Bacterial hazards in urban stream irrigation in peri-urban interface of Nairobi-Machakos counties, Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Ahogle, Arcadius Martinien Agassin
Korir, Nicholas K.
Houngnandan, Pascal
Abu-Ghunm, Lina
Letema, Sammy
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Routledge
Abstract
Bacterial contamination in fruits and vegetables cultivated in urban and peri-urban areas constitutes a serious public health risk. This paper investigates bacterial contamination in irrigation water of the Nairobi-Machakos counties interface, Kenya. Sixty-six irrigation water samples were tested for total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhi, BOD, COD, and pH. Results shows a high load of bacterial pathogens in all samples except for Salmonella typhi, which tested negative. Based on Kenya's standards and WHO guidelines, the irrigation water samples are unfit for fruit and vegetable irrigation. Urgent and effective measures are required, including regular monitoring, sensitisation, and enforcement of phytosanitary and regulatory measures.
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Citation
Arcadius Martinien Agassin Ahogle, Nicholas K. Korir, Pascal Houngnandan, Lina Abu-Ghunmi & Sammy Letema (2023): Bacterial hazards in urban stream irrigation in periurban interface of Nairobi-Machakos counties, Kenya, International Journal of Environmental Studies, DOI: 10.1080/00207233.2023.2216605