Comparison of Macrophytes Distribution in Lake Hawassa at Different Pollution Entry Points, Hawassa in Ethiopia
Keywords:
Pollutants, Macrophytes, Invasive SpeciesAbstract
The aim of this experiment is the identification of the impacts of pollution on the Macrophytes species diversity, distribution and coverage in Lake Hawassa and their respective pollution sources. In doing so, rapid bioassessment method in five pollution entry points, where major socio-economic activities prevail around the lake is applied. Thirty six samples are taken, following three transect lines, approximately equidistant from one another, and from each sampling site, onshore, up to the end of the Macrophytes spreading into the lake, using rake. A total of 120 samples are collected and speciation is done using standard identification keys and photographs. Macrophytes coverage are approximated and different biotic indices are calculated for comparison between the sampling sites. The maximum distance of the Macrophytes is 200m and minimum is 30m. The minimum distance is recorded around Tikur Wuha (30- 100m); the only river flowing into the lake and maximum is at Amora Gedel (80-200m), the fish market area. The five species of Macrophytes covering 8% of the lake named Paspalidium germinatum, Nymphaea caerulea, Typha angustifolia, Potamogeton schweinfurthii, and Cyperus exaltatus indicate that there is no invasive species like water hyacinth. The highest diversity is observed around Dore Bafano site and lowest is at Tikur Wuha. Even though there are no invasive Macrophytes species at this time, the disparity in diversity of the species supported at each specific site are an indication of the pollutants irregularly supporting the specific Macrophytes. It is better to stop the pollutants prospectively than trying to abandon the invasive species after their existence.
References
Amare L. (2005). Site action plan for the conservation and sustainable use of the Lake Hawassa biodiversity. Rift valley lakes project. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Institute of Biodiversity Conservation.
Anasimos, T. (2013). The Impact of Unplanned Urban Waterfront Development on Lake Hawassa. Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development, Addis Ababa.
Andersen, C. (ed). (2010). Questioning Greater Yellowstone’s Future: Climate, Land Use and Invasive Species. Proceedings of the 10th Biennial Scientific Conference on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem held on October 11– 13. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Yellowstone National Park. WY, and Laramie, WY: Yellowstone Center for Resources and University of Wyoming William D. Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources.
Barbour M. T., Gerritsen J., Snyder B. D. and Stribling J. B. (1999). Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for use in streams and Wadeable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Fish, (second edition). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Office of Water. EPA 841-B-99-002. Washington, D.C.
Behailu B., Bekele L., Yosef T/G., Kefyalew S. and Wondwossen S. (2010). Environmental Impact Assessment and Policy on Lake Hawassa, SNNPRS. SOS-Sahel, Ethiopia
Cronin G., William M., Lewis Jr. and Michael A. S. (2006). Influence of freshwater Macrophytes on the littoral ecosystem structure and function of a young Colorado Reservoir. Aquatic Botany 85: 37–43.
Demelash Amare Shamo (2008). Assessment of Non-point source pollution in Lake Hawassa Watershed Using the annualized Agricultural Non-point source model. MSc. Thesis, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
Dhote, S. (2007). Role of Macrophytes in improving water quality of an aquatic ecosystem. Journal of Applied Science and Environmental Management 11(4): 133–135.
Forum for Environment (FfE) (2007). Harnessing the Water Resources of Ethiopia for Sustainable Development in the New Ethiopian Millennium. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Forum for Environment.
Hawassa City (2015). Natural Resource Management and Environmental Protection Authority. Hawassa, Ethiopia. Unpublished report.
Kibret, T. and Harrison, A. D. (1989). The benthic and weed-bed faunas of Lake Awasa (Rift Valley, Ethiopia). Hydrobiologia, 174, 1-15.
Klaudia B. (2016). Accumulation of Cd and Pb in water, sediment and two littoral plants (Phragmites australis, Typha angustifolia) of freshwater ecosystem. Archives of Environmental Protection, 42 (3), 47–57
Madsen J.D. (2001). The interaction between water movement, sediment dynamics and submersed Macrophytes. Hydrobiologia 444: 71–84, 2001.
Mulugeta D. (2013). The Impact of Sedimentation and Climate Variability on the Hydrological Status of Lake Hawassa, South Ethiopia. PhD Thesis. Bonn University.
Ottichilo, W. K. (2003). Use of Space Technology in Disaster Risk Assessment and Monitoring. Available Online at: https://www.unisdr.org/2006/ppew/info resources/ewc2/upload/downloads/Ottichilo2003AbstractEWC2.doc.
Padial A. A., Bini L. M. and Thomaz S. M. (2008). The Study of Aquatic Macrophytes in Neotropics: a Scientometrical View of the Main Trends and Gaps. Brazilian Journal of Biology 68(4, Suppl.): 1051–1059.
Pattnaik, D. B. S. R. (2014). Species Diversity of Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia. International Journal of scientific research, 3(11), 35.
Small, C. and Cohen, J. E. (1999). Continental Physiography, Climate and the Global Distribution of Human Population. Current Anthropology, 45(2), 269- 282.
Sudhira, H. S. and Kumar, V. S. (2000). Monitoring of lake water quality in Mysore city. Proceedings of Lake 2000 International symposium on restoration of lakes and wetlands, 27 - 29 Nov. 2000, CSIC Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 1-10.
Tadesse, F. (2005). Trophic Analysis of Lake Hawassa using mass balance ecopath.Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Addis Ababa University School of Graduate Studies.
Vijverberg J., Dejen E., Getahun A. and Nagelkerke L. A. J. (2012). The Composition of Fish Communities of nine Ethiopian Lakes along a North South Gradient: Threats and Possible Solutions. Animal Biology, 62 (2012) 315–335.
Yemane, G. (2004). Assessment of the Water Balance of Lake Awassa Catchment, Ethiopia. MSc. International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation Enschede, The Netherlands.
Yezbie, Kassa (2016). Macrophyte Ecology, Nutrient Dynamics and Water Quality of the Littoral Zone and Yitamot Wetland, Lake Tana, Ethiopia.Department of Zoological Science. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Addis Ababa University.
