Abstract
M.Sc.
The Kruger National Park is internationally one of the best known
conservation areas. The perennial rivers draining eastward towards and
through the park are of great importance in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
The Olifants River catchment is the largest of all the rivers flowing through the
Kruger National Park. Although this river has ceased flow for three days in
1968, problems experienced in the Olifants River are of a qualitative rather
than a quantitative nature. Several factors contribute to the deteriorating water
quality of the Olifants River. Urbanization, agricultural, industrial and mining
activities in the Phalaborwa area pose a threat to the lower parts of the
Olifants River. Pollution has on several occasions lead to mortalities of
populations of fish in these parts...