environ monit assess journal impact factor

Ī rough balance between sediment inflow and outflow is considered to exist in natural rivers. Hence, sedimentation depends on the sediment yield, and as such, the rate of sediment buildup in reservoirs has varying intensities. This is because the reservoirs impound a larger volume compared to their catchment area. The phenomenon is much more noticeable in reservoirs than in other bodies of water. Therefore, the process of sedimentation depends on the catchment’s surface and topography, land use, soil type, intensity and duration of precipitation, the location and type of reservoir, and river or stream hydrology. Sedimentation results from the deposition of both the bed load and suspended sediment after the detachment and transport processes. It is a naturally occurring process that strongly depends on both the flow rate and flow regime.

Sediment accumulation in reservoirs is a gradual process that occurs with time and eventually leads to the loss of storage capacity. Accelerated sedimentation rates have been pointed out as the major threat to the storage capacity of reservoirs. Despite the important functions of reservoirs, their lifespans are increasingly under threat. The problems are further compounded by climate change uncertainties. However, reservoir operations are often subjected to recurring stresses associated with huge water demands from the rising human population and agricultural activities. Reservoirs, therefore, play an important economic role, which sorely depends on the water storage capacity. As a consequence, retention of river/stream runoffs in reservoirs has been identified as a feasible option for fighting global water challenges. The available freshwater resources in developing countries are unable to meet the huge demand for water in domestic, agricultural, and industrial operations. The scarcity of water triggers the actions of related problems, for instance, degradation and abstraction. The availability of water in the right quantity and quality is a serious challenge that engulfs many water resources, especially in developing countries. Therefore, the deposited sediments appear to have great potential to reclaim the immediate barren dam environment upon enrichment and to promote sand harvesting programs for economic benefits. Based on the present study results, the deposited sediments at the reservoir inlet were found to have low concentrations of nutrients and high sand proportions. The most variable parameters were silt content (sub-surface horizon), hydraulic conductivity, penetration resistance, electrical conductivity, nitrogen content (surface horizon), and phosphorous (surface horizon) content with CV >0.35. cm −3 for the surface and sub-surface horizons, respectively.The average values for sediment pH, organic matter, porosity, bulk density, electrical conductivity, penetration resistance, hydraulic conductivity, and nutrients were 6.30 and 6.61 1.91 and 1.80% 54.10 and 57.10% 1.22 and 1.14 g The study established that the deposited sediments were predominantly sand particles with mean values of 50.60% and 58.60% for the surface (0–10 cm) or sub-surface horizons (10–20 cm), respectively. The following parameters were analyzed: particle size distribution, organic matter content, bulk density, porosity, electrical conductivity, penetration resistance, hydraulic conductivity, pH, and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) using standard laboratory procedures. This study was carried out to establish the physicochemical characteristics of the deposited sediment at the reservoir inlet. Consequently, a part of the transported sediment is deposited at the catchment outlet, which serves as the reservoir inlet. One such environmental problem is soil erosion, whose effect is reservoir sedimentation.

These disruptions are brought about by climatic parameters and sediment transport by different eroding agents. However, water storage and the provision of energy by reservoirs and dams have been disrupted by significant environmental changes taking place in the catchment areas and the reservoir environment.

In this regard, dams and reservoirs are the critical hydraulic structures that store water and, above all, provide energy required by humanity. Energy and water are the two most important natural resources in the globe.

Environ monit assess journal impact factor