STREAM Journal, Vol. 3, No. 4, pp 1-17. October-December 2004

CONTENTS: Pasoso project: local livelihoods and turtle conservation in a small island MPA in central Sulawesi, Indonesia, by Abigail Moore. Fisheries development in Lao PDR, by Khamphet Roger. Creating better fisher livelihoods through leasable fisheries, by Khin Maung Soe. The Jankar system for sustainable livelihoods: lessons from the EIRFP, by Binay Kumar Sahay. Alternative livelihoods for landlocked areas in BFAR Region 6, by Jacqueline T. Mamburam. Lessons learned and future replication from Trao reef locally managed marine reserve, by Than Thi Hien.

The distribution and concentration levels of trace metals in water and sediments of Lake Victoria, Kenya

The water and bottom sediments of Lake Victoria (Kenya) were analysed for A1, Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr and Cd. The total metal concentrations were determined and their mean variations and distributions discussed. The bottom lake waters showed higher concentration levels than the surface waters. The range of values (in mg/l) in the bottom and surface lake waters were as follows: Surface Waters: A1(0.08 - 3.98), Fe(0.09 - 4.01), Mn(0.02 - 0.10). Zn(0.01 -0.07), Pb(0.001- 0.007), Cu(not detected - 0.006), Cr(not detected - 0.004). Bottom Waters: A1(0.1 0 - 6.59), Fe(0.23 - 9.64), Mn(0.04 - 0.39), Zn(0.01- 0.08), Pb(0.002 - 0.009), Cu(not detected - 0.03). Cr(not detected -0.002). River mouths and shallow areas in the lake showed higher total metal concentrations than offshore deeper areas. Apart from natural metal levels, varied urban activities and wastes greatly contribute to the lake metal pollution as shown by high Pb and Zn levels in sediments, around Kisumu and Homa Bay areas. Other comparatively high values and variations could be attributed to the varied geological characteristics of the lake and its sediments. Compared to the established W.H.O (1984) drinking water standards manganese, aluminium and iron levels were above these limits whereas zinc, lead, chromium, copper and cadmium were below.