Assessment of Groundwater Quality under Changing Climate in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Groundwater quality in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania, is projected to deteriorate significantly by 2036–2050 due to climate change. Two key anions (chloride and phosphate) and two cations (sodium and potassium) are expected to exceed permissible limits, primarily driven by increased evapotranspiration and temperature changes. Current groundwater remains suitable for drinking and domestic use, but correlations between hydrochemical shifts and climatic factors (Pearson’s r: 0.35–0.66) underscore the need for proactive water management strategies. The study used the HYDRUS-1D model to simulate surface water leaching under projected climate scenarios, providing critical data for sustainable conservation planning in this UNESCO-listed site.

Mwabumba, M., Jahangeer, J., Beegum, S., Yadav, B. K., & Rwiza, M. J. (2022). Assessment of Groundwater Quality under Changing Climate in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, 148(10). https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)ir.1943-4774.0001702