Zambia
2009 EPP fellow in Surface Waters, Dave Senn
Jason Wamulume
March - April, 2009
MSc student, University of Zambia, School of Mines, IWRM Centre, Zambia
My work in Switzerland consisted of the following:
- Training in laboratory analysis of water samples
- Modelling using ArcGis and other open source resources
- ETH course and an independent study course on wetland biogeochemistry
- Modelling using Aquasim
- Attending group meetings and seminars
- Thesis structuring
During my six weeks at EAWAG I received additional laboratory training and analyzed water samples for nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, ortho- phosphate, and alkalinity. These samples consisted of reservoir and river samples from the Kafue River basin in my study area in Zambia. I also learned how to use a mass spectrometer system to analyse water samples for dissolved inorganic carbon, oxygen and hydrogen isotopes. The results from this laboratory work will form part of my thesis for a chemical balance in the study area.
I also worked at ETH-Hönggerberg and learned how to use remote sensed data in ArcGis to determine subcatchments within my study area and estimate the amount of rainfall and evapotranspiration in those subcatchment. The data sources were USGS for a DEM, flow direction and accumulation models, and FEWs remote sensed rainfall data. The hydrologic estimates will be used in my thesis for developing a water balance.
In addition, I attended a course on pollutant dynamics and modeling at ETH-Zürich once a week. My supervisor and I also had an independent study course on wetland biogeochemistry and how the links between these concepts and my research in the Lower Kafue Basin. During my last week at EAWAG I also attended a mini-course on modeling using Aquasim, a software that I may use to model some of my data.
My training and stay here were very fruitful and helpful to my studies.