Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Surface Water of Masinga Reservoir, Kenya

An assessment of heavy metal contamination (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Mn and Cd) in surface water of Masinga reservoir was carried out between January 2013 and December 2013. The heavy metal Concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The data obtained was analyzed using one way analysis of variance and significant differences accepted at p ? 0.05. Post Hoc Tukeys’ test was used to separate means. The mean metal concentrations (mg L-1) were; Cu (0.003 - 0.019), Zn (0.092 - 0.132), Pb (0.004 - 0.009), Cr (0.003 - 0.006) and Mn (0.006 - 0.146). No significant differences were observed in heavy metal concentrations in surface water among the different sites. The concentrations for all metals in surface water did not exceed the WHO recommended limit for drinking water. Key Words: Water Quality, Heavy Metals, Contamination, Masinga Reservoi

Determination of Heavy Metals in Sediments of Masinga Reservoir, Kenya.

In Kenya, heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems due to anthropogenic activities cannot be underestimated. Therefore, an assessment of heavy metal contamination (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr and Mn) in sediments of Masinga reservoir was carried out between January 2013 and December 2013 in five sampling sites. Heavy metal Concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The data obtained was analyzed using one way analysis of variance and significant differences accepted at p ? 0.05. Post Hoc Turkeys’ test was used to separate means. Mean heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg) in sediments were Cu (11.38 – 23.67), Zn (60.04 – 75.84), Pb (11.14 – 14.47), Cr (21.39-49.62) and Mn (259.12 – 642.30). There were significant differences in metal concentrations recorded for Cu, Cr, and Mn (p < 0.05) between the sites. The concentrations for all metals in sediments were lower than World Health Organization (WHO) set limit except for Cr at Tumutumu sampling site. The high Cr concentration is an indication of untreated or inadequately treated industrial and sewage wastes from the catchment. Key Words: Heavy metals, Contamination, sediments, Masinga reservoi