Browsing by Author "Kithaka, Samson Chabari"

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ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONTAMINANTS IN NKENYE STREAM IN MERU SOUTH, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022) Kithaka, Samson Chabari; Njagi, Eric C.; Njagi, Joachim
Access to portable water remains major global concern due to increased rate of water pollution contributed for by human pressure such as accelerated urbanization, high population, industrialization and intense agricultural activities that destroys riparian zones thus exposing the rivers and streams to toxic and pathogenic pollutants released from untreated organic and inorganic waste. Exposure of river and stream used for drinking water to pollution is detrimental to aquatic plants, human consumers and animals inhabiting water bodies. Nkenye stream in Meru South is depended upon for the use of its water in supplying fish ponds constructed along it, supplying water used for irrigation and provision of water for domestic use to the neighboring homestead. Nonetheless, little attention has been accorded to ascertain the quality of its water despite of the stream being located in an urban area with high exposure to pollutants. Pressure on Nkenye wetlands ecosystem that habour Nkenye stream has seen major destruction of riparian leaving just few plant communities such as Commelina banghalensis whose water purification potential is not well known. Based on the above fact a study was conducted to determine water quality of Nkenye stream based on the presence of heavy metals. Samples were collected at designated locations using ecological survey method and taken to Chuka University for evaluation. Macrophyte roots were cleaned and dried then powdered and digested using nitric acid. The sediment samples were dried, ground to pas a 2 mm non-metal sieve, digested samples were diluted and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry model PG990 at Chuka University. The concentration of anions was determined by ion chromatography at Chuka University Chemistry laboratory. The results obtained from the field and laboratory were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The results showed that Nkenye stream is polluted with iron, copper and lead. However, the concentration of iron and copper were within the set standards by the World Health Organization while lead was slightly higher by 0.02 ppm. The results obtained were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The metals contaminants observed in the Nkenye stream water, sediments and root samples may be associated with discharge of wastes from Chuka town particularly wastes from car wash, garages and from farms that surround the stream and the wetland. Considerable amount of lead, copper and iron was observed in the root samples of Commelina banghalensis. This shows that the plant can be utilized in the removal of the above cations in the Nkenye stream. Considerable amount of chemical was observed in the root samples of Commelina banghalensis this shows that the plant can be utilized in removal of chemicals in the stream. Local authorities should provide waste management disposal systems and policies that prohibit direct discharge of untreated effluents into the stream.
BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF DOMESTIC BOREHOLES IN THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2021) Kithaka, Samson Chabari; Ogolla, Fredrick O.; Karimi, Jedida
Water shortage that is caused by long droughts and higher cost of accessing piped water have forced many households in Kenya to opt for wells and borehole water. Where they are used, boreholes are exposed to contaminationbypathogenic microorganismsfrom nearbytoilets,defecationfromdomesticatedanimalsand surface runoff.Despiteofknown healthconcernsofconsumingcontaminated water manyruralresidentsconsumeborehole water whose portability is not determined and may not meet WHO standards. Thus, this study was conducted in Tharaka Nithi County to determine bacterial safety of selected wells and boreholes in Maara, IgambaNgombe and Tharaka Constituencies between March to September 2019. A total of 108 water samples were collected from 36 boreholes. The samples were analyzed at Chuka University using most probable number methods, Plate count and bacteria species identified using selected biochemical methods. Data (MPN) for different locations of study and boreholes were compared using general linear method in SAS. Significance means were separated using least significant difference post hoc test in SAS version 9.4. Number of bacteria isolated from water samples were also compared using general linear model. Feacal coliform values exceeding WHO recommendation of (0 CFU/ 100 ml was observed in all borehole surveyed. Mean MPN value of 17.5/ 100 ml CFU was observed in Kawangware in tharakasouth.ColiformbacteriaE.coli,Bacillusspp,Klebsiellasppwereisolated inallthewatersampled.However, E. coli followed by Bacillus sppwere higher compared to the rest of isolates.Occurrence of these bacteria in borehole water put the health of depended consumers at risk of infection
A REVIEW OF THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WATER QUALITY AND HUMAN HEALTH
(Chuka University, 2022) Nguku, James Kyalo; Kithaka, Samson Chabari; Maweu, Bonface Kyalo
Climate change has posed a debate to the world lately. It has caused a wide array of effects including ecological influences, agricultural impacts, floods and human health effects. Water scarcity and pollution are also related to climate variations. Intense storms, drought and floods being experienced in the world, which have a potential to influence the water quality, have been reported across the world. Waterborne pathogens are affected by the changing weather patterns and are likely to affect human health. This review was done with an aim to determine the impacts of climate change on water quality and its relations to human health. This review presents a chronology of the potential impacts of climate change on water quality and human health. Bacterial, viral and algal blooms change with variability in climate. Seasonal variations in waterborne pathogens influence human health. Escherichia coli O157:H7 is mostly paid attention to at the cost of other potentially harmful pathogens in the same genus (Escherichia). Studies done at different parts of the world were considered, analyzed and presented in a systematic format based on the review objective. Climate change was found to have a strong influence on water quality affecting waterborne pathogens lifecycle, chemical contamination and encouraging algal blooms. There is a need for continuous assessment of water quality for potential climate related waterborne pathogens.