Analysis of Qater Quality Parameters and Ecosystem Services of Nzovwe Stream
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Date
2015
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IJBLST
Abstract
This paper presents analyzed physico-chemical parameters and assessed ecosystem services of Nzovwe stream. Physico-chemical parameters were analyzed using methods and procedures as prescribed by American Public Health Association and Tanzania Bureau of Standards. Whereas, ecosystem services were assessed qualitatively using households survey questionnaires. In average the water sample from Nzovwe stream had the following measurement; pH was 8.14(±07SD), Temperature 24.7(±0.2SD)0C, Turbidity 320(±20SD)NTU, Total alkalinity 202(±2SD)mg/L, Total hardness 58(±8SD)mg/L, Electrical conductivity 540(±20SD)μs/cm, Total suspended solids 314.027(±73.19SD)mg/L and Total dissolved solids 361.8(±13.4SD)mg/L. Field observations revealed that the stream is in danger of being polluted due to human activities (i.e. washing clothes and bathing, cultivation or gardening, irrigations) and dumping of wastes from households. Physico-chemical parameters showed no or little evidence of a stream being polluted because almost all parameters were within permissible range of Tanzania Bureau of standards (TBS). About 90% of interviewed households said that Nzovwe stream supply them with provisioning services (fresh water for drinking, washing, bathing, or sanitation purposes and other domestic uses); 3% said that they extract building materials (soil and pebbles); 5% specified that they use stream water for irrigation of crops (banana trees, maize) and gardens (vegetables); while 2% obtain pastures to feed livestock. This study recommends that future studies must include biological parameters instead of using only physico-chemical parameters to assess the quality of water in Nzovwe stream. Moreover, local authority must ensure that the stream is well protected by establishing stream management committees which will incorporate individuals from households adjacent the Nzovwe stream.
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This Journal Article was Published by IJBLST