The effect of chemical parameters on cheese structure and functionality was studied by modifying the calcium, salt content, and pH of cheese. Cheese blocks were high-pressure injected from zero to five times with water, solutions of different salts, or an acid solution 14 d after manufacture. Successive injections were performed 24 h apart. After 40-42 d of refrigerated storage, cheese structure was studied by using scanning electron microscopy and digital image analysis, and cheese functionality was characterized by texture profile analysis and melting test. Increased salt content of cheese (2.7 versus 0.1%) caused the protein matrix to become more hydrated and to expand (P < 0.1 ), though the occurrence of syneresis resulted in decreased moisture content of cheese (P < 0.05). Salt injection increased cheese hardness and the initial rate of cheese flow, but it decreased cheese cohesiveness (P < 0.05). Increased calcium content (1.8 versus 0.3%) and decreased pH of cheese (4.7 versus 5.3) caused contraction of the protein matrix (P < 0.05) and release of serum. Thus, the matrix became less hydrated, and the moisture content and weight of cheese decreased (P < 0.05). Calcium injection decreased the pH and melting of cheese, but it increased cheese hardness (P < 0.05). Acid injection promoted calcium solubilization and decreased calcium content of cheese (P < 0.05). Above pH 5.0 (5.0-5.3), acid injection decreased cheese hardness and increased the initial rate of cheese flow (P < 0.05). Below pH 5.0 (5.0-4.7), acid injection decreased cheese cohesiveness, and the initial rate and extent of cheese flow (P < 0.05). In conclusion, modifying the chemical composition of cheese alters protein interactions, resulting in cheese with different structural and functional properties. Increased salt content of cheese (up to 2.7%) impairs protein-to-protein interactions, and its effect is most significant when salt content increases from 0 to 0.5%. Below 5.0 (5.0- 4.7), the effect of pH predominates over calcium content, and decreased cheese pH promotes protein-to-protein interactions. Increased calcium content of cheese (up to 1.8%) also promotes protein-to-protein interactions, and the content of protein-bound calcium may be the major factor controlling the functionality of most cheeses.

Yeasts form an important part of many ecosystems and significantly contribute to biodiversity. However, yeast biodiversity in the North West Province remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity and characteristics of yeasts from water sources in the North West Province, South Africa. Samples were collected over a two year period and included three rivers, a spruit and an inland lake. Temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured on site using a multi-probe. Nitrate (NO3-N), nitrite (NO2-N) and phosphate (PO42-) levels were determined in the laboratory using Hatch kits and equipment. The pH ranged from 7.2 to 9.2. Elevated EC levels (36-70 mS) were detected especially at the Harts River and Barberspan (38-165 mS) sites. Physico-chemical parameter levels were higher during the cold dry sampling period compared to the warm rainy sampling period. Levels and diversity of yeasts were determined using the membrane filtration method. The highest level of yeasts was detected in the Mooi River and Schoonspruit during 2010 and 2011 sampling periods. Pigmented and non-pigmented yeasts were enumerated from all samples. Over the two year period the highest number of pigmented yeasts was detected in the Schoonspruit samples. In some cases there were significant (P<0.05) differences between pigmented and non-pigmented yeast levels among the sites. The diazonium blue B (DBB) test was carried out to distinguish between ascomycetous and basidiomycetous yeasts. These isolates were then identified using the API ID 32C system. Yeasts isolates were identified as belonging to the following genera: Candida, Cryptococcus, Pichia, Rhodotorula and Zygosaccharomyces. In addition using 26S rRNA gene sequencing Aureobasidium spp., Clavispora spp., Cystofilobasidium spp., Hanseniaspora spp., Meyerozyma spp., Sporidiobolus spp., and Wickerhamomyces spp.were also identified. The diversity and abundance of yeasts in the water sources demonstrated that opportunistic pathogens were present. This was supported by results that indicated some isolates could grow at 37°C and higher. In conclusion, our results provide preliminary information on the distribution and diversity of yeasts in water sources of the North West Province, South Africa. / Thesis (MSc (Environmental Sciences))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Yeasts form an important part of many ecosystems and significantly contribute to biodiversity. However, yeast biodiversity in the North West Province remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity and characteristics of yeasts from water sources in the North West Province, South Africa. Samples were collected over a two year period and included three rivers, a spruit and an inland lake. Temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured on site using a multi-probe. Nitrate (NO3-N), nitrite (NO2-N) and phosphate (PO42-) levels were determined in the laboratory using Hatch kits and equipment. The pH ranged from 7.2 to 9.2. Elevated EC levels (36-70 mS) were detected especially at the Harts River and Barberspan (38-165 mS) sites. Physico-chemical parameter levels were higher during the cold dry sampling period compared to the warm rainy sampling period. Levels and diversity of yeasts were determined using the membrane filtration method. The highest level of yeasts was detected in the Mooi River and Schoonspruit during 2010 and 2011 sampling periods. Pigmented and non-pigmented yeasts were enumerated from all samples. Over the two year period the highest number of pigmented yeasts was detected in the Schoonspruit samples. In some cases there were significant (P<0.05) differences between pigmented and non-pigmented yeast levels among the sites. The diazonium blue B (DBB) test was carried out to distinguish between ascomycetous and basidiomycetous yeasts. These isolates were then identified using the API ID 32C system. Yeasts isolates were identified as belonging to the following genera: Candida, Cryptococcus, Pichia, Rhodotorula and Zygosaccharomyces. In addition using 26S rRNA gene sequencing Aureobasidium spp., Clavispora spp., Cystofilobasidium spp., Hanseniaspora spp., Meyerozyma spp., Sporidiobolus spp., and Wickerhamomyces spp.were also identified. The diversity and abundance of yeasts in the water sources demonstrated that opportunistic pathogens were present. This was supported by results that indicated some isolates could grow at 37°C and higher. In conclusion, our results provide preliminary information on the distribution and diversity of yeasts in water sources of the North West Province, South Africa. / Thesis (MSc (Environmental Sciences))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

No description available.

Increasing socio-economic growth and development of South Africa’s freshwater systems require continuous augmentation of water sources to meet the growing water requirements of communities and industries. Anthropogenic disturbances have caused the water quality of many freshwater systems to drastically deteriorate due to constant disposal of domestic, industrial, and agricultural waste into surface waters. Government agencies make use of biomonitoring programmes to effectively manage the countries’ freshwater resources. These programmes use a variety of biological indicators (e.g., macroinvertebrates, fish, diatoms and algal species) and physico-chemical variables to determine the state of the environment. However, attempts to use microbial community structures as bioindicators of anthropogenic perturbations are greatly neglected. This study used molecular techniques (PCR-DGGE and 454-pyrosequencing) and multivariate analysis to develop a robust monitoring technique to determine the impacts of environmental disturbances on bacterial community compositions in river systems in the North West Province. Significant contributions made by this project included the establishment of a bacterial diversity framework for South African freshwater systems that are impacted by a variety of anthropogenic activities (e.g., urban and informal settlements, agriculture and mining). Furthermore, case studies demonstrated the prevalence of specific taxa at polluted sites, as well as positive and negative associations between taxa and environmental variables and pollutants. Finally, biogeochemical cycles could be partially matched to bacterial community structures in river systems. The first part of the project included a pilot study that investigated bacterial structures in a segment of the Vaal River in response to environmental parameters using molecular techniques and multivariate analysis. The most important observations made during this study included the generation of a larger bacterial diversity dataset by pyrosequencing compared to PCR-DGGE. In addition, metagenomic and multivariate analyses provided clues about potential biogeochemical roles of different taxa. The second and third part of the project included two case studies that investigated bacterial communities in the Mooi River and Wonderfonteinspruit in response to environmental activities. Both these systems are impacted by a variety of external sources such as urban and informal settlements, agriculture, and mining. The results demonstrated that perturbations nearby the Mooi River and Wonderfonteinspruit caused the overall water quality to deteriorate which in turn had a profound impact on bacterial community composition. Bacterial community structures at reference/control sites (Muiskraal and Turffontein dolomitic eye) had overall high species diversity (richness and evenness), whereas polluted sites showed lower species diversity and were dominated by the Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia. In addition, various potential pathogens (e.g. Eschirichia/Shigella, Legionella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus etc.) were identified at impacted sites. Multivariate analysis suggested that bacterial communities and certain taxa (Malikia, Algoriphagus, Rhodobacter, Brevundimonas and Sphingopyxis) at polluted sites were mainly impacted by temperature, pH, nutrient levels, and heavy metals. Finally, the proportion of nitrogen and sulphur bacteria corresponded well with the nitrogen and sulphur levels measured in the Wonderfonteinspruit. Based on these results, it was concluded that bacterial community structures might provide a good indicator of anthropogenic disturbances in freshwater systems and may be incorporated into biomonitoring programs. / PhD (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The main aim of the study was to analyse the impact of physico-chemical parameters on drinking water quality, biofilm formation and antibiotic resistant bacteria in the drinking water distribution system in Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa. Another objective was to isolate and characterise Pseudomonas and Aeromonas species from drinking water distribution system and detect the virulence gene determinants in the isolates by PCR analysis. The physico-chemical data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Excel 2007 (Microsoft) and SPSS (version 14.0) programmes. Pearson’s correlation product of the moment was used to determine the correlation between EC, TDS, pH and temperature. The two tailed test of significance (p<0.05) was used in order to determine the significance of the result. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Cluster analysis based on the antibiotic inhibition zone diameter data of different organisms isolated from different sites was determined and was expressed as dendograms using Wards algorithm and Euclidean distance of Statistica version 7. Specific PCR was used to determine the identities of presumptive Pseudomonas and Aeromonas species through amplification of the gyrB, toxA and the ecfX gene fragments. Virulence gene determinants for the confirmed Pseudomonas and Aeromonas species were detected by amplifying the exoA, exoS and exoT genes and the aerA and hylH gene fragments, respectively. A Gene Genius Bio imaging system (Syngene, Synoptics; UK) was used to capture the image using GeneSnap (version 3.07.01) software (Syngene, Synoptics; UK) to determine the relative size of amplicons. Physico-chemical parameters were monitored from three drinking water sources three times a week and bacteriological quality was monitored weekly for four months from raw and treated drinking water. Water samples were analysed for pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electric conductivity (EC). Bacterial consortia from drinking water samples were isolated using selective media and enumerated. The results revealed a good chemical quality of water. However, the microbial quality of the water is not acceptable for human consumption due to the presence of Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, faecal coliforms (FC), total coliforms (TC) and Heterotrophic bacteria. The results showed that the drinking water is slightly alkaline with pH value ranging between7.7 to 8.32. What is of concern was the microbial quality of the water. Pseudomonas sp., faecal coliforms (FC), total coliforms (TC) and heterotrophic bacteria were present in some of the treated water samples. The most significant finding of this study is that all drinking water samples were positive for Pseudomonas sp.(>100/100ml), but also that when one considers the TDS it demonstrates that water from the Modimola Dam has an impact on the quality of the mixed water. The prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of planktonic and biofilm bacteria isolated from drinking water were determined. The susceptibility of these isolates was tested against 11 antibiotics of clinical interest and the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) patterns were compiled. The most prevalent antibiotic resistance phenotype observed was KF-AP-C-E-OT-K-TM-A. All isolates from all samples were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. However, all faecal coliforms and Pseudomonas spp. were susceptible to neomycin and streptomycin. On the contrary all organisms tested were resistant to erythromycin (100%) trimethoprim and amoxycillin. Cluster analysis based on inhibition zone diameter data could not differentiate the various isolated into sample types. The highest prevalence of antibiotic resistant isolates was observed in Modimola Dam and Molopo eye. Biofilms were investigated in both raw water and treated drinking water sources for the presence of faecal coliforms, total coliforms, Pseudomonas spp., Aeromonas spp. and heterotrophic bacteria based on conventional microbiology and molecular methods. Drinking water biofilms were grown twice and the biofilm developing device containing copper and galvanized steel coupons were utilized. The Mini Tap filter, a home water treatment device which can be used at a single faucet, under constant flow was used during the second collection of treated water samples from cold water taps. Scanning electron micrograph revealed the existence of biofilms in all the sites investigated and the highest density was obtained on galvanized steel coupons. Isolates were tested against the antibiotics ampicillin (10μg), cephalothin (5μg), streptomycin (10μg), erythromycin (15μg), chloramphenicol (30μg), neomycin (30 μg), amoxycillin (10 μg), ciprofloxacin (5 μg), trimethoprim (25μg), kanamycin (30μg), and oxytetracycline (30μg). The multiple antibiotic resistance profiles and the presence of virulence related genes were determined. Various types of drug resistance and presence of virulence genes were observed. The most prevalent resistance phenotype observed was KF-AP-C-E-OT-TM-A. In conclusion, the results indicated the occurrence of faecal indicator bacteria in the drinking water destined for human consumption. Faecal indicator bacteria are the major contributors of poor drinking water quality and may harbour opportunistic pathogens. This highlighted survival of organisms to treatment procedures and the possible regrowth as biofilms in plumbing materials. The detection of large proportion of MAR Aeromonas and Pseudomonas species which possessed virulent genes was a cause of concern as these could pose health risks to humans. The data obtained herein may be useful in assessing the health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated water. / PhD (Microbiology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Increasing socio-economic growth and development of South Africa’s freshwater systems require continuous augmentation of water sources to meet the growing water requirements of communities and industries. Anthropogenic disturbances have caused the water quality of many freshwater systems to drastically deteriorate due to constant disposal of domestic, industrial, and agricultural waste into surface waters. Government agencies make use of biomonitoring programmes to effectively manage the countries’ freshwater resources. These programmes use a variety of biological indicators (e.g., macroinvertebrates, fish, diatoms and algal species) and physico-chemical variables to determine the state of the environment. However, attempts to use microbial community structures as bioindicators of anthropogenic perturbations are greatly neglected. This study used molecular techniques (PCR-DGGE and 454-pyrosequencing) and multivariate analysis to develop a robust monitoring technique to determine the impacts of environmental disturbances on bacterial community compositions in river systems in the North West Province. Significant contributions made by this project included the establishment of a bacterial diversity framework for South African freshwater systems that are impacted by a variety of anthropogenic activities (e.g., urban and informal settlements, agriculture and mining). Furthermore, case studies demonstrated the prevalence of specific taxa at polluted sites, as well as positive and negative associations between taxa and environmental variables and pollutants. Finally, biogeochemical cycles could be partially matched to bacterial community structures in river systems. The first part of the project included a pilot study that investigated bacterial structures in a segment of the Vaal River in response to environmental parameters using molecular techniques and multivariate analysis. The most important observations made during this study included the generation of a larger bacterial diversity dataset by pyrosequencing compared to PCR-DGGE. In addition, metagenomic and multivariate analyses provided clues about potential biogeochemical roles of different taxa. The second and third part of the project included two case studies that investigated bacterial communities in the Mooi River and Wonderfonteinspruit in response to environmental activities. Both these systems are impacted by a variety of external sources such as urban and informal settlements, agriculture, and mining. The results demonstrated that perturbations nearby the Mooi River and Wonderfonteinspruit caused the overall water quality to deteriorate which in turn had a profound impact on bacterial community composition. Bacterial community structures at reference/control sites (Muiskraal and Turffontein dolomitic eye) had overall high species diversity (richness and evenness), whereas polluted sites showed lower species diversity and were dominated by the Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia. In addition, various potential pathogens (e.g. Eschirichia/Shigella, Legionella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus etc.) were identified at impacted sites. Multivariate analysis suggested that bacterial communities and certain taxa (Malikia, Algoriphagus, Rhodobacter, Brevundimonas and Sphingopyxis) at polluted sites were mainly impacted by temperature, pH, nutrient levels, and heavy metals. Finally, the proportion of nitrogen and sulphur bacteria corresponded well with the nitrogen and sulphur levels measured in the Wonderfonteinspruit. Based on these results, it was concluded that bacterial community structures might provide a good indicator of anthropogenic disturbances in freshwater systems and may be incorporated into biomonitoring programs. / PhD (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The main aim of the study was to analyse the impact of physico-chemical parameters on drinking water quality, biofilm formation and antibiotic resistant bacteria in the drinking water distribution system in Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa. Another objective was to isolate and characterise Pseudomonas and Aeromonas species from drinking water distribution system and detect the virulence gene determinants in the isolates by PCR analysis. The physico-chemical data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Excel 2007 (Microsoft) and SPSS (version 14.0) programmes. Pearson’s correlation product of the moment was used to determine the correlation between EC, TDS, pH and temperature. The two tailed test of significance (p<0.05) was used in order to determine the significance of the result. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Cluster analysis based on the antibiotic inhibition zone diameter data of different organisms isolated from different sites was determined and was expressed as dendograms using Wards algorithm and Euclidean distance of Statistica version 7. Specific PCR was used to determine the identities of presumptive Pseudomonas and Aeromonas species through amplification of the gyrB, toxA and the ecfX gene fragments. Virulence gene determinants for the confirmed Pseudomonas and Aeromonas species were detected by amplifying the exoA, exoS and exoT genes and the aerA and hylH gene fragments, respectively. A Gene Genius Bio imaging system (Syngene, Synoptics; UK) was used to capture the image using GeneSnap (version 3.07.01) software (Syngene, Synoptics; UK) to determine the relative size of amplicons. Physico-chemical parameters were monitored from three drinking water sources three times a week and bacteriological quality was monitored weekly for four months from raw and treated drinking water. Water samples were analysed for pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electric conductivity (EC). Bacterial consortia from drinking water samples were isolated using selective media and enumerated. The results revealed a good chemical quality of water. However, the microbial quality of the water is not acceptable for human consumption due to the presence of Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, faecal coliforms (FC), total coliforms (TC) and Heterotrophic bacteria. The results showed that the drinking water is slightly alkaline with pH value ranging between7.7 to 8.32. What is of concern was the microbial quality of the water. Pseudomonas sp., faecal coliforms (FC), total coliforms (TC) and heterotrophic bacteria were present in some of the treated water samples. The most significant finding of this study is that all drinking water samples were positive for Pseudomonas sp.(>100/100ml), but also that when one considers the TDS it demonstrates that water from the Modimola Dam has an impact on the quality of the mixed water. The prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of planktonic and biofilm bacteria isolated from drinking water were determined. The susceptibility of these isolates was tested against 11 antibiotics of clinical interest and the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) patterns were compiled. The most prevalent antibiotic resistance phenotype observed was KF-AP-C-E-OT-K-TM-A. All isolates from all samples were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. However, all faecal coliforms and Pseudomonas spp. were susceptible to neomycin and streptomycin. On the contrary all organisms tested were resistant to erythromycin (100%) trimethoprim and amoxycillin. Cluster analysis based on inhibition zone diameter data could not differentiate the various isolated into sample types. The highest prevalence of antibiotic resistant isolates was observed in Modimola Dam and Molopo eye. Biofilms were investigated in both raw water and treated drinking water sources for the presence of faecal coliforms, total coliforms, Pseudomonas spp., Aeromonas spp. and heterotrophic bacteria based on conventional microbiology and molecular methods. Drinking water biofilms were grown twice and the biofilm developing device containing copper and galvanized steel coupons were utilized. The Mini Tap filter, a home water treatment device which can be used at a single faucet, under constant flow was used during the second collection of treated water samples from cold water taps. Scanning electron micrograph revealed the existence of biofilms in all the sites investigated and the highest density was obtained on galvanized steel coupons. Isolates were tested against the antibiotics ampicillin (10μg), cephalothin (5μg), streptomycin (10μg), erythromycin (15μg), chloramphenicol (30μg), neomycin (30 μg), amoxycillin (10 μg), ciprofloxacin (5 μg), trimethoprim (25μg), kanamycin (30μg), and oxytetracycline (30μg). The multiple antibiotic resistance profiles and the presence of virulence related genes were determined. Various types of drug resistance and presence of virulence genes were observed. The most prevalent resistance phenotype observed was KF-AP-C-E-OT-TM-A. In conclusion, the results indicated the occurrence of faecal indicator bacteria in the drinking water destined for human consumption. Faecal indicator bacteria are the major contributors of poor drinking water quality and may harbour opportunistic pathogens. This highlighted survival of organisms to treatment procedures and the possible regrowth as biofilms in plumbing materials. The detection of large proportion of MAR Aeromonas and Pseudomonas species which possessed virulent genes was a cause of concern as these could pose health risks to humans. The data obtained herein may be useful in assessing the health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated water. / PhD (Microbiology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

A água é um recurso natural essencial para a vida, sendo sua qualidade, uma característica extremamente importante para avaliar as possibilidades de seu uso. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade da água do complexo de represas Paraibuna-Paraitinga, classificado como corpo dágua Classe 2, localizadas na Bacia do Rio Paraíba do Sul, no Estado de São Paulo. Foram apresentados os resultados das análises dos parâmetros limnológicos: temperatura do ar, temperatura da água, condutividade elétrica, oxigênio dissolvido, pH, transparência, turbidez e sólidos totais; das concentrações dos ânions: nitrato, fluoreto, sulfato, fosfato e cloreto; e das concentrações de elementos-traço: Hg, Se, As, Sb, Pb, Cd, Ag, Al, B, Ba, Be, Co, Cr, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V e Zn, obtidos a partir das amostras de água de superfície, meio e fundo da coluna dágua, representativas de oito estações de amostragem. Os resultados foram comparandos com os limites estabelecidos na Resolução CONAMA 357/2005. Dos 30 elementos analisados, somente Alumínio, Ferro, Fósforo, Prata e Manganês apresentaram concentrações acima dos padrões legais, principalmente nos períodos chuvosos. Os paramêtros limnológicos ficaram dentro dos padrões para ambientes oligotróficos, como as represas são classificadas. As espécies iônicas apresentaram a maioria dos resultados abaixo dos limites de quantificação e abaixo da legislação. A partir dos resultados obtidos, infere-se que as represas Paraitinga e Paraibuna encontram-se preservadas, e estão isentas de contaminação por metais e elementos-traço, associando as concentrações de Al, Fe, P, Ag e Mn à característica geológica da região. / Water is a natural resource, essential to life, and its quality, an important feature to evaluate the possibilities of its use. This study aimed to evaluate the water quality of the Complex Paraibuna-Paraitinga, classified as Class 2 water body, located in the basin of Paraíba do Sul River, State of Sao Paulo. In order to analyze the water quality of these reservoirs, this paper presents an analysis of some limnological parameters: air temperature, water temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, transparency, turbidity and total solids; the concentrations of anions: nitrate, fluoride, sulfate, phosphate and chloride; and concentrations of trace elements: Hg, Se, As, Sb, Pb, Cd, Ag, Al, B, Ba, Be, Co, Cr, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V and Zn, obtained from samples of surface water, middle and bottom of water column, representing eight sampling stations. The results were compared with the limits established by CONAMA Resolution 357/2005. From the 30 elements analyzed, only aluminum, iron, phosphorus, silver and manganese concentrations were above the legal standards, especially in rainy periods. The limnological parameters were within the standards for oligotrophic environments, such as these reservoirs are classified. The ionic species present most results below the quantification limits and under the legislation. From the results obtained, it appears that the reservoirs Paraibuna and Paraitinga are preserved, and are free of contamination by metals and trace elements, suggesting that the concentrations of Al, Fe, P, Ag and Mn are linked to the geological feature of the region.

Αντικείμενο της παρούσας διπλωματικής εργασίας είναι η μελέτη των περιβαλλοντικών παραμέτρων της λιμνοθάλασσας της Κλείσοβας, η οποία βρίσκεται στο ανατολικό άκρο του λιμνοθαλάσσιου συστήματος του Μεσολογγίου. Στο πρώτο στάδιο γίνεται επεξεργασία των περιβαλλοντικών δεδομένων με χρήση μεθόδων πολυδιάστατης στατιστικής ανάλυσης με σκοπό τον καθορισμό των κύριων διεργασιών που αναπτύσσονται στις υδάτινες μάζες της λιμνοθάλασσας με ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στον εντοπισμό διάφορων ρυπογόνων διεργασιών. Στο δεύτερο στάδιο γίνεται η επεξεργασία των περιβαλλοντικών δεδομένων με χρήση του αλγορίθμου CLEAN καιεφαρμόζεται πολυδιάστατη στατιστική ανάλυση στα επεξεργασμένα δεδομένα. / Subject of the current work is the study of the physico-chemical parameters of Kleisovas'lagoon which is located in SE part of Mesologgi lagoon complex. In the first part are defining the most important lagoon process with emphasis to pollution processes through the execution of multidimensional statistical methods. In the second part is implemented a spectrum analysis of the environmental data through the Clean algorithm. Through execution of multidimentional statistical methods of the cleaned data are defining, in correlation with the analysis of the raw data, the dominant lagoon processes which effect the water quality of the ecosystem.