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

Abstract

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.

Fluoridated Water, Effects and Green Removal Techniques

“…There are few documented studies done in Kitui County to investigate fluoride levels in different water sources, thus calling for further studies to be conducted in the County to conclusively determine the water quality status of the different water sources therein. A physicochemical study done by Nzeve and Matata, 2021 on water samples collected from Kalundu stream and the dam in Kitui County reported fluoride levels between 0.47 mg/L and 1.40 mg/L, which were below the permissible limits set by the WHO [23]. Another water quality assessment undertaken by Wambua et al, 2022 to determine the levels of selected bacteriological and physicochemical parameters in three potable water sources, namely Kiembeni borehole, Mwitasyano River and Kalundu dam, indicated acceptable levels of fluorides ranging from 0.94 to 1.40 mg/L [24].…”

“…Another water quality assessment undertaken by Wambua et al, 2022 to determine the levels of selected bacteriological and physicochemical parameters in three potable water sources, namely Kiembeni borehole, Mwitasyano River and Kalundu dam, indicated acceptable levels of fluorides ranging from 0.94 to 1.40 mg/L [24]. The lowest concentrations were recorded in the water samples collected from the dams, attributed to the fact that the dam is not static but moves downstream to feed Kalundu River [23]. On the other hand, the highest F − levels were recorded in the borehole water samples which could have arisen as a result of the leaching of salts from weathering rocks.…”

Assessment of Water Quality and Heavy Metal Pollution in River Ndambuk, Busia County, Kenya

“…Over 70% of planet Earth is covered with water in the form of oceans and seas and access to clean, safe, and affordable water services is not only key to economic growth but also vital to the growth and well-being of all living organisms. However, in most third world nations, water quality has always been the main point of concern as the quality of water has been severely affected courtesy of both natural and anthropogenic causes [3]. According to the Kenyan Water Act 2016, water is a basic human right that is enshrined in the Kenyan constitution and every person has the right to access clean and safe water irrespective of their race, place of origin or creed.…”