| dc.description.abstract | Groundwater contamination is a global concern, posing risks to public health and
ecosystems. In Kenya, particularly in rural areas like Tigania West Sub County, Meru
County, groundwater contamination is a pressing issue due to use of pit latrines. The
main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of pit latrines on enteric
pathogen and physicochemical contamination of groundwater in Tigania West Sub
County, Meru County, Kenya. Data was collected using a questionnaires and laboratory
analysis. The sample size for this research was 96 households, distributed among all the
wards. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics such as
frequencies and percentages provided an overview of the data. Inferential statistics such
as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis were used to determine
significant differences between groups and to identify relationships between variables.
The study revealed significant associations between pit latrine proximity to groundwater
sources and waterborne disease prevalence. The correlation coefficient (r=0.456)
indicates a moderate positive relationship between the proximity of pit latrines and
waterborne infections. Enteric pathogens (total coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella,
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis and Helminths.) were detected in
groundwater samples, indicating contamination. The correlation coefficient (r = 0.076)
also indicated a very weak positive relationship between high enteric pathogen
prevalence and waterborne infections. Physicochemical analysis revealed conformities
with WHO guidelines. For example, in Mbeu ward, 93.33% of groundwater samples had
optimal pH levels of 6.5-8.5. The BOD analysis indicated varying levels of organic
pollution across different wards, with Athwana Ward showing the highest levels of
contamination, followed by Kianjai and Nkomo Wards. Akithi and Mbeu Wards
exhibited moderate levels of organic pollution. These findings highlighted the need for
targeted interventions to reduce organic pollution in groundwater sources across the
different wards. The study concluded that considerable proportion of pit latrines were
found to be located in close proximity to water sources, below 30m, raising concerns
about potential fecal contamination of groundwater. The study recommended
construction and maintenance of pit latrines to ensure they are situated at safe distances
from groundwater sources. The detection of pathogens such as total coliforms, E. coli,
Salmonella, and Shigella indicates potential health risks associated with groundwater
consumption, emphasizing the importance of regular water quality monitoring and
treatment to ensure safe drinking water provision. The study recommended the
construction and maintenance of pit latrines to ensure they are situated at safe distances
from groundwater sources. Implement regulations and guidelines for the siting and
construction of pit latrines to minimise the risk of fecal contamination of groundwater.
Increased awareness and education among local communities on the importance of safe
water practices, including proper sanitation and hygiene measures. Encourage the use of
improved sanitation facilities and the adoption of water treatment methods to reduce the
risk of waterborne diseases | en_US |
