Characterization of Lake Kivu Water Chemistry and Its Environmental Impacts

Abstract

Among the world’s lakes, Lake Kivu, a rift lake in the western branch of the Eastern African Rift System, has significant reserves of dissolved chemicals. However, no research has been done on their vertical variation in lake and how they affect the environment. This proposed chapter will review earlier research to better understand the origin of Lake Kivu’s chemical composition and its effects on the aquatic environment. Water samples were collected using Niskin bottles at various depths, as well as in various locations away from Nyamyumba hot spring sources. Hach kits and procedures were used to conduct chemical analyses on water samples. This study found that the majority of chemical concentrations rise with depth, primarily as a result of the deposition of organic matter. The sewage water from residential buildings, hospitals, runoff from agricultural activities, and rock-water interaction through dissolution process are the possible sources of chemicals discovered in Lake Kivu water. The levels of chemicals in the water of Lake Kivu at this time are less polluting and damaging to the aquatic environment. Therefore, it is important to implement a continuous monitoring strategy to stop eutrophication and other diseases linked to water pollution in humans.