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This study was conducted to assess the quality and safety of borehole and stream water
used in Sunga and Mbaru wards in Lushoto district, Tanzania. Water samples from
streams were collected in duplicate from three locations based on land use. These
included forest areas, populated areas with agricultural activities and less populated areas
with agricultural activities. Borehole‟s water was collected in duplicate from three
boreholes in each ward. Samples from the two sources of water were analysed in triplicate
using standard methods for chemical parameters (pH, Total hardness, ammonia, nitrate,
phosphate, lead, arsenic and DDT) and microbiological parameters (E. coli and
Salmonella). Nested design was applied and data obtained was analyzed by R-Software.
Means were separated by using Tukey„s honest at p<0.05. Results obtained were
compared with TZS and WHO water guideline. Significant differences (p<0.05) in
chemical parameters were observed in all locations within the streams except for arsenic.
With the exception of phosphate in both streams all water samples tested met the
TZS (2016) and WHO (2011). The phosphate levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in
populated areas in both streams but also in less populated areas in Daa stream than other
study areas. All chemical parameters tested in borehole‟s water met the requirements for
both TZS and WHO water guideline except pH and ammonia which exceeded the WHO
(2011) water guideline. For microbiological parameters, significant differences (p<0.05)
in E. coli and Salmonella
were observed between the three locations of the streams.
Furthermore significant differences (p<0.05) in E. coli contamination was also observed
at boreholes water located at Madukani while the rest of boreholes were free from
Salmonella and E. coli contamination. Good agricultural and hygienic practices should be
applied so as to avoid contamination of water sources. Water from boreholes and streams
should be treated before consumption to prevent water borne diseases. |
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