Assessing the Borta Reservoir using physicochemical parameters, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in the Borta Reservoir (Ethiopia) to portray physicochemical parameters between September 2018 and July 2019 for three data collection sessions. Accordingly, the sampling site was purposely selected perimeter-wise from the Borta Reservoir based on the distance from human settlements; anthropogenic effect and accessibility for the study three stations (sampling sites) were purposely selected perimeter-wise and the sites were coded as Site one (S1), site two (S2), and site three (S3). Water samples were collected monthly for three sample collection sessions. Samples were collected from each site and transported to the Limnology Laboratory and other parameters were measured on-site using a pre-calibrated portable instrument. SPSS version 20 was used for the statistical analysis. The recorded physicochemical parameters were in the range of freshwaters. It was evident that the Borta Reservoir had been showing signs of water quality loss over time. This could have resulted from stressors linked to anthropogenic sources from domestic wastes and pollutants from agricultural lands. This study suggested a restoration action be undertaken. HIGHLIGHTS The appropriate study design and method of sample collection is applied.; The characteristics of water quality parameters are controlled.; More detailed settling information about water quality parameters can improve and estimate water treatment performance.; It was demonstrated that the dynamics of the wastewater characteristics under dry and wet seasons influence concentration water quality parameters.;

Keywords

• anthropogenic factors
• domestic wastes
• nutrients
• pollution
• water quality