Senior Research Scientist Oceanography and Hydrography Location KMFRI Mombasa Department Oceanography and Hydrography Research Interests • Comprehensive study of macro, meso, and microplastics, including collection, identification, characterization, and the assessment of their ecological impact on marine biota. • Investigation of speciation, mobility, bioavailability, and bioaccumulation patterns of heavy metals within coastal sediments and biological tissues. • Application of advanced instrumental techniques, such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), for the monitoring of persistent organic pollutants and petroleum hydrocarbons. • Assessment of nutrient dynamics (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus) and benthic-pelagic exchange processes in sensitive marine ecosystems, including mangrove environments. • Expertise in implementing ISO 17025 standards and harmonizing operational protocols to ensure the integrity and accuracy of analytical laboratory data. • Application of biomonitoring, trend assessment, and spatial management strategies to evaluate coastal health and mitigate environmental encroachment. • Development of policy briefs and evidence-based strategies to support environmental regulation, such as the assessment of single-use plastic bans. | Research Focus: Investigating marine pollution, specifically microplastics and associated contaminants (plastic additives, POPs and heavy metals), and water quality dynamics in Kenyan and East African coastal waters to inform evidence-based environmental policy. Dr. Charles Mitto Kosore is a distinguished Senior Research Scientist at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), where he has contributed significantly to the field of marine science since 1987. An expert environmental analytical chemist, Dr. Kosore holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and a Joint M.Sc. in Quality in Analytical Laboratories. His research is dedicated to understanding marine pollution, specifically the occurrence, characterization, and ecological impact of microplastics and heavy metals within East African coastal ecosystems.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kosore has demonstrated an exceptional ability to secure international funding, including grants from the National Geographic Society, WIOMSA, and the National Research Fund, Kenya. His work bridges the gap between complex laboratory analysis, using advanced techniques like GC-MS, ICP-OES, FTIR, and practical environmental management. He has led multi-disciplinary research initiatives, participated in international scientific cruises, and provided critical data to support the assessment of plastic pollution policies.
Beyond his institutional research, Dr. Kosore is an active leader in the global scientific community. He serves as a member of the scientific board for the PASSPORT 2C project and is a recognized member of the UN Pool of Experts for the Global Assessment of the Marine Environment, the Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) and Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI). A committed mentor and communicator, he has served as a part time lecturer, peer reviewer for high-impact journals, and a participant in the National Geographic Society’s Science Telling Bootcamp. His robust record of publications and professional dedication continues to shape coastal research and environmental policy across the Western Indian Ocean region. Research & Administrative Responsibility
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Awards and Honours National Research Fund (NRF), Kenya: Grant for PhD project (2017) National Geographic Society (NGS):
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) Grants:
Selected Publications Haddy E, Sing'Oei O, Kosore C, Lewis K, Bowyer C and Proops L (2025). Ingestion of terrestrial plastic pollution by free-roaming livestock, including working donkeys: An interdisciplinary assessment. Cambridge Prisms: Plastics, 3, e42, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1017/plc.2025.10036 Nichmi, A. A., Shilla, D. A., Kosore, C. M., Shilla, D. J., Shashoua, Y., Sorensen, C., & Khan, F. R. (2024). Microplastic pollution in the Thumbprint emperor (Lethrinus harak) from Tanzanian coastal waters: Occurrence, abundance, characterization, and relevance as a monitoring species. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 76, 103600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2024.103600 Kosore, C.M., Waiyaki, E., and Kimanga, F. (2024). Assessing the impact of banning the single-use plastic carrier bags: A case study for Kenyan marine environment looking at macro, meso and micro plastics. Environ Monit Assess, 196:329. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-024-12473-w Nichmi, A. A., Shilla, D. A., Kosore, C. M., Shilla, D. J., Shashoua, Y., & Khan, F. R. (2022). Microplastics in marine beach and seabed sediments along the coasts of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar in Tanzania. Mar Pollut Bull, 185(Pt A):114305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114305 Nichmi, A. A., Kosore, C. M., Oduor, N., Shilla, D. J., Shashoua, Y., Khan, F. R., & Shilla, D. A. (2022). Microplastics in Marine Nearshore Surface Waters of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, East Africa. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-022-03620-5 Kosore, C. M., Ojwang, L., Maghanga, J., Kamau, J., Shilla, D., Everaert, G., Khan, F. R., & Shashoua, Y. (2022). Microplastics in Kenya's marine nearshore surface waters: Current status. Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 179, June 2022, 113710. Kosore, C., Ojwang, L., Maghanga, J., Kamau, J., Kimeli, A., Omukoto, J., Ngisiag'e, N., Mwaluma, J., Ong'ada, H., Magori, C., & Ndirui, E. (2018). Occurrence and Ingestion of Microplastics by Zooplankton in Kenya's Marine Environment: First Documented Evidence. African Journal of Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2018.1492969 Kosore, C., Galindo-Riaño, M., & Díaz-de-Alba, M. (2015). Assessing trace-element mobility in Algeciras Bay (Spain) sediments by acid and complexing screening. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 12(8), 2992-3003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2015.06.041 Wanjeri, V.O, Okuku, E.O, Ohowa, B.O, Kosore, M.C. and Ongore, C.O. (2013). An insight into ecotoxicological significance of PAHs contamination in selected Kenyan estuaries. Journal of Environmental Science and Water Resources, Vol. 2 (5), pp. 157-166. Díaz-de Alba, M., Galindo-Riaño, M.D., Casanueva-Marenco, M.J., García-Vargas, M., Kosore, C.M. (2011). Assessment of the metal pollution, potential toxicity and speciation of sediment from Algeciras Bay (South of Spain) using chemometric tools. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 190, 177-187. Links |
