Application of wastewater-based epidemiology to determine human exposure to pesticides within selected counties in western Kenya

The use of wastewater epidemiology approach has been on the rise recently due to its cost effectiveness and ability to identify emerging chemicals such as pesticides from wastewater. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to these compounds result in adverse effects to both humans and aquatic organisms. Although these studies exist, majority have been performed in developed countries with limited data existing for developing countries. The aim of this proposed study is to monitor pesticides and pesticide metabolites in wastewater and surface as an indicator of human exposure. The study will be carried out in four counties within western Kenya and will cover major crop types (tea, maize, rice, wheat and flowers) grown in the area. Solid phase extraction will be performed on the sampled followed by liquid chromatography coupled to a high-resolution mass spectrometry for compound identification and quantification. The output will show contamination level of pesticides and metabolites, and potential risk to human health. The project will generate first results on occurrence of human metabolites in the Kenyan environment. These results will be published in peer reviewed journals, newspapers and magazines for public sensitization. It will also form the basis for policy formulation on pesticide use in Kenya.