Pollution challenges and consequences of the Akaki catchment, Upper Awash Basin, Ethiopia: Evidence for policy reform and action

• Published in: World water policy 2024-02, Vol.10 (1), p.363-372
• Main Authors: Dessie, Bitew K., Aschale, Minbale, Assegide, Endaweke, Alamirew, Tena, Walsh, Claire L., Zeleke, Gete
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Akaki catchment; Contaminación; Cuenca de Akaki; Ethiopia; Etiopía; Informe de políticas; policy brief; pollution; Seguridad hídrica; water security; 埃塞俄比亚; 政策简报; 水安全; 污染; 阿卡基流域
• ISSN: 2639-541X; 2639-541X
• DOI: 10.1002/wwp2.12169

This paper draws upon previous and current research on the levels of various pollutants in the Awash River Basin. The research used high‐tech instruments to determine the levels of physio‐chemical parameters, potentially toxic elements, and other pollutants in wastewater, sediment, soil, vegetables, and fish samples collected from different sampling sites in the Akaki catchment. The results showed that the average concentration for most of the analyzed parameters exceeded the recommended limits stated by drinking and irrigation water quality guidelines. The concentrations varied with the sites significantly with trends of localized contributions of the different contaminants associated with industrial, municipal, domestic, medical centers, garages, petrol stations, and other commercial centers evident. Concentrations of contaminants were remarkably high in the catchment rivers and shallow groundwater reservoirs. Comparison with permissible standards showed poor environmental management by relevant regulatory bodies and industries. Despite having good laws and standards at the federal and regional levels, they are not effectively implemented or enforced to prevent environmental pollution. Given the potential health implications of the toxic substances, we recommended a range of mitigation measures as a matter of urgency to the relevant authorities. 摘要 本文借鉴了关于阿瓦什河流域不同污染物水平的以往研究及现有研究。本研究使用高科技工具测定了从阿卡基流域不同采样点收集的废水、沉积物、土壤、蔬菜和鱼类样本中的理化参数、潜在有毒元素以及其他污染物的水平。结果表明, 大多数分析参数的平均浓度超出了饮用水和灌溉水质指南规定的建议限值。不同地点的浓度差异很大, 与工业、城市、家庭、医疗中心、车库、加油站和其他商业中心相关的不同污染物的局部贡献趋势很明显。流域河流和浅层地下水库的污染物浓度非常高。与允许的标准相比, 相关监管机构和行业的环境管理不力。尽管联邦和地区层面制定了良好的法律和标准, 但这些法律和标准并未有效实施或执行以防止环境污染。鉴于有毒物质对健康的潜在影响, 我们向有关当局建议了一系列紧急的缓解措施。. Resumen Este artículo se basa en investigaciones anteriores y actuales sobre los niveles de diversos contaminantes en la cuenca del río Awash. La investigación utilizó instrumentos de alta tecnología para determinar los niveles de parámetros fisicoquímicos, elementos potencialmente tóxicos y otros contaminantes en muestras de aguas residuales, sedimentos, suelo, vegetales y peces recolectadas en diferentes sitios de muestreo en la cuenca de Akaki. Los resultados mostraron que la concentración promedio para la mayoría de los parámetros analizados excedió los límites recomendados por las pautas de calidad del agua potable y de riego. Las concentraciones variaron significativamente según los sitios, con tendencias evidentes de contribuciones localizadas de los diferentes contaminantes as