Research Article
Analysis of Physico-chemical Parameters to Evaluate the Drinking Water Quality Between Two Districts Kambia and Tonkolili in Sierra Leone
Sahr Emmanuel Lebbie*
,
Olanrewaju Lawal,
Umaru Kanneh
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-17
Received:
31 December 2024
Accepted:
20 January 2025
Published:
10 February 2025
Abstract: The aim of the study was to compare the physico-chemical characteristics of drinking water quality in two districts in Sierra Leone. Water samples were collected for three months (September to November) across five sampling locations. These samples were then examined for a number of physico-chemical characteristics, including temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate, residual chlorine, aluminum, copper, fluoride, iron, arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, and mercury. The statistical values for the following parameters above were found to be within the WHO permissible values for both the Tonkolili and Kambia districts. However, some parameters exceeded the recommended WHO permissible limit for drinking water in the two districts: arsenic (2.36mg/l and 0.27mg/l), cadmium (3.69mg/l and 6.63), lead (3.03mg/l and 6.64mg/l), and mercury (1.21mg/l and 2.19mg/l) for Tonkolili and Kambia districts respectively, although the statistical standard deviation is very negligible for all four parameters. In terms of comparison between the two districts, the statistical values for salinity (0.00ppt and 0.00ppt) and iron (0.05mg/l and 0.35mg/l) for both Tonkolili and Kambia districts are within the WHO permissible limit for the samples collected in the Tonkolili district, while the samples collected in the Kambia district exceeded the recommended WHO permissible limit for the two parameters. Moreover, the statistical value for copper (4.44mg/l) exceeded the WHO standard for the samples collected in the Tonkolili district, while the samples collected from the Kambia district are found within the WHO standard for copper (0.002mg/l). conclusively, this study found that all water samples collected and examined in the two districts are safe and fit for drinking and domestic purposes. The author recommends that there should be regular monitoring and treatment (for instance, chlorinating) of the hand-dug wells and tap waters and also that other researchers undertake further studies in different seasons and also to consider other water quality parameters like the bacteriological parameters, radiological materials, etc.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to compare the physico-chemical characteristics of drinking water quality in two districts in Sierra Leone. Water samples were collected for three months (September to November) across five sampling locations. These samples were then examined for a number of physico-chemical characteristics, including temperature, pH, turbi...
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Research Article
Integrated Effect of Vermicomost and NP Fertilizer on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Yield of Bread Wheat Under Limed Condition in Kofole District, Oromia, Ethiopia
Amante Lema*,
Tilahun Abera,
Tilahun Firomsa,
Abdurahman Husien
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
18-24
Received:
6 January 2025
Accepted:
10 March 2025
Published:
10 April 2025
Abstract: Soil acidity is a major constraint to agricultural productivity throughout Ethiopia where high rainfall is common due to the deficiencies of nitrogen by leaching, phosphorus by fixation, and low soil organic matter. To cope with these production constraints, using lime and vermicompost was recommended. Vermicompost is one of the organic fertilizers with a low C: N ratio, high porosity and high water-holding capacity, in which most nutrients are present in forms that are readily available for plants. The use of lime in crop production is also believed to enhance soil health status through improving soil pH, base saturation and enhance P availability, which in turn improve crop performance. Therefore, the application of vermicompost and lime is recommended to cope with problem of soil acidity by raising acidic soil PH and to increase soil fertility. Kofele district is one of the Ethiopian highlands and specifically because of the severity of soil acidity problem. Therefore, this study was designed to determine integrated effect of vermicomost, lime and chemical fertilizer on yield and yield components of bread wheat and selected soil physco-chemical properties. Recommended NP fertilizers, 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% N equivalent of vermicompost were used as treatments. The mean analysis of variance showed that, there were significant (P<0.05) differences among treatments for plant height, spike length, grain yield, and biomass of wheat. The highest yield (4132 kg/ha) was recorded for the application of recommended rate of NP fertilizers followed by the application of 75% N + 25% N equivalent level of vermicompost + recommended rate of P fertilizer. Soil samples were collected before planting and after harvesting to evaluate the residual effect of vermicompost on soil properties. In general, the nutrient status of post-harvest soils was greatly enhanced as compared to the initial soil. Economic analysis was also done and the highest net income (152,888 ETB) was obtained from the application of the recommended fertilizer rate followed by the application of 75% N + 25% N equivalent level of VC + recommended rate of P fertilizer in which net income (150,872 ETB) was recorded. In conclusion, the integrated application of 75% N + 25% N equivalent level of VC + recommended rate of P fertilizer was improved yield of bread wheat and soil chemical properties and recommended in the study area in parallel to recommended rate of fertilizer.
Abstract: Soil acidity is a major constraint to agricultural productivity throughout Ethiopia where high rainfall is common due to the deficiencies of nitrogen by leaching, phosphorus by fixation, and low soil organic matter. To cope with these production constraints, using lime and vermicompost was recommended. Vermicompost is one of the organic fertilizers...
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