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Bioaccumulation of metals in the Kuils River, Western Cape
Author(s)
Melato, Aupaki Michael
Date Issued
2011
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
World wide urban rivers are the most utilised and degraded. A variety of everyday
sources of metal pollution exist that is entrenched in the modern way of life. Lately
there has been a tremendous growth in the establishment and development of
human settlements, both formal and informal in the Cape Town area. The
surroundings of the Kuils River are not excluded from this. There are various
communities in close proximity to the Kuils River. Due to this, more industries are
also being established. This has caused an increased production of potential
environmental pollutants, including metals.
The aim of the study was firstly, to identify potential sources of metal pollution along
the entire length of the Kuils River, in order to identify sampling sites. Secondly, to
identify the metals contaminating the water and sediment of the Kuils River. Thirdly,
to determine the bioaccumulation of metals in freshwater snails (Physa ecuta).
Four sampling sites were identified along the Kuils River. Freshwater snails (P.
acuta), sediment and water were collected every 2 months for a period of one year.
The following metals were investigated: Aluminium (AI), Cadmium (Cd) Cobalt (Co),
Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni.) and
Zinc (Zn). Samples were digested with 55% nitric acid. The Inductively Coupled
Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES) were used for metal analyses.
The results were statistically analysed by means of ANOVA on ranks using the
Sigmastat statistical package.
Results revealed that most metals found in water, sediment and snails had
significantly higher concentrations at site 1. This is possibly due to input from the
surrounding urban area and nearly agricultural activities. Water concentrations of AI,
Cu, Mn and Zn were higher than the DWAF (1996) guidelines. Sediment was mostly
contaminated with AI, Fe, Pb and Zn, while the snails contained significant levels of
Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Further investigations involving toxicity testing should be
conducted to determine the toxicity of these metals to (Physa acuta).
sources of metal pollution exist that is entrenched in the modern way of life. Lately
there has been a tremendous growth in the establishment and development of
human settlements, both formal and informal in the Cape Town area. The
surroundings of the Kuils River are not excluded from this. There are various
communities in close proximity to the Kuils River. Due to this, more industries are
also being established. This has caused an increased production of potential
environmental pollutants, including metals.
The aim of the study was firstly, to identify potential sources of metal pollution along
the entire length of the Kuils River, in order to identify sampling sites. Secondly, to
identify the metals contaminating the water and sediment of the Kuils River. Thirdly,
to determine the bioaccumulation of metals in freshwater snails (Physa ecuta).
Four sampling sites were identified along the Kuils River. Freshwater snails (P.
acuta), sediment and water were collected every 2 months for a period of one year.
The following metals were investigated: Aluminium (AI), Cadmium (Cd) Cobalt (Co),
Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni.) and
Zinc (Zn). Samples were digested with 55% nitric acid. The Inductively Coupled
Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES) were used for metal analyses.
The results were statistically analysed by means of ANOVA on ranks using the
Sigmastat statistical package.
Results revealed that most metals found in water, sediment and snails had
significantly higher concentrations at site 1. This is possibly due to input from the
surrounding urban area and nearly agricultural activities. Water concentrations of AI,
Cu, Mn and Zn were higher than the DWAF (1996) guidelines. Sediment was mostly
contaminated with AI, Fe, Pb and Zn, while the snails contained significant levels of
Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Further investigations involving toxicity testing should be
conducted to determine the toxicity of these metals to (Physa acuta).
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Environmental Health))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011.
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200708813_Melato_AM_Mtech_Env_Health_Appsc_2011_20112913.pdf
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