Impact of land-use activities on water quality of river Karoroha, Malewa catchment, Nyandarua county, Kenya
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Date
2014-10-09
Authors
Oundo, Dickson Dancan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Water is the most important resource on the earth surface without which living organisms
cannot survive. Human developments of any kind have a directlindirect impact on water
quality and quantity. It should be an objective of every individual to ensure that water
quality is maintained at all costs. This research examines the quantitative effects of land
use activities on the water quality of River Karoroha in Malewa catchment in Nyandarua
County, Kenya. The general obj ectrve of the study is to identify the impacts of land use
activities on water quality of a river basin and model a relationship between land-use
activities and the water quality. The research will employ an experimental research
design to achieve this objective Water samples will be drawn from the river and water
quality parameters will be measured both in situ and 111 a laboratory The water quality
parameters are total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature,
pH, color, phosphorous, nitrogen, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved
oxygen (DO). The obtained results will be compared to the set standards both by WRMA
and WHO. Sampling and water collection will be done during both hydrological
extremes between Sept-Dec so as to make a conclusive comparison The land use
activities in the area will be identified by use of satellite images, observation and focus
group discussions with the resource persons in the sub county The obtained results will
be used to establish a relationship between land-use activities and water quality using
ANOVA (analysis of variance) and regression analysis The results of t1115 research will
be useful both to the country and the Nyandarua County The proposed research is vital in
helping the government meet its vision 2030 especially under the social pillar flagship
proj ects of rehabilitating and protecting the five water towers, inventory of illegal effluent
discharge and water monitoring in cities and comprehensive mapping of land use patterns
in Kenya The research will also help meet Nyandarua county strategic plan on water
which is a key priority area for the county as it aims at investing in provision of clean
water for domestic use as well as protecting the water catchment areas (Republic of
Kenya 2013). This research is vital and has potential benefits to all stakeholders once
undertaken.