Spatial Modelling of Arsenic Distribution and Human Health Effects in Lake Victoria Basin, Tanzania
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College of Engineering and Technology, University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
Description
Increasing incidences of naturally occurring geogenic pollutants in drinking water sources and associated human
health risks are the two major challenges requiring detailed knowledge to support decision making process at
various levels. The presence, location and extent of environmental contamination is needed towards developing
mitigation measures to achieve required standards. In this study we are developing a GIS-based model to detect
and predict drinking water pollutants at the identified hotspots and monitor its variation in space. In addition, the
mobility of pollutants within the affected region needs to be evaluated using topographic and hydrogeological
data. Based on these geospatial data on contaminant distribution, spatial relationship of As and F contamination
and reported human health effects such as dental caries, dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis and bone crippling, skin
and other cancers etc. can be modeled for potential interventions for safe drinking water supplies.
Keywords
Spatial modelling, arsenic, human health effects, lake victoria, Tanzania