Browsing by Author "Byarugaba, D."

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Community awareness of the sources and impact of pollutants with emphasis on endocrine disruptors in Lake Victoria: the case of Jinja in Uganda
(2014-06) Msuya, C. P.; Byarugaba, D.; Mdegela, R.; Kamundia, P.; Mbuthia, P. G.
Despite its potential, Lake Victoria faces many challenges, including pollution. This study was conducted within Jinja District in, Uganda to establish the sources of pollutant; in particular, those likely to contain endocrine disruptors and their impact on fish productivity. Qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions, case stories, key info. rmants interviews and observations. The collected data were analysed using the inductive thematic analysis method. The findings reveal that pollutants that find access into the lake have the potential to disrupt the endocrine systems of organisms in the study area. However, awareness of the pollutants among community members was low. Human, animal, industrial, agricultural, hospital and domestic waste were the main sources of pollutants likely to contain endocrine disruptors. These pollutants were handled poorly and most of them were disposed into the lake without treatment. This calls for efforts to conduct education and extension programmes for awareness creation and for extending information to the community regarding sources and impacts of these pollutants. Such initiatives will enhance the awareness of local people such that they will be more alert when handling such pollutants in order to improve fish health which will in turn enhance the productivity offish in Lake Victoria.