Complex interactions between climate change, sanitation, and groundwater quality: a case study from Ramotswa, Botswana

摘要: Groundwater quantity and quality may be affected by climate change through intricate direct indirect mechanisms. At the same time, population growth rapid urbanization have made groundwater an increasingly important source of water for multiple uses around world, including southern Africa. The present study investigates coupled human natural system (CHANS) linking climate, sanitation, in Ramotswa, a rapidly growing peri-urban area semi-arid southeastern Botswana, which relies on transboundary Ramotswa aquifer supply. Analysis long-term rainfall records indicated that droughts like one 2013–2016 are increasing likelihood due to change. Key informant interviews showed drought, people used pit latrines rather than flush toilets. Nitrate, fecal coliforms, caffeine analyses revealed waste leaching from is likely nitrate pollution. results conjunction indicate critical linkages between change, quality, security area. Improved protection remediation, local treatment would enhance reliable access water, de-couple community reliance surface associated shortage risks, help prevent tension over shared aquifer.