Project

Water quality characterization and biosorption for point-of-use drinking water treatment in Athi River Basin, Kenya

Code
13V01220
Duration
01 January 2020 → 31 August 2022
Funding
Federal funding: VLIR-UOS
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Analytical separation and detection techniques
    • Aquatic chemistry
    • Environmental chemistry
    • Environmental monitoring
  • Engineering and technology
    • (Waste)water treatment processes
Keywords
Kenya water quality contaminants of emerging concern monitoring treatment
 
Project description

Scarcity of (good quality) water is a major challenge in Kenya. Because of rampant water pollution not only from conventional but also from emerging contaminants, there is inadequate access to safe and affordable water for drinking and other domestic use by the local communities, especially in informal settlements and rural areas. To address this challenge and induce change, two points are considered here: (i) comprehensive monitoring of water resources and (ii) point-of-use (POU) water treatment techniques. This project will identify and quantify both regulated and new water quality challenges in the Athi River Basin, one of the largest catchments in Kenya, as input for improved water resources management strategies. On the technological side, possibilities will be investigated to valorise agricultural wastes as cheap biosorbent materials for POU treatment of drinking water. Through research-based training of staff member MSc students and by strong interaction with stakeholders, both the research capacity of the local partner universities and the broad societal awareness on water pollution and solutions will be improved