Browsing by Author "Kulabako, Robinah N."

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    Empirical modeling of chlorophyll a from MODIS satellite imagery for trophic status monitoring of Lake Victoria in East Africa
    (Journal of Great Lakes Research, 2021) Gidudu, Anthony; Letaru, Lydia; Kulabako, Robinah N.
    We detail our attempts at empirical modeling of MODIS derived Chlorophyll a (Chl a) distribution on Lake Victoria in East Africa and consequently its trophic status. This was motivated by the need for Lake Victoria specific algorithms, as the current satellite based standard algorithms overestimate derived Chl a. In situ Chl a data was hence collected in three field campaigns in November 2014, March 2015 and July 2015. In situ reflectances were collected during the July campaign only. We first developed models from in situ reflectances and in situ Chl a, which when applied to MODIS bands performed dismally (R2 = 0.03). We then proceeded to derive empirical models by directly comparing MODIS bands with in situ Chl a based on data collected in November 2014 and July 2015. The March 2015 dataset couldn’t be used due to cloud cover hence no matchups could be obtained. The best model derived (R2 = 0.88) was based on the ratio 488 nm/645 nm, and was then used to determine the trophic status of Lake Victoria using Carlson’s Chl a Trophic State Index (TSI). The results show that large areas of the lake are mesotrophic with eutrophic displays closer to the shores. The modeled TSI was then validated against in situ TSI derived from the March dataset and posted an 80% matchup. One of the main challenges, however is the prevalence of cloud cover, which hinders synoptic mapping of the lake. That notwithstanding, the study demonstrates the potential of earth observation in providing accurate TSI information for improved management of Lake Victoria.
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    Evaluation Of The Efficiency And Benefits Of A Pilot Scaled Decentralized Faecal Sludge Treatment System In Kampala
    (International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 2019) Otaka, George; Okullo, Aldo; Niwagaba, Charles B.; Kulabako, Robinah N.; Katukiza, Alex Y.
    Many peri-urban cities of Sub-Saharan Africa are overwhelmed with overloading the existing centralised wastewater treatment plants and high capital costs of operations and maintenance. In this work, a pilot decentralized faecal sludge treatment system (DEFASTS) was constructed in Kampala for assessing the performance and potential benefits of the treatment system. It consisted of a sedimentation tank, 2 m3, where liquid overflowed sequentially through anaerobic baffled reactor and anaerobic filter. Effluent was polished by a Cyperus papyrus planted gravel filter. The system was loaded daily with 0.5m3/day of mixed raw faecal sludge from both septic tanks and pit latrines operated with a total retention time of 12.52 days. Monitored parameters were; Chemical Oxygen Demand, five-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand total suspended solids pH, temperature, total phosphorus, total nitrogen faecal coliforms total volatile solids and ash content. Results obtained were 95.7±24 %, 96.4±1.9%, 96.8±1.8%, 78.4± 24.2%, 76.6±29.8% and 99 ±1.6% respectively.
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    Performance Of Pit Latrines In Urban Poor Areas: A Case Of Kampala, Uganda
    (Habitat international, 2015) Nakagiri, Anne; Kulabako, Robinah N.; Nyenje, Philip M.; Tumuhairwe, John B.; Niwagaba, Charles B.; Kansiime, Frank
    In many urban poor areas of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), demand for human excreta disposal is met, predominantly by pit latrines. This study aimed at determining the status of pit latrines (design, construction, operation and maintenance) and its influence on latrine performance (filling, smell and insect nuisance). The study was conducted on 130 pit latrines in typical urban poor areas of Kampala, Uganda. Data on design, construction, usage, operation and performance of the pit latrines was collected by interviews, observations and measurements; and analysed by descriptive statistics, bi-variate analysis and logistic regression. Results showed that the level of pit content was predicted by rain or storm water entry, terrain, cleaning before or after use and number of households using the latrine. Smell was predicted by cleanliness, stance length, superstructure material and whether the latrine was private or public. The predictor of presence of flies was the superstructure material. To improve the performance of pit latrines in urban poor areas, researchers and practitioners should develop local latrine design standards (dimensions, construction materials and number of users) and cleaning guidelines for local policy makers to implement.