Rivers of Resilience: Assessing Hydrological Baseline Data for Nature-Based Conservation in the Yala River Watershed
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Date
2024-02
Authors
Wanjala, Wamalwa Stella Namusia
Olutende, Oloo Micky
Rose, Wamalwa
Obam, Joab
Omuterema, Oluchiri Stanley
Steve, Ogallo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
OALIB
Abstract
The Yala River Watershed, like many other catchment areas worldwide, faces
a multitude of environmental challenges that threaten its ecological integrity
and the sustainability of the communities it supports. The “Yala River Watershed Catchment Protection Project” aims to implement nature-based conservation measures to preserve the ecological integrity of the Yala River watershed. This research publication presents the methodology and results of a
hydrological and water quality assessment carried out at six monitoring
points strategically located at sub-catchment confluences within the watershed. The data collected from these monitoring points provide valuable insights into the current state of the hydrological regime and water quality parameters in the region. To establish the baseline hydrological conditions, discharge measurements were conducted using an Acoustic Doppler Current
Velocimeter (ADV) at each monitoring point. The results revealed substantial
variations in discharge rates across the points. The Cheplelachbei monitoring
point showed a discharge of 0.5687 cubic meters per second, Kesses recorded
0.864 cubic meters per second, Kiutany had 0.297 cubic meters per second,
Kipgorgot exhibited 1.240 cubic meters per second, Yala at Tindinyo had
18.750 cubic meters per second, and Chepkumia displayed 0.4361 cubic meters per second. Water quality analysis was also conducted at these monitoring points, including pH levels, turbidity, and nitrate concentrations. Cheplelachbei and Kiutany rivers showed acceptable pH levels, falling within the range of 5.5 - 9.5, indicating a relatively balanced aquatic environment.
However, Cheplelachbei exhibited elevated turbidity levels at 40.5 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (N.T.U), surpassing the standard maximum limit of
25 N.T.U, while Kiutany displayed turbidity of 100 N.T.U. Kiutany’s nitrate
concentration of 10 mg NO3
− L−1 was well below the standard maximum
limit of 45 mgNO3 - L−1
, implying a positive sign for human health and aquatic life. In conclusion, the findings indicated alarming levels of sedimentation,
increased soil erosion, and declining water quality, attributing these issues to
human activities. Based on the results, one recommendation is to implement
targeted afforestation and reforestation programs in erosion-prone areas to
minimize soil erosion and sedimentation. Such measures can effectively reduce the sediment load entering water bodies, thereby improving water quality and supporting biodiversity. The findings from this study serve as a crucial
baseline for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed nature-based conservation measures. By establishing the current hydrological
and water quality conditions, this research provides essential data to assess
the impact of future conservation efforts on the Yala River watershed. The
results will aid in the formulation of targeted conservation strategies, ensuring the sustainable management of water resources and the protection of aquatic ecosystems in the region. As the “Yala Water Fund” project progresses,
these research-based findings will play a pivotal role in guiding evidencebased decisions for the preservation of this vital watershed.
Description
Article
Keywords
Yala River Watershed, Hydrological Monitoring, Water Quality Assessment, Nature-Based Conservation, River Discharge, Sub Catchment Confluences, Water Resource Management, RUSLE Analysis, Aquatic Environment, Environmental Impact, Ecosystem Conservation, Water Fund Project, East Africa Rivers, Water Resource Sustainability, Environmental Monitoring
Citation
Wanjala, W. S. N., Olutende, O. M., Rose, W., Joab, O., Omuterema, O. S., & Steve, O. (2024). Rivers of Resilience: Assessing Hydrological Baseline Data for Nature-Based Conservation in the Yala River Watershed. Open Access Library Journal, 11(2), 1-22.