Mugera Gitari

University of Venda

Prof. Mugera Gitari W was born in Kenya, where he completed a Bachelor of Educ Sci (Chem and Maths) and a Masters degree(App Chem) in 1999. In 2003, Prof. Gitari was awarded a NRF-WRC bursary for doctoral studies in Chemistry at the University of the Western Cape(UWC) and graduated with a PhD in 2006. His thesis focused on the chemistry and geochemistry of utilization of coal fly ash (CFA) for treatment of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) and was rated the best among projects sponsored by ESKOM power utility with huge potential for solving disposal and environmental challenges associated with CFA in South Africa. He went to work on as postdoctoral Associate at Environmental and Nanosciences Research Group, Chemistry Department from 2006-2009. He pioneered in South Africa, the application of residues resulting from treatment of AMD with CFA blended with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) as backfill material for mine voids. He further conceptualized and pioneered a new research area in South Africa on Utilization of CFA for simultaneous CO2 sequestration and brine effluents clean-up among other projects on utilization of coal fly ash such as conversion to zeolites. Prof Gitari has worked in Tertiary Education institutions for over 14 years. Worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in University of the Western Cape from 2006-2009. He is a full professor of Environmental/Analytical chemistry at School of Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, South Africa. His research interests are environmental remediation through beneficial and innovative utilization of industrial and mining waste products, development of functional materials for household water treatment and water quality monitoring and management. He has published 75 articles in peer refereed journals, 5 book chapters and holds 4 patents in Acid Mine Drainage and drinking water treatment. He has also mentored 21 MSc, PhD and Postdoctoral candidates.

Mugera Gitari

4chapters authored