The researchers studied a wetland in Lesotho to understand its water flow and quality. They monitored water levels and collected samples to analyze isotopes and water quality parameters. They found that the wetland only had water for a short time, with water levels responding slowly to rainfall. The water stored in the wetland before reaching the stream had good quality, but the stream water had higher levels of certain pollutants. The study showed that the wetland was not in good condition and was not functioning well ecologically.