Environmental Science

Contribution of psychological factors to e-waste management among electronic traders in Nairobi central business district, Nairobi County, Kenya

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Contribution of psychological factors to e-waste management among electronic traders in Nairobi central business district, Nairobi County, Kenya NYAMOITA, Sylvia Morumbwa Waste (E-Waste) is an increasing phenomenon constituting eight percent (8%) of urban solid waste. However, globally, only 10% of e-waste is properly managed. As the urban population continues to grow, e-waste levels rise, posing significant environmental and health hazards. In Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), the rapid turnover of electronic products has led to a surge in e-waste generation, with improper disposal and informal recycling methods worsening environmental pollution and public health risks. Many traders engage in unsafe disposal practices due to a lack of awareness, limited motivation, and existing perceptions about e-waste management. The main challenge is inadequate e-waste management strategies and how to minimize their effects on the environment and human health. Despite the increasing e-waste problem, most studies have extensively focused on the extraction of resources from e-waste and its environmental effects yet understanding these psychological factors is essential as they shape traders' behaviors, decision-making, and willingness to engage in sustainable e-waste management practices. The main objective of this study was to examine the contribution of psychological factors to e-waste management among electronic traders in Nairobi CBD, an area with a high concentration of electronic businesses and a significant e-waste disposal challenge. The specific objectives were to: examine the contribution of perception of electronic traders to e-waste recycling and reuse in Nairobi CBD; determine the contribution of awareness of electronic traders to e-waste management in Nairobi CBD; and assess the contribution of motivation of electronic traders to e-waste management in Nairobi CBD. These three psychological factors—perception, awareness, and motivation—were selected based on their fundamental role in shaping human behavior and decision-making in environmental management. This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design. The study population was 4,495 electronic traders in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), and a sample size of 400 traders was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula, which ensures statistical reliability in estimating population characteristics. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to the selected electronic traders. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. The null hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square test of independence, while effect sizes were determined using Cramer’s V coefficient to assess the strength of associations. The results revealed a statistically significant (χ² = 215.407, V = 0.199, p = 0.000, α = 0.01) strong contribution of perception to e-waste recycling and reuse; a statistically significant (χ² = 146.500, V = 0.143, p = 0.000, α = 0.01) contribution of awareness to e-waste management; and a statistically significant (χ² = 212.500, V = 0.172, p = 0.000, α = 0.01) strong contribution of motivation to e-waste management. The findings demonstrated that psychological factors, particularly perception and motivation, have the strongest influence on e-waste management behaviors. The study recommends targeted awareness campaigns to enhance understanding of e-waste risks and the benefits of proper disposal and recycling. Additionally, it proposes financial and regulatory incentives to increase traders' motivation to engage in formal e-waste recycling channels. Finally, the study advocates for greater involvement of electronic traders in structured e-waste recycling programs to ensure sustainable management practices. These findings are crucial for policymakers, environmental agencies, and stakeholders aiming to develop effective interventions for responsible e-waste management in urban commercial settings. Master's Thesis

Influence of industrial symbiosis on solid waste reuse in manufacturing industries in Kisumu county, Kenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of industrial symbiosis on solid waste reuse in manufacturing industries in Kisumu county, Kenya ADALLA, Morelly Kathy The growth of the manufacturing sector signifies economic progress, but waste generation poses a notable drawback, creating significant environmental challenges. Effective waste management, particularly the reuse of solid waste, remains a critical issue for industries striving towards green growth and circularity. Traditional waste management practices are often inefficient, contributing to environmental degradation and missed opportunities for resource optimization. Addressing the problem of solid waste reuse requires innovative approaches such as Industrial Symbiosis (IS) that integrate economic and environmental benefits. IS, a cooperative approach where industries exchange materials, energy, water, and byproducts, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional solid waste disposal methods. Industries can minimize waste, reduce costs, and promote circular economies through IS. Despite its potential, research on IS has primarily concentrated on its technical aspects, particularly in developed countries, while the social dimensions of IS—such as geographical proximity, information flows, and the intensity of industrial cooperation—remain underexplored. Understanding these social interactions is vital for creating effective IS networks, yet research in African contexts, including Kisumu County, Kenya, is lacking. Studies in Kisumu have primarily addressed waste management challenges and end-of-pipe solutions but have not sufficiently explored how IS can drive more sustainable solid waste reuse. This study aimed to fill that gap by examining how IS influences solid waste reuse in Kisumu County's manufacturing industries. The specific objectives were to determine the influence of geographical proximity on type of solid waste-material exchanged, examine association between information flows and type of solid waste-material exchanged and lastly, examine the influence of symbiotic intensity on amount of solid waste-material reused in the network. This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The exchange network theory guided the study. A total population sampling approach was utilized following the application of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to industries. Among the 49 industries that satisfied the criteria, only 41 consented to participate in the study. Fieldwork was conducted between August and October 2021. Data was collected through surveys and interviews with five key stakeholders from the Kisumu County Government in the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Department of Physical Planning, Lands and Urban Development, Department of Energy and Industrialization, Kenya Association of Manufacturers and National Environmental Management Authority. The study established that geographical proximity did not significantly influence the type of waste exchanged (p = 0.687). Information flows showed a significant relationship between the frequency of communication and the type of waste exchanged (p = 0.013), although the type of information exchanged was not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.005), limiting the ability to detect relationships. Symbiotic intensity, however, significantly influenced the amount of waste reused (p = 0.039). The study concluded that geographical proximity may not be a decisive factor in determining the types of solid waste exchanged within industrial symbiosis in Kisumu County. The type of information exchanged did not significantly influence the type of waste exchanged, but communication frequency strongly influenced solid waste reuse, implying it's not what information is exchanged but the frequency of communication that influences waste exchange. Lastly, symbiotic intensity significantly influences solid waste reuse, with a greater impact observed from increasing the number of actors within a network compared to increasing the types of waste exchanged. The study recommends improving data collection and monitoring efforts related to waste reuse across the region to help track IS initiatives across different proximities, enhancing information flows and increasing the number of industries in the IS network to promote more solid waste reuse. These findings can inform and benefit policymakers, manufacturing industries, and environmental regulators on how to optimize IS networks. Future research should explore the role of economic incentives, communication channels, and policy support in industrial symbiosis and assess how technology, innovation, and information flows impact solid waste reuse and symbiotic intensity. Master's Thesis

Spatial variation in water quality, nutrients and heavy metal bioaccumulation in Nile TILAPIA, oreochromis niloticus (l.) In fish cage sites and open waters of Usenge, Lake Victoria, Kenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Spatial variation in water quality, nutrients and heavy metal bioaccumulation in Nile TILAPIA, oreochromis niloticus (l.) In fish cage sites and open waters of Usenge, Lake Victoria, Kenya ADINO, Edward Odwori Fish cage farming is an aquaculture production system involving the holding of fish in floating net pens and was introduced in Lake Victoria to improve fish production due to diminishing stocks and subsequent increase in demand. The lake has experienced a decrease in water quality recently resulting from increased anthropogenic activities. Emerging fish cage farming in the lake may be contributing to alteration of water physico-chemical parameters, nutrient levels and high concentration of heavy metals in water and bioaccumulation in fish. The information on spatial variations of water quality, nutrients and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish cage sites and open waters in Lake Victoria and particularly in Usenge area is a critical environmental issue. This study’s main objective was to determine the spatial variation in water quality, nutrients and heavy metal bioaccumulation in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) in fish cage sites and open waters of Lake Victoria in Usenge area. The specific objectives were; to assess the spatial variations in water physico-chemical parameters (temp, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and biological oxygen demand) within the fish cages and open waters, investigate the spatial variations of levels of nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) and selected heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cd, Zn and Cu) within the fish cages and open waters and investigate the level of bioaccumulation of selected heavy metals in gills of O. niloticus fish obtained from the fish cages and open waters in the waters. A quasi experimental design was adopted in which water and fish samples were collected from selected sites within fish cages and open waters and analyzed. Physico-chemical parameters were analysed in situ while the heavy metals were analysed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to check the variations and associations within and between variables. Only DO, pH, Fe and Cu (p<0.05) varied significantly between fish cage sites and open waters sites. The levels of pH, DO, conductivity, phosphates, Fe and Cu showed variations in the different directions from the cages where water samples were collected. Both Cu and Fe were higher in fish obtained from the open waters than the fish cage sites and also varied in the different directions from the center of the cage. Turbidity, total nitrates, total phosphate and Cd were beyond acceptable limit for portable water in accordance to WHO and USEPA. The findings revealed that tilapia cage farming studied did not have any significant impact on the lake water quality and nutrients nor did it contribute to heavy metal bioaccumulation in water and in fish in the cages and open waters except turbidity and phosphate levels. The findings of this study are important for policymakers in setting guidelines for effective cage culture system management to protect lake waters and for safe fish human consumption. It is therefore, recommended that regular water quality monitoring be done for appropriate management interventions. Master's Thesis

Contribution of hotels participation in solid waste sorting and storage in Kakamega town, Kenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Contribution of hotels participation in solid waste sorting and storage in Kakamega town, Kenya MBATSI, Robert kuya Globally, hotels recognize the importance of sorting and storing solid waste to achieve sustainable waste management. However, hotels in developing countries like Kenya face challenges in collaboration, empowerment and access to information, leading to low levels of waste sorting and storage practices. In Kakamega Town, approximately 30% of hotels solid waste end up in municipal waste streams, complicating environmental planning efforts for the municipality. Therefore, the main objective was to examine the contribution of hotels participation in solid waste sorting and storage in Kakamega Town. Specific objectives were to: determine the contribution of hotels information sharing in solid waste sorting and storage; establish the contribution of hotels empowerment in solid waste sorting and storage; and assess the contribution of hotels collaboration in solid waste sorting and storage. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. Saturated sampling was adopted to sample 39 hotels. Twenty-two key informants were interviewed. The study utilized stratified sampling to categorize hotels based on bed capacity into low (6 – 20 beds) and high (21–100 beds). Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interviews schedule and observational checklist. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as bar charts, pie charts, percentages, and frequencies. The hypotheses were tested using Chi-square tests of independence and homogeneity. The effect sizes were measured using Cramer’s V coefficient to determine the significance and strength of relationships among variables. The results show a statistically insignificant (2 = 34.192, V= 0.781, p = 0.001), collaboration contributed very highly to solid waste sorting and storage; a strong statistically insignificant (2 = 8.442, V = 0.403, p = 0.392), empowerment contributed strongly to solid waste sorting and storage; and a moderate statistically insignificant (2 = 25.763, V = 0.471, p = 0.586), a moderate contribution on methods of accessing information on solid waste sorting and storage among hotels. The study concludes that, hotels collaboration, empowerment and access to information strongly contributes to solid waste sorting and storage. The study recommended the increased collaboration and empowerment of hotels towards sustainable solid waste sorting and storage. Master's Thesis

Influence of institutional factors on tree cover in public primary schools in Kisumu county, Kenya

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of institutional factors on tree cover in public primary schools in Kisumu county, Kenya Amolloh, Melyne Achieng The entire world benefits from diverse forest biological compositions and services. However, due to natural calamities and human activities, Kenya had only 7.4% forest cover against its 2010 Constitution’s minimum of 10%, and Kisumu County had 0.44% forest cover. Besides, reforestation efforts have been jeopardized by increasing land demands; therefore, tree cover has been a great complement to forest cover. Despite having substantial land, the development performance indicators for schools worldwide focused on infrastructural design compared to other land uses. Studies have been done on the influence of green spaces on curriculum and recommendations given for a study on the influence of curriculum on green spaces. Studies have also found that students' classroom learning about ESD is reinforced by the school’s formal and informal messages promoted by the school's rules, values, and actions. Thus, the study aimed at determining the influence of institutional factors on tree cover in public primary schools in Kisumu County. Specific objectives were to; determine the influence of school land-use practices on tree population; assess the influence of school curriculum on tree species and establish the relationship between school ground greening the rules and the tree abundance in public primary schools. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study with the individual public primary school as the unit of analysis. Using Mugenda & Mugenda (2003), 20% (124) of the schools were subjected to the study. Every 5th school was drawn from a list of all the public primary schools in the County using a systematic random sampling method. Pilot testing was done in 12 (10% of the sampled number); item analysis reliability and content validity were used to test the instruments used for data collection. Questionnaires were self-administered to school heads and responses were harmonized using focus group discussions with teachers and pupils. Further, representatives from the education, forestry, and administrative sectors and parents were interviewed. Observation and desk studies were also used as supplements. Qualitative data were organized into themes and categories then the pattern, trends, and relationships among them were established and presented in the text. Simple descriptive statistics, product-moment correlation and linear regression analysis were conducted to determine the relationships between institutional factors and tree cover in schools, and the were results presented in simple tables and charts. The study established that public primary schools averagely occupy 3.26Ha with approximately 23.7% unused spaces. There was a strong positive correlation between school land-use practices and tree population (r=0.843); a weak positive correlation between the three forms of the curriculum studied and tree species (curricular, r=0.125, co-curricular, r=0.393, extracurricular, r=0.18) and a modest positive correlation between school ground greening policies (r=0.43) and tree cover in public primary schools. In conclusion, institutional factors positively influenced tree cover in public primary schools. Therefore, the study recommended partial use of the unused spaces to bring up active woodlots or gardens. Teaching and learning to include outdoor lessons with tree planting and management activities; clubs to be intensified and the number of participants in extra-curricular activities be increased. Lastly, schools to emphasize environmental consciousness in their motto/mission/vision statements and have ground greening rules

Determinants of utilization of research findings and policy implication on environmental management among fisher folks in Kisumu city, kenya

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Determinants of utilization of research findings and policy implication on environmental management among fisher folks in Kisumu city, kenya ONYANGO, Godfrey Otieno Around the world, human activities such as resource exploitation and pollution have put the natural environment in peril. Lake Victoria is no exception to this dilemma, as it suffers from pollution and over-exploitation of its resources, yet supporting a diverse range of socio-economic activity. In the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB), many empirical studies on environmental and fisheries research have been conducted, but only a few have been used or distributed to fishermen, despite the fact that policies exist to encourage the use of research findings. Despite the availability of study findings and policy, Kisumu City continues to face ecosystem health issues such as poor water quality, inadequate fish product handling, and diminishing fish catches. This is most likely due to resource users' inadequate application of study findings. As a result, the purpose of this research was to investigate the factors that influence research utilization and policy implications in environmental management among Kisumu City fisherfolks. The goal of this study was to determine how socioeconomic factors, information distribution channels, and policy issues influenced how research findings were used in environmental and fisheries management. In this study, a cross-sectional research design was used. From a population of 15,179 fisherfolks, 384 were chosen using stratified random selection. The household data was collected, and the unit of analysis was the household head, who may be either a father or a mother. Data was collected from policymakers at County and National level. Purposive sampling was used to choose all 11 policymakers for the research. The two sets of questionnaires used to collect data from fishermen and policymakers were piloted in Nyamuare and Homa-bay counties. A cronch alpha of 0.8 demonstrated significant ralibility of questionnaires. 8 key informants were purposively sampled and interviewed. 9 Focus Group Discussions were conducted using FGD guide. Analysis of the data revealed that 52.8% and 63.8% of fisherfolks had no access to environmental research findings and fisheries research findings respectively. Radio 23.36%, television 17.10% and public baraza 15.8% were the most prefered channels for deseminating research findings. Accordingly, 55% of the policymakers revealed that environmental research disseminating policy exist but 83% of them decried of no political good will from the government and lack of financial resources leading to poor utilization of environmental and fisheries research findings. Chi-Square test revealed that under socioeconomics, education (0.020) was significant influencer of utilization of fisheries research finding at p value 0.05. Furthermore, the most preferred dissemination channels of environmental study findings were radio (p=0.001), television (p=0.000), and newspaper (p=0.000) at (p <0.05). It was recommended that capacity buildings and intensified social support network like cash transfer was necessary to increase utilization of environmental research. More environmental and fisheries research finding information should be disseminated through radios and public baraza. Increased fundings and minimum political interference in pertinent environmental issues would improve environmental quality in LVB. This findings will enhance effective dissemination and application of environmental and fisheries research findings by Government and fisherfolks respectively for improvement of environmental and fisheries management.

An assessment of the viability and potential of bamboo Micro enterprises in environmental conservation and Poverty alleviation in Nairobi city, Kenya

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An assessment of the viability and potential of bamboo Micro enterprises in environmental conservation and Poverty alleviation in Nairobi city, Kenya ASMA, Hadi Awadh Nairobi, Kenya's capital city has undergone rapid urbanization which has been associated with a number of development challenges. Key among these challenges is deterioration in urban environment and urban poverty. Bamboo is a fast growing, renewable, widespread, low cost, environment enhancing resource with great potential in environmental conservation and poverty alleviation. It has been established that bamboo has at least 1500 uses. Bamboo micro-enterprises (BMEs) have recently been put-up in Dagoretti, Kawangware, Karen, Gigiri and the city center of Nairobi, but their contribution to livelihood incomes and environment conservation had previously not been established. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to: explore the sourcing, processing of bamboo as well as the selling and marketing of bamboo products; determine the contribution of BMEs to livelihood incomes; examine the contribution of BMEs to urban environmental conservation; and assess factors influencing the sustainability of BMEs. Snowball sampling was used in primary data collection using questionnaires and interview schedules. A total of 13·key informants were interviewed and 60 questionnaires were administered to proprietors, employees, traders, customers. In addition, observations and photography were also used in data collection. Secondary data were collected from text books, scientific journals, periodicals, reports, published and unpublished theses, International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) data bank and Internet. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as means and percentages. Qualitative data were organized and then categorized into themes and patterns, and then the usefulness of the information was evaluated in answering research questions. The study established that the BMEs are providing employment to urban residents who would otherwise have been unemployed and poor; bamboo was also used in several environmental rehabilitation and conservation initiatives in the city. The bamboo nurseries provide bamboo seedlings for aesthetic uses in the residential areas and city centre for beatification and greening programmes; they also provide seedlings' for the city afforestation programmes. The bamboo jua kali (furniture and artifact) sector provides items from a sustainable renewable resource with minimal and bio-degradable wastes. The study revealed that the sustainability of the BMEs is influenced by ecological, economic, socio-cultural, technological and' political/legal factors. Bamboo is a versatile crop with many uses. It is a high-yield natural resource and a viable replacement for wood in many scenarios. Bamboo in the BMEs was sourced mainly from the outskirts of Nairobi, was processed using simple technology and bamboo products were sold without formal marketing strategies. The bamboo sector is fairly new and has many untapped opportunities and the government needs to be more proactive and facilitate its citizens in exploiting the sector. More women need to be sensitized and recruited into the BMEs so as to start their home businesses such as weaving and making toothpicks and skewers.

Role of informal plastic waste recovery in solid waste Management and planning in Kisumu town, Kenya

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Role of informal plastic waste recovery in solid waste Management and planning in Kisumu town, Kenya GICHANA, Evans Mageto The rapid rate of urbanization throughout the world has contributed to increased amounts of waste thus pausing difficulties for disposal The problem is more acute in developing countries including Kenya, where economic growth as well as urbanization is faster. Plastics have become a major threat due to their non-biodegradability and high visibility in the waste stream. Their presence in the waste stream causes a serious problem when there is lack of efficient end of life management of plastic waste. Inadequate management of plastic waste in Kisumu is as a result of lack of integration of the informal recovery sector into the formal solid waste management within the municipality. The main objective of this study was to examine the role of informal plastic waste recovery in solid waste management and planning in Kisumu Town, Kenya. The study explored the existing approaches, practices and impacts of plastic waste recycling and reuse by the informal sector. A sample size of 80 WPs out of 200 identified during the reconnaissance was selected for the study. The sample size was determined using a table developed by Bartllet, Kotrlik and Higgins for determining minimum sample size from a given population size for continuous and categorical data. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the 80 respondents from ten identified sites. The study applied qualitative and quantitative techniques in collecting primary and secondary data. The data was analyzed, interpreted and presented using measure of central tendency, statistical tables and graphs. The result of the study indicated that 47% of the respondents are found within the age bracket of 10-18 years who are within the school going age. This raises the concern about care and parental responsibility in which the respondents gave varied views as to why they engaged in waste picking. Majority of WPs (70%) of them engaged in waste picking in order to get income against 5% who said they were keen on cleaning the environment. The results also indicated that a well-established network exists in the informal recovery sector involving waste pickers, waste dealers and factories. About eight hundred households in Kisumu depend on the recovery of plastic waste materials in order to make a living. The activities have proved profitable and play an important role in waste management. Furthermore, lack of a formal recycling system has made it possible for the informal sector to flourish with minimal government interference. The government's neglect of the work of informal plastic recovery sector as well as civil society's lack of trust has proved to be one of the mam difficulties confronting the sector. This research recommended that it is essential that the government starts to recognize the role of the informal sector by putting in place a policy framework that can guide plastic waste recovery systems by incorporating informal recycling activities into sustainable plastic waste management systems.

The Impacts of Unplanned Growth of Nyalenda Informal Settlement on Environment and Public Health, Kisumu Municipality, Kenya

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Impacts of Unplanned Growth of Nyalenda Informal Settlement on Environment and Public Health, Kisumu Municipality, Kenya AJULU, .Alfred O The unplanned growth of Nyalenda informal settlement, in Kisumu Municipality, is rapid. Consequently, this urban dwelling faces numerous problems such as high concentration of human population that affect the environment and public.health either in the form of over-exploitation of natural resources for survival or environmental degradation through accumulation of wastes. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to: determine the environmental and public health problems associated with the unplanned growth of Nyalenda informal settlement; examine whether the unplanned growth of Nyalenda had led to bacteriological pollution of surface and ground water resources; and assess the effects of unplanned growth of Nyalenda on vegetation cover over time. The study area had approximately 11,822 households (family units averaging 5 persons each) from which a sample size of 76 household heads were interviewed. Purposive sampling was used to collect in-depth information on environmental and public health problems and vegetation cover changes over time. Water samples were randomly selected from 40 wells and 18 samples from Wigwa stream, from ih July 2008 to 22nd August 2008, for laboratory analysis to determine the level of pollution by Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Vibrio cholerae. Data was collected, using in-depth interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions and observations. Quantitative data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, range, percentages and frequencies. Qualitative data were analyzed by identifying the themes, categories and patterns, then further scrutinizing the data to determine the adequacy of information in answering the research questions. The study revealed that the most common environmental diseases in Nyalenda informal settlement mentioned by the respondents are; malaria (90%), diarrheal diseases (36%), typhoid (32%), chest complications (6%). The causes of these diseases were attributed to poor sanitation (58%) and pollution of water (36%), by the respondents. The respondents also attributed the mode of spread of these diseases, except malaria which is vector borne, to consumption of polluted water (80%). Laboratory analysis revealed that water from the wells had an average of 17 coloniesl1 00 ml of sample of Escherichia coli with a range of 0-68 coloniesl1 OOml sample. Only 12% of wells sampled had nil E. coli colonies. The average count of organisms in stream water was 6 colonies 11OOml sample, with a range of 0-14 coloniesl1 OOmlsample. The average levels of the colonies observed were above safe and recommended limits for drinking water and other uses. The results also showed that 88.9% of the stream samples were positive for Ecoli presence. Tests for Salmonella spp in water confirmed the presence of the organism in both well (20%) and stream (27.7%) samples. Vibro cholerae detection in the laboratory showed that all the samples from both the wells and the stream waters tested negative. Clearly, 76% of the respondents werein agreement that vegetation cover had deteriorated, tremendously, over time in Nya1enda and they, further, attributed this trend to human settlement (80%). The study also found out that many wetlands that supported several plant species had been drained to give way to human settlement There is need to disinfect all the water wells before embarking on "boil water" campaign, proper lining of the pit latrines and proper protection to prevent surface water from entering the wells and residents of Nyalenda should avoid use of Wigwa stream water for domestic purposes. Masters Theses

Assessing Sources, Levels and Discharge Loads of Nitrogen And Phosphorus of River KISAT into Lake Victoria - Kisumu Municipality, Kenya

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Assessing Sources, Levels and Discharge Loads of Nitrogen And Phosphorus of River KISAT into Lake Victoria - Kisumu Municipality, Kenya ALUOCH, Joyce Omondi River Kisat is a perennial river draining the Mamboleo - Kisumu basin between Latitude 0°04'12.42" S and Longitude 34°46'33.86" E to the North and Latitude 0°05' 13.52" S and 34°45'00.15" E to the South. It drains a distance of about 10 Kms through Industrial, Slums and Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) areas into Winam Gulf. The river is polluted from various sources of pollutants ranging from non-point to point sources. This has resulted in changes in the trophic status of the lake at Winam Gulf from mesotrophic to hypertrophic. Pollution in the lake has reduced biotic abundance and diversity. A study was therefore designed on River Kisat, which is believed by many researchers as one of the major source of pollution into Lake Victoria, to generate data and results that will aid in the management of Lake Victoria water pollution and its probable source River Kisat. The specific objectives of this study were; to identify main point and non-point sources of pollution to River Kisat, to determine the pollution status of River Kisat through measurement of Nitrogen and Phosphorus nutrient concentration levels, and to establish the amount of Nitrogen and Phosphorus discharge loads into Winam gulf from River Kisat. The study was conducted during wet and dry seasons for a period of one year (2009) in order to capture the seasonality and was confined to 8 stations (STN 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8) within the course of River Kisat, located at probable sources of pollution. The samples were collected from the middle of the channel through scoop method while sediments were collected using grab method. Samples from selected run-offs causes, during rainy season, were also collected. Sampling containers were first cleaned and samples pretreated using 0.02N HCl. The samples were then stored under refrigeration at temperatures of 4°C before analyses. The data obtained from the analyses were then subjected to statistical analyses using Excel spreadsheet by comparing variations between stations and between months through line graphs, bar charts, and descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The DO concentration levels between stations ranged between 1.33,(STN 6) and 4.11 mg/l (STN 8). The pH levels ranged between 7.00 (STN 6) and 7.41 (STN 3). In terms of nutrient (N & P) concentrations at STN 6 exhibited low concentrations but probably one of the main pollutant of the river. The NH4+ concentrations within the river course between stations ranged between 0.15 (STN 7) and 1.89 mg/l (STN 4) with a maximum in STN 4. The NH/ concentration is high during dry season but low during wet season. The N02- concentrations between stations ranged between 0.04 (STN 7 & 8) and 0.23 mg/l (STN 5). N03- ranged between 0.35 (STN 8) and 0.96 mg/l (STN 5). The N03- concentrations increases with increase in discharge. SRP and TP concentrations ranged from 0.16 to 1.04 mg/l and 0.21to 1.39 mg/l respectively. STN 4 is the main contributor of SRP. The total discharge load in a year during the study period is estimated at 140.5 tons/year. The TN concentrations shoot with increasing discharge rates. TP load per year is estimated at 155.8 tons/year. The TP also increases with discharge rates but at a lower scale compared to TN. The DO concentrations are low compared to standard guidelines for drinking and aquatic life. The nitrogen species concentration levels for both fisheries and domestic use falls within recommendable levels except for NH/. The concentration levels of nitrogen species tend to increase with decreasing discharges except for N03- and to some extent N02-. The phosphorus levels are very high compared to water quality standard for fisheries but within recommendable levels for drinking. The major pollution sources, both point and nonpoint, lies between STN's 1-6. STN 7 and 8 are near the river source devoid of major developments and are therefore less polluted. The government should therefore introduce a policy of Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) with the revenue collected plowed back into cleaning the river. These data would be important to policy makers like Municipal Council of Kisumu (MCK),National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Marine and Ministry of Public Health, Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA).