A preliminary analysis of water chemistry of the Mkuze Wetland System, KwaZulu-Natal: A mass balance approach

Abstract

The Mkuze Wetland System in northern KwaZulu-Natal constitutes an important source of freshwater to Lake St Lucia. The St Lucia System, including both the Mkuze Wetland System and Lake St Lucia, is recognised as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The long-term survival of Lake St Lucia depends on an adequate supply of freshwater. Consequently, the role of the Mkuze Wetland System in water quality enhancement is essential. In order to investigate the water chemistry of this system, water samples were collected throughout the study area from surface water, groundwater, pan and reed swamp sites, as well as a rainwater sample. These were analysed for chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and silicon. Four main water bodies were identified using the multivariate techniques, classification and ordination. Of these four groups, two represented the major water sources to the system, these being the Mkuze River and floodplain and the Mbazwane System.

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