Browsing by Author "Lalah, Joseph O"

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Analysis of Moss and Topsoil to Monitor Metal Emissions from a Pulp and Paper Mill in Western Kenya
(2011) Adoli, Florence K; Lalah, Joseph O; Okoth, Alexander O
The mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr and FeinmossesaroundWebuyePanPaperfactorywerefound to be signiﬁcantly higher than in controls taken from Kakamega, indicating atmospheric contribution from the anthropogenic activities within the factory, shown within a radius of 1 km around the factory. The mean concentrations (lg/g dry weight) in the mosses ranged from 60.9–124.5, 22.6–34.2, 13.3–14.7, 20.1–33.3 and 1,822.4– 2,079.2, respectively. The mean concentrations of Pb in mosses sampled from the eastern and western side of the factory were also signiﬁcantly higher than in controls. The mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb and Fe in topsoil samples ranged from 7 (Pb)–2,310 (Fe) mg/kg dry wt, depending on sample means based on site direction, distance from the factory and season. There was no clear variation in metal concentrations in mosses and topsoils with direction from the factory which was consistent with the observed ﬂuctuations in wind direction which changed from south-west in the mornings to north and south-west in the afternoons during sampling.
Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Lates niloticus, Oreochromis niloticus and Rastrineobola argentea as Sources of Human Exposure in Kisumu Bay, Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria
(2012) Onyango, Alice A; Lalah, Joseph O; Wandiga, Shem O; Gichuki, John
The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Lates niloticus, Oreochromis niloticus and Rastrineobola argentea from three beaches were assessed to establish whether they are sources of human exposure in Kisumu Bay, Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria, Kenya. O. niloticus had 12 PAHs detected (TPAH 3.93 μg/kg); L. niloticus had 11 (TPAH 3.17 μg/kg). In both cases, the highest and lowest concentrations were Pyrene and Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, respectively, and the TPAHs were greater than the 2 μg/kg limit allowed by the European Commission although individually they were lower. R. argentea had 2 PAHs (TPAH 0.035 μg/kg). PAH pollution in the Winam Gulf, a potential source of exposure to human through contaminated fish, should be mitigated and safe management practices that reduce PAH levels should be adopted.
Behavior of pesticide residues in agricultural soil and adjacent River Kuywa sediment and water samples from Nzoia sugarcane belt in Kenya
(Springer, 2012) Muendo, Boniface M; Lalah, Joseph O; Getenga, Zachary M
An inventory survey conducted to determine pesticide usage in a sub-catchment of the Nzoia sugarcane belt found a variety of pesticides used in the sub-catchment, which are reported in this paper. Analysis of soil samples from seven fallow experimental field plots left uncultivated for various periods from 3 to 96 months after cultivation with pesticide application indicated persistence of high concentrations of pesticide residues in the soil, with estimated soil half-lives (in years) ranging from 0.72 to 57.75 for organochlorines and from 1.13 to 8.25 for herbicides. The mean water concentrations (in μg/L) of the pesticide residues in River Kuywa, which flows through the Nzoia Nucleus Estate sugarcane farms, ranged from 0.12 (lindane) to 1.36 (p,p′-DDT) for organochlorines and from 0.14 (atrazine) to 1.75 (diuron) for herbicides during the heavy rains period in August 2008 while the mean sediment concentrations (in μg/g) ranged from 0.28 (lindane) to 1.87 (endrin) for organochlorines and 0.39 (hexazinone) to 4.61 (alachlor) for herbicides. The mean concentrations of residues in water during the light rain period in December 2008 ranged from 0.17 (p,p′-DDT) to 0.71 (aldrin) for organochlorines and 0.01 (atrazine) to 1.74 (alachlor) for herbicides while the sediment concentrations ranged from 0.38 (p,p′-DDT) to 1.145 (aldrin) for organochlorines and 0.74 (atrazine) to 1.98 (alachlor) for herbicides. Although DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, and endrin were not reported in the survey, their presence in the fallow experimental field plot soils and in River Kuywa water and sediment could indicate previous application, lack of recorded data or illegal usage since 1997 when they were banned. Notably, the concentrations of alachlor, diuron, cypermethrin, and hexazinone in the water column were substantial indicating their extensive usage and residual persistence in the sub-catchment, with subsequent wash-off and leaching into River Kuywa. The concentration levels of some of the individual pesticides exceeded the EU limit requirements for drinking water and indicated potential risk to humans and cattle if the water is used without treatment.
Carbofuran and its Toxic Metabolites Provide Forensic Evidence for Furadan Exposure in Vultures (Gyps africanus ) in Kenya
(2010) Otieno, Peter O; Lalah, Joseph O; Virani, Munir; Jondiko, Isaac O; Schramm, Karl-Werner
Forensic analysis of carbofuran residues in weathered tissue samples for evidence of Furadan exposure in vultures (Gps africanus) by HPLC gave concentration (mg/Kg dry tissue weight) ranges of bdl – 0.07 (carbofuran), bdl – 0.499 (3-ketocarbofuran) and 0.013–0.147 (3-hydroxycarbofuran) in beaks, bdl–0.65 (carbofuran), 0.024–0.190 (3-ketocarbofuran) and 0.017–0.098 (3-hydroxycarbofuran) in feet, 0.179–0.219 (3-ketocarbofuran) and 0.081–0.093 (3-hydroxycarbofuran) in crop content, 0.078–0.082 (3-ketocarbofuran) and 0.091–0.101 (3-hydroxycarbofuran) in muscle of a laced carcass and 0.006–0.014 (carbofuran), 0.590–1.010 (3-ketocarbofuran) and 0.095–0.135 (3-hydroxycarbofuran) in soil sampled from a poisoning site. These compounds were confirmed by GC-MS. The results showed that HPLC combined with GC-MS is suitable for forensic analysis of carbofuran residues in bird tissue samples and that forensic investigation should include its two toxic metabolites, 3-hydroxycarbofuran and 3-ketocarbofuran.
Carbofuran use and abuse in Kenya: residues in soils, plants, water courses and the African white-backed vultures (Gyps africanus ) found dead
(2011) Otieno, Peter O; Lalah, Joseph O; Virani, Munir; Jondiko, Isaac O; Schramm, Karl-Werner
The increasing number of incidences of alleged wildlife poisoning with Furadan in Kenya has sparked off a strong lobby fronted by wildlife conservationists against Furadan use in the country and prompted this study. The worst-case scenario was in 2004 in Athi River, where a massive number of 187 African white-backed vultures (Gyps africanus) and hyenas were found dead at a spot where poisoning was suspected to have occurred through a Furadan-laced camel carcass bait. This study was initiated by the Peregrine Fund—Africa Project, and the objective was to provide evidence for Furadan exposure, its misuse and involvement in vulture poisoning and potential impact on areas near two wildlife conservancies in two most affected districts. The study found evidence for ready availability of Furadan 5G in local veterinary retail shops and its illegal misuse by pastoralists and farmers against wildlife to protect their animals and crops. Analysis of soil, water and plants taken from the farms and water sources by high-perfomance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) found residues of carbofuran, 3-hydroxycarbofuran and 3-ketocarbofuran, indicating that Furadan was used extensively in farming causing residual environmental distribution and contamination and posing risks to small birds and mammals. Forensic analysis of residues in beaks, feet and crop content of the dead vultures as well as in a laced camel carcass bait and soil samples from one site of poisoning also showed carbofuran and its two metabolites supporting allegations of Furadan involvement in wildlife poisoning and high-mortality cases of African white-backed vultures (Gyps africanus) in Kenya.
Declining commercial fish catches in Lake Victoria's Winam Gulf: The importance of restructuring Kenya's aquaculture programme
(2014) Omwoma, Solomon; Owuor, Philip O; Ongeri, David MK; Umani, Moses; Lalah, Joseph O; Schramm, Karl-Werner
The total weight of commercial fish (metric tons) caught in the Winam Gulf area of Lake Victoria in Kenya declined from 3300 mt to 760 mt between 1995 and 2009. Associated with this decline, and ranked in descending order, the species richness of the commercial fish catch was limited to seven major groups (Rastrineobola argentea; Lates niloticus; Protopterus aethiopicus; Labeo victorianus; Haplochromis species; Clarias gariaepinus; Bagrus domac). Numerous hypotheses ranging from eutrophication, inadequate control of the exotic water hyacinth and overfishing were advanced to explain this decline. The Kenyan government, working in partnership with international organizations, implemented multiple restoration and management programmes in response, including aquaculture. Unfortunately, success for this implemented programme has been very limited because important socio-economic driving factors were overlooked. To provide a better understanding of the issues, 150 members of the Winam Gulf fishing community, ranging in age from 20 to 40 years, were surveyed. The results of this survey identified poverty and inadequate education as two major issues requiring substantial attention. The survey also suggested that if societal changes are to occur, it will rest upon changing the beliefs of the youth in the Winam Gulf area. Restructuring Kenya's aquaculture programme, with a focus on the youth, provides a pathway for increasing the literacy level of the community, as well as for reducing poverty.
Developing Global Leaders for Research, Regulation, and Stewardship of Crop Protection Chemistry in the 21st Century
(2015) Unsworth, John B; Corsi, Camilla; Van Emon, Jeanette M; Farenhorst, Annemieke; Hamilton, Denis J; Howard, Cody J; Hunter, Robert; Jenkins, Jeffrey J; Kleter, Gijs A; Kookana, Rai S; Lalah, Joseph O; Leggett, Michael; Miglioranza, Karina S. B; Miyagawa, Hisashi; Peranginangin, Natalia; Rubin, Baruch; Saha, Bipul; Shakil, Najam A
To provide sufficient food and fiber to the increasing global population, the technologies associated with crop protection are growing ever more sophisticated but, at the same time, societal expectations for the safe use of crop protection chemistry tools are also increasing. The goal of this perspective is to highlight the key issues that face future leaders in crop protection, based on presentations made during a symposium titled “Developing Global Leaders for Research, Regulation and Stewardship of Crop Protection Chemistry in the 21st Century”, held in conjunction with the IUPAC 13th International Congress of Pesticide Chemistry in San Francisco, CA, USA, during August 2014. The presentations highlighted the fact that leaders in crop protection must have a good basic scientific training and understand new and evolving technologies, are aware of the needs of both developed and developing countries, and have good communication skills. Concern is expressed over the apparent lack of resources to meet these needs, and ideas are put forward to remedy these deficiencies
Dioxin-like PCBs and PCDD/Fs in surface sediments near the shore of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria
(Elsevier, 2015) Omwoma, Solomon; Lalah, Joseph O; Virani, Munir; Schramm, Karl-Werner; Henkelmann, Bernhard
Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria is considered to be contaminated with toxic chemicals emanating from anthropogenic activities, especially near large industrial towns such as Kisumu. This has recently caused concerns about its water quality and impact on aquatic organisms and human beings. This study was justified by the need to generate baseline concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in surface sediment from selected sites in the lake and determine the influence of activities on their concentrations and potential risks to fish-eating birds living near the lake. Surface sediments (<30 cm) from three different fish landing beaches, located 200 m from the shore of Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria near Kisumu city, Homa Bay and Mbita (control) towns, were analysed. The total mean concentrations (in pg g−1 dry wt) were found to range from 17.4–812 (Σdl-PCBs), 36.6–813 (ΣPCDDs) and 1.45–46.4 (ΣPCDFs). The calculated Toxic Equivalents (TEQWHO(2005)) ranged from 0.001–0.43 (Σdl-PCBs) and 0.09–31 (ΣPCDD/Fs). The fish landing beaches at Kisumu city were found to be contaminated with respect to dl-PCBs and dioxins, followed by Homa Bay and Mbita. The relatively high levels of octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) and octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF) influenced the TEQ and the ΣPCDFs/ΣPCDDs ratios indicated chemical processes as partial sources of the dioxins. The levels of contaminants obtained in this study showed potential exposure to aquatic organisms and fish eating birds through food chain transfer
The dissipation of hexazinone in tropical soils under semi-controlled field conditions in Kenya
(2009) Lalah, Joseph O; Muendo, Bonface M.; Getenga, Zachary M
The dissipation of hexazinone (Velpar) in two tropical soil types in Kenya was studied under field and semi-controlled conditions for a period of 84 days. The dissipation was found to be very rapid and this could be attributed to adverse weather conditions including high initial rainfall as well as to low soil-organic-matter content, volatilization, surface run-off and biodegradation. The DT50 values of dissipation obtained by first order kinetics were 20 days and 21.3 days in clay and loam soil types, respectively. The influence of bargasse compost (1000 μg/g dry soil) was also studied and was found to enhance dissipation to some extent, giving DT50 values of 18 days and 18.3 days in clay and loam soil types, respectively.
The effect of boiling on the removal of persistent malathion residues from stored grains
(Elsevier, 2002) Lalah, Joseph O; Wandiga, Shem O
This study aimed at finding the fate of malathion in maize grains and beans stored in a tropical laboratory for 12 months at temperatures of 20–24°C, relative humidity of 42–80% and grain moisture contents of 11.7–12.5% in maize grains and 14.1–15.3% in beans. Malathion and its degradation products malaoxon, malathion α-monocarboxylic acid and β-monocarboxylic acid were found in stored maize grains and beans treated with a mixture of pure radiolabelled malathion and 2% malathion dust after 12 months of storage. A significant percentage of these residues were removed from the grains by cooking in boiling water. Though malathion and its polar metabolites, malathion α- and malathion β-monocarboxylic acids were completely eliminated by boiling, malaoxon was still detected in quite high quantities in the solvent extracts of cooked beans and maize. Addition of NaCl to the grains increased the rate of removal of the residues from both maize grains and beans by boiling water. The data obtained clearly showed a distinction in persistence, distribution and metabolism of malathion between the two types of crop, indicating also that more adverse windy, humid and hot tropical conditions contributed to higher rates of metabolism and loss of the pesticide from the grains. The accuracy and ease of using radiolabelled malathion in investigating its fate and behaviour in the two matrices is shown in this study.
Effects of faujasite X and Y zeolites on the 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2’ bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) degradation during water purification
(2013) Kowenje, Chrispin Ounga; Osewe, Elly Tetty; Lalah, Joseph O
The ability of zeolites to abstract and denature organochloride pesticides finds application in water purification practices. In this study, activated faujasite X and Y zeolites were separately exposed to 1, 2 and 4 ppm concentrations of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2’ bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane (dichloro dipheny trichloroethane - DDT) water solutions. For the 1 ppm DDT solutions, the resultant degradation products and residual DDT were minimal with concentrations in zeolite treatments reducing to below detection limit (0.005 ppm) in about 2 hours. In addition, the rate of dissipation was found to somewhat depend on the levels of DDT concentration and the type of zeolite used. The main degradation product in samples exposed to faujasite X was dichloro dipheny dichloroethylene (DDE) whereas in the faujasite Y exposed samples, both the DDE and dichloro diphenyl dichloroethane (DDD) were obtained.
Effects of Zeolite X on Dissipation of Hexazinone from Agricultural Waste Waters in Western Kenya
(2013) Agoro, David J; Kowenje, Chrispin O; Lalah, Joseph O; Osewe, Elly T; Ogunah, Joanne A
Dissipation of hexazinone in Zeolite X treated wastewater followed pseudo first-order kinetics giving a calculated half-life of 41 days compared to a half-life of 144 days in untreated wastewater. The herbicide degraded faster (0.0067 h-1) in treated than in nonzeolite-treated wastewater (0.0027 h-1) forming products A, B, C, D and E within the first 12 h. Zeolite X effectively catalyzed the formation of product A compared to the rest. Calculated rate constants for formation of products A, B, D and E were: 8.33 x 10-4 h-1, 5.65 x 10-4 h-1, 5.52 x 10-4 h-1 and 1.38 x10-3 h-1 respectively in non-zeolite-treated wastewater; and 3.988 x 10-3 h-1, 4.875 x 10-4 h-1, 4.745 x 10-4 h-1 and 2.82 x 10-3 h-1 respectively in zeolite-treated wastewater.
The extent of nutrient removal by wastewater treatment plants along the Nyalenda Wigwa Stream and the River Kisat (Kenya)
(2013) Ongeri, DMK; Ogoche, IJ; Chepkui, R; Lalah, Joseph O; Kiema, F
Glutathione S-Transferases: α-Naphthyl Acetate Activity and Possible Role in Insecticide Resistance
(1995) Lalah, Joseph O; Chien, Cheng-I; Motoyama, Naoki; Dauterman, Walter C
Rat liver and house fly, Musca domestica L., glutathione S-transferases were purified by affinity chromatography and chromatofocusing. The specific activity with α-naphthyl acetate (a substrate, for general esterase activity) was determined. Some of the esterase activity that is normally assayed for resistance is apparently caused by the activity of the glutathione S-transferase.
The impact of agronomic inputs on selected physicochemical features and their relationships with heavy metals levels in surface sediment and water in sugarcane farms in Nzoia, Kenya
(Springer, 2014) Omwoma, Solomon; Lalah, Joseph O; Ongeri, David MK; Schramm, Karl-Werner
Sugarcane farming is the most important cash crop cultivation activity in the Lake Victoria basin of Kenya practised in an area covering approximately 114,000 Ha in total. For better yields, various agronomic inputs including fertilizers and herbicides have been used intensively in the farms, causing serious concerns about their potential impacts on the aquatic ecosystems within the lake basin. In this study, the physicochemical features of surface sediment and water including pH, total organic carbon contents and heavy metal (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cr) loads in River Kuywa and in runoff canals in sugarcane farms in Nzoia nucleus estate within the lake basin were determined to assess the effects of agronomic activities including agronomic inputs in the form of nitrogenous fertilizers [urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP)], herbicides and sewage sludge used in farming on their levels. The results indicated significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in the heavy metal levels in sediment and water samples taken before and after the farms, respectively, indicating a positive impact on the concentration levels. The canal water and sediment samples’ heavy metal levels were also significantly higher than those of the river samples showing that the influent sugarcane farm canal waters transfer these contaminants into River Kuywa. Although the levels of these parameters were significantly higher in the canals than in the controls obtained from outside the sugarcane farms, the heavy metal levels in soil samples from within the farms with similar agronomic activities did not differ significantly among the various plots. The turbidity, electrical conductivity, temperature, water and soil pH and total organic carbon values in samples obtained within the sugarcane farms showed significant seasonal variations and differed significantly from the values in the controls showing a significant negative impact of agronomic inputs on water quality.
The impact of nitrogenous and phosphorous nutrients from selected point sources in Kisumu City on River Kisat and Nyalenda Wigwa Stream before their discharge into Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria
(Springer, 2014) Musungu, Patrick Chamula; Lalah, Joseph O; Jondiko, Isaac O; Ongeri, David MK
Various industrial facilities including a fish-processing factory, a matchbox factory, a flour mill and a landfill, all in Kisumu City in Kenya, were studied and found to discharge significant amounts of NO2 −–N, NO3 −–N, org N, total N and total P into River Kisat and Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, with % increases in the mean levels at the outlets of these facilities ranging from 9.6 to 200, 5.9 to 43.5, 9.3 to 96.1, 8.1 to 35.5 and 9.7 to 50.5 %, respectively. The concentrations of NO2 −–N, NO3 −–N, NH3–N, org N and total N attributable to these facilities increased by 1,509, 51.1, 112.6, 97.5 and 90.6 %, respectively, at the point of entry into Rive Kisat. The Nyalenda Wastewater Stabilization Ponds reduced the mean levels of NO2 −–N, NO3 −–N, org N, total N and T-P by 50, 10.4, 16.6, 7.8 and 30.8 %, respectively, indicating low efficacy of their removal and potential impact on water quality in Lake Victoria. The efficacy of the Kisat wastewater treatment plant was also found to be very low with % reductions of the analysed nutrients ranging from 2.82 to 41.30 %.
Impacts of climate-induced changes on the distribution of pesticides residues in water and sediment of Lake Naivasha, Kenya
(2013) Otieno, Peter O; Owuor, P. Okinda; Lalah, Joseph O; Pfister, Gerd; Schramm, Karl-Werner
This study reports evidence of increased chlorpyrifos contamination in sediment and water in Lake Naivasha following its intensive application in the horticultural farms in the catchment area. Analytical results show that levels of chlorpyrifos residues were influenced by climate-induced rainfall pattern with higher levels reported during period of heavy precipitation with significant decrease during low rainfall. On average, the levels ranged between 14.8 and 32.8 ng g−1 in sediment during rainy season compared to a range of 8.5–16.6 ng g−1 in the dry season. Additionally, the mean concentration of chlorpyrifos in water ranged between 8.61 and 22.4 μg L−1 during rainy season and below detection limit (bdl) −13.6 μg L−1 in dry season as quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Meanwhile, independent t test analysis indicated that there was significant difference in concentration at p ≤ 0.05 between the seasons with respect to sediment and water samples. This demonstrated that climate-induced variations had considerable influence on contamination. While diazinon and carbofuran were equally applied intensively, their levels were below the detection limit in the all the samples analyzed. ELISA results were validated by the capillary-HPLC photodiode-array detector instrument analysis, and statistical comparison showed no significant difference between them. It was evident that chlorpyrifos residues determination in water and sediment by ELISA can be a useful strategy in environmental management and monitoring program, and a complimentary analytical tool to high performance liquid chromatography. Levels of chlorpyrifos detected in sediment and water were found to exceed recommended criteria for protection of aquatic life and preservation of water quality and may be hazardous if not regularly monitored.
The metabolism and distribution of [14C‐phenyl]‐ethyl parathion in a tropical soil under field conditions
(1999) Lalah, Joseph O; Wandiga, Shem O
The persistence, distribution and metabolism of [l4C‐phenyl]‐ethyl parathion applied to soil columns in an agricultural farm were investigated under tropical field conditions. Volatilization, soil microbial activity, moisture levels and pH were found to influence the persistence, distribution and metabolism of this pesticide in the soil. There was rapid distribution of the pesticide in the soil matrix with time resulting in high levels of bound residues which reduced the overall rate of disappearance of parathion residues from the soil. The soil was slightly acidic but the metabolites, paraoxon, p‐nitrophenol and p‐aminophenol were detected in the soil extracts 7 days after pesticide application. After 72 days, 43.7% of the applied pesticide remained in soil composed of 18.9% extractable and 24.8% bound residues. A mechanism for the metabolism of ethyl parathion in this soil is given.
METRIBUZIN SORPTION DYNAMICS IN ACID SOILS OF NZOIA SUGARCANE ZONE IN WESTERN KENYA
(2011) Lagat, Silas C; Lalah, Joseph O; Kowenje, Chrispine O; Getenga, Zachary M; Chepkui, Richard
The adsorption, desorption and leaching of metribuzin in agricultural soil samples taken from Nzoia sugarcane farming area in Kenya were determined using standard methods. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm constants (Kf and 1/n) were found to be 0.54 µg/g and 0.61 µg mL-1, respectively. 94.9% of the residues were recovered after 6 hours of the desorption test and 93.7% of applied dose was found in the leachate after 9 hours of leaching in a soil column. The adsorption curves indicated L-type of adsorption for 0.1, 1.0 and 2 µg L-1 initial pesticide concentrations and S-type for the 5 ppm initial concentration with peak equilibrium adsorption established after 4 hrs of exposure for the 0.1, 1.0, 2.0 µg L-1, respectively, and after 6 hours for the 5 µg L-1 initial concentration. Although the metabolites were not determined, HPLC analysis showed that degradation was rapid and started to occur after 4 hours of exposure, influencing its adsorption isotherms
Nutrient reduction in runoff water from sugarcane farms by sedimentation method
(2012) Omwoma, Solomon; Omwoyo, W. Nyaigoti; Alwala, Joseck O; Ongeri, David MK; Lagat, C. Sylus; Lalah, Joseph O
Due to intensive use of agronomic inputs in sugarcane farming, runoff water from these farms is loaded with high concentrations of nutrients. These nutrients find their way into rivers, lakes and sinks, eutrophicating them. Reducing the levels of these nutrients in runoff water from sugarcane farms before it is discharged into sinks will help solve the problems that arise out of eutrophication. This study employed a simple sedimentation method of making depressions in canals draining runoff water from sugarcane farms and emptying them fortnightly during the rainy season and monthly during the dry season. The method was found to significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduce water conductivity (μS/cm), turbidity (Nephelometric Turbidity Units), total phosphates, nitrate–nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, sodium and zinc (ppm) in the dry season from 52.89, 148.70,0.87, 3.34, 446.00, 420.00, 205.00, 12,941.00, 261.00, 398.00, and 484.00 in untreated canals to 48.33, 30.22, 0.21, 2.95, 120.00, 154.00, 98.00, 456.00, 181.00, 234.00, and 311.00 in treated canals, respectively. And in the wet season, the parameters were reduced from 261.46, 719.30, 820.00, 25.16, 654.00, 549.00, 493.00, 19,230.00, 763.00, 748.00, and 903.00 to 128.67, 365.70, 3.47, 10.12, 136.00, 187.00, 167.00, 654.00, 207.00, 321.00, and 231.00, respectively. Dissolved oxygen significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased from 5.11 to 8.14 ppm in the dry season and from 3.82 to 7.92 ppm wet season. Acidity reduced in the wet season from pH 5.02 to 6.20. It is, therefore, recommended that sugarcane farmers adopt this method for sustainability of aquatic systems within these zones.