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 Signature ________________________________

TROPICAL CYCLONE FREDDY IMPACT IN MOZAMBIQUE

IINTRODUCTION

River flow can be affected by many things and I don’t think that one of those things is human activities.
In this research I will find out how river flow is affected by human activity and how that impacts the
environment.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

What is a river?

A river is a natural flowing watercourse, typically originating from a source such as a spring, lake, or
glacier, and flowing towards an ocean, sea, or another river. Rivers play a vital role in the Earth’s
hydrological cycle, transporting water, sediment, and nutrients across landscapes, shaping the terrain,
and supporting diverse ecosystems. They are important for various human activities, including water
supply, transportation, agriculture, and recreation.

Sezela river and palmiet river

Two rivers I will investigate are the sezela river and the palmiet river. These rivers are located in kwa-
Zulu Natal, a province in South Africa.

Mapping

DATA COLLECTION

Observation
I have experienced the flow of rivers in my village dinokana do not change at all due to human activities.
The villagers have adapted to the rivers rather than change the river flow to suit them. The Moetsane
river and the Skhutlho river have been flowing the same way ever since I knew them and my parents
and grandparents state that they were the same during their younger days as well.

ANALYSIS

Human activities can have significant impacts on river flow. Some of the
main ways in which human activities can affect river flow include:

1. Water extraction: Human demand for water, such as for

agriculture, industry, and domestic use, often leads to the
extraction of water from rivers. This can reduce the volume of
water in the river, affecting its flow and altering the natural
hydrological cycle.

2. Damming and reservoirs: Construction of dams and reservoirs for

hydropower generation, water storage, and irrigation purposes can
greatly influence river flow. Dams regulate the release of water
downstream, which can lead to changes in flow patterns, altered
sediment transport, and disruption of natural flooding regimes.

3. Deforestation: Clearing forests along riverbanks or in the upstream

catchment areas can have adverse effects on river flow. Trees play
a crucial role in maintaining water balance by absorbing rainfall
and reducing runoff. Deforestation increases surface runoff,
leading to higher peak flows and increased erosion.

4. Urbanization and impervious surfaces: As cities and urban areas

expand, the natural land cover is replaced by impervious surfaces
such as roads, buildings, and pavements. This results in increased
 surface runoff and reduced infiltration, leading to faster flow of
water into rivers, higher peak flows, and increased risk of flooding.

5. Agriculture and irrigation: Agriculture often requires irrigation,

which diverts water from rivers and reduces their flow. Excessive
water extraction for irrigation can lead to lower river flows and
even the complete drying up of some rivers, particularly in arid
regions.

6. Pollution: Human activities such as industrial discharges, sewage

releases, and agricultural runoff can introduce pollutants into
rivers. Pollutants can degrade water quality, harm aquatic
ecosystems, and impact river flow dynamics by affecting sediment
transport and the oxygen levels in the water. The sezela and
palmiet were measured to have metal contaminations and both
rivers showed signs of detrioration from human activities.

Recommendations and Solutions

Completely stopping human activities from changing river flow is not possible because human societies
rely on rivers for various purposes such as water supply, energy generation, agriculture, and
transportation. Still, there are measures that can be taken to mitigate the negative impacts of human
activities and promote sustainable river flow management. Here are some strategies:

1. Integrated water resources management: Implementing comprehensive water management

plans that consider the needs of all stakeholders, including ecosystems, can help balance
competing demands and ensure sustainable river flow. This involves coordinated planning,
efficient water allocation, and the integration of environmental considerations into water
management decisions.

2. Water conservation and efficiency: Promoting water conservation practices in agriculture,

industry, and households can reduce water demand and minimize the need for excessive river
water extraction. Improving irrigation techniques, reducing water losses from distribution
 systems, and promoting water-saving technologies can all contribute to more efficient water
use.

3. Sustainable hydropower development: Hydropower projects should be designed and operated

in a manner that minimizes their impacts on river flow. This can include optimized dam
operations that mimic natural flow patterns, release of environmental flows to support
ecosystems, and consideration of sediment management to maintain downstream processes.

4. Afforestation and land management: Planting trees and preserving natural vegetation along
riverbanks and in upstream catchment areas can help regulate rainfall, reduce erosion, and
improve water infiltration. Implementing sustainable land management practices, such as
preventing deforestation, reducing soil erosion, and controlling runoff, can help maintain
healthy river ecosystems and flow regimes.

5. Pollution control and remediation: Stringent regulations and effective enforcement can help
reduce pollution from point and non-point sources. Implementing advanced wastewater
treatment technologies, controlling industrial discharges, and promoting responsible use of
fertilizers and pesticides can minimize pollution impacts on river flow and water quality.

6. Climate change adaptation: As climate change affects precipitation patterns and alters river flow
regimes, it is important to develop strategies for climate change adaptation. This can involve
building resilience in water infrastructure, enhancing water storage capacities, and developing
flexible water management systems that can adapt to changing conditions.

7. Public awareness and stakeholder engagement: Increasing public awareness about the
importance of sustainable river flow and involving stakeholders in decision-making processes
can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. Encouraging public participation, supporting
local initiatives, and engaging communities in river conservation efforts can lead to more
effective management and protection of rivers.

While it is not possible to completely eliminate the influence of human activities on river flow, adopting
these measures can help minimize negative impacts, ensure sustainable water management practices,
and safeguard the health and integrity of our rivers.

CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY

 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30778691/
 https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Sampling-sites-dots-shown-on-the-Palmiet-River-a-and-
Sezela-River-b_fig1_331189165
 https://www.mindat.org/feature-956251.html
 https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/440-human-impact-on-rivers#:~:text=Sulfur
%20dioxide%20and%20nitrous%20oxide,Biodiversity%20decreases%20with%20decreasing
%20pH.