Abstract:
Composite water and sediment samples were taken from Nkenye stream at five
different sampling stations during wet and dry seasons. Water quality parameters were
analyzed using standard methods to ascertain the effect of human activities on the water
quality. The variations in the physicochemical and biological parameters were observed
from station to station both in the dry and wet seasons. These variations were attributed to
human activities. Results showed significant seasonal variation in most measured
parameters with a few showing significant spatial variation. The characteristics of the water
from the stream revealed an acceptable quality for most of measured parameters when
compared with drinking water standards. However, high values of turbidity, iron,
manganese, chromium and microbial load were recorded compared with drinking water
standards, which call for proper treatment of the water before being used by the public. The
results of sediment samples revealed that silicate, iron, aluminum are present in major
quantities while other minerals are present in trace amounts. Thus the present study
concludes that Nkenye stream water is contaminated and needs attention for it to be safe
for domestic use.
