Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Office: 232-E Martin Hall
Telephone: (256) 782-5974
Fax Number: (256) 782-5336
Email: nmwebi@jsu.edu
Mailing Address:
Physical and Earth Sciences
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL 36265
Education:
BSC - Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya 1991
MS - Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia 1999
Ph.D. - Analytical Chemistry University of Maryland College Park 2005
Thesis title: Fenton and Fenton-like reactions - the nature of oxidizing intermediates
Research Interests:
1. Food Science - Evaluation of the various analytical techniques used in the quantization of total and molecular levels of antioxidants in various foods such as fruits and vegetables. How storage, regional cultivation and preservation affect the levels and distribution of these antioxidants.
2. Environmental - Investigation of the levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and chromium in the, sediments, soils, composts and waters in North east Alabama. Special emphasis on the speciation and possible transformation of these pollutants in the various matrices.
3. Free radical Research - Fenton chemistry; an investigation to the mechanism involved in the oxidation of metals by peroxides in Fenton and Fenton-like reactions.
4. Phytoremediation - The uptake of heavy metals by various plants such as Kudzu with a look at both the physiological and toxicological effects.
Recent Publications /presentations:
1. "Antioxidant distribution in the various parts of the mango fruit," Jayne Lampley, Ashley Casey and Nixon Mwebi, J. Undergrad. Chem. Res. (submitted)
2. "The effect of adding milk on the antioxidant potential of teas," Jennifer Brown and Nixon Mwebi, J. Undergrad. Chem. Res. (in preparation)
3. "Investigation of the mechanism of the Fenton reaction: A determination of the nature of oxidizing species involved" Nixon Mwebi and Neil V. Blough, 231st Proceedings American Chemical Society National Meeting, ANL # 0062, 2006
4. Mobilization and leaching of heavy metals from compost manure" J. W. Boylston , M. Dingler and Nixon Mwebi, 235th Proceedings of American Chemical Society National Meeting, CHED # 1109, 2008.
5. "Investigating the levels of arsenic found in soils around west Anniston Alabama and their impact on human health", Nixon Mwebi, D Steffy, A Nichols and Bryan DeLauney 235th Proceedings of American Chemical Society National Meeting, CHED # 1097, 2008.
