Magister Scientiae - MSc (Environ & Water Science)
http://hdl.handle.net/11394/3457
2024-03-29T13:31:56ZAn assessment of river and wetland morphology dynamics using geospatial techniques
http://hdl.handle.net/11394/10588
An assessment of river and wetland morphology dynamics using geospatial techniques
Mbambi, Yamkela
Land surface modification has intensified in recent years, and it continues to be an ongoing process. This raises serious concerns about changes in land use and land cover (LULC) since some of these changes have led to catchment degradation. The degradation of catchments has been observed to have adverse effects on natural resources, such as water bodies, resulting in food insecurity, water scarcity, and the degradation of ecosystems and the environment. Therefore, to effectively sustain life and the environment, it is crucial to monitor LULC changes for sustainable development and planning that can help alleviate pressures on water resources. This study aims to assess the impacts of LULC changes on the morphology dynamics and area changes of water resources in the Heuningnes catchment in South Africa. The findings from this assessment can offer valuable insights for water resource conservation in this catchment. Remote sensing and GIS techniques were employed to map and detect LULC changes, morphology dynamics, and area changes of water resources from 1990 to 2020.
>Magister Scientiae - MSc
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZAn assessment of factors influencing the spatial variability of iron concentrations in groundwater in selected areas of the Western Cape Province.
http://hdl.handle.net/11394/10566
An assessment of factors influencing the spatial variability of iron concentrations in groundwater in selected areas of the Western Cape Province.
Bissonram, Presanta
Groundwater in South Africa, and more specifically the Western Cape Province (WCP), has become of major interest in recent years due to the unpredictable climatic conditions and the uncertainty of surface water to continuously meet the current and future water demands. With the exploration of groundwater (through the drilling of boreholes) to meet the current water demand and to ensure water security there comes the related problem of iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) oxidation and precipitation. The precipitation of Fe and Mn in boreholes reduce the yield and quality of the water, resulting in borehole clogging. This study took place in the WCP and the sites sampled at were hospitals as part of the business continuity project that was initiated during the drought in that took place in Cape Town in 2017. There are 4 objectives for this study which are to assess spatial variations in Fe and Mn concentrations, to establish site-specific processes controlling the concentration of Fe and Mn in groundwater, to model the likelihood of precipitation of Fe and Mn based on detected solution composition and to assess the best practice method/techniques for sampling Fe and Mn. This research project made use of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The first two objectives was addressed by using historical data which included groundwater chemistry data, pumping test data and geological data of the WCP. In addition to the historical data being used sampling was done at selected sites to understand the current groundwater chemistry, while interviews were conducted with site maintenance personnel to further understand the management of the boreholes. The third objective made use of the PHREEQC software to determine the saturation indices of samples collected and modelling of the effect of change in Fe, Mn, redox potential, pH and temperature has on the precipitation of Fe and Mn minerals. The last objective was achieved through the sampling conducted which provided the opportunity to test the best practice sampling methods of Fe and Mn in groundwater.
Magister Scientiae (Integrated Water Resource Management)
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZA lab based experimental study of a bioretention system to remove selected pharmaceuticals in stormwater
http://hdl.handle.net/11394/10478
A lab based experimental study of a bioretention system to remove selected pharmaceuticals in stormwater
Maphiri, Refiloe
The use of treated stormwater as an alternative source of water supply in urban areas is receiving global recognition. This approach is being supported as an innovative initiative that improves urban water security and diversifies urban water demand management options. However, reported toxic pollutants from some land-use activities threaten the quality of stormwater thereby restricting the potential for using stormwater to augment the water supply system. Such reported risks entail the treatment of the stormwater before its use for any purpose. Therefore, this study reports the findings of the research which investigated the effectiveness of a bioretention system in removing pharmaceuticals from stormwater and the influence of retention time and stormwater volumes on the removal efficiency of the pharmaceuticals by the bioretention system. To achieve the objectives of the study, there was a need to identify and measure the concentration levels of the pharmaceuticals found in stormwater. It was also necessary to determine the removal efficiency of the identified pharmaceuticals by using the Turf Grass and Pennisetum plants in a bioretention system with soil media control.
>Magister Scientiae - MSc
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZThe fate and occurrence of pharmaceuticals in Cape Town’s water network
http://hdl.handle.net/11394/10476
The fate and occurrence of pharmaceuticals in Cape Town’s water network
Cloete, Mikyle
Thousands of pharmaceuticals, pesticides and microplastics are consumed and disposed of directly or indirectly into various water bodies globally. Which are collectively termed “contaminants of emerging concern” or CECs. Contaminants of emerging concerns are defined as micropollutants that are present in the environment that are not regulated and that can pose a risk to the health of both humans and wildlife. The distribution of these CECs in water systems is not isolated to a specific place and is on the rise all over the world. This study aims to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of pharmaceuticals in the environment regarding the change in concentration along a flow path from potential sources to sink, to assess the occurrence, concentration levels and distribution of pharmaceuticals in various water bodies.
>Magister Scientiae - MSc
2022-01-01T00:00:00Z