Lake Basaka Research Articles

Effects of drinking saline water on carcass traits and meat quality of growing and mature Blackhead Ogaden sheep and Somali goats.

Water salinity has a significant impact on water quality, posing challenges for livestock production and productivity, particularly in arid regions where climate change affects freshwater availability. This study aimed to determine the effect of drinking saline water on the carcass and meat quality traits of sheep and goats in Ethiopia. A total of 100 males with an average initial body weight of growing (18.17 ± 0.51) and mature (22.22 ± 0.52kg) Blackhead Ogaden sheep and growing (17.99 ± 0.50) and mature (21.99 ± 0.54) kg) Somali goats were used. The design of the experiment was a three-way factorial RCBD with three-factor combinations (5 treatment levels, 2 species, and 2 age groups).Water treatments were natural water (Lake Basaka water (control), low saline water (L-SW), moderate saline water (M-SW), high saline water (H-SW), and very high saline water (VH-SW); that is, NaCl was added to natural water at concentrations of 7.95, 11.93, 15.90, and 19.88g TDS/L, respectively. The finding showed that increasing salinity levels in drinking water reduced slaughter body weight (SBW), carcass weight (CW), dressing percentage (DP), rib eye area (RAE), total edible components (TEC), and increased total non-edible components (TNEC) (P < 0.05). Similarly, sheep and mature animals had higher (P < 0.001) SBW, CW, DP, RAE, and TEC than goats and growing animals. Sensory evaluation, shear force, and proximate analysis were affected by water salinity, species, and age groups (P < 0.05). Overall, the study revealed that consuming saline water above 11g TDS/L affected carcass traits and meat quality in Somali goats and Blackhead Ogaden sheep.

The 2015 earthquake swarm in the Fentale volcanic complex (FVC): A geohazard risk for Ethiopia's commercial route to the Djibouti port.

We investigate rare seismicity in the neighborhood of the Fentale volcano, main Ethiopian rift that occurred in spring 2015 using data recorded by the Ethiopian Seismic Station Network. Over 1350 earthquakes are located and a seismic swarm is observed to the northeast of Fentale volcano, with the largest earthquake having a magnitude of 4.3 ML. Several VT (volcano-tectonic) and LP (long-period) events are observed in the swarm, indicating that it is induced by magmatic intrusion, consistent with dike-induced deformation in the same area inferred from satellite geodesy. The seismic activity commenced at about 40 km depth and migrated southwestward as it shallowed, towards Fentale volcano, suggesting that the dike feeding system might be influenced by the magma rich Afar Depression further to the northeast rather than the adjacent Fentale volcano. An earlier cluster of seismicity in the same area was recorded by a temporary deployment of seismic stations that ran from November 2001 to January 2003; extensive clusters of less well recorded seismic activity in the region occurred in June 1989, January–February 1981, October–November 2003, and 2004. Such frequent seismicity at the Fentale Volcanic Complex coupled with the adjacent fast-growing Lake Basaka poses an eminent and significant risk to Ethiopia's access to Djibouti port, its most important commercial route. This should be a wakeup call to concerned stakeholders to take precautionary measures by developing risk management and rapid response strategies.

Evaluation of the performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Hararghe-highland sheep drinking lake Basaka water with varying salinity levels at Haramaya university, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate effects of lake water salt levels on the performance, carcass traits, and meat qualities of Hararghe highland sheep. Twenty-four sheep, averaging 8 months old with an initial body weight of 19.10±0.11 kg, were divided into groups of four based on the salt percentage of the water treatments: freshwater (500 mg/l total dissolved solids (TDS)), moderately saline lake water (MSW) with 2600 mg/l TDS, saline lake water (SLW) with 5300 mg/l TDS, and hypersaline lake water (HLW) with 7950 mg/l TDS. The experiment showed that there were significant impacts on factors such as final body weight, average body gain, water intake, certain digestibility and carcass characteristics. Meat quality also differed between sheep supplied with freshwater and those supplied with saline water. However, supplying lake water with salinity levels up to 7950 mg/l TDS did not negatively impact the carcass characteristics or meat quality of sheep..

Physiological, hematological, and biochemical responses in Hararghe-highland lamb subjected to water salinity levels of Lake Basaka in a semiarid area of Ethiopia

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of drinking salinity levels in Lake water on the growth performance, and physiological, and blood constituents of Hararghe-highland lambs. A total of 28 lambs (average IBW of 18 ± 1.18kg) were categorized into four levels of water salinity, namely freshwater (510 mg/l TDS), lake Basaka water (LBW; 2600mg TDS/L); lake Basaka water plus 100% TDS of LBW; 5200mg TDS/L) and lake Basaka water plus 200% TDS of LBW; 7900mg TDS/L). The current results suggest that increased total dissolved solid levels in lake water increase the water intake of lambs while not affecting IBW, FBW, AWG, and FCR. Additionally, drinking saline lake with increasing total dissolved solid levels increased rectal temperature and respiration rate and caused a significant (P < 0.05) change in the concentrations of glucose, albumin, urea, triglycerides, sodium, AST, and ALT. Some hematological variables and biochemical constituents like creatinine, total protein, cholesterol, chlorides, potassium, magnesium, and calcium showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences. In conclusion, Hararghe-highland lambs from Ethiopia could tolerate lake Basaka water with a high salt level (7952 mg/L TDS).

Spatial and Temporal Variations of the Physicochemical Parameters of the Water Quality of Lake Basaka, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Spatial and Temporal Variations of the Physicochemical Parameters of the Water Quality of Lake Basaka, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Biodesalination of brackish water coupled with lipid production using native Scenedesmus sp. isolated from a saline lake in Ethiopia, Lake Basaka

Biodesalination of brackish water coupled with lipid production using native Scenedesmus sp. isolated from a saline lake in Ethiopia, Lake Basaka

Physiological, Hematological, and Biochemical Responses in Hararghe-Highland Lamb Subjected to Water Salinity Levels of Lake Basaka in a Semiarid Area of Ethiopia

Physiological, Hematological, and Biochemical Responses in Hararghe-Highland Lamb Subjected to Water Salinity Levels of Lake Basaka in a Semiarid Area of Ethiopia

Assessment of Pastorals’ Perceptions of Lake Basaka's Water Quality Concerning Its Impact on Sheep and Goat Production in Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to assess pastoral perceptions of lake Basaka saline water concerning the effects on sheep and goat production in great Ethiopia's mid-rift valley. Fourteen focus group discussions with livestock owners and 15 key informant interviews were done in selected areas, and both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a questionnaire guide. The survey study report showed that pastoral and agropastoral were common production systems with diverse species of livestock with goat and sheep in dominance. Feed scarcity, drought, and water problems were the major constraints to sheep and goat production and productivity. While lake Basaka water is not good for the drinking of sheep and goats because of its salinity content, it was a major water source for their animals, especially during dry seasons. Seasons and climate conditions were varied the salinity contents of lake Basaka water and had negative effects on livestock production and health. However, goats are more tolerant of the drinking lake Basaka than sheep in the study area. Based on the pastoral perceptions, in dry regions including the study area, where feed is scarce both in quantity, long-term drinking naturally saline water of lake Basaka is not safe for livestock species, especially during dry seasons. These findings are useful for policymakers and organizations working on projects aimed at increasing the resilience of pastoralists, while future research could identify appropriate technologies to help alleviate these impacts. Keywords: Water scarcity; poor water quality; small ruminants DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-17-02 Publication date: September 30 th 2021

Microalgal Diversity Study of Lake Basaka, Metehara, Ethiopia

Lake Basaka is characterized by a Na-HCO3-Cl type of water which is typical feature of saline water. Such saline environments may harbors unique microbial genetic resource which have wide industrial applications. This study was conducted with the objective of describing algal diversity of the lake Basaka. For algal diversity study 90 water samples were collected in October, 2015. Microscopic study of the water samples showed that phylum Chlorophyta and Diatoms were dominated the Lake during sample collection. Scenedesmus, Selenastrum, Volvox, Navicula and Nitzschia species were observed with high frequencies. Moreover, few algal species belong to Phylum Euglinophyta were observed.

Estimation of groundwater contribution to Lake Basaka in different hydrologic years using conceptual netgroundwater flux model

Study RegionLake Basaka is a volcanically dammed closed basin-type lake located within Matahara plain area, northern part of the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley (MERV) region. The MERV is situated within the Great East African Rift Valley (GEARV) region, which is hydrgeologically unstable and complex. Study FocusIn the current study, a conceptual lake GW flux model was systematically formulated, solved, calibrated and validated. Then, the surface water-groundwater interaction was quantified and a mathematical relationship developed. New Hydrological Insights for the regionThe predictive performance of the developed GW flux model was very good both during the calibration and validation periods, which confirms the validity and acceptability of the developed GW flux model and the simulated time-series lake level. The net GW fluxes to the lake were variable during the different hydrologic periods considered. The GW flux to the total inflow increased from 15% (1960s) to about 54% (2000s). Overall, GW flux plays a leading role in the hydrodynamics, existence and expansion of Lake Basaka.

Quantification of soil erosion and sediment yield for ungauged catchment using the RUSLE model: Case study for Lake Basaka catchment in Ethiopia

AbstractSoil erosion is a monumental land degradation problem in many parts of the world, threatening the well‐being of humans and ecosystems. The Lake Basaka catchment is heavily affected by serious land degradation problems related to land use–land cover changes (LULC), population dynamics and settlement, introduction of large‐scale irrigation schemes, etc. Accordingly, the objective of the present study was to quantify the magnitude of soil lost from the Lake Basaka catchment and the sediment subsequently delivered to the lake on the basis of the limited available dataset in a distributed manner using the RUSLE model in a GIS environment. The results indicated about 36 million m3 of soil were lost from the catchment between 1973 and 2007. Soil erosion and sedimentation in the lake catchment continue to increase from time to time, being attributed to the significant LULC occurring in the catchment. About 23 cm of the economically productive top soil in the catchment was lost during the study period (1960–2015), which translates into a significant degradation of the catchment (e.g. further reduction of infiltration capacity, thereby accelerating run‐off and erosion rates). Similarly, about a 1.3 m deep sediment layer was deposited in the lake during the same period. The computed sediment yield indicates about 14% of the lake incremental volume and depth in recent periods (post‐2000s) is attributable to sedimentation. Certain coincidental changes are also occurring in the catchment, including organic matter declines, soil nutrient depletion and soil depth decrement, which may lead to decreased production and productivity and associated ecosystem imbalances. The present study identified the potential areas that contribute significantly to erosion and sedimentation, thereby providing guidance regarding where land use/cover practices must be implemented to limit/reduce, if not avoid, the impacts of erosion and subsequent sedimentation in Lake Basaka.

Temporal and spatial dynamics of surface run‐off from Lake Basaka catchment (Ethiopia) using SCS‐CN model coupled with remote sensing and GIS

AbstractThe Lake Basaka catchment (Ethiopia) has undergone a significant land use–land cover (LULC) change and lake level rise over the past five decades. Significant quantities of water and sediment flow annually into the lake through erosion processes. An appropriate method of estimating the surface run‐off from such ungauged and dynamic catchment is extremely important for delineating sensitive areas (based on run‐off responses) to be protected and for development of suitable measures to reduce run‐off and associated soil loss. Reliable prediction of run‐off, however, is very difficult and time‐consuming for catchments such as that of Lake Basaka. The present study estimated the dynamics of surface (direct) run‐off using the NRCS‐CN model in ArcGIS, assisted by remote sensing and ancillary data. The results indicated the Lake Basaka catchment experienced significant temporal and spatial variability in its run‐off responses, depending on the rainfall (amount and distribution) pattern and LULC changes. A significant run‐off increase occurred after 1973, consistent with significant LULC changes and lake level increments occurring after that period. A reduced vegetation cover also resulted in increased run‐off coefficient of the lake catchment from 0.11 in the 1970s to 0.23 in the 2000s, indicating the important need to consider possible future LULC evolution when forecasting the lake catchment run‐off behaviour.

Overview to Potential Sources, Soil Salinization and Expansion Level of Lake Basaka, Central Rift Valley Region of Ethiopia

The aim of this overview is extended to indicate the Potential Sources, Soil salinization and expansion level of lake Basaka. Lake Basaka is located in the middle Awash River Basin, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia at about 200 km south East of the capital city, Addis Ababa. The lake is expanding as opposed to the other rift valley lakes in Ethiopia, which are shrinking, Lake Basaka is found to be expanding at an alarming rate. This overview indicates the expansion area/level/ of the lake is challenging the socio-economics and environment of the region significantly. With this point of view the lake’s expansion is due to the agricultural sugarcane farm land use type near Beseka Lake and mostly due to the increased ground water flux to the lake. The potential sources or ground water flux to the lake could be an increase of ground water recharge following the establishment of irrigation schemes in the region, subsurface inflow from far away due to rift system influence, and Lake Neotectonism. The significant expansion of Lake Basaka during the past 35 years started after the introduction of Matahara sugar state. The expansion is affecting both the ground water dynamics and soil salinization of the nearby sugarcane Plantation and, if it continuous, the sustainability of the plantation itself is under great risk. The future expansion of the highly saline lake may be aggravated towards the east and Northeast direction due to the topography of the area. This has the potential to displace Matahara town and impact the sugar Plantation during the next two-three decades years. Assuming the past trends, the lake isexpected to join Awash River, thereby impacting all downstream irrigation developments in the Awash basin, and affecting the livelihood of the people depending on the water resources of this basin. Generally, the lake’s has poor water quality and its expansion rate damaging effect to the region, and mitigation measures are very important for sustainable lake management.

Effect of land use-land cover change on the regimes of surface runoff-the case of Lake Basaka catchment (Ethiopia).

In this study, the effect of land use-land cover change (LULCC) on surface (direct) runoff was estimated for Lake Basaka catchment using the soil conservation services-curve number model in the geospatial information system (ArcInfo), assisted by remote sensing. The result indicated that Lake Basaka catchment experienced a significant LULCC. About 86% of forest coverage and 46% of grasslands were lost over the study period (1973-2015), which were shifted to open bushy woodlands, farms, lake water and wetlands. The runoff responses were observed to be increasing since 1970s, especially after the inception of large-scale irrigation schemes to the region. The highest increase of surface runoff was observed to occur after mid-1980s, which is in line with the significant LULCC and the corresponding increment of lake level in that period. The reduction in vegetation cover has resulted in an increase of runoff coefficient (rc) from 0.07 in the 1960s to about 0.23 in 2000s. The sensitivity analysis result indicated that about 70% of the increase runoff rate in the lake catchment is attributed to LULCC, and the remaining proportion is due to rainfall. However, the effect of extreme rainfall on runoff process could not be underemphasized since it has significant impact especially during extreme events (observed rc of 0.33 in 2008). Overall, when predicting the runoff response of the lake catchment, it is importance to take into account possible future LULCC and evolution.

Delineating the Drainage Structure and Sources of Groundwater Flux for Lake Basaka, Central Rift Valley Region of Ethiopia

As opposed to most of the other closed basin type rift valley lakes in Ethiopia, Lake Basaka is found to be expanding at an alarming rate. Different studies indicated that the expansion of the lake is challenging the socio-economics and environment of the region significantly. This study result and previous reports indicated that the lake’s expansion is mostly due to the increased groundwater (GW) flux to the lake. GW flux accounts for about 56% of the total inflow in recent periods (post 2000) and is found to be the dominant factor for the hydrodynamics and existence of the lake. The analysis of the drainage network for the area indicates the existence of a huge recharge area on the western and upstream side of the catchment. This catchment has no surface outlet; hence most of the incoming surface runoff recharges the GW system. The recharge area is the main source of GW flux to the lake. In addition to this, the likely sources/causes of GW flux to the lake could be: (i) an increase of GW recharge following the establishment of irrigation schemes in the region; (ii) subsurface inflow from far away due to rift system influence, and (iii) lake neotectonism. Overall, the lake’s expansion has damaging effect to the region, owing to its poor water quality; hence the identification of the real causes of GW flux and mitigation measures are very important for sustainable lake management. Therefore a comprehensive and detailed investigation of the parameters related to GW flux and the interaction of the lake with the GW system of the area is highly recommended.

Hydrochemical composition and origin of surface water and groundwater in the Matahara area, Ethiopia

The composition of different surface water and groundwater constituents of the Matahara region (Ethiopia) were studied to understand their hydrochemical sources. Potential hydrochemical origins of different water sources were identified based on ionic indices and standard Piper plots. The findings indicate that pH, electrical conductivity, and concentrations of some major ions (Na+, HCO3−, Cl−, SO42−) were higher in factory waste, groundwater, hot springs, and Lake Basaka than those in irrigation and drainage waters. Groundwater in the study area had a different chemical composition than surface water, which was likely its recharging source. Spring and lake waters acquired characteristics similar to marine water based on their hydrochemical facies and evolution. This study indicates that the hydrochemistry of groundwater, spring water, and lake water have recently been influenced by anthropogenic pollution.

Lake Basaka Expansion: Challenges for the Sustainability of the Matahara Irrigation Scheme, Awash River Basin (Ethiopia)

AbstractThe Matahara Sugar Estate (MSE), after nearly 60 years of irrigation, is experiencing the effects of waterlogging and salinization in some fields. The problem is believed to be the result of the expansion of (saline and alkaline) Lake Basaka towards the plantation fields. The objective of this study was to determine the geometry of the lake (area and shape) in roughly the past half‐ century (1957–2015) from both Landsat images and local information and then assess its negative effects on MSE's soil and water quality. Monthly groundwater (GW) depth was monitored using piezometer tubes. Water and soil samples were collected from each of the piezometer locations and analysed for important physico‐chemical parameters. The results indicate that the lake expanded approximately 47.3 km2 in the past half‐century. The soil quality was found to be very poor in plantation sections with very shallow GW depth and severe salinity conditions. The lake, as revealed by the results, is intruding into the groundwater system of MSE on the Abadir side. Assuming continuation of the past trends, the lake is expected to inundate parts of MSE in the next few years and, hence, challenge the production and productivity of MSE significantly. The lake has the potential to join the Awash River, thereby impacting all downstream irrigation developments in the basin and the livelihood of the people depending on the water resources. As the area is situated in the uppermost part of Main Ethiopian Rift Valley, other factors are expected to exacerbate its expansion even in the future. Overall, the study results present the potential damage caused by the lake to MSE and provides valuable information for the reclamation measures to be taken for the sustainability of MSE. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Delineating the decadal expansion of Lake Basaka (Ethiopia) using various image interpretation techniques

Lake Basaka is expanding at a significant rate. Before the establishment of Matahara Sugar Plantation, the lake was like a small surface pond created during rainy season and used as grazing area. The lake expansion has certain negative consequences to the region. Thus, appropriate method of quantification of the Lake expansion is extremely important. In this particular study, the areal expansion of the Lake Basaka and sugarcane plantation was analysed. Four LandSat images (1973, 1986, 2000 and 2008) were taken for the cloud-free period and processed in ERDAS Imagine and ArcGIS softwares. Three techniques were employed in the delineation of the areas of the lake and plantation: visual interpretation of FCC in GIS, enhancements and advanced classification in ERDAS Imagine. The study result shows that Lake Basaka expansion is very significant and the increment is geometric rather than linear. Overall, the finding indicates that visual image interpretation gives a fast and accurate indication of the Lake Basaka expansion compared to image enhancement and classification techniques.

Analysing the temporal water quality dynamics of Lake Basaka, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

This study presents the general water quality status and temporal quality dynamics of Lake Basaka water in the past about 5 decades. Water samples were collected and analysed for important physico-chemical quality parameters following standard procedures. The result showed that Lake Basaka water is highly saline and alkaline and experiencing a general reducing trends in ionic concentrations of quality parameters due to the dilution effect. About 10-fold reduction of total ionic concentration occurred in the Lake over the period of 2 decades (1960-1980). There was a sharp and fast decline in EC, Cl, SO4, Na, and K ions from early 1960s up to the late 1980s, and then became relatively stable. Some ions (eg. Na, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4) are showing increment in recent years. This characteristics of the lake water is terrible in relation to its potential to inundate the nearby areas in the near future. The expansion of such quality water has negative effects on the water resources of the region, especially soil quality, drainage and groundwater, in terms of salinity, sodicity and specific ion toxicity. The regimes of soil moisture, solute and groundwater could be affected, concurrently affecting the productivity and sustainability of the sugar estate. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify the potential sources of water and chemicals to the lake and devise an appropriate mitigation and/or remedial measures.

Hydrochemical characterization of various surface water and groundwater resources available in Matahara areas, Fantalle Woreda of Oromiya region

The Matahara region is located in the East Showa zone of Oromiya regional state (Ethiopia). Matahra Sugar Estate and Lake Basaka (highly saline, alkaline and sodic lake) are situated within the flat plains of Matahara region. The area is vulnerable to the occurrences of various tectonic and volcanic activities due to its location in the upper most part of the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley region. In this study, the hydrochemical properties of different surface water and groundwater bodies available at Matahara region have been characterized for quality compositions. Water samples were collected from different water sources and analyzed for important major quality parameters following standard test procedures. Other chemical indices were derived from the measured quality parameters. The potential sources of minerals were suggested for each of the considered water sources based on their quality characteristics. Overall, the study result elucidates that the chemical composition of different water bodies are due to natural processes and/or anthropogenic activities within the region. The local anthropogenic processes could be discharges from factory, domestic sewage and farming activities. Some of the water types are found to have relatively higher concentration of dissolved constituents. Irrigation waters have almost equal chemical compositions, indicating their hydrochemical sources are almost the same. Most of the concentrations are relatively high in Lake Basaka, groundwater and hot springs. It is easy to imagine the potential damaging effects of such quality waters on crop production, soil properties and environment of the region.