Browsing by Author "Ouko, John"

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  • Publication
    Publication
    Effect of Eichhornia crassipes on coliforms load in small water bodies within Lake Victoria basin, Kenya
    (Academic Journals, 2015-03-11) Veronica, Ombwa; Orwa, Patrick; Alice, Mutie; Omondi, Reuben; Kenneth, Werimo; Ouko, John
    The study investigates the effects of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) infestation based on coliform loads which are pollution indicator organisms. These dams have fish and the waters are commonly used for domestic purposes without any treatment hence it is necessary to check their status. Sampling was done on 25 small water bodies and from which water samples were taken for microbial determination. Membrane filtration method was used to enumerate fecal coliforms by use lauryl sulphate broth and incubated at 44 ± 0.5°C for 18 to 24 h. The results show that water bodies infested by water hyacinth harbored higher levels of fecal coliforms compared to those devoid of the weed. The high fecal coliform levels have negative impacts on the lives of communities using these water bodies. In addition, it reduces native species and disrupts food chains and nutrient cycle. The small water bodies within the Lake Victoria basin need frequent monitoring in order to give the relevant authorities concrete information for proper sensitization to the communities. Water hyacinth should also be properly managed so that it does not chock dams that are used for domestic and fishing activities.
  • Publication
    Publication
    Intriguing case of ecosystem dynamics in the Lake Victoria: Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and Escherichia coli
    (International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 2015-03-15) Mutie, Alice; Ojwang, William; Werimo, Kenneth; Omondi, Reuben; Ouko, John
    Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a noxious weed with immense impact on the health and the livelihoods of communities’ in the tropical sub-Saharan African countries. This study was aimed at assessing the effects of water hyacinth on Escherichia coli levels in Kenyan Lake Victoria. Sampling was done in waters infested by water hyacinth (roots and mats) and in open water areas (devoid of the weed). Membrane filtration method was used to enumerate Escherichia coli at 44.5 ºC for 18-24 h. Results showed that E. coli levels were higher in water hyacinth infested areas compared to areas in the open waters and those under water hyacinth mats. The levels of E. coli in the open water areas ranged from undetectable levels to 1140 cfu/100 ml. Whereas, levels of E. coli from areas under water hyacinth mats ranged from 10 cfu/100 ml to 1549 cfu/100 ml while E. coli levels from waters from water hyacinth roots ranged from undetectable levels to 6387 cfu/100 ml. Therefore, general marked differences in levels of E.coli in hyacinth thriving areas with regard to free areas indicate potential ability of the plant to harbor microbiological contaminants and if its spread is left unchecked, incidences of water borne related diseases like the cholera may increase incredibly among the riparian communities with consequent loss of many lives. It is therefore imperative that a plan of action is put in place to control the spread of water hyacinth in Lake Victoria.