Spatial Variation in Physicochemical Surface Water Quality in River Rwizi, Western Uganda
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Water Resource and Protection
Abstract
River Rwizi originates from the Buhweju hills. It is a major source of water
for the inhabitants of Mbarara Municipality and surrounding environment.
In this study, spatial variation of water quality in River Rwizi section within
Mbarara Municipality was determined using cluster analysis. Laboratory
analysis was conducted on water samples from five sites along the river section
using standard methods for: pH, EC, TSS, TDS, turbidity, temperature,
total hardness, alkalinity, salinity, colour, NH3-N, 24
SO − , BOD, COD, DO, Ca,
Mg, Fe, and Mn. Cluster analysis grouped the study sites into slight pollution
(Spencon, GBK), moderate pollution (Katete) and high pollution (BSU, Kakoba)
for dry season. For rain season, order was: slight pollution (BSU,
Spencon), moderate pollution (GBK) and high pollution (Kakoba, Katete),
basing on similarity of water quality variables. These results show that water
pollution resulted primarily from domestic waste water, agricultural runoff
and industrial effluents. Thus, water from River Rwizi is not suitable for
drinking in both dry and wet seasons.
Description
Keywords
River Rwizi, Cluster Analysis, Spatial Variation, Pollution
Citation
Walter, O., Wasswa, J., Nakiguli, C.K. and Ntambi, E. (2019) Spatial Variation in Physicochemical Surface Water Quality in River Rwizi, Western Uganda. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 11, 1427-1440. https://doi.org/10.4236/jwarp.2019.1112083