See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/327402750

Evaluation of Industrial Effluent Levels in Kinawataka Stream, Its Tributaries

and Kinawataka Swamp, Prior to Discharge into Lake Victoria Email address

Article · September 2018

CITATIONS READS

6 821

3 authors, including:

Wanasolo William Frank Kansiime

Kyambogo University Makerere University
16 PUBLICATIONS   60 CITATIONS    79 PUBLICATIONS   2,573 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

BIO-EARN 3 View project

POTENTIALITY OF ONSITE ISOLATED MODIFIED BACTERIAL CULTURE TO BIOREMEDIATE TANNERY EFFLUENTS UNDER TROPICAL CONDITIONS- CASE OF A SELECTED
TANNERY IN CENTRAL UGANDA View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Wanasolo William on 03 September 2018.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 American Journal of Chemistry and Materials Science
2018; 5(4): 49-56
http://www.openscienceonline.com/journal/ajcms

Evaluation of Industrial Effluent Levels in

Kinawataka Stream, Its Tributaries and
Kinawataka Swamp, Prior to Discharge into Lake
Victoria
William Wanasolo1, *, Bernard Turyagenda Kiremire2, Frank Kansiime3
1
Department of Chemistry, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
2
Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
3
Department of Environmental Management, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

Email address

*
Corresponding author

To cite this article

William Wanasolo, Bernard Turyagenda Kiremire, Frank Kansiime. Evaluation of Industrial Effluent Levels in Kinawataka Stream, Its
Tributaries and Kinawataka Swamp, Prior to Discharge into Lake Victoria. American Journal of Chemistry and Materials Science.
Vol. 5, No. 4, 2018, pp. 49-56.

Received: June 6, 2018; Accepted: July 3, 2018; Published: September 1, 2018

Abstract
Industrialization has been expanding rapidly in Uganda particularly in Kampala City Council Authority. Nakawa and Ntinda
happen to be among those areas with rapid industrial growth in this city. However, the environment in these industrial zones
has not been given due attention with regard to its conservation and sustainability. The existing Kinawataka stream, its
tributaries and Kinawataka swamp could be degraded with increasing industrial activity in this area. In this study, levels of
heavy metals (zinc, copper, lead, cadmium and nickel), oil and grease, organic loads, oxidized nitrogen, total phosphorus and
the physical properties of pH, conductivity and temperature were investigated in Kinawataka stream, its tributaries and
Kinawataka swamp. Compared to background levels, results showed no significant quantities of heavy metals. The waste
stabilization ponds in the area seemed to have high significant contributions to total phosphorus in the Kinawataka stream. It
was concluded that the swamp exhibits an excellent character in moderating the hydrogen ions activity (acidity) of the streams,
leading to no significant change in the mean pH values on the entire streams and this could have been due to the presence of
the swamp.
Keywords
Kinawataka Swamp, Heavy Metals, Industrial, Effluent, Environment, Lake Victoria, Pollution

in this area because the Uganda government has re-enforced

1. Introduction
Wetlands in Uganda are under extreme pressure due to
uncontrolled economic activities such as farming, brick
making and industrial development. The most detrimental
activity to the environment is industrial development which
has destroyed the Kinawataka wetland between Nakawa and
Kireka and part of Nalukolongo [1]. The Nakawa-Ntinda
industrial area is growing rapidly and there is need for
serious attention before any dangerous and irreversible
environmental degradation takes place. Industry is growing
the policy of industrialization to help recover the economic
status lost in the 1970s [2]. However, there has been little
regard to the effects and levels of industrial wastes to the
environment and to whether the industries would leave the
environment as it were or would have some impacts. Today,
the most affected parts of the environment are the water
resources. For example, a dramatic change in the nutrient
concentrations of Lake Victoria has been reported [3, 4]. The
report showed further that compared to historical levels of
the 1960s, the present day concentration of phosphates has
doubled and is in excess of that required to support the algal
 American Journal of Chemistry and Materials Science 2018; 5(4): 49-56
growth, and the algal biomass has increased fivefold
stimulated by high nutrient inputs. This observed change can
rightly be attributed to rapid industrial growth and the laxed
pollution control policies to industrial effluents.
Kinawataka swamp and its tributaries drain parts of
Naguru Hill, Ntinda, Kyambogo, Banda, Mbuya, Mutungo
and Butabika before it flows into Lake Victoria. It is located
in Nakawa division, in Kampala Capital City Authority
(KCCA) and covers an area of approximately 1.5 km2. Its
geographical co-ordinates are 32° 37’ E and 0° 20’ N (Figure
1). The area has a permanent swamp and was formerly
dominated with papyrus and seasonal swamp forest with
Phoenix species [1]. Currently, the papyrus reed plant
(Cyperus papyrus sp.) is the dominant plant species in the
swamp. Although Nakawa-Ntinda area is basically
residential, it has now largely been converted for industrial
development. It is one of the five areas zoned for industrial
activity in Kampala [5], and the swamp is gradually being
encroached upon for industrial establishments. Along with
increase in industrial activity, there is pollution in the nearby
environment by industrial effluents. High levels of nutrients
(ammonia and phosphorus) have been detected at the lake-
swamp interface of Inner Murchison Bay, Lake Victoria [6].
This area receives discharges from Nakivubo channel which
drains central industrial area, one of the five areas zoned for
industrial activity in Kampala district. The 1980 nutrient
chemistry of Lake Wandakara showed no significant
presence of total phosphorus concentrations [7]. This could
have been due to the less industrial activities caused by the
political instability in Uganda in the period from 1970 to
1985. Nevertheless, from late 1980s, Uganda has been
characterized with a high economic and industrial growth [8].
It is possible this could have led to changes in nutrient
chemistry of water resources, particularly of Lake Victoria.
The changes in nutrient concentrations may lead to harmful
effects to humans and aquatic life. For example, Cadmium is
believed to inhibit the uptake and retention of Calcium in
bones, and excessive Lead in humans seriously impairs the
functioning of the central nervous system. Secondly,
depending upon its availability for uptake by biota, Cadmium
may be accumulated by a number of aquatic organisms
including fish. Also, studies have shown that fish can be
adversely influenced by as little as 0.03 mg/l of Lead in
water. Additionally, copper is essential for the normal growth
of most aquatic organisms but it is toxic at concentrations as
low as 10 g/l [9-11]. All these show the health risks of human
exposure to environments polluted with heavy metals. Most
heavy metals in stream water are commonly associated with
industrial discharges and almost all heavy metals common in
industrial effluents are cumulative toxins to aquatic life [6,
12]. The bioaccumulation of these substances may increase
their concentrations to toxic levels and endanger fauna and
flora which on the other hand need to be conserved for tourist
activities and for future study.
Oil and grease are highly toxic in nature and may contain
heavy metals like Lead and Cadmium. Oil and grease are not
definitive chemical substances but may include thousands of
50
organic chemicals with different physical, chemical and
toxicological properties [13-15]. Oil and grease give odor,
interfere with the natural balance of stream characteristics
and are hence dangerous to both human health and
functioning of other living organisms that use stream water
as habitat and other functions. Phosphates are not generally
considered harmful to human consumption but do exhibit a
complex effect on the natural environment particularly
eutrophication of open water systems. For example, the
phosphate found in detergent builders may lead to the
eutrophication of surface waters [16, 17]. Nitrites (NO2) and
nitrates (NO3) are nutrients which when discharged in open
water bodies may also cause eutrophication. Excessive nitrate
concentrations foster nuisance growths of aquatic organisms
such as algae [18, 19]. Municipal and industrial wastewaters,
septic tank contents and agricultural waste water/runoff are
the principal anthropogenic point sources of nitrates to
stream water.
The presence in surface waters of readily biodegradable
organic material which is frequently discharged to streams as
sewage or as industrial wastewater results in high demand for
dissolved oxygen in the streams [20, 21]. High loads of
organic material in surface waters therefore cause oxygen
deficiency and endanger aquatic life. For the physical and
chemical properties, temperature is known to affect the
metabolism of aquatic organisms and a number of water
quality parameters.
Furthermore, metabolism is drastically inhibited at
temperatures less than 10°C. Chemical and biochemical
reactions as well as the solubility of mineral salts increase
with temperature while the solubility of gases tends to
decrease with increasing temperature. Therefore, high
temperatures will also cause oxygen deficiency in stream
water and harm aquatic fauna which largely depend on
dissolved oxygen in the water. Acidity is one of the factors
which may raise or lower the toxicity of metal ions. Low pH
values tend to increase the solubility of most metal ions, thus
increasing their toxicity. Exceptions to this rule include iron
which in its trivalent state produces a colloid at pH values
greater than 7. This colloid can precipitate on respiratory
organs of fish and hence interfere with respiration. Electrical
conductivity is the measure of the capacity of the water to
conduct an electric current. This parameter is directly related
to the concentration of the total ionic substances dissolved in
the water. Polluted water sources like sewage / industrial
effluents have high electrical conductivity due to high levels
of ions there in.
The major industrial activities in Nakawa-Ntinda consist
of the manufacture of plastics, polyvinylchloride (PVC)
conduits, foam mattresses, pharmaceuticals, paints and soft-
drinks. Other industrial activities in the area include
engineering works, garages and metal workshops. Effluent
wastes from these industrial activities drain into the streams
which enter the swamp and finally Lake Victoria. Garages
and engineering workshops deal with car repairs as well as
reconditioning and recharging of batteries. Effluent wastes
from garages and engineering works may contain high
51 William Wanasolo et al.: Evaluation of Industrial Effluent Levels in Kinawataka Stream, Its Tributaries and
Kinawataka Swamp, Prior to Discharge into Lake Victoria
concentrations of oil and grease, and also discharges of used
engine oil. In Nakawa-Ntinda area there are also sewage
stabilization ponds which receive effluents from the nearby
Kampala area. Effluent wastes from these ponds overflow
into the streams which enter the swamp and finally Lake
Victoria. The above activities and environmental dangers
paused by use of chemicals and improper disposal, provoked
Figure 1. Location of sampling sites
2. Methodology
2.1. Study Design
Water samples were taken right from the sites upstream
where industrial work was not yet taking place; at the end of
industrial establishments; and in the swamp. The principle
followed in the study was based on assumptions that samples
from a particular site were a homogenous set of random
samples; and that the sites down the streams were of uniform
quality in terms of a particular stream parameter (that is,
concentrations of the determined pollutants were taken to be
uniform along the streams and the swamp). The second
assumption was the null hypothesis indicating that the
streams’ quality had not significantly changed despite the
presence of industrial activities in the area. There were two
sources of variability in the stream water quality parameters,
namely: the variability within experimental values of a
particular site caused by random factors such as sampling
error; and the variability between the mean values of the
different sites caused by industrial effluents.
Whenever the second assumption was really true (i.e. Ho-
true), it was demonstrated by the two sources of variability
being equal or nearly equal to each other and their ratio,
called the F-ratio statistic was unity or nearly equal to unity.
The significance of their ratios departing from unity was
tested by means of the F-test statistic (ANOVA).
need and concern to establish a data base for monitoring
pollution to the Kinawataka stream, its tributaries and
Kinawataka swamp. Against this background, it was
necessary to determine the heavy metal pollutant levels in the
streams which drain the industries that have recently been
established in the Nakawa-Ntinda industrial area and in the
Kinawataka swamp.
2.2. Data Analysis
In assessing relative variabilities of the two sources of
variation mentioned above, the F-test was used. The value of
the F-ratio from the experimental data (F-calculated) was
compared with the critical values of the F-ratio from the F-
probability distribution table (F-critical). Whenever the F-
calculated value was found to be greater than the F-critical
value, the two sources of variability were taken to be
significantly different and the second assumption (null
hypothesis) was rejected. This gave statistical evidence that
the mean values of the different sites down the stream were
not of uniform quality in terms of that particular parameter
under analysis. Otherwise whenever the F-calculated was less
than the F-critical value, there was a failure to reject second
assumption. Furthermore, whenever the F-ratios were found
to be significantly different, the individual means were
further compared with the mean of site 1 (reference site)
upstream in order to determine the particular mean values
which differed significantly from the reference mean value.
This analysis was carried out using the student’s t-test
statistic.
2.3. Sampling and Sample Analysis
Samples were taken from eight sampling sites (Figure 1) at
an average frequency of three times a month. All samples
were taken between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm. Water samples
 American Journal of Chemistry and Materials Science 2018; 5(4): 49-56 52

were collected in clean plastic and glass bottles previously

rinsed with distilled and de-ionized water. At the sampling
sites, sample bottles were rinsed with the source water to be
sampled before sampling took place. Only surface water to a
depth of about 30 cm and not sediment was sampled. All sites
were not necessarily direct discharge points of final industrial
effluents. However, only well mixed and homogenous
stream-flows were sampled. Samples not immediately
analyzed were stabilized with conc. HNO3 to a pH = 2 and
cooled to about 4°C on return to the laboratory. The pH and
conductivity were measured on some occasions in the
laboratory but temperature was always measured on-site and
in-Situ. Samples were analyzed in triplicate to improve on Figure 3. Variation of conductivity with sampling site.
the precision of results.
Generally the mean values for oxidized nitrogen and total
3. Results phosphorus were significantly different (ANOVA, p = 0.05).
For individual sites, the oxidized nitrogen concentrations
Results for temperature and pH are shown in Figure 2. were significantly different at sites 1, 2 and 8, the rest (sites
These results indicate that the mean values for temperature 3, 4, 5 and 6) had mean values which were not significantly
and pH were significantly different (ANOVA; p = 0.05). The different (t-test, p = 0.05). The mean values for total
mean values for temperature were significantly different at phosphorus were significantly different at all the sites except
site 5 (t-test; p = 0.05). At other sites, the mean temperatures at site 1 (t-test, p = 0.05).
were not significantly different although there were slight
variations. The mean pH values were significantly different
at sites 3, 4 and 8 (t-test; p = 0.05).
4. Discussion
Results for conductivity are shown in Figure 3. These 4.1. Temperature
results show that the mean values for conductivity were
significantly different (ANOVA; p = 0.05). The mean The mean temperatures for all the sites along the streams
conductivity values were significantly different at sites 2, 3, and the swamp are shown in Figure 2. The minimum average
4, 5, 6 and 8 (t-test; p = 0.05). temperature was 22.1 +/- 0.9°C at site 5 and the maximum
average was 26.9 +/- 1.7°C at site 8. It was found that the
mean temperatures were significantly different (ANOVA, p =
0.05), and therefore all the sites investigated were not of
uniform quality with respect to temperature.

Figure 2. Variation of pH & Temperature with sampling site.

The mean values of heavy metals are shown in Figure 4

and Figure 5. The mean values for all the heavy metals
analyzed were not significantly different (ANOVA; p = 0.05).
The average values of BOD5, and oil and grease are
presented in Figure 6 and show that the mean values for
BOD5, and oil and grease are significantly different
(ANOVA; p = 0.05). the mean BOD5 values were
significantly different at sites 2, 4, 5 and 8 (t-test, p = 0.05).
The mean values for oil and grease were significantly
different at sites 2, 4, 5 and 8, the rest of the mean values at
sites 1, 3, 6 and 7 were not significantly different (t-test, p =
0.05).
Figure 4. Variation of Zinc & Copper with sampling site.
It was also found that only two sites 5 and 8 did have
significant differences in temperature (t-test; p = 0.05). From
Figure 2, it can be seen that temperature was nearly constant
at the first three sites (1, 2 and 3) but it rose slightly at site 4
and decreased at site 5, then rose gradually through sites 6
and 7, and to the maximum average at site 8. From Figure 1,
site 8 is before site 4 down-stream and site 8 is on a channel
that receives discharges from soft-drinks factories in the area.
53 William Wanasolo et al.: Evaluation of Industrial Effluent Levels in Kinawataka Stream, Its Tributaries and
Kinawataka Swamp, Prior to Discharge into Lake Victoria
Site 5 is after the swamp, the low temperature at this site
could be due to the regulating effect of the swamp’s
vegetation on the stream.
Figure 5. Variation of Lead & Nickel with sampling site.
The rest of the mean values from sites 2, 3, 6 and 7 had
mean values which did not differ significantly and therefore,
they were not yet being affected in terms of temperature by
the industrial activities in the area.
4.2. pH
The mean pH values are shown in Figure 2, where the
average maximum pH value was 6.4 +/- 0.5 at site 8 and the
average minimum was 6.0 +/- 0.1 at site 6. The sites 3, 4 and
8 had significant differences in pH values. Also, the mean pH
values were constant at sites 1 and 2, then rose through sites
3 and 4 and suddenly decreased at sites 5 and 6 and rose
again at sites 7 and 8. Sites 4 and 8 had the highest mean pH
values because of effluents from the soft-drinks factories and
engineering workshops in the vicinity. The sites 2, 6 and 7
were not significantly different with respect to pH; therefore,
there was no acidity in effluents from the industrial activities.
For site 5 the mean pH value was not significantly different.
This implied that the overall significant changes that
occurred at sites 3, 4 and 8 were neutralized by the swamp,
thus the swamp can be seen as a regulator of the hydrogen
ions in the stream waters.
Figure 6. Variation of BOD5, oil & grease with sampling site.
4.3. Conductivity
The mean conductivity values are shown in Figure 3. The
average maximum conductivity value was 453.9 +/- 92.0E-6
S/cm at site 8 and the average minimum value was 128.8 +/-
15.3E-6 S/cm at site 1. It was found that the sites were
significantly different in conductivity values (ANOVA, p =
0.05). Therefore, the second assumption that sites down the
streams were of uniform quality with respect to conductivity
values was rejected. Thus, all sites down the streams were
not of a uniform quality with respect to conductivity. It can
be seen from Figure 3 that there was a general increase in
conductivity down-stream. However, the conductivity
increased from site 1 to site 4 and decreased through sites 5,
6 and 7, and rose again to the highest mean value at site 8.
This site received the greatest amount of total ionic matter
than any other site. This indicated the presence of an effluent
source of ionic matter from the soft-drinks factories. Looking
at sites 4 and 5, the slight decrease suggests a failure or
inability by the swamp to moderate the total ionic
concentrations in the stream and thus making the enrichment
of the receiving water-body, which is Lake Victoria,
inevitable. A similar result has been found in the Inner
Murchison Bay - Lake Victoria [22], and the low
performance of the swamp to moderate the total ionic matter
was attributed to reduced contact time between the stream
water and the papyrus plants.
Figure 7. Variation of oxidized nitrogen & total phosphorus with sampling
site.
4.4. Heavy Metals
Results for the mean values of heavy metals are shown in
Figures 4 and 5. The average maximum concentration of
Zinc was 0.06 +/- 0.04 ppm at site 6 and the average
minimum concentration was 0.02 +/- 0.01 ppm at sites 3 and
7. The mean concentrations for zinc were not significantly
different (ANOVA; p = 0.05). Therefore, the assumption that
the sites down-stream were of a uniform quality in terms of
zinc concentrations was acceptable. From Figure 4, the mean
values for Zinc varied slightly down stream. However, there
was a sharp fall at site 7. Between sites 6 and 7 are the waste
stabilization ponds, and these therefore contribute to the high
value of zinc at site 6. Analysis for copper concentrations in
the streams gave an average maximum of 0.01 +/- 0.001 ppm
at site 8 and an average minimum of 0.01 +/- 7.0E-11 ppm at
sites 3, 4 and 5. Furthermore, the mean copper concentrations
were not significantly different, therefore for all the sites
 American Journal of Chemistry and Materials Science 2018; 5(4): 49-56
sampled the streams were of a uniform quality with respect to
copper concentrations despite the fact that the area is rapidly
industrializing. From Figure 4, it can be observed that the
mean values for copper were constant for all the sites, there
was thus no contributions due to the industrial activities in
the area. The average maximum value for lead was 0.5 +/-
0.4 ppm at site 5 and the average minimum was 0.1 +/- 7.6E-
10 ppm at sites 2, 6 and 7. Like for zinc, analysis for lead
showed that the mean values were not significantly different
(ANOVA, p = 0.05). Therefore, a similar null hypothesis was
acceptable that sites down the streams were of a uniform
quality with respect to lead concentrations. From Figure 5,
the mean values for lead increased up till site 5, then
suddenly decreased to the low value at site 6 and remained
constant through sites 7 and 8. The high lead concentrations
at site 5 could have come from a detergent and engineering
workshops in the nearby environment. Nickel concentrations
had an average maximum concentration of 0.04 +/- 0.03 ppm
at sites 1 and 5 and an average minimum concentration of
0.01 +/- 0.01 ppm at site 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8. The mean values for
nickel concentrations were not significantly different
(ANOVA; p = 0.05). Therefore, similar conclusions as for
lead, copper and zinc can hold for nickel. Thus, at all the
sites sampled, there was a uniform stream quality of nickel
concentrations. From Figure 5, the mean values for nickel
had slight variations with the maximum values at sites 1 and
5. Site 1 had only residential buildings and therefore, the high
value for nickel could have been due to domestic effluents.
The high value at site 5 shows that it was also receiving
Nickel from the detergent and engineering workshops in the
vicinity.
The average minimum for cadmium was 0.01 +/- 7.0E-11
ppm at sites 1, 3, 4 and 5 and the average maximum shown
was 0.01 +/- 0.001 ppm at site 8. The cadmium
concentrations did not show any significant increases or
decreases. This showed lack of remarkable background
concentrations as was the case with lead. Therefore,
cadmium concentrations were of a uniform quality despite
the presence of rapid industrial growth in the area. However,
this may not remain the same in the near future with
increasing industrial growth in the area.
On the whole, the heavy metals investigated were not
significantly different (ANOVA; p = 0.05). The dry spell that
occurred before the month of February could have
contributed to the cumulative effects of background values
especially for lead where such values could have come from
the atmospheric air pollution in the area.
Generally, the results showed valid statistical evidence
that all the heavy metals investigated had not significantly
affected the normal background concentrations as it was
hypothesized due to rapid industrialization. Studies have
shown that heavy metals are transported into sediment
because they are partly bound to suspended particles [23].
Therefore, the heavy metals could have been deposited
onto the sediments since the analysis of sediments was not
done.
54
4.5. Biochemical Oxygen Demand
The mean BOD5 values obtained in the study are shown in
Figure 6. The average minimum value was 7.1 +/- 1.5 mg/l at
site 7 and the average maximum was 102.6 +/- 9.2 mg/l at
site 8. The mean BOD5 values were significantly different
(ANOVA, p = 0.05). The null hypothesis for BOD5 was that
all the sites down the streams were of a uniform quality with
respect to organic matter. This assumption was statistically
rejected. Significant differences were found at sites 2, 4, 5
and 8, the rest of the means were not significantly different
(t-test, p = 0.05). From Figure 6, it can be seen that the mean
BOD5 levels were low at all the sites except at site 8. The
values rose slightly from site 1 to site 4, then decreased
through sites 5, 6 and 7, and suddenly rose to a maximum at
site 8. The mean BOD5 value at site 8 was approximately 4
times higher than the highest value up stream. This indicated
the presence of high organic loads in the industrial effluents
at site 8, which could be attributed to the soft-drinks factories
in the area.
Sites 3, 6 and 7 had mean BOD5 values which were not
significantly different, probably because there were no
significant inputs from the nearby industries at site 3 and the
waste stabilization ponds at site 6. Site 7 had no industrial
activity and it was considered as a reference site. The water
at site 8 had distinct rotten smell and developed dark color on
standing probably due to the high organic matter content
shown by the BOD5 value which was at least 4 times higher
than the highest value up stream. Therefore, the effluents
present at site 8 were a major contributor to the BOD5
changes in the stream, with much organic loads than at any
other site, indicating that the soft drinks factories contributed
high quantities of organic pollutants to the Kinawataka
stream and its tributaries. Contributions received at site 4
were majorly attributed to the already existing high levels at
site 8. Similar results were reported in literature [5, 6]. From
site 5, the significant difference of the BOD5 value gave an
indication that the swamp did not regulate the stream water
with respect to organic loads. This was not in agreement with
earlier literature reports [5, 6]. The possible reason could be
due to reduced contact time between the stream water and the
papyrus plants. The high BOD5 at site 5 may also be due to
the decomposition and mineralization of dead plant material
of the swamp’s vegetation. Other indications from the
analysis were that sites 3, 6 and 7 did not show any
significant differences (t-test; p = 0.05) and were thus purely
unaffected by the existing industrial activities in the area.
4.6. Oil and Grease
The average values for oil and grease are shown in Figure
6. There was an average minimum value of 47.0 +/- 12.3
mg/l at site 1 and an average maximum of 296.1 +/- 210.8
mg/l at site 4. The mean values of oil and grease were not
significantly different (ANOVA; p = 0.05). This result
confirmed the hypothesis that all the sites down the streams
were of a uniform water quality with respect to the
concentrations of oil and grease. Therefore, despite rapid
55 William Wanasolo et al.: Evaluation of Industrial Effluent Levels in Kinawataka Stream, Its Tributaries and
Kinawataka Swamp, Prior to Discharge into Lake Victoria
industrial activity, the oil and grease had not reached
significant levels. However, it has been reported that
adsorption onto mud is the primary point for oil pollutant
accumulation in sediments [24]. Hence, the sediments from
these streams may be contaminated with oil and grease. From
Figure 6, the mean value at site 4 for oil and grease increased
6 times more than that at site 1, indicating that there was an
input from the nearby industrial activities. Generally, oil and
grease rose along the stream to a maximum at site 4, and
decreased through sites 5, 6 and 7 then rose again at site 8.
The high value at site 8 also showed a possible external
source of oil and grease to the stream most probably from
metal garages and engineering workshops.
4.7. Oxidized Nitrogen
The mean values of oxidized nitrogen concentrations are
shown in Figure 7. The average maximum value was 6.2 +/-
1.4 ppm at site 1 and the average minimum was 0.5 +/- 0.2
ppm at site 7. The mean values were significantly different
(ANOVA, p = 0.05). The mean values at sites 1, 2, 5 and 6
were significantly different (t-test; p = 0.05) indicating that
there was pollution with respect to oxidized nitrogen. The
mean values for sites 3, 4 and 8 were not significantly
different indicating that there was no pollution with respect
to oxidized nitrogen. From Figure 7, there was a general
decrease down-stream for oxidized nitrogen. The decrease
was from site 1 through site 2, and then the mean values
remained low throughout sites 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, except for a
slight increase at site 8. The general decrease indicated lack
of nitrogen based pollution from the nearby pharmaceutical,
chemical and the plastic industries. It has been found that,
dominant nitrate source in stream water is sewage effluents
[25], therefore the high value at site 1 showed that the
residential area has a significant contribution to the high
values of oxidized nitrogen. The decrease thereafter could
have been due to natural moderations or dilutions in the
stream. From site 5, the mean value was significantly
different and this showed that the changes which occurred
significantly high at sites 1 and 2 were neutralized by the
swamp between sites 4 and 5. Therefore, the swamp is an
excellent absorber of the nitrates and nitrites from the stream
water.
4.8. Total Phosphorus
The total phosphorus in the water samples included all the
orthophosphates, polyphosphates and most typical organic
phosphate compounds. Analysis for total phosphorus gave
mean values shown in Figure 7. The average maximum value
was 0.7 +/- 0.2 ppm at site 8 and the average minimum was
0.1 +/- 0.03 ppm at site 1. The mean values were
significantly different (ANOVA; p = 0.05). Sites 6 and 7
were significantly different (t-test; p = 0.001). This showed
that there were higher concentrations of total phosphorus at
sites 6 and 7 than at any other sites due to the presence of the
waste stabilization ponds. These ponds receive sewage
effluents from the nearby Kampala area to allow waste
stabilization through sedimentation before it is discharged to
the streams. Elsewhere, high levels of total phosphorus have
also been reported [4, 6]. From Figure 7, there was a gradual
increase down-stream up to a maximum value at site 8. Site 8
therefore, receives the highest total phosphorus inputs
attributed to the presence of soft-drinks factories within the
vicinity. Looking at site 5, the mean value being lower than
that at site 4 showed that the total phosphorus concentration
was absorbed by the swamp’s natural vegetation. Thus, it the
swamp absorbs total phosphorus from the stream water.
5. Conclusions
The quantitative information collected on pollution levels
and the statistical analyses led to the conclusions that: the
swamp moderated the stream acidity and the waste
stabilization pond on Kinawataka stream do not make any
significant contributions to the stream in terms of total
cations and anions reduction. The streams were not
significantly polluted with respect to the analyzed heavy
metals. The Kinawataka stream and its tributaries were
significantly polluted with respect to organic matter and the
swamp did not show significant reduction of organic loads.
Last but not least, the swamp is an excellent remover of
nitrates, nitrites and phosphates from the stream water.
6. Recommendations
The following were the recommendations: the soft-drinks
industries in the study area should consider reducing organic
matter in the effluents before final discharge into the
environment. Research should also be done to assess how
well the swamp can moderate acidity; nitrates; nitrites and
phosphates without being overloaded. Since the study did not
point towards effects of pollution to aquatic systems, it is
recommended that the present significant contaminants like
organic matter and their effects on aquatic biota in
Kinawataka stream, its tributaries and the swamp be studied.
There is also need to study sediment samples especially for
heavy metals and total phosphorus in these streams and the
swamp. Also, monitoring of industrial pollution levels to the
nearby environment is recommended.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the Norwegian Program
for Development, Research and Education Grants (NUFU),
for financial support towards the research component of this
work and received through the late Prof. Benard T. Kiremire
of the Department of Chemistry, Makerere University.
References
[1] Vermeiren K., Van Rompaey A., Loopmans M., Serwajja E.,
and Mukwaya P. Urban growth of Kampala, Uganda: Pattern
analysis and scenario development. Landscape and urban
planning, 2012. 106 (2): 199-206.
 American Journal of Chemistry and Materials Science 2018; 5(4): 49-56
[2] Selassie A. A., Beyond Macroeconomic Stability: The Quest
for Industrialization in Uganda 2008: International Monetary
Fund.
[3] Bugaari H., McNabb T., and Moorhouse T. The water hyacinth
problem in Lake Victoria, East Africa. Kampala, Uganda,
Aquatics Unlimited, Report WP-010298, 9p, 1998.
[4] Kateregga E. and Sterner T. Indicators for an invasive species:
Water hyacinths in Lake Victoria. Ecological Indicators, 2007.
7 (2): 362-70.
[5] Matagi S. V. Some issues of environmental concern in
Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Environmental
monitoring and assessment, 2002. 77 (2): 121-38.
[6] Kansiime F., Nalubega M., Tukahirwa E., and Bugenyi F. The
potential of Nakivubo swamp (papyrus wetland) in
maintaining water quality of inner Murchison bay-Lake
Victoria. African Journal of Tropical Hydrobiology and
Fisheries, 1994. 5 (2): 79-87.
[7] Russell J. M., McCoy S., Verschuren D., Bessems I., and
Huang Y. Human impacts, climate change, and aquatic
ecosystem response during the past 2000 yr at Lake
Wandakara, Uganda. Quaternary Research, 2009. 72 (3): 315-
24.
[8] Dowhaniuk N., Hartter J., Ryan S. J., Palace M. W., and
Congalton R. G. The impact of industrial oil development on a
protected area landscape: demographic and social change at
Murchison Falls Conservation Area, Uganda. Population and
Environment, 2018. 39 (3): 197-218.
[9] Kumari M. and Platel K. Bioaccessibility of trace elements
and chromium speciation in commonly consumed cereals and
pulses. International Journal of Food Properties, 2017. 20
(7): 1612-20.
[10] Rivera N., Hesterberg D., Kaur N., and Duckworth O. W.
Chemical Speciation of Potentially Toxic Trace Metals in Coal
Fly Ash Associated with the Kingston Fly Ash Spill. Energy &
Fuels, 2017. 31 (9): 9652-9.
[11] Noli F. and Tsamos P. Concentration of heavy metals and trace
elements in soils, waters and vegetables and assessment of
health risk in the vicinity of a lignite-fired power plant.
Science of The Total Environment, 2016. 563: 377-85.
[12] Ali H. and Khan E. Assessment of potentially toxic heavy
metals and health risk in water, sediments, and different fish
species of River Kabul, Pakistan. Human and Ecological Risk
Assessment: An International Journal, 2018: 1-18.
[13] Alsbou E. M. E. and Al-Khashman O. A. Heavy metal
concentrations in roadside soil and street dust from Petra
region, Jordan. Environmental monitoring and assessment,
2018. 190 (1): 48.
[14] Men C., Liu R., Xu F., Wang Q., Guo L., and Shen Z.
View publication stats
56
Pollution characteristics, risk assessment, and source
apportionment of heavy metals in road dust in Beijing, China.
Science of The Total Environment, 2018. 612: 138-47.
[15] Govil P. K. and Krishna A. K., Soil and Water Contamination
by Potentially Hazardous Elements: A Case History From
India, in Environmental Geochemistry (Second Edition) 2018,
Elsevier. p. 567-97.
[16] Sobrino-Figueroa A. Toxic effect of commercial detergents on
organisms from different trophic levels. Environmental
Science and Pollution Research, 2018. 25 (14): 13283-91.
[17] Ramachandra T., Mahapatra D. M., KS A., and Varghese S.
FOAMING OR ALGAL BLOOM IN WATER BODIES OF
INDIA: REMEDIAL MEASURES-RESTRICT PHOSPHATE
(P) BASED DETERGENTS. Energy, 2017.
[18] Zhang W., Jin X., Liu D., Lang C., and Shan B. Temporal and
spatial variation of nitrogen and phosphorus and
eutrophication assessment for a typical arid river—Fuyang
River in northern China. Journal of Environmental Sciences,
2017. 55: 41-8.
[19] Hall E. R., Muller E. M., Goulet T., Bellworthy J., Ritchie K.
B., and Fine M. Eutrophication may compromise the
resilience of the Red Sea coral Stylophora pistillata to global
change. Marine pollution bulletin, 2018. 131: 701-11.
[20] Choi Y.-Y., Baek S.-R., Kim J.-I., Choi J.-W., Hur J., Lee T.-
U., Park C.-J., and Lee B. J. Characteristics and
biodegradability of wastewater organic matter in municipal
wastewater treatment plants collecting domestic wastewater
and industrial discharge. Water, 2017. 9 (6): 409.
[21] Asghar M. Z., Arshad A., Hong L., Riaz M., and Arfan M.
Comparative assessment of physico-chemical parameters of
waste water effluents from different industries in Lahore,
Pakistan. Proceedings of the International Academy of
Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2018. 8 (2): 99-112.
[22] Haande S., Rohrlack T., Semyalo R. P., Brettum P., Edvardsen
B., Lyche-Solheim A., Sørensen K., and Larsson P.
Phytoplankton dynamics and cyanobacterial dominance in
Murchison Bay of Lake Victoria (Uganda) in relation to
environmental conditions. Limnologica-Ecology and
Management of Inland Waters, 2011. 41 (1): 20-9.
[23] DeLaune R., Pezeshki S., Pardue J., Whitcomb J., and Patrick
Jr W. Some influences of sediment addition to a deteriorating
salt marsh in the Mississippi River deltaic plain: a pilot study.
Journal of Coastal Research, 1990: 181-8.
[24] DEMPSTER J., MANNING W., HAVENS K., JONES K., and
TANABE S. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Environmental fo//ufion.
[25] Kay D. and McDonald A. T. Water quality issues. Applied
Geography, 1991. 11 (3): 171-7.