scholarly journals Determination of sediment quality in the Nyl River system, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Water SA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Greenfield ◽  
J.H.J. Van Vuren ◽  
V. Wepener
Water SA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (2 April) ◽  
Author(s):  
Babra Moyo ◽  
Vhahangwele Matodzi ◽  
Malebogo A Legodi ◽  
Vusumzi E Pakade ◽  
Nikita T Tavengwa

The accumulation of heavy metals such as Cd, Mn and Ni was investigated in seven different vegetables, fruits and soil samples from Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Heavy metals were quantified using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Concentrations of heavy metals in fruits and vegetables were in the range of 0.23–2.94 mg∙kg-1 for Cd, 11.72–50.16 mg∙kg-1 for Mn and 5.73 – 44.11 mg∙kg-1 for Ni on a dry weight basis. Analysis of soils from where fruits and vegetables were sampled showed that Cd in the soil was in the range of 0.08–1.07 mg∙kg-1, Mn levels were 204.99–249.13 mg∙kg-1 and Ni levels were 48.47–88.23 mg∙kg-1. Cd was below the instrument detection limit for soils on which onions and bananas were grown. Vegetables showed different accumulation abilities, with leafy vegetables being the highest accumulators of heavy metals. The obtained results showed that concentrations of Cd in fruits, vegetables and soils exceeded the recommended maximum acceptable levels proposed by FAO/WHO and, hence, may pose a health risk to consumers. Ni concentrations in bananas, onion, beetroot, spinach and Chinese cabbage exceeded recommended standards by FAO/WHO.


Resources ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Tshianeo M. Ndou ◽  
Eduard M. Stam ◽  
Milingoni P. Tshisikhawe ◽  
Mercy A. Alabi ◽  
Adeyemi O. Adeeyo

There is an established link between deforestation and negative hydrological effects which may affect watersheds. The number of the cycads Encephalartos transvenosus Stapf & Burtt Davy in South Africa is drastically reducing, and they are nearly extinct. Additionally, poaching and reduction in the population of cycads in reserves may impact negatively on watersheds in protected and buffer areas since the regeneration of this plant occurs over a long period. This research aimed to study the distributions of poached cycads, evaluate the factors responsible for poaching activity and suggest possible solutions towards conservation of E. transvenosus Stapf & Burtt Davy in some of the nature reserves in Limpopo province. Field observation was used to ascertain and collect locations of poached cycads. Data was obtained through the use of a questionnaire. Questionnaires were administered to rangers for the collection of data on causes of poaching, parts poached, measures taken and challenges of rangers in the nature reserves. Processing of the collected data was done by simple statistical analysis. The total population of rangers available in the reserves was used for the determination of the sample size of rangers by Slovin’s formula. Unemployment (46%) is the leading cause for poaching in Mphaphuli Nature Reserve, while trade is a leading factor in Modjadji and Lekgalameetse (37% and 60%) respectively. Debarked cycads amount to 14 (54%) while 12 of the total (26 poached cycads) were completely removed (46%). The most effective way of stopping the poaching of cycads as perceived by the rangers is by patrolling the nature reserves. The observed poaching of Encephalartos transvenosus is alarming since this plant has a low population size which is currently confined to the Limpopo Province in South Africa only. If poaching continues in the nature reserves, all cycads have the tendency of being removed. Therefore, there is a need to continually develop strategies for the conservation of cycads. The peculiar nature and challenges of each reserve have been established and unique solutions for these nature reserves in Limpopo Province have been proposed. Better conservation of cycad species can positively impact the hydrological process of the concerned area and better help the watersheds.


Water SA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (2 April) ◽  
Author(s):  
Babra Moyo ◽  
Vhahangwele Matodzi ◽  
Malebogo A Legodi ◽  
Vusumzi E Pakade ◽  
Nikita T Tavengwa

The accumulation of heavy metals such as Cd, Mn and Ni was investigated in seven different vegetables, fruits and soil samples from Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Heavy metals were quantified using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Concentrations of heavy metals in fruits and vegetables were in the range of 0.23–2.94 mg∙kg-1 for Cd, 11.72–50.16 mg∙kg-1 for Mn and 5.73 – 44.11 mg∙kg-1 for Ni on a dry weight basis. Analysis of soils from where fruits and vegetables were sampled showed that Cd in the soil was in the range of 0.08–1.07 mg∙kg-1, Mn levels were 204.99–249.13 mg∙kg-1 and Ni levels were 48.47–88.23 mg∙kg-1. Cd was below the instrument detection limit for soils on which onions and bananas were grown. Vegetables showed different accumulation abilities, with leafy vegetables being the highest accumulators of heavy metals. The obtained results showed that concentrations of Cd in fruits, vegetables and soils exceeded the recommended maximum acceptable levels proposed by FAO/WHO and, hence, may pose a health risk to consumers. Ni concentrations in bananas, onion, beetroot, spinach and Chinese cabbage exceeded recommended standards by FAO/WHO.


2010 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Greenfield ◽  
JHJ van Vuren ◽  
V Wepener

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 1830-1834
Author(s):  
Sechene S. Gololo ◽  
Denga Nthai ◽  
Motetelo A. Mogale

The current study was aimed at the determination of the phytochemical contents and antioxidant capacity of the leaves of A. greatheadii from four provinces of South Africa. The leaves samples of A. greatheadii were collected at four different locations in South Africa; namely, Limpopo province (Polokwane), Gauteng province (Ga-Rankuwa), Mpumalanga province (Siyabuswa) and North-West province (Brits) during the summer season of the year. The ground samples were then extracted in a serial sequential procedure with different organic solvents using cold maceration extraction method. The extracts were then subjected to quantitative phytochemical analysis for the determination of total phenolic, total tannin, total flavonoid and total saponin content. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of the methanol extracts were evaluated through the DPPH assay. Quantitative phytochemical analysis showed variation in the total phenolic, total tannin, total flavonoid and total saponin contents of the samples from different locations, with specific phytochemicals found in higher amounts at different locations. However, upon calculation of the total phytochemical content the high amount was recorded with the Limpopo province sample. Variation in the antioxidant capacity (EC50 based) of the samples from different locations was demonstrated, with the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces’ samples showing high capacity. The results demonstrated that the variation in geographical locations has an effect on the phytochemical contents and antioxidant capacity of the leaves of A. greatheadii. Furthermore, the Limpopo province area with a high altitude appeared to be providing suitable growing conditions for high accumulation of phytochemicals and higher antioxidant capacity.


1972 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 27-38
Author(s):  
J. Hers

In South Africa the modern outlook towards time may be said to have started in 1948. Both the two major observatories, The Royal Observatory in Cape Town and the Union Observatory (now known as the Republic Observatory) in Johannesburg had, of course, been involved in the astronomical determination of time almost from their inception, and the Johannesburg Observatory has been responsible for the official time of South Africa since 1908. However the pendulum clocks then in use could not be relied on to provide an accuracy better than about 1/10 second, which was of the same order as that of the astronomical observations. It is doubtful if much use was made of even this limited accuracy outside the two observatories, and although there may – occasionally have been a demand for more accurate time, it was certainly not voiced.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamakota Maggie Molepo ◽  
Faniswa Honest Mfidi

Mental illness is more than just the diagnosis to an individual – it also has an impact on the social functioning of the family at large. When a parent or relative has a mental illness, all other family members are affected, even the children. The purpose of the study was to provide insight into the lived experiences of young people who live with mental healthcare users and the way in which their daily coping can be maximised. A qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological research was undertaken to explore and describe the lived experiences of young people who live with mental healthcare users in the Limpopo province, South Africa. Audiotaped, unstructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 young people who grew up and lived with a family member who is a mental healthcare user in their homes, until data saturation was reached. A content analysis was used to derive themes from the collected qualitative data. Four major themes emerged as features reflective of the young people’s daily living with mental healthcare user, namely psychological effects, added responsibilities, effects on school performances, and support systems. This study recommends that support networks for young people be established through multidisciplinary team involvement and collaboration and the provision of burden-sharing or a relief system during times of need. With the availability of healthy coping mechanisms and support systems, the daily living situations and coping of young people could be maximised, thereby improving their quality of life while living with their family members with mental illness.


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