Browsing by Author "Gikidan, Abraha"

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    Investigation of the Ionic Composition of Addis Ababa Drinking and Surface Waters
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2000-06) Gikidan, Abraha; HUNDHAMMER, B.
    In Addis Ababa there are streams draining north-to-south such as the Tinishu Akaki, Kebena, Kechene, Kurtum and Yeka which receive the uncontrolled domestic sewage and industrial waste water discharges. In addition, intensive human activities are very common on these streams. To assess and characterize the quality of the Addis Ababa's water courses (surface and ground waters) the following parameters are monitored; namely, pH, alkalinity, COD, ammonia (for ground waters), nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, SUlphate, chloride, silica, and fluoride for surface and ground waters. The major cations of surface waters and some ground waters are also monitored. The trace elements of surface waters are also detected using standard methods (Li, Be, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Se, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Pb, Bi, Th and U). The results of this study showed that the surface waters of Addis Ababa are highly contaminated by the nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, organic matter, sulphate and chloride due to the direct and indirect human activities. Springs found in the city are also highly contaminated by nitrates. Most of the ground waters (bore holes) of Addis Ababa are safe for drinking but those found at the southern extreme parts are contaminated.