Abstract
M.Sc. (Aquatic Health)
The North West Province is mineral rich and known for its extensive mining and agricultural
activities. These activities drain organic and inorganic pollutants in our waterways, possibly
resulting in reduced water quality in dams. Organic and inorganic pollutants such as
nutrients, organochlorine pesticides and metals may be present in unacceptable levels
possibly affecting fish as well as human health. The North West dams are known for their
high nutrient loads and are mostly classified as hypertrophic. In order to better understand
the possible effects of the combined pollutant loads on fish health and edibility of fish, (1) a
fish health assessment and (2) a human health risk assessment should be conducted. The
fish health assessment and the human health risk assessment form an important role in the
establishment of water quality standards or/and guidelines for acceptable levels of safe
consumption of fish respectively. The aim of this study was to determine (1) if Oreochromis
mossambicus from the Klipvoor -, Roodekopjes - and Vaalkop Dams show adverse effects
and (2) if consumed, pose a human health risk. The results were compared to the reference
site, the Marico-Bosveld Dam.