dc.contributor.author | Muhumuza, Omega | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2022-05-19T07:59:09Z | |
dc.date.available | 2022-05-19T07:59:09Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2022-05-19 | |
dc.identifier.citation | Muhumuza, O. (2022). Physico-chemical characteristics and therapeutic potential of Rubanda springs. (MakUD) (Unpublished undergraduate dissertation). Makerere University Kampala, Uganda. | en_US |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12281/12753 | |
dc.description | A research report submitted to the Department of Plant Sciences , Microbiology and Biotechnology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Science in Biotechnology of Makerere University | en_US |
dc.description.abstract | Since old timings, Rubanda springs have been used by the local people; primarily for the cure of
a wide range of diseases. However, no scientific information has been published about these
springs, making it impossible to evaluate both the extent of hot spring use and the risks
associated with using any of the springs. In recent years, there is a serious trend toward a “return
to nature,” that is an approach to natural methods of treatment that include the use of natural
spring water for therapeutic purposes. The current study was performed to provide scientific
information about the physico-chemical characteristics and therapeutic potential of Rubanda
springs in Southwestern Uganda. The springs had pH varying from 6.4–6.9, total dissolved solids
from 78–301, conductivity from 157–602 ppm, highest mineral concentration of 23 ppm sodium,
lowest mineral concentration of 1 ppm potassium, highest anion concentration of 1102 ppm
bicarbonates and lowest anion concentration of 2.33 bicarbonates. The obtained information was
analyzed to highlight the potential uses of the springs. Nyamasizi spring water was found
unsuitable for drinking due to the presence of Total Suspended Solids and a higher Iron content
than that recommended by the UNBS guidelines for natural portable water. On comparison with
main stream water, the physicochemical data of the selected spring waters revealed that the
springs hold promise for utilization in hydrotherapy due to the higher mineral concentrations.
The spring waters belonged to the undetermined water type due to Total Dissolved Solids lower
than 1 g/ l, hence no specific therapeutic value for any of the selected springs; indicating that the
springs could be used generally for complementary treatments. However, there is need to
reevaluate the properties of these springs in depth; using modern technologies. Microbiological
analysis of the selected springs should be carried out to determine whether the springs are fully
fit for Balneotherapy. | en_US |
dc.description.sponsorship | Physico-chemical characteristics and therapeutic potential of Rubanda springs | en_US |
dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
dc.publisher | Makerere University | en_US |
dc.subject | Rubanda springs therapeutic potential | en_US |
dc.subject | water therapeutic potential | en_US |
dc.subject | Therapeutic water physico-chemical characteristics | en_US |
dc.title | Physico-chemical characteristics and therapeutic potential of Rubanda springs | en_US |
dc.type | Thesis | en_US |