Palustrine wetlands in Lesotho are vulnerable to vegetation loss due to overgrazing and the nature of the topography, the latter leading to gully erosion exacerbated by a degraded soil structure. Degraded soils are not able to adsorb pollutants; neither can they support vegetation growth. The presence of degraded soils in wetlands thus contributes towards leaching of pollutants into nearby streams and groundwater resources. Khubelu wetland (which was the focus of this study) is a palustrine wetland that discharges water into the Khubelu stream in Lesotho. The water purification function of this wetland is pertinent since Khubelu River is one of the tributaries at the headwaters of the shared Orange- Senqu basin. This function is threatened by vegetation loss and soil degradation through overgrazing and environmental conditions like extreme climatic variations. Consequently, water released into adjacent streams from the wetland could be of low quality, further putting at risk the health of this ecosystem and users of these streams due to toxicity caused by the polluted water from the wetland. With predicted floods and/or droughts and intense heat, water temperatures may rise by up to 70% in the 21st century according to researchers. It is believed that floods would lead to shorter residence time of water within wetlands, washing away soil with pollutants into surrounding streams before any geochemical processes that would sequester them occurs. Droughts on the other hand would lead to failure of dilution of polluted waters. Excessive evaporation due to intense heat would also leave pollutant-concentrated water behind. Since these wetlands are the headwaters of an international river, the problem of water pollution and deteriorated water resources might be regional. The main aim of the study was to characterise the extent of soil degradation and water quality in the Khubelu wetland and assess the water purification ability in an endeavour to understand the role the wetland plays in the quality of water in rivers and streams fed by the Khubelu wetland, and also to understand how changes in climate would impact on the wetland characteristics. In situ analyses of soil and water were done followed by sampling of the same for further analysis in the laboratory using standard methods. Surface water samples were collected from two sampling points in the Khubelu stream, whereas water in the wetland was sampled from seven piezometers installed in the wetland. Three replicates of water samples were collected from each sampling point monthly over a period of one year. The water properties determined included pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), cations (magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), nitrates, phosphates and chlorides. The data generated from these analyses were subjected to various statistical tests and the Water Quality Index (WQI) of the wetland and stream waters determined. The water quality drinking standards were preferred in this study since the major beneficiaries of the stream that emanates from the wetland are human populace. Prediction of water quality in the wetland in light of the changing climate was done using the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model. Soil samples were collected from the upper, middle and lower areas of the wetland, referred to as upstream, midstream and downstream of the wetland in the report, at the same sites where the piezometers were installed. At each site, three sampling points were identified two metres apart from each other and samples collected at depths of 15 cm, 30 cm and 45 cm at each site. The soil samples were then characterised for their texture, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Total Carbon (TC), Total Nitrogen (TN), Organic Matter (OM), exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, and available phosphorus, using standard procedures. The soil data generated were then subjected to data analyses and the Chemical Degradation Index (CDI) of the wetland soils determined. Determination of the wetland’s potential to purify water was done by assessing its ability to retain nutrients, pollutants and sediments. Results obtained in this study showed that the wetland and stream water had circumneutral pH with values that ranged from 6.32 -7.69. The values for Na, Ca, K, Mg, TDS, NO3, Cl and DO in the wetland and stream waters were below the WHO drinking water standards thresholds of 200 mg/l for Na and Ca, 12 mg/l for K, 150 mg/l for Mg, 50 mg/l for TDS 50 mg/l for NO3, 5 mg/l for DO and BOD, and 250 mg/l for Cl. Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) water standards for livestock drinking were: EC: <1.5 mS/cm (Excellent); 1.5 – 5.0 mS/cm (very satisfactory); < 250 mg/l of Mg for cows, 400 mg/l for beef cattle, and 500 mg/l for adult sheep. SA Irrigation water quality standards were also used, and it was determined that pH was within the acceptable threshold of 6.5 – 8.4, 70 mg/l for sodium and 0.4 mS/cm for EC. EC of 0.41 mS/cm to 1.12 mS/cm in the wetland and 0.67 mS/cm to 2.11 mS/cm in the stream was above the SA irrigation water quality standards. Other water properties such as PO4 (0.06-1.26 mg/l in stream and 0.17- 0.61 mg/l in wetland), and COD (10.00 to 55.00 mg/l in stream and 48-140.80 mg/l in the wetland) were above the WHO permissible limits. The water quality in the Khubelu wetland and stream ranged from very poor to unsuitable for drinking, with WQI values of 107 for the stream and 93 for the wetland. Water quality simulation along the Khubelu stream using the WEAP model shows that by the year 2025, BOD as one of the water quality parameters, would be high, with DO declining further especially if temperature increases and precipitation decreases. The wetland had sandy and acidic soils, with the TC and TN content of the soil decreasing with depth. The CDI value for the soil was 3.29. Regarding potential to reduce sediments, nutrients and organic pollutants, the wetland scored 7.09, 5.39 and 7.39 out of 10, respectively. This implies that there is moderate potential for the wetland to purify water that is discharged into the stream. The study concludes that the stream and wetland water qualities are unsuitable for human consumption and usable for livestock drinking. However, there might be some risks associated with evaporation that would leave the water saline. The wetland water presents a threat to the water quality of the receiving stream. However, the wetland has moderate potential to retain sediments, nutrients and toxic organics. This potential is threatened by a predicted decrease in precipitation and increase in temperature since oxygen-depleting contaminants and other pollutants whose behaviour in the environment are influenced by climate are highly likely to increase in concentrations in both the wetland and the stream. There is therefore a threat to the supply of water of good quality to the Senqu catchment, which supplies neighbouring countries (South Africa, Namibia and Botswana). Similar studies to this one need to be carried out for other wetlands in Lesotho on a regular basis to come up with data that would aid policy development that seeks to protect water resources. / Environmental Sciences / D. Phil. (Environmental Management)

M. Tech. (Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / South African government departments, through the relevant executing authority, are required to develop strategic plans in terms of the Public Service Amendment Act (Act No. 30 of 2007) and Public Finance Management Amendment Act (Act No. 29 of 1999). In terms of Treasury Regulation, 2005 section 6, the government departments are further required to comply with budgetary requirements. The key question in this research was to what extent is the strategic planning process aligned to the budgeting process. In light of the research question, the research objective was to investigate the alignment of the strategic planning and budgeting processes in the selected national government departments. In order to achieve the aforementioned research objective, structured questionnaires were distributed to 300 senior managers in the selected government departments of which 203 were completed and retrieved. The government departments that participated in the study were selected using the non-probability convenient sampling technique. A quantitative approach was followed, in which case a survey was used to garner data, which were analysed using statistical analytical methods, such as the means, standard deviations, exploratory factor analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The five factors of strategic planning were extracted from the strategic planning questionnaire data and were coined strategic analysis and assessment (SAA), environmental impact assessment (EIA), goal setting (GS), responsibilities and resource allocation (RRA), and information system (IS). Correlation analysis indicated that there was a positive relationship between the five factors of the strategic planning process and the budgeting process. The regression analysis results confirmed the existence of a predictive relationship between the five factors of strategic planning and the budgeting process. The conclusion from this finding confirmed the alignment of strategic planning with the budgeting process in the selected national government departments. The internal consistency of the measuring instrument was tested by means of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, while its validity was measured using face validity, content validity, construct validity, convergent validity and predictive validity. In spite of the positive correlation and regression analyses, recommendations were made to improve the strategic planning and budgeting processes.

No description available.

[pt] O objetivo principal da dissertação é o exame da potencialidade criativa do design de espaços de curtos períodos de fruição do público na elaboração e implantação de soluções rumo a redução do seu impacto ambiental. A atividade foco da pesquisa será designada como design de espaços do acontecimento, uma atividade comumente chamada cenografia, mas que transborda os palcos. Intensificada no final do séc. XX, tal atividade se torna cada vez mais potente no ambiente contemporâneo da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Identifica-se, contudo, um paradoxo no que tange a dinâmica de criação e construção desses espaços e o ciclo de vida dos materiais utilizados. A extensa gama de materiais geralmente especificados nessas construções apresenta inúmeras propriedades favoráveis, como facilidade de manuseio e transporte, resistência estrutural, flexibilidade e leveza, além de diversificadas qualidades estéticas. Por outro lado, tais materiais apresentam também uma durabilidade infinitamente maior do que os curtos períodos de uso aos quais são submetidos. Observa-se necessário evidenciar o eufemismo que mascara a realidade não efêmera, mas essencialmente descartável dessas construções, através da análise de suas durações e de sua cadeia criativa-produtiva. Serão apresentados e analisados casos referência que se constituem como protótipos de soluções para a aproximação da criação e construção dos espaços do acontecimento aos valores inerentes aos ciclos efêmeros biológicos da natureza. Conclui-se que é necessário e possível encontrar novas soluções menos agressivas com o meio ambiente a partir da problematização de cada etapa da cadeia criativa-produtiva da atividade, assim como também que a inserção dos projetos em sistemas pré e ou pós existentes a ele, resultam em possibilidades de caminhos rumo a uma descontinuidade sistêmica da atividade e a redução do seu impacto ambiental. / [en] The main objective of this dissertation is the examination of the creative potentiality at the elaboration and implantation of solutions within set design for public enjoyment through short periods, in towards the reduction of their environmental impact. The focus activity of this research will be designated as happening s set design. This area of activity is commonly called in Brazil scenography, but it doesn t specific apply to spaces out of the stage. Intensified at the end of the 20th century, this activity becomes increasingly powerful in the contemporary environment of the city of Rio de Janeiro. However, there is a paradox regarding the creation and construction dynamics of these spaces and the life cycle of the materials. The extensive range of materials generally specified in these constructions has numerous favorable properties, that includes friendly handling and transportation, structural resistance, flexibility and light weight, in addition to a diversity of aesthetical qualities. On the other hand, such materials also have infinitely longer durability than the short periods of use to which they are subjected. It is necessary to point out the euphemism that masks the nonephemeral but essentially disposable reality of these constructions, through the analysis of their durations and their creative-productive chain. We will present and analyze reference cases that constitute as prototypes of solutions for the approximation of the creation and construction of the spaces of the event to inherent values of nature biological ephemeral cycles. The conclusion is that it is necessary and possible to find new solutions less aggressive to the environment through each stage problematization of the creative-productive chain, as well the insertion of the projects in pre and post existing systems to it, result in possibilities of new paths towards a systemic discontinuity of the happening s set design and the reduction of its environmental impact.

Human related activities have influenced the rivers of the southern Western Cape since as early as the 1700’s. As there is no detailed information available on ecological status of the Holsloot River, a tributary of the Breede River, this study aimed to gain insight into the effect of impacts associated with human activities on the habitat integrity of this river. The study intended to understand how seasonal changes, catchment characteristics and events are reflected in the ecological status of habitats along the river by applying bio-monitoring and river health measurements at selected sites in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Holsloot River and compare the results to that of an undisturbed reference site. Results obtained in this study are compared with data gathered in 2008/2009 to determine if the ecological status of the river had changed in the period between the two sampling times. The study included assessment of the ecological status of the river based on standard bio-monitoring protocol (SASS5, IHI, IHAS and VEGRAI) as well as in situ water quality analysis (pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids). The construction of the instream Stettynskloof Dam changed the configuration of the riparian zone and river channel in the upper catchment area. Agricultural- and other human related activities, with consequent water abstraction, non-point-source pollution, loss of riparian vegetation, as well as dense stands of alien invader plants influence flow patterns and affects river ecology, especially in the dry summer months. Providing sufficient stream flow and adequate water levels, human related activities can create a larger variety of habitat types available that can support larger biodiversity and higher productivity. The level of inundation and stream flow, influenced by water abstraction as well as irrigation return-flow from extensive drainage systems especially in the dry months, contribute to the loss of biodiversity in the middle and lower reaches of the river. Where the upper reaches of the river are largely natural with few modifications, the habitat integrity deteriorates in the middle reaches so much so that ecosystem functioning are collectively impaired in lower reaches due to human related impacts. Sensitive macro-invertebrates found at lower seriously impacted parts of the river however, were in all probability washed down from lower impacted upstream habitats and may expectedly be able to again occupy habitats downstream if water quality and habitat availability improves. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)

The study was undertaken to investigate the following: limiting factors faced by the developers in complying with the EIA conditions and to determine whether the various developers comply with the conditions. The study was undertaken by use of questionnaires, site visits, meetings, photographs, group interviews. Trained fields assistants were also used to administer the questionnaires in order to collect data. Data from two sites were collected between 2012 and 2014 and were intentionally collected in order to provide information regarding the implementation of mitigation measures. The collected data was subjected to SAS (statistical software). Chi-square test for independence was performed in order to compare the differences (Snedecor & Cocharen, 1978) between the two sites. Based on the results of the study, it is therefore recommended that competent authorities should consider drafting and supplying follow-up guidelines and these guidelines should also apply to all the relevant role players involved. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 136-154) Aims to determine the effects of an outfall discharging secondarily treated wastewater effluent on benthic communities at Christies Beach with the specific objectives of: characterising the physical, biological and chemical environment of Gulf St Vincent and the study area region; ascertaining the extent to which effluent outfall has affected the macrobenthic infaunal community structure; characterising the structure of macrobenthic infaunal communities in the near shore water of the Adelaide metropolitan coast; and, determining the functional response through measurements of sediment community respiration to these changes.

Bibliography: leaves 85-91.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 136-154) / xvii, 171 leaves ; ill. (some col.), maps ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Aims to determine the effects of an outfall discharging secondarily treated wastewater effluent on benthic communities at Christies Beach with the specific objectives of: characterising the physical, biological and chemical environment of Gulf St Vincent and the study area region; ascertaining the extent to which effluent outfall has affected the macrobenthic infaunal community structure; characterising the structure of macrobenthic infaunal communities in the near shore water of the Adelaide metropolitan coast; and, determining the functional response through measurements of sediment community respiration to these changes. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Environmental Biology, 2001

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Water resources in South Africa are limited and groundwater plays an important role in supporting basic human needs, sustaining ecosystems and enabling industrial and agricultural development. Sound management practices are necessary to ensure sustainable development of water resources. All groundwater usage must be licensed in compliance with the National Water Act of 1998. A Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) can be used to assist in the groundwater usage licensing process of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF). The main aim of this study was to develop a SDSS, named Groundwater Abstraction & Licence Evaluation Tool (GALET), that could assist in the process of allocating water use licences and determining the local impact of abstraction, based on existing theory and data. The development was done within ArcView 3.2 using the scripting language Avenue. The Sandveld, an arid stretch of land along the west coast of South Africa that is heavily impacted by groundwater abstraction, was the chosen study area. The data collected for this study included existing borehole, recharge, rainfall and geological information. GALET proved to be capable of calculating essential information needed to evaluate groundwater abstraction, which included drawdown in the water table, zone of influence and the possible effects on features such as rivers and wetlands. Targeted potential users regarded GALET as a useful tool in the process of licensing and groundwater abstraction impact assessment and plans are under way to implement GALET or a derivative thereof at the DWAF regional offices. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Waterhulpbronne in Suid-Afrika is beperk en grondwater speel 'n belangrike rol in die ondersteuning van basiese menslike behoeftes, volhouding van ekosisteme asook industriële en landbou-ontwikkeling. Betroubare bestuurspraktyke is noodsaaklik om die volhoubare ontwikkeling van waterhulpbronne te verseker. Alle grondwatergebruik moet volgens die Nasionale Waterwet van 1998 gelisensieer word. 'n Ruimtelike Besluitnemings Ondersteuning Stelsel (RBOS) kan as 'n hulpmiddel gebruik word in die lisensiëringsproses van die Departement van Waterwese en Bosbou. Die hoofdoel van hierdie studie was om 'n RBOS, genoem Groundwater Abstraction & Licence Evaluation Tool (GALET), te ontwikkel wat as hulpmiddel gebruik kan word in die allokeringsproses van watergebruiklisensies en die bepaling van die impak van grondwateronttrekking op die omgewing, gebaseer op bestaande teorie en data. Die ontwikkeling is in ArcView 3.2 met die programmeringstaal Avenue gedoen. Die Sandveld, 'n ariede streek aan die weskus van Suid-Afrika wat onderhewig is aan grootskaalse grondwateronttrekking, is gekies as die studie area. Die data wat vir hierdie studie ingesamel is sluit bestaande boorgat, grondwateraanvulling, reënval en geologiese inligting in. GALET was in staat om belangrike inligting aangaande die evaluering van grondwateronttrekking te bereken, o.a. die daling van die grondwatervlak, die impaksone en die moontlike effekte op landvorms soos riviere en vleilande. Die teikengroep potensiële gebruikers het GALET as 'n nuttige hulpmiddel in die proses van lisensiëring en grondwateronttrekking impakbepaling beskou en planne is onderweg om dit of 'n aangepaste program by die streekskantore van die Departement van Waterwese en Bosbou te implementeer.