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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