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Dr. Ruth Moirana
Lecturer
Dr. Moirana has research interests in Environmental management; Soil remedial technologies, Innovative technologies in Organic and Inorganic fertilizer
Experience & Activities
Dr. Ruth Lorivi Moirana is a Tanzanian environmental scientist and lecturer at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, Tanzania. She holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from NM-AIST, where her research focused on developing innovative methods for remediating fluoride-contaminated soils using seaweed-derived materials. She also earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Engineering from Harbin Institute of Science and Technology in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture.
Dr. Moirana is recognized for her contributions to environmental management, soil remediation, and sustainable fertilizer development. She was the first female scholar from NM-AIST’s second cohort to successfully defend her Ph.D. under the RSIF program and was named one of 30 promising young women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa by the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Programme. In addition to her research, she is actively engaged in mentorship and community initiatives to promote science and sustainable solutions in Tanzania.
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Soil Remediation and Fertilizer Technology
- Water and Wastewater Treatment
- Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) under PASET: Dr. Moirana was a Ph.D. scholar under this program, focusing on the remediation of fluoride-contaminated soils using seaweed-derived materials. RSIF-PASET
- UNESCO-L'Oréal For Women in Science Programme: She was recognized as a Young Talent in 2024, highlighting her contributions to science and innovation. WIPO Academy - eLearning Center
- Bio Innovate Africa: Dr. Moirana is a member of this organization, which supports the development of innovative solutions to address challenges in Africa. BioInnovate Africa
- African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD): She has received mentorship through AWARD, focusing on enhancing her academic and research capabilities.
- UNESCO–L’Oréal For Women in Science Award (2024)
Dr. Moirana was honored as one of the 30 Promising Scientific Researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa by the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Programme. This prestigious award recognizes her innovative research on soil remediation using seaweed-derived materials to address fluoride contamination in Tanzania. RSIF-PASET
- Top Ph.D. Student Award at NM-AIST (2023)
She was recognized as the top Ph.D. student at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in 2023, highlighting her academic excellence and research contributions. BioInnovate Africa
- First Runner-Up in Business Plan Competition (2023)
Dr. Moirana secured the first runner-up position in NM-AIST's business plan competition with her project "Mbolea Bora," which focuses on developing sustainable fertilizer solutions. BioInnovate Africa
- Junior Investigator Research Award (JIRA)
She is the lead researcher on a project funded by the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) under the Junior Investigator Research Award (JIRA), supporting her postdoctoral research endeavors. BioInnovate Africa
- Pedagogical Skills Certification (2022)
Dr. Moirana obtained a Pedagogical Skills Certification for University-level Instructors from the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), enhancing her teaching capabilities. NM-AIST
- Junior Academic Staff Mentorship Certificate (2022)
She received a mentorship certificate from the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), reflecting her commitment to academic and professional development.
- Development of Seaweed-Derived Bio-Fertilizers
Dr. Moirana's research aims to create bio-remedial bio-fertilizers from seaweed to address fluoride contamination in soils. This initiative seeks to reduce fluoride levels in the food chain and minimize its impact on human health. The project has been recognized for its potential to offer sustainable solutions to environmental challenges in Tanzania. BioInnovate Africa
- Fermented Seaweed for Soil Remediation
In a study published in Applied and Environmental Soil Science, Dr. Moirana investigated the efficacy of fermented seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) in remediating fluoride-contaminated soil. The research demonstrated that amending soil with fermented seaweed improved its physicochemical properties, reduced water-soluble fluoride levels, and enhanced microbial diversity. These findings suggest that fermented seaweed can be an effective and sustainable approach to mitigate fluoride pollution in agricultural soils. ResearchGate
- Hydroxyapatite-Activated Seaweed Biochar for Fluoride Removal
Dr. Moirana collaborated on a study examining the defluoridation efficiency of hydroxyapatite-activated seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) biochar across various soil pH ranges. The research found that this biochar effectively removed fluoride from contaminated soils, with optimal performance observed at a pH range of 3–11. The study highlights the potential of hydroxyapatite-activated seaweed biochar as a versatile and efficient material for fluoride removal in diverse soil conditions. NM-AIST Repository
- Influence of Fertilizers on Fluoride Behavior in Soil
In another study, Dr. Moirana explored how commonly used fertilizers—Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP), urea, and cow manure—affect the behavior of fluoride fractions in alkaline soils. The research indicated that these fertilizers can increase the bioavailability of fluoride in the soil, potentially exacerbating fluoride contamination. This underscores the importance of considering fertilizer choices in managing soil health and mitigating fluoride pollution. ResearchGate
- Mobility of Fluoride and Fluorocarbons in Soil
Dr. Moirana co-authored a book chapter discussing the mobility behavior of fluoride and fluorocarbons in the soil profile. The chapter provides insights into the physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting the transport and fate of these substances, which is crucial for evaluating their potential risks to groundwater and ecosystems. The work contributes to developing effective risk mitigation strategies for fluoride and fluorocarbons in the soil profile and groundwater.
R Moirana - 2023 - dspace.nm-aist.ac.tz
While exposure to low fluoride is essential for stronger bones and teeth, exposure to high
concentration (> 3 mg/L/day) leads to hyperostosis and osteoporosis. This research evaluated …
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EN Moirana - 2016 - search.proquest.com
… I, Ezekiel Noah Moirana, hereby declare that this dissertation … guidance, mentorship
and support throughout the study period and Dr. … to my colleagues and Schoolmates Dr .Swalehe …
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The influence of fertilizers on the behavior of fluoride fractions in the alkaline soil
RL Moirana, J Mkunda, MP Perez, R Machunda… - Journal of Fluorine …, 2021 - Elsevier
It has been established that fluoride bioavailability in the soil is defined by the form which it
exists rather than the amount of total fluoride. In the soil, fluoride exist in different fractions …
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Area of Specialization: Environmental Sciences, Material Sciences, Fertilizer Science and Technology Research Interests: Environmental management; Soil remedial technologies, Innovative technologies in Organic and Inorganic fertilizer
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