Influence of anthropogenic activities on microbial and nutrient levels along the Mara River tributaries, Kenya

Abstract

Background: A number of factors impact negatively on natural surface water resources across the world. Although sources of surface water pollution are numerous, anthropogenic activities have been singled out as among the most important and of great concern. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of anthropogenic activities on nutrients and microbial levels along the Amala and Nyangores tributaries of the Mara River in Kenya. Materials and Methods: Four sampling sites along each tributary were specifically selected from which water samples were collected and analyzed for nutrients by use of spectrophotometric techniques, and coliform bacterial presence by a multiple tube fermentation technique. Results: Higher levels of total phosphorus were recorded along the Nyangores than the Amala tributary (P= 0.02). Significant differences in phosphorus levels were recorded between different sites along the Nyangores tributary (P=<0.001) and also along the Amala tributary (P= 0.0036). However, total nitrogen levels varied only within sites along the Nyangores tributary (P<0.0001) but not along the Amala tributary. Similarly, Escherichia coli and total coliform levels varied significantly within Nyangores tributary sites. Sites with frequent and direct human and livestock contact had higher microbial and nutrient levels, indicative of a localized pollution effect. Conclusions:The findings imply that the health of local communities who depend on this water for domestic use might be compromised. As such, regular monitoring, strict enforcement of environmental protection laws, public education and proper sewage disposal is recommended.Means with different superscripts are significantly different at P<0.05. Fig. 8. Proportion of Escherich ia coli levels along the Amala and Nyangores tributaries, Kenya.

Heavy metals risk assessment of water and sediments collected from selected river tributaries of the Mara River in Tanzania

“…The basin covers a catchment area of approx. 13,504 km 2 shared between the two East African states of Kenya and Tanzania [20]. On the side of Tanzania, the Mara River consists of several small tributaries including Somoche, Tobora, Nyarusondobiro, Nyarwera, Tigithe, and Gurubi (Fig.…”

Effects of Papyrus Plants (&lt;i&gt;Cyperus papyrus&lt;i&gt;) on the Physicochemical Parameters and Nutrient Levels of Water and Sediments in Yala Swamp Wetland in Western Kenya

“…In the two seasons there were no significant differences in conductivity (Students t-test P = 0.3389). The slight higher conductivity values in the wet season could be because according to [18], water bodies are recharged during the rainy season and the salts and nutrients are transported to the water bodies that increase conductivity levels. This could also be because at such times agricultural activities are at their peak which includes the use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers which later find their way in water runoff and increase the levels of EC.…”

Impact of faecal bacteria contamination on drinking water supply in Aghien Lagoon, Abidjan, Ivory Coast

“…However, the most important problems which limit the use of this lagoon water are its quantity for long term uses and its quality due to industrial, domestic and agriculture pollutions (Traoré et al, 2012;Koffi et al, 2014). It is well known that surface waters from urban area are exposed to different types of pollutions including physicochemical and microbiological parameters (viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths) (Ouattara et al, 2011;Passerat et al, 2011;Anyona et al, 2014;Pandey 2014;Marcheggiani et al, 2015 ). These pollutions may result from industrialization and poor wastewater management strategies (Gigliola et al, 2012;Páll et al, 2013;García-Armisen et al, 2014).…”