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THE POLYTECHNIC
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
Supervisor:
Mrs. A. Kayange
Prepared By:
Maloto Mtambo, Khumbize Chimsale, Chimwemwe H. Pangani, Glory Msiska,
Grace Kapakasa, Precious Chasela
This research was aimed at identifying the sources of pollution and assessing the quality of the
water in Nancholi River in terms of suitability for domestic purposes of cooking, bathing, washing
and drinking. The section of Nancholi River under study was chosen because there had been
reports of water shortages which was supplied by Blantyre Water Board, there were a lot of waste
damping and river bank cultivation along the river despite the river being used for domestic
purposes like drinking. The selection of sites for water sampling was done through a physical
survey. The grab sampling method was used. Physical identification and interviews were done to
identify the major sources of pollution in the study area. Analysis of the 6 chosen physical and
chemical was done at the Polytechnic Laboratory in Blantyre though some were analyzed at the
site using portable meters.
The results showed that there are several activities that directly or indirectly polluted the water in
Nancholi River. The laboratory analysis results showed that the values of 2 out of 6 analyzed
parameters were above the acceptable limits of the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS),
concluding the occurrence of pollution in the river. These parameters were Turbidity (max 8.24
NTU), and 5-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (max 25 mg/l). It is therefore concluded that the
section of the river under study is polluted and not fit for domestic use. It is recommended
that the water of Nancholi River should not be used directly for domestic purposes of drinking
within the study area. It is also recommended to find ways of solving the pollution problem in
Nancholi River. There should also be further studies in Nancholi River.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Sincere thanks should go to our project supervisor Mrs. Kayange for her tireless guidance and
contribution throughout our research period. We also thank The Polytechnic Civil Engineering
Laboratory Technicians Mr. Owen Kapudzama and Mr. Ng’oma for their guidance and technical
support rendered to us throughout the research period. We cannot forget to thank Nancholi
residents for the vital information they gave us during our data collection process. Many thanks
also go to our classmates Civil Engineering 3. Above all, we thank God for all the good things He
has done for us.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................................ i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................................................................................................................... ii
FIGURES............................................................................................................................................... v
TABLES ............................................................................................................................................... vi
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................. vii
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3.1.4.1 Physical Parameters........................................................................................................... 10
3.1.4.2 Chemical Parameters ......................................................................................................... 11
3.2 Analysis of Physical, Chemical and Biological Parameters ..................................................... 12
3.3 Quality Assurance and Quality Control .................................................................................. 12
3.4 Data Analysis ......................................................................................................................... 12
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................... 20
APPENDICES ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Appendix A: Tables of Physical, chemical & Biological Water Analysis Results ............................... 21
Appendix B: Questionnaire ................................................................................................................ 23
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FIGURES
Table 1: Water Sample Analysis Methods ................................................................................. 12
Table 2: MBS (MS 619:2005) and WHO (1993) Guidelines for domestic purposes ................... 12
Table 3: Questionnaire results ................................................................................................... 13
Table 4: pH Results ................................................................................................................... 21
Table 5: Turbidity Results (NTU).............................................................................................. 21
Table 6: Electrical Conductivity Results (µS/cm) ...................................................................... 21
Table 7: Total Dissolved Solids Results (mg/l) .......................................................................... 21
Table 8: BOD5 Results (mg/l) ................................................................................................... 21
Table 9: Hardness Results (mg/l) ............................................................................................... 22
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TABLES
Figure 1: Waste damping along the river .....................................................................................2
Figure 2: River bank cultivation along the Nancholi River ..........................................................2
Figure 3: Point where Nancholi people fetch water for domestic use ...........................................3
Figure 4: Women fetching water from Nancholi River for domestic use ......................................4
Figure 5: Polluted water with suspended solids in the upstream of Nancholi River ......................4
Figure 6: Sketch map study area ..................................................................................................9
Figure 7: Variations of Turbidity along Nancholi River ............................................................. 14
Figure 8: Variations of pH along Nancholi River ....................................................................... 15
Figure 9: Variations of EC along Nancholi River ...................................................................... 16
Figure 10: Variations of TDS along Nancholi River .................................................................. 17
Figure 11: Variations of BOD5 along Nancholi River ................................................................ 17
Figure 12: Variations of Hardness along Nancholi River ........................................................... 18
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
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CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background
Water is a vital and finite resource, and as such, the effects of damage to it are costly to restore.
There is need to safeguard it as a natural resource for the benefit of present and future generations
through careful planning or management as appropriate.
Water Quality Assessment is the overall process of evaluation of the physical, chemical and
biological nature of water in relation to natural quality, human effects and intended uses,
particularly uses which may affect human health and the health of the aquatic system itself
(Chapman, 1996). There is need to have adequate research on fresh water bodies everywhere in
the world for the effective and continued sustainable use for human.
Most rivers are being polluted by human activities due to industrial and agricultural development.
Specifically urban rivers are much more prone to pollution due to the concentration of industries
and the population in urban settlements. Researches on water quality of urban rivers have to be
done continuously, especially where the rivers are being used for domestic purpose.
The results of this research would help to come up with sustainable strategies to reduce pollution
in Nancholi River for the good health of people around Nancholi area.
1.1 Justification
Nancholi River was used for domestic purposes like cooking, washing, bathing and drinking by a
certain portion of people around the area due to several reasons such as scarcity of safe water
provided by BWB, poverty, etc. However there was a lot of refuse damping along the river in the
city (Figure 1). There was also rampart river bank cultivation being practiced along the Nancholi
River (Figure 2). There were reports of occurrence of water borne diseases which were attributed
to poor sanitation and use of unsafe drinking water.
Therefore there was need to monitor and control the levels of water pollution by relevant
authorities such as the Blantyre City Assembly. This would help to prevent the occurrence of health
problems to people. Monitoring and controlling the levels of water pollution can be put in place if
a research was conducted to verify the sources of pollution and determine the levels of water
quality for domestic use in the river (Mkwate, Chidya, & Wanda).
This research try to identify the sources and assess the levels of water pollution in Nancholi River
and come up with a possible solution should the water be polluted. The results of the research
would be a tool for developing pollution control plans so that the water quality standards are
maintained to acceptable levels for domestic use.
The research will also contribute positively in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) number 6 (Clean water and sanitation), target 6.3 “By 2030, improve water quality by
reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and
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materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling
and safe reuse globally”.
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1.2 Problem Statement
Nancholi River runs through a fast developing city and a lot of discharges from industrial, domestic
and agricultural activities ended up in this river. Some industries such as oil industries, metal
works, automobile garages, and commercial markets had their wastes ending up into this river.
Minor agricultural activities whose leached fertilizers ended up in the river. There are a number of
households along the river who damp there domestic wastes in the river.
However there were some urban and rural dwellers along Nancholi River who due to poverty
reasons and lack of adequate piped and borehole water supply, used water from the river for
various domestic uses. Previous studies in Blantyre city had indicated substantial heavy metal
pollution in the streams that run through the city (Lakudzala , Tembo , & Manda , 1999).
Figure 3: Point where Nancholi people fetch water for domestic use
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Figure 4: Women fetching water from Nancholi River for domestic use
Figure 5: Polluted water with suspended solids in the upstream of Nancholi River
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1.3 Objectives of the study
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1.1 Deforestation
It is the clearing of vegetation and cutting down of trees and making the ground bare. Agricultural
activities are the major source of deforestation. The ground is then exposed to the impacts of
rainfall and wind; this leads to soil particles being loosened and washed away by runoff water
when it is raining.
i. Turbidity
Turbidity is a measure of the extent to which light is either absorbed or scattered by both size and
surface characteristics of the suspended material hence it is not a quantitative measurement of
suspended solids .Water is turbid when it contains visible material in suspension e.g. clay, silt,
finely divided organic matter and other microscopic organism. The units of measure for turbidity
are Nephelometric Turbidity Units or NTUs and Formazin Turbidity Units FTU.
Turbidity affects fish and aquatic life by interfering with sunlight penetration. Water plants need
light for photosynthesis. If suspended particles block out light, photosynthesis and the production
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of oxygen for fish and aquatic life will be reduced. If light levels get too low, photosynthesis may
stop altogether and algae will die. It is important to realize that reduced photosynthesis in plants
result in lower oxygen concentrations and large carbon dioxide concentrations in a water body.
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v. Hardness
Hardness generally refers to the amount of calcium ions (Ca+2) and magnesium ions (Mg+2) in
water. In household use, these cations (ions with a charge greater than +1) can prevent soap from
sodding and leave behind a white scum in bathtubs. Sources of calcium are soil leaching, sewage
and some industrial wastes. Magnesium arises from weathering of rocks containing Ferro-
magnesium minerals.
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CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
This chapter explains the different methods and materials that were used to carry out this research.
These were data collection, observations, sampling, water sample analysis, and data analysis
methods as described in the following sections:
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3.1 Data Collection
The following methods were used in collecting data.
3.1.2 Interviews
Interviews were used to collect detailed information about specific issues which cannot be gathered
by simple observation. For instance, people around Nancholi River were asked to explain how
they are affected by the current state of Nancholi River.
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i. Determination of Turbidity
Turbidity was measured by a turbid meter where a standardized electric bulb produces a light that
is then directed towards the sample vial. The length of the light path is related to turbidity units.
The results are expressed in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). The following procedure was
done in determining the Turbidity of the collected samples;
Procedure
Take the water sample and place in a transparent see through vial, making sure the sample
meniscus forms exactly on the white line of the vial. Then screw the black cap on to the vial tightly.
Next, place the sample in the turbid meter and after hearing a click meaning that it has firmly gone
into sample chamber, turn it on. Then click the read button on the turbid meter.
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3.2 Analysis of Physical and Chemical Parameters
When carrying out physico-chemical and biological analysis, some parameters were measured at
the site and others in the laboratory. Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen were measured onsite
using the portable DO meter. pH was also measured on site using a portable Multimeter. The rest
of the water parameters were measured at The Polytechnic Laboratory using Standard Methods as
shown in Table 1.
Table 2: MBS (MS 619:2005) and WHO (1993) Guidelines for domestic purposes
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CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
This chapter presents the results of the findings in the field and the discussions on these findings
in accordance to the three specific objectives. The results presented are the sources of pollution,
water quality values of the samples and in comparison against the MBS and WHO guidelines.
River bank cultivation was rampant along the river, which also contributed to the pollution of the
river. River bank cultivation clears the buffer zones which reduce the runoffs into the river. This
causes soil erosion, which leads to flooding, siltation, landslides and loss of arable land. River
bank cultivation increases the phosphorus and nitrate loading into the river as most crops are
applied with chemical fertilizers which leach into the river especially if the field is close to the
river (Peters , 2004).
Since the fraction of the Nancholi’s population was using the water from Nancholi River. This
might possibly have placed the lives of some people in danger of suffering from waterborne
diseases and other infections caused by contamination.
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Are the waste from the market dumped in the river? 17 3 0
Do you face any problem because of this river? 19 1 0
i. Turbidity
The results showed low levels of turbidity at all the sampling points. The variation of values
showed a tendency of decreasing values downstream, that is less values at point C and slightly
values as one goes upstream (Figure 7). The lowest value was 4.99 NTU at point C (chosen to
represent downstream conditions).
Industries that contributed to the slightly increased values at these two places were the bakeries,
and oils from various motor garages, petroleum filling stations, wastes from some open markets,
restaurants, hostels (The Polytechnic, College of Medicine, Malawi college of Accountancy and
Health Sciences) and domestic wastes among others. There were a lot of sand mining and
construction activities which also contributed to the high values. Sand mining stirs the sediments
of the river, hence increasing the turbidity. River bank cultivation was another factor that
contributed to the high values of turbidity.
The MBS upper limit of turbidity in water for domestic use is < 5 NTU. The results from two
sampling points were slightly higher than the recommended value. However, one point shows that
the result within the recommended values of MBS and WHO.
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4.2.2 Chemical Parameters
i. pH
The values varied between 7.32 and 7.53 (Figure 8). The trend showed slightly increasing pH
values as one moves from upper part of the river to lower part (from point A to C). This trend was
due to the industrial effluents which increased the concentration of chemicals in water, thus raising
the pH.
The values were also within the recommended limits of WHO and MBS for drinking water
(domestic use). This implied that the water in Nancholi River was becoming less acidic as we go
down the river.
Although all these EC values were within the acceptable limits of <1,500 of the MBS for drinking
water, there are some fears that with time the values might surpass the acceptable limits due to
industrialization.
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Figure 9: Variations of EC along Nancholi River
The graph shows decreasing TDS values as going downstream due to the dilution effect of the
river. All the values obtained were within the acceptable limits of MBS and WHO guidelines of
1000 mg/l for drinking water.
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Figure 10: Variations of TDS along Nancholi River
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v. Hardness Levels Analysis (CaO3)
Variation values of hardness along the river are shown in Figures 12. The variation showed high
values at Point A (upstream) while lowest values were at Point C (downstream). This explains that
at Point C there were little anthropogenic activities to raise the hardness whereas at Point A there
were many industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities taking place like, battery, damp sites,
hence the increased value of hardness. Spatially the values were increasing as one goes
downstream.
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CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Conclusions
The study of the assessment of the quality of water in Nancholi River drew the following
conclusions:
1. There were several identified sources of pollution that contributed to the pollution of water
in the part of Nancholi River under study. River bank cultivation was another source
identified, contributing to the pollution of the water in Nancholi River.
2. The water within the study area was not fit for domestic use like drinking, cooking and
bathing. The water parameters suspended solids, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand, had
values exceeding the acceptable limits of the MBS and WHO guidelines, resulting to the
poor water quality.
5.1 Recommendations
The research therefore recommended the following:
1. The water from Nancholi River under study should not be used for domestic purposes.
2. The population of the people that rely on river water for domestic use within the study area
should be provided with boreholes or wells as a matter of urgency, as they are a waiting
for the expansion of the services of the Blantyre Water Board.
3. The Blantyre City Assembly should seriously and quickly find means of increasing the rate
of refuse collection. The city can either privatize the refuse collection or revisit the act on
damping and collection of wastes in the city.
4. Further profound studies on Nancholi River have to be conducted.
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REFERENCES
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APPENDICES
Table 4: pH Results
Sampling point pH
A 7.32
B 7.38
C 7.53
Sampling Point EC
A 648.3
B 452.6
C 340.1
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Table 9: Hardness Results (mg/l)
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Appendix B: Questionnaire
This questionnaire was used to collect data on the domestic water use of the Nancholi River.
Questions asked yes No Neutral
Do you use the water for drinking?
Do you use the water for domestic purpose?
Do you treat the water before use?
Do you dump domestic waste in this river?
Do people swim in the stream?
Do you have any source of water as alternative?
Do you use the water for irrigation?
Do animal drink the water from the river?
Are the waste from the market dumped in the river?
Do you face any problem because of this river?
How do most people treat the drinking water from the river?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
What are some control measures in progress to control the water pollution?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
What are some of the effects on plants irrigated by the water from the river?
………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………
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