Abstract
M.Sc. (Geography and Environmental Management)
Saldanha forms part of the heart of the Western Cape and is an integral part of the economic and social well being of South Africa. The recent development of the Namakwa Sands Smelter and the proposed Saldanha Steel Project indicate a possible new phase of industrial growth in the Saldanha area. The evolution of man into beings who are more
environmentally aware and the proclamation of more environmentally related legislation,
should integrate well with this development. These factors should ensure that companies and institutions implement better pollution control and management. In this study lead pollution caused by the handling and storing of lead concentrate for export purposes in Saldanha Bay, is investigated. The Small Bay area was identified as the area likely to be most polluted and this study concentrated on the pollution in this specific area. The lead pollution was measured for a certain period by monitoring lead concentrations in samples of biological material (black mussels), soil, sediment and dust. From the results the following conclusions are made. Lead concentrations in biological material in the Small Bay area remained constant with no real increase or decrease. Lead concentrations in the soil samples on the north easterly side of Small Bay showed a definite decrease during the monitoring period. Lead concentrations in the sediments of the Small Bay area indicate a decrease during the monitoring period. Lead concentrations in dust collected on the eastern side of Small Bay remained constant during the monitoring period. Lead concentrations in dust collected on the north eastern side showed a decrease. In general, based on the above results obtained, it can be concluded that lead pollution in the Small Bay area of Saldanha decreased during the monitoring period. Lead concentrations in
the biological material and dust that did not show a decrease, remained constant i.e. did not worsen.