| dc.description.abstract | Several natural water reservoirs, especially in the developing nations, have systematically experienced high ecological stresses and this has hindered the demonstration of their ecological utility. There have been little or no product and destination opportunities for ecotourism due to the exponential effect of multiple stresses on some Asian and most African lakes. Lake Victoria, the world’s largest fresh water lake in Kenya, has experienced increasing stresses which continue to dilute the pride that befits its stature. This study was conducted in four beaches along the shores of Lake Victoria with a focus on ecotourism industry so as to exemplify the sources of pollution, its implications and sustainability options within its Kisumu County buffer areas. Water samples were methodically collected and tested for physical, chemical and microbial status against reference standards. All results satisfactorily compared with past data but showed exponential swell in trends of contamination to the water body. There were indications of suitability of temperature and pH conditions but moderately high turbidity and suspended solid loads, all suitable for recreation. DO was present at fair levels but with the significant Nitrogen and Phosphorous intensities. Eutrophication and algal bloom at the lake were evident threats to recreation but E.Coli levels existed within recommended recreational normal of (206counts/100ml) for undesignated areas, which was significantly behind developed nation’s recreation beach designations. The BOD5 levels were within the recommended 5-15 mg/L for raw water reservoirs or tertiary effluents. Urban beaches depicted higher levels of pollution compared to rural ones while rainy/wet seasons exhibited significant pollution loads. Time of the day was not a pollution factor. The study recommends policy change and planning for shore lean ups, augmentation of existing sanitation infrastructure, public sensitization programmes; enhancement of institutional capacities; and image and destination branding of the site | en_US |
