Abstract
Riverine deterioration and declining water quality affecting the quantity and quality of this life sustaining resource is a pressing concern globally. South Africa is a semi-arid country with limited water resources and the management of water resources is a national interest that needs to be protected for future economic and social development. Generally, South Africa is prone to water shortages and is well known for its sunshine. South Africa has an average annual rainfall of only 464mm. In order to help balance this scarce water supply with increasing water demands, it is imperative that water is reused as much as possible. The declining water quality in riverine ecosystems is of great concern, since the country is located in a semi-arid part of the world with limited water supplies. The quality of water continues to deteriorate because of human activities, social and economic developments (e.g. agriculture, mining, industrial development and local government associated with effluent discharges from Wastewater Treatment Works). ..
M.Sc. (Aquatic Health)