Pollution killing Lake Victoria

Jan 22, 2020

According to the study, high nutrient and metal concentrations were recorded from samples obtained from Miami, Ggaba and Mulungo beaches as well as Murchison Bay.

LAKE VICTORIA        DEGRADATION       POLLUTION

Africa's largest freshwater lake is heavily polluted with high traces of three dangerous minerals, a new study examining the lake's water quality and degradation has revealed. 

Lake Victoria has been heavily polluted with high traces of three dangerous minerals, a new study has revealed. The study, conducted by researchers from the Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas in the US and Makerere University, has frightening revelations about the lake's future. 

The Assessing 
the Landscape Ecological Changes of Murchison Bay, Lake Victoria Using Satellite Imagery study relied on analysis of water samples and satellite data to track changes. 

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and mining is common on the shores of ake ictoria hoto by lfred chwoSand mining is common on the shores of Lake Victoria. Photo by Alfred Ochwo
 

 

 


Partial findings of the study presented at an international research conference in the US recently indicate that the lake has been significantly degraded by pollution and encroachment. 

Water samples collected from three separate locations around the lake show it contains high levels of lead, arsenic, aluminium, and phosphorus, which are not good for human life when consumed in certain quantities. 

 

 

apid urban growth has been cited as one of the dangers to the lake hoto by lfred chwoRapid urban growth has been cited as one of the dangers to the lake. Photo by Alfred Ochwo

 

 

 

 

 



According to the study, high nutrient and metal concentrations were recorded from samples obtained from Miami, Ggaba and Mulungo beaches as well as Murchison Bay. 

The lake area around Mulungo beach has high levels of arsenic, while Miami and Ggaba beaches have high concentrations of phosphorus compounds, researchers discovered. 

he lake water is green in colour resulting from algae growth hoto by lfred chwoThe lake water is green in colour resulting from algae growth. Photo by Alfred Ochwo

 

 

 

They also found that phosphorus levels in water at Miami and Ggaba beaches were above the recommended maximum levels for surface water and above acceptable levels for drinking water. 

"The water quality in Murchison Bay of Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa, is on the decline due to rapid urban growth, increase in impervious surface and decline in vegetative cover, resulting in eutrophication of lakes and streams," an excerpt from the study says. 

he lake shore filters sewage and emissions from various areas and also acts as a breeding ground for birds hoto by lfred chwoThe lake shore filters sewage and emissions from various areas and also acts as a breeding ground for birds. Photo by Alfred Ochwo

 

n electric fence built on the shores of ake ictoria hoto by lfred chwoAn electric fence built on the shores of Lake Victoria. Photo by Alfred Ochwo

 

 

 

 

 

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