Abstract

Changes in contaminant concentration in rivers can be a function of time and location. Seasonal changes greatly influence the parameters of water bodies, which in turn change the water quality characteristics. Monitoring sites during different periods of time can render information about water quality trends. In this paper, the turbidity and suspended solid concentration (SSC) of selected locations in river Elemi are examined for temporal variations. The turbidity levels at the locations exceeded the water quality standards, addressing this requires understanding the SSC which drives the turbidity in the river. Turbidity and SSC were correlated; turbidity increased exponentially with SSC, hence showing positive trends in all the examined locations. The results indicate occurrence of high level of turbidity and SSC in June and July (period of high discharge and runoff). The result provides information requires monitoring both SSC and turbidity (NTU) within the reaches of the river.

Keywords: Suspended solids; Turbidity; Temporal and spatial variations; Elemi river