PART 5: DATA COLLECTION AND METHODOLOGY

47

PART 5: DATA COLLECTION AND METHODOLOGY

5.1. DATA COLLECTION:

Existing data that were collected during the literature review as well as site investigation of the study

area. The existing data include maps of the study area as well as previous studies conducted on the

area. With the knowledge gained from the literature review as well as an investigation of the study

area, the water quality conditions of the Hex River catchment can now be established. Water quality

data for a four year period (July 2002 to June 2006) is used to ascertain whether the conditions of the

Hex River and its primary tributaries have deteriorated over time. The selected period of four year

includes the most recent water quality data and includes all seasons, winter, spring, summer and

autumn, and well as wet and dry periods. The most recent water quality data are used to determine the

current water quality conditions of the study area as well and its suitability with regards to domestic

use, irrigation and livestock watering as well as its fitness for the aquatic environment. For the purpose

of this study the annual average water quality were calculated so that average conditions of the past can

be compared to the most recent conditions.

Water quality management includes the processes of sampling, measurement, recording and analysis

(Huang & Xia, 2001). Analytical data are required to indicate the quality of water by determination of

parameters such as the concentrations of inorganic material, dissolved minerals or chemicals, dissolved

gases, dissolved organic material, and matter suspended in the water or bottom sediments at a specific

time and localities or over a specific time interval at a particular location (ISO 5667-2:1991 (E)).

Quantitative data of the physical, chemical and biological constituents (Table 9, p. 48) of the Hex River

and its primary tributaries (Table 10, p.49) as collected by routine sampling during the monitoring

period were obtained from Clean Stream Environmental Services (CSES).

For any resource be it a dam, river or aquifer a specific profile of users has developed over time

(Barnard, 1999). A water user survey (Clean Stream Environmental Services, 1999) was conducted

with the Target Water Quality Guidelines in mind, to identify the various water users adjacent to the

Hex River. The Target Water Quality Guidelines Ranges (TWQGR) for various water uses including

domestic use, livestock watering, irrigation and aquatic ecosystems will be used to identify the

suitability of use of the water in the Hex River. The protection and management of water resources

48

usually impose different requirements on water quality and thus the associated water quality objectives

for each use are different (WHO/UNEP, 1997).

Table 9: Water Quality constituents affecting domestic use, irrigation, livestock watering and the

aquatic environment analysed for the Hex River and its primary tributaries.

WATER QUALITY CONSTITUENTS

Chemical Constituents Physical Constituents Biological Constituents

- Hardness (mg/l) - Chloride (mg/l) - Sulphate (mg/l) - Fluoride (mg/l) - Iron (mg/l) - Manganese (mg/l) - Ortho-phosphate (mg/l) - Nitrate (mg/l) - Ammonium (mg/l)

- pH - Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) - Electrical Conductivity (mg/l) - Turbidity (NTU)

- Total Coliform counts - Faecal Coliform counts - E. Coli counts

As previously described in the literature review Part 3, p. 9 - 27, and summarized in Table 2, p17. only

certain chemical physical and biological constituents affect the fitness of water quality for use as

domestic, irrigation and livestock watering purposes and the survival of the aquatic ecosystem. For the

purpose of this study only constituents that have an effect on these water users were collected and are

summarized in Table 9, p. 48.

5.2. LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF MONITORING LOCALITIES:

Sampling points established by the routine monitoring conducted by Clean Stream Environmental

Services) adequately cover all the possible pollution sources of the Hex River and its associated

tributaries. Sampling sites within the Hex River were chosen to represent upstream and downstream

conditions from the confluence of the primary tributaries as well as possible sources of impact. These

localities are defined in Table 10 and the location of the localities represented in Figures 10 to 28,

49

Table 10: Water Quality monitoring locality names and descriptions situated within the Hex

River and tributaries Dorp Spruit, Klipgat Spruit, Paardekraal Spruit and Klipfontein Spruit.

Locality name Monitoring Locality Decription

Dorp1 Prison stream No. 2: Industrial stream u/s Prison dam

Dorp2 Prison stream No. 1: Dorpspruit u/s Prison dam

Dorp3 Dorp Spruit d/s of Prison dam

Dorp4 Dorpspruit before Hex confluence

Paarde1 Paardekraal spruit - upstream of WWTW

Paarde2 Paardekraal spruit - upstream of Frank #2 shaft, downstream of WWTW

Paarde3 Paardekraal Dam 1

Paarde4 Paardekraal Spruit - downstream of Paardekraal Dam 1

Paarde5 Paardekraal Spruit before Hex River

Klipg1 Frank #1 Shaft effluent, upstream of Frank Concentrator at storm water discharge

Klipg2 Klipgat Dam northwest of Waterval tailings

Klipg3 Klipgat Spruit before Hex River

Klipf1 Eastern Inflow into Klipfontein RWD

Klipf2 Klipfontein Dam

Klipf3 Klipfontein Spruit d/s of Klipfontein Dam

Klipf4 Klipfontein spruit downstream of Waterval Smelter

Klipf5 Naude Dam

Klipf6 Seepage from Naude Dam

Hex1 Hex River - u/s of Waterval mine

Hex2 Hex River, upstream reference locality

Hex3 Hex River at road to Rustenburg

Hex4 Hex River on road to Naude Dam

Hex5 Paardekraal Angling Dam

Hex6 Hex River on bridge between Klipfontein- and Klipgat Spruit

Hex7 Hex river downstream of Dorp Spruit confluence

Hex8 Hex River between Klipgat- and Paardekraal Spruit

Hex9 Hex River downstream of Paardekraal Spruit confluence

Hex10 Hex River before Bospoort Dam

Hex11 Bospoort Dam

Klipfontein Spruit

Hex River

Dorp Spruit

Klipgat Spruit

Paardekraal Spruit

5.2.1. MONITORING LOCALITIES SITUATED IN THE DORP SPRUIT

Four monitoring localities situated within the Hex River tributary, the Dorp Spruit and illustrated in

Figure 11. p.51, were included in this study, and are described below. Figure 11, p. 51 illustrates the

location of the Dorp Spruit monitoring localities on a thematic map, and indicates a visual presentation

(photo) of each monitoring locality of were sampling occurred. Figure 11, p. 51 also indicate the

coordinates and locality description of each of the Dorp Spruit localities.

• Dorp1- Prison stream no. 2. This monitoring locality indicates the water quality conditions of

the Prison Stream No. 2 which drains the Rustenburg Northern Industrial Zone, before its

confluence with the Prison Stream No.1 just upstream of the Prison Dam. Storm water runoff

50

from industrial premises as well as discharge from industries into the Prison Stream no. 2 will

report to this monitoring locality. Various industries impacting on the water quality of the

Prison Stream no. 2 are: Willard batteries, Alpha cement, Rustenburg Abattoir, Rainbow farms,

Epol Plant and Coke Cola Plant. Figure 8, p.39, indicate that the settlements of Thobane and

Zinniaville are situated on the banks of the Prison Stream No. 2. These settlements can impact

on the water quality of the Prison Stream No. 2 by surface run-off as well as informal sewage

networks. The water quality impacts will report to monitoring locality Dorp1 as indicated in

Figure 11, p. 51.

• Dorp2- Prison stream no. 1- from Rustenburg east. The sampling point indicates the water

quality conditions of the Prison Stream No. 1, which drains the Rustenburg central business

district before its confluence with the Prison Stream No. 1, upstream of the Prison Dam. Water

quality impacts represented by monitoring locality Dorp2 include storm water runoff form

urban surfaces as well as additional impacts from activities within the Central Business District

on the water quality of the Prison Stream no. 1 and ultimately the Hex River. The settlements

Rustenburg East as indicated in Figure 8, p. 39, as well as the Prison and school will impact on

the water quality of the Prison Stream 1. Figure 10, p. 50 indicate seepage from a disused

magazine site as well as leachate from the Rustenburg Municipal landfill site which can further

impacts on the water quality conditions recorded at sampling point Dorp2.

Disused magazine

Sludge settling dams

Waste water pump station

Rock dump toe seepage

Landfill site

Figure 10: Identified impacts on the Prison Stream No. 1 within the Dorp Spruit (Clean Stream

Environmental Services, 2003).

51

Mining activities

N

Prison Dam

Catchment: Dorp

Type: Spruit

Coordinates: S25.63810/ E27.24437

Locality Description: Prison Stream No. 2 (Stream Draining the Rustenburg Northern industrial zone)

Catchment: Dorp

Type: Spruit

Coordinates: S25.64681 / E27.25348

Locality Description: Prison stream No. 1 - from Rustenburg east (Stream draining Rustenburg CBD)

Catchment: Dorp

Type: Spruit

Coordinates: S25.6400/ E27.2756

Locality Description: Dorp Spruit before Hex confluence (Upstream conditions in the Dorp Spruit before confluence with Hex River)

Catchment: Dorp

Type: Spruit

Coordinates: S25.624 / E27.28788

Locality Description: Dorp Spruit before Hex confluence

Dorp1

Dorp1 Dorp2

Dorp3 Dorp4

Dorp2

Dorp3

Dorp4

1: 50 000

27'16'E

25'38'S

Figure 11: Illustrated map indicating the location of monitoring localities (Dorp1- Dorp4) as well

as locality names, description, coordinates situated within the Dorp Spruit.

52

• Dorp3- Dorp Spruit before Hex confluence. The monitoring locality represents the water quality

conditions of the Dorp Spruit just downstream of the Prison Dam and the confluence of the two

Prison Streams. The difference in water quality from monitoring localities Dorp1 and Dorp2,

situated within the Prison Stream, and Dorp3 indicate the assimilative capacity or adverse water

quality impact from the Prison Dam on the Dorp Spruit. It is possible that the Prison’s waste

water is being discharged into the Prison Dam which could raise the nutrient levels of the Dorp

Spruit and subsequently the Hex River significantly.

• Dorp4- Dorp Spruit before Hex confluence. This sampling point indicates the upstream water

quality conditions in the Dorp Spruit prior to its confluence with the Hex River. These Dorp4 is

indicative of the aggregated water quality impact of the Dorp Spruit on the Hex River.

5.2.2. MONITORING LOCALITIES SITUATED WITHIN THE PAARDEKRAAL SPRUIT

The Paardekraal Spruit as indicated in Figure 5, p 31 is a non-perennial stream, frequently recorded as

dry and often does not reach the Hex River. Five sampling points as indicated on Figure 12, p. 53

situated within the Paardekraal Spruit were included in this study. Figure 12, p. 53 indicate the

positions of the water monitoring localities on a thematic map, and indicates the location were

sampling were undertaken by a visual presentation (photo). The coordinated as well as locality

description are further indicated on Figure 12, p. 53. The Paardekraal Spruit monitoring localities are

described below:

• Paarde1- Paardekraal, upstream of Waste Water Treatment Works. Monitoring locality

Paarde1 is the most upstream point in the Paardekraal Spruit, and indicates water quality

conditions after impacts from mining activities as indicated in Figure 13, p. 54 before impacts

for the waste water treatment works. Mining activities impacting on the water quality at

Paarde1 can be ascribed to rock dump toe seepage, excess water dams overflows and sludge

settling dams from Platinum Mine Shaft activities as well as surface discharge, runoff and dam

overflow from a Platinum Mine Refrigeration Plant. The sludge settling dams situated on the

eastern side of the shaft complex contain an inherent risk of spillage towards the Paardekraal

Spruit.

53

Mining Activities

Mining Activites

N

Paardekraal Dam 1

Catchment: Paardekraal

Type: Spruit

Coordinates: S25.6399 E27.35217

Locality Description: Paardekraal - upstream of Waste Water Treatment Works


Type: Dam


Locality Description: Paardekraal Dam 1 (Representing conditions in the Paardekraal Dam 1)


Type: Spruit


Locality Description: Paardekraal Spruit - downstream of Paardekraal Phase 1 dam (Mining impact towards the Paardekraal Spruit)


Type: Spruit


Locality Description: Paardekraal Spruit before Hex River (Aggregate impact on Paardekraal Spruit prior to confluence with Hex River)

Paarde2

Paarde1

Paarde4

Paarde1

Paarde3

Paarde5

Paarde2

Paarde3

Paarde4

Paarde5


Type: Spruit


Locality Description: Paardekraal Spruit - upstream of mining activities (Shaft), downstream of Waste Water Treatment Works

1: 50 000

27'19'E

25'37'S

Figure 12: Illustrated map indicating the location of monitoring localities (Paarde1 - Paarde5) as

well as locality names, description, coordinates situated within the Paardekraal Spruit.

54


Sludge settling dams Concrete

sump

Process water dams

Figure 13: Mining related impacts on the Paardekraal Spruit at Paarde1 (Clean Stream


• Paarde2- Paardekraal Spruit- upstream of mining activities (Shaft), downstream of Waste

Water Treatment Works. Monitoring locality Paarde2 is situated upstream of any mining

activities impacting on the water quality of the Paardekraal Spruit, but downstream of a waste

water treatment works. Treated sewage from the Thekwane waste water treatment works as

illustrated in Figure 14, p. 54, is disposed into the Thekwane maturation dam of which the

overflow drains to the Paardekraal Spruit. According to Clean Stream Environmental Services

(2003) the contingency measures for the Thekwane wastewater treatment works also includes a

direct discharge into the Paardekraal Spruit rendering it with a potential pollution. Several urban

surface water and storm water runoff drains into the Paardekraal Spruit from the Boitekong # 4,

5 and 6 extensions on the eastern banks as indicated in Figure 8, p.39. These impacts report to

the water quality of monitoring locality Paarde2.

WWTW

Waste water

discharge

Maturation dam

Figure 14: Impacts from the Thekwane waste water treatment works on the Paardekraal Spruit

(Clean Stream Environmental Services, 2003).

• Paarde3- Paardekraal Dam 1. Monitoring locality Paarde3 indicates the water quality

conditions of the Paardekraal Phase 1 dam. Mining related impacts on the Paardekraal Spruit at

55

monitoring locality Paarde3 include surface discharge into the Paardekraal Spruit from a

concrete sump, sludge settling dam overflow as well as pollution control dam discharge

illustrated in Figure 15, p. 55. Long term discharge from saline mine water probably resulted in

the salinification of the soils within the observed pathway towards the Paardekraal Spruit.

Although the discharges rarely reached the Spruit the sustained nature thereof probably added

to the salt loading within the area. A significant rainfall event could remobilize the salt from the

soil and rapidly introduce it to the downstream environment with adverse effects on the aquatic

environment (Clean Stream Environmental Services, 2003). Further, water quality impacts at

this locality include drain discharge and urban surface water and storm water runoff from

Paardekraal extension 2 as indicated in Figure 8, p. 39.

Seepage area


Excess water dam


Figure 15: Mining related impacts on the Paardekraal Spruit at Paarde3 (Clean Stream


• Paarde4- Paardekraal Spruit Downstream of Paardekraal Phase 1 Dam. Monitoring locality

Paarde4 represents the water quality downstream of the Paardekraal Phase 1 Dam. The same

mining impacts as described above for monitoring locality Paarde3 will introduce inferior water

quality to the Paardekraal Spruit at monitoring locality Paarde4.

• Paarde5- Paardekraal Spruit before Hex River. Monitoring locality Paarde 5 indicate the

aggregated water quality impacts on the Paardekraal Spruit prior to the confluence thereof with

the Hex River. As the Paardekraal Spruit drains towards the Hex River, prior to confluence it is

now diverted into an artificial wetland system as constructed by the Working for Water

workgroup (Clean Stream Environmental Services, 2003). This wetland system also

56

incorporates the discharge from the waste water treatment works situated just prior to the Hex

River confluence and monitoring locality Paarde5 as illustrated by Figure 16, p. 56.

WWTW

Wastewater discharge

Artificial wetland

WWTW

Figure 16: Impacts from the waste water treatment works upstream of the Paardekraal Spruit

confluence with the Hex River (Clean Stream Environmental Services, 2003).

5.2.3. MONITORING LOCALITIES SITUATED WITHIN THE KLIPGAT SPRUIT

Three monitoring localities situated within the Hex River tributary, the Klipgat Spruit (Figure 5, p. 31)

were included in the study. Figure 18, p. 57 indicate the location of the Klipgat Spruit monitoring

localities on a thematic map, as well as a visual presentation (photo) of the sampling location. Figure

18, p. 57 also indicates the coordinates as well as locality description of each Klipgat Spruit locality.

The Klipgat Spruit monitoring localities are described, below:

• Klipg1- Upstream of mining activities at storm water discharge. Monitoring locality Klipg1

indicate the water quality conditions as impacted by a variety of platinum mining activities

within the vicinity of the locality. These mining activities include the following; storm water

discharge, and surface runoff from a shaft area as illustrated in Figure 17, p. 56.

Frank Concentrator spillage

Frank Concentrator spillage/ storm water

run-off

Figure 17: Mining related impacts on the Klipgat Spruit at monitoring locality Klipg1 (Clean

Stream Environmental Services, 2003).

57

Mining activitesMining activities

Mining activities

N

Entabeni Hostel

Catchment: Klipgat

Type: Spruit


Locality Description: Klipgat Spruit before Hex River (Aggregate impact on Klipgat Spruit prior to confluence with Hex River)

Klipg1

Klipg1

Klipg2

Klipg2

Klipg3

Klipg3

Catchment: Klipgat

Type: Spruit

Coordinates: S25.6652 E27.33107

Locality Description: Upstream from mining activities at stormwater discharge

Catchment: Klipgat

Type: Dam


Locality Description: Klipgat Dam northwest of tailings (Aggregate impact from mimimng activites, stormwater and sewage pump station

1: 50 000

27'19'E

25'49'S

Figure 18: Illustrated map indicating the location of monitoring localities (Klipg1 – Klip3) as well

as locality names, description, coordinates situated within the Klipgat Spruit.

58

• Klipg2- Klipgat Dam northwest of tailings. Monitoring locality Klipg2 represents water quality

impacts on the Klipgat Spruit from mining related activities storm water as well as a sewage

pump station indicated on Figure 19, p 58. Mining related activities impacting on the water

quality of the Klipgat Spruit at Klip2 include sludge settling dams as well as rock toe seepage.

Spillage from the Entabeni sewage pump station, further drains directly towards the Klipgat

Spruit and contains a significant pollution potential. Storm water runoff and sewage line leaks

from the Entabeni hostel contributed to the potential impacts of the Klipgat Spruit at locality

Klig2 (Clean Stream Environmental Services, 2003). According to Clean Stream Environmental

Services (2003) the water management infrastructure for the Klipgat Spruit was designed so

that the upper Klipgat Spruit is diverted around the Klipgat Return Water Dam (Klip2) into the

lower Klipgat Spruit draining towards the Hex River. However the inferior water quality of the

upper Klipgat Spruit as explained in Part 6 of the Study, are contained within the Klipgat Dam

(Klip2).



Sewage pump station spillage

Discharges from Hostels

Waterval Tailings solution trench

Figure 19: Mining related impacts on the Klipgat Spruit at monitoring locality Klipg2 (Clean


• Klipg3- Klipgat Spruit before Hex River. Monitoring locality Klip3 is indicative of the water

quality conditions in the Klipgat Spruit prior to its confluence with the Hex River. Thus Klip3

represents the aggregated impact on the water quality of the Klipgat Spruit and subsequently the

Hex River. Seepage from a nearby tailings complex as indicated in Figure 20, p. 59, probably

related to down slope migration and subsequent discharge, impacts further on the water quality

of the Klipgat Spruit at sampling locality Klipg3.

59

Seepage area

Figure 20: Seepage from tailings complex impacting on the Klipgat Spruit at monitoring locality

Klipg3 (Clean Stream Environmental Services, 2003).

5.2.4. MONITORING LOCALITIES SITUATED WITHIN THE KLIPFONTEIN SPRUIT

Various mining related impacts occur within the Klipfontein Spruit (Figure 5, p 31) adversely affecting

the biotic integrity of the Klipfontein Spruit and ultimately impacting on the water quality of the Hex

River. For the purpose of this study six monitoring localities, visually presented in Figure 22, p. 60

were identified. Figure 22, p. 60 also indicate a photo of the sampling location as well as coordinated

and a description of the water monitoring locality. The monitoring localities within the Klipfontein and

the associated impacts on these are explained, below.

• Klipf1- Eastern inflow into Klipfontein Return Water Dam. Monitoring locality Klipf1 indicated

water quality related impacts from the tailings complex and tailings dam situated upstream from

the locality (Figure 21).

• Klipf2- Klipfontein Dam. Sampling locality Klipf2 indicates the aggregate water quality impacts

on the upper part of the Klipfontein Spruit. These water quality impacts originate from a variety

of sources illustrate in Figure 23, p.61 and include the Tailings complex, storm water from

Temso engineering workshops, spillage from a shaft area and the Klipfontein sewage effluent.

Klipfontein RWD

Figure 21: Impacts from the Klipfontein Return water Dam and tailings complex on the

Klipfontein Spruit (Clean Stream Environmental Services, 2003)

60

N

Mining activities

Mining activities

Mining Activities

Mining activities

Catchment: Klipfontein

Type: Canal


Locality Description: Eastern inflow into Klipfontein Return Water Dam (Impact from the eastern tailings dams of the Klipfontein Tailings Complex)


Type: Dam


Locality Description: Klipfonteni Dam (Aggregate of upstream catchment: Klipfontein Tailings Complex, stromwater from Temso and engineering workshops, Blesbok shaft spillage, Klipfontein

sewage effluent)


Type: Spruit


Locality Description: Klipfontein Spruit downstream of Klipfontein Dam


Type: Spruit

Coordinates: S25.6765 / E27.31723

Locality Description: Klipfontein downstream of Waterval Smelter

Catchment: Klipfonten

Type: Spruit


Locality Description: Naude Dam (Aggregate impact on the Klipfontein Spruit)


Type: Spruit


Locality Description: Seepage from Naude Dam (Aggregate Klipfontein Spruit impact prior to confluence with Hex River)

Klipf1Klipf1

Klipf2Klipf3

Klipf4

Klipf5

Klipf6

Klipf2

Klipf3

Klipf4Klipf5Klipf6

1: 50 000

27'20'E

25'4`S

Figure 22: Illustrated map indicating the location of monitoring localities (Klipf1 - Klipf6) as well as locality names, description,

coordinates situated within the Klipfontein Spruit.

61

The Temso pond, from the Temso engineering workshop is frequently contaminated by oils and

greases however this is not included in the scope of the study. Surface water runoff from a shaft enters

the Klipfontein Spruit upstream of the old Klipfontein waste water treatment works. Spillage from

sewage lines is likely to impact on this part of the Klipfontein Spruit.

Bleskop Shaft storm

Klipfontein Dam

Hospital run-off

Klipfontein WWTW pump station overflow

Waste dump

Tar dams

Klipfontein WWTW pump station overflow

Waste dump

Tar dams

Temso pond

Klipfontein Complex Runoff

Figure 23: Impacts from mining related as well as waste water impacts on the Klipfontein Spruit

(Clean Stream Environmental Services, 2003).

• Klipf3- Klipfontein Spruit downstream of Klipfontein Dam. Monitoring locality Klipf3 is

situated just downstream of the Klipfontein Dam and indicated mining related impacts

downstream of the Klipfontein Dam. These impacts include process or storm water discharge

from the precious metal refinery situated in close proximity of the locality as illustrated in

Figure 24, p. 61.

PMR storage dams

PMR stormwater discharge

PMR process water discharge


Tar dams

PMR storage dams


PMR process water

Tar dams

Figure 24: Mining activities impacting on the Klipfontein Spruit downstream of the Klipfontein

Dam at sampling locality Klipf3.

• Klipf4- Klipfontein Spruit downstream of mining related smelter. Monitoring locality Klipf4

indicate water quality impacts from mining related activities originating at the base metal

62

refinery, smelter as well as acid Plant converter used in platinum mining operations as well as

the new Klipfontein Spruit waste water treatment works indicated in Figure 25, p. 62

UG2 Dams

Klipfontein WWTW discharge

Waterval concentrator pollution dam

Waterval Pollution control dam

Waterval tailings seepage zone

BMR Rain Water Dams

& stormwater

trench

ACP Storm water trench

Storm water trench at railway

Industrial process water

Explosives magazine

Figure 25: Mining activities impacting on the Klipfontein Spruit downstream of the Klipfontein

Dam at sampling locality Klipf4 (Clean Stream Environmental Services, 2003).

• Klipf5- Naude Dam. Monitoring Locality Klipf5 indicate water quality conditions within the

Naude Dam. According to Clean Stream Environmental Services the impact towards the Naude

Dam is directly ascribed to overflow from the sludge settling dams as well as seepage as can be

seen in Figure 26, p. 62. The rock dump as well as Shaft area situated close to the Naude Dam

is a noteworthy pollution sources. A highly populated informal settlement situated next the shaft

can cause additional adverse effects on the water quality of the Paardekraal Spruit.

Naude Dam


Rock dump toe

Cementation Plant

Discharge

Figure 26: Mining related impacts on the Klipfontein Spruit in the vicinity of the Naude Dam

(Clean Stream Services, 2003).

• Klipf6- Seepage from Naude Dam. Sampling locality Klipf6 indicate the aggregates water

quality impacts from the Klipfontein spruit prior to its confluence with the Hex River.

63

5.2.5. MONITORING LOCALITIES SITUATED WITHIN THE HEX RIVER

N

Paardekraal Spruit

Klipgat Spruit

Dorp Spruit

Klipfontein Spruit

Mining activities

Wastewater Treatment

Works

Hex1Catchment: Hex

Type: River


Locality Description: Hex River - upstream of Waterval Mine (Background conditions prior to mining impact)

Hex2Catchment: Hex

Type: River

Coordinates: S25.68383 / E27.28625

Locality Description: Hex River - upstream reference locality

Catchment: Hex

Type: River


Locality Description: Hex River at road to Rustenburg (Upstream unimpacted conditions in the Hex River)

Hex4Catchment: Hex

Type: River


Locality Description: Hex River at road to Naude Dam (Impact on Hex River Upstream of Naude Damr)

Catchment: Hex

Type: River

Coordinates: S25.38'984 / E27.17'448

Locality Description: Paardekraal Angling Dam (Hex River prior to Klipfontein Spruit contribution)

Catchment: Hex

Type: River

Coordinates: S25.37'991/ E27.17'420

Locality Description: Hex Riveron bridge between Klipfontein an Klipgat Spruit (Downstream conditions in Hex River after Klipfontein Spruit confluence. Upstream conditions in Hex River prior to Klipgat Spruit confluence)

Catchment: Hex

Type: River


Locality Description: Hex River downstream of Dorp Spruit confluence (represents impact of Dorp Spruit on Hex River)

Catchment: Hex

Type: River


Locality Description: Hex River between Klipgat and Paardekraal Spruit (Downstrea conditions in the Hex River after Klipgat Spruit confluence. Upstream conditions in the Hex River prior to Paardekraal Spruit confluence)

Catchment: Hex

Type: River

Coordinates: S25.5922 / E27.29887

Locality Description: Hex River downstream of Paardekraal Spruit confluence

Catchment: Hex

Type: River


Locality Description: Hex River before Bospoort Dam (Aggregate impact on Hex River just upstream of the Bospoort Dam)

Catchment: Hex

Type: Dam


Locality Description: Bospoort Dam (Aggregate impact on the receiving water body)

Hex2

Hex3Hex1

Hex4

Hex5Hex6

Hex7

Hex8

Hex9

Hex10

Hex11

Hex2

Hex3

Hex1

Hex4

Hex5

Hex6

Hex7Hex8

Hex9 Hex10 Hex11

1: 50 000

27'19'E

25'37'S

Figure 27: Illustrated map indicating the location of monitoring localities (Hex1 - Hex12) as well

as locality names, description, coordinates situated within the Hex River.

64

The purpose of this study is to determine the water quality conditions of the Hex River (see Part1, p 1

to 5). To meet this purpose twelve monitoring localities situated within the Hex River were identified

and included in the study. The location of these localities within the Hex River id presented in Figure

27, p. 63 and a description of these localities follow below.

• Hex1- Hex River upstream of Waterval Mine. Monitoring locality Hex1 indicates the upstream

water quality of the Hex River. Possible impacts situated upstream from monitoring locality

Hex1 include agricultural activities as well as chrome and platinum mining activities.

• Hex2- upstream reference locality. Monitoring locality Hex2 is the upstream reference locality

prior to mining related impacts on the Hex River.

• Hex3- Hex River at road to Rustenburg. Monitoring locality Hex3 indicate upstream unaffected

water quality conditions.

• Hex4- Hex River at road to Naude Dam. Sampling locality Hex4 indicate upstream water

quality before the Naude Dam confluence.

• Hex5- Paardekraal Angling Dam. Water quality conditions within the Paardekraal Angling

Dam situated within the Hex River are indicated by monitoring locality Hex5. The Paardekraal

Angling Dam is situated prior to the confluence of the Hex River with the Klipfontein Spruit.

• Hex6- Hex River bridge between Klipfontein- and Klipgat Spruit. Monitoring locality Hex6

indicates downstream water quality conditions after the confluence with the Klipfontein Spruit

but before the confluence with the Klipgat Spruit. Thus locality Hex6 in indicative of water

quality impacts from mining related activities situated in the Klipfontein Spruit on the water

quality of the Hex River. Another water quality impact reporting to the locality Hex6 is

discharge from the waste water treatment works as can be seen in Figure 28, p. 65.

65

Rustenburg WWTW Sludge dams

discharge

Rustenburg WWTW Maturation ponds

discharge

Rustenburg WWTW Maturation pond

discharge

Figure 28: Impacts from the Rustenburg waste water treatment works on the Hex River (Clean


• Hex7- Hex River downstream of Dorp Spruit confluence. Monitoring locality Hex7 indicates

water quality impacts on the hex River from its tributary the Dorp Spruit as well as the Klipgat

Spruit.

• Hex8- Hex River between Klipgat- and Paardekraal Spruit. Monitoring locality Hex8 indicates

the water quality conditions after the confluence of the Hex River with the Klipgat Spruit but

prior to its confluence with the Paardekraal Spruit. Thus monitoring locality Hex8 is indicative

of the water quality impacts originating in the Paardekraal Spruit.

• Hex9- Hex River downstream of Paardekraal Spruit confluence. The water quality conditions of

the Hex River after its confluence with the Paardekraal Spruit are indicated by monitoring

locality Hex9.

• Hex10- Hex River before Bospoort Dam. Monitoring locality Hex10 indicate the aggregate

impact from the tributaries as well as activities situated within the Hex River just prior to the

receiving water body, the Bospoort Dam.

• Hex11- Bospoort Dam. The water quality conditions of the Bospoort Dam are represented by

monitoring locality Hex11.

66

5.3. METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION:

Representative water sampling was taken on a monthly basis by Clean Stream Environmental Serivces

for various localities within the Hex River and its tributaries. A representative water sample can be

described as: “A sample taken in the correct manner at a point that truly represents the water body at

the time, at the specific locality of concern.” Data was collected by qualified environmental

technicians from Clean Stream Environmental Services by using the grab sample method. According

to ISO 5667-2:1991 grab samples are samples manually collected but can also be collected

automatically for water at the surface. Each sample is representative of the water quality only at the

time and place at which the samples were taken. Grab samples are used if the flow of the water to be

sampled is not uniform, if the values of parameters of interest are not constant, and if use of a

composite sample would obscure differences between individual samples due to the reaction between

them. A grab sample represents non-point pollution transport only at the time of sampling. Monthly

and quarterly grab samples were collected by Clean Stream Environmental Services at the various

monitoring localities as specified in Table 9, p.48. A monthly sampling frequency gives a good

indication of prevailing environmental conditions as well as seasonal variation.

In accordance with SABS guidelines 5667-1 to 5667-3 a sample data sheet must be completed for each

sample. These should typically include the following information:

• Location and name of the sample site

• Details of the sampling point i.e. surface/ underground water

• Method of collection

• Time of collection

• Name of sampler

• Weather conditions

• Nature of pre-treatment, if any

• Preservative or stabilizer added, if any

• Comments and other data gathered at this point, if any

According to Fuggle & Rabie (2003) the storage, type of container used, the time elapsed between

sampling and analysis, and whether preservatives are used must be recorded unequivocally for grab

67

sampling. Water samples were collected in new clean polyethylene bottles and stored in dust free

thermo-isolated containers. Samples are not being preserved after sampling, as new and clean sampling

bottles are used cross-contamination is minimal. Separate samples should be used for chemical

microbiological and biological analyses, because of the procedure and equipment used for handling and

collection varies.

5.3.3. INORGANIC SAMPLING:

For the purpose of determining the inorganic components of the samples, non-acidified samples are

taken in new clean 1-litre polyethylene sampling containers, after it had been pre-contaminated by

rinsing with the water to be sampled. The container is filled to the brim and sealed. The sample is

immediately placed in a thermo-isolated cooler box and later stored in a fridge. After sampling, the

samples are delivered by the environmental technicians from Clean Stream Environmental Services to

the laboratory, Mpumamanzi Laboratory Services within 24-28 hours for the required analyses.

5.3.4. MICROBIOLOGICAL SAMPLING:

For the purpose of determining the potential bacteriological components of the samples, non-acidified

sampled are taken in 50 ml, sterilized glass or plastic sample bottles after being pre-contaminated by

rinsing with the water to be sampled. Surgical gloves must be worn for the collection of these samples.

The container is filled to the brim and sealed. The sample is placed in a cooler box immediately and

later stored in a fridge. On returning from the field visit, the samples are immediately delivered to the

Mpumamanzi Laboratory for the required analyses.

5.4. SHORTCOMINGS OF DATA:

Fitfield and Haines (1996) listed the flowing shortcomings in data collection which can be applied to

this study:

• Sampling and sampling handling

• Analytical method

• Faulty instrumentation

• Mistakes by operators

68

According to Venter (2004) the sampling of water is a vital part in the study of natural water

composition, and is further the main source of error in obtaining accurate water quality information.

Only liter samples are taken to represent the whole substance under consideration and this creates

inherently uncertainty because of possible sampling errors. The homogeneity of the water and the size

of the sample determine how reliable and representative the sample is of the whole water body. The

sample bottles used in this study were collected in 1 liter sterilized plastic containers.

The data for long-term trends were collected over a four year period (July 2002 to June 2006), and

those for the current water quality situation for a period of one year (July 2005 to June 2006). Samples

were taken at monthly intervals except when the monitoring locality was recorded as dry, no flow

conditions were recorded or no access to the monitoring locality were available. To establish accurate

spatial and temporal trends for a water body, samples should be taken every month at the same time

and more sampling should be conducted during the wet season (SABS, 1984). The following

shortcomings were present in the data:

• There are no data available for the Dorp Spruit monitoring localities during the period July

2002 to December 2002. Thus the annual average data calculated for the 12 months period from

July 2002 to June 2003, represents only seven months worth of data. The reason for the

unavailability of this data in unbeknown to the researcher.

• Sampling locality Klipg1, situated within the Klipgat Spruit was not sampled between the

period Jul 2002 to January 2003. Monitoring localities Klipg2 and Klipg3 were not sampled

during the period September 2002 to November 2002. These gaps in data could have a

influence on the calculation of the annual averages.

• Water quality data for monitoring localities Paarde1 and Paarde2 situated within the Paardkraal

Spruit are limited to four datasets recorded during March, April, June and October 2004. No

annual average values could be recorded for these localities during July 2002 to June 2003 as

well as July 2005 to June 2006. Further monitoring locality Paarde4 was not sampled during

July 2005 to June 2006, and thus no current annual average water quality could be calculated

69

for this locality. The lack in data for these monitoring localities can be ascribed to no flow or

dry conditions prevailing within the Paardekraal Spruit at limiting sampling.

• Data values for the chemical variables Copper, Chromium, Cobalt, Cadmium, Nickel and Zinc

were limited over the monitoring period due to the periodic sampling and analysis of these

variables. These variables were however not included in the discussion on water quality

conditions in Part 6, p 73 to 131 of this study.

• Limited bacteriological data were available for the tributaries of the Hex River. Therefore only

the bacteriological water quality of the sampling localities situated within the Hex River will be

discussed in Part 6, p. 73 to 131 of the study.

Even though shortcomings in the data exists, the annual average data calculated for the monitoring

period are considered as representative values for the prevailing water quality conditions experienced

in the Hex River and its associated tributaries. The methods used for the analysis of the water quality

data obtained during the four year sampling period as well as the interpretation of the data are

discussed in the following sections below.

5.5. METHODS USED TO ANALYZE DATA:

Inorganic water samples were analyzed according to recognized procedures and approved laboratory

analysis as represented in Table 11, p. 70 below. Water samples collected by Clean Stream

Environmental Services are analyzed by Mpumamanzi Laboratory services. This laboratory is widely

used by the mining industry for water analyses and is also contracted to perform analytical services for

the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. Mpumamanzi Laboratory is an SANAS accredited

laboratory. Collected water samples are kept refrigerated until analysis of the samples is undertaken.

Analysis was carried out on accordance with methods as summarized in Table 11, p 70, prescribed by

and obtainable from the South African Bureau of Standards.

70

Table 11: Methods used for the analysis of selected constituents.

VARIABLE SABS

METHOD ANALYSIS METHOD DESCRIPTION

ANALYSIS METHOD INSTRUMENT

UNITS LOWER

DETECTION LIMIT

UPPER DETECTION

LIMIT Turbidity SABS 197 Shake sample well, read on turbidity meter Turbidity meter, NTU 0.01 200

pH SABS 11 Agitate sample Metrohm/ pH meter, use magnetic stirrer

pH units 14

Conductivity SABS 1057 Adjust temperature/ measure the resistance of the sample

Hanna Conductivity meter mS/m

Total dissolved solids

SABS 213 Dry filtered sample at 180 degrees for 2 hours Labcon Oven mg/l

Total hardness SABS 215 EDTA tritrimetric/ use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or its

sodium salt as titrating agent

Visual and point tritation mg/l 0.1

Calcium SABS 1265 Flame absorption spectrometry Varian Spectra A 10 Plus mg/l 50

Magnesium SABS 1265 Flame absorption spectrometry Varian Spectra A 10 Plus mg/l 5

Sodium SABS 1050 Flame absorption spectrometry Varian Spectra A 10 Plus mg/l 1 50

Potassium Standard method 317

Flame absorption spectrometry Varian Spectra A 10 Plus mg/l 0.1 20

Alkalinity Standard method 403

pH and point titration Titration mg/l 1 500

Chloride SABS 202 Argentometric Method Tritration mg/l 0.15

Sulphate SABS 5m 1310 Turbidimetric Method Turbiity meter mg/l 4 160

Fluoride Standard Method 414D

Alizarin Visual Method Hach DR/2010 mg/l 0.05 1.4

Ortho-phosphate SABS 1055 Ascorbic Acid Hach Spectrophotometer mg/l 0.01 45

Nitrate Standard Method 419D

Bruuno Method Hach Spectrophotomter mg/l < 0.1 2

Iron SABS 207 Flame absorption spectrometry Varian Spectra A 10 Plus mg/l 0.05 5

Aluminium - Flame absorption spectrometry Varian Spectra A 10 Plus mg/l 0.05 5

Manganese SABS 209 Flame absorption spectrometry Varian Spectra A 10 Plus mg/l 0.05 5

Coliforms SABS SM221 Mebrane filter technic/ Sterilized Petri dishes with M-endo medium

Filtration units, pippitte incubators, 45 mm filter paper

Colonies 100ml/l

1 10000+

E-coli SABS SM221 Mebrane filter technic/ Sterilized Petri dishes with M-endo medium

Filtration units, pippitte incubators, 45 mm filter paper

Colonies 100ml/l

1 10000+

Ammonia Standard method 418

Colorimetric Method/ Nesslerization Hach Spectrophotometer mg/l 0 20

71

5.6. INTERPRETATION OF DATA:

The raw data in terms of water quality monitoring collected amounted to a large amount for the four

year monitoring period. For each of the twenty nine monitoring localities sampled an average of 20

variables were analyzed on a monthly basis.

Data evaluation consists of the following a general description of the monitoring locality, data tables as

well as time-series graphs indicating various trends.

• General description: Includes the site name, co-ordinates, description as well as type of

monitoring locality (Part 5, p. 51 to 63).

• Data Tables: Includes the variables analyzed, applicable guideline values for

each of the variables (Part 6, p 73 to 131).

• Time-series graphs: Selected variables plot on the graph to give an indication of the

range and linear movement for the variable over the graph period. Percentile graphs are

used to discuss current water quality trends (Part 6, p 73 to 131).

From the available water quality data annual average values/concentrations were calculated for each

constituent for the four year period. This was done for all twenty nine monitoring localities in order to

determine the average water quality trends of the Hex River and its primary tributaries over the four

year period. By doing so the annual average values/concentrations calculated can be compared to the

previous water quality as well as current annual average water quality. Thus, deterioration in the water

quality of the Hex River over the four year period can be ascertained.

The average calculated water quality conditions were compared with the Target Water Quality

Guideline Ranges (TWQGR). The TWQGR for various water uses including domestic use, livestock

watering, irrigation and aquatic ecosystems were used to identify the suitability of use of the water in

the Hex River. This aids in determining the suitability of use of the water in the Hex River and

associated tributaries for the identified water users as well as the fitness thereof for the aquatic

environment. The protection and management of water resources usually impose different

requirements on water quality and thus the associated water quality objectives for each use are

different (WHO/UNEP, 1997).

72

The calculated average water quality data were entered into Microsoft excel program for the graphical

presentation of the data. These graphs, as discussed in Part 6, p. 73 to 131 indicate the annual average

concentrations recorded for selected chemical variables within the Hex River and its tributaries at

different sampling localities. The average water quality data are presented as bar graphs, with each bar

indicating the annual average water quality of a specific chemical variable at identified sampling

localities. The appropriate TWQGR for domestic use, irrigation, livestock watering as well as aquatic

ecosystems are presented on the graphs as a line to determine whether the annual average data for the

four year period fall within acceptable limits. Tabular data for each of the tributaries as well as the Hex

River are given containing the annual average values of all the constituents analysed for all the

localities.

The graphs in the next section, Part 6, p 73 to 131 of this study will highlight any inconsistencies as

well as abnormal constituents concentrations recorded during the monitoring period. The graphs will

further illustrate the compliance of the water quality conditions recorded with the TWQGR and the

suitability of the water for use as a specified water use.

Date post:	15-Mar-2022
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	6 times
Download:	0 times

PART 5: DATA COLLECTION AND METHODOLOGY

Documents