Abstract:
Mean concentrations of selected USEPA priority
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface
sediments and water samples from Car Wash and Kisat areas
of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria in Kenya have been determined
using GC-FID and GC-MS. Sampling was done
during the rainy season in April 2006. The PAH concentrations
in sediment and water ranged from 0.04 to 31.95 lg/
g dry weight and 3.32 to 55.8 lg/L, respectively, depending
upon the sampling location. The total concentration levels of
PAHs in both the sediment and water phase in this study
were found to be much higher compared with those reported
from other regions worldwide, revealing significant PAH
pollution of Car Wash and Kisat areas of Kisumu city bay as
a consequent of anthropogenic activities as described in the
text. The GC-detected PAHs were confirmed by GC-MS.
