Review of phytoplankton community structures and their environment in Ugandan waters: A Case of Murchison Bay and Napoleon Gulf, Northern Lake Victoria

Authors

• Samiha M. Gharib, Hydrobiology Lab., Marine Environment Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Alexandria, Egypt
• Ahmed M. Heneash, Hydrobiology Lab., Marine Environment Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Alexandria, EgyptFollow
• Mohamed A. Heneash, Faculty science, Al-Azhar university, Cairo, Egypt

Article Type

Review

Subject Area

Hydrobiology

Corresponding Author

Ahmed M. Heneash

Corresponding Author ORCID

Ahmed M. M. Heneash

Abstract

Victoria Lake has seen a significant deterioration in water quality since the 1960s, facing serious ecological challenges due to physicochemical, and biological processes, as well as human activities in the surrounding watershed. The primary factor contributing to this decline is eutrophication, which has caused a shift in the dominant phytoplankton species from diatoms to nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. This shift has resulted in persistent algal blooms. This review centers on the Ugandan waters of Lake Victoria, specifically in Napoleon Gulf and Murchison Bay. It examines the composition of phytoplankton species, their numerical abundance, spatial distribution, and total biomass, as measured by chlorophyll concentration, in relation to environmental factors. The study identified significant differences in eutrophication levels between Murchison Bay and Napoleon Gulf. Specifically, nutrient concentrations were lower in Napoleon Gulf than in Murchison Bay. In Murchison Bay, there was a noticeable gradient in nutrient levels from inshore to offshore areas. Consequently, the chlorophyll-a levels in Murchison Bay were 4 to 10 times higher than those in Napoleon Gulf. Monitoring the composition of phytoplankton communities in Napoleon Gulf and Murchison Bay is crucial given observed changes in limnological, hydrological, and ecological conditions. This information will significantly enhance water management and conservation efforts.

Full Text of Submission

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Recommended Citation

Gharib, Samiha M.; Heneash, Ahmed M.; and Heneash, Mohamed A. (2026) "Review of phytoplankton community structures and their environment in Ugandan waters: A Case of Murchison Bay and Napoleon Gulf, Northern Lake Victoria," Blue Economy: Vol. 4 : Iss. 1 , Article 9.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.57241/2805-2994.1053

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