ESTUARIES IN SOUTH AFRICA

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BUFFELS RIVER ESTUARY: Water Quality

	Physio-chemical Characteristics
	The high water table at the mouth due to the presence of an aquifer in the lower part of the river results in relatively stable conditions prevailing in the open water pans and channels which are situated at the mouth. (Ref 1)

	Nutrients
	At Grid ref. 2206 very little algae present which suggests a lack of nutrients. Dense algal mats occurred however at Grid ref. 2007 suggesting probable concentration of nutrients at this site due to evaporation and run-off from the golf course. The golf course which is situated on the lower floodplain and above Grid ref. 2007, is irrigated entirely with water from the sewerage works which represents and added nutrient input into the system. (Ref 1)
	No data available on nitrogen, inorganic carbon, phosphorous, dissolved soleds, dissolved organic matter, particulate organic matter, or other nutrients. (Ref 1)

	Pollution
	Sewage
	Due to critical shortage of water, the settlement of Kleinsee makes full use of all the available water extracted from the aquifer situated in the sandy riverbed of the Buffels Estuary. This is done by purifying the sewage and waste water to the extent that it can be re-utilized for irrigation of garderns, sportfields, the golf course and agricultural crops. The run-off would then also serve to recharge the aquifer to a certain extent. (Ref 1)
	Other forms of pollution:
	No data are available on possible pollution by oil, metals, pesticides or herbicides. (Ref 1)
	The dumping of excess rubble, grass cuttings and gardern refuse takes place along the retaining embankments separating the gold course from the main river course. General litter in the form of bottles, cold drink containers, etc. was found below the golf course and along the lower riverbed. (Ref 1)