3 research outputs found
Assessment of concentration levels of contaminants in groundwater of the Soutpansberg region, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Groundwater contributions towards improved food security and human health depend on
the level of contaminants in groundwater resources. Many people in rural areas use groundwater for
drinking purposes without treatment and knowledge of contaminant levels in such waters, owing to
parachute research in which research outputs are not shared with communities. This study argues
that parachute research exposes groundwater users to health hazards and threatens the food security
of communities. Concentration levels of contaminants were measured to ascertain suitability of
groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. A total of 124 groundwater quality samples
from 12 boreholes and 2 springs with physiochemical data from 1995 to 2017 were assessed. This
study found high concentration levels of contaminants, such as F, NO3
, Cl, and total dissolved
solids, in certain parts of the studied area. In general, groundwater was deemed suitable for drinking
purposes in most parts of the studied area
Characterisation of hydro-geochemical processes influencing groundwater quality in rural areas: A case study of Soutpansberg region, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Groundwater is often the main or only source of fresh water supply in arid to semi-arid rural
areas owing to decreasing rainfall patterns, reduced availability of surface water and socioeconomic
activities. It is important to understand the hydro-geochemical processes influencing groundwater
quality for improved management and sustainability of resources and to improve rural livelihoods. To
understand the hydro-geochemical process influencing the hydro-geochemistry of the Soutpansberg
region, this study assessed groundwater quality data from 12 boreholes and 2 geothermal springs
collected between 1995 and 2017
Feasibility assessment of the application of groundwater remediation techniques in rural areas: A case study of rural areas in the Soutpansberg region, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Groundwater contribution towards human health and livelihood depends on the contaminants
level in groundwater. Many people in rural communities are being exposed to waterborne
diseases resulting from drinking untreated contaminated groundwater. This study argues that the
lack of implementation of available groundwater remediation methods and associated high costs are
exposing rural communities to health risks. This study assessed 22 years of groundwater quality data
from 12 boreholes and 2 springs to understand the contaminants level in the Soutpansberg region.
A feasibility assessment of the application and design of a sustainable groundwater remediation
technique was carried out based on individual- and community-based groundwater remediation
types