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GOURITZ ESTUARY: Water Quality |
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Physio-chemical Characteristics |
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During a survey in 1987 (Ref.1), the top and bottom water samples were taken at 4 stations. Readings were taken for Temperature, Dissolved oxygen, salinity, and water transparency. It was concluded that the water was well oxygenated with dissolved oxygen values just below saturation. Salinity and temperature values indicted fairly good mixing at most stations. Water transparency varied between 1.1 and 2 m (Secchi disk measurements), with the water colour being varying intensities of green. |
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Pollution |
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Interesting: References to pollution
incidents. An article in
“Die Burger” of 16 July 1982, which reported on the death of fish in
the Gourits River, most probably caused by vinegar like substance
resulting in oxygen depletion. Thousands
of dead moggels (Labeo umbratus)
were found as far upstream as Herbertsdale (100km inland).
A press release from the CDNEC on 19 August 1987, which reported
the death of 15 blue cranes through poisoning on the banks of the
Gourits River near Herbertsdale. |
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