Impact of Wetland Restoration Practices on Water Quality in Nyabarongo River Basin (2020-2024)

Abstract

The purpose of this research project is to evaluate how wetland restoration affects the Nyabarongo River's water quality. Wetlands play a crucial role in pollutant removal, flood management, water filtration, and the overall ecological well-being of river systems. Prior to and following the restoration of wetlands along the Nyabarongo River, this study examines changes in key water quality indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and concentrations of nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) and pollutants. Water samples were collected at multiple points along the river to assess the effectiveness of wetland restoration in improving water quality. The main objective of the study was to analyse the impacts of wetland restoration on water quality in the Nyabarongo River Basin. Specifically, the research examined wetland restoration practices, assessed the state of water quality, and evaluated the relationship between wetland restoration and water quality improvement. A comparative approach was employed, analysing water quality parameters in both degraded and restored wetlands to determine the extent of improvement. The study adopted a case study research design, with a systematic sampling technique to select representative sites for data collection. The sample size of the study was 322 respondents, and the data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, documentary and field data. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare water quality parameters between restored and degraded wetlands, providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of restoration efforts. The findings revealed that wetland restoration significantly enhances water quality by increasing dissolved oxygen levels (from 5.2 mg/L to 7.8 mg/L, p = 0.003), reducing biochemical oxygen demand (from 5.8 mg/L to 2.9 mg/L, p = 0.001), decreasing turbidity (from 18.7 NTU to 9.4 NTU, p = 0.004), and lowering nitrate and phosphate concentrations (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Additionally, sediment retention capacity improved, reducing erosion and preventing excessive sedimentation in the river. The statistical analysis confirmed a significant relationship between wetland restoration and water quality, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis (H₀) and the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis (H₁), which states that wetland restoration significantly improves water quality in the Nyabarongo River Basin. These findings align with previous studies on wetland conservation and provide valuable insights for policymakers and environmental managers. The study underscores the importance of wetland restoration as a sustainable strategy for water quality improvement, emphasising the need for continued conservation efforts, enforcement of environmental policies, and active community participation. Future conservation and management plans for the Nyabarongo River and related ecosystems will be guided by these results, ensuring the long-term health of this critical water resource.