Net flux of pollutants at a reduced spatial scale--an index of catchment vulnerability

Water Sci Technol. 2009;59(1):109-16. doi: 10.2166/wst.2009.568.

Abstract

Emissions and riverine loads of pollutants were estimated for five sub-catchments in the Njoro River Catchment, Kenya to isolate specific areas for interim pollution management. The most vulnerable sub-catchments were the densely settled and heavily farmed areas around Egerton University and Njoro Township with the restricted area between them demonstrating a remarkable potential to retain/remove most of the pollution emitted in the Egerton University area. The least vulnerable sub-catchment was the predominantly forested Upper Njoro River Catchment whereas the recently settled and increasingly farmed Lower Little Shuru was moderately vulnerability. The method provided a scientific framework for the rapid assessment of catchment vulnerability to prioritize areas for remediation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Geography
  • Kenya
  • Risk Assessment
  • Rivers*
  • Time Factors
  • Water Pollutants / analysis*
  • Weather

Substances

  • Water Pollutants