Author/Authors :
Okuku، E.O نويسنده Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute , , Ohowa، M نويسنده Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya , , Mwangi، S.N نويسنده Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute , , Munga، D نويسنده Mombasa Polytechnic University, P.O. Box 90420- 80100, Mombasa, Kenya , , Kiteresi، L.I نويسنده Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute , , Wanjeri، V.O نويسنده Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute , , Okumu، S نويسنده Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya , , Kilonzo، J نويسنده Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya ,
Abstract :
This study investigated the effects of sewage discharge on nutrient concentrations and BOD5
levels in the coastal waters and sediments ofthe City of Mombasa. The results indicated that nutrient
concentrations in Tudor, Mtwapa and Makupa Creeks were elevated as compared to concentrations in Gazi
Creek (mean ranges of 0.022-0.039mg/L, 0.038-0.163mg/L and 0.034-0.118mg/Lphosphates, nitrates and
ammonium respectively). Sediments were found to harbour relatively higher concentrations of nutrients than
water compartment (mean ranges of 0.217-1.131mg/L, 0.199-0.603mg/L and 9.394-26.73mg/L for phosphates,
nitrates and ammonium respectively) thus serving as a reservoir and potential source if sediments are re-
suspended during heavy storms or dredging. Based on Chl-a levels, Makupa Creek could be classified as
eutrophic whereas Mtwapa and Tudor Creeks could be placed at the upper limit of higher mesotrophy while
Gazi Creekcould be considered as an oligotrophic system. Of the three impacted Creeks, Tudor was found to
be the most polluted.
