Microbiological Water Quality of Urban Streams and the Health Implications: Case Study of Sosiani River Eldoret Municipality, Kenya

This study sot to assess the seasonal and longitudinal variations in microbiological properties of water quality in Sosiani River and the health implications on the residents of Eldoret Municipality, Kenya. In an experimental design, water samples were collected upstream midstream and downstream of Eldoret town from 13 effluent discharge points for a period of one year during the dry and wet seasons. Samples were analysed using APHA, 2012 water sampling procedures. Survey data on waterborne diseases was collected from the two government hospitals in Eldoret town: MTRH and Uasin Gishu County Hospital. Results were analysed using SPSS version 20 for ANOVA and correlation analysis. Sosiani River exhibited high mean levels of faecal and total coliform (1708.96CFU/100ml and 776.76CFU/100ml respectively) above WHO/NEMA standards of nil CFU/100ml. Faecal coliform varied significantly downstream (F=77.89 P< 0.001) just like the total coliform (F=93.92 P<0.001). Total and faecal coliform increased significantly during the wet season (P<0.17, P< 0.039 respectively). The coliform content showed a positive significant correlation with waterborne diseases which were identified as diarrhoea, typhoid and dysentery. The study concludes that water from Sosiani River is polluted and is not suitable for human consumption and or recreation purposes. Water sourced from Sosiani River should be treated before consumption. Keywords: Sosiani River, Microbiological water quality, Faecal and total coliform, waterborne disease

Spatial Temporal Distribution of Selected Heavy Metals in an Urban Stream: Case Study of Sosiani River in Eldoret Municipality Kenya

This study aimed at assessing the seasonal and longitudinal variations in four selected heavy metals associated with industries in Eldoret Municipality along Sosiani River in Uasin Gishu County. An experimental design was used to collect water samples upstream midstream and downstream of Eldoret town. Samples were collected from 13 different effluent discharge points in accordance to APHA, 2012 water sampling procedures along the river for a period of one year during the dry and wet seasons. The heavy metals were analysed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (ASS Spectronic 21D) flame atomizer method. Results were analysed using SPSS version 20 for ANOVA and correlation analysis. Sosiani River exhibited both seasonal and spatial distribution of these heavy metals. The concentrations were lowest upstream at the source of the river but increased midstream as the river drained more effluent. However, they declined further downstream in Turbo town which perhaps suggests self purification ability of Sosiani River. There was significant variation in Zn levels (F=305.70 & P< 0.001), Cd levels (F= 2.71 P<0.003) Pb levels (F= 72.26 P<0.001) and Cr levels (F=140.26 P<0.001) along the river and with the onset of rainy season.  Levels of Zn and Cr were below NEMA/WHO standards while Cd and Pb were above NEMA/WHO standards hence a health concern. The study recommends that Municipal effluent should be channelled into effluent treatment works for pre-treatment and all facilities discharging effluent should develop wetlands if not connected to the sewer line. ELDOWAS should include chemical treatment in Huruma sewage treatment plant to improve the efficacy of treatment of heavy metals and construct a wetland. Key words: Sosiani River, water quality variations, Heavy metal

Seasonal and Longitudinal Variations of Water Quality in an Urban Stream: Case Study of Sosiani River Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

The study sought to analyse longitudinal and seasonal variations in physico-chemical properties of water quality in Sosiani River in Eldoret town, Kenya. An experimental design was used to collect water samples upstream midstream and downstream of Eldoret town for a period of one year during the dry and wet seasons. Samples were collected from effluent discharge points in accordance with APHA, 2012 water sampling procedures. Sosiani River exhibited significant variation in physico-chemical water parameters along the river and during rainy seasons. TSS varied significantly across the river at F= 185.52 P < 0.001 and during the wet season (P< 0.045). TDS varied significantly along the river (F= 59.0129 at p<0.001) with a significant positive correlation at P< 0.001 during wet season. Turbidity varied significantly along the sampling points F= 32.41 P< 0,001 and varied significantly p<0.028 during the rainy season. BOD varied significantly along the river (F= 78.95 & P < 0.001) with a significant positive correlation P<0.038 during the rainy season. COD varied significantly along the river (F=77.64 & P<0.001) and during wet season. Water temperature varied significantly along the river (F=185.52, p<0.001) and with the onset of the rainy season (P<0.013). Water pH varied significantly along the sampling points (F= 159.85 & P <0.001). However, pH did not vary significantly during the wet season (P<0.616). This river is polluted, turbid with low dissolved oxygen and high BOD hence not suitable for aquatic life. However the water quality improves downstream perhaps due to self cleansing ability of the river. Hence the water is not suitable for human consumption and or recreation purposes. The water should be treated and municipal effluent channelled into effluent treatment works for pre-treatment. Keywords: Sosiani River, physicochemical water quality, seasonal and longitudinal variation