Integrating water quality monitoring and ecological assessment for wetland classification and risk evaluation in the Kirala Kele wetland, Sri Lanka

We conducted the present study to assess the spatial and temporal variations of selected physicochemical water quality parameters, to quantify the level of ecological risks of disturbances occurring, and to understand the relationship between the selected disturbances observed and physicochemical parameters of surface water of sampling sites of the Kirala Kele wetland. We selected sampling sites to reflect different land uses in the Kirala Kele wetland using purposive sampling and collected triplicated surface water samples to assess quality of water. The sampling sites of wetland characterization and risk assessment were followed using the protocol by Escom. We found that there was a significant temporal variation of pH, electrical conductivity, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen content among sampling sites (p > 0.05, One-Way ANOVA), however, spatial variation of electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen was significantly higher in site 9, site 10, and site 11, respectively (p > 0.05, One-Way ANOVA). Site 2, site 5, site 10, and site 11 showed a category B level in wetland characterization and risk assessment highlighting the few levels of modifications and largely natural status of sites. The study demonstrates the applicability of this model for rapid assessment of wetland characteristics and risks to sustainably conserve and manage wetlands. HIGHLIGHTS Study showed a relationship with variation of water quality parameters and ecological risks in the Kirala Kele wetland.; Wetland characterization revealed ‘category B’ levels in Sites 2, 5, 10, and 11.; Other sampling sites showed ‘category C’ with moderate disturbances in the Kirala Kele wetland.; This study suggests the need for an integrated wetland management approach and continuous monitoring to conserve the wetland.;