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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 22878, member: 2262"] A new study by Bethany International has found that chemicals are flowing into Lake Victoria and harming its biodiversity. The chemicals come from farms, factories, and cities near the lake and harm the fish and other animals that live in the water. The study says that fertilizers and animal waste from farms can cause algae to grow too fast in the lake. When the algae die, they use up a lot of the oxygen in the water, making it hard for fish and other creatures to survive. Factories and cities also dump harmful chemicals into Lake Victoria. These include pesticides and heavy metals like mercury and lead. The chemicals build up in fish bodies over time and can make them sick or unable to have babies. The pollutants also change the lake's water. They can make it too acidic or alkaline for some animals to live in. Certain species that are only found in Lake Victoria, like some types of fish and snails, could even go extinct. Many people who live near the lake depend on it for food and income. If the fish die off, it will be very hard for these communities. The chemicals can also make the fish unsafe for people to eat. Drinking polluted water can also cause health problems. The study suggests some ways to help protect Lake Victoria. Farmers should use less fertilizer and pesticides. Factories need to be more careful about not polluting. Cities must do a better job of treating sewage. Wetlands around the lake should be protected because they filter out chemicals naturally. Lake Victoria is in danger from all the pollution. Steps must be taken soon to clean up the lake and keep the animals and people who depend on it healthy. [/QUOTE]

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