THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WATERS OF THE BOT RIVER ESTUARY, SOUTH AFRICA

SUMMARY

The physical and chemical properties of the waters of the Bot River estuary have been examined over a period of five years. The parameters measured were: electrical conductivity, pH, alkalinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved salts, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, ammonia, sulphate, phosphate and silicate. The physical and chemical properties are mostly affected by artificial openings of and water-levels in the estuary.