Research Scientist Limnology & Freshwater Systems Environmental Chemistry & Aquatic Ecotoxicology Water Quality • Nutrient Dynamics • Sediment Geochemistry • Pollution Assessment Email: gbasweti@kmfri.go.ke Years of Experience 1997-present (29 years at KMFRI) Research Interests Physico-chemical characterization of surface waters; Nutrient dynamics and eutrophication processes; Assessment of sediment geochemistry and contaminant distribution in aquatic ecosystems; Bioassessment using macroinvertebrates and plankton as indicators of ecological health; Identification and characterization of point and non-point pollution sources; Environmental geochemistry of river catchments; Impacts of urbanization, agriculture, and industrialization on water quality; Application of multivariate statistics and isotopic techniques for pollution source apportionment; Ecological risk assessment and freshwater ecosystem monitoring | Research Focus: Chemical and bioassessment of freshwater ecosystems with particular emphasis on understanding the effects of anthropogenic activities on rivers, small lakes, dams and Lake Victoria Basin, integrating chemical analyses with biological indicators for a comprehensive understanding of water pollution. Academic Background
Mr. George Morara Basweti holds a BSc in Analytical Chemistry with Computing, a multidisciplinary degree that integrates environmental chemistry, instrumentation, data analysis and computational methods. It provided a strong foundation in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of environmental samples, laboratory quality assurance, statistical analysis and the application of computational tools for scientific research. He is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Chemistry, where he is advancing his expertise in environmental chemistry and aquatic ecosystem research. His studies focus on applying advanced analytical techniques to investigate water quality, pollutant dynamics and ecosystem responses in freshwater environments. It has strengthened his capacity in research design, environmental monitoring, data interpretation, and scientific communication. Research Focus
His research centers on the chemical and bioassessment of freshwater ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on understanding the effects of anthropogenic activities on rivers, small lakes, dams and Lake Victoria Basin. The overarching goal of his research is to characterize freshwater ecosystem health by integrating chemical analyses with biological indicators. This interdisciplinary approach enables a comprehensive understanding of both the causes and ecological consequences of water pollution. His research particularly focuses on urban and peri-urban rivers draining into Lake Victoria, where increasing population growth, land-use change, and inadequate waste management have intensified pressures on aquatic ecosystems. Notable Research Achievements
Throughout his research career, he has contributed to the advancement of freshwater environmental science through scientific publications, collaborative research and applied environmental investigations. These publications have enhanced understanding of freshwater pollution dynamics and have contributed to the scientific literature supporting sustainable management of Kenya's aquatic ecosystems. An important strength of his research has been active collaboration with internationally recognized research institutions, facilitating multidisciplinary approaches to freshwater science and environmental management. Collaborations
Collaboration with the British Geological Survey has strengthened his research in environmental geochemistry, hydrochemistry, and pollution source characterization. This partnership has supported the application of advanced analytical methods for investigating the interactions between geology, land use and water quality. Working with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has enhanced his expertise in freshwater ecology, environmental monitoring, ecosystem assessment and catchment-scale environmental management. The collaboration has promoted interdisciplinary research integrating chemistry, ecology, and hydrology to better understand freshwater ecosystem functioning and resilience. Boston University has provided opportunities for international scientific exchange and multidisciplinary environmental research. Research Impact
The research has made significant contributions to understanding freshwater pollution and ecosystem health, generating scientific evidence that informs environmental policy, water resource management, and conservation planning. The identification of pollution hotspots and contaminant pathways provides a basis for designing targeted pollution mitigation strategies. Research aligns closely with Kenya's environmental priorities and international sustainability agendas by contributing to: Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, 14 Life Below Water, 15 Life on Land and 17 Partnerships for the Goals. Future Research Vision
To build on existing collaborations, he aspires to advance integrated freshwater science through: Stable isotope applications for pollution source tracing, environmental DNA (eDNA) for biodiversity assessment and machine learning and geospatial modelling for water quality prediction. Research & Administrative Responsibility - ▹ Conduct research in aquatic ecotoxicology, Nutrient dynamics and Aquatic pollutants
- ▹ Develop research proposals
- ▹ Mentorship of students and interns
- ▹ Generation of publications
Research Interest / Areas of Expertise - ▹ Physico-chemical characterization of surface waters
- ▹ Nutrient dynamics and eutrophication processes
- ▹ Assessment of sediment geochemistry and contaminant distribution in aquatic ecosystems
- ▹ Bioassessment using macroinvertebrates and plankton as indicators of ecological health
- ▹ Identification and characterization of point and non-point pollution sources
- ▹ Environmental geochemistry of river catchments
- ▹ Impacts of urbanization, agriculture, and industrialization on water quality
- ▹ Application of multivariate statistics and isotopic techniques for pollution source apportionment
- ▹ Ecological risk assessment and freshwater ecosystem monitoring
Academic Qualifications - ▹ MSc Chemistry (Ongoing)
- ▹ BSc Analytical Chemistry with Computing – University of Eldoret, 2014
- ▹ Diploma in Analytical Chemistry – Kisumu Poly, 2007
Professional Membership - ▹ African Lakes Network (Afranet) – Member
- ▹ African Centre for Aquatic Research and Education (ACARE) – Member
- ▹ World Aquaculture Society (WAS) (African Chapter) – Member
Selected Publications Mwamburi J, Basweti G, Owili M, Babu J, Wawiye P. Spatio-temporal trends of nutrients and physico-chemical parameters on lake ecosystem and fisheries prior to onset of cage farming and re-opening of the Mbita passage in the Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria. Lakes & Reserv. 2020; 25: 292-313. https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12329Zepernick, B.N., Hart, L.N., Chase, E.E., Natwora, K.E., Obuya, J.A., Olokotum, M., Houghton, K.A., Kiledal, E.A., NSF-IRES 2022 Lake Victoria Research Consortium, Achieng, D., Barker, K.B., Basweti, G.M., Beal, M., Brown, K.M., Byrne, A., Drouillard, K.G., Getabu, A., Kiteresi, L.I., Lawrence, T., Lomeo, D., Miruka, J.B., Mohney, S., Njiru, J., Okutoyi, P., Omondi, R., Otieno, D., Owino, O.A., Owoko, W., Owuor, B., Shitandi, A., Stoll, J., Swaleh, M., Tebbs, E., Varga, E., Wagner, R.S. (2024). Molecular investigation of harmful cyanobacteria reveals hidden risks and niche partitioning in Kenyan Lakes. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2024.102757Mwamburi, J., Yongo, E., Aura, M. C., Babu, M. J., Basweti, M. G., Gichuru, N. N., ... & Wawiye, I. P. (2018). Balancing community needs and resource protection: The case of Lake Kanyaboli, Kenya. J. Biodivers. Endanger. Species, 6(2). Mwamburi, J., Miruka, J.B., Guya, F., Wawiye, P., Morara, G.B., et al. The Spatio-Temporal Changes in Water Quality and Influences on the Phytoplankton, Zooplankton and Fish Species in Four Large Riverine Ecosystems in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya. Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, 2025, 24 (10), pp.14-45. ⟨hal-05286570⟩ Orina, T., Kagali, R.N., Mbogo, K., Cooperman, M., Kaufman, L., Okechi, J., Achoki, J., Chepkirui, M., Mwarabu, R.L., Nyamweya, C., Morara, G., Orina, P.S. (2026). Effects of Cage Aquaculture on Biodiversity of Lake Victoria, Kenya. Open Journal of Ecology, 16(4), 187-201. Mrombo, N.L., Kiyuka, J.N., Morara, G.B., Aura, C.M., Nyamweya, C.S., Mwainge, V.M., Osore, M. (2025). Unravelling the causes of the current wild fish kills in Kisumu Bay fishery of Lake Victoria, Kenya. Kenya Aquatica vol.10(01) 25-33. Stoll, J.T., Wagner, R., Otieno, D., Miniga, S., Adhiambo, S., Kahoro, H., Nyabayo, T., Odhiambo, B., Ochieng'Omach, Z., Moraa, H., Okeyo, H.A., Owino, A., Basweti, G., Obuya, J.A., Zepernick, B.N., Natwora, K.E., Owoko, W., Brown, K., Barker, K., Varga, E.M., Beal, M., Mohney, S., Lomeo, D., Byrne, A., Tebbs, E., Achiya, J., Drouillard, K.G., McKay, R.M., Sitoki, L., Lawrence, T.J., Otiso, K., Costello, D.M., Bullerjahn, G.S. (2023). Nutrient limitation in the cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom (cHAB) riddled Nyanza Gulf, Lake Victoria. IAGLR's 66th Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research. Basweti, G.M., Nyaundi, J.K., Mwamburi, J.M., Gichuru, N., Nyamweya, C.S. (2026). Comparative assessment of nutrient dynamics and eutrophication risk of urban stressors on riverine water quality and downstream receiving waters: A Case of Rivers Auji and Kisat, Kisumu, Kenya. African J. of Aqua. Sci. ID. 268176697 Links |
