Physico-chemical, Microbiological, and Ion Assessment in Underground and Surface Water in Machakos County, Kenya

The quality of water for human consumption is being compromised due to the increasing population and human activities. Perchlorate, a highly soluble ion that persists in water for a long time, is one of the water contaminants associated with several health risks.

Comprehensive data on levels of perchlorate and other ions in water in the wider Machakos County is lacking. Therefore, surface and underground water in three sub-counties within Machakos County was investigated for its suitability as drinking water during the wet and dry seasons. Samples were collected from ten (five surface and five underground) sampling sites in each sub-county and investigated for physico-chemical parameters, ions, and microbiological properties.