Assessment of Water Quality in Kalundu Stream and Kalundu dam in Kitui County, Kenya

This study aimed to assess levels of selected physico-chemical and bacteriological loads of Kalundu stream and Kalundu dam. Sampling was conducted from February to April 2019 in three selected sampling sites. Surface water samples were collected and analyzed for fifteen physico-chemical parameters. Water temperature, pH, turbidity and electrical conductivity were measured on site. Biological oxygen demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), total hardness and alkalinity, selected major anions and cations were analyzed at a Water Resources Authority laboratory using standard procedures. Data analysis was carried out using one-way analysis of variance and significant differences accepted at p≤0.05. Results showed that pH, fluoride, sulphates, total hardness and alkalinity were within WHO set standards for drinking water. However, turbidity, EC, Fe, Ca, Mg, Nitrites and Chlorides were above the WHO recommended levels for drinking water. Both total coliforms and E. coli were exceedingly high and ranged from 385±188.9 to 337,133±124,970 MPN/100ml and 70.70±46.50 to 3941183±2771080 MPN/100ml respectively. The findings revealed that water quality of Kalundu stream and Kalundu dam is highly polluted with pathogenic microorganisms and a potential risk to human health. Therefore, measures to curb microbial pollution should be taken by the relevant municipality authorities of Kitui County government. Keywords: Assessment, Water quality, Bacteriology, Kalundu dam, Kitui County DOI: 10.7176/JEES/11-1-05 Publication date: January 31st 202

Assessment of Water Quality in Selected Dams in Machakos Municipality, Kenya

The world is faced with a water quality crisis due to human activities that are putting a lot of pressure on water resources and especially dams and rivers. Dams are very much needed in arid and semi-arid areas to curb water scarcity so that local communities can have water for domestic use, watering of livestock and carrying out small scale irrigation. The aim of this study was to assess the water quality of Maruba dam and Kyai earth dam in Machakos Municipality, Kenya. The physical and chemical variables examined included pH, chlorides, electric conductivity, turbidity, nitrites, nitrates, sulphates, phosphates and total dissolved solids. Water samples were collected using 500ml plastic bottles weekly for a month in the two dams and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Independent T-test was used to compare means of water quality parameters between the two dams and significant differences accepted at p<0.05. All the water quality parameters measured except turbidity were within WHO set standards for domestic water. The information gathered in this study is helpful to the Water Resource Authority that is mandated to protect and conserve water resources in Kenya. Keywords: Water quality crisis, Maruba dam, Kyai earth dam, Machakos municipality DOI: 10.7176/JEES/11-10-04 Publication date:October 31st 202

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

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