Contemporary and emerging pollutants in Nairobi river, Kenya

Abstract

The earliest civilizations were made possible due to settlement along major rivers that allowed for irrigation. In modern times, most of the world's major cities are built along major rivers. They provide water for drinking, sanitation, fishing and for recreation activities. Irrigation consumes well above 70% of the earths fresh surface waters which comprise of less than 1% of the global fresh water capacity. The millennium development goals had set targets which were not met and the contemporary sustainable development goals were set to realize the goals. Water is addressed on most of the SDGs goals: life under water, zero hunger etc. To achieve the above goals, there must be changes in our production and consumption patterns. Majority of pollution to the river is from human activities. Contamination is chemical, physical or biological and ultimately affects the same people as they consume water or products derived from the river. Majority of the Nairobi river has been contaminated to the point of pollution and the trend is expected to have an increase. The population is exceeding the threshold and infrastructure can't keep up. The demand for food and sewerage services are among the most polluting factor to the river. There have been efforts to rehabilitate the river bot by the county and national government. The private sector is also trying to help in the rehabilitation process.