Sedimentological and Paleoecological Research Techniques, with Applications to the Environmental History of Loboi Swamp, Kenya

Peter N Gitau* and Dirk Versch

Abstract

This research involved sedimentological and paleoecological research techniques, with application to the environmental history of Loboi Swamp (Kenya) in the context of water-resource management and wetland conservation. The analyses included non-destructive scanning of sediment cores (magnetic properties, water content, colour spectroscopy, digital photography), determination of bulk sediment composition (organic matter, carbonate, mineral sediments), grain-size analysis, and aquatic invertebrate remains. This was undertaken at Ghent University, department of Biology in the Limnology research unit.