Pollutant loads and water quality in streams of heavily populated and industrialised towns

摘要: Abstract The availability of portable water is often taken for granted and allowed to get polluted. Industries, settlements, farms, markets, leaking sewer lines, poor hygiene practices are all potential sources pollution. Each pollutant has its own effect on the environment. A study was conducted in Kitwe Stream order establish whether engineering other human activities affect quality. Samples were collected at ten points, first point being source while tenth confluence with Kafue River. samples analysed physical, chemical biological parameters. results revealed high levels concentration loads total suspended solids (TSS). points TSS values P4 (118 mg/l) P6 (140 mg/l) representing daily 7.74 8.71 tonnes, respectively. highest coliform found P9 (2099), P10 (2558) followed by (1149), P5 (1256) (1370). High nitrites (34 mg/l), (32 mg/l), (21 mg/l) (12.4 mg/l). Chlorides also be P4, 70 mg/l, 80 mg/l 87 mg/l, These parameters exceeded maximum contaminant level (MCL) 100 mg/l TSS, 1 mg/l nitrites, 500/100 ml Zambia. conductivity (>500 μS/cm, >500). benthic a normal diversity invertebrates but chironomidae average 60% species counted. fish activity upstream low downstream mouth stream where it joins There no middle points. planktons (phytoplankton zooplankton) count (15–30 per ml) places there (1–5 activity. quality therefore affected activities.