Browsing by Author "Gikuma-Njuru, Peter"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Publication
    Publication
    Assessment of the Impact of Groundwater Fluoride on Human Health: A Case Study of Makindu District in Kenya
    (Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change, 2017) Mbithi, Francisca M.; Kariuki, Patrick C.; Gikuma-Njuru, Peter
    Assessment of human exposure to the naturally occurring fluoride in groundwater in Kenya has not being exhaustive. This study investigated the extent of human exposure to fluoride and its impact on human health in Makindu District, and evaluated the potential risk of using ground water contaminated by fluoride ion (F-). The study used an ex post facto design and the data collection tools used were interviews, questionnaires, key informants and observation. Water from three boreholes and a spring in the study areas was analysed for pH, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, and concentrations of Fluoride, Chloride, Sulfate, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium and Potassium. The collected data was analyzed using the Ms-Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results show that majority of the respondents relied on tap water from springs. Raw water from Makindu Spring, the main source of drinking water for Makindu Town, had fluoride concentration of 1.1 mg/L, which is below the WHO maximum allowable value of 1.5 mg/L. All the three boreholes covered during the study had fluoride concentration above the WHO maximum allowable value. This implied that the population that relied on boreholes as a source of water was exposed to health risk associated with high fluoride. 38.4% and 33.3% of the respondents, respectively from Kiboko Location and Makindu Location, had moderately to severely mottled enamel, an indication of the impact of fluoride in water. It is recommended that defluoridation systems should be introduced and that alternative sources of water be developed to mitigate the impacts of high fluoride water to the local communities
  • Publication
    Publication
    Public Knowledge and Perception of Drinking Water Quality and Its Health Implications: An Example from the Makueni County, South-Eastern Kenya
    (MDPI, 2022-04-09) Gevera, Patrick Kirita; Dowling, Kim; Gikuma-Njuru, Peter; Mouri, Hassina
    Due to the semi-arid nature of Makueni County in South-Eastern Kenya, there is a high dependence on groundwater resources for domestic use. Reliance on this source of potable water may have health implications for the population, given the presence of several naturally occurring and potentially harmful elements reported from aquifer source rocks, soil, and water in the area. A survey involving questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs) was conducted with 115 individuals to determine the local population’s knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of their drinking water quality and its health impacts. The results show that most respondents (67%) preferred piped water because it was pre-treated and not saline. Only 29% of the respondents were very satisfied with the taste of their drinking water, while the rest complained about varying salinity levels, ranging from slightly salty to very salty. This low satisfaction might have influenced the low daily drinking water consumption (1–2 L) by most respondents. Health issues reported by many (43%) respondents in the area include diarrhoea and gastrointestinal upsets, which may be associated with the saline nature of the drinking water. Elevated fluoride (F−) in the local groundwater was reported, and the health effects remain a concern. Although 91% knew someone with dental fluorosis, 53% did not know the deleterious effects of high F− in drinking water. Most respondents (59%) associated the salty nature of the water with dental fluorosis, and as a result, 48% avoided drinking the salty water to prevent the condition. Despite the high prevalence and known psycho-social effects, most people did not perceive dental fluorosis as a severe health threat. The increased health risks associated with high salinity and high F− in drinking water in Makueni County are poorly understood by most residents, regardless of their education, gender, or age. This warrants an immediate public health education programme and detailed epidemiological studies to determine all the health effects associated with naturally occurring, potentially harmful elements in groundwater in the area.
  • Publication
    Publication
    Suitability of Athi River Water for Irrigation within Athi River Town and Its Environs
    (SCIENCEDOMAIN International, 2016-02-28) Aywa, John O.; Gikuma-Njuru, Peter; Muendo, Patricia
    Aims: To assess the suitability of the Athi River water for irrigation in Athi River area and its environs.Study Design:The study design was purposive with sampling points deliberately chosen to assess the water quality of the Athi River within the study area. Place and Duration of Study:The study was carried out in Athi River town and its environs in Kenya from January 2015 to March 2015.Methodology:Seven sampling points were selected along the study transect and sampling was done once every week from 21stJanuary to 6thMarch 2015. The water samples collected were analyzed for sodium (Na+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Calcium (Ca2+), Electrical Conductivity (EC), alkalinity, acidity (pH), E. coli, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and heavy metals (lead and Chromium). Field observations and administration of questionnaires were used to identify major sources of pollution into the river. The data so collated and collected was analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Office Excel.Results:The level of E. coliwas above the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) standards at all sampling points (M=1,073-2,202 MPN). The levels of all physico-chemical parameters measured were within the recommended limits. However there was an increasing trend in the concentration of most of the parameters along the study transect, an indication the impact of pollution input from the Athi River area on the river water quality. 42.9% of the sites sampled had a moderate sodicity hazard while 100% of the sites sampled had a moderate alkalinity hazard.Conclusion:The Athi river water within Athi River is polluted with E.coliand it is recommended that the public is sensitized on the health risks paused by the high concentration of E. coliin irrigation water and encouraged to adopt risk minimization strategies. It is also recommended that periodic monitoring of river water quality be done and pollution control measures should be put in place.
  • Publication
    Publication
    Water pollution in a Riparian community: the case of River Athi in Makueni County, Kenya
    (SCIENCEDOMAIN International, 2017-02-10) Munyao, Joseph M.; Kimiti, Jacinta M.; Gikuma-Njuru, Peter
    The aim of this study was to determine the effects of water pollution on riparian community alongRiver Athi in Makueni County. Specific objectives included; documenting the causes of pollution ofthe River Athi in Kathonzweni sub County, to access and establish the health effects resultingfrom the pollution of the River Athi in Kathonzweni district and finally to documentmeasures/interventions put in place by the government and residents in the study area to controlthe pollution of the River Athi. Data was collected using a sample of 51 households on five villagesliving along the River Athi 5 kilometer distance from the River was studied. Structuredquestionnaires, observation, and interviews were employed and the collected data was analyzedusing SPSS model and presented using tables. It was clear from the results that up-streampollution from industries and sewage was the highest River polluter having Iiani village (93%),Kikome village (62.5%), Mumbeeni village (60%), Kyase village (50%) and Kwanyaa village(33.3%) (Chi-square(X2)=1.7186). Results on the uses of River water within the five villagesrevealed that seven water uses including watering crops, washing, drinking, fishing, cooking,bathing, and brick making. Across the five villages, malaria was the commonest illness reported in Iiani village (46.7%), Kyase village (37.5%), Kwanyaa village (22.2%) and the lowest beingMumbeeni village (20%) (X2=0.0035).According to the results, contact with River water was thecommon cause of most illnesses with Kwanyaa village (55.6%) having the highest percentage ofillness caused by contact with River water. The study revealed that the residents’ measures tocontrol pollution were three that is observation of 30 m riparian reserve by farmers and developers,no disposal of refuse and pesticide cans in the River and not washing near the River by theresidents. This study can provide a basis for designing water policies aimed at rural livelihoodsecurity improvement within the County and also globally.