Determination of Lead Levels and Evaluation of Kaolinite Clay for Lead Removal from Groundwater in the Mirerani Area, Tanzania.

Massawe, Amani Augustine (2025) Determination of Lead Levels and Evaluation of Kaolinite Clay for Lead Removal from Groundwater in the Mirerani Area, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

PDF - Submitted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (2MB)

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health concern worldwide, particularly in mining communities where heavy metals contamination is widespread. In Mirerani Tanzania, where mining and agricultural activities dominate, groundwater sources are increasingly at risk of Lead (Pb) pollution. This study aimed to establish current Pb levels in groundwater and to evaluate the efficiency of kaolinite as a natural treatment method. An experimental research design guided by a positivist philosophy was applied in this study. A stratified sampling approach was used to select 223 boreholes across the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive, thematic, and inferential statistical methods. The findings revealed that mining areas recorded the highest mean Pb concentration of (0.026 mg/L), exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value of 0.015 mg/L. Agricultural, residential, and commercial areas recorded mean concentrations of 0.016 mg/L, 0.014 mg/L, and 0.016 mg/L, respectively. Kaolinite treatment demonstrated significant effectiveness, reducing Pb levels from an initial mean of 0.019 mg/L at 95% Confidence level to 0.015–0.023 and finally to 0.004 mg/L. Thus, kaolinite consistently reduced Lead (Pb) levels with most reduction falling between 0.015 and 0.023 mg/L to 0.004 mg/L. The study concludes that Pb contamination in Mirerani’s groundwater poses serious health risks. It recommends continued monitoring, encourage wider adoption of the kaolinite method as a cost-effective remediation technique to ensure safe water consumption. Keywords: Mirerani groundwater, Kaolinite reduction method, Lead (Pb) levels, Safe water consumption

Actions (login required)

View Item