Master of Science in Water and Sanitation

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/818

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A Framework for Managing the Functionality of Hand Pump Rural Water Supply Systems in Bumbaire Sub-county, Bushenyi District
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-10) Nuwamanya Titus
Water is a basic need and a human right. When communities access potable water, their livelihoods improve. Groundwater is the most commonly used source of water. Communities access water from this source through hand pumps, among others. The water is accessed when they are functional. Against this backdrop, the purpose of the study was to develop a framework for managing the functionality of hand pump rural water systems in Uganda. The study was contextualized on Bumbaire Sub County in Bushenyi District. The study set out to establish the causes of hand pump nonfunctionality, to design a framework for improving the maintenance of hand pumps; and to validate the designed framework and recommend it for deployment. Primary and secondary data were collected to answer objective 1 while Design Science Research was adopted to design and evaluate the framework to answer objectives 2 and 3. Water users, District Water Officials and Sub County Community Development Officer participated in the study. In total, 158 participants were involved. Questionnaires, FGD, Interviews, Experiments and Sanitary Inspection tool were used for primary data collection. Findings revealed that social, financial, technical and institutional factors were responsible for nonfunctionality of the hand pumps. A framework for closing the social, financial, technical and institutional management gaps was designed and evaluated. The evaluated framework was recommended for deployment. The study concluded that when the prescriptions of the evaluated framework are duly implemented, the maintenance of hand pumps will improve. Correspondingly, the magnitude of break-down and nonfunctionality will be minimized. The study recommends need for continuous awareness creation and active engagement of the water users, among others.
Assessing the effectiveness of on-site fecal sludge emptying technologies in delivering safely managed sanitation services in Kampala.
(2025) Namale Caroline
The research study investigated the effectiveness of on-site fecal sludge emptying technologies in delivering safely managed sanitation services in Kampala. The study focused on cesspool and gulper technology operations in Kampala with a sample space of 68 operators both companies and sole proprietors. The study identified the technological, human and environmental health gaps in the technologies that hinder their effectiveness in delivering safely managed sanitation services using survey questionnaires and laboratory analysis. The study identified improvements that can be adopted by the technologies to operate effectively across the sanitation service chain. These included modification of gulper technology by introducing a simple fuel-powered motor with a potable pump end that can suck the fecal sludge with minimal energy requirement from the operator. The research study discovered that both cesspool and gulper technologies do not fully empty the clients containments, considering septic tanks, ventilated improved pit latrines, and traditional pit latrines. The gulper technology takes more than one hour to empty containments, which is not the case for cesspool technology. The research identified gulper technology to be associated with more environmental and public health risks compared to the cesspool technology. The study recommended the installation of GPS equipment on all cesspool vacuum trucks and gulper technology operators' tricycles to track movement and ensure that the fecal sludge is only disposed of at the fecal sludge treatment plant to curb environmental and public health risks identified by the research study.
ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS OF CHLORINATION AND FREE RESIDUAL CHLORINE DECAY AT POINT OF USE IN REFUGEE SETTLEMENTS IN UGANDA: THE CASE OF WEST NILE
(Uganda Chrisitian University, 2025-04-07) Dithan Mukiibi
Uganda is famous for hosting refugees in Africa and world over. Despite this prominence, providing for the needs of the refugees has come with challenges, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) inclusive. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the chlorination programmes implemented in refugee settlements in Uganda. The intent was on establishing the factors that influence free residual chlorine decay at point of use in the refugee settlements in Uganda. The study was contextualized on West Nile. Three refugee settlements were involved namely Omugo, Imvepi 1 and Pagirinya. Specifically, the study examined physicochemical quality and bacteriological load of drinking water in the three refugee settlements; assessed the efficacy of different types of chlorine disinfection programs used in the refugee settlements; sought to establish the relationship between storage conditions at point of use on residual chlorine and bacteriological load water in refugee settlements in West Nile; and sought to propose strategies for better management of quality of treated water at household level in refugee settlements. Water quality measurements, Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. The study objectives were duly achieved and the major findings were; most of the physico-chemical and biological parameters of water at the source points lay within the permissible ranges of local and international thresholds except E-coli, EC, chlorides and total alkalinity. Therefore, chlorination was necessary to improve the potability of water before consumption by refugee households. The study also established that centralized chlorination system was applied in all the selected settlements. This occurred at the points of distribution before water was drawn for home use. The Free Residual Chlorine at points of distribution in the three settlements was 0.5mg/L. However, the free residual chlorine deteriorated at point of use leading to recontamination of the water. The predisposing factors for the rapid decay of the free residual chlorine and the eventual recontamination of the water were related to poor storage conditions including the cleanliness of storage devices or vessels and use of dipping system to draw water from the storage vessels including use of dirty utensils. Besides, poor personal hygiene of the refugees such as long finger nails equally affected the quality of the stored water, as well as the long storage time beyond recommended 24 hours, among others. However, the refugees were optimistic that rigorous awareness creation, increasing the distribution of standpipes (POD) and donating water collection and storage devices would remedy the situation. This study concluded that water recontamination at household level was a big problem facing the refugees in settlements in West Nile. This has increased vulnerability to waterborne diseases. The study recommended need for active engagement of the refugees for requisite behavioural and attitude changes, among others.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Water, Sediment and Water Hyacinth of the Inner Murchison Bay, Lake Victoria
(Uganda Christian University, 2023-09-08) Rosette Zawadi Lokuni
This study assessed heavy metal pollution in the Inner Murchison Bay within Lake Victoria region. The assessment was based on determination of concentrations of heavy metals in water, sediment and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The Bay is the abstraction point of water supplied in Kampala City and metropolitan areas. It is also the recipient of partially treated and untreated wastewater from the City. There is a potential for continuous deterioration of the Bay’s water quality due to anthropogenic activities carried out in its catchment. Twelve sampling locations that are representative of the Bay were used to gather samples of water, sediment, and water hyacinth based on cross-sectional study. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) analysis was performed on the samples to ascertain their lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) concentrations. Results showed that the concentration of Pb and Cd in water was above the permissible limits set by WHO and NEMA (Pb:0.01ppm and Cd:0.003) at all sites. In sediment, Pb was below the LEL (31.0) while Cd exceeded both the LEL (0.60) and TEL (0.99) signifying that the values of Pb and Cd were permissible as per the sediment assessment guidelines Contamination Factor and Pollution Load Index indicated moderate pollution of the sediment with Pb and Cd (CF>1, PLI>1). The values of Bio-concentration factor for water hyacinths were above 1 indicating that the plants were able to take up Pb and Cd from water. Mercury (Hg) was below the detectable levels in all the samples. Pb and Cd are from agricultural fertilizers, industrial effluent, urban runoff, wastewater effluent, navigation and recreational activities carried out in the catchment of the Bay. Evidence of concentration of heavy metals in water, sediment and water hyacinth indicates pollution of the Bay by heavy metals thus continuous monitoring of the Bay’s state is crucial. Key words: Inner Murchison Bay, Heavy Metals, Contamination Factor, Pollution Load Index, Water hyacinth, Bio-concentration Factor, Lowest Element Level (LEL), Threshold Element Level (TEL), Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) and Severe Effect Level (SEL)
Developing Characteristic Regional Groundwater Yield Curves in Different Geological Settings of Pader, Agago and Kitgum Districts in Northern Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2023-09-10) Samuel Senfuma
The main objective of this study was to develop characteristic regional groundwater yield curves in different geological settings of Pader, Agago and Kitgum Districts in Northern Uganda to act as references and guides during ground water prospecting. The specific research objectives were to: (i) identify the Vertical Electrical Soundings (VESes) for forty selected wells(Deep boreholes) drilled in Agago, Pader and Kitgum Districts and characterise the wells yields ranges, (ii)analyse geological and hydrogeological conditions for ground water exploration in the Districts and (iii) develop the characteristic regional groundwater yield curves that will be referred to during ground water investigations in the Districts. The identified VESes for forty selected wells drilled in Agago (08), Pader (04) and Kitgum (28) Districts under Orom Water Supply project respectively were used in this study. Resistivity curves (VES) used for each of the forty selected well sites was based on availability of supervised drilling data (lithological logs and Test pumping data) from the onsite supervisor and drilling contractor. The Total Depth of boreholes drilled in the study area was found to be highest with a mean of (130.6±3.0) m in Agago District, followed by (126.9±1.3) m in Kitgum district and lowest in Pader District with (121.0±0.5) m. On the other hand, mean water strike depth was found to be deepest in Kitgum (64.6±3.1) mbgl, followed by Pader (55.9±9.2) mbgl and shallowest in Agago District with (54.7±7.1) mbgl. However, the mean aquifer yield was highest in Pader district (19.0±4.1) m3/hr, (17.8±2.5) m3/hr in Kitgum district and (11.9±1.2) m3/hr in Agago District. The mean Swing Angle of the resistivity curves in the three districts of Agago, Kitgum and Pader were respectively (4.9±5.6)o, (17.8±2.5)o, and (19.0±4.1)o. Over all, as the distance within the region increases in the Eastern direction, the yield decreases from as high as over 26.0 m3/hr to as low as below 2.0 m3/hr. From a distance of 520000 mE to over 570000 mE, the yield is not spatially affected by shifting in the Northern direction, i.e., generally no change in yield from 340000 mN to 390000 mN. For distances between 335,000 mN to 360,000 mN, the Water Strikes are generally experienced at depths less than 60 mbgl, regardless of the eastern distance. This is a similar situation for distances between 490,000 mE to 530,000 mE where Water Strikes are achieved at depths less than 60mbgl, regardless of the distance along the Northern direction. The Total Depth (TD) of wells vary from 102 m to as high as 156 m, with half of the area having TD of less than 120 m and the other half having depths of 120 to 156 m. Spatially, there is a general similar TD of wells within the region, indicating that there are aquifers within the region at depths of 102 m to 156 m with an average value of 129 m. The Average Swinge Angle (ASA) of the Resistivity Curves typical of the area varies from as low as (-35)o to as high as 40o. Generally, the ASA varies relatively uniform over the area and therefore has no much effect on the groundwater exploration within the area. Below Total Depth (TD) of 115 m, regardless of the Water Strike depths, the Pump Test yield varies from as low as 18.0 m3/hr to as high as greater than 38.0 m3/hr. Above Total Depths of greater 140 m, the Pump Test Yield decreases from as high as 22.0 m3/hr to as low as below 2.0 m3/hr, regardless of the Water Strike depths. Between Total Depths of 120 m and 140 m, the Pump Test Yields are relatively higher, ranging from 18.0m3/hr to as high as 30.0 m3/hr. The best predictive model for Aquifer Yield (Y) within the region based on Total Depth (TD) and Water Strike Depths (WSD) for each lithological (geology)feature was found to have satisfactory Coefficient of Determination (R2) of 66.8% and is of the form, Y_i=β_0+β_1 ln⁡(TD)+β_2 ln⁡(WSD) Where Y_i= The Pump Test Yield for a borehole of Lithology ‘i’ in m3/h; TD =Total Depth of the borehole in m; WSD= Water Strike Depth in m; β_0, β_1 and β_2 are the Regression coefficients determinable by Multiple Linear Regression method. These coefficients were determined for each of the eight (8) Lithologies in the region and summarized using matrix notation as: (█(■(Y_AGG@Y_ASLD@Y_BGC )@Y_IGSVDP@Y_KG@Y_MG@Y_MGG@Y_VDG ))=(█(■(175.7&-32.67&0.712@174.7&-32.67&0.712@176.2&-32.67&0.712)@■(160.5&-32.67&0.712@169.0&-32.67&0.712@176.0&-32.67&0.712)@■(167.5&-32.67&0.712)@■(165.8&-32.67&0.712)))(■(1@ln(TD)@ln⁡(WSD))) Therefore, this study major finding will guide groundwater exploration within the region by identifying and determining the Yield based on lithology. The approach used in the study can be applied during groundwater investigations to identify potential drilling points for groundwater supplies while minimizing cases of dry or low yielding wells. Application of this approach to groundwater investigation should take into account the factors that influence the occurrence and movement of groundwater in the study area. Geology and geological structures should be comprehensively investigated prior to application of this method. This study has also revealed that the North Western (extended network of geological structures) and North Eastern regions (with direct connectivity with the main aquifer/alluvial sediments) specifically in Kitgum District constitute good groundwater potential for prospecting, while based on the data density, the Northern part of Pader and Agago constitute good potential areas.
Evaluation of Seasonal Variability in Physicochemical Water Quality Parameters of Lake Nkugute, Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-09-09) George Tinda Musinguzi
This study assessed the seasonal variability in water quality of Lake Nkugute in Rubirizi District, Uganda. It gives an insight of the seasonal variability of some physico-chemical parameters of the lake due to its importance in water abstraction for Bunyaruguru Gravity Flow Scheme that supplies potable water to the vast part of Rubirizi District. The study adopted a quantitative research design. It was conducted between August, 2018 and January 2019. Seven sampling points (S1-S7) were used with measurements taken at 0m, 5m, 10m 15m and 20m. The parameters measured included pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, Colour and Total Suspended solids (TSS). Primary data was obtained through in-situ and laboratory measurements using field and laboratory equipment, whereas secondary data was obtained through document review. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel Version 2013 and SPSS 16.0. Across different depths, water temperature was highest at 0.0 m and lowest at 20 m (ranged from 26.5±1.1 ºC to 22.5±1.1 ºC), at all stations with significant differences (p<0.05) in mean water temperature between the stations and depths in both wet and dry seasons. The mean concentration of DO was highest at the surface (0m) ranging between 6±2.9 mg/L at S1 and 7±2.9 mg/L at S2 and relatively lower than a typical flowing river due to stagnant water at the reservoir. Comparing by depths, there were significant differences (p<0.05) in the total suspended solids at all stations, TSS being lower at the subsurface of the water since the solids settle towards the bottom of the lake with wet spell presenting 2.9±1mg/L. The TDS concentration was observed to increase with depth and the variation of concentration of TDS for the whole sampling period was significant (p<0.05). The pH of Lake Nkugute is relatively consistent between the dry season and wet season with mean pH of 7.75±0.20. The overall mean value of EC across all depth was 114.8±8.52 μS/cm and 107.4±8.52 μS/cm in the wet and dry season respectively. The variation of turbidity with season was not significantly different (P>0.05) with an overall mean of 3.1±0.1NTU. Stations S4 and S5 both at 20 m depth exhibited high average colour levels of mean of 26.68 ± 10.61PtCo and comparing by depths, there were significant differences (p<0.05) in the colour of Lake Nkugute in all stations. Generally, the values of water quality parameters such as pH, conductivity, turbidity, TDS, and TSS at the different stations on Lake Nkugute were found to be within the recommended limits of World Health Organization and National Drinking Water Quality Standards. Researchers should take interest in the biological parameters of the same study area, since this study considered only physicochemical parameters.
Land Uses Impacts on Spatial and Temporal Water Quality Variations within Kinawataka Wetland Uganda
(2024-02-28) Sharon Mirial Okonga
Uganda’s urban wetlands like Kinawataka wetland are increasing affected by effluent discharge from different industrial establishments which poses a great threat to their different components and surrounding dependant human communities. The wetland is a vital ecosystem that provides livelihood opportunities and acts as a watershed that removes nutrient loads from water. However, land use changes and wetland degradation have negatively impacted the quality of water flowing in and out of the wetland. This study summarizes the impacts of land use on spatial and temporal water quality variations within Kinawataka Wetland in Uganda. This study therefore assessed the impacts of pollution loading on water quality within Kinawataka wetland in Kampala district. The study primarily focused on mapping land use changes, geographical and temporal fluctuations in physico-chemical parameters, heavy metals, and nutrient concentrations in water along Kinawataka Wetland in order to provide baseline data for its future conservation and sustainable usage. This study undertook a quantitative research approach with data collected from four purposively selected sites within Kinawataka wetland. In addition to Land use mapping around purposively selected sites, some parameters were measured in-situ whereas others were analysed in the Laboratory. The study findings in Figure 3 illustrate land use changes in Kinawataka wetland (2010-2020): significant growth in built-up areas, a fluctuating pattern for agricultural land, and consistent declines in forested areas and papyrus coverage. Water quality analysis was performed according to Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The study findings revealed that apart from pH, other physico-chemical parameters of water significantly differed (P < 0.05) at different sites within Kinawataka wetland and over study seasons. Heavy metal concentrations also varied among sites with sites closer to point source industrial effluent discharge such as site 2 having higher concentrations of heavy metals compared to sites distant from industrial establishments such as site 1, 6 and 3. Further, Nutrient concentrations in water varied differently among sites along Kinawataka wetland with each site irrespective of location having a particular nutrient in relatively higher concentration than that at other sites. Further research was recommended to ascertain the implications of the effluent discharge on the biological properties and diversity of Kinawataka wetland components in general.
Potential of Alum Sludge from Katosi Drinking Water Treatment Plant for Reduction of Phosphorus in Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent in Uganda
(2024-02-29) Sharon Anneys Naayo
In response to the global surge in wastewater production due to population growth and economic development, improving wastewater treatment is crucial. The presence of excess nutrients, particularly phosphorus (P), in wastewater effluent poses a significant threat of eutrophication. This study, therefore, set out to assess the potential of reusing alum sludge from the Katosi Drinking Water Treatment Plant (KDWTP) as a phosphorus adsorbent in wastewater effluent, aiming at finding a more sustainable and effective alum sludge disposal solution while reducing environmental and health risks associated with P-contamination. Effluent samples were analysed for total phosphorus, temperature, pH, and turbidity. Alum sludge was characterized using a variety of methods (pH, moisture content, FTIR, XRF, and SEM analyses). Phosphorus reduction was evaluated using alum sludge granules (ASG) prepared by binding oven-dried alum sludge with Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in batch experiments. The effect of varying contact time and ASG masses on phosphorus reduction was investigated. The adsorption behaviour was described by the Langmuir and Freundlich models, and statistical tests were used to determine model suitability and group differences. The alum sludge exhibited favourable characteristics for phosphorus adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 0.3 mg/g. The highest reduction, 86 %, was achieved at 24 hours of contact at an ASG mass of 9 g. The Langmuir isotherm model, with a coefficient of determination, R², of 0.743, provided the best fit for total phosphorus adsorption onto ASG, demonstrating the potential of reusing alum sludge from the Katosi Drinking Water Treatment Plant for phosphorus reduction in wastewater effluent in Uganda. Further field testing, pilot studies, and exploration of granulation techniques are recommended for real-world applications.

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