Chemistry Publications
Flora Chirikona
2021 MLEx Fellow, Kenya
Occurrence and Distribution of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Multi-Industry Sources to Water, Sediments and Plants along Nairobi River Basin, Kenya - Flora Chirikona
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ever-present pollutants in the environment. They are persistent and bio-accumulative with deleterious health effects on biota. This study assesses the levels of PFAS in environmental matrices along the Nairobi River, Kenya. An aggregate of 30 PFAS were determined in water, while 28 PFAS were detected in sediments and plants using solid phase extraction then liquid chromatography–mass spectrometric techniques. In water, higher levels of perfluoroundecanoic acids of up to 39.2 ng L−1 were observed. Sediment and plant samples obtained in the midstream and downstream contained higher levels of perfluorooctanoic acid of up to 39.62 and 29.33 ng g−1, respectively. Comparably, levels of long-chain PFAS were higher in water and sediments than in plants.
Emily Ngeno
2021 MLEx Fellow, Kenya
Sustainable Re-utilization of Waste Material as Adsorbents for Water and Wastewater Treatment in Africa: Recent Studies, Research Gaps, and a Way Forward for Emerging Economies - Emily Ngeno
Abstract
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right. However, due to the rapid urbanization and industrialization in many African countries, the emergence of a plethora of new classes of water contaminants coupled with aging wastewater treatment infrastructure and technologies, access to clean water has remained elusive especially to rural communities. Additionally, most countries in Africa cannot afford the capital investment associated with advanced and specialized treatment technologies. The solution seems to be the valorization of locally-sourced waste materials and their use as adsorbents, flocculants/coagulants, or photocatalysts, to be included in current and future wastewater treatment facilities.