Search

Water quality problems are a major challenge that humans encounter in the 21st Century. Water security presents a pressing concern in South Africa due to persistent difficulties in ensuring water availability, accessibility, and quality. Given the numerous activities that are taking place adjacent to riverbanks, there has been a decline in water quality. This study determined the state of the Crocodile River's intermediate water quality and assessed the effects of various human-induced activities. Water samples were collected during 2016–2023 in different sites within the Crocodile River, and physicochemical parameters were analysed in an accredited laboratory. The Python package Seaborn was used for statistical analysis of the data to provide visualizations and data variations. Overall, the results show that elevated concentrations of electrical conductivity (EC) and sulphate (SO42−) were recorded in the Crocodile River. The presence of elevated EC levels in R571 Bridge exceeded 133.90 µs/cm between 2020 and 2021, whilst the highest concentration levels (114 mg/L) for SO42− were recorded in Malelane in the year 2020. The elevated concentrations of concern were recorded during the dry season (winter) and the wet season (spring). Overall, the comparisons of the spatiotemporal concentration indicate that the water quality parameters fluctuate over time. Moreover, the monitoring practice of detecting the water quality change over time is also fundamental for providing valuable information necessary for the management of integrated water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of indigenous knowledge systems into the discussion of bush encroachment management is of paramount importance. Indigenous knowledge and formal monitoring may be mutually beneficial, and using both approaches can improve natural resource management. Savannah rangeland landscapes hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous communities, and their perceptions can provide valuable insights into creating more effective, community-driven conservation initiatives. This study was aimed at filling the existing knowledge and research gap on bush encroachment control by focusing on the integration of indigenous knowledge systems. To achieve this, the current research included three distinct non-probability sampling strategies: (1) Purposive, (2) Snowball, (3) Convenience sampling methods. The results showed that 90.3% of the participants indicated that the main encroaching species of concern was sickle bush (Dichrostachys cinerea) and it is therefore perceived as a problem in the rangeland. The majority of farmer respondents indicated that they cut the encroacher plant down, uproot all root systems, then burn the remaining roots. This is reported to be a more effective way of managing sickle bush as an encroacher plant. Both genders generally believe in the efficacy of these systems, with variations in levels of agreement. However, a gender disparity emerges in opinions on incorporating communal-based approaches, emphasizing the need to consider gender perspectives in environmental management initiatives. Therefore, considering this, the study concludes that a holistic approach, integrating both formal and informal knowledge systems, may be crucial for sustainable and effective management strategies. Given that, recognizing the diversity of perspectives within the community, particularly regarding gender differences, is essential for developing inclusive and community-driven environmental management initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a belief that ambient air pollution is accountable for degrading the air quality indoors. Although in principle the indoor air quality should be better than that of outdoor air quality given the shielding effect of a house structure. However, ambient air quality can infiltrate and influence indoor air pollution concentrations in low-income urban informal settlements due to rudimentary designed household structures. Given this phenomenon, the current study endeavoured to explore the influence of outdoor exposure concentration on indoor air quality within the informal settlements of urban neighbourhoods. The exposure concentrations of indoor and outdoor particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide pollutants were simultaneously measured during summer and winter seasons. The GilAir Plus air sample pump was used to acquire measurements of particulate matter collected over 48 hours. While nitrogen dioxide gases were measured using passive diffusive samplers. All statistical analyses were performed using Python (version 3.8) Spyder. The current study has discovered that in many instances the results were comparable indoors and outdoors. For instance, this has been corroborated by the nitrogen dioxide discoveries where the current results were slightly comparable as indoor exposure concentrations values were recorded to be between (4 µg/m3 and 13 µg/m3), whilst the outdoor concentration ranged between (6 µg/m3 and 11 µg/m3). Likewise, a similar trend was observed for particulate matter exposure concentrations indoors (14 µg/m3) and (12 µg/m3) outdoors. The statistical inferences futher confirmed that the exposure values of indoor and outdoor were not significant (p>0.05) within the study areas of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]