Magister Scientiae - MSc (Environ & Water Science)
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Using citizen science in monitoring groundwater levels to improve local groundwater governance, West coast, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)Monitoring of groundwater levels provides a basis for assessing the availability of water in aquifers, thereby informing the decisions on abstraction and uses of such water for various purposes. It provides an understanding ... -
Characterizing water quality of rivers and underlying aquifers in the Nuwejaars Catchment, South Africa
(University of Western Cape, 2020)Non-perennial rivers are the main source of surface water in drylands. These rivers are unpredictable and highly variable in terms of flow regime and water quality. Despite their abundance, and importance in the landscape, ... -
Investigating associations between fluvial style and the characteristics and distribution of geomorphic units in non-perennial rivers
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)Although non-perennial rivers are the most dominant river type in arid and semi-arid areas, far outnumbering perennial rivers, recent reviews have shown that the knowledge base supporting non-perennial river research is ... -
Identification and estimation of ecologically relevant flow indices for non-perennial rivers, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)The importance of environmental flows and establishing the balance between hydrological response and ecological functioning of rivers has been globally recognised. Methods for determining environmental flows range from ... -
Using coupled atmospheric-unsaturated zone model to quantify groundwater recharge to the Table Mountain Group Aquifer system, George, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)The current study aimed at providing groundwater recharge estimates in a fractured rock aquifer environment that is occupied by pine plantation and indigenous forests in order to improve the understanding of the effect of ... -
Assessing the influence of groundwater recharge mechanism on non-perennial river systems, Tankwa Karoo, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)In South Africa and neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola, and Namibia, most river systems are non-perennial due to semi-arid or arid climatic characteristics. In such river systems, the interaction ... -
Assessing hydrogeological characteristics to establish influence of aquifer-river interaction in non-perennial river systems, Heuningnes catchment
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)Over half of total flows in the global river network are composed of non-perennial rivers. This indicates the importance of non-perennial river systems in supporting the biodiversity. It has been established that groundwater ... -
Assessing the effect of the Kars Wetland on flow attenuation in the Cape Agulhas, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)The Kars has a well-defined channel along the 62 km stretch from its sources in the Bredasdorp Mountains. After entering the Agulhas plain which has a very low gradient, this river changes into a triangular shaped wetland. ... -
The morphodynamic characteristics of erosional headcuts in Palmiet (Prionium serratum) wetlands
(University of the Western Cape, 2018)Gully erosion and headcut migration has been at the crux of wetland degradation in South Africa. The resulting erosion and draining effect has seen more than 50% of wetlands in the country degraded. This study investigated ... -
A comparison of Brine evaporation rates under controlled conditions in a laboratory
(University of the Western Cape, 2018)There are growing concerns around the environmental issues related to processed water as the demand for potable water is on the increase in South Africa. Effluents discharged from various sectors such as water treatment ... -
Using the pollution-index method to assess water quality in the upper Olifants River Catchment, Mpumalanga Province.
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)The upper Olifants River catchment, situated in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, is one of the main sources of water for this region. This region face challenges to guarantee future water security due to intensive land ... -
An assessment of the contribution of surface and subsurface flows to river flows of the Sandspruit in the Berg River Catchment, South Africa.
(University of the Western Cape, 2018)Studies have shown that the primary origin of salinity in river flows of the Sandspruit in the Berg Catchment located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa was mainly a result of atmospheric deposition of salts. The ... -
Assessment of the contributions of water allocation reforms to achieving equitable access to water by smallholder emerging farmers in the Breede-Gouritz catchment management agency
(University of the Western Cape, 2018)The National Water Act of (1998) of South Africa has a goal of achieving equitable access to water resources, as well as achieving environmental sustainability and efficient use of water. Consequently, water resources ... -
Hydrogeophysical characterisation of shallow coastal aquifers in the Western Cape, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)Coastal aquifers present a key groundwater resource for freshwater supply in many coastal zones of Africa, and its availability is largely driven by the physical hydrogeological properties. An understanding of the aquifer ... -
Using geostatistical-hydrogeological approach to develop groundwater monitoring system in South Western Karoo, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)Groundwater in the South Western Karoo plays a vital role in the overall water supply in the region. However, this resource is vulnerable to impacts from anthropogenic and natural activities. Mitigating the impacts on ... -
Assessing Rural domestic water demand and use for local groundwater governance during drought, Halambani area, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)Groundwater demand (abstraction) and use during drought continues to be a vital aspect in rural areas. However, the lack of systematic data to assess the availability, demand and use of such resource in addition to lack ... -
Conceptualization of urban hydrogeology within the context of water sensitive urban design: case study of Cape Flats Aquifer
(University of the Western Cape, 2018)Urban hydrogeology can be used to facilitate a decision-making process regarding the implementation of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) to manage water systems of periurban cities. This thesis was aimed at providing ... -
Investigating groundwater governance arrangements for unconventional gas exploration and production in main Karoo Basin, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2016)South Africa relies on coal and imported crude oil for most of its energy. The possible production of shale gas in the main Karoo Basin of South Africa provides a potential opportunity to diversify the primary energy mix. ... -
Analysis of monthly MOD16 evapotranspiration rates at sites with different climatic characteristics; Heuningnes and Letaba catchments in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of the water cycle that is estimated to return about 60% of precipitation back to the atmosphere. Actual ET can be estimated using remote sensing techniques and ground-based ... -
The use of GIS, statistical and risk assessment tools to evaluate aquifer vulnerability to potential contaminants
(The University of the Western Cape, 2017)An aquifer is a body of permeable rock which can contain or transmit groundwater. It is a low cost water supply for domestic and agricultural use. Routine monitoring of aquifers is important to prevent contamination and ...
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