Abstract:
Urbanization significantly impacted water quality by introducing pollutants into river systems,
necessitating effective tracking and mitigation strategies. This study developed a pollutant
tracking model for River Namatala to assess and mitigate the effects of urbanization on its
water quality. The research employed a combination of field data collection, laboratory analysis
and modelling techniques to characterize pollutants, track their sources, and propose mitigation
measures.
The study began by identifying key pollutants affecting River Namatala through water
sampling and laboratory analysis. Parameters such as turbidity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nutrients were analysed to
determine the extent of pollution. The research integrated SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment
Tool) as the primary modelling framework, enabling the simulation of pollutant transport and
source identification. Additionally, statistical analysis using Excel sheets was applied to
characterise the pollutants, providing insights into their variation across different locations and
seasons.
The findings indicated that urban runoff, industrial discharge and agricultural activities were
the primary contributors to water pollution in River Namatala. High concentrations of nutrients
and organic matter suggested eutrophication risks while this contamination posed concerns for
public health and aquatic life. The pollutant tracking model effectively mapped pollution
hotspots and predicted potential future trends under different land use scenarios.
Based on the model’s outputs, the study proposed targeted mitigation strategies, including
improved wastewater management, riparian buffer restoration, and policy recommendations
for urban planning.
This study provided a comprehensive approach to pollutant tracking and mitigation in
urbanized river systems. The integration of field data, laboratory analysis and modeling tools
offered a replicable framework for managing water quality challenges in similar environments.
The recommendations derived from this study could guide policymakers, water resource
managers and stakeholders in developing effective strategies to safeguard water quality amid
increasing urbanization.
