Evaluation of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of surface water in urban settings and its applicability to SDG 6: The case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The Ripple Effect of Climate Change: Assessing the Impacts on Water Quality and Hydrology in Addis Ababa City (Akaki Catchment)

“…On the other hand, phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and chlorophyll- a showed a tendency to increase in mid- and far-future periods. This is in agreement with findings by Gule et al [ 34 ] who found that nutrient loadings will continue to increase in Addis Ababa surface water and that the water quality will continue to deteriorate over time. This might be due to the increased surface runoff from increased rainfall and increased impervious areas around the catchment.…”

“…This might be due to the increased surface runoff from increased rainfall and increased impervious areas around the catchment. The water quality of the rivers within the Akaki catchment is poor because of industrialization and accelerated urbanization of Addis Ababa city which lies within the bound of the catchment [ 34 ]. Anthropogenic activities in close proximity to water sources have impacts on the water quality since land and water ecosystems are connected by surface runoff, stream networks, and groundwater systems.…”

“…Deforestation and other factors, such as the presence of agriculture adjacent to water resources, can affect the overall water quality by increasing sedimentation and nutrient additions in waterbodies. For instance, a study by Gule et al [ 34 ] revealed that turbidity has a highly substantial positive association with agriculture and built-up area. This implies that the water becomes increasingly turbid as the amount of built-up area increases.…”

“…Major land uses include residential and commercial settlements, planting of commercial trees, agriculture, and industries. A recent study by Gule et al [ 34 ] indicates that built-up area is the most dominant land cover with over 85% coverage, while vegetated areas cover only 10.5% and agriculture 2.2%. Food processing industries, tannery and textile industries, leather processing industries, and construction are the most dominant industries concentrated along the Akaki catchment.…”

Public health risks associated with drinking water consumption in the upper Awash River sub-basin, Ethiopia, sub-Saharan Africa

“…It is evident that nitrate non-cancer hazards are a global concern, extending to the targeted sub-basin. Despite acknowledging the presence of nitrate hazards in the sub-basin, the records from the Legedadi and Gefersa Dams, significant water sources supplying Addis Ababa, reveal compliance with WHO's acceptable guideline values for nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia levels [ 62 ]. Internationally, reports from Indonesia indicate risks associated with nitrate in drinking water, particularly for the sensitive population, with potential implications for infant methaemoglobinaemia and birth defects [ 63 ].…”