Browsing by Author "Athuman, Charles Buteta"

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    The levels of physico-chemical parameters in Lake Nyamagoma, western Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2008) Athuman, Charles Buteta
    This study assessed the levels of physical-chemical parameters in Lake Nyamagoma, Western Tanzania during both dry and wet seasons. In situ measurement of temperature, pH, turbidity, EC and DO was conducted using standard gears. Chemical parameters such as NO3-, PO43-, Si02, Fe2+, HCO3-, 5042-, Cl, and major captions from water samples were determined in the laboratory using standard methods. The data show higher levels of physical -chemical parameters during the wet season than during the dry season and vary at various sampling sites as indicated by the surficial distribution data. This is attributed to increased inputs via the inflows from the catchment where several anthropogenic activities take place. The geology and hydrochemistry of the study area also support the observed trend. The mean variation of DO, NO3-, PO43-, Si02, Fe2+, HCO3-, SO42- and Cr concentrations ranged from 4.98 to 5.51 mg/1, 0.70 to 1.61 mg/1, 3.74 to 12.59 mg/1, 20.18 to 26.02 mg/1, 7.06 x 10-2 to 0.11 mg/1, 209.40 to 151.96 mg/1, 1.01 to 5.06 mg/1, and from 23.55 to 41.87 mg/1 respectively. However, most of these data are still within the WHO and TBS standards making it possible for use. The multivariate analyses show high association in parameters and cases due to biological and hydro-geo-chemical processes including dissolution, decomposition, adsorption, precipitation, nitrification, gentrification, fixation, evaporation, action exchange, dilution and mixing as triggered by wind action. It is concluded that human-induced activities significantly lead to elevated abiotic parameter levels and hence seasonality impact on water quality of the lake. An intensive and detailed multidisciplinary long-term monitoring is highly recommended for sustainability of Lake Nyamagoma.