Loading of solute and suspended solids from rural catchment areas flowing into Lake Victoria in Uganda

This research investigates the solute and suspended solids loading from various catchment areas and their streams into Lake Victoria. Physical parameters were measured and water samples were taken approximately monthly for 1 year at several stations along the streams. Samples were analyzed for nutrients, major ions and suspended solids. The total nitrogen and phosphorus loadings determined from the studied catchments were extrapolated to calculate the loadings into the entire lake from its watershed. A range is given to represent extremes of conditions of land use and stream profile: minimum values are loadings from arable non-agricultural lands, slow moving streams and flat plains whereas maximum values are obtained from pasture land (manure input), high discharge and steep topography (increased erosion). These values are minimum loads since the first flush of rain events were not captured. An attempt was made to assess from the literature the total point and diffuse loadings into Lake Victoria. There are still many gaps in the data (especially industrial inputs) and further research is needed to obtain more certainty in the assessment of pollution and future environmental management strategies of the lake.