Determination of Selected Water Quality Parameters in River Sio, Busia County, Kenya

Abstract

Water samples were taken from five sampling points and their quality assessed through analysis of physical and chemical characteristics. Turbidity, temperature, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen and total suspended solids were determined on site during sample collection, using potable meters. Anions were determined using UV/Visible spectroscopy while heavy metals were determined using flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) in accordance with AWWA standard methods. Turbidity was the highest recorded parameter during the wet season with a mean of 481.83 NTU. 53% of the parameters showed significant seasonal variation (P<0.5) with the mean concentration of 56 % of the parameters being higher during the wet season. The parameters that exceeded the WHO limit were turbidity, phosphates, lead, iron, nickel, chromium and cobalt indicating poor quality of water in River Sio. Poor agricultural practices, domestic and industrial wastewater are the main factors that contribute to pollution of the River. The study proposes proper land use, proper treatment and disposal of sewage and use of organic manure and biological control as means of preventing water and soil pollution.