energy Storage (Natural Gas, Hydrogen)

Contacts

Email:

Projects

  1. Climate-Smart Livestock and Sustainable Farming in Tanzania: Leveraging Geopolymer and Biochar Innovations for Climate Resilience. Year 2024
  2. University of South Africa (UNISA): Production of Refractory Crucible from Mining Tailings and E-waste for the Promotion of a Circular Economy. Year 2024
  3. UDSM Grant Award of 29,977,000/= TZS for the research project on Bio-waste Materials as Viable Option for Renewable Energy, Sustainable Agriculture, and Carbon Sequestration in Tanzania. Year 2020
  4. UDSM Grant Award of 100,000,000/= TZS for research on the Potential of Tanzania Clay Minerals and Agro-Wastes for Production of Engineering Materials: A Means to Combine a Challenge of Climate Change and Materials Development. University of Dar es Salaam. Year 2022
  5. EU Tanzania Capacity Building project, scoping research projects Tranche 2; Year 2017 – 2018; €15,000. A joint project between UDSM and Aberdeen University, Phase 1
  6. EU Tanzania Capacity Building project, scoping research projects Tranche 2; Year 2017 – 2018; €15,000. A joint project between UDSM and Aberdeen University, Phase 2.
  7. Petroleum and Geothermal Energy: Tanzania Dutch Energy Capacity Building Project (TDECB) - NICHE-TZA, Year 2016 – 2019
  8. UDSM Grant Award of 29,983,000/= TZS for research on the Formulation, Chemical Characterization and Performance Test of Water-Based Drilling Mud from Local Materials Found in Tanzania: Year 2018-2019
  9. UDSM Grant Award of 30,000,000/= TZS for research on Formulation and Performance of Adsorbents from Local Materials for Onboard Storage of Natural Gas: A Key in Addressing Climate Change, University of Dar es Salaam: Year 2022

Publications