The Influence of Anthropogenic Activities on Macro-Invertearates Assemblage and Water Quality in the Crocodile River (East) Mpumalanga, South Africa

Biological indicators such as macro-invertebrates and water quality parameters can give an overall overview of what is happening in a river catchment. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of anthropogenic activities on macro-invertebrates assemblage and water quality using multivariate analysis and to determine the present ecological state of the river using the Macro-Invertebrates Response Assessment index. The South African Scoring System Version 5 (SASS 5)was used to collect macro invertebrates. Water quality samples were collected using a polyethylene bottle and analysed by Mpumamanzi Laboratory in Nelspruit and Water lab in Pretoria. From the results obtained it was evident that anthropogenic activities along the Crocodile River play a role in water quality deterioration and the subsequent distribution of macro-invertebrates during high and low flow conditions. The main anthropogenic activities contribute to the influence of macro-invertebrates community and water quality are agricultural activities in the upper reaches and a combination of industrial, domestic, mining and agricultural activities in the middle and lower reaches of the Crocodile River

The response of cultured meiofaunal and benthic foraminiferal communities to lead contamination: results from mesocosm experiments.

partially_open13sìLead (Pb) is regarded as a highly toxic element that poses a serious threat to biota. A mesocosm experiment was performed to assess the influence of Pb on meiofaunal (metazoans within 45–500 mm) and benthic foraminiferal (protozoan) communities. To this end, sediments bearing such communities were incubated in mesocosms, exposed to different levels of Pb in seawater, and monitored for up to 8 wk. Concentrations of Pb <1ppm in water did not promote a significant increase of this metal in sediments. Relatively high concentrations of Pb seemed to affect meiofaunal and benthic foraminiferal communities by reducing their richness or diversity, and the abundance of the most sensitive taxa. The mesocosm approach can be considered an effective method to document the responses of meiofaunal and benthic foraminiferal communities to various kinds and concentrations of pollutants over time. This approach allows the evaluation of dose–response relationships, validates the outcomes of field studies, and possibly confirms the sediment quality guidelines and thresholds.openFrontalini F., Semprucci F., Di Bella L., Caruso A., Cosentino C., Maccotta A., Scopelliti G., Sbrocca C., Bucci C., Balsamo M., Martins V., Armynot du Châtelet E., Coccioni R.,Frontalini, F.; Semprucci, F.; Di Bella, L.; Caruso, A.; Cosentino, C.; Maccotta, A.; Scopelliti, G.; Sbrocca, C.; Bucci, C.; Balsamo, M.; Martins, V.; Armynot du Châtelet, E.; Coccioni, R

Is the meiofauna a good indicator for climate change and anthropogenic impacts?

Our planet is changing, and one of the most pressing challenges facing the scientific community revolves around understanding how ecological communities respond to global changes. From coastal to deep-sea ecosystems, ecologists are exploring new areas of research to find model organisms that help predict the future of life on our planet. Among the different categories of organisms, meiofauna offer several advantages for the study of marine benthic ecosystems. This paper reviews the advances in the study of meiofauna with regard to climate change and anthropogenic impacts. Four taxonomic groups are valuable for predicting global changes: foraminifers (especially calcareous forms), nematodes, copepods and ostracods. Environmental variables are fundamental in the interpretation of meiofaunal patterns and multistressor experiments are more informative than single stressor ones, revealing complex ecological and biological interactions. Global change has a general negative effect on meiofauna, with important consequences on benthic food webs. However, some meiofaunal species can be favoured by the extreme conditions induced by global change, as they can exhibit remarkable physiological adaptations. This review highlights the need to incorporate studies on taxonomy, genetics and function of meiofaunal taxa into global change impact research

Pollution of Sand River by Wastewater Treatment Works in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, South Africa

Pollution of water sources is a global issue that primarily affects rural communities that rely on these water sources for domestic purposes on a daily basis. The study&rsquo;s goal was to determine if the effluent from the Bushbuckridge Municipality&rsquo;s Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs) contributes to the pollution of the Sand River Catchment. The investigation was conducted at two WWTWs, Dwarsloop and Thulamahashe. A questionnaire was used to collect information from participants. Water samples were collected monthly from the treatment plant and Sand River for the determination of physico-chemical parameters and coliform counts. The study found that the WWTWs were the main sources of the pollution of the Sand River Catchment. The WWTWs are confronting unprecedented mechanical and technical challenges. The WWTWs have experienced numerous system failures due to aging systems and pressure on deteriorating facilities, resulting in raw wastewater discharges into catchments. Furthermore, the study revealed that factors such as population growth, poor operation and maintenance of WWTWs, poor budgeting, and a lack of well-trained personnel contributed to WWTW failure. The effluent quality in both WWTWs met the National Water Act of South Africa&rsquo;s effluent discharge standards for pH (ranged from 6.90 to 9.30), EC (ranged from 20.80 to 87.50 mS/m), ammonia (ranged from 7.22 to 86.80 mg/L as N), nitrate/nitrite (ranged from 0.10 to 0.73 mg/L as N), and ortho-phosphate (ranged from 0.01 to 6.50 mg/L as P). While COD levels in both WWTWs (ranging from 25.00 to 149.00 mg/L) were over the limit during some months of the study period. The study also discovered that E. coli counts were low upstream but high in both the WWTWs point of discharge and downstream for both catchments. The study, therefore, established a connection between wastewater treatment plants and water quality parameters as well as poor water quality linked to the condition of the WWTWs. The study recommends that effective measures be implemented to address the challenges

Pollution of Sand River by Wastewater Treatment Works in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, South Africa

Pollution of water sources is a global issue that primarily affects rural communities that rely on these water sources for domestic purposes on a daily basis. The study’s goal was to determine if the effluent from the Bushbuckridge Municipality’s Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs) contributes to the pollution of the Sand River Catchment. The investigation was conducted at two WWTWs, Dwarsloop and Thulamahashe. A questionnaire was used to collect information from participants. Water samples were collected monthly from the treatment plant and Sand River for the determination of physico-chemical parameters and coliform counts. The study found that the WWTWs were the main sources of the pollution of the Sand River Catchment. The WWTWs are confronting unprecedented mechanical and technical challenges. The WWTWs have experienced numerous system failures due to aging systems and pressure on deteriorating facilities, resulting in raw wastewater discharges into catchments. Furthermore, the study revealed that factors such as population growth, poor operation and maintenance of WWTWs, poor budgeting, and a lack of well-trained personnel contributed to WWTW failure. The effluent quality in both WWTWs met the National Water Act of South Africa’s effluent discharge standards for pH (ranged from 6.90 to 9.30), EC (ranged from 20.80 to 87.50 mS/m), ammonia (ranged from 7.22 to 86.80 mg/L as N), nitrate/nitrite (ranged from 0.10 to 0.73 mg/L as N), and ortho-phosphate (ranged from 0.01 to 6.50 mg/L as P). While COD levels in both WWTWs (ranging from 25.00 to 149.00 mg/L) were over the limit during some months of the study period. The study also discovered that E. coli counts were low upstream but high in both the WWTWs point of discharge and downstream for both catchments. The study, therefore, established a connection between wastewater treatment plants and water quality parameters as well as poor water quality linked to the condition of the WWTWs. The study recommends that effective measures be implemented to address the challenges