Abalone Haliotis midae farming in South Africa is highly intensive, employing pump-ashore, flow-through systems. Despite the known sensitivity of abalone to water quality, there is only a rudimentary understanding of water quality dynamics on South African abalone farms and its effects on abalone production. Furthermore, the potential for reusing the relatively dilute abalone farm effluent to culture other animal species has not been investigated. This study investigated the dynamics of water quality and growth on a South African abalone farm and assessed the suitability of the effluent for the culture of silver kob Argyrosomus inodorus and bloodworm Arenicola loveni loveni. Monitoring of water quality and abalone growth in abalone tanks revealed that oxygen concentrations decreased, while H⁺ ion and free-ammonia (NH₃) concentration increased in a gradient between the inflow and outflow. Abalone growth was positively correlated with oxygen concentration and negatively correlated with free-ammonia and H⁺ ion concentration. The oxygen (O) concentration of the farm influent was dependent upon the influents’ temperature (T) and was described by the relationship O (mg L⁻¹) = 11.244 – 0.208T (r²=0.74). Linear regression analysis of data collected from abalone farm tanks revealed that the concentration of total ammonia at the outflow of abalone tanks (μg TAN L⁻¹) was dependant upon temperature (°C), flow-rate (L s⁻¹ kg⁻¹ H. midae), abalone size (g) and length of time since the tank was last cleaned (d) (n = 125, r² = 0.80). The production of total ammonia (μg TAN s⁻¹ kg⁻¹) was related to temperature, abalone size and days that the tanks remained un-cleaned (n = 125; r² = 0.81). A diurnal cycle of respiration was evident in abalone tanks with higher oxygen consumption and H+ ion production at night. The oxygen concentration of farm effluent was related to temperature, farm biomass and flow rate by means of a linear regression equation (n = 40; r² = 0.69). The results demonstrated the importance of optimising the flow-rate per unit of biomass for various temperatures and sizes of abalone. As abalone size and temperature cannot be controlled under farm conditions, the flow-rate per unit of biomass which the abalone culture system receives will determine the quality of the culture water. The specific growth rate (0.48 ± 0.01 % BW d⁻¹), mortality (1.8 ± 0.5 %), feed conversion ratio (3.0 ± 0.2) and protein efficiency ratio (1.0 ± 0.1) of silver kob kept in either abalone farm effluent or control seawater for 120 days did not differ significantly (t-test, P>0.05). A 90 day growth trial indicated that abalone farm effluent is a suitable culture medium for bloodworm. Bloodworm supplied with control seawater lost weight at 0.19 ± 0.04 % BW d-1, while those given abalone effluent grew at 0.39 ± 0.07 % BW d⁻¹. Mortality was 6 ± 3 % in effluent and 11 ± 8 % in seawater. The bloodworm were efficient at processing solid waste. Abalone farm effluent initially contained 7.7 ± 13 mg L⁻¹ more suspended solids than control seawater, which contained 3.5 ± 0.5 mg L⁻¹, but after passing through bloodworm systems the concentration in abalone effluent was reduced to only 1.4 ± 3.5 mg L⁻¹ above that in control seawater. Therefore, abalone farm effluent could be reused as a culture medium for both silver kob and bloodworm. Future work is needed to investigate aspects of the feasibility of such systems such as growth rates at different sizes and stocking densities.

Water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries reflect activities within the entire upstream catchment. Much emphasis has been placed on the response of estuaries to anthropogenic stressors through the use of monitoring programmes. Key to the success of these programmes is the use of indicators as they transform data into useful information. The ultimate aim of this study was to identify eutrophic symptoms in selected estuaries in the Gouritz Water Management Area (WMA) using a multi-metric classification method. The study sites included the permanently open Duiwenhoks, Goukou, Gouritz, and Kaaimans estuaries, as well as the temporarily open/closed Hartenbos, Klein Brak, Great Brak, Gwaing, and Goukamma estuaries. Initially, the “pressure” associated with all the estuaries in the Gouritz WMA was determined (e.g. total daily nutrient loads and changes in river inflow affecting flushing time) using long-term flow and water quality monitoring data provided by the Department of Water Affairs (DWA). Subsequently, the “state” of the selected estuaries was assessed using a variety of indicators, including: inorganic nutrients (~ N and P), phytoplankton, epiphytes and microphytobenthos. Estuaries with longer flushing time suggested greater vulnerability to eutrophication. For example, the Gwaing (281.11 kg DIN d-1; 78.85 kg DIP d-1) and Hartenbos (38.33 kg DIN d-1; 21.51 kg DIP d-1) estuaries generally received the highest daily inorganic nutrient loads. However, at the time of sampling, the Hartenbos Estuary had a longer flushing time (i.e. weeks) compared to the Gwaing Estuary (i.e. couple of days). Field data confirmed the greater vulnerability to eutrophication associated with longer flushing times, as the indicators measured in the Hartenbos Estuary exceeded all the proposed ‘thresholds’ of a eutrophic system (~ overall ‘Poor’ condition). The Great Brak Estuary (~ overall ‘Fair’ condition) provided an interesting example where eutrophic symptoms were only detected when assessing the microalgal primary producers (i.e. high biomass and low diversity). Furthermore, the need to distinguish between naturally and anthropogenically induced symptoms was highlighted. One such scenario was noted in the Kaaimans Estuary, where its natural hydro-morphological characteristics (i.e. steep banks, low river inflow, and deep/narrow channel) led to the possible exaggeration of its overall eutrophic condition, i.e. received a ‘Fair’ rather than ‘Good’ rating, arising from ‘Poor’ ratings for dissolved oxygen and benthic diatom diversity. Overall, this study demonstrated the importance of adopting a holistic approach when assessing the condition and trophic status of estuaries. Studies such as these allow for the detection of vulnerable and degraded systems, which can provide important information with regards to the identification of management priorities.

South Africa, like the rest of the world, is vulnerable to the impact of climate change and loss of biodiversity. Water pollution is one of the six global threats to freshwater biodiversity. The future health status and productivity of South Africa’s estuaries is dependent on two main factors: management and quality and quantity of freshwater inputs. South Africa has around 250 functioning estuaries along its 3000 km coastline (Hosking 2004). They play an invaluable role in ecosystem functioning and biodiversity conservation. Estuaries are amongst the richest and most productive parts of the marine environment and as such call for careful management. Some of these ecosystems are focus areas for urban an industrial development. Urbanization and industrialization pose a serious threat to these sensitive systems. Increased water pollution from domestic use, industry and agriculture affect the ecology of these estuarine, river and lake systems. A large number of South African estuaries are still in excellent or good condition, but these are mainly the very small systems. The larger systems, like the Swartkops estuary, often very important in terms of conservation value, are also often compromised in some way or other. The reasons why they are compromised include habitat destruction, artificial breaching and pollution, especially those close to urban areas. This situation is aggravated by outdated and inadequate sewage treatment plant infrastructure and unskilled operators that dispose untreated waste into these systems. Pollution into estuaries can result in the partial loss of the environmental service flows supplied by them. The result of lost environmental service flows has adverse consequences, such as diminished residential and holiday recreational appeal, as well as reduced capacity to support subsistence livelihoods. Poor water quality not only limits its utilisation value, but is also places added economic burden on society, through both the primary treatment costs and the secondary impacts on the economy. Healthy estuarine ecosystems are essential for the maintenance of biodiversity and a wide range of environmental goods and services. Without a drastic improvement in water quality management approaches and treatment technologies, the continuous deterioration in water quality will decrease benefits and increase costs affiliated with use of these water resources.The market-based system of the South African economy has to a large extent failed to account for the value of the “free” goods and services provided by the natural environment. When the true value of the natural resources is unknown, there is a risk that less financial resources and capacity are made available to manage and protect these natural resources than is efficient. To ensure that these goods are properly taken into account, they must be valued and these values incorporated in social decision making. This study uses the contingent valuation method (CVM) to establish the value of the Swartkops estuary for changes to water quality. The CVM is a non-market valuation method that is widely used in cost-benefit analysis and environmental impact assessment. The CVM establishes the economic value of the good by asking the users of an environmental good to state their willingness to pay for a hypothetical scenario to prevent, or bring about, certain changes in the current condition of the environmental good. This method is subjected to some criticism. This criticism revolves around the validity and the reliability of estimated results and the effects of various biases and errors on them. The North Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Blue-Ribbon panel investigating the validity of the CVM resolved that the CVM can be used to guide social decision making, if a series of guidelines are followed. The Swartkops contingent valuation (CV) was conducted with these guidelines in mind. The results of the Swartkops CV indicate that the user population has a total willingness to pay (TWTP) of R68848 (median bid) and R203632 (mean bid) annually for the implementation of a project to improve the water quality in the Swartkops estuary. User population is an important determinant of the TWTP value. As a result, using a more broadly defined user population, TWTP per annum was calculated to be R3481987 (median bid) and R10298688 (mean bid). Management of natural resources should be informed by values that reflect efficient balances, so as to obtain the most efficient use of them (Trupie 2008). Polluted water inflows into South Africa’s estuaries are a threat to their biodiversity. Healthy estuarine ecosystems are essential for the maintenance of biodiversity and human well-being (Water Assessment Programme Report 2006: 15). As a result, this study recommends that a project be implemented by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to improve water quality in the Swartkops estuary.

M.Sc. (Geography) / One of the main objectives of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) is the protection of natural resources (water resources) against pollution and misuse. These resources must be protected for the sustainable use by future and present generations. The study area consisted of the Kromdraai Catchment which included the Upper Wonderfonteinspruit, Lower Wonderfonteinspruit, Loopspruit and the Mooi River. This area is known for the amount of gold mining activities which may have a negative influence on the environment and especially on water. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of the gold mining industry may have on the water quality of the Kromdraai Catchment. Huge volumes of water quality data were collected from certain major monitoring stations throughout the Kromdraai catchment. A good indicator of pollution in a water sample is the electrical conductivity (Ee) of the sample. EC values were used to determine the pollution in each of the water samples because it saves time and costs. Pollution trends were established and conclusions were drawn to determine the impact of the gold mines on the water quality. A clear impact of a tailings dam on the water quality of the Turffontein Oog was established by the sharp increase in the EC values since the Doornfontein Gold Mine started depositing huge volumes of slime on the no. 3 tailing dam. The EC values of the Turffontein Oog have started to decline when the depositing of the slime was ceased. The conclusion of the study is that the gold mining industry has a definite negative impact on the water quality of the water resources in the Kromdraai catchment. The only effective way to mitigate and, manage these negative impacts, is through integrated environmental management. The sharing of data by all interested and affected parties is of critical importance, since most neighbouring goldmines are directly impacting on each other through the pumping and discharging of huge volumes of mine water. Catchment forums were established for the integrated environmental management of the Kromdraai catchment by all interested and affected parties. These forums have become important bodies representing stakeholders in the establishment of catchment management authority (CMA) that Will be established in the Upper Vaal Water Management Area.

Thesis (M. Sc. (Microbiology)) -- University of limpopo, 2016 / Human activities are known to be the major contributors to contamination of natural water sources. This becomes a serious health risk when the communities rely on the same water sources for their household water needs. The current study investigated the bio-physicochemical quality of surface and ground waters found in a mining area in the Tubatse locality, for their suitability for drinking and other household use. The bacteriological analyses of surface waters showed dominance by genera of the phylum Proteobacteria, followed by Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. The isolates included the genera Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Cronobacter, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Pantoea, Serratia, Bordetella, Kocuria and Streptococcus. This dominance pattern is proportionately similar to the pattern reported on human skin and of gut biota. Enterobacter spp. were the predominant species in the surface waters, followed by Bordetella spp. With regard to ground water, one sample was laden with coliforms whereas the other sample was free of coliforms. Physical quality parameters such as turbidity, colour and (total suspended solids) TSS of the surface and ground water samples were compliant with the set standards for drinking water according to South African water quality guidelines (2005). The concentrations of Zn, [SCN-], Cr, Co, Fe, Ni, Cu, H2O2, Cl2 were determined in the surface and ground waters in dry and wet seasons as well. A non-significant decrease in the levels of Cl2 and [SCN-] and an increase in TDS and Cr were observed in the wet season. All metal and chemical levels in surface and ground water, except Cr, were lower than permitted concentration for drinking water. However the concentrations of Zn, Fe and Co exceeded the normal expected concentrations of < 3.5 μg/L, 0.5 mg/L, < 0.01 mg/L and < 5 μg/L respectively. The sediments and soil samples were digested with aqua regia for Cu, Cr, Fe, Co and Zn analyses. An increase in the levels of Zn, Cr and Co in the wet season was observed. The concentrations of the heavy metals such as Co, Cu and Cr were higher in sediments at the sampling points closer to the mining sites. Cytotoxicity assay was performed with different concentrations, as detected in the water and sediment samples, of Zn, [SCN-], Cr, Co, and Fe on C2C12 (mammalian) cells. An increase in viable cells was observed after treatment with Cr (0.2, 0.45 and 0.9 mg/L), Zn and Fe (1.0 and 2 mg/L), Co (2, 5 and 10 mg/L). Only cells treated with SCN- (3.3, 5.4 and 7.2 mg/L) exhibited a significant decrease in viability. These results demonstrate that the water in the Tubatse municipality is not suitable for drinking and other household purposes without prior treatment which will remove contaminating microorganisms and chemicals and heavy metals.

Thesis (M. Sc. (Zoology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Many South African rivers, including the Ga-Selati River have been deteriorating for the past few decades, due to an increase in mining, industrial, agricultural and domestic activities. Around mid-January 2014, the Ga-Selati River was contaminated by mine spills from a nearby phosphate mine, which polluted the river and killed many fish species. This river is a primary source of water for many activities (e.g. mining, industrial, agricultural and domestic activities), and as a result, large numbers of reservoirs, farm dams, and inter-basin transfer schemes have been constructed to increase the reliability of water supply along this river. Contamination of surface waters by agricultural pesticides and fertilizers, as well as by industrial metals, is a cause of increasing public concern. The Ga-Selati River is a major tributary for the Olifants River, among other tributaries (Steelpoort River and Blyde River) and it plays a significant role in the Kruger National Park and other private game reserves in the catchment. This River is also known to supply water of very low quality into the main stem of the Olifants River. The Olifants River System has been described as degraded and is contaminated with metal and chemicals, and is considered to be one of the most threatened river systems in South Africa. The aim of the study was to investigate the ecological state of the Ga-Selati River and the impact of water and sediment quality on the aquatic invertebrate communities, and to propose measures to prevent further degradation of the river ecosystem by human disturbance. The main objectives were to: (i) establish the current physico-chemical composition of the river water and sediment along the entire length of the Ga-Selati River, (ii) to determine if poor water quality at the lower end of the river is due to pollution inputs in the lower reaches, or the result of cumulative pollution inputs along the entire length of the river, (iii) Assess the impact of water and sediment quality on the aquatic macro-invertebrate assemblages in the river. The concentrations of pH, and DO were high at all sites. If there was any sort of pollution in the river, especially downstream by the mining sites, we expected these two variables to be lower. The water variables such as EC, TDS and salinity showed a gradual increase from upstream to downstream. There were also elevated levels of certain metals, such as Mg, Na, Ti, B, Sr, K and Ca showing a pollution gradient. The v high concentrations of metals in water samples indicate that the Ga-Selati River is heavily impacted downstream by anthropogenic activities such as illegal dumping/littering at site 6 and mining activities at site 7 to site 9. Some of the metal concentration (Na, Mg, K and Ca) in the river were found to be extremely high compared to other rivers in the region. Metal concentrations in sediment samples were very high compared to water samples River. The nutrient concentrations at the Ga-Selati River were high but did not show a pollution gradient. The macro-invertebrate assemblages in the Ga-Selati River were rich in Ephemeroptera, Diptera and Trichoptera. Site 1 and site 2 accounted for most of the sensitive families, reflecting good water quality at these two sites, while site 9, a downstream site recorded the highest number of tolerant families.. The variations in the macro-invertebrate distribution were shown by the differences in the water quality at the various sites by the CCA plot. The effects of main pollution factors such as, EC, TDS, turbidity and nutrients were correlated with the distribution of tolerant taxa. / National Research Foundation (NRF) and Vlir

A Research Report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, 2018 / The aim of this research was to assess the status of water quality in a selected area of the Waterberg over a twenty-year period and to gain insight into the perceptions of stakeholders about water management. The objectives were met through the comparison of historical water quality variable records for various water uses, by measuring the level of stakeholder commitment in water quality measurement and verifying a relationship between the two approaches. This study focuses on measuring the extent of different stakeholders’ involvement in the management and decision-making processes of water quality in the Waterberg region of Limpopo province, which is encouraged by the formulation of South African policies. The specific area of interest is in the north-western part of the Waterberg. There are three distinct settlements, Lephalale, Marapong and Steenbokpan, located in the Lephalale Local Municipality. Close by are major industrial and mining activities from Eskom’s Matimba and Medupi power stations, and Exxaro’s Grootegeluk Coal Mine. To address the specific research questions and objectives for this study, two approaches were necessary: A quantitative approach that required surface water and groundwater data from 1995 to 2015, to determine the quality of water, and a qualitative approach that comprised of the distribution of 20 questionnaires in the residential areas, and 15/20 successful pre-selected individual interviews, to assess the different levels of stakeholder participation. Each approach presented its own challenges. For example, the water quality data provided were incomplete, which created limitations in the interpretation and during the questionnaire distribution, time constraints and language preferences, though anticipated amongst different social groups, there was difficulty communicating the concept of the study. Also, during the planning phase of selecting interviewees, there was a lack of interest in the study from environmental consultants, who are vital role players in the environmental status of the area. The water quality data indicated that pH levels in the surface water sites have remained steady and are not significantly different from one another. The results from the one groundwater site, reveals that there is a significant difference between the pH levels of surface water and groundwater which is to be expected. The results also suggest that the high concentration of ammonium, phosphate and nitrate midstream in the Mokolo River are related to the waste water being discharged mid-stream into the river via a pipeline. The high concentrations of sodium and potassium in the groundwater site are linked to the interaction time with the surrounding geology and the overall EC levels correspond with the fluxes in sodium in the groundwater site resulting in the significant difference in EC between the surface water and the groundwater sites. No data were available for the midstream site. The questionnaire results indicate that there’s limited stakeholder involvement in water quality management from participants in Steenbokpan and Marapong, which are socio-economically disadvantaged areas, when compared with Lephalale, a more affluent area. In contrast to Lephalale, Marapong and Steenbokpan residents are less educated, have higher unemployment numbers, and have restricted access to water related information, and electricity, water and sanitation services. In the overall area, there is also a 30% unawareness amongst general water users about the topic of water pollution, but again it is mostly from participants in Steenbokpan and Marapong. The interview results signified a higher level of stakeholder involvement in water quality management from individuals in influential positions. This, however, does not mean that water related issues in the area are adequately addressed. Interviewees revealed that there is a lack of funding, skills, infrastructure, manpower and competence. There is also an apparent inequality with regards to water access to informal settlements, farmers and rural villages. Additionally, there is a high level of dependency on Eskom and Exxaro, rather than the local municipality, to provide its water users with proper water services. The dependency on Eskom and Exxaro is largely due to their high level of influential development. Improvements and maintenance on basic service from these structures to the surrounding communities form part of their offset programmes to continue major development in the area. Due to the large difference of the qualitative and quantitative approaches, it was difficult to prove how one supports the other, even though, on its own, both are crucial components in water quality management practices. Even though the water quality data provide more reliable support on the condition of surface- and groundwater in the Waterberg, the social aspect (partially revealed through the subjective view of the general users who completed the questionnaire) is required to determine the community’s relationship with water use and to identify management practices through stakeholders responsible for them. / XL2018

Thesis (M.Sc. (Aquaculture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / The aim of this study was to provide baseline limnology data that can be used in the management of small dams, Molepo Dam and Hout River Dam. Physico-chemical parameters were assessed to determine the water quality and the effect of water level fluctuations on water quality. Water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, electrical conductivity, nitrate, total phosphorus, total nitrogen and chlorophyll-a were assessed during the dry season (May-Oct) and wet season (Nov-Apr). Physico chemical parameters showed seasonal variations with the exception of pH. The mean total phosphorus (1.06 and 0.98 mg/L), total nitrogen (1.27 and 1.56 mg/L) and chlorophyll-a (2.97 and 3.32 µg/L) were higher in the dry season than wet season in Molepo Dam and Hout River Dam respectively. Water level fluctuations had a significant effect on total nitrogen, total phosphorus and turbidity in Molepo Dam and total nitrogen in Hout River Dam. Plankton were used as indicators of water quality. Phytoplankton and zooplankton were sampled using nets of 71 µm and 132 µm mesh respectively and identified to genus and species at both Molepo Dam and Hout River Dam. Individual species, number per litre for phytoplankton groups that contributed significantly in terms of abundance were Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria sp. in both Molepo Dam and Hout River Dam during the dry season months. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index was high during the wet season in these small dams. The abundance of Cyanophyta was greatest during the dry season followed by Desmids in Molepo Dam and Hout River Dam. During the wet season, Bacillariophyta were not recorded for Hout River Dam. The highest composition for Chlorophyta (15.4%) in Molepo Dam was recorded during the wet season months. Phytoplankton abundance was highest in Molepo Dam as compared to Hout River Dam throughout the sampling period. Zooplankton was dominated by Cladocerans (Bosmina longirostris) in both small dams. This study showed that plankton can be used as indicators of water quality. Zooplankton communities were dominated by Bosmina longirostris which was present throughout the sampling period possibly indicating clear water in Molepo Dam and Hout River Dam. Copepoda were sub-dominant phyla mainly represented by Cycloid sp. which are also indicators of clean water. The study determined the abundance and composition of fish species and growth parameters of the most abundant fish species (Oreochromis mossambicus) in the two small dams. Scales were successfully used for the age determination of O. mossambicus. The rings on the scales were validated as being true annuli by marginal increment analysis which indicated that the distance between the last annuli and the scale edge was shortest in the wet season months in Molepo Dam and Hout River Dam. This is the time in which annulus formed. Annulus formation of O. mossambicus at these small dams coincided with the onset of increased water temperature and rainfall (increased water levels and increased water inflow into the dams) in this region. Furthermore, the growth performance index (ϕ) of male O. mossambicus was higher than that of female O. mossambicus in both Molepo Dam and Hout River Dam. The study provides the first record of limnology baseline data of Molepo Dam and Hout River Dam / National Research Foundation (NRF) and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Technology: Environmental Health, Durban University of Technology, 2014. / The study entailed the determination of key water quality parameters significantly influencing treatment cost in uMngeni Basin. Chemical dosage was used as a substitute for treatment cost as the study indicated that cost, in its monetary value, is influenced by market forces, demand and supply, which are both not directly linked to water quality. Chemical dosage is however, determined by the quality of water and thus provides a clear illustration of the effect of pollution on treatment cost. Three specific objectives were set in an effort to determine key water quality parameters influencing treatment costs in uMngeni Basin. The fourth objective was to develop a model for predicting chemical dosages. The first approach was analysis of temporal and spatial variability of water quality in relation to chemical dosage during production of potable water. The trends were explained in relation to river health status. For this purpose, time-series, box-plot, and the Seasonal-Kendal test were employed. The results showed that the quality of water significantly deteriorated from upstream to downstream in relation to algae, turbidity and Escherichia coli (E. coli). High mean range of E. coli (126-1319 colony count/100mL) and turbidity (2.7-38.7 NTU) observed indicate that the quality of water along the basin is not fit for human consumption as these parameters exceeded the target range stipulated in South Africa’s guidelines for domestic use. For water intended for drinking purpose, turbidity should be below 5 NTU, while zero E. coli count is expect in 100 mL. Among the six sampling stations considered along the uMngeni Basin, three dam outflows (Midmar, Nagle and Inanda) showed an improved quality compared with their respective inflow stations. This was expected and could be attributed to the retention and dilution effects. These natural processes help by providing a self-purification process, which ultimately reduces the treatment cost. While considering the importance of disseminating water quality information to the general public and non-technical stakeholders, the second objective of the study was to develop two water quality indices. These were; (1) Treatability Water Quality Index and (2) River Health Water Quality Index. The Treatability Water Quality Index was developed based on the Canadian Council Minister of Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI). The technique is used to determine fitness of water against a set of assigned water quality resource objectives (guidelines). The calculated Harmonised Water Quality Resource Objectives (HWQRO) were used to compare the qualities of the raw water being abstracted at Nagle and Inanda Dam for the purpose of treatment. The results showed that Nagle Dam, which supplies Durban Heights, is significantly affected by E. coli (42% non-compliance), turbidity (20% non-compliance) and nitrate (18% non-compliance) levels. Wiggins Water Treatment Plant which abstracts from Inanda Dam has a problem of high algae (mean 4499 cell/mL), conductivity (mean 26.21 mS/m) and alkalinity (mean 62.66 mg/L) levels. The River Health Water Quality Index (RHWQI) was developed using the Weighted Geometric Mean (WQM) method. Eight parameters, namely, E. coli, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, ammonia, turbidity, alkalinity, electrical conductivity and pH were selected for indexing. Rating curves were drawn based on the target ranges as stipulated in South Africa’s guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Five classes were used to describe the overall river health status. The results showed that the water is still acceptable for survival of freshwater animals. A comparison of the RHWQI scores (out of 100) depicted that dam inflow station (MDI(61.6), NDI(74.6) and IDI(63.8)) showed a relatively deteriorated quality as compared with their outflows (MDO(77.8), NDO(74.4) and IDO(80)). The third objective was to employ statistical analysis to determine key water quality parameters influencing chemical dosage at Durban Heights and Wiggins Water Treatment Plants. For each of the two treatment plants, treated water quality data-sets were analysed together with their respective raw water data-set. The rationale was to determine parameters showing concentration change due to treatment. The t-test was used to determine the significance of concentration change on each of the 23 parameters considered. Thereafter, the correlations between water quality parameters and the three chemicals used during treatment (polymer, chlorine and lime) were analysed. The results showed that the concentrations of physical parameters namely, algae, turbidity and total organic carbon at both treatment showed a significant statistical (p<0.05) reduction in concentration (R/Ro<0.95). This results implies that such parameters were key drivers for chemical dosage. From the results of the first three objectives, it is recommended that implementing measures to control physical parameter pollution sources, specifically sewage discharges and rainfall run-off from agricultural lands along the uMngeni Basin should assist in reducing the chemical dosage and ultimately cost. The fourth objective was to develop chemical dosage models for prediction purposes. This was achieved by employing a polynomial non-linear regression function on the XLStat 2014 program. The resultant models showed prediction power (R2) ranging from 0.18 (18%) up to 0.75 (75%). However, the study recommends a comparative study of the developed models with other modelling techniques.

M.Sc. (Environmental Management) / Geothermal springs exist on all continents of the Earth and are used for a myriad of different applications and uses. The last few years have witnessed a resurgence of interest in these springs due to a proliferation of utilisation of geothermal resources. Despite numerous benefits associated with their use, studies have shown that the water of geothermal springs could contain toxic elements, pathogenic organisms, toxic gases and even elements that are radio-active in nature that may have health impacts on users. The presence of some of these chemicals in the water and air can be traced back to the geological formations through which the thermal waters flow. More than 90 geothermal springs have been identified in South Africa. However, relatively little is known about how South African geothermal springs have been used in the past and how their geochemical composition and land-use around them has changed over time. There is also a scarcity of scientific literature dealing with environmental risk assessment associated with the different uses of geothermal spring water in South Africa. Given this research contextualization, the present study examined the overall water quality and assessed the potential health risks of the geothermal spring and associated waters (hydro spa and overflow pond) of the holiday resort of “Eiland” in the Limpopo Province. The research undertaken for this research project formed part of a bigger Water Research Commission (WRC) research project on geothermal springs in South Africa. Water samples were taken and observations were made of the resort waters during a field trip undertaken during August 2012. Chemical analyses of the samples were performed by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC): Institute for Soil, Climate and Water of South Africa (ISCW). Parameters under investigation included temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and various chemical constituents. A comparison of the laboratory results to previous years data and to four domestic water use standards/guidelines was made. These included the EU (1998), SABS (2006), SABS (2011) and the WHO (2011) domestic use water quality standards/guidelines. A risk assessment, based on Aucamp’s (2009) method, was performed for potentially harmful parameters. Overall, the waters of the resort were deemed to be of low risk and therefore not of a health and environmental risk to the users. Although the waters do not satisfy the domestic use water standards, they are suitable for the current recreational purposes of the resort. It is recommended however, that the soil sensitivity be determined for irrigational purposes and toxicology tests be conducted for the fish species inhabiting the overflow pond and small dam in order to determine the possible extent of bioaccumulation. It is recommended that geothermal waters are not used for bottling or for consumption for domestic or therapeutic purposes. In the event of expansion to include such uses a stringent new risk assessment is recommended.