Theses and Dessertations

DETERMINATION OF THE EXTEND OF GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION WITHIN THE VICINITY OF KIPKENYO DUMPSITE IN ELDORET MUNICIPALITY, UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

2026-03-13T06:52:09Z

DETERMINATION OF THE EXTEND OF GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION WITHIN THE VICINITY OF KIPKENYO DUMPSITE IN ELDORET MUNICIPALITY, UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA KOIMA, ROBERT The increasing demand for groundwater as a primary source of water supply has raised concerns about its vulnerability to contamination, particularly in areas surrounding unmanaged dumpsites. Kipkenyo Dumpsite in Eldoret Municipality, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, presents a potential risk of leachate infiltration into groundwater, threatening water quality and public health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of leachate contamination in groundwater quality by integrating geoelectrical resistivity surveys and physicochemical analyses. The specific objectives were to determine the physicochemical characteristics of groundwater contamination, map the spatial distribution of leachate contaminant plumes using geoelectrical methods, analyze the vertical and horizontal flow dynamics of leachate, and assess the hydrogeological and environmental factors influencing leachate migration and contaminant transport. This study was anchored in Dacy’s Law developed Darcy's Law in 1856 which is based on experiments that studied the flow of water through sand filters. The study was conducted in the Kipkenyo Dumpsite vicinity, focusing on shallow wells and boreholes used by the local community. A descriptive research design incorporating both geophysical and laboratory analyses was adopted. The sample size comprised groundwater samples were collected from selected wells, with sampling points determined through stratified random and purposive sampling techniques. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrates, chlorides, phosphates, sodium and potassium, were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The geoelectrical resistivity survey employed two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) resistivity imaging to map subsurface contamination zones. Data analysis involved statistical techniques such as one-way ANOVA to assess spatial variations in water quality parameters, and geophysical inversion modeling to interpret resistivity variations indicative of leachate infiltration pathways. Results indicated that groundwater quality parameters varied across different wells, with pH levels ranging from 5.94 to 11.70, electrical conductivity from 42 to 113 μS/cm, total dissolved solids from 21 to 57 ppm, nitrate from 0.01 to 0.67 mg/L, chloride from 1.90 to 4.40 mg/L, phosphate from 0.26 to 1.04 mg/L, sodium from 5 to 10 mg/L, and potassium from 6 to 58 mg/L, suggesting potential leachate contamination. Further, the findings revealed significant variations (p<0.05) in physicochemical parameters across different wells, with some locations exhibiting elevated ion concentrations linked to leachate percolation. While most parameters remained within World Health Organization (WHO) and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) limits, localized areas displayed elevated levels of pH and ion concentrations, indicating contamination hotspots. Geoelectrical resistivity imaging identified subsurface zones with low resistivity values, suggesting potential leachate infiltration pathways and groundwater contamination zones. The findings further indicated that groundwater contamination was not uniform across the study area, with hydro geological conditions influencing contaminant transport and distribution. The study concluded that leachate infiltration from Kipkenyo Dumpsite may pose a potential risk to groundwater quality, with localized contamination requiring continuous monitoring. The study recommended the implementation of proper waste management strategies, regular groundwater quality assessments and the establishment of protective buffer zones to mitigate contamination risks. Additionally, future research should incorporate seasonal variations to better understand leachate dynamics under different climatic conditions

MODELING LAND DEGRADATION IN UPPER TURKWEL WATERSHED AND IMPLICATIONS ON THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE TURKWEL DAM RESERVOIR

2025-04-08T12:23:27Z

MODELING LAND DEGRADATION IN UPPER TURKWEL WATERSHED AND IMPLICATIONS ON THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE TURKWEL DAM RESERVOIR KIPKEMOI, TOROMO AMBROSE Sediment accumulation in water reservoirs with consequent shortening of the reservoir life is a growing global problem,the worst scenarios are common in tropical countries like the study area Turkwel watershed in Kenya. The study aimed to determine the land cover changes in the watershed. These would further answer how it affected land degradation and sediment accumulation in the reservoir and proposed mitigation measures. The study also considered the changing land use and land degradation patterns that have taken place in the catchment by studying periodic Landsat/satellite imagery. The studies established that bare land in the watershed between the last four decades of 1987 to 2017 increased insignificantly by (1.05%)/62 km2 (F 0.05 (1, 2) =12.49, p=0.0716), reinforcing the reality of global warming and climate change as a precursor to more soil erosion. The forest and agricultural land declined by 73 km2 (-1.24%) and 116 km2 (-1.97%), respectively, attributed to climate change and land pressure from the increasing population. The grassland increased insignificantly between 1987 to 2017 by 120.26 km2 (F 0.05 (1, 2) =1.95, p=0.2975). More farmers embraced livestock production through enclosures as a source of livelihood while abandoning crop farming. SWAT model studies in the watershed revealed that the area under medium to very high erosion rates rose to 1940 km2 (33%) in the 5900 km2 compared to 1290 km2 (22%) in 1982. Soil erosion was increasing and called for more conservation efforts on erosion hot spots and a function of soil vulnerability. The soil loss and Best Management Practices (BMPs) determined using standard runoff plot experiments on a 10.5% land slope farm showed clear benefits of integrated approaches. The Land Use/Land Cover changes (LUCC) studied using Landsat imagery, remote sensing, and Arc View GIS established that Runoff was reduced by retention ditches more than pasture reseeding. The highest significant difference in mean soil losses (using STATGRAPHICS) was between runoff plots with terraces and reseeded with Pokot Rhodes grass in comparison with no conservation (F0.05 (3, 220) =13.23, p=0.0001) with a maximum mean significance difference between the plot and the control plot/or no treatment plot with the variation of (78.81±29.22 kg/ha/storm). The field with Pokot Rhodes only had the second-lowest soil loss and indicated, that growing pasture was a cheap single conservation option. The best management Practice involving enclosures with an integrated ecosystem approach using agronomic, physical, and cultural measures was most effective with the extra benefits of ensuring sustainable production and environmental conservation. The study on the perception and adoption of introduced Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) strategies suggested that 98% of the farmers knew the accruing benefits of soil conservation but low adoption and sustainability. There was a need to intensify farmer's agricultural extension services. Some 32% of the farmers acknowledged stopping conservation activities at the end of the project support and this called for further research to establish the reasons. Using the four indices in modelling river flow at Turkwel, the flow data was consistent with the criteria for a monthly time step (R 2 =0.58, NSE=0.56, RSR=0.66 & PBIAS=10.9%). The SWAT model was therefore applicable to the catchment and the impact analyses.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FLUORIDE LEVELS AND PHYSICALCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN SELECTED MEDIA IN UPPER RIVER NJORO CATCHMENT NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

2025-04-07T08:08:57Z

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FLUORIDE LEVELS AND PHYSICALCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN SELECTED MEDIA IN UPPER RIVER NJORO CATCHMENT NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA KIPTOO, SANGA JACOB Water is vital for life, but its quality determines its suitability for consumption. In 2020, 2 billion people lacked safe water services. Fluoride in water can be beneficial or harmful; the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum of 1.5 mg/L to prevent health risks. Globally, fluoride contamination is a problem, especially in India, China, and Africa. In Kenya's Rift Valley, high fluoride levels cause fluorosis. This study was conducted to assess fluoride levels in the Njoro catchment, Nakuru County, Kenya, due to concerns about potential health risks from elevated fluoride levels in the region. Water sources in the River Njoro catchment have varying fluoride concentrations, posing risks of skeletal and dental fluorosis. The study assessed fluoride levels in sediments, springs, and river waters in the upper River Njoro catchment, Nakuru County, guided by the following objectives: determining fluoride levels in sediments, springs, and river water, analyzing pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids in springs and river waters, and investigating the relationship between fluoride levels and physical-chemical parameters. This study assessed fluoride levels in the upper River Njoro catchment area, spanning from Nessuit upstream to Tumaini Bridge downstream. A longitudinal profile survey design was utilized, incorporating stratified sampling across upper, middle, and lower catchments. Data were collected from fifteen sites, including river water, spring water, and sediment samples, during both dry and wet seasons. Water and sediment samples were analyzed at the University of Eldoret for fluoride and physical-chemical parameters. Sampling involved triplicate collections, with physical-chemical measurements taken in situ and fluoride concentrations determined using ion-selective electrodes. Sediment samples were collected and processed following standardized methods. Statistical analysis, performed using Genstat software, involved ANOVA and correlation statistics to identify significant differences and relationships between fluoride levels and physical-chemical parameters. River water fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.38 to 1.77 mg/L, with the highest mean at site S8. River sediments showed fluoride levels between 0.50 and 2.91 mg/kg, with higher concentrations in lower strata. Spring water fluoride ranged from 1.20 to 2.44 mg/L, while sediments at spring sites had levels from 0.77 to 1.55 mg/kg. This study revealed significant variations in fluoride levels across river and spring waters in the upper River Njoro catchment, with some sites exceeding WHO standards. Fluoride levels negatively correlated with pH and positively with total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC). Spring water generally had higher fluoride concentrations than river water, suggesting geological or hydrological influences. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate fluoride contamination and ensure safe water access for the local population. Continuous monitoring and remediation efforts, alongside public awareness campaigns, are essential to prevent further exposure and protect community health.

ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL AND SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF WATER QUALITY USING STATISTICAL, CCME-WQI AND GIS METHODS IN NAKURU MUNICIPALITY, KENYA

2022-03-02T09:30:28Z

ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL AND SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF WATER QUALITY USING STATISTICAL, CCME-WQI AND GIS METHODS IN NAKURU MUNICIPALITY, KENYA KELI, MARGARET MWIKALI Nakuru Municipality lies in the larger Lake Nakuru basin where the natural chemistry of its watershed is characterized by high levels of inorganic salts posing a significant problem to water resources. River and ground waters are the primary sources of drinking water for the municipalities’ population but despite their significance, there are limitations to the availability of a robust database that can describe their quality status in a reliable way. Information that can explain spatial and seasonal variations of river and ground water quality is not sufficient. This study targeted to bridge this gap by adopting a quantitative research design. Stratified random sampling was applied in the study of pH, electrical conductivity, and levels of fluoride selenium, chloride and cadmium. Thirty eight sampling points and three sampling periods/seasons were selected for this study. The seasons were put in three groups: group 1: Transition Period (TP), group 2: Short Rain Period (SRP) and group 3: Dry Period (DP). The data were analyzed, processed and interpreted using SPSS software Version 22.0, Microsoft window Excel tool, statistical, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) methods. Water quality data were presented as mean values and evaluated based on guideline values to assess its suitability for drinking. Spatial and seasonal variations of examined parameters were descriptively analyzed. The results showed significant spatial and seasonal variations in some of the examined water variables (pH, chloride, fluoride, selenium, cadmium and electrical conductivity). Kruskal - Wallis H test was applied to test for seasonal variation in mean concentration values of water parameters where results were reported at 0.05 level of significance. Seasonally, the results indicated a statistically significant difference between the means of pH (P = 0.001) and cadmium (P = 0.000) but no significant difference for electrical conductivity (P = 0.130), selenium (P = 0.981), fluoride (P = 0.293) and chloride (P = 0.228) in ground water. Post hoc results showed significant existence of mean difference in pH between the TP and DP (P = 0.000) and TP and SRP (P= 0.006) while for cadmium there existed significant mean difference existed between TP and SRP (P = 0.001) and TP and DP (P = 0.000). For natural river water samples, Kruskal - Wallis H test results showed existence of significant differences between the means of pH (P = 0.050) and electrical conductivity (P = 0.008). However chloride (P = 0.629), cadmium (P = 0.122), fluoride (P = 0.105) and selenium (P = 0.472) did not show any significant difference. Post hoc results showed existence of significant mean difference in electrical conductivity between TP and DP (P = 0.004) and SRP and DP (P= 0.016) while for pH significant mean difference existed between TP and DP (P = 0.034) and SRP and DP (P = 0.34). Spatial distribution maps gave a pictorial representation of the spread of water quality parameters at different sampling points. Based on the CCME-WQI, index values for drinking water quality of river and ground water samples were calculated in a range of 20.94-39.69 and ranked as poor. Selenium, cadmium and fluoride were taken as important parameters impacting water quality as their concentrations were elevated. Aquifer geological formations and water quality characteristics showed spatial variation among the boreholes. Considering all examined variables, correlation results showed that correlation coefficient (r) values ranged from -0.85 to 0.70 in river water and -0.87 to 0.56 in ground water. The study concluded that the quality of river and ground water of the study area was mainly influenced by geological hydrogeological settings of the area, not potable and need proper treatment before consumption.

RUNOFF GENERATION, IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN AMALEMBA URBAN INFORMAL SETTLEMENT, KAKAMEGA MUNICIPALITY, KENYA

2021-12-02T11:28:55Z

RUNOFF GENERATION, IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN AMALEMBA URBAN INFORMAL SETTLEMENT, KAKAMEGA MUNICIPALITY, KENYA MUSONYE, PATRICK, K. The study was carried out in Amalemba informal urban settlement within Kakamega municipality, Kenya. It concerned environmental impacts of uncontrolled runoff in the environmentally vulnerable low income settlement. Management of runoff is a significant component towards the sustainability of a sound urban environment infrastructure. Runoff management is imperative in urban informal settlements since it enhances a healthy surrounding. This study identified human and physical features that influence runoff generation, determined influence of rainfall on runoff discharge, influence of slope and ground cover on runoff discharge, effects of runoff; and investigated runoff management measures in Amalemba informal urban settlement. The study followed a quasi-experimental research design. Runoff discharge measurements, visual observations, photography, individual and focus group interviews were used to collect data. Runoff from bare ground, 50% grass cover and 100% grass cover were compared using thirty rainfall events during long rains in April/May 2020. Runoff volume was collected using the Gerlach trough setup, the precise volume of discharge was measured using a graduated one litre measuring cylinder. Data from interviews with respondents was analyzed according to themes while data from the Gerlach trough setup was analyzed using inferential statistics. The rainfall-runoff relationship for Amalemba informal urban settlement indicates a statistically positive significant correlation between daily rainfall and runoff volume with r = 0.9822 for 100% grass cover, for 50% grass cover r = 0.9672 and r= 0.9934 for bare ground respectively with p-value <0.0000001 for all the three surfaces. Bare ground coupled with steeper slope produced the highest runoff while the surface with 100% grass cover yielded the lowest runoff. The results show that vegetation cover is better at protection of the soil against erosion and reduction of runoff than bare ground. Runoff produced adverse effects such as flooding, mini landslides, soil erosion, and blockage of drains as a result of bad solid waste disposal mechanisms and destruction of shacks, farmland and roads. On-site and institutional practices complemented each other in management of runoff. This study emphasizes meaningful involvement and participation in management of runoff; adopting methodologies which withstand both social and human capabilities ranging from controlling and managing runoff to the effects of runoff in informal urban settlements. Runoff management at the catchment level, appropriate use of green infrastructure and the formulation of policies aimed at development of sustainable drainage systems in Amalemba informal urban settlement is of critical importance.

EFFECTS OF GEOLOGICAL VARIABILITY AND SELECTED PHYSICAL PARAMETERS OF WATER QUALITY ON FLUORIDE LEVELS IN RIVER NJORO CATCHMENT, KENYA

2021-11-12T12:58:30Z

EFFECTS OF GEOLOGICAL VARIABILITY AND SELECTED PHYSICAL PARAMETERS OF WATER QUALITY ON FLUORIDE LEVELS IN RIVER NJORO CATCHMENT, KENYA Ontumbi, George Morara Fluoride levels higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended levels of 1.5 mg/l have to raise serious health issues. Therefore fluoride contamination is a pertinent matter that calls for concern by all people and government especially in countries where the phenomenon of volcanicity has been experienced. The study sought to analyse the effects of geological variability and selected physical parameters of water quality on fluoride levels in River Njoro catchment. The study was guided by the following objectives: to determine the relationship between fluoride levels and surface geology in River Njoro catchment, to determine the relationship between borehole stratigraphy formation matrices and fluoride levels in borehole water in River Njoro catchment, determine the relationship between pH, temperature and Electrical conductivity and fluoride levels in groundwater in River Njoro catchment and finally model spatial variation and distribution of fluoride levels in ground water in the River Njoro catchment. The study sought to highlight the levels of fluoride and give recommendations on identification and delineation of potential sites for safe groundwater for the local population and advice on the water treatment and de fluoridation strategies. Past researches on River Njoro catchment gave much emphasis on land use/cover changes and strong condemnation on elevated fluoride levels in the Njoro catchment and therefore the gap in this research was based on the integration of geological variations and geological stratigraphy of River Njoro catchment and ultimately produce a predictive trend. This study adopted purposive longitudinal survey and quasi experimental research designs. In this research borehole and river water, soil and rock samples from designated points along the River Njoro and its tributaries were collected for laboratory analysis of fluoride levels. The research adopted descriptive and correlation statistical analysis. The sources of data included: field surveys which were used to collect data about the fluoride levels, the remotely sensed, GIS and Geostatistical interpolation, content analysis of the literature on the geology of the Njoro catchment and the hydro-meteorological and geological characteristics data. From the results of the study it was observed that: the fluoride levels in River Njoro catchment varied with the geology of the catchment and fluoride levels in groundwater depended on the borehole stratigraphy matrix, the selected physical parameters of water quality (pH, Electrical Conductivity and temperature) had a significant statistical relationship with fluoride levels in River Njoro catchment and land use/cover changes and variations in the borehole depths. The results through Geostatistical interpolation also observed that there is varied distribution and variation of fluoride levels in River Njoro catchment. Therefore geological variations, borehole depths and lithological formations were manifested in the fluoride level variations in the water and rock sampling points that were located either upstream, midstream and downstream of the River Njoro catchment. Finally the study recommends isotopic analysis of water samples from the sources of water in River Njoro catchment to assist in tracing their origin, contamination of fluoride and fluoride enrichment pathways and water quality alteration within the catchment.

SOIL EROSION PROCESSES AND CONTROL ON RURAL ROADS IN MT. ELGON SUB-COUNTY, TRANS NZOIA AND WEST POKOT COUNTIES, KENYA

2021-06-07T12:08:15Z

SOIL EROSION PROCESSES AND CONTROL ON RURAL ROADS IN MT. ELGON SUB-COUNTY, TRANS NZOIA AND WEST POKOT COUNTIES, KENYA MANYARA, JAMES M. O. Roads are essential component to the counties’ economy; they are key agents of economies to thrive, good and well maintained roads imply great and successful economies. Low volume rural roads are facing great challenge and highly deteriorating due to anthropogenic and climatic factors. Low volume rural roads were studied in three varied climatic zones in three counties of western Kenya. The study was carried out to assess the management and the current state of rural roads (Class D and E) in Mt. Elgon Sub County (in Bungoma County), Trans Nzoia and West Pokot counties. Soil loss and deposition on the rural roads, surface runoff rates were determined and the state of soil erosion control works were assessed. Potential areas vulnerable to soil erosion were identified. Catchment characteristics were calculated using Cooks method and the runoff rates coefficient obtained to determine the runoff rates in m3/s. Classification of soils’ drainage potential and soil types in the study areas was determined by using soil data obtained from International Livestock Research Institute. Terrain data was obtained from Shuttle Relief Topography Mission which was used to determine gradients using ARCGIS. Soil movement and deposition was analysed and it was observed that a greater change occurred in the months of November and December 2013 with a deposition change of 11.1 cm compared to 8.80cm for the month of January and February 2014. Highest rate of erosion was recorded at -10.1cm in the rainy months and -6.64 cm in dry months. Total soil volume movement in three months was 8309.75 cm3 where Mt. Elgon Sub County exhibited the highest change of 3284 cm3 .Terrain (gentle/flat and undulating) for West Pokot and Trans Nzoia (Sibanga) roads had a negative correlation while Mt. Elgon (hilly, mountainous and gentle) and Tans Nzoia-Sikulu (gentle/flat) roads had a positive correlation of r=0.530 and r=0.032, respectively. The runoff rates at Mt. Elgon were the highest at 3.7 m3/s, while the mean runoff rate was 1m3/s .Rainfall on the roads catchment ranged between 800-1600 mm3 of rain annually, and this contributed to the most likelihood of roads in upper Mt. Elgon and North of Sibanga getting more eroded than roads in the south and other roads. It was found out that 54.3% of the total road network was made up of gravel and 18.6% of it had been encroached by vegetation which distorted the camber. Culverts’ efficiency was rated at a mean of 40%. Areas most vulnerable to erosion were found to be in Mt. Elgon from 10 km -22 km stretch of the road and Sikulu-Kinyoro road bordering Kapsara tea factory. The research therefore draws recommendations to improve and enhance the management of roads by discouraging road reserve cultivation and creation of cut off drains on upper Mt. Elgon and Sibanga roads, the use of GIS in soil modelling is critical for engineers to avoid vulnerable and unstable areas of the roads.

MODELING OPTIMAL YIELD OF MAIZE UNDER DEFICIT IRRIGATION AND NUTRIENTS LEVELS IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA.

2021-03-11T07:39:00Z

MODELING OPTIMAL YIELD OF MAIZE UNDER DEFICIT IRRIGATION AND NUTRIENTS LEVELS IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA. LANGAT, JOHN, K. Agriculture uses the largest volume of water which is a scarce natural resource and equally demanded for both industrial and domestic requirements. Increasing demand in agricultural production for food and industrial products necessitates careful management of the limited resources. High uses of agricultural chemicals and diminishing production levels have continued stressing livelihoods with a basis on the environment. Mitigation measures of the challenges facing agricultural development require a policy shift that adopts research tools on productivity and limit the gaps generated by poor practices. The current research investigated the relationship between the levels of nutrient fertilizer and amount of water applied to achieve optimum yields for maize crop grown under deficit irrigation. Field trials were applied to achieve the following research objectives: (1) to establish the response of maize yields to various levels of moisture and fertilizer, (2) to determine and correlate residual soil nutrient levels in the soil at harvest as function of moisture and fertilizer treatments, (3) calibrate and validate AquaCrop model using data from field trials of deficit irrigation and fertilizer application levels, and (4) use AquaCrop model to predict maize yield gaps as a result of water and fertilizer stress in Uasin Gishu County. The results were subjected to AquaCrop model for water productivity simulation and have clearly shown that the use of high nutrients in the soil does not translate into high yields in maize. Deficit irrigation has led to a lot of water saving and increased area put under maize production. Optimum yield of maize requires application of about 65% of the conventional rates of nitrogenous fertilizer and 80% of moisture requirements of maize crop in Uasin Gishu County. Model prediction of maize yields and the prevailing yield gaps supported the level of moisture and had higher than the non-stressed conditions of 100% moisture applications. Statistical analysis results were supported by the model and recommend that application of fertilizer in crop production need to be re-considered to control the negative impacts on the environment.

APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) FOR SITING A SANITARY LAND FILL: A CASE OF FINLAY’S TEA (K) LIMITED KERICHO, KENYA

2021-03-10T13:10:56Z

APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) FOR SITING A SANITARY LAND FILL: A CASE OF FINLAY’S TEA (K) LIMITED KERICHO, KENYA SANG, CAROLYNE CHEPKEMOI Solid waste disposal is one of the most troublesome challenges facing many developing countries including Kenya. Not only has the volume of solid waste increased rapidly in the past few years, but the available sites meeting stringent environmental requirements have been depleted. The study was carried at Finlay‘s Tea (K) Limited located in Kericho district in the Rift Valley province starting from October 2012 to April 2013. The main objective of the study is to assess the application of GIS and Remote Sensing technologies in locating a landfill. Solid waste was characterized by its nature as either organic or inorganic. Mode of solid waste management was determined using interview schedules with respective officers in charge of waste management. Spatial data for fitting in the regulatory and acceptance criteria processing model were collected using GPS (Gemini model). Constraint Mapping Techniques (CMT) and Geographical Information System (GIS) map analysis approaches were used to create new map layers. Once all the map layers satisfying the criteria were developed, an overlay map was generated representing the final landfill suitable areas. The study findings identified seven potential landfill sites that adequately satisfied the environmental and to some extent economic attributes. These sites are Cheptambas settlement, Chemamul, Cheptabes, Kaproret, Kapkoros, Kapsongoi, and Saosa respectively. Three most appropriate sites were picked basing on the constraints mapping techniques these sites are Kaproret, Chepgoiben and Chebitet respectively. Facility siting can affect the success or failure of a disposal facility in terms of the associated environmental, economic and social impacts. This study has outlined a siting methodology that is appropriate for siting a landfill facility within the context of the study area but is also flexible enough to be used in facility siting in other parts of the world. Recommendations are made for application of GIS in sitting landfills in the study area.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF ARTISANAL GOLD MINING AT ABANDONED ROSTERMAN MINE AND ITS SURROUNDING, KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA

2021-03-10T06:50:53Z

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF ARTISANAL GOLD MINING AT ABANDONED ROSTERMAN MINE AND ITS SURROUNDING, KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA CHUMBA, ABEL KIPLAGAT Rosterman mine is an abandoned gold mine located in Kakamega County, of Western Kenya. The mine was started in 1935 and was abandoned without rehabilitation in 1952 with deep open excavations and huge amount of tailings due to non enforcement of rehabilitation policy during the time. Locals have been panning the tailings for gold remains, unaware of the impacts of the leached elements. Water form the nearby stream is used for domestic purposes. Water that has ponded in the abandoned mine pits has been dangerous to both people and animals that drown in it. To enable future rehabilitation there was need to establish the quality of the mine water. The study aimed at assessing the concentration of the leached elements in the abandoned mine water and their influence on the soil pH, salinity and runoff to nearby streams. Samples of mine and the stream water were analysed for various selected total elements (Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mg), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Chromium (Cr)) concentrations during the period of October, 2006 to March, 2007. Topographical map Sheets of the area at scale 1:50,000 were used as a base map to plot the sampling sites. The locations sites were geo referenced using a global positioning system (GPS) in Universal Transverse Mercator. Photographs of the sampled areas were also taken. The results showed that the average concentrations of the selected trace elements in stream water were generally higher that in the mine water. However, concentrations Pb, and Cd in both waters were found to exceed the recommended WHO limits of 0.005 ppm, for drinking water and the applies to Fe, which exceeded the 0.3 ppm limit recommended. The results also indicated that the waters’ pH lies between 6.48 and 7.48 which were within the neutral range under neutral range. Partial correlation revealed low correlation between heavy metals and sulphates under the field pH conditions. At 95% confidence level, there was found no variation between levels of heavy metals in the mine waters and the streams suggesting possible other sources of heavy metals into the steams. Recommendations for further studies on the sources of heavy metals to the streams waters were made.