Water quality in the Okavango Delta

A review of water quality data from the Okavango Delta (2000–2010) reveals that despite climatic variations, the ecosystem maintains low salt-water balances through evapotranspiration and chemical precipitation. Electrical conductivity remains below 200 µS.cm⁻¹, with total dissolved solids averaging 40 mg/L. Dissolved oxygen and organic carbon levels range from 1.8–8.8 mg/L and 5–15 mg/L, respectively, while pH varies between 6.7 and 10.3. Total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations are low, peaking at 1.7 mg/L and 1.6 mg/L downstream. Though water quality parameters suggest potable conditions, the Delta faces threats from anthropogenic activities, including persistent organic pollutants, necessitating ongoing monitoring to safeguard its biodiversity.

Mmualefe, L., & Torto, N. (2011). Water quality in the Okavango Delta. Water SA, 37(3). https://doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v37i3.68492