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<p>Small reservoirs are under-researched despite their critical role in rural water supply, particularly regarding spatio-temporal variability and livestock-specific health thresholds. Most regional studies focus on water quality for human consumption not livestock, hence, this study, which aimed to assess physicochemical properties of the Makoye Reservoir and evaluate their implications on livestock using water samples collected during the 2023/24 rainy season through stratified random sampling, where sections of the reservoir were divided into strata and sampling points selected. Laboratory analyses included total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, pH, nutrients (nitrates and phosphates), major ions (sodium, calcium, magnesium, and sulphates), and heavy metals (iron, lead, cadmium, and copper). Spatial heterogeneity was mapped using Inverse Distance Weighting interpolation in ArcGIS 10.2, having been the freely accessible version. Results showed that pH, nitrates, conductivity, sodium, and sulphates largely conformed to FAO thresholds, indicating generally acceptable seasonal quality. Phosphate averaged 0.48&#xa0;mg/L, nearly five times the FAO maximum of 0.1&#xa0;mg/L, raising concerns about eutrophication and reproductive health. Iron averaged 4.82&#xa0;mg/L, over sixteen times the 0.3&#xa0;mg/L limit. TSS averaged 2885.9&#xa0;mg/L, almost three times the recommended 1000&#xa0;mg/L, contributing to high turbidity and reduced palatability. Lead and cadmium were negligible, suggesting minimal industrial impact. Spatial analysis revealed nitrate hotspots in the northwest linked to agricultural runoff, sulphate peaks centrally associated with mineral dissolution, elevated iron near shorelines, and peripheral increases in calcium, magnesium, and sodium due to shoreline grazing. Although most parameters met FAO guidelines, critically high phosphates, iron, and suspended sediments pose risks to livestock health and reservoir ecology. Integrated livestock water quality needs assessment model, erosion control, improved manure management, and regular livestock-focused monitoring are recommended. The study suggests a novel water quality monitoring framework for livestock.</p>

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Water quality assessment of the Makoye reservoir and its implications on livestock health, southern Zambia

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月21日

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  • Manoah Muchanga

摘要

Small reservoirs are under-researched despite their critical role in rural water supply, particularly regarding spatio-temporal variability and livestock-specific health thresholds. Most regional studies focus on water quality for human consumption not livestock, hence, this study, which aimed to assess physicochemical properties of the Makoye Reservoir and evaluate their implications on livestock using water samples collected during the 2023/24 rainy season through stratified random sampling, where sections of the reservoir were divided into strata and sampling points selected. Laboratory analyses included total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, pH, nutrients (nitrates and phosphates), major ions (sodium, calcium, magnesium, and sulphates), and heavy metals (iron, lead, cadmium, and copper). Spatial heterogeneity was mapped using Inverse Distance Weighting interpolation in ArcGIS 10.2, having been the freely accessible version. Results showed that pH, nitrates, conductivity, sodium, and sulphates largely conformed to FAO thresholds, indicating generally acceptable seasonal quality. Phosphate averaged 0.48 mg/L, nearly five times the FAO maximum of 0.1 mg/L, raising concerns about eutrophication and reproductive health. Iron averaged 4.82 mg/L, over sixteen times the 0.3 mg/L limit. TSS averaged 2885.9 mg/L, almost three times the recommended 1000 mg/L, contributing to high turbidity and reduced palatability. Lead and cadmium were negligible, suggesting minimal industrial impact. Spatial analysis revealed nitrate hotspots in the northwest linked to agricultural runoff, sulphate peaks centrally associated with mineral dissolution, elevated iron near shorelines, and peripheral increases in calcium, magnesium, and sodium due to shoreline grazing. Although most parameters met FAO guidelines, critically high phosphates, iron, and suspended sediments pose risks to livestock health and reservoir ecology. Integrated livestock water quality needs assessment model, erosion control, improved manure management, and regular livestock-focused monitoring are recommended. The study suggests a novel water quality monitoring framework for livestock.