Chapter 16 - Microbial dynamics within Lake Victoria Basin in relation to human activities

Abstract

Within a lake basin, socioecological system actors’ interaction and discharge may differ greatly, which is likely to result in differences in microbial contaminants. The current work investigated this hypothesis based on the selected dominant uses of Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya. Data were derived from resource monitoring programs that included Lake Victoria Environment Management Project surveys (2015–18); Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) routine monitoring (2017–20); Aquaculture Business Development Programme for Small Water Bodies (SWBs) (2019–20); Kenya Climate Smart Agricultural Programme (2019–20); and KMFRI—Mango Tree Project (2019–21). The study reported the impact of human activities concerning microbial contaminants to be potentially greater in industrial and urban discharges and SWBs than in lake water and fishponds. This was linked to the escalations of dispersion, dilution, and vertical and horizontal transport. The results of this study emphasize the importance of developing a structural framework to systematically include socioecological system actors’ interaction association with microbial contaminants into spatially integrated management plans. Furthermore, to protect inland waterways, there is a need for awareness creation on their continuing destruction and the many beneficial functions they provide to society. The current study recommends further research in the field, management, and enforcement activities in the lake basin and purposes to serve as a decision support tool for monitoring various socioecological uses of a basin concerning aquatic microbial contamination for improved management and productivity.