Interannual variability of water quality conditions in the Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya

Abstract

The Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria is considered eutrophic with degrading water quality, as shown by harmful algal blooms formed by cyanobacteria of the genus Microcystis. The dilution of gulf water occurs mainly through the wide Rusinga Channel, whereas the much narrower and shallower Mbita Channel was reopened in May 2017. Specific conductivity and phytoplankton biovolume composition were monitored monthly from July 2017 to July 2018 at three stations and compared with records during 2008 – 2009, when higher eutrophication was observed, in the west gulf (WG, closely located to the Mbita Channel), the mid gulf (central part of the gulf), and the east gulf (EG, close to Kisumu City). As previously observed, conductivity showed a distinct increase from the WG to the EG but compared with records 2008–2009 it had decreased. Water level fluctuations, resulting from wind possibly causing water exchange with the main basin, were related to the decrease in conductivity at the EG. When all three stations were compared, the environmental variable transparency was positively related to most phytoplankton genera, whereas the genera Dolichospermum, Microcystis, and Aulacoseira were related to eutrophication. Compared with the period 2008–2009, the proportion of Microcystis decreased, while the proportion of Aulacoseira increased. Compared with the period 2008–2009, the observed dilution at the EG was primarily related to the overall increased water level in the main basin. The observed dilutional influence might have led to a decline in nuisance phytoplankton and overall improved water quality conditions.