Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Determining tributary sources of increased sedimentation in East-African Rift Lakes

Maarten Wynants, G.E. Millward, Aloyce Patrick, Alex Taylor, Linus K. Munishi, Kelvin Mtei, Luc Brendonck, David Gilvear, Pascal Boeckx, Patrick A. Ndakidemi, William Blake

The Science of The Total Environment · 2020

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Summary

This 2020 geochemical study employed sediment fingerprinting techniques to determine which tributaries contribute most significantly to sedimentation in East African Rift Lakes. By analysing elemental and isotopic signatures in sediment cores and water samples, the authors sought to apportion sediment sources and quantify erosion rates from different catchment areas. The work appears designed to support evidence-based land management and erosion mitigation strategies in the region.

UK applicability

Whilst the specific geological and hydrological context is East African, the sediment fingerprinting methodology may be applicable to UK lake and river systems experiencing increased sedimentation from catchment erosion. The approach could inform UK water quality management and erosion risk assessment in upland catchments.

Key measures

Sediment geochemical signatures, tributary sediment composition, isotopic ratios, elemental concentrations

Outcomes reported

The study identified and quantified tributary contributions to sedimentation in East African Rift Lakes using geochemical fingerprinting. The research traced sources of increased sediment loads to determine erosion and land degradation patterns across catchment areas.

Theme
Climate & resilience
Subject
Other / interdisciplinary
Study type
Research
Study design
Field study with geochemical analysis
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Tanzania
System type
Other
DOI
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137266
Catalogue ID
SNmohdwgxv-m9q3je

Topic tags

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