Nutrients distribution patterns in Tudor Estuary (Mombasa, Kenya) during rainy season

Abstract

Nutrients distribution pattern for the Tudor Creek, Kenya, covering the period April, May, June and July 1986 was investigated. At the beginning of the rainy season (April), a salinity gradient with low values upstream and high values towards the open sea was evident-giving the creek estuarine characteristics. After the rainy season, salinity values were more-or-less uniform throughout the creek. The low salinity waters near the river mouths had high nutrient concentrations which decreased gradually towards the open sea. The highest nutrient concentrations were recorded in May, which also corresponded with rainfall peak. Though river runoff is shown to be the main source of nutrient supply into the estuary. However, its effect is not noticed during the peak of rainy season due to the rich nutrient waters is shown to persist in May. However, after the heavy rains, non-conservative mixing is noticed mainly die to the reduced freshwater nutrient input and nutrient loading by the CGHSS