Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Seasonal and spatial variation of reservoir water quality in the southwest of Ethiopia

  • Published:
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This research investigated the spatiotemporal variation of water quality in the Gilgel Gibe reservoir, Ethiopia, using physicochemical water quality parameters. Nonparametric tests and multivariate statistical techniques were used to evaluate data sets measured during dry and rainy seasons. Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), nitrate (NO3−), total dissolved solids (TDSs), and total suspended solids (TSSs) were all significantly different among seasons (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.01). In addition, principal component analysis distinguished dry season samples from wet season samples. The dry season was positively associated with EC, pH, TP, TN, NO3−, TDS, and TSS and negatively associated with BOD5. The wet season was in contrast associated with high values of turbidity, soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), water temperature, and dissolved oxygen (DO). Within the reservoir, spatial variation was observed for some of the water quality parameters, with significant difference at p = < 0.05. Overall, high nutrient concentrations suggest eutrophic conditions, likely due to high nutrient loading from the watershed. Levels of TSS, attributed to inputs from tributaries, have been excessive enough to inhibit light penetration and thus have a considerable impact on the aquatic food web. Our findings indicate that the reservoir is at high risk of eutrophication and siltation, and hence, urgent action should target the planning and implementation of integrated watershed management for this and similar reservoirs in the region.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aladesanmi, O. T., KayodeAgboola, F., & Adeniyi, I. F. (2014). Seasonal limnological variation of selected streams and their associated fish ponds in Osun State, Nigeria. Environmental Energy and. Biotechnology, 76(9), 42–46.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alam, A., Badruzzaman, A. B. M., & Ali, M. A. (2012). Spatio-temporal assessment of water quality of the Sitalakhya River , Bangladesh. Internatinal Journal of. Engineering and Technology, 2(6), 953–962.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ambelu, A., Koen, L., Peter, L. M., & Goethals. (2013). Hydrological and anthropogenic influence in the Gilgel Gibe I reservoir (Ethiopia) on marcroinvertebrate assemblages. Lake Reservoir Management, 29(3), 143–150.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • American Public Health Association (APHA). (1999). Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater (20th ed.). Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Araoye, P. A. (2009). The seasonal variation of pH and dissolved oxygen (DO2) concentration in Asa lake Ilorin, Nigeria. International Journal of Physical Sciences, 4(5), 271–274.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Atobatele, O. E., & Ugwumba, O. A. (2008). Seasonal variation in the physicochemistry of a small tropical reservoir (Aiba Reservoir, Iwo, Osun, Nigeria). African Journal of Biotechnology, 7(12), 1962–1971.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Awulachew, S. B., Yilma, A. D., Loulseged, M., Loiskandl, W., Ayana, M. and Alamirew, T. (2007). Water resource and irrigation in Ethiopia. Working paper.

  • Berhanu, B., Seleshi, Y., & Melesse, A. M. (2014). Surface water and groundwater resources of Ethiopia: potentials and challenges of water resources development. In A. M. Melesse, W. Abtew, & S. G. Setegn (Eds.), Nile River basin ecohydrological challenges, climate change and hydropolitics (pp. 97–117). Springer International Publishing.

  • Broothaerts, N., Kissi, E., Poesen, J., Van Rompaey, A., Getahun, K., Van Ranst, E., & Diels, J. (2012). Spatial patterns, causes and consequences of landslides in the Gilgel Gibe catchment, SW Ethiopia. Catena, 97(2012), 127–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter, S. R., Caraco, N. F., Correll, D. L., Howarth, R. W., Sharpley, A. N., & Smith, V. H. (1998). Nonpoint pollution of surface waters with phosphorus and nitrogen. Ecological Applications, 8(3), 559–568.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chapman, D. V. (1996). Water quality assessments: a guide to the use of biota, sediments and water in environmental monitoring. 2nded. New York: UNESCO/ WHO/ UNEP.

  • Demissie, T., Saathoff, F., Seleshi, Y., Gebissa, A. (2013). Evaluating the effectiveness of best management practices in Gilgel Gibe basin watershed—Ethiopia. Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 7(10), 1240–1252.

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF). (1996). South African water quality guidelines, volume 7: Aquatic ecosystems (1st ed.). Pretoria: South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Devi, R., Tesfahune, E., Legesse, W., Deboch, B., & Beyene, A. (2008). Assessment of siltation and nutrient enrichment of Gilgel Gibe dam, Southwest Ethiopia. BiosourceTechnology, 99(2008), 975–979.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dou, M., Zhang, Y., & Li, G. (2016). Temporal and spatial characteristics of the water pollutant concentration in Huaihe River Basin from 2003 to 2012, China. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 188(9), 1–18.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ebisa, N. (2010). Water quality and phytoplankton dynamics in Geffersa reservoir/Ethiopia. MSc thesis: Addis Ababa University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Environmental Protection Authority and The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (EPA and UNIDO) (2003). Guideline ambient environment standards for Ethiopia. Addis Ababa.

  • Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPC) (2011). Gilgel Gibe Hydroelectric Project – Environmental Management Plan. Hydropower for Sustainable Development. www.h4sd.info/Contact-Us/H4SD_PRESS_Case-Study_GG-I_31-03-2011_Final.aspx. Accessed 2nd May 2015.

  • FAO (2003). Fishery country profile. ftp://ftp.fao.org/fi/DOCUMENT/fcp/en/FI_CP_ET.pd. Accessed 21January 2015.

  • FAO (2008). Water profile of Ethiopia, Encyclopedia of Earth. http://www.eoearth.org/article. Accessed 10th March 2015.

  • Garg, R. K., Rao, R. J., Uchchariya, D., Shukla, G., & Saksena, D. N. (2010). Seasonal variations in water quality and major threats to Ramsagar reservoir, India. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 4(2), 061–076.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goshu, G. (2007). The physico-chemical characteristics of a highland crater lake and two reservoirs in north-west Amhara region ( Ethiopia ). Ethiopian Journal of Scince and Technolology, 5(1), 17–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gu, Q., Zhang, Y., Ma, L., Li, J., Wang, K., Zheng, K., Zhang, X., & Li, S. (2016). Assessment of reservoir water quality using multivariate statistical techniques: a case study of Qiandao Lake, China. Journal of Sustainability, 8(243), 1–17.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ibrahim, B., Auta, J., & Balogun, J. (2009). An assessment of the physico-chemical parameters of Kontagora reservoir, Niger state, Nigeria. Bayero. Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 2(1), 64–69.

    Google Scholar 

  • Irenosen, O. G., Festus, A. A., & Coolborn, A. F. (2012). Water quality assessment of the Owena Multi-Purpose Dam, Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Protection, 3, 14–25.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jorgensen, S.E., Loffler, H., Rast, W., and Straskraba, M. (2005). Lake and reservoir management.UK : Oxford, Elsevier.

  • Khan, M. A. G. M. I., & Parveen, M. (2012). Seasonal variations in physico-chemical characteristics of Pahuj reservoir, district Jhansi, Bundelkhand region, central India. Available at http://www.journalcra.com. Accessed 10 September 2015.

  • Makhlough, A. (2008). Water quality characteristics of Mengkuang reservoir based on phytoplankton community structure and physico-chemical analysis. MSc thesis: University of Sains Malaysia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meme, F. K., Arimoro, F. O., & Nwadukwe, F. O. (2014). Analyses of physical and chemical parameters in surface waters nearby a cement factory in north central, Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Protection, 5(10), 826–834.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Menetrey, N., Sager, L., Oertli, B., & Lachavanne, J. B. (2005). Looking for metrics to assess the trophic state of ponds. Macroinvertebrates and amphibians. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 15(6), 653–664.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mustapha, M. K. (2009). Influence of watershed activities on the water quality and fish assemblages of a tropical African reservoir. International journal of Tropical. Biology, 57(3), 707–719.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ndebele-Murisa, M. R., Musil, C. F., & Raitt, L. (2010). A review of phytoplankton dynamics in tropical African lakes. South African Journal of Science, 106(1–2), 13–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carr, G. M., & Neary, J. P. (2008). Water quality for ecosystem and human health (2nd ed.). Canada: UNEP/Earth print.

    Google Scholar 

  • Palma, P., Ledo, L., Soares, S., Barbosa, I. R., & Alvarenga, P. (2014). Spatial and temporal variability of the water and sediments quality in the Alqueva reservoir (Guadiana Basin; southern Portugal). Science of the Total Environment, 470(2014), 780–790.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parashar, C., Dixit, S., & Shrivastava, R. (2006). Seasonal variations in physico-chemical characteristics in Upper Lake of Bhopal introduction. Asian Journal of Experimental. Science, 20(2), 297–302.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Quinn, G. P., & Keough, M. J. (2002). Experimental design and data analysis for biologists. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Saxena, M., & Saksena, D. (2012). Water quality and trophic status of Raipur reservoir in Gwalior , Madhya Pradesh. Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 2(8), 82–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shen, D. (2002). Study on limiting factors of water eutrophication of the network of rivers in plain. Journal of Zhejiang University (Agriculture and Life Sciences), 28(1), 94–97.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tessema, A., Mohammed, A., Birhanu, T., & Negu, T. (2014). Assessment of physico-chemical water quality of Bira Dam, Bati Wereda. Journal of Aquaculture Research. Development, 5(6), 1–4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Umerfaruq, M. Q., & Solanki, H. A. (2015). Physico-chemical parameters of water in Bibi Lake, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Journal of Pollution Effects and Control, 3(2), 1–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UNESCO (2004). National water development report for Ethiopia. Water resources (vol. 2006/7).

  • Venkatesharaju, K., Ravikumar, P., Somashekar, R., & Prakash, K. (2010). Physico-chemical and bacteriological investigation on the river Cauvery of Kollegal stretch in Karnataka. Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology, 6(1), 50–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wakjira, T., Tamene, A., & Dawud, T. (2016). Land use land cover change analysis using multi temporal Landsat data in Gilgel Gibe, Omo Gibe Basin, Ethiopia. International Journal of Science and Technology, 5(7), 309–323.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wetzel, R. G. (2001). Limnology: Lake and river ecosystems. Gulf Professional Publishing.

  • Williams, P. (2003). Comparative biodiversity of rivers, streams, ditches and ponds in an agricultural landscape in southern England. Biological Conservation, 115(2), 329–341.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wolancho, K. W. (2012). Watershed management: an option to sustain dam and reservoir function in Ethiopia. Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 5(5), 262–273.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yewhalaw, D., Legesse, W., Van Bortel, W., Gebre-Selassie, S., Kloos, H., Duchateau, L., & Speybroeck, N. (2009). Malaria and water resource development: The case of Gilgel-Gibe hydroelectric dam in Ethiopia. Malaria Journal, 8(1), 1–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zinabu, G. M. (2002). The effects of wet and dry seasons on concentrations of solutes and phytoplankton biomass in seven Ethiopian rift-valley lakes. Limnologica-Ecology and Management of Inland Waters, 32(2), 169–179.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Jimma University and Mada Walabu University of Ethiopia for financing this study and VLIR-UOS for the logistic support. The authors also wish to thank Mr. Yihun Abdie, Zewdu Efrem, Seyoum Derb, and the local community, who helped us during field work.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Jimma University, 378, Jimma, Ethiopia

    Bizuneh Woldeab, Abebe Beyene, Argaw Ambelu & Seid Tiku Mereta

  2. Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Geography, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA

    Ishi Buffam

Authors
  1. Bizuneh Woldeab
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Abebe Beyene
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Argaw Ambelu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ishi Buffam
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Seid Tiku Mereta
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bizuneh Woldeab.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Woldeab, B., Beyene, A., Ambelu, A. et al. Seasonal and spatial variation of reservoir water quality in the southwest of Ethiopia. Environ Monit Assess 190, 163 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6527-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6527-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation