Dr. Peter Wilberforce Olupot

Staff Profile Photo

First Name

Peter

Surname

Olupot

Other Name

Wilberforce

Academic Title

Associate Professor

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Position

Associate Professor

Telephone Number

+256 701658768/+256 774311922

Email

Peter.olupot@mak.ac.ug

Office Number

Courses Taught

Materials Science, Process Improvement and Maintenance Engineering

Areas of Research Interest

Materials Characterization, Activated carbons and valorization of biomass materials

Education Background

1996 -2000 Bsc. Mechanical Engineering – Makerere University, 2000-2003 Msc. Mechanical Engineering – Makerere University, Licentiate Degree in Materials Science, Royal Institute of Technology(KTH), 2006-2010 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): Materials Science

Other key skills training/Certification

Research project history (recent 5 years)

1. April 1, 2024- March 31, 2029: Principal Investigator, Green options for sustainable exploitation of iron ore reserves in Uganda, Danish International Development Agency. DKK 9,991,608.

2. Jan 2024-Nov 2024. Principal Investigator. Metallization of Ugandan Iron Ores. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Office of the President of Uganda. UGX 800,000,000.

3. Jan 2024-Nov 2024. Co-Principal Investigator. Development of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles from steel waste for Applications in Drinking Water Treatment. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Office of the President of Uganda. UGX UGX. 350,000,000

4. Jun 2022-May 30, 2026. Principal Investigator. Iron oxide-based nanocomposite bio-adsorbents for water treatment. EPFL- Switzerland/EXAF. CHF 79,910

5. Nov 2021-Oct. 2026. Principal Investigator. Renewable Energies for Africa: Effective Valorization of Agri-Food Wastes (REFFECT-AFRICA). In response to: Building a low-carbon, climate resilient future: Research and innovation in support of the European Green Deal. Horizon 2020. Grant No. 101036900. EUR. 6,962,820.76.

6. Oct 2020 To Dec 2023. Principal Investigator. Optimization of Recirculating Water Treatment Process for a Smart Communal Hand Washing System. Additional Module to Grant No. 96659 in response to: Corona Crisis and Beyond – Perspectives for Science, Scholarship and Society Grant Volkswagen Foundation No: 96659-1. Euro. 96,800

7. Jul 2022-Jun 2023. Principal Investigator. Metallization of Ugandan Iron Ores. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Office of the President of Uganda. UGX 440,195,000

8. Jul 2022-Jun 2023. Co-Principal Investigator. Development of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles from steel waste for Applications in Drinking Water Treatment. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Office of the President of Uganda. UGX UGX. 259,540,400

9. Jul 2022-Jun 2023. Principal Investigator. Multi-Year project grant- Technology for application of activated carbons from rice husks in water treatment. Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund. UGX. 169,800,000

10. Jul 2021-Jun 2022. Co- Principal Investigator. Development of zeolite based nano-composite filters for drinking water treatment in Uganda. Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund. UGX. 166,000,000.

11. June 2020-To Dec 2020. Principal Investigator. Development of a recyclable-water hand-washing facility (ECO-WASH). Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund COVID-19 Call. UGX. 60,000,000.

12. Nov 2019- Nov 2020. Principal Investigator. Technology for application of activated carbons from rice husks in water treatment. Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund UGX. 240,568,000.

13. Oct. 2019-2021. Principal Investigator. Technology for application of activated carbons from rice husks in water treatment. Extension of Senior Postdoctoral Research grant in Engineering Sciences, The Volkswagen Foundation Germany, Grant No. 96659. Eur.60,000.

Conferences/workshops/papers presented (recent 5 years)

1. V. A. Yiga, Michael Lubwama, P. W. Olupot. "Investigation on char residues and mean reactivity of compression molded rice and coffee husks bio-char reinforced polypropylene". 5th Thermal and Fluids Engineering Conference (TFEC). April 5th-8th (2020) Sheraton Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. https://www.astfe.org/tfec2020/

2. V. A. Yiga, Michael Lubwama, P. W. Olupot. "Characterization of rice husks as potential reinforcement for polylactic acid composites". 5th International Conference on natural fibers (ICNF). May 17th-19th (2021) Funchal, Portugal. https://icnf2021.fibrenamics.com/

3. V. A. Yiga, M. Lubwama, P. W. Olupot. "Application of Response Surface Methodology for optimizing tensile strength of rice husk fiber-reinforced polylactic acid composites". 2nd International Online Conference on Polymer Science (IOCPS) - Polymers and Nanotechnology for Industry 4.0. November 1st-15th (2021) Online. https://iocps2021.sciforum.net/

Published books (recent 5 years)

Published book chapters (recent 5 years)

Published journal articles (recent 5 years)

1. T. Mwebembezi, J. Wakatuntu, J. Jjagwe, C. Kanyesigye, R. N. Kulabako, P. W. Olupot, Synthesis, characterization and application of steel waste-based iron oxide nanoparticles for removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewaters, Heliyon, 2024, e28153, ISSN 2405-8440, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28153.

2. P. W. Olupot, J. Wakatuntu, M. Turyasingura, J. Jjagwe, E. Menya, M. Okure, Optimization of heavy metal removal by activated carbon obtained as a co-product from fast pyrolysis of rice husks. Results in Materials, Volume 21, 2024, 100545, ISSN 2590-048X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinma.2024.100545.

3. Olupot, P.W.; Mibulo, T.; Nayebare, J.G. Characterization of Uganda's Main Agri-Food Value Chain Wastes for Gasification. Energies 2024, 17, 164. https:// doi.org/10.3390/en17010164

4. J. Atidi, H. Kasedde, E. Menya, P. W. Olupot, Optimization of physical and mechanical properties of porcelain tiles from coffee parchment husk ash, Journal of Engineering Research, 2023, ISSN 2307-1877, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jer.2023.11.013.

5. Wangi, G.M., Olupot, P.W., Byaruhanga, J. et al. Characterization of Natural Zeolite and Determination of its Ion-exchange Potential for Selected Metal Ions in Water. Environ. Process. 10, 53 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-023-00654-7

6. Alirach, V., Lubwama, M., Olupot, P.W., Kukunda L. Development and characterisation of bio-sheets from sugarcane bagasse as a potential packaging material. Biomass Conv. Bioref. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-04689-6.

7. V. A. Yiga, M. Lubwama, D. Karemani, D. Bbosa, E. B.O. Olotu, P. W. Olupot, F. Natukunda. Prediction of tensile strength of biochar filled polylactic acid composites via box-behnken design, Journal of Engineering Research, 2023, 100142, ISSN 2307-1877, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jer.2023.100142.

8. J. Jjagwe, P. W. Olupot, S. Carrara, Iron oxide nanoparticles/nanocomposites derived from steel and iron wastes for water treatment: A review, Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 343, 2023, 118236, ISSN 0301-4797, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118236.

9. E. Menya, H. Storz, P. W. Olupot, Editorial: Special issue on extended application of biomass-based activated carbon in water and wastewater treatment, Chemical Engineering Research and Design, Volume 194, 2023, Pages 242-244, ISSN 0263-8762, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2023.04.060.

10. V. A. Yiga, M. Lubwama, P. W. Olupot, Thermal stability of NaOH modified rice husk fiber-reinforced polylactic acid composites: Effect of rice husks and clay loading, Results in Materials, Volume 18, 2023, 100398, ISSN 2590-048X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinma.2023.100398.

11. T. Tibesigwa, P. W. Olupot & J.B. Kirabira (2023) Assessment of the techno-economic viability of B10 synthesis from second-generation biodiesel feedstocks in Uganda. International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 42:1, 351-373, DOI: 10.1080/14786451.2023.2191144.

12. Tibesigwa, T., Iezzi, B., Lim, T.H., Kirabira, J.B., Olupot, P.W., Life cycle assessment of biodiesel production from selected second-generation feedstocks, Cleaner Engineering and Technology (2023), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2023.100614.

13. E. Menya, J. Jjagwe, H. M. Kalibbala, H. Storz, P. W. Olupot, Progress in Deployment of Biomass-Based Activated Carbon in Point-of-Use Filters for Removal of Emerging Contaminants from Water: A Review. Chemical Engineering Research and Design (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2023.02.045

14. Lutaaya, S.M., Olupot, P.W., Wakatuntu J., Kasedde H. Effects of waste paper on fuel and mechanical properties of biogas digestate-derived briquettes. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-03929-z

15. J. Wakatuntu, P. W. Olupot, J. Jjagwe, E. Menya, M. Okure. Optimization of pyrolysis conditions for production of rice husk-based bio-oil as an energy carrier. Results in Engineering (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2023.100947.

16. H.M. Kalibbala, P.W. Olupot, O.M. Ambani. Synthesis and efficacy of cactus-banana peels composite as a natural coagulant for water treatment, Results in Engineering (2023), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2023.100945.

17. V. A. Yiga, M. Lubwama, P. W. Olupot. Pyrolysis, kinetics and thermodynamic analyses of rice husks/clay fiber-reinforced polylactic acid composites using thermogravimetric analysis. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-022-11927-y.

18. M. Turyasingura, J. Wakatuntu, M. Lubwama, J. Jjagwe, O. Hensel, P.W. Olupot, Optimisation of eggshell-zeolite composite as a potential surfactant adsorbent for hand-washing wastewater, Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering 7 (2023), 100284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2022.100284.

19. P. W. Olupot, E. Menya, F. Lubwama, L. Ssekaluvu, B. Nabuuma, J. Wakatuntu. Effects of sawdust and adhesive type on the properties of rice husk particleboards. Results in Engineering 16 (2022) 100775. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2022.100775.

20. P. W. Olupot, E. Menya, J. Jjagwe, J. Wakatuntu, F. Román and O. Hensel. Optimization of roughing filtration unit for a handwashing wastewater recirculation point-of-use system. Water Sci Technol (2022) 86 (10): 2528–2544. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2022.358

21. B. Andrew, K. A. Buyondo, H. Kasedde, J.B. Kirabira, P. W. Olupot, A. A. Yusuf, Investigation on the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement along with steel fibers in concrete Case Studies in Construction Materials 17 (2022) e01356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01356.

22. V.A. Yiga, M. Lubwama, P.W. Olupot. Thermal and alkali modification of kaolin for potential utilization as filler material in fiber-reinforced polylactic acid composites. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 147, 11077–11091 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-022-11379-4

23. V.A. Yiga, M. Lubwama, P.W. Olupot. Thermal stability of unmodified and alkali-modified rice husks for flame retardant fiber-reinforced PLA composites. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 147, 11049–11075 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-022-11311-w

24. V. A. Yiga, M. Lubwama, S. Pagel, P. W. Olupot, J. Benz, C. Bonten. Optimization of tensile strength of PLA/clay/rice husk composites using Box-Behnken design. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-021-01971-3.

25. V.A. Yiga, M. Lubwama, P. W. Olupot. Characterization of Rice Husks as Potential Reinforcement for Polymer Composites. Materials Circular Economy (2021) 3:16 https://doi.org/10.1007/s42824-021-00031-5

26. T. Tibesigwa, P. W. Olupot and J.B Kirabira. The critical techno-economic aspects for production of B10 biodiesel from second generation feedstocks: a review. International Journal of Sustainable Energy (2021), https://doi.org/10.1080/14786451.2021.1976181

27. P. W. Olupot, E. Menya, J. Jjagwe, J. Wakatuntu, T. Kavuma, A. Wabwire, S. Kavuma, S.O. Mcmondo, B. Nabuuma and H. M. Kalibbala. Development and appraisal of handwash-wastewater treatment system for water recycling as a resilient response to COVID-19. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.106113

28. D. Kajjoba, H. Kasedde, P. W. Olupot, J. D. Lwanyaga. Evaluation of Thermal Comfort and Air Quality of Low-Income Housing in Kampala City, Uganda. Energy and Built Environment (2021), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbenv.2021.05.007.

29. W. Ochen, F.M. D'ujanga, B. Oruru, P.W. Olupot, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Porcelain Tiles made from Raw Materials in Uganda. Results in Materials (2021). https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.rinma.2021.100195.

30. G. M. Wangi, P. W. Olupot, J. K. Byaruhanga, and R. N. Kulabako. A Review for Potential Applications of Zeolite-Based Nanocomposites in Removal of Heavy Metals and Escherichia coli from Drinking Water. ISSN 1995-0780, Nanotechnologies in Russia, 2020, Vol. 15, Nos. 11–12, pp. 686–700. © Pleiades Publishing, Ltd., 2020. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S1995078020060221

31. J. Jjagwe, P. W. Olupot, E. Menya, H.M. Kalibbala. Synthesis and Application of Granular Activated Carbon from Biomass Waste Materials for Water Treatment: A Review. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts (2021) 6(4) 292-322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2021.03.003

32. G. Ogwang, P.W. Olupot, H. Kasedde, E. Menya, H. Storz, Y. Kiros, Experimental Evaluation of Rice Husk Ash for Applications in Geopolymer Mortars, Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts (2021), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2021.02.008.

33. A.A. Yusuf, H. Yahyah, A.A. Farooq, K.A. Buyondo, P.W. Olupot, S.S. Nura, T. Sanni, T. Hannington, Z. Ukundimana, A.S. Hassan, M.M. Mundu, S.S. Samede, Y.A. Makeri, M.D. Selvam. Characteristics of ultrafine particle emission from light-vehicle engine at city transport-speed using after-treatment device fueled with n-butanol-hydrogen blend, Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2021.100085.

34. Menya, E., Olupot, P.W., Storz, H., Lubwama, M., Kiros, Y. Synthesis and evaluation of activated carbon from rice husks for removal of humic acid from water. Biomass Conv. Bioref.  (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-020-01158-2

35. K.A. Buyondo, P.W. Olupot, J.B. Kirabira, A. A. Yusuf. Optimization of production parameters for rice husk ash-based geopolymer cement using response surface methodology. Case Studies in Construction Materials (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2020.e00461.

36. V. A. Yiga, M. Lubwama, S. Page, J. Benz, P. W. Olupot and Christian Bonten. Flame retardancy and thermal stability of agricultural residue fiber-reinforced polylactic acid: A Review. Polymer Composites. (2020) 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.25835.

37. V. A. Yiga, M. Lubwama, and P. W. Olupot. Investigation on the char residues and mean reactivity of compression molded rice and coffee husks bio-char reinforced polypropylene. American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers Digital Library (2020) 49-62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1615/TFEC2020.cbf.032093

38. Menya, E., Olupot, P.W., Storz, H., Lubwama, M., Kiros, Y. & John, M. J. Effect of alkaline pretreatment on the thermal behavior and chemical properties of rice husk varieties in relation to activated carbon production. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 139 (2020). 1681–1691. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-019-08553-6.

39. Menya, E., Olupot, P.W., Storz, H. M. Lubwama, Kiros, Y. & John M. J. Optimization of pyrolysis conditions for char production from rice husks and its characterization as a precursor for production of activated carbon. Biomass Conv. Bioref. 10, (2020). 57–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-019-00399-0

40. V. A. Yiga, S. Pagel, M. Lubwama, S. Epple, P. W. Olupot and C. Bonten. Development of fiber reinforced polypropylene with NaOH pretreated rice and coffee husks as fillers: Mechanical and thermal properties. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials 33[9] (2020). 1269–1291. https://doi.org/10.1177/0892705718823255.

Links to social media (e.g. LinkedIn)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-olupot-25291926/

Links to scholarly collaboration network (e.g. Scholar, ResearchGate, etc)

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Olupot;

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=MTq2KOAAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID No.

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4167-5306