Water pollution: causes, impacts and current efforts to address the issues of water pollution along river Meizimera-kihihi, Kanugu District,Uganda.

Background

The term pollution refers to the addition of harmful substances to the level at which they affect the environment. Pollution is the introduction of any substance such as solid, liquid, or gas into the environment in an amount that can hurt the environment, wildlife, human health, and well-being. Three major categories of pollution are affected by the type of environment being affected. These factors include water, air, and land pollution. Harmful substances are called pollutants and they include nitrogenous wastes, domestic wastes, metal, plastics, and many others. Some pollutants are biodegradable whereas others are non-biodegradable. Biodegradable substances can be broken down by natural processes, which are made from organic materials from animals, plants, or microorganisms such as food waste, cotton, and paper, while any natural processes cannot break down non-biodegradable substances which are made from synthetic materials such as bottles, glass, plastic bags and aluminum cans (Manasa & Mehta, 2020; Sahoo & Goswami, 2024).

Therefore this study aims to analyze the causes, impacts, and current efforts to address water pollution in Meizimera-Kihihi, Kanungu, District, Uganda. Kihihi is the second–largest city in the Kanungu district and is located in Western Uganda. The district has many rivers and streams including Kiruruma, Birara, Nchwera, Ishasha, and Meizimera. The people of Kihihi use the river Meizimera for various purposes such as fishing, irrigation, washing, bathing, drinking water sources, religious and cultural purposes, brick making and sand mining, recreation, and livestock watering. The dependence on rivers for various purposes increases the risks of water pollution which has many harmful effects on human health, the economy, and the environment. A description of the pollution of the river and its consequences are elaborated below:

Water pollution

Globally, over 80% of wastewater worldwide is discharged into water bodies without adequate treatment (UN report, 2020), and in Asia, only one-third of wastewater is treated before being discharged (Asian Development Bank, 2023). In Africa, the lack of clean water and sanitation is a significant challenge in many countries, affecting approximately 319 million people worldwide. In East Africa, eutrophication and algal blooms of L. Victoria pose significant environmental and public health risks. In Uganda, studies show that only 30% of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities hence there is a widespread contamination of water sources with fecal matter and plastic especially in urban centers (WHO, 2019; UNEP, 2020; Manasa & Mehta, 2020; Sahoo & Goswami, 2024).

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate fresh and marine water bodies such as, groundwater, rivers, lakes, and oceans rendering them unfavorable for various purposes such as drinking, recreation, and support to aquatic life. Over 80% of human-generated sewage is dumped untreated into rivers and oceans, causing pollution that causes over 50 diseases. In addition, poor water quality is linked to 80% of diseases globally (Lin et al., 2022). According to Taylor et al. (2008) and Sahoo and Goswami (2024) progressive increases in industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural practices are the leading causes of water pollution. This alleviates the most common problem of eutrophication where inland waters and rivers are polluted with nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from fertilizers and the discharge of sewage and effluents.

Although efforts have been made to reduce water pollution, this phenomenon remains a challenge in most parts of the world. The dependence on rivers for various purposes increases the risks of water pollution which has many harmful effects on human health, the economy, and the environment. Therefore, this report aims to explore the causes, and impacts of water pollution, assess current efforts to address this problem, and provide recommendations for future action. The economic activity and terrain of the area have an impact on the river Meizimera as observed and recorded here below: All Observations were made during the study.

The issues of water pollution affecting the river of Meizimera-kihihi range from, the decrease in water clarity as a result of pollutants which reduces the transparency of water making it difficult for aquatic plants to photosynthesize. Changes in river flow due to pollution can lead to flooding and erosion. Excess nutrients from the runoff of agricultural activities and sewages lead to eutrophication causing algal blooms and the depletion of oxygen levels in the river. Contaminated water poses many health challenges such as typhoid, cholera, and diarrhea to local communities that depend as a source on the river as a source of water, and there has been a decline in fish populations in the river which affects the livelihoods of fishermen.

Figure 1. Shows the environmental background of River Meizimera-Kihihi Kanugu, Uganda.

These are the environmental areas of River Meizimera, Kihihi, Uganda. The appearance of the river changes with the seasons, there is an increase in the flow of water during the rainy season and a decrease during the dry season. The river has been affected by pollution and human activities which affect water quality and the aesthetic value in some areas of the river (Researcher’s observations, 2024).

Figure 2. Shows rice processing factories, along River Meizimera an industrialized area with many rice processing factories, coffee processing factories, and grain milling factories.

This makes the area a busy place with approximately 1000 people including workers visiting the place daily. Some of this waste is dumped in the river (Researcher’s observations, 2024).

Figure 3. Shows the other side of the river used as a washing bay for vehicles and motorcycles.

The area is urban, just at the base of Kihihi town, in the valley down the town hill. The water from the washing bay may contain oils, chemicals, and other detergents that can have harmful effects on aquatic life in the river and contaminate the water. Water from the bay also makes the river less appealing for tourism and recreational purposes (Researcher’s observations, 2024).

Figure 4. Shows industrial damping of their bi-products and leaking oils at the bank of the river.

These can easily be eroded into the water. These have a devastating effect on the environment, aquatic life, and also human health (Researcher’s observations, 2024).

Figure 5. Domestic wastes from town are eroded down the hill to the river while others are dumped directly into the river.

People who stay along the river wash their clothes and household utensils and direct their sewage into the water body. Farming occurs along the river bank and some soil is eroded into the river. The river is seen to be fertile at the old stage point of the river with a slightly green appearance indicating the growth of algae and other vegetation (Researcher’s observations, 2024).

Figure 6. Shows a fully established water plant community that has completely succeeded in the river.

Water plant growth in rivers leads to oxygen depletion, nutrient competition, and the obstruction of recreational activities (Researcher’s observations, 2024).

Policy outcomes

Implementing effective policies and strategies can have a profound impact on the environment and local communities. By reducing pollution levels and improving water quality, we can create a healthier environment and decrease the incidence of waterborne diseases (Levy et al., 2018), leading to improved health and well-being for residents. Moreover, clean water can support various economic activities such as fisheries and tourism, generating income and stimulating local economic growth. Successful policies can also protect biodiversity, preserve ecosystem balance, and maintain the natural beauty of the river (Arthington et al., 2010).

Effective policies can foster community involvement, raise awareness, and promote collective action to address water pollution (Bisung, 2021). Additionally, they can ensure efficient use of water resources, reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. By achieving clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), we can contribute to the broader sustainable development goals. Successful policies can be replicated and scaled up to address water pollution in other districts, supporting national and global efforts to protect water resources and ensure a sustainable future for all.

Implications

The research on water pollution in the River Meizimera Kihihi has important ramifications for future research, policy and governance, human health, the environment, and communities and society. It emphasizes the necessity of more stringent regulations, stepped-up enforcement, community involvement, and ongoing monitoring to address the causes and effects of pollution and guarantee sustainable development. Significant implications of the study include increased risk of waterborne illnesses and long-term health effects; environmental degradation, including harm to aquatic life and ecosystems; economic impacts, including loss of income and livelihoods; community and social impacts, including improved quality of life; and future research directions, emphasizing the need for community engagement, ongoing monitoring, and evidence-based solutions to address the causes and effects of pollution and support economic growth.

Current efforts to address the problem of water pollution in Mezimera Kihihi, Uganda

Therefore the following strategies to address pollution in this and the world at large are as follows. The bi-products from factories; the coffee and \rice husks are sold to other industries where they can be made useful. In this case, two factory owners said these husks are taken to the Hima cement factory and also to the Mbarara Yoghurt industry where they are used as a source of heat/fuel since they are good at soring heat/fire for a long period. This is because they are good insulators. The coffee husks are bought by many farmers who use them as a source of organic manure in gardens. So they are taken by those who bring coffee to the factory for other agricultural purposes and chicken feeds hence reducing pollution of the area. There are strict orders for factory owners to collect their husks in a controlled space and avoid dumping them everywhere. The factories have shifted from using petrol and diesel as fuel to using electricity which has reduced other forms of pollution.

Governments enact laws and regulations to control pollution, such as the Clean Water Act in the United States and the European Water Framework Directive in Europe, In Rwanda, plastic bags were banned from the market. NGOs and governmental organizations conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of water conservation and pollution prevention. Advances in wastewater treatment technologies for example UV disinfection, pollution monitoring systems, and eco-friendly practices help mitigate pollution and improve water quality before discharge. And International agreements and initiatives, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, foster cooperation among nations to combat water pollution on a global scale (Javed et al., 2022; Zahoor & Mushtaq, 2023).

Recommendations

To address water pollution in River Meizimera –Kihihi, we recommend adopting sustainable agricultural practices, industrial processes, and waste management strategies to minimize water pollution. There should be enforcement mechanisms and penalties for polluters to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Also, there should be awareness to educate the public about the importance of water conservation, pollution prevention, and responsible consumption to foster behavioral changes and community engagement. Investment in upgrading and expanding water treatment facilities, sewage systems, and stormwater management infrastructure will help to prevent pollution and safeguard water resources and finally allocate resources to research institutions and initiatives focused on developing innovative solutions for water pollution control and management.

Ethics and consent

A consent form was signed by the LC chairperson of Kihihi Town Ward so that the research could be carried out in the community. Proof of the signed form by the LC is attached to this manuscript. The following steps were implemented to protect the rights of participants whose images appeared during observation. All participants were thoroughly informed about the goals and advantages of the study and the participant gave their consent verbally with no written documents. The reason for verbal consent was that most of the participants in this research couldn’t write. Faces depicted in the image were de-identified, and participant identities were kept private. There was no ethical approval but there was a consent form that was signed by the chairperson. Neither the environment nor the volunteers were harmed by the research. The community intended to gain from the research by having problems with water pollution and sustainable habits. Lastly, the study was conducted impartially, guaranteeing advantages for all parties involved.