Potential Environmental Impact of Chemical and Microbial Characteristics of the Sewage Generated in Kakamega County, Kenya
Ibrahim O. Barasa *
Department of Emergency Management Studies, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), P.O.Box 190- 50100, Kakamega, Kenya
Donald N. Siamba
Department of Biological Science, Kibabii University College (KIBUCO), P.O.Box 1699- 50200, Bungoma, Kenya
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Sewage disposal poses serious environmental challenges yet it is largely full of organic compounds that store usable energy in their chemical bonds. A study was carried out on potential environmental impact of chemical and microbial characteristics of sewage generated in Kakamega County, Kenya. Samples of sewage from 75 schools were collected in July 2013 using bottles. The samples were taken to Water Resource and Management Authority (WRMA) and Bora laboratories for the analysis of microbes, organic nutrients and heavy metals. The research design was experimental. The results showed that the microbial characteristics of the sewage generated in secondary schools have a potential negative impact on the environment by causing pollution of the soils and water. However, the chemical characteristics of the sewage, notably the P2O5, TKN and pH have a potential positive impact on the environment by being beneficial to the soils. From the results, it is recommended that an alternative waste management technique of anaerobic digestion be used sustainably to generate bioenergy from sewage for contribution to future global energy demands and minimize its adverse environmental impact.
Keywords: Environmental impact, secondary schools, sewage chemical characteristics, sewage microbial characteristics