Assessment of water quality based on diatom indices in a small temperate river system, Kowie River, South Africa

AbstractUsing parasites as sentinel organisms has received increased attention due to their responses toward environmental degradation. In some sections of the Vaal River, South Africa, water quality is altered and biota distribution affected. The aims of this study were to assess and compare infection variables of Paradipolozoon ichthyoxanthonAvenant-Oldewage, 2014 in Avenant- Oldewage et al. (2014) at two sites along the Vaal River and compare the water quality and trace element levels at the sites. Infection variables of the parasite, physico-chemical variables, and sediment and water samples for trace element analysis were collected at each site. Conductivity and trace element concentrations were higher at the Vaal River site than the Vaal Dam. Temporal variances in water quality and parasite prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance, at intervals over a 14 year period occurred, P. ichthyoxanthon was absent at the Vaal River site though the host fish are present. Prevalence peaks in summer and winter. Comparison of infection data to water quality and trace elements indicated that conductivity and trace element levels negatively affected/correlated with the infection variables. Higher trace elements concentration and conductivity at the Vaal River site are thought to be driving factors responsible for absence of the parasite.

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Marine water quality management in South Africa

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.1995.0118 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 281-288

Author(s):

Susan Taljaard ◽

Willem A. M. Botes

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Water Quality ◽

Quality Management ◽

Water Quality Management ◽

Management Plan ◽

Specific Reference ◽

Information Requirements ◽

Water Quality Guidelines ◽

Quality Guidelines ◽

Beneficial Uses

In South Africa the ultimate goal in water quality management is to keep the water resources suitable for all “beneficial uses”. Beneficial uses provides a basis for the derivation of water quality guidelines, which, for South Africa, are defined in Water quality guidelines for the South African coastal zone (DWAF, 1991). The CSIR has developed a practical approach to marine water quality management, taking into account international trends and local experience, which can be applied to any coastal development with potential influence on water quality. The management plan is divided into three logical components, i.e. • site-specific statutory requirements and environmental objectives; • system design with specific reference to influences on water quality; and • monitoring programmes. Within this management approach water quality issues are addressed in a holistic manner, through focused procedures and clear identification of information requirements. This paper describes the procedures and information requirements within each component of the water quality management plan, with specific reference to marine disposal systems. Ideally, the management plan should be implemented from the feasibility and conceptual design phase of a development and the timing of the different procedures within the development process are therefore also highlighted. However, the logical lay-out of procedures allows for easy initiation (even to existing disposal system) at any stage of development.

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Systems view of integrated water quality monitoring within the requirements of the new national water policy in South Africa

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.1998.0455 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 38 (11) ◽

pp. 141-148 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

P. Marjanovic ◽

M. Miloradov

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Water Quality ◽

Water Policy ◽

Systems Approach ◽

Water Quality Management ◽

Water Quality Monitoring ◽

Point Sources ◽

Quality Monitoring ◽

Efficient Manner ◽

National Water

The new National water policy will change the way water quality is managed in South Africa. The paper considers the water policy and the repercussions it will have for water quality monitoring in South Africa. Using the systems approach the paper discusses an integrated water quality monitoring system for ambient water quality and point and non point sources of aquatic pollution. The proposed methodology makes possible continuos assessment of water quality in an efficient manner so as to support water quality management in South Africa.

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