ESTUARIES IN SOUTH AFRICA

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MKOMAZI ESTUARY: Water Quality

	Physio-chemical Characteristics






	Pollution
	1978 (Ref.1): "Despite the presence of the SAICCOR factory just above the estuary, the chemistry of the Mkomazi estuary has never been thoroughly studied. During the period 1955 – 1957 severte pollution of the esuary was caused by the disposal of SAICCOR’s effluent onto a beach just south of the Mkomazi. The factory effluent has since been conducted by pipeline from a point north of the estuary mouth, onto the sea bed 2.5 km conducted by offshore. Pollution of the estuary occurred because the effluent (a black liquor called calcium lignosulphate) was less dense than sea water, and was being brought back into the estuary from the beach outfall position, on the tides. Here is would create a high oxygen demand which resulted in the death of fish in the estuary."
	1978 (Ref.1): "Quantitative assessments of the effects of the effluent upon the littoral fauna were made by Burton before and three years after the commencement of effluent flow from the factory. No changes exclusively due to the effluent were detectable. Fishing is reported to be excellent next to the effluent position offshore. Effluent is still brought inshore by the southeast winds, where, in conjunction with the wave action, results in the production of white foam that covers the shore. This foam is broken up with the aid of dispersants. The ecological effects of the dispersant are unknown, but are generally considered to be minimal. Today, pollution of the Mkomazi estuary is still probable for several reasons: The original beach outfall position remains in use during emergencies (in even of pump or power failure). Effluent brought inshore by the southeast winds can still enter the estuary at high tide. The sludge of alum and silt emerging from SAICCOR’s water treatment plant may be having some effect in the estuary and There is a drainage canal below the factory on the southern bank, from which a warm iridescent effluent often run."