Sediment Source Determination by Fingerprinting: Ruvu River Basin, Tanzania

Permanent Link:: http://dpanther.fiu.edu/dpService/dpPurlService/purl/FI14103143/00001

Material Information

Title:: Sediment Source Determination by Fingerprinting: Ruvu River Basin, Tanzania
Creator:: Global Water for Sustainability Program (Florida International University)
Place of Publication:: Miami, Florida
Publisher:: Florida International University
Publication Date:: 2014
Language:: English
Physical Description:: 64 pages

Subjects / Keywords:: Sediment
Spatial Coverage:: Ruvu River Watershed (Morogoro Region and Pwani Region, Tanzania)

Abstract:: This study was designed to determine the primary sources of suspended sediments into the Ruvu River so that detailed follow-up studies can be planned and remediation measures undertaken. A sediment fingerprinting technique was utilized to identify the major sources of sediment within the basin. Suspended sediment laden filters and soil samples were collected throughout the basin and used to develop composite fingerprint signatures for each source. Suspended sediment laden filters were also collected at the furthermost downstream point and analyzed to determine the relative proportions of each of the sources in that sample. In addition to a statistical technique utilizing Bayesian Inference and a Markov Chain Monte Carlo, this study used a very robust method of calculating error. As with any sediment study, error rates must be carefully considered to give credibility to any result. We found that two specific areas within the upper catchment of the Ruvu Basin were contributing disproportionately high amounts of sediment compared to the other potential sources. These two areas make up only 3% of the study area yet potentially contribute over 30% of the suspended sediment load in the Ruvu River. One area in particular, “m”, is an ideal candidate for follow-up soil conservation activities due to its relatively small size and disproportionately large contribution of sediments.

Source Institution:: Florida International University
Holding Location:: Florida International University
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