Effect of Declining Rainfall and Anthropogenic Pressures on Three Wetlands Types in Lesotho (original) (raw)

Abstract

An investigation was conducted in three wetland types (Palustrine, Lacustrine & Riverine) in three different agro-ecological zones of Lesotho. The order of anthropogenic impacts were Riverine>Lacustrine>Palustrine. Rainfall data 1936-2006 (i.e. 80 years) were collected and subjected to Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) procedure to analyze increasing or decreasing trends in rainfall. CUSUM showed a decreasing rainfall trend between 1967 and 2006. Organic carbon contents were highest in the undisturbed wetland (Palustrine) and was of the order Palustrine>Lacustrine>Riverine. Highest water soluble N & P in the runoff water was found in the Riverine wetlands and lowest in the Palustrine (<0.01 mg/l of N & P) suggesting increased pollution due to increased anthropogenic activities.

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