Wetland water quality status and suitability for human intended uses in Angolelana Tara District, North Shewa Zone, Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Recognizing the relationship between human well-being and water chemistry is central to identify and manage sources of human stress in multifunctional wetlands to set proper management implications. Despite the paramount services provided by wetlands, these ecosystems in Ethiopia remain marginalized due to anthropogenic activities. The studied wetlands are also threatened by human activities, but little is known in science concerning the water quality and its suitability status. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to examine the Hilsenoff family biotic index (H-FBI) and analyze the water physicochemical parameters to determine the water quality and associated suitability status of Burana Natural Wetland (BNW) and Totosie Semi-Artificial Wetland (TSAW) for irrigation, fishery, and domestic uses. For this study, a total of 56 quadrates were mapped to collect water and other environmental data. The data was analyzed using CANOCO and SPSS software. Accordingly, the average values of water and air temperature, pH, DO, and EC were taken from BNW and found to be 20.43 0C, 18.92 0C, 8.25, 7.64 mgL-1, and 110.80 μScm-1, respectively. These parameters were also done for the TSAW and qualified low records, and hence relatively better water quality. Likewise, the Cl-, Na+, K+, NH4-N and TN concentrations were 0.84 meqL-1, 0.37 meqL-1, 0.12 meqL-1, 2.02 mgL-1, and 0.02%, respectively in BNW. As compared to the BNW, these parameters were relatively low in TSAW. The NO3-N and SRP concentrations in both wetlands were measured and exceeding the standards set for freshwater bodies. The H-FBI values for TSAW and BNW were 5.44 and 7.57, respectively showing their good and poor water quality status. Although robust studies about habitat suitability need to be conducted, the present study roughly revealed the suitability of wetlands’ water for irrigation, fishery, and domestic uses, except for drinking as verified based on international standards. However, still the two wetlands demand restoration for sustainability.