Occurrence and Distribution of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Water from Nairobi River Basin, Kenya, East Africa

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are linked to adverse health effects that includethyroid hormone disruption, neuro-developmental deficit, abnormal pregnancy,and potential carcinogens. This study was aimed at assessing the concentrationsof selected Polybrominated diphenyl ether compounds in water of Nairobi River.Water samples were collected by grab method from nine sites along the river andanalysed for brominated diphenyl ethers using gas chromatography coupled withmass spectrometer. The mean concentration of polybrominated diphenyl ethersresidue in water ranged from <0.0009 to 72.89 ± 6.15 ng/L. The dominantcongeners were 2,2′,4,4′-tetra- bromodiphenyl ether, 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromodiphenylether, 2,2′,4,4′,6-penta-bromodiphenyl ether, 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromodiphenylether and 2,2′,4,4′,5,6′-hexa-bromodiphenyl. The highest meanconcentration of 2,2′,4,4′-tetra- bromodiphenyl ether was 72.89 ± 6.15 ng/L,2,2′,3,4,4′-penta- bromodiphenyl ether was 14.08±0.68 ng/L, 2,2′,4,4′,6-pentabromodiphenylether was 43.67±1.47 ng/L, 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexa-bromodiphenylether was 24.78±2.49 ng/L, and 2,2′,3,4,4′,5′,6-hepta-bromodiphenyl ether was11.75±0.97 ng/L. Consequently, as these compounds are known to bioaccumulatein fatty tissues, continued use of the river water poses a health risk toanimals and humans due to contamination across the food chain

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers Pollution in Urban and Rural Settings’ Ambient Air in Kenya: An Insight into Concentration Levels, Compositional Profile and Seasonal Variation

Air samples were collected from three urban and one rural sites in Kenya with the aim of establishing pollution levels of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers. Forty-eight air Samples were collected by passive air sampling, Soxhlet extracted and analysed for brominated diphenyl ethers using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer. The mean concentration of polybrominated diphenyl ethers residue in air ranged from ≤0.9 to 152.72±3.19 pgm−3. The predominant congener was 2,2′,4,4′-tetra-bromodiphenyl ether with mean concentration range of 1.94±0.03 to 152.72±3.19 pgm−3 followed by 2,2′,4,4′,5-penta- bromodiphenyl ether with mean concentration range of 1.32±0.06 to 66.83±1.19 pgm−3. Seasonal variations of the pollutants showed a high level of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in hot dry season in range of 1.94±0.03 to 152.72±3.19 pgm−3. Air samples from Dandora and Industrial area both from urban location recorded high concentrations of the analysed polybrominated diphenyl ethers compared with the air samples from the rural location

Determination of γ-BHC in breast milk of Kenyan women

Bull.Chem.Soc.Ethiop.,2(1), 39 - 44 (1988)

Determination of γ-BHC in breast milk of Kenyan women

Bull.Chem.Soc.Ethiop.,2(1), 39 - 44 (1988)

Cost sharing in public universities : a Kenyan case study

This case study posits a model of key policy issues in the cost and financing of University Education. Within this framework we review government policy and existing cost sharing mechanisms. This is then analysed within the context of an appropriate fee policy and simulations of the loan scheme at both the micro and macro levels using Kenyan data. Policy reforms are recommended.

Occurrence of Chlorfenvinphos Residues in Cow\u27s Milk Sampled at a Range of Sites in Western Kenya

Kenya’s fast growing human population is expected to reach 35 million by the year 2000. In order to cope with such a rapid rate of growth, efforts must be directed towards adequate agricultural and livestock production to counter the disproportionate increase in demand for food. To provide sufficient animal protein (milk and beef products) attempts must be made to eliminate the current constraints hindering livestock production and expansion in Kenya (KARI,1989). One such constraint (in terms of both health effects and economic losses) is the presence of several important infectious diseases affecting cattle, characterized by the occurrence of parasites in the animal’s blood (haemoparasites) (Mutugi et al, 1989). There are two major groups of haemoparasiti c diseases that occur in Kenya: ticktransmitted, and tsetse and non-tsetse transmitted (trypanosomiasis) diseases. Tickborne diseases are considered to be the most important animal health problem in the high potential areas, while trypanosomiasis is a major threat in the low potential range lands (Mutugi, 1986). These diseases restrict introduction of higher producing but susceptible stock in certain areas of the country; inflict high mortalities in susceptible stock; lead to productivity losses in recovered animals; and necessitate exclusion of highly productive breeds of livestock from locations where there is an outbreak (FAO, 1984). Tick-borne diseases frequently encountered in Kenya are theileriosis, anaplasmosis, cowdriosis and babesiosis. Theileriosis comprises a group of protozoan parasites of the genus Theileria, which are transmitted by the ixodid ticks. Four different species of this genus are recorded in cattle; clinical theileriosis is associated with one species, Theiletia parva transmitted by the brown ear tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. This species causes the notorious East Coast Fever (ECF), a highly fatal disease of cattle. A closely related form, corridor disease (T.parva Tawrencei infection) transmitted by the same tick is a buffalo derived parasite that causes very high mortalities in infected cattle (Mutugi et al, 1989). In Western Kenya, both ECF and anaplasmosis are common practical animal health problems that are seriously affecting the livestock industry. Outbreaks of these diseases are frequent and have continued to pose great challenges in terms of control for over 80 years. Currently, the most conventional method of controlling ECF and anaplasmosis in cattl

Effects of Supplemental Irrigation on Crop Yields: Case Study Kales (Brassica Oleracea) Crop

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects that supplemental irrigation (SI) has on the Kale (Brassica Oleracea) crop yields as compared to the wholly rain-fed crop. The experiments were conducted in Kieni, Central Kenya where the rainfall pattern was bimodal. The planting for rain-fed crops was done in three blocks, each measuring 10×1 m with a spacing of 30 cm between plants and 45 cm between the rows of plants; the procedure was repeated for the crops receiving SI. The average weekly yields were computed for both crops for each season comprised of 14 weeks. The average weekly yields were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine whether the average yields from the rain-fed and supplemental irrigated crops were statistically different. This was done with MS Excel 2016 spread sheets by setting a statistical level of significance of 5%. The F value was 17.94 higher than the critical value of 4.01 while the P-value of 9×10–5 was lower than the 5% level of confidence meaning that there was a significant difference in the yield means of the rain-fed and SI crops. The total rain-fed crop yields for the period was 147.0 Kgs and that of the one under SI was 238 Kgs, an increase of about 62%. Therefore, supplemental irrigation can be adopted in the areas where rainfall trends are declining to increase the crop yields when all other factors remain constant for farmers – to increase resilience

Impacts of pesticides on human health and environment in the River Nyando catchment, Kenya

The population of the River Nyando catchment largely relies on rain fed agriculture for their subsistence. Important crops grown include cereals, cash crops fruits and vegetables. Farming is one of the contributors of pollution to Lake Victoria. Organophosphates and other banned organochlorine pesticides such as lindane, aldrin and dieldrin were used by farmers. The pesticides transport was by storm water run-off and air drift into the lake. Environmental risk assessment background information was collected through questionnaire and interviews of farmers to determine knowledge and safe use of pesticides. Fourteen pesticides were identified as commonly used of which four are toxic to bees and five to birds. The farmers identified declines in the number of pollinating insects, the disappearance of Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorthynchus) and wild bird’s fatalities. The general knowledge among farmers about chemicals risks, safety, and chronic illnesses was low. Activities that increases environmental awareness and safety of pesticides should be initiated by the agrochemical firms and government

Biomass burning in Africa: Role in atmospheric change and opportunities for emission mitigation

A review of available literature published on biomass burning and trace gas emissions in Africa reveals household biofuel use, land use and land-use change to be the most important trace gas emission sources in Africa, contributing about 4% to the overall global C~ budget. This may not be significant in so far as altering global climate through temperature rise is concerned. However, through the contribution of about 35% of the global photochemical ozone formation, biomass burning in Africa significantly influences important atmospheric processes. Although the total greenhouse gas emissions from Africa are very low compared to those of other continents, countries on the continent could still contribute to global greenhouse gas mitigation efforts through ways that could simultaneously deliver urgent development needs