TITLE:
Modelling Spatial Variation, Distribution, and Prediction of Fluoride Levels in Groundwater in the Njoro River Catchment, Kenya
AUTHORS:
George Morara Ontumbi, Mercy Jepkirui
KEYWORDS:
Contamination, Delineation, Volcanicity, Spatial Variation, Geostatistical
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.11 No.8,
August
30,
2024
ABSTRACT: Fluoride, whose levels are higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level of 1.5 mg/l, results in health issues. Therefore, fluoride contamination is a matter that calls for concern by all people and governments, especially in countries where volcanicity has been experienced. This study sought to model spatial variation, distribution, and prediction of fluoride levels in groundwater in the river Njoro catchment. This study aimed to observe the levels of fluoride and give recommendations for identifying and delineating potential sites for safe groundwater for use by the local population and advice on the water treatment and de-fluoridation methods. In this study, borehole water samples were collected for laboratory analysis of fluoride levels. The study adopted descriptive and correlation statistical analysis. The sources of data included: field surveys where data on fluoride levels were collected, remotely sensed data, GIS, and geostatistically interpolated data. The results through geostatistical interpolation observed varied distribution and variations of fluoride levels in the River Njoro catchment.