Physico-Chemical Analysis of Soils Used for Pineapple Cultivation in the Sub-Prefectures of Maferinyah and Friguiagbé (Prefectures of Forécariah and Kindia) Republic of Guinea

Over the years, pineapple production in the Republic of Guinea has become less competitive in the West African sub-region, with a world ranking of 144th. It is therefore only natural to review certain parameters in order to improve this ranking. To do this, certain physico-chemical parameters of soil samples from Friguiagbé and Maferinyah (in the Kindia and Forécariah prefectures) were taken and analysed using the following techniques: Pipette de Robinson, Anne, Bray II, Kapen HICDVITZ, Mc. Lead (1982). The analytical results show that the soils at Friguiagbé in Kindia and Maferinyah in Forécariah are acidic, with pH values of 4.4 and 4.7 (fields I and II) and 4.8 and 4.7 (fields I and II) respectively. The soils have a silty-sandy texture. This study could therefore serve as a guide for the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Guinea.

Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Properties of a Food Broth Based on Nere (Parkia biglobosa)

Purpose: Diet and eating habits are major risk factors for the health and the development of disease, such as, for example, metabolic disorder leading to cardiovascular pathology and cancer, decreased immunity exposing to infections. This study of the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of a soumara-based food broth was carried out with the aim of promoting the consumption of organic broth made from nere seeds (soumara). That is to alleviate certain metabolic diseases, which is a matter of food safety, and also to limit the risk for the health about the consumption of some cooking stocks on the market. Methods: Several natural ingredients such as nere seeds (soumara), ginger, black pepper, parsley and garlic were used to create a nere-based stock. All these ingredients were freeze-dried and the powder obtained was used to make the broth, regarding their physical and chemical properties. Results: The broth had a good protein content of 17.41 ± 0.367 g/100g, a lipid content of 16.80 ± 0.08 g/100g and a fiber content of 8.66 ± 0.04 g/100g. In terms of nutritional values, the broth showed good levels of calcium 184.21 ± 0.09 mg/100g, potassium 50.04 ± 1.45 mg/100g and iron and zinc. In terms of antioxidant activity, the broth also showed good antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Regarding the properties of our food broth, whose composition is based on natural ingredients, could be recommended for consumption and, its properties, could play an important role in preventing and combating certain metabolic diseases.

Physico-Chemical Properties of Soils from Diguel and Koudalwa Tchad,and Phytoremediation Potentials of Acasia and Kinkeliba Plants in Removing Cr and Cu from These Soils

The aim of this study to investigate the physico-chemical properties of soils from Diguel and Koudalwa Tchad,and phytoremediation potentials of acasia and kinkeliba plants in removing Cr and Cu from these soils.Soil was sampled from the tannery plant in Diguel and agricultural land around crude oil activities in Koudalwa.Soils were characterized by the following properties:pH,(Electrical Conductivity),TDS(Total Dissolved Solids),salinity,bulk density,OM(Organic Matter),nitrate,phosphate,clay,silt,sand,and textural class.The acasia and kinkeliba plants were used to decontaminate Cu and Cr from sample soils for 30 days period.The bulk density of all the soil samples from Kouldawa was higher compared to Diguil,ranging from 1.421 to 1.64 g/cm^(3)compared to 1.21 to 1.51 g/cm^(3)for Diguel.Most of the soils in Kouldawa are mineral soils,while those of Diguel are mostly mineral soil with some organics.Diguel soils are richer in nitrate(577.9 to 2,687.32 mg/kg in Diguel and 33.64 to 197.64 mg/kg in Kouldawa)and phosphate than soils from Kouldawa.Soils from the studied areas are not saline except for a subsurface soil in Diguel(salinity,4.21;EC,4.280 dS/m;TDS,3,040 mg/L).The highest amount of Cr and Cu removed by acasia is 78%and 53.12%compared to 73.8%and 52.21%by kinkeliba.Diguel soil can be very suitable for agriculture and Kouldawa soils for construction.Acasia and kinkeliba can be effectively used to decontaminate the studied soils from heavy metal pollution.

Assessment of Groundwater Physico-Chemical Quality in the Ouémé Delta (Southern-Benin)

Groundwater resources are the main sources of water used to supply drinking water to the population of the Ouémé Delta via the Continental Terminal aquifer. Urbanization, population growth, and agricultural and industrial activities have resulted in a deterioration in the quality of these resources. To assess the quality of the delta’s groundwater and its suitability for human consumption and irrigation, a total of fourteen (14) physico-chemical parameters were analyzed in some forty existing water points between September 2020 and March 2021, using standard water analysis techniques. The values obtained were compared with the potability standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Republic of Benin and were subjected to statistical analysis (principal component analysis (PCA)). In addition, methods for determining the suitability of water for irrigation were used. The results showed that the waters are acidic to slightly neutral and influenced by ambient temperature. In addition, the waters are moderately mineralized, with conductivities (24 - 1205 μS/cm) in line with WHO standards. A comparison of the analytical results of the WHO (2017) and Benin (2001) standards indicates that the majority of the waters studied are of good quality for all the chemical parameters considered. Nevertheless, some samples show levels of nitrates (21%), potassium (14% to 16%), calcium (13%), ammonium (12%), nitrites (8%) and bicarbonates (10%) over their respective standards. The Wilcox and Riverside diagrams indicate that the majority of waters (90%) have excellent suitability for irrigation and no negative effect on soil fertilization.

Physico-Chemical and Structural Assessment of Akono Riparian Forest Watershed, Tributary of the Nyong Basin (Centre-Cameroon) at Different Stages of Degradation

Freshwater bodies are natural resources that should be exploited to the fullest, while maintaining the sustainability of ecosystems and ecosystem services which they support. Riparian forests are more important as they contain rivers which are vital sources of fresh water for local populations. However, the quality and quantity of water issued from the watershed depend on the structural state of these forests. The aim of this work was to assess the physico-chemical and structural state of the Akono gallery forest. To achieve this, fieldwork consisted of selecting six major streams of the watershed including Ndjolong, Menyeng adzap, Emomodo, Mvila, Negbe and Ossoé kobok. On each of these, two stations, one intact and one degraded, were marked by transects. The method involved measuring Hydrometric parameters (depth, length, width) of the stream and Physico-chemical parameters of water in the streams while dendrometric parameters were measured along 100 m-transects laid using the point-centred quarter method modified for water bodies to collect tree, shrub and palm variables such as trunk diameter, crown diameter and height. Macrophytes and species identification were carried out using standard botanical procedures. Results showed that, the majority of physico-chemical parameters measured differed significantly between intact and degraded stations (P Pentachletra mancrophylla, whereas on degraded sites, this index was low and characterized by the relative dominance of species Piptadeniastrum africanum. Sorensen’s index (0.56) and CFA showed that the different stands were homogeneous. We can affirm that the riparian forests of Akono watershed are towards a state of stability notwithstanding the perpetuation of anthropological actions.

Physico-Chemical Characterization of Some Honeys from the Savannah-Gallery Forest Complex and Primary Forest in Gabon

Honey harvesting throughout beekeeping is a technology recently introduced in Gabon comparing to the other African countries well known in international honey trade. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the knowledge of the quality of multi-flower honeys from the savannah-gallery forest complex and primary forest not well documented in Gabon. Physical and chemical parameters of different honeys were analyzed using the official methods of analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The results of physico-chemical analysis show variations in pH (3.4 to 3.9), free acidity (37.12 to 76.65 meq∙kg−1), water content (17.49% to 21.21%), electrical conductivity (0.64 to 1.24 mS∙cm−1), density (1.02 to 1.03) and total sugar content (77% to 82%). These variations were significantly different (p < 0.05) between certain honeys, but independent of the type of ecosystem considered. The pH values confirmed the botanical origin of the five honeys. The physico-chemical parameters of the honeys show significant correlations (p < 0.05). Moisture content is negatively correlated with conductivity (r = −0.628), pH (r = −0.631), density (r = −0.552) and total sugar content (r = −0.890). Conductivity is positively correlated with free acidity (r = 0.688) and total sugar content (r = 0.776), and negatively correlated with water content (r = −0.628). All honeys were in line with Codex Alimentarius standards, except for 3 types of honey (M1, M2 and M4) for free acidity and electrical conductivity, showing possible fermentation of these honeys.

Monitoring of the Physico-Chemical Parameters of the Waters of Lake Sonfonia,Municipality of Ratoma(Republic of Guinea)2021

As part of the determination of the possible impact of human activities on surface waters, case of Lake Sonfonia, six sampling sites were selected according to their solicitation by the population and their exposure to probable sources of pollution. The objective of this work is to monitor the physico-chemical quality of the waters of Lake Sonfonia during the low water level (March) and during the flood period (August) of the year 2021. Two sampling campaigns of water were carried out in dry weather and two others in cold weather. Parameters such as temperature, pH, EC (Electrical Conductivity), dissolved oxygen, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) were measured in situ. Suspended matter, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, sulphates, total iron, COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) were measured in the laboratory by the colorimetric method. Stata 15 software was applied for the statistical analysis of the data and the correlation test between the parameters gave highly significant correlations. It has been noted that the situation is not very good and that this pollution comes mainly from human activities.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Heavy Metals in Groundwater Bassambiri-Nembe, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study is focused on the post impact of oil spill contamination of groundwater in Bassambiri Nembe Bayelsa State. Groundwater samples were sampled from hand dug wells from eight stations including the control point for physico-chemical investigation using sterilized glass bottles. Standard methods were used for the analyses. The result of physico-chemical parameters analyzed shows that the values of the groundwater pH ranged between 5.90 - 6.35, electrical conductivity between 80.39 - 89.23 μS/cm, Salinity 23.3 - 28.69 mg/l, Turbidity 1.71 - 3.84 NTU, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) 1.12 - 1.36 mg/l, Alkalinity 8.56 - 12.12 mg/l, Total Hardness 11.8 - 14.47 mg/l and Temperature 26.1℃ - 27.3℃. Analysis of cations shows that Na ranged from 7.38 - 10.34 mg/l, K 0.26 - 0.49 mg/l, Calcium ion levels 2.56 - 3.59 mg/l and Mg 0.88 mg/l - 1.23 mg/l. The anions showed Potassium ion levels ranged from 0.01 mg/l - 0.02 mg/l, Chloride ion levels 12.29 mg/l - 15.88 mg/l, Fluoride ion levels 0.01 mg/l and Nitrates from 0.27 mg/l - 0.48 mg/l. Total Heterotopic Fungi population ranged from 15.26 - 48.55 Coliform Forming units/ml. The maximum permissible value of total coliforms in drinking water was exceeded. However, the Total Hydrocarbon Concentration (THC) across the groundwater sample points was less than 0.01 mg/l. The concentration of PAH and BTEX was 0.01 mg/l across the study area. The heavy metal concentrations in the groundwater samples were negligible with levels of 0.01 mg/l observed in the study area except for iron ranging from 0.20 - 0.56 mg/l levels above the WHO permissible limit. The physico-chemical parameters of groundwater indicate that they fall below WHO permissible limits. The cations and anions concentration indicate a stable and healthy water system which is relatively good. The groundwater system has high levels of iron in groundwater and bacterial contamination. Treatment is required to avoid acute and chronic iron overload resulting from consumption from drinking groundwater within the study area.

Evaluation of Growth Rate of Invasive Aquatic Macrophytes and Contribution to Its Use in Organic Fertilizer Production: A Case of Eicchornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, 1883 in the Lobé Creek (Littoral-Cameroon)

From 20 January to 20 July 2023, a study was carried out on the Lobé Creek, a waterway subject to considerable natural and man-made pressures, with a negative impact on its biodiversity and habitats. The aim was to evaluate the growth rate of invasive aquatic macrophytes and their contribution to the use of organic fertilisers: a case of Eicchornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, 1883 in the Lobé Creek (Littoral-Cameroon) with a view to its appropriate use in agronomy. The specific objective was to examine the impact of anthropogenic actions on Lobé Creek, characterise physico-chemical environment of the study area, and evaluate the growth rate of E. crassipes and its chemical composition with a view to producing an organic biofertiliser. The results show that E. crassipes represents a considerable threat to the populations of these localities. As for the physico-chemical parameters, the temperature values vary from 24 ± 1.41˚C to 26.5 ± 1.13˚C;pH from 6.3 ± 0.1 to 7.2 ± 0.07;conductivity and dissolved oxygen vary respectively from 40.7 ± 1.83 µS/cm to 19.6 ± 3.11 µS/cm and from 7.3 ± 0.14 mg/l to 5.8 ± 1.55 mg/l. Its average growth rate varies from 0.69 feet/day to 0.63 feet/day. With regard to the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of water hyacinth plants, the results show that the average total nitrogen content ranges from 6.11 ± 1.59 g/kg to 5.2 ± 2.03 g/kg;total phosphorus, from 0.52 ± 0.54 g/kg to 0.88 ± 0.38 g/kg;and potassium, from 1.43 ± 0.45 g/kg to 2.61 ± 0.89 g/kg.

Pharmacognosy research and identification of Euphorbia prostrata Ait.

Background:Euphorbia prostrata Ait.is an annual herb widely distributed in the southern region of China with great medical values on Anti-inflammation,insect repellent,treatment of diarrhea.Despite its extensive uses as a traditional Chinese medicine,no systematic research on the identification of E.prostrata has been reported.Methods:The study aimed to establish an accurate identification system for E.prostrata through traditional pharmacognostical methods,including botanical origin,morphological characters,medicinal material characters,microscopic characters,physicochemical parameters determination,phytochemical screening,and DNA barcoding analysis.Results:Physicochemical results show that this plant likely contains flavonoids,anthraquinones,and other substances.The ITS loci of the nuclear genome and psbA-trnH loci of the chloroplast genome were selected and evaluated,which were the most variable loci.Conclusion:The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of species identification,as well as provide references for authenticity identification,genetic relationship analysis,and further utilization of E.prostrata.

Impact of Dewatering on the Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities in the Okpara River, Benin

Surface watercourses are areas of very high ecological and heritage value. Macroinvertebrates are bioindicators of the health of aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of dewatering and re-watering cycles on benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) communities. Two data collections were carried out at two stations (Okpara 1 and Okpara 2) on the Okpara river before and after dewatering. Thus, 8 samples of benthic macroinvertebrates and 12 physico-chemical parameters (T°C, pH, Transparency, Depth, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen that were measured in situ, and BOD5, COD, NH4+, NO3-, NO2- and PO43-) were assayed in the laboratory. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to match physico-chemical data to MIB families. Shannon and Piélou diversity indices were used to determine the effects of dewatering on MIBs. The increase in temperature values of pH, BOD5, COD, NH4+, NO3-, NO2- and PO43-, after re-watering indicates the effect of dewatering on the quality of Okpara aquatic ecosystems. The benthic macrofauna collected consisted of 62.42% insects, 0.65% crustaceans, 6.48% molluscs, 0.72% worms and 0.14% arachnids. Whereas after re-watering, 21.67% insects, 0% crustaceans, 0.22% molluscs, 7.56% worms and 0.29% arachnids were recorded. Insects, crustaceans and molluscs were more abundant before dewatering than after. This was revealed by low abundances and taxonomic richness, as well as low Shannon index values of samples collected after re-watering.

Assessment of Physicochemical and Nutritional Characteristics of Sclerocarya birrea A. Almonds and Oil from Burkina Faso

Sclerocarya birrea fruits and almonds are used in human nutrition and are a source of income for the rural population of Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and nutritional characteristics of Sclerocarya birrea A. rich (Anacardiaceae) almonds from Burkina Faso. Fresh ripe fruits of Sclerocarya birrea were collected in three regions of Burkina Faso: the North, the Mouhoun loop and the Hauts-Bassins. The physicochemical parameters of almonds and oil extracted from almonds were determined using AOAC methods. Amino acids were measured by HPLC and minerals by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results show that Sclerocarya birrea almonds have a moisture of 4.16% ± 0.40% with 4.47% ± 0.20% total ash;28.89% ± 2.08% protein;56.46% ± 2.36% total fat and 10.18% ± 2.14% carbohydrates. Amino acid profile showed that almonds contain all the essential amino acids, with high levels of histidine and phenylalanine. Total ash analyzed consists mainly of calcium (192.85 ± 169.17 mg/100g), potassium (806.71 ± 324.48 mg/100g), magnesium (386.57 ± 176.03 mg/100g) and sodium (28.68 ± 20.55 mg/100g), with a Na/K ratio of 0.03 ± 0.01. Almonds also contain iron (3.33 ± 1.50 mg/100g) and zinc (6.46 ± 3.06 mg/100g). Sclerocarya birrea oil has a refractive index at 20˚C of 1.46 ± 0.00, an iodine value of 25.40 ± 3.18 g I2/100g and a saponification value of 190.29 ± 10.25 mg KOH/g. S. birrea almonds of Burkina Faso are a source of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals and essential amino acids for the diet and deserve to be developed.

Physico-Chemical Characterization of Two Dabou Clays with a View to Use Them in the Treatment of Dyeing Wastewater

This work falls within the general framework of the valorization of the clays of Ivory Coast in order to propose innovative solutions in the resolution of certain problems related to development such as the depollution of water. Its main objective is therefore to study the physico-chemical properties of two Dabou clays with a view to using them in chemical processes for the treatment of dyeing wastewater. The results of the chemical analysis and the ray diffraction showed that the DAB 1 and DAB 2 samples are clays of the kaolinitic type consisting mainly of kaolinite with 51.17% for DAB 1 against 65.81% for DAB 2 and quartz with respectively 41.76% and 25.8% for DAB 1 and DAB 2. They also contain relatively large amounts of goethite with 9.96% for DAB 1 and 12.8% for DAB 2. The specific surfaces measured in both samples are greater than 25 m2/g. All the results of the physico-chemical characterization, in particular the presence in significant quantity of clay minerals, the presence of iron compounds and the large specific surface area of both samples, allow the conclusion that they can be used in adsorption studies and in the heterogeneous Fenton process for water treatment.

Physico-Chemical Properties of Flour, Starch, and Modified Starch of Two Rice Varieties

The physical and chemical properties of the flours, starches, and modified starches of indica rice and japonica rice were investigated in this paper. Results showed that the swelling powers of flour, starch, and phosphate starch [substitution degree （DS）=0.065] of japonica rice were significantly higher than those （DS=0.065） of indica rice. The transmittance of modified starches was highest; and that of flours was lowest. The pasting property investigated with rapid visco analyzer （RVA） indicated that the peak viscosity and breakdown value of paste with high swelling power were high. Furthermore, the effect of protein and amylose content on pasting property were investigated. The results of rheological properties determined using rheological rheometer showed that at the same temperature, the storage modulus （G′ of flour, starch, and modified starch of indica rice was higher than that of japonica rice. For each variety, the G′of flour was the highest, while the G′of modified starch was the lowest.

Heavy metal contamination, physico-chemical and microbial evaluation of water samples collected from chromite mine environment of Sukinda, India

Water samples from chromite mine quarry of Sukinda and its adjacent areas were analyzed for their heavy metal contamination along with physico-chemical and microbial contents. The chromite mine water samples possessed high concentrations of heavy metals in the order of Cr〉Fe〉Zn〉Ni〉Co〉Mn while ground water did not show any heavy metal contamination except Fe. Physico-chemical parameters of mine water samples showed deviation from those of normal water. Mine water harboured low microbial populations of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in comparison with mine adjacent water samples. The correlation of data between metals with physico-chemical parameters showed both positive and negative responses while that of metal and microbial population exhibited negative correlation. Bacterial strains isolated from chromite mine water exhibited high tolerance towards chromium and other heavy metals as well as antibiotics which could be used as an indicator of heavy metal pollution.

Physico-Chemical Properties and Enzyme Activities of the Arable Soils in Lhasa,Tibet,China

An understanding of the physical,chemical,and biological properties of a soil provides a basis for soil use and management.This paper reports the major physico-chemical properties and enzyme activities of the soils of Lhasa's main arable lands and the factors that influence these soil properties.Composite and core samples were taken from the three main arable soil types(alluvial soil,subalpine arable steppe soil,and subalpine arable meadow soil) and were analysed using standard methods.The bulk density and the ventilation porosity ratio of the soils were close to the recommended values for arable lands,and the dominant soil texture was sandy.The soil moisture release rates were arable steppe soil > alluvial soil > arable meadow soil.Soil organic matter content,Cation-Exchange Capacity(CEC),total and available nitrogen content,and catalase activity of the arable meadow soil were higher than those of the alluvial and the arable steppe soils,while soil pH in the arable meadow was lower.Most of the measured properties did not show a significant variance among these three soils.However,the measured indices(apart from the total potassium) indicate that there are notable differences among the three types of soil.The results implied that the utilisation patterns of the arable soil or human activities,such as tillage practices and fertiliser applications,have a substantialeffect on the soil properties in this region.Our results suggest that the cultivation practices in the region have apparently positive impact on the soil organic matter,nutrient contents and bulk density probably due to the sound fertiliser management such as the applications of farmyard manure and chemical fertilisers.However,intense cultivation practices lowered the activity of most soil enzymes.The results demonstrate that the choice of soil management strategy had a significant impact on the soil physicochemical and biological properties in the region studied.

Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Microflora as Influenced by Bispyribac Sodium 10% SC in Transplanted Kharif Rice

The effects of bispyribac sodium 10% SC and butachlor 50% SC on soil physico-chemical properties and microflora in transplanted kharifrice were investigated over two seasons （2010 and 2011 ） Effects of the herbicide on bulk density, water holding capacity, moisture content, soil pH, organic matter content, electrical conductivity, as well as total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium contents were analyzed along with microflora population （total bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi）. No significant changes in soil physico-chemical properties were observed. Herbicide treatments resulted in decreases in microbial counts initially. With the degradation of applied herbicides within a considerable time, the microflora populations even exceeded the initial count at 60 d after application of the herbicide.

Effects of Plant Types on Physico-chemical Properties of Reclaimed Mining Soil in Inner Mongolia,China

A field experiment was conducted in Jungar Banner,Inner Mongolia,China to study the effects of plant types on the physical structure and chemical properties of open-cast mining soils reclaimed for 15 years,and to analyze the triggering factors of the soil formation.Results indicate that plant types affect soil-forming process especially in the upper layer (0-20 cm),and the spatial structure of reclaimed plant is the main reason for variability of the soil-forming process.In the upper soil layer at the site reclaimed with mixed plants,the concentrations of soil organic matter (SOM) and soil organic carbon (SOC) are the highest,and they were significantly higher at the sites reclaimed with Leymus chinensis,Caragana sinica,which is mainly due to a large amount of litter fall and root exudation in herbages and shrubs.However,the concentrations of SOM and SOC in the soils at the reclaimed sites are quite low comparing with those in local primary soil,which indicates the importance of using organic amendments during the ecological restoration in the study area.

The Physico-Chemical Quality of Effluents of Selected Sewage Treatment Plants Draining into River Rwizi, Mbarara Municipality, Uganda

As population increases in urban areas, the domestic and industrial activities increase resulting in an increase in the volumes of wastewater and anthropogenic pollution, hence posing a threat to public health and environment. This study assessed the physical chemical quality of two main sewage plant effluents discharging into River Rwizi. Effluent water samples were analyzed for dissolved oxygen, colour, turbidity, total suspended solid, total iron, phosphates, alkalinity, magnesium, calcium carbonate, temperature, pH, ammonium, electrical conductivity, chloride and nitrates. Parameters were analyzed following standard methods of APHA (1985). The values obtained were compared with EPA (2001), NWSC (2015) and NEMA (1999) standards for waste water. Results showed that the mean values most of the parameters tested were higher than the recommended EPA, NWSC and NEMA standards. The mean colour was 1627.67°C and 1414.33°C in Kakoba and Taso sewage effluents respectively compared to EPA (20-150), NWSC (500) and NEMA (300) standards (p > 0.05). The mean alkalinity was 1390.17 mg/l and 1308.33 mg/l for Kakoba and Taso respectively compared with EPA (400) and NWSC (800) standards. DO had a mean concentration of 68.27 mg/l and 63.03 mg/l in Taso and Kakoba respectively compared to EPA and NEMA standard of 5 mg/l. Mg was 243.29 mg/l and 246.49 mg/l in Kakoba and Taso sewage effluents respectively compared to NEMA standard for waste water of 100 mg/l (p > 0.05). The mean pH was 8.26 and 8.16 in Taso and Kakoba sewage effluents respectively compared to NWSC and NEMA standard of 6.0 - 8.0. Phosphate mean concentration levels were 32.2 mg/l and 27.11 mg/l for Taso and Kakoba respectively compared to standards of EPA (0.5 - 0.7 mg/l) and NEMA (10 mg/l). NO3 was 10 mg/l and 5.83 mg/l in Kakoba and Taso sewage effluents respectively compared to NWSC maximum permissible limit of 5 mg/l. The mean NH4 concentration was 385.33 mg/l (Kakoba) and 50.0 mg/l (Taso) compared to the EPA guideline range (0.2 - 4 mg/l). Chloride (Cl) had a mean of 833.33 mg/l in Kakoba compared to EPA (250 mg/l), NWSC and NEMA (500 mg/l) standards. Therefore the study recommends for effective treatment of waste effluents from Kakoba and Taso sewage treatment plants before recycling in order to avoid pollution of river Rwizi.

Physico-Chemical Quality of Selected Drinking Water Sources in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda

The study assessed the physico-chemical quality of selected drinking water sources (springs, boreholes, shallow wells and rainfall) in Mbarara municipality with respect to World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines and other guidelines in light of the increased anthropogenic activities in the municipality. A total of 70 water samples were collected from purposively selected boreholes, springs, wells and rainwater in Nyamitanga, Kamukuzi and Kakoba divisions of Mbarara municipality with various human activities. The samples were analysed for physico-chemical parameters: Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total hardness using American Public Health Association (APHA) standard methods. The mean temperature and pH ranged between 18.07 °C - 23.45 °C and 5.74 - 7.54, respectively. The mean DO values were found to be between 4.84 and 12.86 mg/l;whereas mean BOD was within the range of 1.83 - 7.71 mg/l. The mean TDS and EC of the water samples ranged, between 33.40 - 569.20 mg/l and 29.30 - 1139.90 μS/cm respectively. Furthermore, the lowest and highest mean total hardness were 70.00 and 264.00 mg/l, respectively. The recorded mean water temperatures for each of the water sources were above the WHO threshold temperature (15 °C) which makes drinking water palatable. Boreholes in Nyamitanga and Shuhaddea Secondary Schools, spring in Kiswahili, well in Kisenyi and rainwater in Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) had mean pH below the WHO minimum guideline value (6.5) hence acidic. Borehole in Nyamitanga secondary school, spring in Kisenyi, shallow well in Nyamitanga and the rainwater in MUST had mean DO values below the WHO range (10 - 12 mg/l). Borehole in Shuhaddea Secondary School and the well in Kisenyi had average BOD values above the range of European Union guideline values (3 - 6 mg/l). TDS and EC of all the water sources were below the WHO maximum guideline limits of 1000 mg/l and 1500 μs/cm respectively. Total hardness was also below the WHO harmless limit of 1000 mg/l. However rainwater in MUST was moderately soft while the other drinking water sources exhibited moderate to full total hardness. The physicochemical parameters of some of the selected water sources in Mbarara municipality have been compromised mainly by the increased human activities especially croplands, latrines, landfills, transportation, animal and municipal wastes at the vicinity of the water sources. Mbarara municipal council should therefore ensure proper sanitation and water safety plans for these drinking water sources to avoid further contamination from the human activities.