DSpace Repository

Welcome to the NWU Repository, the open access Institutional Repository of the North-West University (NWU-IR). This is a digital archive that collects, preserves and distributes research material created by members of NWU. The aim of the NWU-IR is to increase the visibility, availability and impact of the research output of the North-West University through Open Access, search engine indexing and harvesting by several initiatives.

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Vasstelling van die bakteriese profiel van 'n rietbedding op die terrein van 'n industriele aanleg
(North-West University South Africa, 1996) Vermeulen, Terina; Pretorius, P j
A reedbed installed on the premises of Naschem near Potchefstroom to serve as a tertiary treatment of an effluent was the subject of this study. The effluent consists mainly of sewage water and water from a laundry where the clothes of the employees of the explosive plant are washed. This study is part of a more comprehensive programme to determine the bacterial profile of a constructed reedbed and to identify the factors influencing it, to determine possible tendencies and to make a contribution towards optimalising the use of reedbeds as a system for treating various effluents. The emphasis in this study was to determine the number of bacteria, the number of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria of the four seasons of a year. Different zones - stagnant, slow and fast moving water - were distinguished in the first ten meters of the reedbed and analyzed with regard to the above-mentioned bacteria. Total bacterial counts were done at 20°C and 37°C on plate count agar (PCA). Nitrifiers were isolated on ammonia agar and nitrite agar and denitrifiers in nitrate broth. Representative isolated bacteria were grouped according to primary identification tests. According to "Bergeys's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology" the majority of the bacteria belongs to Sections 4 and 5 and the rest to Section 3 (Krieg et al., 1984) and Sections 12 and 14 (Sneath et al., 1986). The expected relationship between temperature and bacterial numbers counted at 20°C and 37°C on PCA was observed. At 37°C an increase in numbers was observed with increase in temperature while the opposite was true at 20°C. In agreement with the literature it was observed that the numbers of nitrifying bacteria was the lowest during winter. A clear relationship between the numbers of nitrifying bacteria and the ammonia concentration was, however, not observed. A more significant correlation was observed between the number of denitrifying bacteria and the nitrate concentration in the water. It was shown with the aid of a cross-streak procedure that most probably mainly heterotrophic nitrifying bacteria was observed in this study. Parts ofthis work was presented at the following meeting: Van der Walt, AM., Pieterse, A.J.H., Wood, A, Vermeulen, T., & Pretorius, P.J. A Reedbed System for Secondary Treatment of Domestic Wastewater with an Industrial Component. Biotechnology for Africa 95 : All African Conference on Biotechnology, University of Pretoria, November 1995.
'n Kliëntediensnavorsingsmodel vir die Departement Telematiese Leersisteme aan die PU vir CHO
(North-West University (South Africa), 2000) Bisschoff, Antoinette; Van Heerden, C.H.
The study sets the objective to develop a generic research model to measure the customer service of the different programmes delivered by the Department Telematic Learning Systems (TLS) at the Potchefstroom University for Higher Education. A literature review of the customer service models Servqual (Parasuraman, 1988ab), Customer Service Index (Bisschoff & Hough, 1994), Competitive Customer Service Index (Ne/ & Bergh, 1998) and the Disconformity Service Quality model by Gronroos (1984) were conducted and relevant concepts of each were incorporated in the formulation of an appropriate service quality model for TLS. The formulated model was empirically tested by using the three larger telematic learning programmes, namely the BBA, MBA and Nursing programmes. The rationale that if the model could provide the necessary analysis and results that management require on a scientific basis for the three selected programmes, the model could also be applied to the most of the programmes. The model succeeded in providing the required information on a scientific basis, and as a result the nu/ research proposition was accepted that a newly formulated model for customer service evaluation for Telematic Learning Systems could be put into practice as a management research tool.
An assessment of flood risk and vulnerability in coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal
(North-West University (South Africa), 2026) Harripersadh, Amanda; Malherbe, C.W
Flooding is one of the most significant natural hazards affecting coastal regions worldwide, with increasing frequency and intensity driven by climate change, urbanisation, and environmental degradation. Coastal KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, is particularly vulnerable due to its exposure to extreme rainfall events, storm surges, and densely populated river catchments. Despite recurring flood events, there remains limited spatially explicit information on flood-prone areas, vulnerability patterns, and associated risks. This study aimed to assess flood risk and vulnerability in the coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal by integrating hydrological and hydraulic modelling with spatial and socio-economic analysis. The research focuses on key river systems, including the uMgeni, uMvoti, uMdloti, uMlazi, Mbokodweni, and uMkomazi catchments. Hydrological modelling was conducted using HEC-HMS to simulate rainfall-runoff processes, while hydraulic modelling using HEC-RAS was applied to determine flood depth, extent, and inundation patterns, consistent with integrated flood inundation modelling approaches described by Saksena et al. (2019).These outputs were integrated into a GIS environment (QGIS) to generate flood hazard maps. A vulnerability assessment was conducted using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach, incorporating socio-economic and environmental indicators such as population density, land use, settlement type, and proximity to rivers. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to assign weights and develop a flood vulnerability index. The results indicate clear spatial variations in flood hazard and vulnerability across the study area. Larger river systems exhibited delayed but high-magnitude flood responses, while smaller, urbanised catchments showed rapid runoff and increased localised flood risk. Areas with high population density, informal settlements, and inadequate infrastructure were identified as the most vulnerable. The study highlights the importance of integrating hydrological modelling with socio-economic analysis to improve flood risk assessments. The findings provide valuable insights for disaster risk reduction, spatial planning, and climate adaptation strategies in KwaZulu-Natal. It is recommended that future efforts focus on improving data availability, strengthening early warning systems, and incorporating vulnerability assessments into policy and planning frameworks.
Evaluating the functionality of different kimberlite mine wastes as alternative to building material
(North-West University (South Africa), 2026) Du Plessis, Juan Crause; Koch, J; Boneschans, R.B
Kimberlite diamond mines tend to produce vast amounts of rock-derived waste that are ultimately stored and rehabilitated at high cost to the mining company. Diamond mine rock waste does not always contain the same cocktail of hazardous elements typically associated with other mining commodities' rock waste. Repurposing this material in a creative, optimised way could lead to value creation. Instead of rehabilitation, this project suggests that using various types of rock waste could replace aggregate or other components in the manufacture of building-related products. This could allow mining companies, building material manufacturers and the local community to work together to produce an environmentally friendly and economically viable product. Previous studies have found that kimberlite waste could be used in a range of products, from aggregates to cement to clinker bricks and more. The few studies that have been done have mostly concerned themselves with local bureau of standards requirements, using various testing methodologies. This project investigates mine rock waste from five Southern African sites, examining 25 different materials. The tests conducted followed the South African Board of Standards (SABS) and other key quality bureau methods to assess compliance for a safety-critical product, with a focus on aggregate compliance tests due to time constraints. Information from different textural tests, aggregate impact value (AIV), chemistry (XRF), and mineralogy (XRD) helps assess the potential usage of 25 different materials. Results showed that all materials met SANS 1083/1090 density requirements, but most tailings failed on grading, fineness modulus and dust content due to excessive fines. Waste rocks graded well and achieved acceptable Aggregate Impact Values. Mineralogy was the dominant limiting factor: high phyllosilicate and clay content made most tailings and waste rocks unsuitable for concrete aggregate. Only a dolomite-dominant group and a feldspar/pyroxene-rich Voorspoed group showed conditional potential. Unsuitable materials often contained clay or phyllosilicate minerals suited to light aggregate or clay brick production, a viable beneficiation pathway.
Evaluating the quality of water use licence application technical reports for solar power plants in the Free State Province
(North-West University (South Africa), 2026) Daniels, Earl Craig; Moolman, H.J
Globally, water resources are under pressure due to anthropogenic activities. One of the major contributors is the energy sector, driven by the increasing need for reliable electricity generation. In response to the environmental degradation of traditional electricity generation, renewable energy initiatives such as solar power plants are increasingly proposed in many countries, including South Africa. Semi-arid provinces in South Africa, such as the Free State province, have attracted solar power plant development due to abundant solar radiation resources. However, the province is known for threatened endemic biodiversity, protected areas, and stressed water resources. Despite the sustainable nature of solar power plants, they are not developed without environmental impacts, especially on water resources. The National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) provides for the licensing of activities that may have negative impacts on water resources. This licensing process entails the submission of a Water Use Licence Application (WULA) technical report that is subjected to the scrutiny of the competent authority before the licensing of water uses. However, recently, the completeness and substantive quality of report content have been questioned. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the quality of WULA technical reports for solar power plants in the Free State province and to offer recommendations to improve their quality. The evaluation followed a case study approach in which a sample of eight WULA technical reports was evaluated against the criteria of an adapted review package. The evaluation results revealed an overall satisfactory performance (A-C=51%; D-F=49%) with omissions identified in certain subcategories. Review area 1 (description of the development) and review area 2 (specialist assessment of impacts) performed predominantly satisfactorily in their sub-categories. Whereas review area 3 (alternatives and impacts) performed average, and review area 4 (communication of results) displayed unsatisfactory performance. Overall, subcategories that performed unsatisfactorily include the baseline conditions, waste, alternatives, public participation, the inclusion of non-technical summaries, assessment of impact significance, commitment to mitigation, report layout, presentation, and emphasis of information. The satisfactory performing categories are site description, environmental description, definition of impacts, identification of impacts, prediction of impact magnitude, scope and effectiveness of mitigation, and report emphasis. To address the gaps in quality of the WULA technical reports, it is recommended that Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) be provided with the final project designs to understand the project holistically and scope in all possible potential impacts into the WULA for all relevant specialist studies to be submitted. The appointed EAPs and specialists should adopt a project life cycle approach in their assessments of water-related impacts. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) should continually conduct workshops in the water sector related legislation for applicants to include all legal requirements, climate change, and emergencies in their WULAs. The required DWS Risk Assessment Matrix must be templated to include wasterelated impacts and impacts on Interested and Affected Parties.