Abstract
M.Sc.
This study will focus on the water-quality of the Trichardspruit and Waterval rivers, which
flow in the vicinity of the Sasol Secunda Industrial Complex. The abovementioned rivers
could most probably be affected by the intensive industrial activities of the Sasol complex and
associated mining activities of its adjacent environs. In conjunction with determining the
water quality of the above rivers, the spatial and temporal variations of certain water quality
parameters over a ten year period (1988 - 1998) will be examined. This will involve
determining chemical and physical water quality parameters of the rivers concerned. The
results obtained will be examined in terms of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
(DWAF) guideline values. In this way, parameters that exceed guideline values will be
identified as parameters of concern which could have an impact on future irrigation and
livestockwatering activities along these rivers as well as aquatic ecosystems, which form an
intrinsic part of the rivers. Remediation steps will be suggested and recommendations made,
where water quality parameters exceed guideline values.