SPRINGS OF KNOWLEDGE MULTIDISPLINARY JOURNAL

Analysis of Different Methods for Reclamation of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from Sewage Lagoons

Morara Edwin — 2025-11-26

The need for better nutrient management has spurred efforts towards more comprehensive recycling of nutrients contained in sewage lagoons to agriculture. Research in this direction has intensified throughout the past years, continuously unfolding new knowledge and
technologies. The present review aspires to provide a systematic synthesis of the field by providing an accessible overview of terminology, recovery pathways and treatment options, and products rendered by treatment. Our synthesis suggests that, rather than focusing on a specific recovery pathway or product and on a limited set of nutrients, there is scope for exploring how to maximize nutrient recovery by combining individual pathways and products and including a broader range of nutrients. The research aimed at reclaiming two useful plant nutrients from sewage sludge, which were nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen was reclaimed from sewage sludge through the Kjeldahl method and phosphorus through chemical precipitation and digestion methods. The two were then analyzed for trace metals using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and their functional groups using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results found the nitrogen sample to contain 57.91% of ammonia which was greater compared to the phosphorus sample which contained 27.44% of phosphoric acid. All the samples were found to contain a lot of impurities as they
had high concentration content of up to more than 80% of compounds such as sulfur trioxide and magnesium oxide. In conclusion, reclamation of both nitrogen and phosphorous from sewage sludge was no pure as expected due to presence of impurities.

Assessing The Health Hazards Present in Open Air Markets and The Effects They Pose: A Case Study of Markets in Narok Town

Gitonga Vaniah Karimi — 2025-11-26

The growth of open-air markets has been on the rise both globally and locally. Narok town has also had its fair share of growth in open air markets. These open-air markets are, however, associated with various health hazards which end up posing a threat to the health of the people working in these markets and the environment at large. This study aimed at identifying the health hazards in the two major open-air markets, that is, ODM and Muthurwa open-air markets and the health effects they pose. The objectives for this were to determine the public health hazards and risks in these markets, how these hazards affect the health of people working in these open
air markets, to determine the levels of knowledge and awareness of public health standards and requirements among the market and to suggest possible recommendations on how to improve the working conditions in these open air markets. A self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the target population and was duly filled. From the results obtained from the study, it is evident that there is are public health hazards present in these markets which tend to affect the health of the people working in these markets and the environment to some extent. Although, a few people in the markets are aware of the public health standards in the markets, there is still inadequate information and different levels of awareness that need to be improved in these markets. The working conditions need to be improved to ensure the comfort of the people who work in these markets as well as those visiting the markets. This study concluded that these major open-air markets in Narok town face myriad challenges that need to be mitigated by
all the stakeholders associated with these markets to help reduce these hazards that affect the people working in them. It was recommended that similar studies be replicated in other open-air markets in the country to compare with the findings of this study.

Effect of Soil Degradation on Households’ Food Security in Rachuonyo North Sub-County, Homa-Bay County, Kenya

Ojallah Wicklife Odhiambo — 2025-11-26

This study assessed the effect of soil degradation on food security among households (HHs) of Rachuonyo North Sub-County, Homa-Bay County in Kenya. It examined common Anthropogenic Practices (ATPs) causing soil degradation, established the nexus between soil degradation and food security among the HHs and identified appropriate strategies for mitigating the effect of ATPs on soil degradation to improve food security in the area. Theory of Praxeology was considered relevant to the study. While study population was 32,500 households, Cochran formula was used to obtain 289 samples identified using multi-stage together with simple random sampling techniques for quantitative data. Five Key Informants were purposively identified for qualitative data. It was a cross-sectional survey study design. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics using Binary Logistic Regression Data Analyses (BLRDA) at 95% CL. Qualitative analyses were based on opinions drawn from FGDs, KII, Direct Field Observation and questionnaire. While the findings linked soil degradation to ATPs, for the investigated practices, BLRDA results revealed stone mining (OR = 2.130, 95% Cl; p < 0.05), conventional-tractor tillage (OR = 2.613, 95% Cl; p < 0.05), together with hill slope cultivation and settlement (OR = 2.227, 95% Cl; p < 0.05) are more prevalence. Study concludes that these ATPs are the major cause of soil degradation resulting to food insecurity threats among the HHs in the study area. The study recommends suspension of ATPs on high elevations in the area particularly Homa-Hills, review stone extraction and tractor farming policies, introduce intensive afforestation and reforestation.

Effects of Poverty on Pre-School Children’s Academic Performance

Mutie Lucia Mutanu — 2025-11-26

The purpose of this study was to establish the effects of poverty on the academic performance of preschoolers in Nzaui Sub County. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, and data was collected through the use of questionnaires. It was found that parents were unable to provide their children with learning resources, which affected their academic performance. It was also revealed that children who came from poor families had a learning environment that was not conducive, thus affecting their learning. The findings revealed that children were at times forced to be absent from school to do other jobs at home, such as looking after their siblings or performing other tasks, which affected their academic performance. It was also found that parents' economic standards were low, and they were unable to support their children's education, which also had an impact on their academic performance. Additionally, it was discovered that the living environment was not suitable to support children's education such as adequate space for homework. Based on the findings, it was concluded that family conditions, influenced by poverty, affected children's academic performance. Given the above findings, it was recommended that there is a need to support pre schools by providing the necessary resources that are not accessible to parents. It was also
recommended that the government make pre-school education free, enabling more children to access it. Furthermore, based on the findings, the research recommended conducting a study on how parents' economic activities contribute to the academic performance of their children. Since this study was conducted in one area, it is suggested that the same study be replicated in other areas.

Effects of Quality Procurement process on Procurement Performance of Public Universities in Kenya

Chesetto Stella — 2025-11-26

Public Procurement has been exposed to reforms and regulations. Procurement departments focus on getting technologically advanced goods and services that have no defect in a timely and cost effective manner. It is against this background that this study sought to determine the effects of orders adhering to specifications, adjusted orders, timely delivery and complete delivery on
procurement performance. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using multiple linear regression model. Findings indicated that quality procurement process (adjusted order, timely delivery, complete delivery and adherence to specification) were statistically significant predictors of procurement performance. The study concluded that quality
procurement process is depended upon to heighten procurement performance. In view of that, it is recommended that for better procurement performance, public universities should ensure that quality is enshrined in their procurement process.