HEAVY-METAL CONTAMINATION OF LAKE GEORGE (UGANDA) AND ITS WETLANDS

Lake George is a shallow equatorial lake in Uganda which, around its fringe, has a wetland designated as a Ramsar site of high international importance. A nearby copper mine has caused serious metal pollution of the surrounding land. Results show that heavy metals from mine waste, particularly copper and cobalt, are entering Kahendero Swamp, part of the Ramsar wetland, and contaminating the lake. In the lake, metals pass along the food chain. The distribution of metals in the wetland and possible modes of transport into the lake are discussed. The consequences of the metal contamination are considered and recommendations for its clean-up, especially in the light of future developments, are made.