Chemistry research groups in Zimbabwe
ISP Chemistry supports to two research groups at University of Zimbabwe, Harare, and one at the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo.
Biomolecular interactions analysis
This research group at Department Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, started to receive ISP support in 1990 in the field of Drug Metabolism. From 2006 the work shifted focus to a related scientific field in medicinal biochemistry and molecular biology. The activities are coordinated by Professor Stanley Mukanganyama.
Objectives
The main thrust of the research group is to investigate the interaction of cellular biomolecules with a variety of chemical species that include drugs, novel plant medicinal compounds, carcinogens and environmental pollutants. The nature of these interactions, reversible, irreversible or quasi-reversible, will be investigated in order to evaluate the efficacy, toxicity and carcinogenicity of these chemical species.
Contact
Professor Stanley Mukanganyama, Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe
Email: smukanganyama@medic.uz.ac.zw or smukanganyama01@gmail.com
Environmental chemistry
This research group at Department of Chemistry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, started to receive ISP support in 2020 in the field of Environmental Chemistry. The activities are coordinated by Dr Paul Mushonga.
Objectives
The overall objective of the project is to carry out fundamental research
- to understand the speciation, persistence and bioaccessibility of the various types of organic pollutants (pesticides, organic solvents), emerging environmental pollutants (antimicrobial agents, contraceptive hormones, ARVs, personal health care products, etc) found in soil and acquatic ecosystems in Zimbabwe,
- to identify measures for reducing further pollution, and
- to assess the feasibility of the removal of various types of water pollutants using novel nanoparticle and biomass based adsorbents.
Contact
Dr Paul Mushonga, Department of Chemistry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare
Email: mushonga777@gmail.com
Biochemical ecotoxicology
This research group at the Department of Applied Biology and Biochemistry, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, has received ISP support since 1999. The activities are coordinated by Dr Norah Basopo.
Objectives
Activities such as mining and agriculture indirectly contribute to pollution of the scarce water resources in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe included. Chemicals used and sometimes generated from these anthropogenic activities ultimately enter the environment and affect the wellbeing of aquatic ecosystems. The aims of the project are to identify and quantify various toxins present in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems using chemical and biochemical approaches.
Contact
Dr Norah Basopo, Applied Biology and Biochemistry, National University of Science and Technology
Email: norah.basopo@nust.ac.zw
Contact
Professor Stanley Mukanganyama, Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe
Email: smukanganyama@medic.uz.ac.zw or smukanganyama01@gmail.com
Dr Paul Mushonga, Department of Chemistry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare
Email: mushonga777@gmail.com
Dr Norah Basopo, Applied Biology and Biochemistry, National University of Science and Technology
Email: norah.basopo@nust.ac.zw