This study assesses the presence of selected trace metals and pops in the Baynespruit River, Sobantu, KwaZulu-Natal. Sediments, plants and water samples were collected along the river during dry and wet season. For metal analysis, the extraction was done using acid digestion and then determined on the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, for total metals in sediments, plants and water. Bio-available metals in sediments were analysed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. POPs were extracted in sediments using soxhlet extraction, which was followed up by evaporation on the rotary evaporator, sample clean up on a GPC column, further sample concentration on the rotary evaporator and later analysed on GC/MS instrument. Metals of concern in both seasons were Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn which exceeded maximum permissible limits for South African soil, Cr was just about the maximum permissible limit. The targeted POPs were not detected on any site during this work. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)

Inúmeras alterações vêm acontecendo na sociedade contemporânea devido ao surgimento de novas tecnologias, fato esse que tem influenciado várias áreas do conhecimento e alterado de forma significativa o estilo de vida da sociedade. Um dos impactos que a comunidade vem experimentando devido ao seu atual modo de vida é um contínuo e vertiginoso uso dos recursos naturais, que consecutivamente produzem abalos ambientais. Em vista disso, está crescendo o grau de conscientização da sociedade, e as empresas estão sendo impelidas a responder e se responsabilizar pelos impactos negativos gerados por suas atividades, mudando assim, paulatinamente o cenário social e ambiental. Para sanar tal situação, uma nova ferramenta com base em serviços veio proporcionar um desenvolvimento econômico apoiado na desmaterialização do crescimento, conhecido como Sistema Produto-Serviço Sustentável (SPSS). Algumas das características deste sistema se alteram em virtude das necessidades do cliente ou de acordo com a solução, priorizando o atendimento de componentes tangíveis ou intangíveis. O objetivo do estudo é propor um Mapa Visual para categorização de Modelos de Negócio de Sistemas Produto-Serviço Sustentáveis. Em relação ao caminho metodológico para atingir o objetivo proposto, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa de natureza aplicada, com abordagem qualitativa do problema, descritiva e se valendo de técnicas bibliográfica e documental, e estudo de caso de um mobiliário escolar informatizado. Como resultado da pesquisa, propõe-se um Mapa Visual, composto por 3 categorias, 9 sub-categorias e 45 critérios para categorização de Modelos de Negócio (MN) de SPSS. / Several changes occur in the contemporaneous society, in several areas of knowledge. The impacts produced generated in the last years due to technologies recently appeared, provoked significantly the society’s way of life. These impacts generate effects such the relationship between the current way of life and the increasing use of the natural resources. Therefore, increases gradually the enterprises’ awareness, the last ones responding for these impacts. In order to solve this situation, these enterprises developed a new tool based in services, to proportionate an economic development based in knowledge’s dematerialization, well known as Sustainable Product-Service System (SPSS). Some of the characteristics of this system can be changes, in virtue of the client’s needings or according to solution, prioritizing the attendance of the material and unmaterial components. Thus, it is intended through this study propose a categorization process for Business Models related to SPSS. Concernin the methodological way to achive the proposed goal, it was developed a research of applied nature, with a qualitative approach of the problem, being descriptive and using bibliographic and documental techniques, and being the case of study, an informatized scholar furniture. As a result of this research, it proposes a Visual Map, composed by three categories, 9 subcategories and 45 categorization creiteria of the SPSS Business Models.

Inúmeras alterações vêm acontecendo na sociedade contemporânea devido ao surgimento de novas tecnologias, fato esse que tem influenciado várias áreas do conhecimento e alterado de forma significativa o estilo de vida da sociedade. Um dos impactos que a comunidade vem experimentando devido ao seu atual modo de vida é um contínuo e vertiginoso uso dos recursos naturais, que consecutivamente produzem abalos ambientais. Em vista disso, está crescendo o grau de conscientização da sociedade, e as empresas estão sendo impelidas a responder e se responsabilizar pelos impactos negativos gerados por suas atividades, mudando assim, paulatinamente o cenário social e ambiental. Para sanar tal situação, uma nova ferramenta com base em serviços veio proporcionar um desenvolvimento econômico apoiado na desmaterialização do crescimento, conhecido como Sistema Produto-Serviço Sustentável (SPSS). Algumas das características deste sistema se alteram em virtude das necessidades do cliente ou de acordo com a solução, priorizando o atendimento de componentes tangíveis ou intangíveis. O objetivo do estudo é propor um Mapa Visual para categorização de Modelos de Negócio de Sistemas Produto-Serviço Sustentáveis. Em relação ao caminho metodológico para atingir o objetivo proposto, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa de natureza aplicada, com abordagem qualitativa do problema, descritiva e se valendo de técnicas bibliográfica e documental, e estudo de caso de um mobiliário escolar informatizado. Como resultado da pesquisa, propõe-se um Mapa Visual, composto por 3 categorias, 9 sub-categorias e 45 critérios para categorização de Modelos de Negócio (MN) de SPSS. / Several changes occur in the contemporaneous society, in several areas of knowledge. The impacts produced generated in the last years due to technologies recently appeared, provoked significantly the society’s way of life. These impacts generate effects such the relationship between the current way of life and the increasing use of the natural resources. Therefore, increases gradually the enterprises’ awareness, the last ones responding for these impacts. In order to solve this situation, these enterprises developed a new tool based in services, to proportionate an economic development based in knowledge’s dematerialization, well known as Sustainable Product-Service System (SPSS). Some of the characteristics of this system can be changes, in virtue of the client’s needings or according to solution, prioritizing the attendance of the material and unmaterial components. Thus, it is intended through this study propose a categorization process for Business Models related to SPSS. Concernin the methodological way to achive the proposed goal, it was developed a research of applied nature, with a qualitative approach of the problem, being descriptive and using bibliographic and documental techniques, and being the case of study, an informatized scholar furniture. As a result of this research, it proposes a Visual Map, composed by three categories, 9 subcategories and 45 categorization creiteria of the SPSS Business Models.

Rehabilitation is a dynamic process influenced by factors related to more than one field of ecology. It is therefore necessary to consider all these components when assessing the rehabilitation, although in the initial stages the successful revegetation of the disturbed areas is the most important criterion. Richards Bay Minerals, on whose mining site this project was carried out, is dredge mining heavy minerals on the north coast of Natal, where they have rehabilitated mined areas since 1978. This project has been carried out to establish: 1) The success of their dune forest rehabilitation using quantitative techniques. 2) The available seed bank in their rehabilitation stands. 3) The similarities in the succession taking place in rehabilitation stands compared to the revegetated stands in the vicinity of Richards Bay. 4) The best methods for creating alternative vegetation communities, especially grasslands, with a high species diversity on the mined tailings. This study reviews only the success of rehabilitation of the natural vegetation but other studies focusing on the insect, reptile, mammal and bird populations are also being undertaken by other researchers. No particular method of determining the success of vegetation rehabilitation has been chosen by restoration ecologists. Therefore in this study a broad range of quantitative techniques were used to show whether successional changes are occurring in the vegetation and physical environment. The results obtained from sampling the rehabilitated vegetation have shown that both the species richness and diversity are increasing as the returned vegetation matures. Levels of soil properties such as Sodium, Phosphate, Calcium and percentage organic matter have also risen with increasing stand age. Community complexity is also increasing with stand age, and TWINSPAN and DECORANA plots have separated out the differently aged stands based on their differences. A "pilot" study was done on the seed bank present in the rehabilitation stands. This has shown the presence of large amounts of early successional, mostly herbaceous species. Seeds of later successional and woody species were scarce which may be a result of the sampling intensity used. However seeds of late successional ground cover species were found in the older stands. Comparisons between the natural revegetation of disturbed areas in the vicinity of Richards Bay and the rehabilitation stands revealed similarities in both species composition and complexity. Species richness and diversity values are comparatively similar for the younger revegetated and older rehabilitation stands, and lWlNSPAN and DECORANA analysis techniques clustered the samples recorded from these areas in close proximity on their relative plots. The oldest revegetated sites contain a number of species found in the rehabilitated vegetation but as Acacia karroo has thinned-out in these stands many of these other species are now mature individuals. Attempts at rehabilitating an area of grassland at Richards Bay Minerals has not produced satisfactory species diversity and experimental manipulations were used to try and increase the diversity of the existing Eragrostis curvula dominated community. Of the several treatments used for the manipulation, a combination of burning and further topsoiling was the most successful in reducing Eragrostis importance and in increasing the species richness. Grassland topsoil spread directly onto the bare tailings produced an extensive vegetation covering over a short period but species richness was not significantly greater than for the existing Eragrostis dominated grassland, and further treatments and management needs to continue if this technique is to be employed. Only a limited amount of alien infestation of the rehabilitated areas was evident from the sampling undertaken during this research. As the removal of alien plants is an ongoing process and the rehabilitation stands are continuously monitored to identify any new invaders, this is not expected to become a problem. From the results of work done overseas and the rehabilitation carried out in South Africa it appears that it is possible to return natural vegetation communities on mined areas. That this is a lengthy process is to be expected but by manipulating the vegetation and continuously monitoring the process it may be possible to speed up development. Areas in need of further research have been identified based on the findings of this project. This will help to reinforce the undertaking of management proposals that will enhance the vegetation recovery and the success of the rehabilitation programme.

This mixed methods research was conducted in the fall of 2014 to understand the perceptions and experiences of health risks and health outcomes due to pesticide exposure among community members (n=13) - concerned community members, agriculture workers and teachers- that live in the Central California agriculture counties of Monterey, Santa Cruz, Tulare, Fresno and Madera. This research explored: 1) The crops growing in participants’ communities, and how exposure to pesticides used in these crops pose potential health risks to participants and their communities 2) How pesticide exposure is impacting Hispanic/Latino communities in Central California, particularly those that are most vulnerable including school children, agriculture workers, and community members 3) The major public health concerns of impacted communities 4) Feelings of empowered to advocate for community health and environment and 5) What impacted communities wish to see on behalf of government and agribusiness to protect public health from pesticide exposure and toxins.

Thesis (MSc (Conservation Ecology and Entomology)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / A pilot study was conducted at the Namakwa Sands Mineral Separation Plant, to investigate the effects of acidic gaseous emissions from the Mineral Separation Plant on the adjacent Succulent Karoo vegetation. Sulphuric acid fumes, a major gaseous emission of the mineral processing, was the subject of investigation of the present study, due to the potential high negative impact of elevated concentrations thereof on vegetation in the ecosystem. Permanent sample plots along three transects radiating from the Mineral Separation Plant were laid out in the eastern, south-eastern and southern directions following the prevailing wind directions and practical consideration of land accessibility. The ecological components assessed as indicators of possible pollution levels in the environment included percentage plant mortality, foliar sulphur content of selected plant species, chemical composition of solubles in mist and dust samples, and soil pH. In addition, the vegetation was screened for plant species suitable to be used as potential bioindicators. Potential bioindicator plant species were selected on the basis of their relatively wide distribution in the study area and apparent sensitivity to the ambient air pollutants. The percentage of dead plants of each species that occurred on the sample plots was used as a criterion of the possible sensitivity of the plant species towards air pollution. The bioindicator plant species selected for potential monitoring purposes were: Galenia fruticosa, Lampranthus suavissimus, Lycium ferocissimum and a Ruschia sp. (SP 9). Plant mortality was greater nearer the emission source, with 28 + 5 % dead plants at 400 m, 19 + 6 % at 800 m and only 10 + 4 % at 1,200 m from the Mineral Separation Plant. Data summed for all species recorded and pooled for all three transects per sampling distance. With the methods used in this study, in the case of all sample plots on the three transects, no significant difference was found between the mean pH values of soil samples collected from open spaces without plant cover (8.01 + 0.46) and those collected underneath shrubs (8.91 + 0.96). Subsequently only the pH values of soil samples collected on open spaces were used to investigate the variation in soil acidity with distance and direction from the emission source. The means represent total number of samples from open space versus those collected from underneath shrubs. The pH of soil samples increased with distance from the emission source along the transects to the south and south-east of the emission source. Eastward of the emission source, soil pH values remained relatively low at all sample distances. This pilot study could not determine whether the continuous acidity of the soil along the eastern transect in the direction of the prevailing wind, was caused by increased deposition of gaseous emissions on the higher lying hilly terrain in this area, or by the underlying geology. Ion chromatographic analysis of mist and dust samples collected on each sample plot indicated the presence of several chemicals that had probably originated from the gaseous emissions from the Mineral Separation Plant as well as wind blown constituents from the adjacent surroundings of the sample plots. Of these chemicals, only the sulphate concentrations of the mist and dust samples were further evaluated, since that could be related to the emission of sulphuric acid fumes by the Mineral Separation Plant. Results indicated that the mean sulphate concentration of mist and dust samples collected from sample plots relatively close to the Mineral Separation Plant, 118.8 + 31.6 mg/litre (400 m), were higher than further afield, decreasing to 57 + 30.1 mg/litre at 800 m and 43.1 + 19.6 mg/litre at 1,200 m. These values, representing the mean sulphate concentrations of mist and dust samples at each sampling distance (data of the three transects pooled), differ significantly at the 85 % confidence level. Statistical evaluation of the data of the mist and dust pH measurements, pooled for the three transects on the basis of distance, indicated a gradual increase of the mean values from 400 m (7.3 + 0.26), through 800 m (7.7 + 0.34), to 1,200 m (8.2 + 0.83), although these values were not significantly different. A decreasing trend in accordance with that in the case of the sulphate concentrations of mist and dust samples with distance from the mineral processing plant, was also observed in the sulphur content of the leaves of selected plant species, with mean sulphur content higher at 400 m sampling distance (0.29 + 0.091 %) than at 800 m (0.264 + 0.086 %) and a further decline at 1,200 m (0.232 + 0.079 %), data of the three transects pooled. However, these values were also not significantly different. Although not significantly so, the decreasing trend in the results of the sulphate concentration of mist and dust samples, the sulphur content of plant leaf samples as well as plant mortality observed, and increasing soil pH values with distance from the Mineral Separation Plant, suggest that the gaseous emissions from the Mineral Separation Plant could probably have had a detrimental effect on the adjacent Succulent Karoo vegetation. A more detailed study is necessary to confirm this trend. In addition it is recommended that in order to clarify the soil pH measurements outcome along the eastern transect that were contradicted by the results of the mist and dust pH measurements, a more intensive survey over a greater distance (at least further than 1.2 km from the Mineral Separation Plant), be conducted to quantify vegetation damage and acid deposition to the east of the emission source.

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

The majority of people in the mining areas in Limpopo, South Africa, depend on agriculture to sustain their livelihoods; however, the mines have also become important because they create better employment opportunities. The purpose of the study was to analyse the impact of mining on agriculture and socio-economic aspects in the rural communities of the Greater Tubatse Local Municipality. The objectives were to profile the socio-demographic characteristics of the community members surrounding a chrome mine; to determine the impact of mining activities on agricultural production (crop and livestock production); to determine factors influencing farmers’ perceived impact of mining activities on agricultural production; and to ascertain the socio-economic (natural capital, financial capital, social capital, human capital, physical capital) impact of mining activities on the local communities. A quantitative research approach was used to conduct the study using a survey design. Six villages surrounding a chrome mine in the Greater Tubatse Local Municipality in Limpopo participated in the study. Stratified and random sampling approaches were used to select participants from each village to constitute a sample of 347. A total of 347 survey questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews but only 309 were correctly and fully completed. SPSS version 24 was used to analyse the data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the ordered logistic regression model, Wilcoxon signed ranks test and binomial test. The majority (50.8%) of the respondents were male. Sepedi was the most spoken language (97.7%). Most (63.3%) of the respondents were in the age range of 18-30, and 76.4% were single in terms of marital status. A large proportion of the respondents (70.6%) could read and write because they had secondary education. Land ownership findings show that more than half (58.1%) of the respondents had farm plot sizes between 4.6 and 10.5 ha. Average farm plot size was 4.1 ha, and only a few (1.3%) of the plots were above 9 ha. The average family size was about 7 people (actual 6.7). A large proportion (77.7%) of the respondents were dependent on government social grants (pensioners, disability and orphans) as the main source of income. Regarding the impact of mines on agriculture, the study found that in general, the mines did not have a negative impact on the production of livestock and crops, except for donkeys and groundnuts, which were negatively affected. In addition, the findings also show that a large proportion (92.6%) of the respondents lost their agricultural land (mainly grazing land) because of increased mining activities, although the loss of land did not affect production. With regard to the socioeconomic impact of mining activities on the surrounding communities, the study found that the mines had a negative impact on natural capital, physical capital, financial capital and social capital. However, the impact on human capital was positive. It is recommended that mining companies in the study area provide the necessary support to improve the socioeconomic status of the rural communities surrounding the mines in Greater Tubatse Local Municipality. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

Environmental management systems (EMSs) have been advanced as a tool for successful adoption and implementation of environmental management initiatives in organisations. As with any management system, an EMS needs to be integrated into corporate management so that it may operate in congruence with the other management systems present in an organisation. One framework that has been widely recognised for fostering the process of management systems integration in organisations is Mckinsey's 7-S model of business elements. This model has been used to understand and foster integration in mainstream management and business circles. However, it was the researcher's considered view that the model could be usefully applied in organisations to foster EMS integration. Hence, the study set out to explore the efficacy of Mckinseys 7-S model using a case study, namely Hulett Aluminium. Data collection included reviewing related literature, interviewer administered questionnaires and open-ended interviews. The study had a total of 41 respondents, most of whom were questionnaire respondents. Simple coding sheets and content analysis were used to-analyse the data. It is clear from the study that Mckinsey's 7-S model is useful to understanding EMS integration in organisations. However, the model does not adequately provide for human aspects in the process of dealing with change. The model's inclusion of human aspects seems to be confmed to skills (i.e. capacity and knowledge), with an inclination towards technical imperatives. However, non-technical factors such as the way the employees perceive of the change and how it affects them are also important. Positive perceptions, especially those arising from personal results could serve to reinforce the change process, which apparently is at the heart of EMS adoption and implementation. This study does not present statistically definitive conclusions, but interesting trends and views emerge. It should be regarded as exploratory, providing directions to researchers for further, more in-depth research into the theme of the study. The study also makes recommendations as well as suggestions for further research. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

Although the mining industry contributed to the development of the country by providing infrastructure and employment, it left a negative impact on the environment. To this end, various pieces of law were promulgated to limit environmental damage and hold those who pollute (Mining Companies / licensees) accountable. This research focused on two study sites namely Blyvooruitzicht and Grootvlei gold mines. Both mines underwent forced mine closure and their environmental liabilities remained unresolved. This study focused on important laws governing the South African gold mining sector, to form an understanding of these laws and to establish if these laws protect the environment sufficiently or not. The study included an overview of the current relevant legislative framework regarding mines, with the aim of identifying if there were gaps between Mining law, Company law, B-BBEE law (Equity Law) and Environmental law. This included an exploration of the interrelationships between the various pieces of legislation and the challenges relating to compliance and enforcement of these mentioned laws. Further to this, the research study investigated the requirements and responsibilities of the South African State, and directors of mining companies. The finding was that South African law with respect to mining companies needs minor adjustments, but the crux of the problem is a lack of effective implementation and enforcement by the State. There is ineffective administration of environmental quality control by the various designated National Government Departments. Recommendations made include the need for clear monitoring of compliance and enforcement of the environmental regulatory framework if there is to be successful mine closure in South Africa. In addition, the South African State Government could consider incentivizing compliance, that is, reward mining companies who uphold environmental law. Further to this the thesis suggest the elimination of any contradictions between the various legislations within the mining industry and stipulates that legislation must be read in conjunction with one-another if a robust legislative framework is to exist. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Science)