Water pollution and its Impact on the Blue Economy Initiative: A Lesson Learned from the Kenyan Coast

Water, sediment and biota samples were collected from selected locations along the Kenyan Coast. The nutrient levels in surface water were relatively elevated as a result of sewage and riverine inputs. As, Cd, Pb, Hg and Ag levels in sediment from Kilindini Harbor pose minimal threat to marine life whereas Cu, Zn and Ni in the sediment pose a moderate threat to marine life while Cr levels in the sediment may have a severe impact on marine life. The concentrations of trace metals, PCBs, and DDT in the surface sediment were lower than the ERL thus posing a low threat to marine organisms. DDD+DDE/DDT ratios were above 0.5 suggesting historical input of DDT from rivers Tana, Sabaki and Ramisi. Trace metal concentrations in biota from Mtwapa, Makupa and Tudor creeks were below the WHO permissible levels of heavy metals in fish. The study concludes that sound management of marine environment is crucial for promoting fisheries as one of the sectors of the Blue Economy.