Oliver Jolezya Hasimuna
Areas of interest
- Aquatic pollution and public health
- Ecotoxicology
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Climate change in fisheries and aquaculture
- Biodiversity conservation
Research projects
Heavy Metal Contamination in Three Culturable Tilapia Fish Species and Its Effect on Fish and Human Health
My research investigates heavy metal contamination in three commonly cultured tilapia species in Zambia, focusing on two major waterbodies namely Kabompo River and Lake Itezhi-tezhi. I will be collecting and analysing fish, water, and surface sediments from these waterbodies to determine the levels of heavy metals such as Copper, Cobalt, Cadmium, Lead, Manganese, Nickel, and Zinc in target organs like the gills, kidney, liver, and muscle. This study is critical because wild tilapia broodstock used in aquaculture are sourced from these waterbodies. High contamination levels beyond the permissible limits can pose risks to both fish health and human consumers and can also affect the sustainability of aquaculture by impacting fish reproduction. With aquaculture playing a significant role in Zambia’s food security, income and employment, protecting these waterbodies from pollution is essential for the industry's future. My PhD is funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the University of Reading.
Supervisors:
Professor Hong Yang (University of Reading)
Dr Hyun Soon Gweon (University of Reading)
Background
I hold a BSc in Fisheries and Aquaculture with Merit and an MPhil in Tropical Ecology and Biodiversity Management (Distinction) from Copperbelt University, Zambia. I was the sole graduate in my MPhil program, which was funded by the World Bank under the Copperbelt University Africa Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Mining. I recently completed my MSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi, through a DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship. My MSc dissertation focused on assessing Cadmium and Lead contamination in Limnothrissa miodon and the associated health risks to consumers.
With over ten years of experience in the Department of Fisheries in Zambia, I have worked as an Aquaculture Research Officer. I have also taught as a part-time lecturer at Copperbelt University and Kapasa Makasa University and will soon join Palabana University in the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, where I will teach and supervise BSc research projects. Additionally, I served as Zambia’s Next Einstein Ambassador under the Next Einstein Forum (NEF), mentoring young people in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). I have a strong interest in mentoring students in environmental sciences, particularly in fisheries and aquaculture, and am passionate about empowering African youth through career exposure and mentorship in scientific education and writing.
Websites/blogs
Selected publications
- Hasimuna, O.J., Jere, W.W., Mtethiwa, A.H., Yabe, J., Chibesa, M., Mphande, J., Mumbula, I., Phiri, C.J., Siavwapa, S., Nawanzi, K. and Simfukwe, K., 2024. Assessment of trace elements (Cu, Fe, and Zn) in Limnothrissa miodon from Lake Kariba, Zambia: implications for ecological and human health. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 52(1), p.2310753. https://doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2024.2310753
- Simfukwe, K., Msukwa, A.V., Mphande, J., Hasimuna, O.J., Limuwa, M.M. and Kaunda, E., 2024. Is the concentration of heavy metals in sun-dried Engraulicypris sardella (Günther, 1868) in Malawi, a human health risk?. Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, 6, pp.354-362. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enceco.2024.08.002
- Maulu, S., Hasimuna, O.J., Chibesa, M., Bbole, I., Mphande, J., Mwanachingwala, M., Nawanzi, K., Chibeya, D., Siavwapa, S., Mbewe, J. and Namukonda, L., 2024. Perceived effects of climate change on aquaculture production in Zambia: status, vulnerability factors, and adaptation strategies. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, p.1348984. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1348984
- Hasimuna, O.J., Maulu, S. and Chibesa, M., 2022. Assessment of heavy metal contamination in water and largescale yellowfish (Labeobarbus marequensis, Smith 1841) from Solwezi River, North-Western Zambia. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 8(1), p.2121198. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2022.2121198
- Hasimuna, O.J., Chibesa, M., Ellender, B.R. and Maulu, S., 2021. Variability of selected heavy metals in surface sediments and ecological risks in the Solwezi and Kifubwa Rivers, Northwestern province, Zambia. Scientific African, 12, p.e00822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e00822
- Maulu, S., Hasimuna, O.J., Haambiya, L.H., Monde, C., Musuka, C.G., Makorwa, T.H., Munganga, B.P., Phiri, K.J. and Nsekanabo, J.D., 2021. Climate change effects on aquaculture production: sustainability implications, mitigation, and adaptations. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5, p.609097. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2021.609097
- Muhala, V., Chicombo, T.F., Macate, I.E., Guimarães-Costa, A., Gundana, H., Malichocho, C., Hasimuna, O.J., Remédio, A., Maulu, S., Cuamba, L. and Bessa-Silva, A.R., 2021. Climate change in fisheries and aquaculture: Analysis of the impact caused by Idai and Kenneth cyclones in Mozambique. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5, p.714187. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2021.714187