Author(s): Jackson Raini
Email (s): jraini2002@yahoo.com
Institution or organization of origin: Flamingonet
Country: Kenya
Abstract
Lake Nakuru is located at 360 05’ E, 000 24’ S; and lies within Nakuru City, Kenya. As part of routine water quality monitoring, the physico-chemical parameters were measured in-situ using the YSI Professional Plus handheld multi-parameter meter. Laboratory analysis for ions, anions and heavy metals. was done using “Standard Methods” 23rd edition. The mean physico-chemical parameters were as follows; pH (9.3), Conductivity (5.2±0.8mS/cm), Salinity (2.3±0.5‰), Dissolved Oxygen (2.0±2.6 mg/l) and Temperature (24.1±1.5oC). The concentrations of cations and anions were; Na+ (1,150mg/l), K+ (53.4mg/l), Ca2+ (2.71mg/l), Mg2+(0.34mg/l), SO42- (37.1mg/l), Cl- (323mg/l), HCO3-(2,400mg/l), P (0.4mg/l) and F- (18.8mg/l). Mean heavy metals concentrations in Mg/l were; Arsenic (<0.007), Cadmium (<0.002), Chromium (<0.004), Lead (<0.009), Nickel (<0.003), Mercury (<0.003), Selenium (<0.001), Cobalt (<0.41), Copper (<0.01) ; Zinc (<0.01) and Molybdenum (0.071- 0.099). Phytoplankton comprised of Coccoids and diatoms, replacing Arthrospira fusiformis which was absent. The zooplankton was dominated by crustacean’s daphnia magna and replacing rotifers and copepods Lovenula Africana. Study found three Tilapia fish species i.e. Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis variabilis and Oreochromis leucosticus. Previously, the only fish known to occur in the lake is Sarotherodon alcalicum grahami. This research is crucial in terms of strengthening the pillar on Information & knowledge within the Integrated Lake Basin Management framework. This is due to the fact that there exists a significant amount of research data and information on Lake Nakuru, but most of this data has not been adequately applied in the formulation of conservation and management strategies for improved Lake Basin governance.