An evaluation of the cumulative surface water pollution within the consolidated main reef area, Roodepoort, South Africa
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Authors
Muruven, Dean Nalandhren
Issue Date
2011-11
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Water quality , Water pollution , Tailings , Gold mining , Monitoring , Acid mine drainage , Physicochemical parameters , Klip River catchment , Cumulative pollution , Biological characteristics
Alternative Title
Abstract
Surface water pollution is prevalent in numerous areas of central Roodepoort mainly
due to gold mining activities. The surface water quality for the Bosmontspruit,
Russell’s Stream and the New Canada Dam was assessed from October 2010 to
March 2011. Physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the water were
determined for 8 monitoring points and the results obtained were compared with the
In-stream water quality guidelines for the Klip River catchment and the South African
Water Quality Guidelines. A trend noticed throughout the sampling period was the
non-compliance in the levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) and dissolved oxygen.
The results indicated that concentrations of iron, aluminium, nickel, manganese and
potassium were above the limit across the Bosmontspruit and Russell’s stream.
There was also significant evidence of excessive faecal coliform and ammonium
pollution in the Bosmontspruit. During the monitoring period it was noted that water
from these streams were utilised for crop irrigation, bathing, livestock and human
consumption and may pose a health hazard due to poor water quality.
Description
Citation
Muruven, Dean Nalandhren (2011) An evaluation of the cumulative surface water pollution within the consolidated main reef area, Roodepoort, South Africa, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/6299>