scholarly journals Spatial and Temporal Variations in PM10 Concentrations between 2010–2017 in South Africa

Author(s):  
Oluwaseyi Olalekan Arowosegbe ◽  
Martin Röösli ◽  
Temitope Christina Adebayo-Ojo ◽  
Mohammed Aqiel Dalvie ◽  
Kees de Hoogh

Particulate matter less than or equal to 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10 µg/m3) is a priority air pollutant and one of the most widely monitored ambient air pollutants in South Africa. This study analyzed PM10 from monitoring 44 sites across four provinces of South Africa (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal) and aimed to present spatial and temporal variation in the PM10 concentration across the provinces. In addition, potential influencing factors of PM10 variations around the three site categories (Residential, Industrial and Traffic) were explored. The spatial trend in daily PM10 concentration variation shows PM10 concentration can be 5.7 times higher than the revised 2021 World Health Organization annual PM10 air quality guideline of 15 µg/m3 in Gauteng province during the winter season. Temporally, the highest weekly PM10 concentrations of 51.4 µg/m3, 46.8 µg/m3, 29.1 µg/m3 and 25.1 µg/m3 at Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape Province were recorded during the weekdays. The study results suggest a decrease in the change of annual PM10 levels at sites in Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces. An increased change in annual PM10 levels was reported at most sites in Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Gboyega A Ogunbanjo

South Africa accounts for the worst global tuberculosis epidemics fuelled by the spread of HIV infection. The tuberculosis (TB) incidence increased from 300 per 100,000 people in the early 1990s to more than 950 per 100,000 in 2012.1 In addition, the country remains one of the countries with the highest TB burden globally, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics giving an estimated incidence of 454,000 cases of active TB in 2015.2 This means that about 0.8% of South Africa’s population of 54 million develop active TB disease annually. Of the 454 000 TB cases in South Africa in 2015, WHO estimated that about 57% (258,000) were HIV positive. It also estimated that of 157,505 whose status was known, and who were known to be HIV positive, some 85% (133,116) were on antiretroviral therapy.3 From the same 2015 report, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces had the highest incidence rates of 692, 685 and 681 per 100,000 respectively. The most notable decline was in KwaZulu-Natal where the incidence decreased from 1,185 to 685 per 100,000 over the last five years.1


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (6) ◽  
pp. 247-257
Author(s):  
Bang Quoc Ho ◽  
Tam Thoai Nguyen ◽  
Khue Hoang Ngoc Vu

Can Tho City is one the 5th largest city in Vietnam, with hight rate of economic growth and densely populated with 1,251,809 people, butsling traffic activities with 566,593 motobikes and 15,105 cars and hundreds of factories. The air in Can Tho city is polluted by dust and ozone. However, Can Tho city currently does not have a study on the simulation air pollution spread, therefore we do not have an overview on the status of air pollution in order to do not have solutions to limit the increase of pollution status of the city. The purpose of this study is to collect air pollutant emissions from other study. After that, TAPOM model is used to simulate the effects of ozone on the surrounding areas and study the ozone regime in Cantho city. The study results showed that the highest ozone concentration for an hour everage is 196 μg/m3. Compare with national technical regulation about ambient air QCVN 5:2013/BTNMT, ozone concentration is approximately at the allowable limit. The study of ozone regime had identified that VOC sensitive areas are Ninh Kieu district and a part in the south of Binh Thuy district, and NOx sensitive areas are the rested areas of Cantho city. The main cause contributing to increased VOC emission in the central area of the city is motorcycles, NOx emissions in the remaining areas of Cantho city are from the rice production factories. Proposals to protect the air quality in Cantho city are suggested.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tak Wing Yu ◽  
Liezel Ennion

Background: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) aims to rehabilitate a person with an amputation back into actively participating in society. Even though lower limb amputation (LLA) surgery is commonly performed in South Africa (SA), little research has been published on the participation restrictions experienced by and vocational needs of persons with LLA in the Western Cape (WC).Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine and explore the participation restrictions and VR needs of persons with a unilateral LLA in the WC.Method: A mixed-methods approach and a sequential exploratory design were utilised to collect data from 50 persons with an LLA. Participants were conveniently sampled within the Cape Metropole region of the WC, SA. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) tool was used to collect the quantitative data, and telephonic interviews were conducted for qualitative data collection.Results: A third (28%) of participants in this study were unemployed, and only 14% (n = 7) of the participants owned or used a prosthesis. In addition, 50% of the participants either had a disability grant or were on pension. The participation restrictions identified were mainly related to mobility where 74% (n = 37) of participants had extreme difficulty with mobility in general, 92% (n = 46) struggled with walking distances longer than 1 km and 80% (n = 40) had extreme difficulty in completing household tasks quickly. The main VR needs identified in this study were the inadequate rehabilitation services that target ambulation (standing and walking) to facilitate employment.Conclusion: Persons with a unilateral LLA still experience significant difficulties in mobility 3 months post-amputation, which negatively affects their participation in society and vocational activities.


Author(s):  
Nathaniel R. Fold ◽  
Mary R. Allison ◽  
Berkley C. Wood ◽  
Pham T. B. Thao ◽  
Sebastien Bonnet ◽  
...  

Multiple studies indicate that PM2.5 is the most deleterious air pollutant for which there are ambient air quality standards. Daily concentrations of PM2.5 in Bangkok, Thailand, continuously exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Thai National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQSs). Bangkok has only recently begun to measure concentrations of PM2.5. To overcome this paucity of data, daily PM2.5/PM10 ratios were generated over the period 2012–2018 to interpolate missing values. Concentration-response coefficients (β values) for PM2.5 versus non-accidental, cardiopulmonary, and lung cancer mortalities were derived from the literature. Values were also estimated and were found to be comparable to those reported in the literature for a Chinese population, but considerably lower than those reported in the literature from the United States. These findings strongly suggest that specific regional β values should be used to accurately quantify the number of premature deaths attributable to PM2.5 in Asian populations. Health burden analysis using the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP) showed that PM2.5 concentration in Bangkok contributes to 4240 non-accidental, 1317 cardiopulmonary, and 370 lung cancer mortalities annually. Further analysis showed that the attainment of PM2.5 levels to the NAAQSs and WHO guideline would reduce annual premature mortality in Bangkok by 33%and 75%, respectively.


1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.B. Edwards

AbstractThe seasonal abundance and rates of parasitism of three species of Mesoclanis seed flies was studied in South Africa. The three species occur on Chrysanthemoides monilifera, and were recorded during most months of the year, whenever C. monilifera was flowering. At three sites in KwaZulu-Natal, numbers of eggs per capitulum of Mesoclanis polana Munro were highest on C. monilifera rotundata between June and November (winter/spring), towards the end of the main flowering flush. Parasitism of M. polana was between 50% and 90% for most of the year. Two other species of Mesoclanis (M. magnipalpis Bezzi and M. dubia Walker) occurred together on C. m. rotundata in the Eastern Cape (St Francis Bay), where parasitism during the year was between 55% and 95%. Peak numbers of eggs per capitulum (M. magnipalpis and M. dubia combined) occurred in May/June (winter), in the latter part of the main flowering flush. Mesoclanis magnipalpis was the only species recorded on C. m. pisifera in De Hoop Nature Reserve (Western Cape), where there was only one peak of oviposition (May/June), coinciding with the short and discrete flowering period of this subspecies. Parasitism was between 50% and 65%. At least nine species of parasitoid were reared from immature Mesoclanis stages. Eurytoma sp. (Eurytomidae) was a dominant parasitoid at all sites. Results are discussed in relation to the possible effectiveness of species of Mesoclanis seed flies as biological control agents of C. monilifera in Australia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Ashokcoomar ◽  
Raisuyah Bhagwan

Introduction The inter-healthcare transfer of the critically ill neonate is a critical aspect of larger neonatal intensive care, as it influences the safe transport of neonates from the receiving to the referring hospital. It is crucial then that the transfer process be safe and efficient so as not to compromise the already fragile condition of the neonate. The aim of the study was to understand the challenges advanced life support (ALS) paramedics face during neonatal transfers and to understand how the process could be made safer and more efficient. The objectives related to understanding the transfer process, the challenges linked to the critically ill neonate and the difficulties associated with the ambulance vehicle and equipment. Methods Using a qualitative research approach we sought the views of ALS paramedics at the forefront of transfers nationally. In-depth interviews were held with eight paramedics in KwaZulu-Natal and four focus group discussions with ALS paramedics in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State and the Western Cape in South Africa. A total of 35 ALS paramedics were involved in these group discussions. Results The study uncovered several challenges that paramedics face related to poor organisational preparation for transfer of the critically ill neonate, and other crucial issues that compromise the transfer such as inadequate or defective equipment. Conclusion There is a need for greater scrutiny of the transfer process and a commitment from stakeholders to begin addressing the challenges confronting the safe transfer of critically ill neonates.


Water SA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (1 January) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adetunji A Awe ◽  
Beatrice O Opeolu ◽  
Olatunde S Olatunji ◽  
Olalekan S Fatoki ◽  
Vanessa A Jackson ◽  
...  

Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in freshwater may aggravate the water crisis currently being experienced in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. However, there is dearth of data on the levels of PAHs, which is necessary for effective assessment of water quality as well as remediation strategies. This study therefore assessed levels of PAHs in the Diep River freshwater system of Western Cape Province, South Africa. A liquid-liquid extraction solid-phase extraction gas chromatography flame ionisation detection (LLE-SPE-GC-FID) method was developed to simultaneously determine the 16 United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) listed priority PAHs in water samples. The SPE-GC-FID method allowed an acceptable linearity (R2 > 0.999) within the calibration range of 1 to 50 µg/mL. Instrument detection limits ranged between 0.02 and 0.04 µg/mL and instrument quantification limits between 0.06 and 0.13 µg/mL. Recovery study results were also acceptable (83.69–96.44%) except for naphthalene, which had recovery of 60.05% in spiked water matrix. The seasonal averages of individual PAH detected at the studied sites ranged between not detected (nd) and 72.38 ± 9.58 µg/L in water samples.


Bothalia ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Snijman

Cyrtanthus aureolinus Snijman is a new, rare species of fire lily, which is localized in a vlei on the northern slopes of the Groot Swartberg, Western Cape. The upright or slightly spreading, yellow to cream-coloured flowers and the perigone tube which gradually widens to the throat suggest that it is closely related to the Western Cape endemic, C.  ochroleucus (Herb.) Burch, ex Steud., and C. mackenii Hook.f., a variable species from southern KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. The species differs mainly by the shape, size and position of the tepals and the length of the filaments. Cyrtanthus mackenii var. cooperi (Baker) R.A.Dyer is raised to subspecies rank as C.  mackenii subsp. cooperi (Baker) Snijman. Its hysteranthous leaf habit and grassland habitat differ from the riverine habitat of the evergreen C. mackenii subsp. mackenii. Described in detail are C. aureolinus, C. ochroleucus, and C. mackenii.


2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goolam H. Vahed

AbstractThis study examines the establishment of Islam in colonial Natal, attempting to fill a void in and correct the existing historiography.1 In comparison with other parts of Africa, the lack of a historiographical tradition on Islamic South Africa is conspicuous, but understandable given that traditionally the impact and consequences of racial segregation occupied the attention of most historians. Although Islam is a minority religion in South Africa, apartheid has created an impression of population density not reflected in the census figures. According to the 1996 census, there were 553,585 Muslims in a total population of forty million.2 Indian Muslims make up one of the two largest sub-groups, the other being Malay¸.3 There are 246,433 Malay and 236,315 Indian Muslims.4 The majority of Indian Muslims are confined to KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng, while most Malay Muslims live in the Western Cape. There is thus very little contact and interaction between them; indeed there are deep differences of history, culture, class and tradition. Muslims have played an important role in the social, economic and political life of the country. The many mosques that adorn the skylines of major South African cities are evidence that Islam has a living presence in South Africa, while the militant activities of the Cape-based People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (Pagad) in the post-1994 period has ensured that Islam remains in the news. This study demonstrates that, apart from obvious differences between Indian and Malay Muslims, there are deep-seated differences among Indian Muslims. The diversity of tradition, beliefs, class, practices, language, region, and experience of migration has resulted in fundamental differences that have generated conflict.


Zootaxa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 3093 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
PHILIP D. PERKINS

The southern African species of the water beetle genus Ochthebius Leach, 1815, are reviewed. Eight new species are described, and new collection records are given for eight previously described species, based on the examination and databasing of 8,919 specimens from 253 localities/events. Male genitalia of the new species are illustrated, and high resolution habitus images of the holotypes of new species are provided. Distribution maps are given for the 18 species of Ochthebius now known from southern Africa, including Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, the extreme southern part of Angola, and the southern part of Mozambique. New species of Ochthebius are: O. anchorus (South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Province, Oribi Gorge); O. bicomicus (South Africa, Western Cape Province, 22 mi. N. Nelspoort); O. bupunctus (Namibia, Kaokoveld, Kunene River, Swartbooisdrift); O. endroedyi (South Africa, North West Province, Barberspan); O. granulinus (South Africa, Western Cape Province, Elandsdrift); O. involatus (South Africa, Western Cape Province, near Kommetje); O. sitiensis (Namibia, Okau Fountain, 12.5 km inland); and O. zulu (South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Province, Nqutu).


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document