Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are among the important fruits that are widely grown globally. However, they are susceptible to spoilage by fungi due to their high water content and soft endocarp. This spoilage leads to ...

In South Africa ill-managed municipal wastewater treatment plants limit the quality and quantity of already exploited surface water resources. Elevated nitrate levels cause eutrophication and chemicals (measured as chemical ...

Water resources in the North West Province are characterised by an overall scarcity due to non–perennial rivers being the dominating water sources. However, increases in water demand from all social, environmental and ...

Contamination from various sources has a huge impact on soil health and microbial community composition. Metal contamination of soil in mining scenarios is of concern and is not adequately addressed, particularly with ...

Contamination of groundwater that is suitable for drinking is of growing concern as the water supply of South Africa is becoming increasingly limited. This is especially the case in the North West province, with its semi ...

Water quality in the Vaalharts region in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, decreased over the past few years and there was a need for the microbiological and physico-chemical assessment. This problem was identified ...

The development of metal-tolerance and antibiotic resistance in bacteria may be caused by metals polluting a particular environment. During mining and mineral processing activities, large quantities of metals are deposited ...

Yeasts form an important part of many ecosystems and significantly contribute to biodiversity. However, yeast biodiversity in the North West Province remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to determine the ...

Despite emerging water shortages, most water is only used once, and often with low efficiency. However, with appropriate treatment, water can be re–used to reduce the demand on freshwater sources. The Department of Water ...

There is currently growing concern about the presence of heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria in drinking water. These HPC may have potential pathogenic features, enabling them to cause disease. It is especially ...