
|
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
World Bank assisted National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) - University of Port Harcourt
ISSN: 1119-8362
Vol. 12, No. 1, 2008, pp. 57-62
|
Bioline Code: ja08009
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
|
|
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, Vol. 12, No. 1, 2008, pp. 57-62
en |
Determination of Some Physico-Chemical Parameters of the Nairobi River, Kenya
Dulo, Simeon Otieno
Abstract
This paper discusses the results of a study carried out in 2003 on the water quality of Nairobi
River on the basis of pollution parameters and water quality index. The study aimed at establishing whether the water
meets the surface water quality criteria for water supply. The area of study in Nairobi River was within its entry and
exit of Nairobi province. It was observed that human activities along the river with visible encroachment to the banks,
contribute to the heavy level of pollution of the river. This is the section that industrial discharges and municipal
sewerage are discharged into the river. The study was carried out through field surveys and laboratory tests on
samples taken from the river. The results obtained from laboratory tests were analysed and compared to the
established surface water quality criteria by A.S.C.E, W.H.O, Natural watercourses Standards of Kenya and
classification of rivers by Royal Commission on Sewage Disposal. Human activities along the river course have
severely impacted on the River water quality. The study area had average pH of 7.04; the average turbidity was
41.5N.T.U, the average suspended solids in the section was 116.43 mg/l, the average dissolved oxygen was 4.32mg/l.
the average BOD was 182.5mg/l. The average COD for the reach studied was 49.5mg/l. The river was therefore
classified as bad according to Klein 1966. The study concluded that the Nairobi River within Nairobi province was
badly polluted as indicated by the water quality index analysis. The WQI gives a value of 49.27, fall between the
numerical ranges of the classification of bad (26-50).
|
|
© Copyright 2008 - Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management
|
|