Abstract:

Eutrophication of Lake Victori8 is attrihutable to the burgeoning hum8n population in its watershed. The lake is xperiencing increasing anthropog nic P loads from expanding urban, agricultural and industrial development. Paleolimnological and nutrient status indicators indicate excess P on a system scale. Excessive P has stimulated ph toplankton biomass and promoted blooms of -fixing cyanob8cteria. High algal biomass provides organic matter that contribl,ltes to extensi ie oxygen depletion in h p 1imn tic waters during the stratified period. Lov,! oxygen concentrations cau e a
complex suite of direct and indirect impacts including loss of aquatic animals and changes in nutrient cycling. Anoxi8 may be contributing to fish kills upon upwelling in
ake Victoria, and also causes release of materials bound to the bottom sediments including P.