Water Physico-Chemical Characteristics of the Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, Rwanda

Abstract

Rwanda possesses multiple lakes, whose properties were rarely described. The present study assessed physico-chemical characteristics of water in Burera and Ruhondo lakes located in highly populated area with steep slopes, which are under extensive agriculture, thus water quality monitoring is important. Both lakes were alkaline with high content of Mg, while Ruhondo had higher electrical conductivity than Burera. Phosphorus and nitrogen exceeded Class III EPA standards indicating that both lakes are at risk of eutrophication.

Keywords: water quality, lakes Burera and Ruhondo, Rwanda