Assessment of physiochemical properties of water and variation of concentration of Nitrate ions in river Namatala at selected sites located in Mbale city eastern Uganda.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2026
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Busitema University
Abstract
This study assessed the physiochemical properties and nitrate ion levels in River Namatala, Mbale City, and Eastern Uganda. Water samples were collected from three selected sites: upstream, midstream, and downstream. Parameters measured included temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, total hardness (TH), dissolved oxygen (DO), and nitrate concentration (NO₃⁻). Standard analytical methods were used, including the Winkler method for DO, EDTA titration for hardness, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry for nitrates. Results showed progressive
deterioration in water quality from upstream to downstream. Turbidity increased from 230 NTU upstream to 930 NTU downstream, far exceeding WHO drinking water guidelines. Dissolved oxygen decreased from 10.4 mg/L upstream to 4.4 mg/L downstream, falling below the WHO ideal of 5 mg/L. Nitrate concentrations increased from 0.06 mg/L upstream to 0.188 mg/L downstream, though all values remained well below the WHO limit of 50 mg/L. TDS, EC, and total hardness also increased downstream but remained within acceptable limits. pH (7.1–8.4) and temperature (20.4–23.2°C) were within normal ranges. The study concludes that River Namatala is experiencing significant pollution from domestic wastewater, agricultural runoff, and urban activities, particularly affecting turbidity and dissolved oxygen. The water is unsuitable for direct human consumption without treatment. Regular monitoring, public awareness, and pollution control measures are urgently recommended
Description
Keywords
Citation
Magombe, T. (2026). Assessment of physiochemical properties of water and variation of concentration of Nitrate Ions in river Namatala at selected sites located in Mbale city eastern Uganda. [Undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.