Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures of organic matter sources in near-shore areas of Lake Victoria,East Africa

Stable isotope ratios of organic carbon and nitrogen (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) were measured in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment in the near-shore areas of Tanzanian waters of Lake Victoria (LV) to identify the various sources of organic matter in different areas of the lake. Spatial variations in δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, and C/N ratios in SPM and sediments in inshore areas were due to differences in the proportions and sources of autochthonous or allochthonous matter. Watershed characteristics, such as urbanization, and lake characteristics, such as algal blooms, also immensely influenced the stable isotope signal of the organic matter in sediments. Stable C and N ratios showed that inshore areas in bays without pronounced fluvial input were dominated by autochthonous planktonic organic matter; conversely, for bays receiving significant fluvial inflows, the composition of organic matter depended on the extent of preservation of shoreline vegetation. Signals resulting from input of anthropogenic organic waste as a result of urbanization were distinguishable from natural sources. This work demonstrates the potential to discriminate between input sources of organic material into lakes using stable isotope signals in sediment and suspended particulate matter.     

Variations in Spectral Slope in Lake Taihu,a Large Subtropical Shallow Lake in China

Spectral slope (S), describing the exponential decrease of the absorption spectrum over a given wavelength range, is an important parameter in the study of of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) dynamics, and also an essential input parameter in remote sensing models. Furthermore, S is often used as a proxy for CDOM composition, including the ratio of fulvic to humic acids and molecular weight. The relative broad range in S values reported in the literature can be explained by the different spectral ranges and fitting methods used. A single exponential model is used to fit the S values for 17 investigations involving 458 samples in Lake Taihu from January to October in 2004. The average S value was 15.18 ± 1.39 μm⁻¹ for the range of 280–500 nm, which fell within the range reported in the literature. The frequency distribution of S value basically obeyed a normal distribution. Significant differences in S values between summer and other seasons showed that phytoplankton degradation was one of the important sources of CDOM in summer, whereas CDOM mainly came from the river input in other seasons. Furthermore, the estimated S value decreased with increasing wavelength range used in regression. The maximum and minimum values derived from the regression were 17.89 ± 1.25 μm⁻¹ and 13.62 ± 2.11 μm⁻¹ for the wavelength ranges of 280–380 nm and 400–500 nm, respectively, a decrease of 23.9%. S values significantly decreased with the increase of CDOM absorption coefficients. CDOM absorption coefficients could be more appropriately estimated from exponential model introducing the variation of S with absorption coefficients, making them useful for a remote sensing bio-optical model of Lake Taihu. DOC-specific absorption coefficient a*(λ) and the parameter M describing molecular size of the humic molecules could also be used as a proxy for the sources and types of CDOM. A general relationship was found between S and a*(λ), and M values. S increased with the decrease of DOC-specific absorption coefficient and the increase of M corresponding to the decrease of molecular weight.     

Empirical modeling of chlorophyll a from MODIS satellite imagery for trophic status monitoring of Lake Victoria in East Africa

We detail our attempts at empirical modeling of MODIS derived Chlorophyll a (Chl a) distribution on Lake Victoria in East Africa and consequently its trophic status. This was motivated by the need for Lake Victoria specific algorithms, as the current satellite based standard algorithms overestimate derived Chl a. In situ Chl a data was hence collected in three field campaigns in November 2014, March 2015 and July 2015. In situ reflectances were collected during the July campaign only. We first developed models from in situ reflectances and in situ Chl a, which when applied to MODIS bands performed dismally (R² = 0.03). We then proceeded to derive empirical models by directly comparing MODIS bands with in situ Chl a based on data collected in November 2014 and July 2015. The March 2015 dataset couldn’t be used due to cloud cover hence no matchups could be obtained. The best model derived (R² = 0.88) was based on the ratio 488 nm/645 nm, and was then used to determine the trophic status of Lake Victoria using Carlson’s Chl a Trophic State Index (TSI). The results show that large areas of the lake are mesotrophic with eutrophic displays closer to the shores. The modeled TSI was then validated against in situ TSI derived from the March dataset and posted an 80% matchup. One of the main challenges, however is the prevalence of cloud cover, which hinders synoptic mapping of the lake. That notwithstanding, the study demonstrates the potential of earth observation in providing accurate TSI information for improved management of Lake Victoria.     

Occurrence and Transport of Organic Microcontaminants in the Duluth-Superior Harbor

A large number of organic compounds were identified in sediments and suspended solids from St. Louis Bay in the Duluth harbor. Most of the organic compounds appeared to be naturally occurring plant decomposition products consisting of non-halogenated hydrocarbons, organic acids, aldehydes, ketones, amines, esters, alcohols, and phenols. However, the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were confirmed by GC/MS methods. Particulate levels of PAH compounds such as fluorene, fluoranthene, and pyrene were found to lie in the 0.2 to 3 μg/g range. PCBs associated with suspended particles from St. Louis Bay and the Superior harbor were at concentrations of 0.2 to 0.9 μg/g and less than 0.1 μg/g, respectively. Measurements of PCBs in water from the St. Louis Bay showed an average value of 19 ng/L. Considering the concentration of PCBs in water and particulates in conjunction with average suspended solids levels, it was calculated that 81% of the PCBs were dissolved in water and 19% associated with suspended particles. It was estimated that suspended solid transport of PCBs and PAH to Lake Superior is less than 0.01% of airborne transport.     

宜兴三氿沉积物氮形态分布及其影响因素

为了解宜兴三氿(西氿、东氿和团氿)沉积物氮形态分布及其影响因素,采用连续分级提取法对三氿12个采样点表层沉积物样品中各种形态氮含量进行测定,探讨了不同形态氮的空间分布特征及影响因素。结果表明:总氮的空间分布与沉积物有机质分布存在明显的一致性,团氿含量较高,东、西氿含量较低且基本持平;可转化态氮含量占总氮的59.5%,对水体潜在危害较大,空间分布呈现出西氿最大、东氿次之、团氿最低的趋势;可转化态氮中4种形态氮含量大小顺序为弱酸可提取态氮、离子交换态氮、强碱可提取态氮、强氧化剂可提取态氮,弱酸可提取态氮为可转化态氮的优势形态;沉积物有机质与总氮和强氧化剂可提取态氮呈极显著正相关关系(P 0.01),pH值与总氮呈显著负相关关系(P 0.05);上覆水总氮与离子交换态氮呈极显著正相关关系(P 0.01),与可转化态氮呈显著正相关关系(P 0.05)。     

Pollution of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria, Kenya: A case study for preliminary risk assessment

A preliminary risk assessment was undertaken on the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria to identify the major causes of degradation of water quality. Urban, industrial and agricultural loads were quantified and related to geographical and climatic conditions. A few analyses of persistent contaminants were carried out on fish. Monthly limnological investigations were conducted together with river water quality analyses. Phosphorus loads and consequent eutrophication were identified as the major causes of water quality degradation.     

Wetland use and impact on Lake Victoria, Kenya region

This article reports on a study of wetland use and impact on Lake Victoria conducted in March and April 1995. A field survey and interviews were used to study wetland use and their impact on Lake Victoria. This article identifies management issues and establishes a broad vision for the future. It also addresses the need to balance the competing demands for wetland use and development with the need to conserve a healthy and functional Lake Victoria. Investment proposals are made that would minimize destruction of the wetlands and negative impacts on the lake. General recommendations for planning and management issues, as well as suggestions of specific research needs that should form the basis of action and investment initiatives, are given.