Determination of stream flow reduction associated with afforestation on a selected quaternary catchment of the Crocodile River, Mpumalanga
- Hadebe, Xolani Mduduzi Jerome
- Authors: Hadebe, Xolani Mduduzi Jerome
- Date: 2012-01-24
- Subjects: Stream flow , Afforestation , Forest influences , Forest hydrology
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:1921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4282
- Description: M.Sc. , The foresty industry is a very important industry m South Africa. Forestry is mostly practised in rural areas. Commercial plantations cover only 1.18% of the area of South Africa, with Mpumalanga Province having the largest area and greatest density of commercial plantations. This is because Mpumalanga province is physiographically and climatically conducive to afforestation. The study area, quaternary catchment X22D, is situated in Mpumalanga province; about 80 percent of this catchment is afforested with pine. The hydrological impact of afforestation in the study area is estimated in this study using two models, namely Shell and Affdem3. The impact of afforestation on surface flow depends on the percentage of the afforested area in a catchment, the rotational period, the genera, and the availability of water. As the percentage of afforested area in a catchment increases, so does the consumption of water by the trees increase. This author found that there is a positive relationship between the consumption of water by trees, and the rotational period and the availability of water. Also: Eucalyptus and Pine are consuming more water than Wattle. Understanding these effects of afforestation on water resources at the level of a quaternary catchment is a fundamental requirement in optimal water resource allocation and the long-term sustainable use of water. Keywords: Afforestation, stremflow, hydrological models, riparian zone, afforestation permit system.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hadebe, Xolani Mduduzi Jerome
- Date: 2012-01-24
- Subjects: Stream flow , Afforestation , Forest influences , Forest hydrology
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:1921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4282
- Description: M.Sc. , The foresty industry is a very important industry m South Africa. Forestry is mostly practised in rural areas. Commercial plantations cover only 1.18% of the area of South Africa, with Mpumalanga Province having the largest area and greatest density of commercial plantations. This is because Mpumalanga province is physiographically and climatically conducive to afforestation. The study area, quaternary catchment X22D, is situated in Mpumalanga province; about 80 percent of this catchment is afforested with pine. The hydrological impact of afforestation in the study area is estimated in this study using two models, namely Shell and Affdem3. The impact of afforestation on surface flow depends on the percentage of the afforested area in a catchment, the rotational period, the genera, and the availability of water. As the percentage of afforested area in a catchment increases, so does the consumption of water by the trees increase. This author found that there is a positive relationship between the consumption of water by trees, and the rotational period and the availability of water. Also: Eucalyptus and Pine are consuming more water than Wattle. Understanding these effects of afforestation on water resources at the level of a quaternary catchment is a fundamental requirement in optimal water resource allocation and the long-term sustainable use of water. Keywords: Afforestation, stremflow, hydrological models, riparian zone, afforestation permit system.
- Full Text:
An environmental impact assessment of the two possible routes for the proposed magnetite slurry pipeline between Phalaborwa and Maputo
- Authors: Ueckermann, Ilze
- Date: 2012-08-13
- Subjects: Pipelines - South Africa - Phalaborwa , Pipelines - Mozambique - Maputo , Environmental impact analysis - South Africa , Environmental impact analysis - South Africa - Kruger National Park
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9058 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5520
- Description: M.A. , The study of the two possible routes for the magnetite slurry pipeline between Phalaborwa and Maputo was motivated because of the impact it can have on the environment. Since the early 1970's the environment has become more and more important to the people that live in it. By law any development should by forgone by an Environmental Impact Assessment, and for that reason this study was undertaken. Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A.) measures impacts of one or more environmental indicators on the environment. Further more an Environmental Impact Assessment means a national procedure for evaluating the likely impact of a proposed activity on the environment. It is thus a tool used to minimise the impacts of human development on the environment. This tool will be used to compare the two routes and to identify the route with less Environmental Impact. Within the growing field of environmental science and engineering, there is increasing interest in and use of Environmental Assessment (EA). In this form of assessment, the experts evaluate the probable impact of a range of alternative actions that have been proposed in response to a problem, in this case the placing of a pipeline from Phalaborwa to Maputo. Environmental Impacts may be considered in light of economic, social, or security constraints; hence the lightest impact is not necessarily always chosen by planners.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ueckermann, Ilze
- Date: 2012-08-13
- Subjects: Pipelines - South Africa - Phalaborwa , Pipelines - Mozambique - Maputo , Environmental impact analysis - South Africa , Environmental impact analysis - South Africa - Kruger National Park
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9058 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5520
- Description: M.A. , The study of the two possible routes for the magnetite slurry pipeline between Phalaborwa and Maputo was motivated because of the impact it can have on the environment. Since the early 1970's the environment has become more and more important to the people that live in it. By law any development should by forgone by an Environmental Impact Assessment, and for that reason this study was undertaken. Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A.) measures impacts of one or more environmental indicators on the environment. Further more an Environmental Impact Assessment means a national procedure for evaluating the likely impact of a proposed activity on the environment. It is thus a tool used to minimise the impacts of human development on the environment. This tool will be used to compare the two routes and to identify the route with less Environmental Impact. Within the growing field of environmental science and engineering, there is increasing interest in and use of Environmental Assessment (EA). In this form of assessment, the experts evaluate the probable impact of a range of alternative actions that have been proposed in response to a problem, in this case the placing of a pipeline from Phalaborwa to Maputo. Environmental Impacts may be considered in light of economic, social, or security constraints; hence the lightest impact is not necessarily always chosen by planners.
- Full Text:
Waterlisensiëring en waterprysbeleid in die nuwe waterwet
- Authors: Joubert, Gerhardus Francois
- Date: 2012-09-14
- Subjects: Water - Law and legislation - South Africa. , Water consumption - Law and legislation - South Africa. , Water consumption - Rates - Law and legislation - South Africa.
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10377 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7742
- Description: M.A. , That South Africa is experiencing a water management crisis, is a fact that cannot be ignored. Although water supply departments and agencies are doing their best under the complex and demanding circumstances and have many examples of successful water projects to show for their efforts, inefficiency, unfairness and unsustainability still characterise much of the use and management of water and resources. This makes satisfying society's growing demand for reliable and legitimate water allocation extremely difficult. Groundwater is usually regarded by consumers as "private" water to be used as they please. Excessive use by such consumers of a borehole may lower the water table and reduce the amount of useable water for other consumers dependant on the same source. Some farms of land use, utilising a larger portion of available rainfall, for example commercial forestry in mountainous areas, reduce runoff into streams lower down, hampering the development potential of downstream areas. Other activities such as agriculture, mining and domestic uses, lower the quality of surface and underground water, making it unsuitable for use. Being such a scarce commodity, water should be used in the most efficient and beneficial way possible for every one in South Africa. In essence this means that all water used must be priced in accordance with its real economic value. The Water Act of 1998 is clearly based on an economic approach to bulk water tariffs. This means allocating water with the aid of water usage rights which are well defined, legitimate and non-discriminatory. The new water Act proposes a water licensing and pricing policy to achieve this goal. In striving for the economic goal, the ideal of sustainability of water management for future generations will become a reality. This study discusses the shortcomings of the previous water legislation as well as the replacement thereof with a more equitable and accessible water act. The study also contains comments on the possible shortcomings with the feasibility of some of the provisions of the new act, such as a conflict of interest that may develop, as well as possible preventive measures that should currently be undertaken to try and eliminate future problems.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Joubert, Gerhardus Francois
- Date: 2012-09-14
- Subjects: Water - Law and legislation - South Africa. , Water consumption - Law and legislation - South Africa. , Water consumption - Rates - Law and legislation - South Africa.
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10377 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7742
- Description: M.A. , That South Africa is experiencing a water management crisis, is a fact that cannot be ignored. Although water supply departments and agencies are doing their best under the complex and demanding circumstances and have many examples of successful water projects to show for their efforts, inefficiency, unfairness and unsustainability still characterise much of the use and management of water and resources. This makes satisfying society's growing demand for reliable and legitimate water allocation extremely difficult. Groundwater is usually regarded by consumers as "private" water to be used as they please. Excessive use by such consumers of a borehole may lower the water table and reduce the amount of useable water for other consumers dependant on the same source. Some farms of land use, utilising a larger portion of available rainfall, for example commercial forestry in mountainous areas, reduce runoff into streams lower down, hampering the development potential of downstream areas. Other activities such as agriculture, mining and domestic uses, lower the quality of surface and underground water, making it unsuitable for use. Being such a scarce commodity, water should be used in the most efficient and beneficial way possible for every one in South Africa. In essence this means that all water used must be priced in accordance with its real economic value. The Water Act of 1998 is clearly based on an economic approach to bulk water tariffs. This means allocating water with the aid of water usage rights which are well defined, legitimate and non-discriminatory. The new water Act proposes a water licensing and pricing policy to achieve this goal. In striving for the economic goal, the ideal of sustainability of water management for future generations will become a reality. This study discusses the shortcomings of the previous water legislation as well as the replacement thereof with a more equitable and accessible water act. The study also contains comments on the possible shortcomings with the feasibility of some of the provisions of the new act, such as a conflict of interest that may develop, as well as possible preventive measures that should currently be undertaken to try and eliminate future problems.
- Full Text:
The impact and mitigation of human activities on the Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens
- Authors: Martin, Kelly Margaret
- Date: 2009-02-05T07:13:28Z
- Subjects: Botanical gardens , Effect of human beings on nature , Roodepoort (South Africa)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8089 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2018
- Description: M.Sc. , The Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens is one of eight National Botanical Gardens in South Africa. These gardens were established with the main goals and objectives being to protect and conserve the vast biodiversity of South Africa. The Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens covers 300 hectares of land and is situated 24 kilometres west of the city center of Johannesburg. The Gardens are found on the Witwatersrand Ridge, which has important historical value because it was here that the first gold was discovered on the Reef. The source of the Crocodile River is located at the top of the Witwatersrand Ridge, and as this river flows over the Ridge the well-known Roodepoort Falls exist. When the Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens was established in 1982, the area was largely a rural environment. Presently, this developing area is the fastest growing and developing area in Gauteng. The results of this are the impacts of humans and human activities on the Garden. In the near future the Garden’s will represent an open and naturally occurring environment within an urban setting. It is therefore imperative that the significant impacts that affect the Garden are identified, and mitigatory actions are proposed in order to protect this natural environment. In this study the significant impacts that are closely looked at are: • Storm Water • Featherbrooke Estate • Waste Disposal • Alien vegetation • Veld fires The purpose of this study is to identify the impacts caused by humans on the Witwatersrand Botanical Gardens and propose possible ways to mitigate these impacts.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Martin, Kelly Margaret
- Date: 2009-02-05T07:13:28Z
- Subjects: Botanical gardens , Effect of human beings on nature , Roodepoort (South Africa)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8089 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2018
- Description: M.Sc. , The Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens is one of eight National Botanical Gardens in South Africa. These gardens were established with the main goals and objectives being to protect and conserve the vast biodiversity of South Africa. The Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens covers 300 hectares of land and is situated 24 kilometres west of the city center of Johannesburg. The Gardens are found on the Witwatersrand Ridge, which has important historical value because it was here that the first gold was discovered on the Reef. The source of the Crocodile River is located at the top of the Witwatersrand Ridge, and as this river flows over the Ridge the well-known Roodepoort Falls exist. When the Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens was established in 1982, the area was largely a rural environment. Presently, this developing area is the fastest growing and developing area in Gauteng. The results of this are the impacts of humans and human activities on the Garden. In the near future the Garden’s will represent an open and naturally occurring environment within an urban setting. It is therefore imperative that the significant impacts that affect the Garden are identified, and mitigatory actions are proposed in order to protect this natural environment. In this study the significant impacts that are closely looked at are: • Storm Water • Featherbrooke Estate • Waste Disposal • Alien vegetation • Veld fires The purpose of this study is to identify the impacts caused by humans on the Witwatersrand Botanical Gardens and propose possible ways to mitigate these impacts.
- Full Text:
The effect of floods and high rainfall on the water quality in selected sub-areas of the upper Vaal Catchment
- Authors: Merolla, Sonia
- Date: 2012-08-21
- Subjects: Floods - Environmental aspects , Rainfall - Environmental aspects , Runoff - Environmental aspects , Water pollution , Vaal River Watershed (South Africa)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:2874 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6307
- Description: M.Sc. , The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of flooding and high rainfall on water quality at selected points along the Vaal River, Wilge River and Vaal Dam that make up part of the Upper Vaal Catchment Area. Four study sites were selected, three along a section of the Vaal River that flows from Standerton (site S-ST_NEW) through Villiers (site C-VV) into the Vaal Dam ( C-VD21). The fourth site is on the Wilge River at Frankfort (C-WF) and joins with the Vaal River at site C-VD21 in the Vaal Dam. For each of these four sites seven water quality parameters, namely Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), conductivity, chloride, fluoride, orthophosphate, sulphate and faecal coliforms where used to determine if there is a change in water quality during flooding and high rainfall in a six year period from 2005 to 2011. This period included the 2006 and 2011 floods and the 2009 high rainfall period. The results of this study demonstrated two types of changes that flooding and high rainfall can cause, either a dilution effect or a concentrating effect. Dilution is caused by low runoff of a particular pollutant/contaminant with an increase in water volume while the concentrating effect is due to a much increased runoff of a particular pollutant/contaminant. Results were not consistent. However general trends could be observed at specific sites. As a general rule, dilution occurred in the following parameters: conductivity; chloride, orthophosphate, COD and faecal coliforms. The remaining water quality parameters, namely fluoride and sulphate showed a general tendency to increase in concentration during flooding and high rainfall. The effect of floods on the quality of the water using the Vaal Dam Reservoir Forum (VDRS) water quality guidelines for sites C-VV, C-WF and C-VD21 and the Sewage Works Compliance to general standard for site S-ST_NEW was also studied. In general, flooding and high rainfall had very little effect in changing water quality, in that parameter levels were not altered significantly enough to cause a change in water quality. However, in some circumstances water quality was reduced. The statistical two-tailed one-sample t-test and p-value for the most part did not yield any significant difference in water quality during flooding and high rainfall and the sixyear average.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Merolla, Sonia
- Date: 2012-08-21
- Subjects: Floods - Environmental aspects , Rainfall - Environmental aspects , Runoff - Environmental aspects , Water pollution , Vaal River Watershed (South Africa)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:2874 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6307
- Description: M.Sc. , The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of flooding and high rainfall on water quality at selected points along the Vaal River, Wilge River and Vaal Dam that make up part of the Upper Vaal Catchment Area. Four study sites were selected, three along a section of the Vaal River that flows from Standerton (site S-ST_NEW) through Villiers (site C-VV) into the Vaal Dam ( C-VD21). The fourth site is on the Wilge River at Frankfort (C-WF) and joins with the Vaal River at site C-VD21 in the Vaal Dam. For each of these four sites seven water quality parameters, namely Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), conductivity, chloride, fluoride, orthophosphate, sulphate and faecal coliforms where used to determine if there is a change in water quality during flooding and high rainfall in a six year period from 2005 to 2011. This period included the 2006 and 2011 floods and the 2009 high rainfall period. The results of this study demonstrated two types of changes that flooding and high rainfall can cause, either a dilution effect or a concentrating effect. Dilution is caused by low runoff of a particular pollutant/contaminant with an increase in water volume while the concentrating effect is due to a much increased runoff of a particular pollutant/contaminant. Results were not consistent. However general trends could be observed at specific sites. As a general rule, dilution occurred in the following parameters: conductivity; chloride, orthophosphate, COD and faecal coliforms. The remaining water quality parameters, namely fluoride and sulphate showed a general tendency to increase in concentration during flooding and high rainfall. The effect of floods on the quality of the water using the Vaal Dam Reservoir Forum (VDRS) water quality guidelines for sites C-VV, C-WF and C-VD21 and the Sewage Works Compliance to general standard for site S-ST_NEW was also studied. In general, flooding and high rainfall had very little effect in changing water quality, in that parameter levels were not altered significantly enough to cause a change in water quality. However, in some circumstances water quality was reduced. The statistical two-tailed one-sample t-test and p-value for the most part did not yield any significant difference in water quality during flooding and high rainfall and the sixyear average.
- Full Text:
An exploration of the environmental management responsibilities and performances relevant to selected government and other gold mine residue deposits on the East Rand
- Authors: Koeslag, Lucy Frances
- Date: 2012-08-27
- Subjects: Gold mines and mining - Environmental aspects - South Africa - Johannesburg , Tailings dams - Environmental aspects - South Africa - Johannesburg , Environmental management - South Africa - Johannesburg
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:3260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6668
- Description: M.A. , In Gauteng alone there are approximately 240 gold mine residue deposits (sand dumps and tailings dams) from gold mining activities on the Witwatersrand, stretching from Randfontein in the West to Nigel in the East. These gold mine residue deposits are generally situated close to residential and industrial areas, to major highways and important watercourses and wetlands. They are potentially hazardous structures that threaten human health and safety, property and the environment and consequently obligate effective, holistic and integrated management. This thesis seeks to examine how current environmental management practices carried out on selected residue deposits measures up to regulatory requirements and good practice guidelines. In order to do this it was necessary to undertake an extensive review of all legislation, policies, standards, guidelines and codes of practice relevant to the management of gold mine residue deposits. The review revealed that since the introduction of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in 1996, dramatic changes have occurred in the entire environmental regulatory system. The recent environmental legal and administrative reform are forcing mining companies to review the management of mine residue deposits as they are now faced with stricter regulatory requirements and an increased threat of civil and criminal sanctions. The general environmental management legal requirements for operational gold mine residue deposits are set out in tabular form and cover all aspects relating to rehabilitation, air quality, visual pollution, access control, hydrology, water pollution, dam stability, monitoring, inspections and maintenance, auditing and the submission of information to the relevant authorities. On inspection of the selected residue deposits it was evident that required legislative provisions were not being complied with and that the environmental management performances relevant to these residue deposits had to be viewed within the broader historical, political and socio-economic context.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Koeslag, Lucy Frances
- Date: 2012-08-27
- Subjects: Gold mines and mining - Environmental aspects - South Africa - Johannesburg , Tailings dams - Environmental aspects - South Africa - Johannesburg , Environmental management - South Africa - Johannesburg
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:3260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6668
- Description: M.A. , In Gauteng alone there are approximately 240 gold mine residue deposits (sand dumps and tailings dams) from gold mining activities on the Witwatersrand, stretching from Randfontein in the West to Nigel in the East. These gold mine residue deposits are generally situated close to residential and industrial areas, to major highways and important watercourses and wetlands. They are potentially hazardous structures that threaten human health and safety, property and the environment and consequently obligate effective, holistic and integrated management. This thesis seeks to examine how current environmental management practices carried out on selected residue deposits measures up to regulatory requirements and good practice guidelines. In order to do this it was necessary to undertake an extensive review of all legislation, policies, standards, guidelines and codes of practice relevant to the management of gold mine residue deposits. The review revealed that since the introduction of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in 1996, dramatic changes have occurred in the entire environmental regulatory system. The recent environmental legal and administrative reform are forcing mining companies to review the management of mine residue deposits as they are now faced with stricter regulatory requirements and an increased threat of civil and criminal sanctions. The general environmental management legal requirements for operational gold mine residue deposits are set out in tabular form and cover all aspects relating to rehabilitation, air quality, visual pollution, access control, hydrology, water pollution, dam stability, monitoring, inspections and maintenance, auditing and the submission of information to the relevant authorities. On inspection of the selected residue deposits it was evident that required legislative provisions were not being complied with and that the environmental management performances relevant to these residue deposits had to be viewed within the broader historical, political and socio-economic context.
- Full Text:
A quantitative approach to sustainability using ecological footprint and geographic information systems.
- Authors: Du Plooy, Braam Ockert
- Date: 2012-08-13
- Subjects: Ecological risk assessment-South Africa. , Nature-Effect of human beings on-South Africa. , Land use-Environmental aspects-South Africa. , Geographic information systems.
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:9005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5472
- Description: M.A. , Sustainability has become a household word in development. Economic benefits however, overshadow the restraints sustainability places over development (Van Riet, 1989). To take action on unsustainable development, a country should have some sort of measurement tool to determine the condition or progress of unsustainable development. To determine the impact South Africans have on the ecology has been studied intensively but the actual measurements of these impacts have been neglected. This study proposes a practical tool to measure the effect of human impact on the environment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Du Plooy, Braam Ockert
- Date: 2012-08-13
- Subjects: Ecological risk assessment-South Africa. , Nature-Effect of human beings on-South Africa. , Land use-Environmental aspects-South Africa. , Geographic information systems.
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:9005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5472
- Description: M.A. , Sustainability has become a household word in development. Economic benefits however, overshadow the restraints sustainability places over development (Van Riet, 1989). To take action on unsustainable development, a country should have some sort of measurement tool to determine the condition or progress of unsustainable development. To determine the impact South Africans have on the ecology has been studied intensively but the actual measurements of these impacts have been neglected. This study proposes a practical tool to measure the effect of human impact on the environment.
- Full Text:
The correlation between rainfall and groundwater quality on the Impala Platinum Refineries site
- Authors: Burger, Johanna Catharina
- Date: 2012-05-10
- Subjects: Rain and rainfall measurement , Water quality measurement , Groundwater quality measurement , Groundwater pollution measurement , Impala Platinum Refineries , Rainwater , Hazardous waste sites
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:2260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4711
- Description: M.Sc. , This study evaluates the correlation between rainfall and groundwater quality at the Impala Platinum Refineries site in Springs, 40 km East of Johannesburg, in Gauteng. The pollution of water resources including groundwater from mining operations is seen as significant. Due to historical mining operations and effluent treatment practices on the study site various pathways for pollution exists. Although the groundwater in the area is not used for irrigation or domestic use the deterioration in the vicinity of the East Geduld No.1 tailings dam is concerning in light of the close proximity to the Blesbok Spruit RAMSAR wetland. In order to assess the extent of water pollution attributed by historical land use and effluent treatment practices, as well as the relationship between rainfall and groundwater quality, two series of analyses have been employed. The chemical analyses determined whether the water quality is within the Target Water Quality Range (TWQR) as prescribed by the Department of Water Affairs for domestic use. The statistical Pearson Correlation analyses were used to determine the relationship between rainfall and water quality which assisted with interpreting whether concentrations increase due to percolation from the soil or decrease due to dilution. The study proved that there exists no high degree of association between rainfall and groundwater quality in the study area. However it was established that certain metals reacted differently under varying pH, sulphate and chloride concentrations. The ground water in deeper boreholes will therefore take significantly longer to wash out the pollutants due to the low effect rainfall has on diluting the water. Soil disturbance in the area also played a role in mobilising the metallic pollutants. The presence of a pollution plume emanating from the tailings dam was identified in 1995 and the water quality deteriorated significantly in the area as from 2004.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Burger, Johanna Catharina
- Date: 2012-05-10
- Subjects: Rain and rainfall measurement , Water quality measurement , Groundwater quality measurement , Groundwater pollution measurement , Impala Platinum Refineries , Rainwater , Hazardous waste sites
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:2260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4711
- Description: M.Sc. , This study evaluates the correlation between rainfall and groundwater quality at the Impala Platinum Refineries site in Springs, 40 km East of Johannesburg, in Gauteng. The pollution of water resources including groundwater from mining operations is seen as significant. Due to historical mining operations and effluent treatment practices on the study site various pathways for pollution exists. Although the groundwater in the area is not used for irrigation or domestic use the deterioration in the vicinity of the East Geduld No.1 tailings dam is concerning in light of the close proximity to the Blesbok Spruit RAMSAR wetland. In order to assess the extent of water pollution attributed by historical land use and effluent treatment practices, as well as the relationship between rainfall and groundwater quality, two series of analyses have been employed. The chemical analyses determined whether the water quality is within the Target Water Quality Range (TWQR) as prescribed by the Department of Water Affairs for domestic use. The statistical Pearson Correlation analyses were used to determine the relationship between rainfall and water quality which assisted with interpreting whether concentrations increase due to percolation from the soil or decrease due to dilution. The study proved that there exists no high degree of association between rainfall and groundwater quality in the study area. However it was established that certain metals reacted differently under varying pH, sulphate and chloride concentrations. The ground water in deeper boreholes will therefore take significantly longer to wash out the pollutants due to the low effect rainfall has on diluting the water. Soil disturbance in the area also played a role in mobilising the metallic pollutants. The presence of a pollution plume emanating from the tailings dam was identified in 1995 and the water quality deteriorated significantly in the area as from 2004.
- Full Text:
A waste management plan for the town Roossenekal and surrounds
- Authors: Bekker, Adriaan Edward
- Date: 2009-03-31T09:25:16Z
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal , Roossenekal (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/366023 , uj:8246 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2357
- Description: M.Sc. , Large development initiatives are currently being implemented in South Africa. Many small towns such as the town of Roossenekal are affected by large developments, especially in terms of their service delivery capacity and resources. This study attempts to illustrate how effective waste management can be implemented in small rural towns such as Roossenekal by incorporating current legislation and development plans as a driving force. The waste stream generated in this town comprises large enough volumes of recyclable waste to attain the national waste-to-landfill reduction targets. Various measures such as at-source separation and the bulk storage of recyclables for collection by commercial recyclers, as well as domestic composting, are considered to be relevant. This study shows that fairly simple interventions could have overridingly positive effects on the management of waste in the town of Roossenekal and that the vision of attaining national strategic goals and objectives could in fact be realised. Cognisance has been taken of the current policy governing waste management and it is evident that by applying the waste hierarchy approach, simple and custom-made solutions can be identified. This study identifies development and national policy as key drivers in implementing effective waste management strategies. Large projects such as the construction of the De Hoop dam, as well as commercial ventures such as the mines and commercial recyclers that are currently operating in the town and its surrounds, are considered to be major role-players which could make a valuable contribution to waste management.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bekker, Adriaan Edward
- Date: 2009-03-31T09:25:16Z
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal , Roossenekal (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/366023 , uj:8246 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2357
- Description: M.Sc. , Large development initiatives are currently being implemented in South Africa. Many small towns such as the town of Roossenekal are affected by large developments, especially in terms of their service delivery capacity and resources. This study attempts to illustrate how effective waste management can be implemented in small rural towns such as Roossenekal by incorporating current legislation and development plans as a driving force. The waste stream generated in this town comprises large enough volumes of recyclable waste to attain the national waste-to-landfill reduction targets. Various measures such as at-source separation and the bulk storage of recyclables for collection by commercial recyclers, as well as domestic composting, are considered to be relevant. This study shows that fairly simple interventions could have overridingly positive effects on the management of waste in the town of Roossenekal and that the vision of attaining national strategic goals and objectives could in fact be realised. Cognisance has been taken of the current policy governing waste management and it is evident that by applying the waste hierarchy approach, simple and custom-made solutions can be identified. This study identifies development and national policy as key drivers in implementing effective waste management strategies. Large projects such as the construction of the De Hoop dam, as well as commercial ventures such as the mines and commercial recyclers that are currently operating in the town and its surrounds, are considered to be major role-players which could make a valuable contribution to waste management.
- Full Text:
Natural and anthropogenic influences on water quality: an example from rivers draining the Johannesburg Granite Dome
- Authors: Huizenga, Jan-Marten
- Date: 2009-02-05T07:11:31Z
- Subjects: Water quality , Effect of human beings on nature , Chemical weathering , Johannesburg (South Africa)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8078 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2008
- Description: M.Sc. , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
- Authors: Huizenga, Jan-Marten
- Date: 2009-02-05T07:11:31Z
- Subjects: Water quality , Effect of human beings on nature , Chemical weathering , Johannesburg (South Africa)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8078 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2008
- Description: M.Sc. , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
Enkele fisies-chemiese eienskappe van die grond in die Ben Lavin natuurreservaat suid van Louis Trichardt
- Authors: Nienaber, Jeannine Lynn
- Date: 2012-09-11
- Subjects: Soil chemistry -- South Africa. , Soils -- Analysis , Geology -- South Africa -- Louis Trichardt , Geochemistry -- South Africa -- Louis Trichardt
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:10079 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7465
- Description: M.Sc. , Soil erosion is a serious problem in South Africa and correct veld management is therefore very important for the preservation of plant and animal communities, to preserve the soil, as well as to maintain a sustainable tourist attraction. The Ben Lavin Nature Reserve, south of Louis Trichardt, has a problem with the invasion of sicklebush (Dichrostachys cinerea), that takes over and wipes out the natural vegetation communities and reduce the soil quality. It was considered necessary to conduct a soil analysis in the area, since the application and efficacy of chemical herbicides is greatly dependent on the clay content of the soil, which can be determined during a textural analysis. The objective of this study, therefore, was to conduct an analysis of the soil types iii the reserve according to certain physical and selected chemical parameters. By comparing certain parameters with one another, a holistic view of the soils in the area was obtained, as well as the identification of areas with unique soil qualities. A method to reach optimum veld conditions and to reduce soil erosion by wiping out the sicklebush invaders, was also suggested. A total of 240 soil samples were collected by means of augering along six representative routes in the reserve. The samples were analised during the field work, followed by subsequent laboratory analyses, computer analyses, a cartographic phase and a GIS-phase. It was determined that the soils in the reserve are generally very weakly developed (5 - 25cm in depth), and also relatively immature, with sub-angularly rounded particles dominating. The maturity increases with soil development, which shows that chemical weathering is the main soil forming prdbess in the area, and that the soils are formed in situ. The median (central particle size), as well as the average particle size, fall mostly in the course soil particle size class (0,5 - 1mm diameter), which indicate a high permeability, porosity and infiltration, and low water retention capacity and subsequent low run-off in the area. The soils are generally slightly acidic (pH 5 - 6). The low silt and clay content, generally between one and five percent, with a maximum of 12,9 %, means that the potential fertility is low and small amounts of plant nutrients are released. The relatively low pH (not too acidic), and low silt and clay content, prove that chemical weathering is taking place at a very slow rate. This can probably be attributed to the relatively low rainfall in the area. Carbonates are absent or occur in very limited quantities in the area, but can be observed where chemical weathering has exposed calcretes and released carbonates. The fact that the soil maturity also increases as the grading of the soil particles improves, supports the fact that the soils in the reserve were formed in situ, and do not consist of transported material. Fluvial erosion thus did not play a role in soil formation the area.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nienaber, Jeannine Lynn
- Date: 2012-09-11
- Subjects: Soil chemistry -- South Africa. , Soils -- Analysis , Geology -- South Africa -- Louis Trichardt , Geochemistry -- South Africa -- Louis Trichardt
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:10079 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7465
- Description: M.Sc. , Soil erosion is a serious problem in South Africa and correct veld management is therefore very important for the preservation of plant and animal communities, to preserve the soil, as well as to maintain a sustainable tourist attraction. The Ben Lavin Nature Reserve, south of Louis Trichardt, has a problem with the invasion of sicklebush (Dichrostachys cinerea), that takes over and wipes out the natural vegetation communities and reduce the soil quality. It was considered necessary to conduct a soil analysis in the area, since the application and efficacy of chemical herbicides is greatly dependent on the clay content of the soil, which can be determined during a textural analysis. The objective of this study, therefore, was to conduct an analysis of the soil types iii the reserve according to certain physical and selected chemical parameters. By comparing certain parameters with one another, a holistic view of the soils in the area was obtained, as well as the identification of areas with unique soil qualities. A method to reach optimum veld conditions and to reduce soil erosion by wiping out the sicklebush invaders, was also suggested. A total of 240 soil samples were collected by means of augering along six representative routes in the reserve. The samples were analised during the field work, followed by subsequent laboratory analyses, computer analyses, a cartographic phase and a GIS-phase. It was determined that the soils in the reserve are generally very weakly developed (5 - 25cm in depth), and also relatively immature, with sub-angularly rounded particles dominating. The maturity increases with soil development, which shows that chemical weathering is the main soil forming prdbess in the area, and that the soils are formed in situ. The median (central particle size), as well as the average particle size, fall mostly in the course soil particle size class (0,5 - 1mm diameter), which indicate a high permeability, porosity and infiltration, and low water retention capacity and subsequent low run-off in the area. The soils are generally slightly acidic (pH 5 - 6). The low silt and clay content, generally between one and five percent, with a maximum of 12,9 %, means that the potential fertility is low and small amounts of plant nutrients are released. The relatively low pH (not too acidic), and low silt and clay content, prove that chemical weathering is taking place at a very slow rate. This can probably be attributed to the relatively low rainfall in the area. Carbonates are absent or occur in very limited quantities in the area, but can be observed where chemical weathering has exposed calcretes and released carbonates. The fact that the soil maturity also increases as the grading of the soil particles improves, supports the fact that the soils in the reserve were formed in situ, and do not consist of transported material. Fluvial erosion thus did not play a role in soil formation the area.
- Full Text:
The influence of the physical environment on tourism in region three of the Northern Province
- Authors: Sumbana, Fhatuwani Hamilton
- Date: 2012-08-17
- Subjects: Tourism - South Africa - Northern Province. , Environmental protection - South Africa - Northern Province.
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2660 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6104
- Description: M.A. , Tourists, when visiting their destinations are often attracted among others by the nature of the physical environment. This includes the geomorphological and climatological features as well as fauna and flora. The physical environment, which is a valuable resource to both the local communities and tourist, needs to be looked after properly. Even though the infrastructure is poor in most instances, the number of tourists visiting the region remains relatively high. It is remarkable that the tourism industry is one of the key economic sectors in this region. It generates employment to communities and therefore stimulates social change. Land owners, banks and government benefit from this industry. That is why the government is contributing so much in the development and maintenance of this resource which is related to tourism. This study has proved that a high percentage of commercial accommodation centers promote their business emphasising the beauty of the local physical environment
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sumbana, Fhatuwani Hamilton
- Date: 2012-08-17
- Subjects: Tourism - South Africa - Northern Province. , Environmental protection - South Africa - Northern Province.
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2660 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6104
- Description: M.A. , Tourists, when visiting their destinations are often attracted among others by the nature of the physical environment. This includes the geomorphological and climatological features as well as fauna and flora. The physical environment, which is a valuable resource to both the local communities and tourist, needs to be looked after properly. Even though the infrastructure is poor in most instances, the number of tourists visiting the region remains relatively high. It is remarkable that the tourism industry is one of the key economic sectors in this region. It generates employment to communities and therefore stimulates social change. Land owners, banks and government benefit from this industry. That is why the government is contributing so much in the development and maintenance of this resource which is related to tourism. This study has proved that a high percentage of commercial accommodation centers promote their business emphasising the beauty of the local physical environment
- Full Text:
Water quality in the upper Klip River, Region 5, City of Johannesburg
- Authors: Kruger, Welna
- Date: 2009-02-05T07:10:05Z
- Subjects: Water quality , Klip River (South Africa) , Johannesburg (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2002
- Description: M.Sc. , The main aim of this study is to determine the water quality of water sampling points situated in Region Five of The City of Johannesburg. The water quality is studied over a three-year period from July 2000 until June 2003; this includes a dry, normal and rainy year. Region Five falls within the Upper Klipriver sub-catchment, which forms part of the Klip river catchment. The physical, chemical and microbiological sampling results are obtained from Rand Water. These results are compared with the water quality guidelines as set by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry namely for domestic use, recreational use and aquatic ecosystems, as well as the guidelines set by Rand Water. These results of the variables that were selected are depicted visually in the form of graphs. A scientific approach is followed with respect to the water quality results. The significance of the data is statistically evaluated by using the Student’s t-test. The seasons are divided into two groups namely the more dry and cool season (autumn/winter) and the more rainy and hot season (spring/summer). This is done to determine if the seasons have a significant effect on the water quality results in comparison to each other. The water quality results are then discussed with respect to the different sampling sites. Sampling point K9, the stream at Durban Roodepoort Deep mine delivered the most problematic results of the different sampling points studied, and indicated that acid mine drainage was taking place during the sampling period. The other sampling points are less problematic. Point and non-point source pollution are elaborated on, and recommendations are made to improve the water quality at the sampling points selected.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kruger, Welna
- Date: 2009-02-05T07:10:05Z
- Subjects: Water quality , Klip River (South Africa) , Johannesburg (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2002
- Description: M.Sc. , The main aim of this study is to determine the water quality of water sampling points situated in Region Five of The City of Johannesburg. The water quality is studied over a three-year period from July 2000 until June 2003; this includes a dry, normal and rainy year. Region Five falls within the Upper Klipriver sub-catchment, which forms part of the Klip river catchment. The physical, chemical and microbiological sampling results are obtained from Rand Water. These results are compared with the water quality guidelines as set by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry namely for domestic use, recreational use and aquatic ecosystems, as well as the guidelines set by Rand Water. These results of the variables that were selected are depicted visually in the form of graphs. A scientific approach is followed with respect to the water quality results. The significance of the data is statistically evaluated by using the Student’s t-test. The seasons are divided into two groups namely the more dry and cool season (autumn/winter) and the more rainy and hot season (spring/summer). This is done to determine if the seasons have a significant effect on the water quality results in comparison to each other. The water quality results are then discussed with respect to the different sampling sites. Sampling point K9, the stream at Durban Roodepoort Deep mine delivered the most problematic results of the different sampling points studied, and indicated that acid mine drainage was taking place during the sampling period. The other sampling points are less problematic. Point and non-point source pollution are elaborated on, and recommendations are made to improve the water quality at the sampling points selected.
- Full Text:
Seasonal rainfall influences on main pollutants in the Vaal River barrage reservoir: a temporal-spatial perspective
- Authors: Ochse, Estie
- Date: 2009-04-30T10:05:48Z
- Subjects: Pollutants , Water pollution , Water quality management , Vaal River (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8341 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2467
- Description: M.A. , South Africa is situated within a semi-arid part of the world which is characterised by high seasonal variability in terms of rainfall and runoff, with high evaporation rates. This causes streamflow to be relatively low for most of the year, with seasonal sporadic high flows. Further stress is applied to the water resource through population growth, increased urbanisation and industrial activities. The study area is considered to be the most populated of the Upper Vaal Water Management Area (WMA), which is the most important WMA in terms of economic productivity in South Africa. This research report focused on assessing the temporal and spatial variations of pollution between four different sampling points located in the Vaal Barrage Reservoir, which is located in the heart of the Upper Vaal WMA. The Vaal River Barrage Reservoir forms a 64 kilometres long water body with an estimated total storage capacity of 63 million litres of water. The four sampling points are V2 (Vaal River at Engelbrechts Drift Weir); VRB 24 (Vaal River Barrage at 24 km); VRB 37 (Vaal River Barrage at 37 km) and V17 (Vaal Barrage Reservoir Outlet). The aim of this research is to determine the type of physical and chemical pollutants within the Vaal River Barrage which currently poses the biggest problem to river health. The spatial and temporal differences of the pollutant loads are established and discussed. In addition, it is determined what the seasonal influence of rainfall has on the water quality measured at the four different sampling points. Chemical pollutants which currently pose the biggest threat in terms of water quality for the Vaal Barrage Reservoir are Phosphates, Electrical Conductivity and Sulphates. These three water quality variables do not comply with the minimum standards as set by Rand Water. The occurrence of these pollutants in the Vaal River can be explained by the vast inputs of return flow water from sewage treatment plants, underground mine water and discharge from industries. Microbiological factors were not taken into consideration for this dissertation, due to the unavailability of the data for most of the sampling sites for the majority of the study period. It was found that there are seasonal variations in terms of water quality at three sampling points: VRB24, VRB37 and V17. Sample point V17 had the highest inverse correlation for the three pollutants which pose the biggest threat to the health of the Vaal Barrage Reservoir water body. This implies that high seasonal variability occurs in the pollutant load at this sampling point. Sample point V2 had extremely low inverse correlation figures, which implies that rainfall has little or no impact on the level/concentration of a pollutant. This can be explained by two factors. Firstly the dilution effect which water released from the Vaal Dam has due to the close proximity to V2. Secondly because urban, mining and industrial activities are much less evident at this point, and subsequently return flows are less.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ochse, Estie
- Date: 2009-04-30T10:05:48Z
- Subjects: Pollutants , Water pollution , Water quality management , Vaal River (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8341 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2467
- Description: M.A. , South Africa is situated within a semi-arid part of the world which is characterised by high seasonal variability in terms of rainfall and runoff, with high evaporation rates. This causes streamflow to be relatively low for most of the year, with seasonal sporadic high flows. Further stress is applied to the water resource through population growth, increased urbanisation and industrial activities. The study area is considered to be the most populated of the Upper Vaal Water Management Area (WMA), which is the most important WMA in terms of economic productivity in South Africa. This research report focused on assessing the temporal and spatial variations of pollution between four different sampling points located in the Vaal Barrage Reservoir, which is located in the heart of the Upper Vaal WMA. The Vaal River Barrage Reservoir forms a 64 kilometres long water body with an estimated total storage capacity of 63 million litres of water. The four sampling points are V2 (Vaal River at Engelbrechts Drift Weir); VRB 24 (Vaal River Barrage at 24 km); VRB 37 (Vaal River Barrage at 37 km) and V17 (Vaal Barrage Reservoir Outlet). The aim of this research is to determine the type of physical and chemical pollutants within the Vaal River Barrage which currently poses the biggest problem to river health. The spatial and temporal differences of the pollutant loads are established and discussed. In addition, it is determined what the seasonal influence of rainfall has on the water quality measured at the four different sampling points. Chemical pollutants which currently pose the biggest threat in terms of water quality for the Vaal Barrage Reservoir are Phosphates, Electrical Conductivity and Sulphates. These three water quality variables do not comply with the minimum standards as set by Rand Water. The occurrence of these pollutants in the Vaal River can be explained by the vast inputs of return flow water from sewage treatment plants, underground mine water and discharge from industries. Microbiological factors were not taken into consideration for this dissertation, due to the unavailability of the data for most of the sampling sites for the majority of the study period. It was found that there are seasonal variations in terms of water quality at three sampling points: VRB24, VRB37 and V17. Sample point V17 had the highest inverse correlation for the three pollutants which pose the biggest threat to the health of the Vaal Barrage Reservoir water body. This implies that high seasonal variability occurs in the pollutant load at this sampling point. Sample point V2 had extremely low inverse correlation figures, which implies that rainfall has little or no impact on the level/concentration of a pollutant. This can be explained by two factors. Firstly the dilution effect which water released from the Vaal Dam has due to the close proximity to V2. Secondly because urban, mining and industrial activities are much less evident at this point, and subsequently return flows are less.
- Full Text:
An evaluation of the veld management practices of Mabula Game Reserve, Limpopo Province
- Authors: Serfontein, Daniel Johannes
- Date: 2009-05-04T09:50:18Z
- Subjects: Veld management , Mabula Game Reserve , Limpopo (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8349 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2474
- Description: M.Sc. , Mabula Game Reserve initiated an extensive grass-monitoring programme ten years ago. At the same time, management kept records of factors such as rainfall, burning, game numbers and game composition that might have an influence on grass production. They also conducted an extensive mapping programme over a number of years to familiarise themselves with the physical phenomena of Mabula, namely geology, soils, slope and aspect, that influence grass growth. The most important aspect of their mapping programme was to divide the reserve into different vegetation communities. The objective of the study is to supply Mabula Game Reserve with clear-cut evidence of the condition of the grazing resources at Mabula. The aim of the study is to assist the management of Mabula with future guidelines in the veld management of the reserve. The overall purpose of this study was to investigate the veld management efficiency of Mabula Game Reserve by establishing whether the ecological status of the grazing had been degraded or improved over the study period. This researcher analysed the grass monitoring data to determine veld condition indices, grazing values, perenniality and to establish the amount of climax and pioneer grass. He sequenced his research by: • classifying grass species in terms of the ecological index method to determine whether grass had been utilised in a sustainable manner or over-utilised;. • calculating the grazing capacity for each vegetation community over the past ten years; • highlighting those grass species in the analyses that showed abnormal growth or decline over the ten years; and • interpreting the results in terms of the ecological status of the relevant area.. The study was conducted firstly by categorising the grass monitoring stations into different vegetation communities. Ecological indices for each vegetation community was determined. The grass species that showed the biggest increase/decrease in the ten years of monitoring were seperated to determine the ecological significance of the increase/decrease. The ecoloical indices of the different vegetation communities were compared with each other to determine the overall improvement or deterioration of the veld quality. By re-calculating the game numbers for every year, this researcher was able to determine the Game Livestock Unit for the area. With this figure, he was able to differentiate between the grass utilisers, comparing them from year to year in terms of their grazing capacity. The study revealed that in order to obtain an objective view of the condition of the veld, it is necessary to evaluate the condition of the veld in terms of each vegetation community, as well as the total area. Such an approach would enable the manager to plan according to a specific vegetation community. The study also made it clear that it is necessary to reduce the number of game, but that this must be done by culling the appropriate group of utilisers. The necessity of introducing a browsing monitoring programme soon became evident. The study showed how the grass and game monitoring analyses for the area can be applied in association with the rainfall figures in forward planning in order to manage the sustainable utilisation of biological resources and to minimise the effects of drought conditions. The researcher concluded this study by highlighting the shortfalls of the ecological index method in determining the condition of the veld, and recommended other methods i.e. the Benchmark Method, Key Species Method, and the Weighted Key Species Method to supplement the present method. Another recommendation was to collect two different sets of data during monitoring to avoid conflicting results, as was the case with the 2004 survey. One data set should include herbs and forbs while the other set should only contain grass species.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Serfontein, Daniel Johannes
- Date: 2009-05-04T09:50:18Z
- Subjects: Veld management , Mabula Game Reserve , Limpopo (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8349 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2474
- Description: M.Sc. , Mabula Game Reserve initiated an extensive grass-monitoring programme ten years ago. At the same time, management kept records of factors such as rainfall, burning, game numbers and game composition that might have an influence on grass production. They also conducted an extensive mapping programme over a number of years to familiarise themselves with the physical phenomena of Mabula, namely geology, soils, slope and aspect, that influence grass growth. The most important aspect of their mapping programme was to divide the reserve into different vegetation communities. The objective of the study is to supply Mabula Game Reserve with clear-cut evidence of the condition of the grazing resources at Mabula. The aim of the study is to assist the management of Mabula with future guidelines in the veld management of the reserve. The overall purpose of this study was to investigate the veld management efficiency of Mabula Game Reserve by establishing whether the ecological status of the grazing had been degraded or improved over the study period. This researcher analysed the grass monitoring data to determine veld condition indices, grazing values, perenniality and to establish the amount of climax and pioneer grass. He sequenced his research by: • classifying grass species in terms of the ecological index method to determine whether grass had been utilised in a sustainable manner or over-utilised;. • calculating the grazing capacity for each vegetation community over the past ten years; • highlighting those grass species in the analyses that showed abnormal growth or decline over the ten years; and • interpreting the results in terms of the ecological status of the relevant area.. The study was conducted firstly by categorising the grass monitoring stations into different vegetation communities. Ecological indices for each vegetation community was determined. The grass species that showed the biggest increase/decrease in the ten years of monitoring were seperated to determine the ecological significance of the increase/decrease. The ecoloical indices of the different vegetation communities were compared with each other to determine the overall improvement or deterioration of the veld quality. By re-calculating the game numbers for every year, this researcher was able to determine the Game Livestock Unit for the area. With this figure, he was able to differentiate between the grass utilisers, comparing them from year to year in terms of their grazing capacity. The study revealed that in order to obtain an objective view of the condition of the veld, it is necessary to evaluate the condition of the veld in terms of each vegetation community, as well as the total area. Such an approach would enable the manager to plan according to a specific vegetation community. The study also made it clear that it is necessary to reduce the number of game, but that this must be done by culling the appropriate group of utilisers. The necessity of introducing a browsing monitoring programme soon became evident. The study showed how the grass and game monitoring analyses for the area can be applied in association with the rainfall figures in forward planning in order to manage the sustainable utilisation of biological resources and to minimise the effects of drought conditions. The researcher concluded this study by highlighting the shortfalls of the ecological index method in determining the condition of the veld, and recommended other methods i.e. the Benchmark Method, Key Species Method, and the Weighted Key Species Method to supplement the present method. Another recommendation was to collect two different sets of data during monitoring to avoid conflicting results, as was the case with the 2004 survey. One data set should include herbs and forbs while the other set should only contain grass species.
- Full Text:
Die invloed van bodembenutting op waterkwaliteit in die Roodeplaatdam
- Authors: Swanepoel, Willem Morkel
- Date: 2012-08-23
- Subjects: Water quality - South Africa - Roodeplaat Dam , Land use - South Africa - Roodeplaat Dam , Runoff
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6505
- Description: M.Sc. , The goal of this study is to determine the relationship between landuse and runoff water quality. The chosen study area is the Roodeplaat Dam drainage basin. The basin contains three subbasins with varying characteristics. The western subbasin is that of the Hartbees Spruit with a largely urban character. The eastern subbasin containing the Edendal Spruit has mostly rural characteristics in terms of landuse. The central (and largest) sub-basin of the Pienaars River has a mixed (urban/rural) land usage. Specific aims of the study were the determination of the negative (or positive) influence of urban landuse on the quality of water that flows into the Roodeplaat Dam, and the determination of the influence of climate (more specifically precipitation) on this water quality. A review of different water quality components is provided with the emphasis on those used in the study. Each of the three subbasins are described in terms of landese to determine the possible influences on water quality. Water quality data obtained from the Department of Water Affairs (Pretoria) were calculated to fortnightly averages in order to obtain complete time series. Six inorganic water quality indicators (total dissolved solids, pH, magnesium, fluoor, sulphate and calcium carbonate) were chosen out of the initial sixteen obtained. The selection that was made was based on the results of a pre-analysis long term trend analysis (for a five year period) of the water quality indicators in each of the three sub-basins. Chosen data sets were compiled to fortnightly and seasonal averages to be used in the analysis phase. The seasons used were determined by combining precipitation and inflow contributions (to the Roodeplaat Dam) for a ten year period. Each of the six chosen water quality indicators were examined in terms of absolute data (fortnightly averages), seasonal averages and long term trends for the fifteen year study period. Time and spatial aspects were integrated to make the sinthesis of the study possible. Albeit some unique conclusions were made, the initial aims of the study could still be reached. It was determined that urban landuse has a more negative influence on the water quality of the Roodeplaat Dam drainage basin than rural landuse (in this case mostly small holdings). Apart from this it was shown that climate (in the form of precipitation) has an even bigger influence on water quality (pollution concentration levels) in the Roodeplaat Dam drainage basin.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Swanepoel, Willem Morkel
- Date: 2012-08-23
- Subjects: Water quality - South Africa - Roodeplaat Dam , Land use - South Africa - Roodeplaat Dam , Runoff
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6505
- Description: M.Sc. , The goal of this study is to determine the relationship between landuse and runoff water quality. The chosen study area is the Roodeplaat Dam drainage basin. The basin contains three subbasins with varying characteristics. The western subbasin is that of the Hartbees Spruit with a largely urban character. The eastern subbasin containing the Edendal Spruit has mostly rural characteristics in terms of landuse. The central (and largest) sub-basin of the Pienaars River has a mixed (urban/rural) land usage. Specific aims of the study were the determination of the negative (or positive) influence of urban landuse on the quality of water that flows into the Roodeplaat Dam, and the determination of the influence of climate (more specifically precipitation) on this water quality. A review of different water quality components is provided with the emphasis on those used in the study. Each of the three subbasins are described in terms of landese to determine the possible influences on water quality. Water quality data obtained from the Department of Water Affairs (Pretoria) were calculated to fortnightly averages in order to obtain complete time series. Six inorganic water quality indicators (total dissolved solids, pH, magnesium, fluoor, sulphate and calcium carbonate) were chosen out of the initial sixteen obtained. The selection that was made was based on the results of a pre-analysis long term trend analysis (for a five year period) of the water quality indicators in each of the three sub-basins. Chosen data sets were compiled to fortnightly and seasonal averages to be used in the analysis phase. The seasons used were determined by combining precipitation and inflow contributions (to the Roodeplaat Dam) for a ten year period. Each of the six chosen water quality indicators were examined in terms of absolute data (fortnightly averages), seasonal averages and long term trends for the fifteen year study period. Time and spatial aspects were integrated to make the sinthesis of the study possible. Albeit some unique conclusions were made, the initial aims of the study could still be reached. It was determined that urban landuse has a more negative influence on the water quality of the Roodeplaat Dam drainage basin than rural landuse (in this case mostly small holdings). Apart from this it was shown that climate (in the form of precipitation) has an even bigger influence on water quality (pollution concentration levels) in the Roodeplaat Dam drainage basin.
- Full Text:
The impact of industrial effluences on water quality in the Waterval River catchment
- Authors: Nel, Selma
- Date: 2009-03-31T09:45:32Z
- Subjects: Water quality , Water quality management , Water pollution , Klipspruit River (South Africa)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8278 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2387
- Description: M.A. , The goal of this study is to determine the water quality of the Klipspruit River over a six-year period, from 2000 to 2005. The Klipspruit lies within the sub-catchment area of the Waterval River, which in itself forms part of the Upper Vaal Catchment. The Klipspruit runs through the city of Secunda in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, its catchment area providing two percent of the water to the Vaal Dam. In its turn, the Vaal Dam is the main raw water source for Rand Water that provides potable water to 10 million people in its 18 000 square kilometre service area. This study specifically focuses on the long-term trends of six selected water-quality parameters related to the effluent generated at the Sasol Secunda Industrial Complex (SSIC) during its coal-to-fuel operations. Certain physical, chemical and organic water-quality parameters of the Klipspruit were investigated on the basis of samples taken from three monitoring points in it. The water samples were analysed in terms of the water quality guidelines stipulated by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), as well as the In-stream Water Quality Guidelines laid down by the Waterval River Catchment Management Agency. This was done to determine how industrial effluent impacts upon water quality in general and also how it affects water usage in other respects. The water-use categories considered in this study include aquatic ecosystems, domestic systems, livestock watering and irrigation systems. The results of conducting a regression analysis on the data collected from the monitoring points on the Klipspruit and assessing it in terms of the specifications laid down by the guidelines in question show that the respective concentrations of a number of water quality parameters in the upper part of the Klipspruit often exceed the ideal water quality levels. However, these concentration levels stabilize over time as the river continues to flow downstream. This is mainly due to the location of the first monitoring point which is close to the Sasol Secunda Industrial Complex (SSIC), where the effluent is generated, and also because the Secunda Sewage Treatment Plant is in the vicinity.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nel, Selma
- Date: 2009-03-31T09:45:32Z
- Subjects: Water quality , Water quality management , Water pollution , Klipspruit River (South Africa)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8278 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2387
- Description: M.A. , The goal of this study is to determine the water quality of the Klipspruit River over a six-year period, from 2000 to 2005. The Klipspruit lies within the sub-catchment area of the Waterval River, which in itself forms part of the Upper Vaal Catchment. The Klipspruit runs through the city of Secunda in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, its catchment area providing two percent of the water to the Vaal Dam. In its turn, the Vaal Dam is the main raw water source for Rand Water that provides potable water to 10 million people in its 18 000 square kilometre service area. This study specifically focuses on the long-term trends of six selected water-quality parameters related to the effluent generated at the Sasol Secunda Industrial Complex (SSIC) during its coal-to-fuel operations. Certain physical, chemical and organic water-quality parameters of the Klipspruit were investigated on the basis of samples taken from three monitoring points in it. The water samples were analysed in terms of the water quality guidelines stipulated by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), as well as the In-stream Water Quality Guidelines laid down by the Waterval River Catchment Management Agency. This was done to determine how industrial effluent impacts upon water quality in general and also how it affects water usage in other respects. The water-use categories considered in this study include aquatic ecosystems, domestic systems, livestock watering and irrigation systems. The results of conducting a regression analysis on the data collected from the monitoring points on the Klipspruit and assessing it in terms of the specifications laid down by the guidelines in question show that the respective concentrations of a number of water quality parameters in the upper part of the Klipspruit often exceed the ideal water quality levels. However, these concentration levels stabilize over time as the river continues to flow downstream. This is mainly due to the location of the first monitoring point which is close to the Sasol Secunda Industrial Complex (SSIC), where the effluent is generated, and also because the Secunda Sewage Treatment Plant is in the vicinity.
- Full Text:
The present utilisation of pans on the East Rand
- Authors: Welling, Diana
- Date: 2009-01-29T12:09:49Z
- Subjects: Pans (Geomorphology) , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/371331 , uj:14855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1977
- Description: M.A. , Pan are naturally occurring depressions or closed basins and play a very important role in ecosystems. The East Rand is characterized by more than one hundred pans dotting its landscape. The impact of urbanisation on these pans is significant. To determine exactly how the characteristics of the pans on the East Rand has changed, a comparison was done between the characteristics and utilization of the pans in 1992, as then described by Le Grange (1992) and the current situation in 2003. Water samples were also collected over a period of three months and analysed in the laboratories of Rand Water. The current utilization of the pans leaves much to be desired. Informal settlements, industries, residential areas and mine dumps are all found on the pan floors. Large waste dumping sites are developing at five out of the 19 pans in the study area. This has severely negatively affected the water quality within the pans, and the quality of bird life at thee pans. Continuous research is needed from government and private organisations on the pans found on the East Rand to improve their current quality and condition. Responsibility and proper management strategies must be implemented to protect the pans from negative human impacts.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Welling, Diana
- Date: 2009-01-29T12:09:49Z
- Subjects: Pans (Geomorphology) , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/371331 , uj:14855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1977
- Description: M.A. , Pan are naturally occurring depressions or closed basins and play a very important role in ecosystems. The East Rand is characterized by more than one hundred pans dotting its landscape. The impact of urbanisation on these pans is significant. To determine exactly how the characteristics of the pans on the East Rand has changed, a comparison was done between the characteristics and utilization of the pans in 1992, as then described by Le Grange (1992) and the current situation in 2003. Water samples were also collected over a period of three months and analysed in the laboratories of Rand Water. The current utilization of the pans leaves much to be desired. Informal settlements, industries, residential areas and mine dumps are all found on the pan floors. Large waste dumping sites are developing at five out of the 19 pans in the study area. This has severely negatively affected the water quality within the pans, and the quality of bird life at thee pans. Continuous research is needed from government and private organisations on the pans found on the East Rand to improve their current quality and condition. Responsibility and proper management strategies must be implemented to protect the pans from negative human impacts.
- Full Text:
Environmental study/management/science orientated papers, published by South African geographers during the period 1996-2001
- Authors: Van der Linde, Monique
- Date: 2009-02-02T07:15:21Z
- Subjects: Environmental management research , Environmental sciences research , Universities and colleges departmental research , Geographers research
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14866 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1987
- Description: M.A. , Geography as a discipline has undergone many different metamorphoses, and has experienced a turbulent and interesting past in its search for identity. Claims are made that geographers put great emphasis on humans and their interaction with their environment. It is therefore widely accepted that Geography is greatly dominated in its teachings by an emphasis on Environmental Management. It is therefore also accepted that South African geographers will participate actively in this practice, and that it will be reflected, distinctively, in their scientific publications. This thesis seeks to examine the validity of the above assumptions. Thus the problem of whether or not the publications by South African geographers are environmentally orientated was surveyed and reviewed for the period between 1996 and 2001. In order to do this it was necessary to undertake an extensive review of all databases, which contained publications, as well as to obtain web-site information on the lecturers at the individual selected universities. Questionnaires were also sent out to the different departments and some personal interviews were conducted. The researcher had to refine the search to an in-depth analyses of only eight of the twenty one Geography departments at South African universities, based on the availability of information. The review reveals the current diverse nature of Environmental Geography in South Africa. In some instances papers have been written that remain within the boun-daries of its sub-discipline, such as the Geomorpological papers. They did however prove to incorporate an application to the field of Environmental Management which could not be ignored, and hence they had to be of environmental relevance. On further inspection it was found that there is an increasing awareness amongst all South African geographers for greater integration to solve problems holistically. More environmentally orientated papers were published towards the end of the study period under review. The survey conducted of the various environmentally orientated papers also revealed the broad and diverse sub-discipline that Geography can cover from an environmental perspective. It can be said that there is a growing trend amongst South African geographers to publish papers that are environmentally orientated. Whether the number (and emphasis that is placed on environmental issues) of publications is large enough, still remains to be seen. It was established that geographers are still focussing more on their specialised areas of interest, in their research. They are still not doing enough to promote an understanding of the environment. The researcher had to conclude that it is disheartening and disappointing to realise what amount of growth is still needed in the emphasis of the area of Environmental Management. Some serious work still lays ahead for geographers and the content of their publications in this respect.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van der Linde, Monique
- Date: 2009-02-02T07:15:21Z
- Subjects: Environmental management research , Environmental sciences research , Universities and colleges departmental research , Geographers research
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14866 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1987
- Description: M.A. , Geography as a discipline has undergone many different metamorphoses, and has experienced a turbulent and interesting past in its search for identity. Claims are made that geographers put great emphasis on humans and their interaction with their environment. It is therefore widely accepted that Geography is greatly dominated in its teachings by an emphasis on Environmental Management. It is therefore also accepted that South African geographers will participate actively in this practice, and that it will be reflected, distinctively, in their scientific publications. This thesis seeks to examine the validity of the above assumptions. Thus the problem of whether or not the publications by South African geographers are environmentally orientated was surveyed and reviewed for the period between 1996 and 2001. In order to do this it was necessary to undertake an extensive review of all databases, which contained publications, as well as to obtain web-site information on the lecturers at the individual selected universities. Questionnaires were also sent out to the different departments and some personal interviews were conducted. The researcher had to refine the search to an in-depth analyses of only eight of the twenty one Geography departments at South African universities, based on the availability of information. The review reveals the current diverse nature of Environmental Geography in South Africa. In some instances papers have been written that remain within the boun-daries of its sub-discipline, such as the Geomorpological papers. They did however prove to incorporate an application to the field of Environmental Management which could not be ignored, and hence they had to be of environmental relevance. On further inspection it was found that there is an increasing awareness amongst all South African geographers for greater integration to solve problems holistically. More environmentally orientated papers were published towards the end of the study period under review. The survey conducted of the various environmentally orientated papers also revealed the broad and diverse sub-discipline that Geography can cover from an environmental perspective. It can be said that there is a growing trend amongst South African geographers to publish papers that are environmentally orientated. Whether the number (and emphasis that is placed on environmental issues) of publications is large enough, still remains to be seen. It was established that geographers are still focussing more on their specialised areas of interest, in their research. They are still not doing enough to promote an understanding of the environment. The researcher had to conclude that it is disheartening and disappointing to realise what amount of growth is still needed in the emphasis of the area of Environmental Management. Some serious work still lays ahead for geographers and the content of their publications in this respect.
- Full Text:
Assessment of the biotic hazard of the acid mine drainage impacted Blesbok Spruit near Witbank, Mpumalanga
- Authors: Hill, Liesl
- Date: 2012-09-12
- Subjects: Acid mine drainage -- South Africa -- Blesbok Spruit , Water -- Pollution -- South Africa -- Blesbok Spruit , Stream ecology -- South Africa -- Blesbok Spruit , Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Blesbok Spruit , Pollution -- South Africa -- Blesbok Spruit -- Measurement , Blesbok Spruit (South Africa)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:10134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7515
- Description: M.Sc. , The increasing demand for water in South Africa arises from a rapid population growth and from supporting industfial development. Deteriorating water quality limits the sustainable use of water through point and diffuse sources of pollution of macro constituents, metals and biocides. Although water quality monitoring in South Africa has in the past mainly focused on measuring physical and chemical variables, it is now realised that this is not sufficient. Physical and chemical variables on their own cannot provide an accurate account of the general "health" of an aquatic ecosystem. Biological communities on the other hand, are accurate indicators of overall environmental conditions. Water quality management therefore, relies on comparative data for both chemical composition and biological effects. Metals in the environment can originate as point sources, including industrial and mining, effluent, or diffuse sources from geological origin, agricultural activities, acid mine drainage (AMD) and leachate from dumps. Although specific problem areas have been addressed;? AMD is not well documented or quantified in South Africa. The effects thereof on aquatic ecosystems, however, constitute one of South Africa's largest single sources of water pollution. This is certainly the case in the Witbank area of the Mpumalanga Province, where large coal deposits have given rise to extensive mining operations, resulting in severe water quality problems in some rivers in this area which is situated in the upper reaches of the Olifants River. The objective of this study was to determine the potential hazard posed by the surface water and sediment on biota of one of the streams in this area, the Blesbok Spruit, impacted by AMD. The pH values of the surface water and interstitial water of the three sites were below five. A secondary effect of the low pH is an increase in the solubility of metals. The median metal concentrations measured at these sampling sites exceed the South African criteria for Aquatic Ecosystems — in most cases considerably. The high levels of macro constituents can be ascribed to the mining operations, land use activities and urban and rural settlements in the area. Bioassays (laboratory based toxicity tests) performed with Daphnia pulex (waterflea) on the surface and interstitial water of the three sites, indicated acute toxicity at very low dilution concentrations. Chronic toxicity tests performed on the surface water samples indicated an inhibition in the number of young produced per surviving Daphnia adult. Inhibition is a great ecological risk, because species will not survive if populations cannot produce adults. The present study showed that the water quality of the Blesbok Spruit has a severe impact on the aquatic biota and is therefore in need of urgent management measures. It is also clear that sediment cannot be ignored as an aquatic ecosystem component and should form an integral part of water quality monitoring programs in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hill, Liesl
- Date: 2012-09-12
- Subjects: Acid mine drainage -- South Africa -- Blesbok Spruit , Water -- Pollution -- South Africa -- Blesbok Spruit , Stream ecology -- South Africa -- Blesbok Spruit , Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Blesbok Spruit , Pollution -- South Africa -- Blesbok Spruit -- Measurement , Blesbok Spruit (South Africa)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:10134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7515
- Description: M.Sc. , The increasing demand for water in South Africa arises from a rapid population growth and from supporting industfial development. Deteriorating water quality limits the sustainable use of water through point and diffuse sources of pollution of macro constituents, metals and biocides. Although water quality monitoring in South Africa has in the past mainly focused on measuring physical and chemical variables, it is now realised that this is not sufficient. Physical and chemical variables on their own cannot provide an accurate account of the general "health" of an aquatic ecosystem. Biological communities on the other hand, are accurate indicators of overall environmental conditions. Water quality management therefore, relies on comparative data for both chemical composition and biological effects. Metals in the environment can originate as point sources, including industrial and mining, effluent, or diffuse sources from geological origin, agricultural activities, acid mine drainage (AMD) and leachate from dumps. Although specific problem areas have been addressed;? AMD is not well documented or quantified in South Africa. The effects thereof on aquatic ecosystems, however, constitute one of South Africa's largest single sources of water pollution. This is certainly the case in the Witbank area of the Mpumalanga Province, where large coal deposits have given rise to extensive mining operations, resulting in severe water quality problems in some rivers in this area which is situated in the upper reaches of the Olifants River. The objective of this study was to determine the potential hazard posed by the surface water and sediment on biota of one of the streams in this area, the Blesbok Spruit, impacted by AMD. The pH values of the surface water and interstitial water of the three sites were below five. A secondary effect of the low pH is an increase in the solubility of metals. The median metal concentrations measured at these sampling sites exceed the South African criteria for Aquatic Ecosystems — in most cases considerably. The high levels of macro constituents can be ascribed to the mining operations, land use activities and urban and rural settlements in the area. Bioassays (laboratory based toxicity tests) performed with Daphnia pulex (waterflea) on the surface and interstitial water of the three sites, indicated acute toxicity at very low dilution concentrations. Chronic toxicity tests performed on the surface water samples indicated an inhibition in the number of young produced per surviving Daphnia adult. Inhibition is a great ecological risk, because species will not survive if populations cannot produce adults. The present study showed that the water quality of the Blesbok Spruit has a severe impact on the aquatic biota and is therefore in need of urgent management measures. It is also clear that sediment cannot be ignored as an aquatic ecosystem component and should form an integral part of water quality monitoring programs in South Africa.
- Full Text: