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The rehabilitation of degraded soils, such as those associated with post-mining sites, requires knowledge of the soil ecosystem and its physical, chemical, and biological composition in order for rehabilitation efforts to fulfil the long-term goal of reconstructing a stable ecosystem for rehabilitated mine soil. This study addresses the need for appropriate assessment criteria to determine the progress of rehabilitation and subsequently the success of management practices. Significant contributions made by this investigation included the establishment of minimum and maximum values for microbial community measurements from two case studies of rehabilitated coal discard sites. Furthermore, it was shown that there was no relationship between changes in microbial community function and structure and the rehabilitation age of the sites. Following this, the considerable impact of management practices on microbial communities was illustrated. The first part of the study investigated the temporal changes in microbial community function and structure in a chronosequence of rehabilitated coal discard sites aged 1 to 11 years. The most important observation made during the investigation of the microbial communities in the different aged soil covers of the rehabilitated coal discard sites, was that there was no relationship between rehabilitation age and microbial activity or abundance of certain microbial groups. What was responsible for a clear differentiation between sites and a shift in microbial community attributes was the management practices applied. A comparison of two chronosequences of rehabilitated coal discard sites was achieved by an application of the 'space-for-time' hypothesis. Sites of different ages and at separate locations ('space') were identified to obtain a chronosequence of ages ('time'). The two chronosequences included sites aged 1 to 11 years (chronosequence A) and 6 to 17 years (chronosequence B), respectively. Sites in the same chronosequence were managed identically, while there was a distinct difference in management practices applied to each chronosequence. The long-term effect of the different management regimes on the soil microbial community function and structure was investigated. Again, there was no relationship between rehabilitation age and microbial community measurements. Fluctuations of selected microbial properties occurred in both chronosequences and similar temporal trends existed over the rehabilitation periods. However, the less intensively managed chronosequence (8) seemed more stable (less fluctuation occurred) over the rehabilitation period than the more intensively managed chronosequence (A). It was therefore concluded that the microbial communities in the less managed sites maintained their functional and structural integrity within bounds in the absence of management inputs or disturbance. While there was similarity in the trends over time for individual microbial community measurements, the seemingly more stable conditions in chronosequence 6 are important in terms of the goal of rehabilitation. Thesis (Ph.D. (Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Thesis (Ph.D. (Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007 The rehabilitation of degraded soils, such as those associated with post-mining sites, requires knowledge of the soil ecosystem and its physical, chemical, and biological composition in order for rehabilitation efforts to fulfil the long-term goal of reconstructing a stable ecosystem for rehabilitated mine soil. This study addresses the need for appropriate assessment criteria to determine the progress of rehabilitation and subsequently the success of management practices. Significant contributions made by this investigation included the establishment of minimum and maximum values for microbial community measurements from two case studies of rehabilitated coal discard sites. Furthermore, it was shown that there was no relationship between changes in microbial community function and structure and the rehabilitation age of the sites. Following this, the considerable impact of management practices on microbial communities was illustrated. The first part of the study investigated the temporal changes in microbial community function and structure in a chronosequence of rehabilitated coal discard sites aged 1 to 11 years. The most important observation made during the investigation of the microbial communities in the different aged soil covers of the rehabilitated coal discard sites, was that there was no relationship between rehabilitation age and microbial activity or abundance of certain microbial groups. What was responsible for a clear differentiation between sites and a shift in microbial community attributes was the management practices applied. A comparison of two chronosequences of rehabilitated coal discard sites was achieved by an application of the 'space-for-time' hypothesis. Sites of different ages and at separate locations ('space') were identified to obtain a chronosequence of ages ('time'). The two chronosequences included sites aged 1 to 11 years (chronosequence A) and 6 to 17 years (chronosequence B), respectively. Sites in the same chronosequence were managed identically, while there was a distinct difference in management practices applied to each chronosequence. The long-term effect of the different management regimes on the soil microbial community function and structure was investigated. Again, there was no relationship between rehabilitation age and microbial community measurements. Fluctuations of selected microbial properties occurred in both chronosequences and similar temporal trends existed over the rehabilitation periods. However, the less intensively managed chronosequence (8) seemed more stable (less fluctuation occurred) over the rehabilitation period than the more intensively managed chronosequence (A). It was therefore concluded that the microbial communities in the less managed sites maintained their functional and structural integrity within bounds in the absence of management inputs or disturbance. While there was similarity in the trends over time for individual microbial community measurements, the seemingly more stable conditions in chronosequence 6 are important in terms of the goal of rehabilitation. Doctoral

Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004. Mining activities cause severe disturbance to the soil environment in terms of soil quality and productivity and are of serious concern worldwide. Under South African legislation, developers are required to ecologically rehabilitate damaged environments. The application of agronomic approaches for the rehabilitation of coal discard sites has failed dismally in the arid areas of southern Africa. It is obvious that compliance with mitigation and rehabilitation requirements cannot be enforced without a thorough understanding of the ecological principles that ensure ecological stability and subsequent sustainability of soil ecosystems. Soil micro organisms are crucial role-players in the processes that make energy and nutrients available for recycling in the soil ecosystem. Poor management practices and other negative impacts on soil ecosystems affect both the physical and chemical properties of soil, as well as the functional and structural properties of soil microbial communities. Disturbances of soil ecosystems that impact on the normal functioning of microbial communities are potentially detrimental to soil formation, energy transfers, nutrient cycling, plant reestablishment and long-term stability. In this regard, an extensive overview of soil properties and processes indicated that the use of microbiological and biochemical soil properties, such as microbial biomass, enzymatic activity and the analysis of microbial community structure by the quantification of specific signature lipid biomarkers are useful as indicators of soil ecological stress or restoration properties because they are more responsive to small changes than physical and chemical characteristics. In this study, the relationship between the physical and chemical characteristics and different biological indicators of soil quality in the topsoil covers of seven coal discard sites under rehabilitation in South Africa, as well as three reference sites was investigated. Through the assimilation of basic quantitative data and the assessment of certain physical, chemical and biological properties of the topsoil covers obtained from the various coal discard sites as well as the reference sites, the relative success or progress of rehabilitation and the possible correlation between the biological indicators of soil quality and the establishment of self sustaining vegetation covers was determined. Results from soil physical and chemical analyses and percentage vegetation cover were correlated with the results obtained for the functional and structural diversity of microbial communities at the various sites. All results were investigated through statistical and multivariate analysis and the most prominent physical and chemical parameters that influence the biological and biochemical properties of the soil and possibly the establishment of self-sustainable vegetation cover on these mine-tailing sites were identified. Results obtained from this study indicated no significant difference (p>0.05) between the various discard sites based on conventional microbiological enumeration techniques. However, significant differences (p

Mining activities cause severe disturbance to the soil environment in terms of soil quality and productivity and are of serious concern worldwide. Under South African legislation, developers are required to ecologically rehabilitate damaged environments. The application of agronomic approaches for the rehabilitation of coal discard sites has failed dismally in the arid areas of southern Africa. It is obvious that compliance with mitigation and rehabilitation requirements cannot be enforced without a thorough understanding of the ecological principles that ensure ecological stability and subsequent sustainability of soil ecosystems. Soil micro organisms are crucial role-players in the processes that make energy and nutrients available for recycling in the soil ecosystem. Poor management practices and other negative impacts on soil ecosystems affect both the physical and chemical properties of soil, as well as the functional and structural properties of soil microbial communities. Disturbances of soil ecosystems that impact on the normal functioning of microbial communities are potentially detrimental to soil formation, energy transfers, nutrient cycling, plant reestablishment and long-term stability. In this regard, an extensive overview of soil properties and processes indicated that the use of microbiological and biochemical soil properties, such as microbial biomass, enzymatic activity and the analysis of microbial community structure by the quantification of specific signature lipid biomarkers are useful as indicators of soil ecological stress or restoration properties because they are more responsive to small changes than physical and chemical characteristics. In this study, the relationship between the physical and chemical characteristics and different biological indicators of soil quality in the topsoil covers of seven coal discard sites under rehabilitation in South Africa, as well as three reference sites was investigated. Through the assimilation of basic quantitative data and the assessment of certain physical, chemical and biological properties of the topsoil covers obtained from the various coal discard sites as well as the reference sites, the relative success or progress of rehabilitation and the possible correlation between the biological indicators of soil quality and the establishment of self sustaining vegetation covers was determined. Results from soil physical and chemical analyses and percentage vegetation cover were correlated with the results obtained for the functional and structural diversity of microbial communities at the various sites. All results were investigated through statistical and multivariate analysis and the most prominent physical and chemical parameters that influence the biological and biochemical properties of the soil and possibly the establishment of self-sustainable vegetation cover on these mine-tailing sites were identified. Results obtained from this study indicated no significant difference (p>0.05) between the various discard sites based on conventional microbiological enumeration techniques. However, significant differences (p

MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015 The evolution of pest resistance to Cry proteins threatens the long-term use of Bt crops. Busseola fusca developed resistance to Bt maize in South Africa but the mechanism of resistance is not well understood. According to the gut microbiota theory, extensive cell lysis caused by Cry proteins provide gut microbes access to the more favourable environment of the hemocoel where they germinate and reproduce, causing septicemia and death of the host. This theory brought on questions about the role of gut microbes in the efficacy of Bt maize against target lepidopteran pests. The aim of this study was to determine whether microbes present in the mid-gut of B. fusca influence the efficacy of Cry 1Ab proteins. Larvae were collected from 30 different geographical locations, dissected to excise the mid-gut and mid-gut content which was separated according to morphological types. The morphological types were used to test the antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteria and proved that ciprofloxacin, ampicillin and doxycycline were the most effective bacteriostatic and bactericidal antibiotics. These three antibiotics were exposed to the morphological types at different concentrations to visualise the possible deleterious effects of the antibiotics on the bacteria. This visualisation was performed by observing the growth curve of the bacteria in the presence of the combination of antibiotics. The antibiotics concentration of 500 μg/ml showed the highest efficacy compared to the other concentrations tested. An antibiotic concentration of 500 μg/ml of ciprofloxacin, ampicillin and doxycycline was incorporated into an artificial diet for the larvae to feed on for 7 days. This method was used to rid the larvae of gut microbes before allowing them to feed on Bt maize (MON810) plant material expressing Cry proteins. The results suggests that by placing antibiotic reared larvae on a Bt plant, the absence of the mid-gut microbes contributed to larvae survival on Bt maize. This observation will contribute to understanding the role of gut microbes on the efficacy of Cry proteins. Masters

MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015 Biofumigation is an important crop protection practice that uses a plant’s natural defence mechanisms to control agricultural crop pathogens and diseases. Glucosinolates are volatile compounds found in most Brassica species and when hydrolysed, it forms a range of natural toxins including isothiocyanates that act as biofumigants. Research suggests that biofumigation is a good alternative to chemical fumigants as it is effective in controlling plant pests but with lower health and environmental risks. Several studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the breakdown products, especially isothiocyanates, as fungicidal, bactericidal and nematicidal products against a series of plant pests. However, very little information is available on the effects of glucosinolates and its breakdown products on non-target and beneficial soil organisms. Negative effects on beneficial soil organisms can have serious negative impacts on soil quality especially when essential ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling and soil bioturbation are affected. Three biofumigants, broccoli, mustard and oilseed radish, and two chemical fumigants, metham sodium and cadusafos, were investigated for possible effects on non-target and essential soil organisms such as earthworms and the soil microbial community. Sublethal endpoints, including growth and reproductive success of the earthworms, were monitored. The genotoxicity of the biologically active compounds found in the fumigants, towards earthworms, was evaluated by means of the comet assay. The DNA damage was quantified by tail intensity parameters. Furthermore, the changes in the soil microbial community function and structure were evaluated by means of community level physiological profiling (CLPP) and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analyses respectively. All exposures were done in artificial soil prepared according to the OECD standard guidelines. In the biofumigant treated soils, results varied and different effects were observed on the non-target soil organisms. Broccoli reduced cocoon production and the number of hatchlings while mustard induced more DNA strand breaks in earthworm cells compared to the control. All the biofumigants stimulated microbial growth but broccoli and oilseed radish changed the microbial functional diversity. Mustard had no lasting effect on the functional diversity but altered the microbial community structure. The chemical fumigants had a marked negative impact on the survival, growth, reproduction and the genotoxicity of the earthworms with metham sodium causing greater harm than cadusafos. The effects on the microbial community varied. Both chemicals had an inhibitory effect on the microbial growth in terms of the viable biomass determined by PLFA and the average well colour development in the Biolog™ Ecoplates. No lasting effects were observed in the community structure. Overall, cadusafos had a more pronounced effect on the microbial community functional diversity than metham sodium. Results indicated that each bioindicator species illustrates effects at their own level of organisation. Masters

MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015 Bt-maize is engineered to express insecticidal toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis and has been shown to be very effective against pests like Busseola fusca.However, resistance of this pest against Bt-maize has developed and spread throughout South Africa. This study was inspired by the lack of knowledge over the microorganisms associated with the gut of these insects as they play a vital role in insect growth and development. Microbial-derived enzymes may have a role during an insect's adaption in different environmental conditions and to new diets. Previous studies suggest (1) that gut bacteria are required for B. thuringiensis-induced mortality in most Lepidoptera species and (2) that the toxicity of B. thuringiensis depends on microbial community interactions within the gut. The aim of this study was to determine the microbial diversity present in the midgut of B. fusca larvae occurring in maize. Busseola fusca larvae were collected from 30 sites throughout South Africa and dissected to collect their midgut contents. Serial dilutions were made of the contents and spread plated onto nutrient agar after which morphotypes were identified. One-hundred and five morphotypes were identified; DNA were extracted from the selected morphotypes and subjected to PCR analysis followed by secquencing. Sequencing results revealed the dominance of Enterococcus spp., specifically Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus gallinarum, Klebsiella spp., espesially Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca and Bacillus spp. such as .B. thuringiensis and B. subtilis. Other organisms isolated, included Achromobacter spp., Brevudimonas spp., Caulobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Halomonas spp., Ochrobactrum spp., Pantoea spp., Pseudomonas spp., Serratia spp., Stenotrophomonas spp., Arthrobacter spp., Brevibacterium spp., Leucobacter spp., Microbacterium spp., Planomicrobium spp. and Staphylococcus spp. The microbial diversity of larvae collected at the respective sampling sites were determined with the Shannon diversity index. The data were compared to several factors regarding the sampling sites. No significant differences were observed between the microbial diversities isolated at the respective sites. This may imply that the microbial community within B. fusca larvae are relative consistent throughout the maize production area. It is important to understand the distribution and structure of gut microbial communities within insects and whether the gut community is influenced by the geographical distribution of the insects. A better understanding of the distribution of the insects and community structure of their gut microbiota may aid in the development of better insect control strategies. Masters

Thesis (MSc (Environmental Sciences))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012. Sunflower cultivation in South Africa is threatened to a large extent by the fungal parasite, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which causes extensive head rot and crop losses of up to 100%. This is a major problem for commercial farmers since it leads to a lower farm income, as the use of fungicides minimises crop damage, but increases production costs and can lead to several environmental problems. Therefore, an alternative is needed which can still control crop diseases, without harbouring health and environmental risks. Due to their biofumigation potential, Brassica plant species incorporated into the soil as green manures can be applied as alternatives for chemical pesticides. These plants produce glucosinolates that are hydrolysed upon tissue disruption by the enzyme, myrosinase, into active products for example isothiocyanates. Since isothiocyanates are highly toxic, it can be used instead of conventional pesticides for the inhibition of soil–borne pathogens. However, little is known about the effect of such biofumigants on the natural soil microbial communities required to maintain soil functions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the influence of canola (Brassica napus) green manure on soil microbial community function and structure. The study consisted of 32 pots containing four treatments of eight replicates each. The treatments included 1) only sunflowers in soil (control), 2) sunflowers in soil incorporated with canola green manure; 3) sunflowers in soil incorporated with canola and inoculated with S. sclerotiorum and 4) sunflowers in soil inoculated with S. sclerotiorum. The experiment was conducted for 120 days. From the soil physico–chemical properties conducted before the treatments were applied and after experiment completion, it was evident that the initial stimulating effect of canola manure on the soil carbon, total nitrogen and organic carbon content was not long-lasting. The overall microbial activity assessed with dehydrogenase assays and Biolog® Ecoplates, varied in relation to plant growth cycles, as root secretions differed. Multivariate analysis of the substrate utilisation patterns, distinguished among the treatments. Utilisation profiles illustrated that although different members of microorganisms were active in the various treatments, similar trends could still be observed. All four treatments showed similar diversity profiles after 120 days. Phospholipid fatty acid results indicated a significant increase in microbial biomass for all four treatments over time. The microbial community structure differed to a lesser extent between treatments, but changed over time within each treatment. Community function varied according to the changing structure. Fatty acid stress ratios for all treatments showed significantly lower stress levels just after manure amendments, as the added organic matter might have stimulated microbial growth. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements showed shifts occurring in the photosynthetic efficiency of the sunflowers among the treatments. S. sclerotiorum had a suppressive effect on photosystem II functionality leading to lower electron transport and ATP production. Canola green manure amendments had a slight negative effect on sunflower vitality. Overall the results obtained from this study suggest that incorporation of canola green manure into the soil has an effect on soil microbial community function and structure. Nonetheless, this biofumigation effect is short–lived and microbial communities returned to their initial compositions after the disturbance. The methods applied during this investigation indicated a possible suppressive effect of the canola manure on S. sclerotiorum. Masters

Thesis (MSc (Environmental Sciences))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012. One of the major constrains in beekeeping is damage caused by the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella). Due to problems and concerns regarding the use of chemical insecticides, biopesticides have been introduced to manage problematic insects. For the biological control of greater wax moth, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai (B.t.a) has been widely researched and used. Large scale production of B.t.a as a biopesticide is expensive because of the high cost of commercial media formulations. In this study, three raw materials, horse manure, soy meal and maize chops, were selected for evaluation as raw materials for media production based on their economical feasibility and availability and compared to two commercial media (Tryptone soy broth and bactopeptone). Sixty three raw material formulations and two commercial media were evaluated in terms of spore yield and toxicity towards G. mellonella. For each formulation the spore and vegetative cell yield was determined using direct microscopy. From the results obtained from the 63 formulations, the 12 highest spore yielding formulations were selected and re–evaluated for confirmation of the results. Spores obtained from the 12 highest spore yielding formulations were used in a bioassay to determine their toxicity against G. mellonella larvae and the protein concentration were also determined. Spore morphology was investigated for the 12 highest spore yielding formulations. Formulations containing 3.75 g horse manure, 5 g maize chops and with soy meal ranging between 1.25 g and 3.75 g yielded the highest spore yields. In particular the combination of 3.75 g horse manure, 5 g maize chops and 1.25 g soy meal had the highest spore yields but also resulted in 100 % mortality against G. mellonella larvae within 3 days. The yields obtained were also significantly higher than those for the commercial media against which they were evaluated. As such it was concluded that the selected formulation represents a feasible alternative to commercial media for the production of B.t.a. Masters

Thesis (M.Sc. (Environmental Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010. The asbestos mining industry has left a legacy of pollution that continues to poison former mining areas and surrounding land – posing a significant health risk to local communities. The rehabilitation of sites disturbed by mining activities, aims to negate the adverse effects associated with these post-mining landscapes and to achieve the return of a disturbed site to a degree of its former state or to a sustainable usable condition. In order to assist the effective rehabilitation of derelict and ownerless asbestos mines it was critical to develop a scientific database to indicate the status of rehabilitation at specific sites. The Rehabilitation Prioritisation Index (RPI) was developed in 2007 to indicate the sequence for rehabilitation of asbestos pollution by quantifying the risk associated with a specific pollution site. The use of the RPI has been implemented by the South African Department of Minerals and Energy as part of an integrated approach towards the rehabilitation of the asbestos legacies of the past. In this study, a multidisciplinary approach was applied to sites in three provinces as identified in the RPI, to facilitate the development of the Rehabilitation Monitoring Index (RMI). It is envisioned that this index, as part of a larger monitoring database, would assist in the successful monitoring and long-term rehabilitation of asbestos mines. During the monitoring process, the most prominent aspects governing the rehabilitation process were identified from comprehensive assessments of quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative parameters included cover depth, physical and chemical soil properties, soil microbial activity, vegetation properties and small mammal surveys. Qualitative data included the footprint area, land use, erosion or flood damage, secondary pollution and water control structure damage. From the quantitative data, those parameters which had the greatest influence on the rehabilitation process were identified. In order of most to least important these groups were analysed by multivariate statistical ordination and classified into four groups: success parameters > essentials to be addressed > reasons for failure > non-distinguishable entities. The qualitative data indicated that the Limpopo Province was in the highest state of degradation after rehabilitation and that site history plays an important role in rehabilitation planning. Quantitative and qualitative parameters were assessed for all sites and applied in the RMI as weighted factors from which the rehabilitation status of a specific site can be calculated. Qualitative data was given a weight of 25% and quantitative data a weight of 75%. RMI values were calculated for each parameter and sites were distributed across a range which classifies the sites according to their rehabilitation status. Once again the Limpopo Province was identified as the province with the least successful rehabilitation. The results from this investigation show that a multidisciplinary approach is a step in the right direction for the successful monitoring of rehabilitated post-mining sites such as asbestos mines. It is however necessary that the RMI must be validated and the weights allocated to qualitative parameters must be reconsidered for the future development of this tool. While the RPI and RMI cannot be compared directly, it might be of great revelation to reassess the RPI values of all the sites after rehabilitation and compare this data to the RMI values. Masters

Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009. South Africa is one of the most important mining countries in the world, hosting the world's largest reserves of platinum group metals (PGMs). Even though mining is clearly an important activity in South Africa, contributing approximately US$ 7.4 billion annually to the countries' gross domestic product (GDP), the costs to the environment are not insignificant. One of the most severe environmental aspects associated with mining is the storage of mineral waste on tailings storage facilities due to their impacts on air quality, ground water quality, aesthetics and land use. It is also unknown whether the environmental effects of tailings storage facilities increase or decrease over time. The aim of this study was to determine the ecotoxicity of platinum tailings storage facilities of different ages by means of soil physical and chemical analysis, earthworm ecotoxicological studies, dehydrogenase activity and soil mesofauna studies. Samples were obtained from three platinum tailings storage facilities of different ages of which two were already rehabilitated while the third was still operational at the time this study was performed. The latter was used as a negative control for the purpose of the study. Soil samples were physically and chemically analysed. Earthworm ecotoxicological studies were conducted to determine changes in biomass, reproduction, mortality, neutral red retention times and tissue metal concentrations. Dehydrogenase activity was determined before the introduction of earthworms and manure, after introductions of manure and after introductions of earthworms and manure. Soil mesofauna were extracted and identified in order to determine species richness, diversity, abundance and functional grouping. Soil chemical analysis indicated that concentrations of certain heavy metals, especially chrome (Cr), present in platinum tailings materials could have a potential effect on microorganisms, microbial processes and earthworms. Earthworm ecotoxicological results indicated that earthworms that bioaccumulated higher levels of heavy metals showed poor hatchability of cocoons. Dehydrogenase activity indicated that earthworms play a significant role in increasing the number and biomass of soil microbes because significant increases in dehydrogenase activity were noticed after the addition of earthworms to platinum tailings materials. Results from the earthworm ecotoxicological studies, dehydrogenase activity, and soil mesofauna composition indicated that environmental impacts of tailings storage facilities did not increase with age, but is more likely to be an indication of the rehabilitation measures administered to the different tailings storage facilities. Masters

Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006. Platinum mining activities contribute substantially to South Africa's economy since it exceeded gold as economical contributor in 2001. Mining activities contribute to large amounts of waste production in the form of tailings and rock waste, deposited in the surrounding environment of the mine premises. Mining companies are held responsible for damages caused to the surrounding environment. These companies are required to introduce the cost of ecological rehabilitation in their operation costs as well as compile an environmental management plan. Numerous attempts to rehabilitate mine waste have proven unsuccessful. New and improved rehabilitation techniques are required to facilitate in the rehabilitation of these mine spoils. Woodchip-vermicompost produced from platinum mining wastes (woodchips and sewage sludge) was used as an alternative amendment to inorganic fertilisers during the rehabilitation of platinum mine tailings. The effectiveness of the woodchip-vermicompost as an alternative amendment during the platinum mine tailings rehabilitation were monitored using different ecosystem components. A natural veldt in the vicinity of the mine area was randomly selected to serve as a reference site. These ecosystem components selected have previously been shown to be effective as indicators of ecosystem quality. The components selected for this study includes the use of microbial enzymatic activity, microbial community structure, nematode trophic structures, and other mesofaunal groups such as micro-arthropods. The physical and chemical properties of the platinum mine tailings and reference area as well as the vegetation cover of the platinum mine tailings were determined. Statistical and multivariate analyses were use to determine the correlation between the dependent microbial components and dominate independent chemical properties. Nematode trophic structure, Maturity Index, and Plant-Parasitic nematode Index were used to compare the two rehabilitation techniques in terms of nematodes as indicators. Microarthropods family structures were used to compare the two amendments in terms of diversity and abundance. Enzymatic activity was positively affected by the addition of woodchip-vermicompost, than in the sites treated with inorganic fertilisers. The microbial community structure showed no statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences between the two amendments. A higher abundance of nematodes especially plant-parasitic nematodes and bacterivorous nematodes were observed in the woodchip-vermicompost sites than in the inorganic fertilised sites. According to the Maturity Index, both amendments became more enriched during the study period, while the Plant-Parasitic nematode Index showed that the carrying capacity for plantparasitic nematodes on the woodchip-vermicompost sites increased while it decreased in the inorganic fertilised sites, which can be related to the decrease in vegetation cover on the inorganic fertilised sites. Both coloniser (Prostigmata) and persister (Cryptostigmata and Mesostigmata) groups of the micro-arthropods, as well as a higher diversity of micro-arthropods, were present on the woodchip-vermicompost sites whereas the inorganic fertilised sites showed only the presence of colonisers, with a decrease in diversity and abundance of micro-arthropods over the study. The colonisation of micro-arthropods may have been affected by the addition of woodchip-vermicompost and vegetation cover, which contribute to the establishment of suitable microhabitats for these soil biota. By intercorrelating the results, it may be concluded that the addition of woodchip-vermicompost may be an essential part of the rehabilitation process, by contributing to soil organic material to the ecosystem system, which may improve the recolonisation of soil biota and ecosystem processes. However further studies need to be conducted in order to determine the long-term sustainability of the woodchip-vermicompost in providing organic material and sustaining the ecosystem processes. The study also showed the necessity to integrate various ecosystem components when evaluating ecosystem development due to the unique role each component plays and the impact it may have on other components. Masters