| dc.description.abstract |
Exposure to microcystin poses a potential health hazard to humans and other
living organisms. This results from eutrophication and warrants an investiga-
tion into the problem of microcystin toxicity in Lake Victoria. This study was
conducted in Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya and Busia counties to understand the
effects of microcystin toxicity among fisherfolk and lake riparian communi-
ties. Data collection involved 90 semi-structured questionnaires, 11 key in-
formant interviews and seven focus group discussions. Water samples were
also collected and analysed for algal toxins. Data were analysed using Stata
version 13 (Stata Corp, College Station, Texas, USA) and SPSS version 18.0.
Majority (73.3%) of the fisherfolk were aware of microcystin toxicity in the
lake with no significant difference in the awareness of microcystin toxicity
between men and women (
χ 2 = 1.1, df = 1, p = 0.293). Most of the respon-
dents relied on lake (48.9%) and tap water (47.8%) with paltry sourcing water
from borehole (16.8%) and rain (7.8%). There was no association between
level of education and water source (lake;
χ 2 = 1.61, df = 3, p = 0.656) and
(tap;
χ 2 = 2.23, df = 3, p = 0.527). Fisherfolk was cognizant of the need to curb
microcystin toxicity. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the oc-
currence of microcystin during the wet season compared to the dry season.
Cyanophytes were the most significant (p < 0.001) group of phytoplankton.
When ingested, microcystin has a long-term effect and therefore pollution
control is crucial |
en_US |