Comparative spatial metal concentrations and partitioning in bottom sediments of two tropical freshwater lake basins,Kenya

Metal concentrations in the water, sediments and biota in alkaline, near neutral water tropical freshwater lake basins were determined and a comparative analysis made on the spatial and accumulated trace metal concentrations, and geochemical partitioning of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in bottom lake sediments. Variable accumulated levels were found in the analysed sediments and aquatic biological tissues. Metal partitioning data in the present study from the two areas exhibits similar trends in magnitude. The residual fractions retained relatively higher amounts of metals. Relatively higher contents of Pb, Cr and Cu were found in Lake Victoria sediments. Cd, Ni, Mn and Pb are of concern because a higher percentage of these metals were retained in the more bioavailable fractions in Lake Naivasha. Total levels of sediment mercury were comparable for the two lake basins. Metals were found in significant levels in the tissues of aquatic organisms, highlighting the potential risks to other levels within the aquatic food chain. Although the exposure risk was not evaluated, it is important to continue monitoring these elements in fish, as sediments were found to contain considerable quantities of the metals. Numerous sediment extraction techniques data applied for evaluating metal partitioning in sediments cannot be compared because of the use of different methods. Nevertheless, the information is still useful in differentiating and understanding pollution loads from natural versus anthropogenic sources and their associated risks.