Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Technology: Biomedical Technology in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2008 / The quality of South Africa’s water sources is fast deteriorating due to an influx of pollutants from industrial and agricultural areas. In addition, urbanisation has led to the establishment of informal settlements along river systems. This study focuses on the importance of maintaining water quality and the management of water resources in order to ensure its sustainability in South Africa. The primary aim of this study was to determine the extent of bacterial contamination in three rivers namely the Berg-, Plankenburg- and Diep Rivers in the Western Cape, South Africa and to investigate the application of a bioremediation system as a possible treatment technology. Several aspects contributing to the contamination were addressed and different approaches were studied and reviewed. In all three rivers, four sampling sites were identified, which were sampled over a period of 9 to 12 months. Contamination levels for the three rivers were evaluated by applying various enumeration techniques, which could provide an accurate indication of the planktonic bacterial pollution load in the river systems. The Most Probable Number (MPN) technique was used to determine the level of faecal coliforms and E. coli. The highest MPN, faecal coliform and E. coli counts of 3.5 x 107 micro-organisms/100 m , 3.5 x 107 micro-organisms/100 m and 1.7 x 107 micro-organisms/100 m , respectively, were recorded at Site B2 in week 37 in the Berg River. Results showed that in all the river water sampled and evaluated, the total MPN count mostly exceeded the maximum limit of 2000 micro-organisms/100 m (SABS, 1984) stipulated for river water throughout the study period. The heterotrophic plate count (HPC) method was used to determine the number of culturable micro-organisms in planktonic samples, while the flow cytometry (FCM) and epifluorescence microscopy (EM) with different fluorochromes (Acridine orange and BacLight™ Live/Dead stain) were employed to evaluate total bacterial counts in planktonic (water) samples. The highest HPC at the various sites sampled was 1.04 x 106 micro-organisms/m (Berg River, Site B2), 7.9 x 104 micro-organisms/m (Plankenbrug River, Site A) and 1.7 x 105 micro-organisms/m (Diep River, Site B). Total cell counts as high as 3.7 x 107 micro-organism/m (Berg River, Site B2), 5.5 x 108 micro-organism/m (Plankenburg River, Site D) and 2.5 x 109 micro-organisms/m (Diep River, Site B) were obtained by the FCM technique, which were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the total counts obtained by epifluorescence microscopy. The results thus show that the FCM technique was the most reliable method for determining the total cell count in river water samples. This technique makes use of computer software whereas epifluorescence microscopy involves manual counting which may lead to human error. In addition, the impact of residential, agricultural and industrial areas situated along these rivers was also investigated. Even though exact point sources of pollution could not be determined, it was found that all the sources, such as the storm water drainage pipes, the industrial as well as the agricultural areas, could contribute to increased MPN, heterotrophic and total bacterial counts. This study also aimed at investigating and comparing the microbial contamination levels at various sites in the Plankenburg and Diep Rivers in the Western Cape, South Africa. Sampling of sites along the Plankenburg River started in June 2004 and continued for a period of one year until June 2005. Sampling of the Diep River sites started in March 2005 and continued for a period of nine months until November 2005. Faecal coliform (FC) and E. coli (EC) counts were determined by means of the Most Probable Number technique, the number of culturable cells were determined using the heterotrophic plate count (HPC) technique and total microbial counts were evaluated by Flow cytometric analysis (FCM). The highest microbial counts for the Plankenburg River were observed at site B where the highest MPN, FC, E. coli and total FCM counts of 9.2 x 106 (week 14), 3.5 x 106 (week 39) and 3.5 x 106 micro-organisms/100 m (week 39) and 2.1 x 108 micro-organisms/m (weeks 1 and 39) respectively, were recorded. The highest HPC recorded for the Plankenburg River was 7.9 x 106 micro-organisms/100 m (week 44, site A). Site B is situated close to an informal settlement where waste effluents from storm water drainage pipes enter the river system. In addition, other possible contamination sources included agricultural (site A) and industrial (site C) areas bordering the Plankenburg River. The highest total MPN, FC and E. coli counts in the Diep River were 5.4 x 106 (week 23) and 1.6 x 106 micro-organisms/100 m [FC and E. coli, respectively (both in week 23)], recorded at site B. The highest HPC and total FCM counts of 1.7 x 107 micro-organisms/100 m (week 14) and 2.5 x 109 microorganisms/ m (week 23), respectively, were also recorded at site B. This site was identified as the most contaminated site along the Diep River and served as an accumulation point for waste effluents from the residential and industrial areas, which included paint and machine manufacturers. Other sources situated along the Diep River included storage and maintenance facilities for steel containers, a waste water treatment plant and an oil-refinery. Most of the bacterial counts obtained for the Plankenburg and Diep Rivers exceeded the accepted maximum limit for river water for most of the sampling period. Bacterial species from the Berg- and Plankenburg Rivers were isolated and identified. The presence of various Enterobacteriaceae species isolated at all the sites in both rivers confirmed faecal contamination of these water sources over the entire sampling period. Opportunistic pathogens such as Klebsiella sp., Serratia sp., Enterobacter sp., Shewanella sp., Aeromonas sp., Pseudomonas sp., Acinetobacter sp. and Citrobacter freundii as well as pathogens such as Bacillus cereus and B. anthracis were also identified in both river systems. All the respective articles are presented in the required format of the journal in which the article has been published or submitted to.

THESIS SUBMITED IN FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF TECHNOLOGY OF BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGTY IN THE FACULTY OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS SCIENCES AT THE CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SUPERVISORS: PROF T.E. MATSHA PROF R.T. ERASMUS DR A. ZEMLIN SUBMITED DECEMBER 2013 / Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have become the leading cause of morbidity and mortality amongst the global population. Originally thought to be a health burden of high income countries, the prevalence is rapidly increasing in developing countries. For example, in 2008, an estimated 17.3 million died from CVD, and 80% of these (13.8 mil) were from low to middle income countries. Epidemiological data on CVD in Africa is scanty and of poor quality and national vital registration is available in only 5% of Africa’s 53 countries. Furthermore, data on CVD risk amongst the South African population and specifically the mixed ancestry community is poorly described. The increasing global population of people with CVD has been largely attributed to increasing rates of determinants and risk factors which include obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). The prevalence of DM in South Africa is known to be on the rise with more affected communities being South African Asians followed by coloureds. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the CVD risk profile of the Bellville South community during a baseline and three year follow-up study, by assessment of known risk factors, MetS, type 2 DM, obesity and CKD. Methods: Participants for this study were drawn from an urban community of the Bellville South suburb of Cape Town. At baseline (January 2008 and March 2009) 946 individuals aged 16 to 95 participated. All participants received a standardized interview and physical examination during which anthropometric measurements were performed three times and their average used for analysis: weight (kg), height (cm), waist (cm) and hip (cm) circumferences. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated as weight per square metre (kg/m2). A blood sample was obtained from all participants after an overnight fast for the determination of biochemical profiles: glucose, glycated haemoglobin, creatinine, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) which was calculated using Friedewald’s formula. Kidney function test was assessed through estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the cockcroft-Gault and MDRD equations. Blood pressure was measured according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Participants with no history of doctor diagnosed DM underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test as recommended by the WHO. Metabolic syndrome was determined using JIS, NCEP ATPIII and IDF criteria. The follow-up examination was conducted in 2011 (3 years from vii baseline) using similar procedures. A total of 198 participants formed the follow-up cohort whose measurements were compared to those of the baseline. Finally, the prediction and processes/progression of the risk factors were determined. Results: At both baseline and follow-up studies, females had a higher BMI compared to their male counterparts. The crude prevalence of type 2 DM, including the previously diagnosed type 2 DM was 28.59% (age-adjusted = 33.5%, 95%CI: 30.01 – 36.92), and that of undiagnosed type 2 DM was 17.8% (age-adjusted = 12.4%, 95%CI: 9.8 – 14.8). The overall prevalence of CKD was 28.7% (269) and was higher in females (31.4%) compared to 20.2% in males. MetS was present in 46.5% of the participants. Gender-specific prediction for CVD risk calculated using the 30-year CVD interactive risk calculator showed that high CVD risk was present in normoglycaemic and younger subjects (under 35 years). At follow-up, the cumulative incidence of progression in glucose tolerance status was: 16.2% (32 participants including 11 with new-onset diabetes), and increased in a stepwise fashion with the number of components of MetS. Between baseline and 3-year evaluation glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased by 8.7 ml/min (95% confidence interval: 6.9-10.7), reflecting variables trajectories across baseline strata of kidney functions. Conclusion: Given the findings of this study and the estimated increases in the determinants and risk factors of CVD in the mixed ancestry population of South Africa this trend may continue to worsen if current trajectories do not change.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree Doctor of Technologiae (Biomedical Technology) in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Supervisor: Prof J van Rooyen Co-supervisor: Prof JL Marnewick Bellville October 2013 / Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is without a doubt one of the most challenging health issues of our time and accounts for the highest number of deaths in both developed and developing countries. Despite the huge strides that have been achieved in the diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of CVD, the disease burden still remains enormous. Therefore, this calls for novel and innovative interventions to curb the surge of CVD. The use of plant based food with bioactive phytochemicals,has a great potential to reduce the incidence of CVD, specifically in resource-strained countries. Red palm oil (RPO) and the indigenous herbal tea, rooibos have previously been shown to exhibit potential cardioprotective effects. Their health promoting properties have largely been attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and emerging evidence also showed that they have the potential to modulate cell signalling events. Substancial scientific evidence proposes oxidative stress and inflammation to play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Hence, natural plant extracts such as RPO and rooibos could be recommended as adjuvants to clinical therapy to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with CVD. This thesis reports on three studies investigating the cardiovascular protective effects that chronic feeding of either RPO, rooibos or their combination have on 1) antioxidant enzymes and the NO-cGMP pathway in myocardial tissue of spontaneous hypertensive rats, 2) the modulation of systemic and myocardial inflammation and 3) the myocardial ischaemic/reperfusion tolerance in a rat model of lypopolysaccharide induced inflammation. The aim of the first study was to investigate the effect of RPO on cardiac function in sponteneously hypertensive rats. The role of the nitric oxide cyclic-guanosine monophosphate(NO-cGMP) pathway, (as determined by the nitric oxide (NOS) activity) and the antioxidant defence system (selected antioxidant enzymes) were also investigated. Cardiac function was monitored at stabilization and reperfusion using the Langendorff perfusion system. Antioxidant enzymes were determined from left ventricular tissue, while total NOS activity was determined in the aorta and left ventricular tissue. The results show that RPO offered cardiac protection as evidenced by improved left ventricular developed pressure (LVDevP), maximum velocity of pressure rise (+dp/dt) max and fall (-dp/dt) max during reperfusion in sponteneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared to their control counterparts. Improved function in SHR was associated with increased myocardial superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) protein expression compared to the normotensive rats. There was differential modulation of the NOS activity by RPO, an increase in NOS activity was observed in the aorta while a reduction in the activity of NOS was observed in the left ventricular tissue of both RPO supplemented normotensive and hypertensive rats compared to their respective control groups. These results argue a role for elevated NO production in the aorta for endothelial function maintenance. Increased SOD2 protein might lead to reduced oxidative stress. Thus, NO-cGMP pathway and antioxidant defense systems synergistically acted to restore cardiovascular function in SHR. The aim of the second study was to investigate the effect of RPO and rooibos supplementation on the modulation of systemic and myocardial inflammation in a rat model. As RPO and rooibos contain different types of antioxidants which reside and exert their biological effects in different cellular compartments, the combination of these two natural food compounds has the potential to enhance the spectrum of available dietary antioxidants in different cellular compartments, which could result in a better protection against certain pathological conditions such as inflammation. The Langendorff system and the lypopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory model were used to determine if RPO and rooibos could protect against the negative effect of LPS-induced inflammation on baseline cardiac function. Both inflammation and dietary supplementation did not have any effect on baseline cardiac functional parameters. Our results show that administration of LPS resulted in elevated plasma levels of IL-1β in supplemented and non-supplemented rats indicating that an inflammatory response was triggered in the LPS-treated rats. However, this increase in IL-1β was counteracted by concurrent elevation of plasma IL-10 in LPS-induced rats consuming either rooibos or RPO alone. Furthermore the combination of RPO and rooibos enhanced myocardial IL-10 levels in LPS-induced rats. This data shows a difference in response to LPS injection between the myocardium and the systemic circulation. The results indicate that the combination of these two natural food substances exhibit potential anti-inflammatory properties which could be beneficial in clinically relevant conditions where inflammation plays a role. Having shown that dietary intervention with RPO and rooibos had the potential to modulate the inflammatory response in the model of inflammation at basal conditions, we then proceeded to the third study to specifically establish if dietary RPO when supplemented alone will improve functional recovery and reduce infarct size in LPS-treated hearts. The Langendorff perfusion system was employed for determination of cardiac function and infarct size. The roles of NFkB, p38 MAPK and the myocardial antioxidant defence systems were investigated as potential mechanisms of protection. LPS-treatment caused significant increases in myocardial IL-1 β indicating that inflammation was induced. However, the levels of myocardial IL-10 was reduced in LPS-treated hearts compared to the non-treated hearts. Intervention with dietary RPO resulted in improved functional recovery and reduced infarct size, in both healthy hearts and in the LPS-treatment group. The RPO-induced cardio-protection was associated with increases in myocardial protein expression of the antioxidant enzymes, SOD1, SOD2, GPX1 as well as increased p38 phosphorylation during reperfusion. LPS treatment increased myocardial protein expression of NFkB p65 which was reversed by RPO supplementation. Reduction of myocardial NFkB protein expression, increased p38 phosphorylation and elevated mitochondrial antioxidant (SOD2 and GPX1) as well as cytosolic enzymes (SOD 1) are proposed as potential mechanisms underlying the RPO-induced cardio-protection in this model. Based on these study results, for the first time, having included vasculature aspects in the cardio-protective effects of RPO we have shown that the NO-cGMP pathway and antioxidant defense systems may act synergistically to restore cardiovascular function in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Results from the second study also provide the first scientific evidence that RPO in combination with rooibos (a flavonoid rich endemic herbal tea) could have potential anti-inflammatory activities at systemic as well as myocardial level, which may be beneficial in clinically relevant conditions where inflammation plays a role. From the third study it can be concluded that dietary RPO improved myocardial tolerance to ischaemia-reperfusion injury in a model of inflammation.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Technology: Biomedical Technology in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2008 / River systems can become contaminated with micro-organisms and metals and the routine monitoring of these rivers is essential to control the occurrence of these contaminants in water bodies. This study was aimed at investigating the metal contamination levels in the Berg-, Plankenburg- and Diep Rivers in the Western Cape, South Africa, followed by the remediation of these rivers, using bioreactor systems. Sampling sites were identified and samples [water, sediment and biofilm (leaves, rocks and glass, etc.)] were collected along the Berg- and Plankenburg Rivers from May 2004 to May 2005 and for the Diep River, from February 2005 to November 2005. The concentrations of aluminium (Al), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were determined using the nitric acid digestion method and analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). For the Berg River, the highest concentrations in water samples were recorded for Al, Mn and Fe at the agricultural area (Site A – chapter 2). In the sediment and biofilm samples, the highest metal concentrations were once again recorded for Al and Fe. The concentrations of Al and Fe were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than than Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni and Mn in water, sediment and biofilm samples, and were mostly higher than the quality guidelines recommended by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF, 1996) and the Canadian Council for the Ministers of the Environment (CCME, 2001). Possible sources of contamination in the Berg River could be due to the leaching or improper discarding of household waste from the informal- and established residential areas, as well as the improper discarding of pesticides at the agricultural area. For both the Plankenburg and Diep Rivers the Al and Fe concentrations were higher than all the other metals analysed for in sediment and water samples. The highest concentrations recorded in the Plankenburg River was 13.6 mg.l-1 (water - Week 18, Site B) and 15 018 mg.kg-1 (sediment - Week 1, Site C) for Al and 48 mg.l-1 (water - Week 43, Site A) and 14 363.8 mg.kg-1 (sediment - Week 1, Site A) for Fe. The highest concentrations recorded in the Diep River was 4 mg.l-1 (water - Week 1, Site A) and 19 179 mg.kg-1 (sediment - Week 1, Site C) for Al and 513 mg.l-1 (water - Week 27, Site A) and 106 379.5 mg.kg-1 (sediment - Week 9, Site C) for Fe. For most of the metals analysed the concentrations were higher than the recommended water quality guidelines as stipulated by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF, 1996b), the Canadian Council for the Ministers of the Environment (CCME, 2001) and the ‘World average’ (Martin and Windom, 1991). Point sources of pollution could not conclusively be identified, but the industrial and residential areas could have influenced the increased concentrations. Metal concentrations should be routinely monitored and the guidelines should be updated and revised based on the current state of the rivers and pollution influences. Micro-organisms isolated from flow cells after exposure to varying metal concentrations were investigated for possible metal-tolerance. A site where high metal concentrations were recorded along the Plankenburg River was investigated. The micro-organisms isolated from the flow cells were cultured and identified using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique, in conjunction with universal 16SrRNA primers. The phylogeny of the representative organisms in GenBank, were analysed using the Neighbour-joining algorithm in Clustal X. After exposure, the channels were stained with the LIVE/DEAD BacLightTM viability probe and visualised using Epifluorescence Microscopy. The results revealed that when exposed to the highest concentrations of Al (900 mg.l-1), Fe (1000 mg.l-1), Cu (10 mg.l-1) and Mn (80 mg.l-1), the percentage of dead cells increased, and when exposed to the lowest concentrations of Al (10 mg.l-1), Cu (0.5 mg.l-1), Mn (1.5 mg.l-1) and Zn (0.5 mg.l-1), no significant differences could be distinguished between live an dead cells. When exposed to the highest concentrations of Zn (40 mg.l-1) and Ni (20 mg.l-1), no significant differences between the live and dead cell percentages, were observed. The phylogenetic tree showed that a diverse group of organisms were isolated from the flow cells and that some of the isolates exhibited multiple metal resistance (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain 776, Bacillus sp. ZH6, Staphylococcus sp. MOLA:313, Pseudomonas sp. and Delftia tsuruhatensis strain A90 exhibited tolerance to Zn, Ni, Cu, Al, Fe), while other isolates were resistant to specific metals (Comamonas testosteroni WDL7, Microbacterium sp. PAO-12 and Sphingomonas sp. 8b-1 exhibited tolerance to Cu, Ni and Zn, respectively, while Kocuria kristinae strain 6J-5b and Micrococcus sp. TPR14 exhibited tolerance to Mn). The efficiency of two laboratory-scale and one on-site bioreactor system was evaluated to determine their ability to reduce metal concentrations in river water samples. The laboratory-scale bioreactors were run for a two-week and a three-week period and the on-site bioreactor for a period of ten weeks. Water (all three bioreactors) and bioballs (bioreactor two and on-site bioreactor) were collected, digested with 55% nitric acid and analysed using ICP-AES. The final concentrations for Al, Ni and Zn (bioreactor one) and Mn (bioreactor two), decreased to below their recommended concentrations in water samples. In the on-site, six-tank bioreactor system, the concentrations for Fe, Cu, Mn and Ni decreased, but still exceeded the recommended concentrations. The concentrations recorded in the biofilm suspensions removed from the bioballs collected from bioreactor two and the on-site bioreactor, revealed concentrations higher than those recorded in the corresponding water samples for all the metals analysed, except Fe. The bioballs were shown to be efficient for biofilm attachment and subsequent metal accumulation. The species diversity of the organisms isolated from the bioreactor (bioreactor two) experiment after three days (initial) differed from the organisms isolated after 15 days (final). Hydrogenophaga sp., Ochrobactrum sp, Corynebacterium sp., Chelatobater sp. and Brevundimonas sp. were present only at the start of the bioreactor experiment. The surviving populations present both in the beginning and at the end of the bioreactor experiment belonged predominantly to the genera, Pseudomonas and Bacillus. Metal-tolerant organisms, such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus and Stenotrophomonas, amongst others, could possibly be utilised to increase the efficiency of the bioreactors. The bioreactor system should however, be optimised further to improve its efficacy.

Thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Technology : Office Management & Technology in the Faculty of Business at the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology 2007 / In this research all references to technikons relate to the present Universities of Technology. Since this study was conducted relating only to courses that offer an experiential leaming component, it is to be noted that these courses are offered mainly by the previous Technikon sector, prior to the amalgamation of technikons with certain universities and colleges. The specific research problem is defined and the background to this problem explained. Both the research problem and objectives are formulated. No efficient Management Information System for co-operative education based on web-technology currently exists in South Africa. By means of a study based on the present needs of co-operative education practitioners in South Africa, and comparing the latter to certain existing management information systems for co-operative education internationally, the objectives of the research are addressed. Initially some critical activities are identified and used to map out possible sub-systems. Literature is reviewed relating to technologies relevant to this research, such as the Web, Internet and lntranets. It outlines some information technologies available to organisations and the educational environment. The literature also highlights most of the processes within a management information system. Furthermore, it summarises the initial considerations needed to develop a management information system in this context. To focus more pertinently on the problem a management information system relating to education is investigated. Various existing management information systems in education in the UK, USA and RSA are reviewed. Specific reference is made to management information systems in general education in Australian schools. These investigations then focus on one element of education, namely co-operative education. Possible cooperative education sub-systems are mapped out from identified critical activities. These sub-systems were instrumental in developing the pilot study and the final questionnaire. The research methodology and the techniques applied to address the research objective, are discussed. Aspects such as reliability, validity, quantitative vs qualitative research, the final measuring instrument, target population, administering the questionnaire and data capturing, are addressed. The development of the questionnaires and a two-dimensional matrix of the measuring instrument are explained. The responses to the various elements on each of the questionnaires are reported on and the data is interpreted and grouped to form a synthesis. From the synthesis, conclusions and recommendations relating to all three sub-systems (students, employers and short courses), are listed. These results of the questions as reported on and the interpretations recorded are analysed. These relate to each question as well as to all the literature reviewed. The conclusions and recommendations are supported by detailed crossreferences to each chapter. Some comparison of local (South African) and international preferences is included. The main objective of this study was to develop a scientifically-established model of an adequate management information system for co-operative education, which will comply with the needs of the South African Co-operative Education. In summary then : • A survey was undertaken of good international practice, from which a set of desirable "elements", "components" or "sub-systems" was established. Hereafter they are referred to as "sub-systems". • These sub-systems were taken as the foundation for a questionnaire, where in respondents were asked to consider the importance and detail of the subsystems. • The questionnaire was reviewed for its effectiveness and completeness, refined, and then deployed to 325 respondents nationally. Internationally 77 delegates responded. • An analysis of their responses was used to develop a set of desirable characteristics of a co-operative education management information system in South Africa.

Thesis submitted in the requirements for the degree Doctor Technologiae: Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, 2013 / To date, limited information has been published on textile wastewater treatment, for re-use, in South Africa (SA), with treatment processes focusing on conventional wastewater treatment methods. A large contributor to the contamination of water within textile industries is from dyehouse processes. A major concern in textile wastewater treatment is the release of azo dyes and their metabolites, some of which are carcinogenic and mutanogenic, into the environment since they are xenobiotic and aerobically recalcitrant to biodegradation. A necessity therefore exists to find an effective treatment method capable of removing both the strong colour and the toxic organic compounds from textile wastewater. Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are favoured when treating high-strength wastewater, since the membrane area is determined by the hydraulic throughput and not the biological load; no sludge is wasted and all bacteria are retained within the reactor, including specific bacteria capable of degrading the toxic, non-biodegradable constituents present in textile wastewater. MBR systems, using various configurations have been utilised extensively in the rest of the world to treat textile wastewater at both lab and pilot-scale. This DTech project formed part of a collaborative Water Research Commission (WRC) funded project K5/1900 - Pilot application of a dual-stage membrane bioreactor (dsMBR) for industrial wastewater treatment. The main purpose of this study was the on-site evaluation of a pilot-scale dsMBR incorporating two ultrafiltration (UF) sidestream membrane modules for the treatment, recovery and re-use of textile wastewater. The objectives of this project were to determine the treatment efficiency of the system; to evaluate the degree of colour removal from the textile wastewater; to improve residual colour removal within the system using treatment processes, such as NF and RO, as well as to propose a design and cost for a full-scale plant. A textile industry located in Bellville, Western Cape, was chosen as the industrial partner for the on-site evaluation of a semi-automated pilot wastewater treatment MBR plant using two 5.1 m2 Norit X-flow AirliftTM membrane modules. Since the wastewater treatment system was located on the premises, real continuously changing industrial wastewater was being treated. The industrial textile wastewater was treated in a series of tanks: 1) an anaerobic tank, which cleaved the azo bonds of the reactive dyes; 2) an anoxic tank containing reduced amounts of dissolved oxygen, in which denitrification occurred; and 3) an aerobic tank, in which i) nitrification, as well as ii) mineralisation of the aromatic amines occurred. The UF-membrane modules would account for the removal of any organic material. The wastewater stream was characterised by a chemical oxygen demand (COD) range of between 45 to 2,820 mg/L and an average biological oxygen demand (BOD) of 192.5 mg/L. The dsMBR achieved an average COD reduction of 75% with a maximum of 97% over the 220 day test period. The COD concentration obtained after dsMBR treatment averaged at 191 mg/L, which was well within the City of Cape Town industrial wastewater discharge standard. The average reduction in turbidity and TSS was 94% and 19.6%, respectively, during the UF-MBR stage of the system. Subsequent treatment of the UF permeate with nanofiltration (NF) for 4 days, alternated with reverse osmosis (RO) for 14 days removed both the residual colour and salt present in the UF permeate. A consistent reduction in the colour of the incoming wastewater was evident. The colour in the wastewater was reduced from an average of 659 ADMI units to ~12 ADMI units in the NF permeate, a lower American dye manufacturing index (ADMI) (i.e. method of colour representation) compared to the potable water (~17 ADMI units) utilised by the industrial partner in their dyeing processes. The colour was reduced from an average of 659 to ~20 ADMI units in the RO permeate, a lower ADMI and therefore colour when compared to the potable water. An average conductivity rejection of 91% was achieved with conductivity being reduced from an average of 7,700 to 693 μS/cm and the TDS reduced from an average of 5,700 to 473 mg/L, which facilitated an average TDS rejection of 92%. Based on the composition of the UF permeate fed to the RO membrane a maximum removal of 98.7% was achieved for both conductivity and total dissolved solids (TDS). The proposed full-scale plant would incorporate a UF-MBR system, followed by NF, RO, flocculation and a filter press. Therefore, the two waste products produced during operation of the proposed full-scale plant, would be the solid filter cakes and the liquid filtrate from the filter press. Implementing the proposed full-scale plant it would cost the industrial partner an operating cost of ZAR 113.85 and ZAR 3,415.49 to treat 97.1 m3 and 2,913 m3 of textile wastewater, respectively, per day and per month. This results in an annual saving of ZAR 845,848 on potable water expenses. This research, would provide SA textile industries, with an option to: 1) reduce their water consumption, thereby utilising less of a valuable decreasing commodity; 2) meet the SA government discharge standards and reduce their discharge costs; 3) reduce their carbon footprint (i.e. reduce their impact on the environment) by re-using their treated wastewater and therefore using less water from the municipality; and 4) decrease their annual expenditure on water, since the treated wastewater would be available for re-use.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Technology: Information Technology in the Faculty of Informatics and Design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2013 / The alignment between business and information technology (IT) strategies has been a challenge for many years. Strategic alignment models and enterprise architecture methodologies and frameworks have been developed to assist business and IT managers with improving alignment between business and IT strategies. The business analyst, systems analyst and project manager are key role players in delivering the information systems (IS) needs of business and therefore key in aligning business and IT strategies. Despite literature and research suggesting a positive influence of emotional intelligence on occupational performance in various industries, the development of emotional intelligence of the business analyst, systems analyst and project manager is neglected by software development organisations. Emotional intelligence is neglected in industry IS competency models as well as documented standards for the business analysis and project management profession (BABOK and PMBOK). Emotional intelligence is not addressed in strategic alignment models and enterprise architecture methodologies and frameworks. Emotional intelligence is equally neglected in IS literature. Systematic research investigating the impact of emotional intelligence on occupational performance of IT professionals remains sparse. The purpose of this study was to determine which emotional intelligence competencies are needed to improve the occupational performance of business analysts, systems analysts and project managers in delivering business information system needs. The study took the form of a multiple interpretive case study. Qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from 20 software development organisations utilising the roles of the business analyst, systems analyst and project manager. Quantitative data was collected using the Genos Emotional Intelligence Inventory with the aim of identifying the patterns of emotional intelligence visible in the sample of business analysts, systems analysts and project managers assessed. The study suggests emotional intelligence has a role to play in alignment between business and IT strategies. It is proposed that industry IS competency models as well as the standards for the business analysis and project management profession as documented in BABOK and PMBOK include specific emotional intelligence competencies. The study also proposes that higher education institutions in IT/IS such as universities of technology, as well as training providers focusing on business analysis, systems analysis and project management, should focus not only on technical skills but emotional intelligence skills as well when developing the supply pipeline of business analysts, systems analysts and project managers. Keywords: Emotional intelligence, business – IT alignment, information technology, enterprise architecture, business analyst, systems analyst, project manager, competencies, non-technical skills.