Mametsi Rahab Maseme

Dr. Mametsi Rahab Maseme

Chemical and Physical Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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16 June 2024 in Molecules
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MMMADIRA COUTLYNE MANGANYI
MADIRA COUTLYNE MANGANYI
TDTshegofatso Bridget Dikobe
Tshegofatso Bridget Dikobe
MMMametsi Rahab Maseme
Mametsi Rahab Maseme
Endophytic microorganisms contribute significantly to water bioremediation by enhancing pollutant degradation and supporting aquatic plant health and resilience by releasing bioactive compounds and enzymes. These microorganisms inhabit plant tissues without causing disease or any noticeable symptoms. Endophytes effectively aid in eliminating contaminants from water systems. Nanoparticles serve as potent enhancers in bioremediation processes, augmenting the efficiency of pollutant degradation by increasing surface area and bioavailability, thereby improving the efficacy and rate of remediation. Their controlled nutrient release and ability to stabilize endophytic colonization further contribute to the enhanced and sustainable elimination of contaminated environments. The synergistic effect of endophytes and nanoparticles in water remediation has been widely explored in recent studies, revealing compelling outcomes. Water pollution poses significant threats to human health, ecosystems, and economies; hence, the sixth global goal of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 of the United Nations aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water resources, recognizing their crucial importance for current and future generations. Conventional methods for addressing water pollution exhibit several limitations, including high costs, energy-intensive processes, the production of hazardous by-products, and insufficient effectiveness in mitigating emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and microplastics. Noticeably, there is an inability to effectively remove various types of pollutants, thus resulting in incomplete purification cycles. Nanoparticle-enhanced water bioremediation offers an innovative, eco-friendly alternative for degrading contaminants. A growing body of research has shown that integrating endophytic microorganisms with nanoparticles for water bioremediation is a potent and viable alternative. This review examines the potential of using endophytic microorganisms and nanoparticles to enhance water remediation, exploring their combined effects and applications in water purification. The paper also provides an overview of synthetic methods for producing endophyte–nanoparticle composites to optimize their remediation capabilities in aqueous environments. The final section of the review highlights the constraints related to integrating endophytes with nanoparticles.

6 January 2026 in Insects
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Journal Article
Open access
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OPOmpelege Jacqueline Jacqueline Phokwe
Ompelege Jacqueline Jacqueline Phokwe
KMKabelo Magoro
Kabelo Magoro
MMMametsi Rahab Maseme
Mametsi Rahab Maseme
MMMADIRA COUTLYNE MANGANYI
MADIRA COUTLYNE MANGANYI
To control maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais), a major pest of stored grains, this study explores the use of essential oils from Eucalyptus globulus and Lantana camara as natural biopesticides. Given the risks of synthetic pesticides, these oils offer a sustainable alternative. The research first identified ten fungal pathogens associated with the weevils, including the dominant species, Fusarium solani. Preliminary results showed that both oils were then tested for their ability to kill the fungi and the weevils. Eucalyptus globulus oil proved to be a superior antifungal agent, inhibiting fungal growth by up to 93%, significantly outperforming Lantana camara oil. Both oils demonstrated potent insecticidal properties, achieving 100% weevil mortality at a 10% concentration within 24 hrs. However, Eucalyptus oil was more effective, maintaining 100% mortality even at a lower 5% concentration, unlike Lantana oil. Chemical analysis showed that Eucalyptus oil’s high effectiveness may be associated with its main component, eucalyptol (52.8%). Lantana oil had a more varied composition, with caryophyllene (31%) as its primary constituent. The findings suggest that Eucalyptus globulus essential oil is a promising, two-in-one biopesticide capable of controlling both maize weevils and their associated fungal pathogens.