The joint water sampling exercise on Lake Victoria has officially commenced, starting in Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania. This collaborative initiative is being led by experts from the three EAC Partner States— the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
The primary objective of the exercise is to assess the extent and sources of pollution and to understand the distribution and impact of invasive species such as water hyacinths.
Spearheaded by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) with support from the German Development Agency (GIZ) under the EAC for Nature project, the effort aims to generate credible, science-based data to inform environmental conservation strategies and policy development.
Water sampling will be conducted across forty six sites in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The monitoring program encompasses a broad range of parameters, including key nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, silica, alkalinity, and total suspended solids.
In-situ measurements are being recorded on-site and include pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and light penetration (PAR), along with GPS coordinates and depth data.
The survey also examines major ions—including calcium, magnesium, and chloride—as well as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) as an indicator of organic pollution. Heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead are being analyzed at selected locations, with samples taken from both surface and bottom layers of the lake.
Additionally, phytoplankton species are being monitored to assess algal composition and abundance, providing insights into biological activity and the potential for harmful algal blooms.
This comprehensive approach offers a detailed snapshot of the lake’s chemical, physical, and biological conditions, contributing to more informed and effective environmental management and protection of Lake Victoria.