Illegal gold mining as it affects river water quality: case of Runde river

Abstract

Mining waste is the major threat to water quality in Runde river . The main objective of the study is to investigate the effects of illegal gold mining on the water quality of Runde river. Three sampling sites were noted which were at least 500 m apart. They were named 1,2 and 3 with site 1 located before the mining zone and site 2 was adjacent to the mining zone and site 3 after the mining zone. Samples were taken for the dry season ( September , October) and the wet season (February ). 3 grab samples were taken at each sampling point to make a composite sample , 5 replicates of these composite samples were done across the river at each sample site. Based on the results obtained illegal gold mining along Runde river has led to poor water quality as all the parameters at some point were above the WHO standards especially at site 2 and 3. This raises concern as the river is a major source of water for a number of human activities and hence the need to maintain its quality at desirable level. There is need for responsible authorities to find alternatives sources of water and /or adopt new technology of water treatment of raw water and also reduce the levels of pollution of the river.