Simuunza, Iness (1992) Evaluation of Water Pollution in Industrial Towns and People's Awareness of the Problem: The Case of Kafue River in Zambia. Masters thesis, University of Zambia.
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Abstract
Increasing urbanization, industrialization and population growth in developing countries will potentially increase pollution of freshwater ecosystems unless suitable effluent and water resource management policies are promulgated. The present study was undertaken from September 1991 to December 1991, to identify the main polluters and pollutants of Kafue River at Kafue Township. The study sought to ascertain the quality of untreated water of Kafue River at Kafue Township in relation to the various uses the river is put to. An evaluation of the people's awareness of the pollution problem in the area was also undertaken. 'An industrial survey, informal discussions and secondary sources were employed to identify the main polluters and pollutants of Kafue River.' To ascertain the quality of the river water at Kafue Township physical and chemical analyses of water samples from four locations along the river, and two industrial effluent sites were undertaken. The observed concentration levels of relevant quality characteristics were compared with the World Health Organisation Standards for water quality suitable for drinking, fisheries and irrigation .. To asses the local people's awareness of water pollution in the area, a socio-economic and awareness survey (by questionnaire) was utilized .. The results of the present study indicate that at Kafue Township, the Kafue River receives various pollutants from industries located in the area. These include a fertilizer factory, tannery, textile, yeast factory and a brewery. These factories pollute the river by discharging effluent with high levels of pollutants into the river either directly of indirectly via the Kafue Sewage Treatment Plant. ' Mean concentration levels of quality characteristics in the surveyed reach of the river were asfollows: DO, (7.0-12.5 mgll), colour, (10.0-18.3 units), turbidity, (0.8-8.4 units), pH, (7.9-8.5), total alkalinity, (100-112), TSS, (5.0-20.3 mg/l), TDS, (140-193 mg/l),calcium, (22.0-27.3 mg/l), magnesium, (8.5-11.2 mg/l), calcium hardness, (116-172 mg/l), and total hardness, (196-214 mg/l). On the basis of World Health Organization Standards for water to be usedfor domestic (drinking) purposes, fisheries and agriculture (irrigation), the quality of Kafue River water at Kafue Town is acceptable for these uses. However, industrial wastewater was found to significantly contribute to increased concentration levels of most quality characteristics in the river.> Mean pH (7.9-8.5), colour (10-18.3) and turbidity (0.8-8.4) were found to exceed the permissible limits for quality of water abstracted for drinking purposes. , The socio-economic and pollution awareness survey indicated that there was a moderate level (51%) of awareness of water pollution by the residents of Kafue Town. Differences in awareness were significant among the people from socio-economically and geographically different residential areas. Residents from residential areas closest to the industrial area (the main polluter), were more aware of water pollution than those living away from the industrial area. , Education, gender and age were found to have a bearing on awareness of water pollution in Kafue Town. Well-educated people were more aware of pollution than the less well-educated. Men were more aware of water pollution than women and the middle aged were found to be more aware of water pollution than the younger age groups.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General) |
| Divisions: | Africana |
| Depositing User: | Geoffrey Obatsa |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Jan 2019 10:08 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Jan 2019 10:08 |
| URI: | http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/8945 |
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