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

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.