Browsing by Author "Khatiebi, Sandra"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

Heavy metal contamination at dumpsites at Eldoret, Kenya, in the Lake Victoria Basin
(Ajol: African Journal of Tropical Hydrobiology and Fisheries, 2018-06-01) Khatiebi, Sandra; siamba, Donald N.; Onyando, Zedekiah; Mulmbala, Chrispinus; Konje, Martha
This study assessed the heavy metals concentrations in municipal solid wastes at Eldoret Mwenderi dumpsites located at the shores of river Sosiani within the Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya. Concentrations of the three heavy metals analysed (lead, arsenic and cadmium) in water and leachate were higher than the WHO acceptable standards. Lead concentrations in solid wastes were slightly above East African acceptable standards but well above the US EPA compost standards. The wastes dumped in this site are not sorted and the dumpsite lacks a leachate collection and removal system. Lack of composite liners at the bottom and side of the dumpsite allow leachates to move into the ground water around the dumpsite. These metals are a potential threat to Lake Victoria and regular monitoring of ground and surface water of the surrounding area should be done to detect any heavy metals escaping the dumpsite.
Physicochemical characteristics and Biodegradability of organic fraction of solid wastes generated in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya
(Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, 2016-05-13) Khatiebi, Sandra; Siamba, Donald Namasaka; Konje, Martha Muthoni; Mulambalah, Chrispinus Siteti
This study was designed to characterise and assess the biodegradability of the organic portion of the waste from a fast growing agricultural urban centre, Eldoret, in North Rift of Kenya. This is because new strategies for waste management are aimed at integrating mechanical, thermal and biological processing for energy and reduction of the volume of waste to be disposed. Therefore bbiological methods are designed degrade organic carbon of MSW under controlled conditions to produce desired quality for final disposal should take into account, the proportions and characteristics of the components as a factor that would influence the biodegradability of the wastes. The study was carried out in Eldoret municipality, a fast expanding urban setting in Western Kenya that serves as an administrative centre of Uasin Gishu County. Waste samples were collected on delivery at dumpsite and categorised by source of waste based on the economic status of the households. Waste composition, proximate analysis for crude nutrients, volatile solids and biochemical gas potential of the waste were carried out to estimate the physicochemical and biodegradability characteristics of the waste. Results showed that putrescible/organic material constituted the largest component of the waste irrespective of the source. Its moisture content was expectedly high (> 50%). The organic fraction contains high levels of crude nutrients that can support microbial activities thus biodegradability. This was supported by the volatile solids profiles and the biochemical gas potential. Statistically, biodegradability of wastes from central business district was significantly (p<0.05) more degradable than from residential areas. This was attributable to the high organic carbon content.