School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering (SFTNB)

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https://dissertations.mak.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12281/46

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Browsing School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering (SFTNB) by Author "Ahairwe, Blair"
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    Evaluation of storage on potable water quality in household water storage tanks: a case study of Makerere University halls of residence
    (Makerere University, 2023-12-07) Ahairwe, Blair
    Water storage tanks are commonly used in most households around Kampala to collect water for various purposes such as drinking and domestic use over time. Due to the chemical nature of water, the properties that determine its quality change during the period of storage through contamination from insects, dust and birds’ droppings which poses a health risk once consumed. Therefore, this research assessed the variation of the physio-chemical and microbial water quality parameters in eighteen storage tanks as well as the effect of storage on potable water. Interactions were done with workers and students in the halls of residence to know the type, size and material of tanks used as well as the maintenance practices applied to provide a basis for how and when samples were collected. A case study was conducted in eighteen water storage tanks around Makerere University halls of residence from which samples were drawn on a monthly basis for three months. Physio-chemical quality parameters such as pH, Electrical conductivity, Turbidity, Temperature, Total dissolved solids and Dissolved oxygen were tested using a multiparameter meter while Escherichia coli was tested in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB) microbiology Laboratory. Data processing and analysis was completed using software such as Microsoft Excel and RStudio where ANOVA tests were performed at 95% confidence interval. The values of these parameters were found to be in the recommended standards except for turbidity which had an average value of about 7 NTUS and Escherichia coli which was detected in some tanks. Both indoor and outdoor tanks had a certain level of contamination mostly attributed to long usage and lack of proper cleaning routine of the tanks. A significant variation over three months was observed in pH, EC and TDS values though they were in the recommended range of 6.5-8.5, <1500mg/L and <=700mg/L respectively. The results obtained can be used by community health workers to create awareness amongst people about dangers resulting from using water that is kept over a prolonged time. Hence health workers can educate people about proper maintenance practices that can help to reduce the risk of diseases such as typhoid and diarrhea.