Assessment of the Impacts of Sisal Processing Industries on Water Resources in Rongai Sub-County, Kenya

Sisal farming is a vital large-scale cash crop activity in Rongai Sub-County, Kenya, with over 1,000 hectares of land dedicated to its cultivation. As a primary economic activity, it provides income and employment opportunities for the local population. However, sisal processing industries are significant consumers of water, which has led to their establishment near natural water sources, including streams and rivers. This study was conducted to assess the impact of sisal processing industries on water resources in Rongai Sub-County, Kenya. The research focused on determining the effects of waste on water quality in the Molo River, Rongai River, MajaniMingi River, and surrounding boreholes. Data collection involved collecting water samples from the three rivers and adjacent boreholes. Laboratory analyses were performed to evaluate water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, conductivity, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Quantitative data from the laboratory results were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and Kenyan water quality standards. The findings revealed that sisal processing activities impact local water resources. Water quality tests indicated notable alterations in pH, reduced DO levels, and slightly elevated TDS and conductivity in water bodies adjacent to processing facilities. There were no notable effects on water turbidity. These changes suggest increased pollution, potentially affecting aquatic life and human health. This study recommends a sustainable approach that involves integrating advanced waste treatment, community education, and innovative waste repurposing strategies which can reduce water pollution and health risks while enhancing environmental sustainability and regional economic resilience.剑麻种植是肯尼亚隆盖伊分区（Rongai Sub-County）至关重要的规模化经济作物产业，目前该区域已有超过1000公顷土地用于剑麻种植。作为当地核心经济活动，剑麻种植为本地居民提供了收入来源与就业岗位。但剑麻加工业属高耗水产业，因此相关工厂多选址于溪流、河流等天然水源周边。本研究旨在评估肯尼亚隆盖伊分区内剑麻加工业对当地水资源的影响。研究聚焦于探究剑麻加工废弃物对莫洛河（Molo River）、隆盖伊河（Rongai River）、马贾尼明吉河（MajaniMingi River）及周边钻孔井水质的影响。数据采集环节涵盖从上述三条河流及周边钻孔井采集水样。随后通过实验室分析，对水样的pH值、溶解氧（dissolved oxygen, DO）、温度、电导率及总溶解固体（total dissolved solids, TDS）等水质参数进行检测评估。将实验室获得的定量检测数据与世界卫生组织（World Health Organization, WHO）及肯尼亚本国的水质标准进行比对。研究结果表明，剑麻加工活动对当地水资源存在显著影响。水质检测结果显示，加工设施周边水体的pH值出现明显波动，溶解氧含量下降，总溶解固体与电导率小幅升高；而水体浊度未出现显著变化。上述变化表明当地水体污染程度加剧，可能对水生生态系统及人类健康造成威胁。本研究提出可持续发展解决方案，建议整合先进废弃物处理技术、社区环保教育及创新性废弃物再利用策略，在降低水污染与健康风险的同时，提升环境可持续性与区域经济韧性。