Discovering the secrets of the Olifants sediments

Abstract

Catchment management The Upper Olifants catchment and its tributaries have been a research focus of late due to its combined status of being one of the hardest working rivers in South Africa and also one of the most polluted. A large research project which was led by the CSIR and funded by non-governmental organisation, the Olifants River Forum, was initiated as a result (For more information on the overall study see ‘ All eyes on Olifants as experts search for answers’ , the Water Wheel May/June 2010). Representative sites in the catchment were chosen, samples were collected and analysis of water chemistry, as well as biological indicators such as fish, macroinvertebrates, protozoa, phytoplankton, benthic algae and riparian vegetation have revealed the critical variables (heavy metals from acid mine drainage, high total phosphate concentrations from partially/untreated sewage effluent) driving pollution in the Upper Olifants catchment. Furthermore water samples were also tested for endocrine disrupting compounds, bacteria, viruses and pathogens, which impact human health.

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