Abstract
In arid and semi-arid areas, human health and economic development depend on water availability, which can be greatly compromised by droughts. In some cases, the presence of natural contaminants may additionally reduce the availability of good quality water. This research analyzed the water resources and hydrochemical characteristics in a rural area of the central Main Ethiopian Rift Valley, particularly in the districts of Shashemene, Arsi Negelle, and Siraro. The study was developed using a census of the main water points (springs and wells) in the area and the sampling and physico-chemical analysis of the water, with particular regard to the fluoride concentration. In many cases, fluoride content exceeded the drinking water limits set by the World Health Organization, even in the absence of anthropogenic contamination. Two different aquifers were recognized: A shallow aquifer related to the eastern escarpment and highlands, and a deep aquifer in the lowland areas of the rift valley on the basis of compositional changes from Ca–Mg/HCO3 to Na–HCO3. The distribution of fluoride, as well as pH and EC values, showed a decrease from the center of the lowlands to the eastern highlands, with similar values closely aligned along an NNE/SSW trend. All these data contribute to creating awareness among and sharing information on the risks with rural communities and local governments to support the adequate use of the available water resources and to plan appropriate interventions to increase access to fresh water, aimed at the sustainable human and rural local development of the region.
Highlights
This study focuses on the characteristics of groundwater quality in the Oromia Region of the south-center portion of the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER), which represents the northern sector of the East African Rift System
In reason of the reported presence of fluoride contaminations in surface and groundwater in neighboring areas, the present study aims to propose a census of wells and springs in the Oromia Region and qualitative analysis of the water resource available for the local communities, with particular attention to the presence and distribution of fluorides
The present research analyzed the physical and chemical characteristics of groundwater in a rural area of the central MER, in the districts (Woredas) of Shashemene, Arsi Negelle, and Siraro, to create awareness of the availability, quality, and risks connected to water resource management
Summary
The regional planning and the management of natural resources require considering the interactions among human needs, ecosystem dynamics, and resource sustainability. Human needs and economic activities, such as industry, agriculture, and animal husbandry, require a continuous water supply. Water use has more than doubled [1], and the water demand will further increase due to a growing global human population. Both the availability and the quality of water resources will be affected by socio-economic and technological developments, climate change and increasing climate extremes, such as droughts and floods, in developing countries [2,3]
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