Levels of Heavy Metal Contaminants in River Chemosit, Due to Urbanization of Chemosit Town, Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

Access to clean water is a key aspect in modern day life. Heavy metal contamination is a detrimental aspect in drinking water. River Chemosit serves as a crucial water source for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes, thus sustaining the local livelihoods. The escalating concern regarding river pollutants poses a significant threat to public health. This study aimed to evaluate the water quality of River Chemosit to assess its pollution current status. Both upstream and downstream areas of Chemosit Centre were surveyed in this study while monitoring the vary levels of Heavy metals. Water samples were systematically collected during Wet and Dry seasons along this river from Kipkerieny, Chemosit Centre, and Kabitungu sampling points. These samples underwent comprehensive analysis for Heavy metals analysis where ICP-MS was used. The collected data was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 22. Spatially, the mean values for the parameters were as follows: copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) met WHO guidelines for domestic water use both spatially and seasonally. However, mean values for aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) exceeded WHO limits during the dry season. Pollutants originating from anthropogenic activities and discharge from domestic and industrial sources underscores the imperative for continuous water quality monitoring to ensure compliance with NEMA and WHO standards.