Abstract:
The environmental implications of dredging River Manafwa in Eastern Uganda, a critical
water source supporting agriculture and local ecosystems, remain underexplored despite
increasing dredging activities. This study aims to assess the impact of dredging on water
quality, focusing on parameters such as turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and heavy metal
concentrations, while evaluating sedimentation's influence on water treatment costs. Utilizing
baseline water sampling at multiple river sites, pre- and post-dredging data was analysed to
identify shifts in water quality, employing multivariate statistical methods to isolate primary
influencing factors. Hydrodynamic modelling through HEC-RAS facilitates the simulation of
dredging impacts on river flow and sediment transport, providing predictive insights into
potential downstream water quality deterioration. Additionally, sediment sampling and
filtration efficiency tests was conducted to assess the increased demands on water treatment
infrastructure caused by dredging-related sediment resuspension. (Results and findings and
what they mean in summary) This research was contributing valuable data to guide sustainable
dredging practices, mitigate ecological impacts, and support water quality management in
alignment with Uganda's National Development Plan and SDG 6, promoting the sustainable
management of water resources. The findings aim to offer a framework for minimizing
dredging's adverse effects on water quality, benefiting both environmental health and
community livelihoods.
