Limnological Survey of the Alkaline, Saline Crater Lakes of Western Uganda

Abstract

Eight alkaline, saline crater lakes in western Uganda were surveyed between 26^th February and 3^rd March, 2014 with an aim of providing information on the physico-chemical features of these less known unique habitats and provide a basis for comparison with similar environments in other parts of the world. Lakes considered for this study included; Katwe, Kikorongo, Murumuli, Nyamunuka, Munyange, Bunyampaka, Bagusa and Maseche. Surface and Bottom measurements of physic-chemical parameters were measured in-situ from at least three geo-referenced points. Water samples for alkalinity, nutrients and detailed ionic analysis were taken from each of the points. In the laboratory, collected water samples were analysed following APHA standard operating procedures. All the studied lakes were alkaline and saline in nature as reported in the previous studies except Lake Kikorongo which was found to be fresh with a salinity of zero in this present study. With the exception of Lake Murumuli which was found to be a Carbonate-chloride lake, the rest of the sampled lakes are carbonate-sulphate lakes which is contrary to earlier studies which reported lakes like Katwe and Kikorongo to be Carbonate-chloride lakes.

Keywords: Alkaline, saline, carbonate-chloride, carbonate-sulphate, lakes