Seasonal water chemistry variability in the Pangani River basin, Tanzania

Abstract

The stable isotopes of δ¹⁸O, δ²H, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and dissolved major ions were used to assess spatial and seasonal water chemistry variability, chemical weathering, and hydrological cycle in the Pangani River Basin (PRB), Tanzania. Water in PRB was NaHCO₃ type dominated by carbonate weathering with moderate total dissolved solids. Major ions varied greatly, increasing from upstream to downstream. In some stations, content of fluoride and sodium was higher than the recommended drinking water standards. Natural and anthropogenic factors contributed to the lowering rate of chemical weathering; the rate was lower than most of tropical rivers. The rate of weathering was higher in Precambrian than volcanic rocks. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr was lower than global average whereas concentration of strontium was higher than global average with mean annual flux of 0.13 × 10⁶ mol year⁻¹. Evaporation and altitude effects have caused enrichment of δ¹⁸O and δ²H in dry season and downstream of the river. Higher d-excess value than global average suggests that most of the stations were supplied by recycled moisture. Rainfall and groundwater were the major sources of surface flowing water in PRB; nevertheless, glacier from Mt. Kilimanjaro has insignificant contribution to the surface water. We recommend measures to be taken to reduce the level of fluoride and sodium before domestic use.

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