Water quality of the Luvuvhu River and its tributaries within the Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The study was conducted during dry and wet periods at the Luvuvhu River and its tributaries within the Thumalamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A total of 50 samples (25 per sampling session) were collected for physicochemical analysis at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Regression, ANOVA: single factor and Pearson Correlation Coefficient analyses were applied in order to examine the influence of seasonal variation on water quality. This study found that the concentration of fluoride, pH, SO₄, and TDS are within the recommended levels for domestic water use in South Africa. However, a high concentration of total acidity was found at Dzindi, Luvuvhu and Mutshundudi rivers at an average of 2.40 mg/l ± 0.55 mg/l, 3.00 mg/l ± 1.00 mg/l and 4.40 mg/l ± 2.07 mg/l, respectively during the dry sampling period. The level of total alkalinity, and TDS were found to be high at Lukunde River.

Keywords:

• physicochemical
• pollution
• river
• water quality
• Luvuvhu River
• Thulamela Local Municipality

Acknowledgement

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is acknowledged for awarding the primary author postgraduate research funds to complete her master’s study. The Department of Environmental Affairs (GIS section) is also thanked for producing the study area map.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the UNISA Dissertation and Doctoral Study Bursary.