International Journal of Innovative Research and Development

Abstract

Following the World Health Organization designating the ‘corona virus disease 2019’ (COVID-19) a global pandemic, there has been a global demand for production of PPEs (Personal Protection Equipment) to help fight the scourge. As there has been growing numbers of people getting infected, respective global governments and WHO have suggested necessary needs and measures to reduce escalation. In Kenya, the government has taken steps such as insisting on social distancing, encouraged use of face masks and controlled movement among other measures to slow the rate of transmission. These actions prevent a strain on the healthcare system which already has shortages of key equipment.

Using textile technology and design, this study seeks to implement knowledge of the field to focus on protective measures that will immediately address prevention of the spread. The study focused on the development and testing of face masks for the public to help in prevention of COVID -19 spread. These masks were made from natural cotton fibre that is affordable, available and reusable. The mask was made using three layers of 7’’ by 7’’ pieces of fabric. The two outer layers were made of poly-cotton, while the middle layer was polypropylene fabric, used as a filter. Users of this product breathe comfortably through a double-layer of brand new poly cotton. Putting masks on the sick reduces their ability to spread the virus. It is generally believed that the primary purpose of cloth masks is to prevent spread of infections from the wearer.

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Abstract

Water pollution is the change in physico-chemical and biological properties of water quality that is harmful to living things. It is caused by pollutants drawn from domestic, industrial and agricultural effluents. It can also be caused by inappropriate use of chemicals and haphazard disposal of waste. It has become a global concern due to effects on fauna and flora. Sosiani River traverses Eldoret town, draining effluent openly discharged. This river is an important source of industrial and domestic water for residents living in Eldoret, Turbo towns. The study assessed seasonal variations in physicochemical properties of river water. Water samples were collected from five (5) sampling points along Sosiani River for six months and analyzed using American Public Health Association water sampling and processing procedures. Data was managed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 20. Both descriptive and inferential statistics like analysis of variance, correlation and regression analysis were used in analysing the resultant data. Sosiani River exhibited high mean levels of turbidity at 32.6 ± 17.0 NTU, high biological oxygen demand at 61.9± 22mg/L, high chemical oxygen demand at 110.6 ± 39.0 mg/L, high total suspended solids at 135 ± 41.5 mg/L, high total dissolved solids at 160.0± 41.1mg/L. The physico-chemical properties of water quality varied significantly along Sosiani River and with changing seasons at P<0.005. The physico-chemical water parameters increase in concentration along the river up to midstream in town centre but decline downstream along the river up to Turbo town.

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