On the limnology of Lake Baringo (Kenya): I.temporal physico-chemical dynamics

• Published in: Hydrobiologia Vol. 506-509; no. 1-3; pp. 121 - 127
• Main Authors: Oduor, S.O., Schagerl, M., Mathooko, J.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Nature B.V 15.11.2003
• Subjects: Climatic conditions; Dissolved oxygen; Hydrologic regime; Lakes; Limnology; Thermal stratification
• ISSN: 0018-8158; 1573-5117
• DOI: 10.1023/B:HYDR.0000008563.00000.18

Issue Title: Shallow Lakes 2002 Temporal dynamics of the physico-chemical variables for Lake Baringo (Kenya) were studied between the months of May and August 2000. The results showed Lake Baringo to be a very turbid lake thus leading to bad light conditions even close to the lake's surface. Thermal stratification was observed during daytime while isothermal conditions occurred thoughout the night. Within the lake only low nitrate-nitrogen concentrations of around170 μg l^sup -1^ could be analysed, but due to clay particles total phosphorus concentrations reached 480 μg l^sup -1^. Temporal variations were observed in most of the variables analysed and seemed to be related to the hydrological regime and climate conditions. However, no significant diel patterns could be detected in these variables except for temperature and dissolved oxygen. High ionic concentrations of Na^sup +^ and Cl^sup -^ ions were observed with a three-fold increase in concentration between 1965 and this study, while mg^sup 2+^ and Ca^sup 2+^ concentrations are low and appear unaltered during this period.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]