The impact of discharged effluent on surface water in the Buffalo River Catchment

Abstract

The major threat to the surface water quality in the Buffalo River is caused by the discharged effluents from wastewater treatment works (WWTWs). This is due to the inadequate functioning of the WWTWs and industries that are discharging into the Buffalo River. This study on the impact of discharged effluent on the surface in the Buffalo River catchment was initiated to identify the major impacts caused by the discharged effluent from both industries and WWTWs in the Buffalo River Catchment. The water quality data for the study was received from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) system called the Water Management System (WMS). Water quality data from 2012 to 2019 was obtained from the system. The following parameters were analysed in eleven DWS monitoring points in the Buffalo River Catchment: pH, phosphate (PO4), chemical oxygen demand (COD), electrical conductivity (EC), Feacal Coliform (f. coli), nitrate& nitrites (NO2&NO3), and ammonia (NH4). All these parameters were dissolved in the surface waters of the Buffalo River Catchment. The mean range for pH (6.5-7.9), NH4 (0.12-6.07), NO2&NO3 (0.66-6.58), EC (2.2-438.7) COD (9.5-395.4) PO4 (0.08-9.07) and FC (13.2-16597.9). The results indicated that the discharge effluent deteriorates the water quality in the Buffalo River Catchment. The measured faecal coliform and COD show high elevation compared to the Existing South African standards. Electrical conductivity also exceeded the limits in some of the monitoring points. The aim of the study was to be achieved. Buffalo River catchment water has poor water quality due to discharged effluent from the wastewater treatment works and runoffs from the industry (Da gamma textile industry) The discharged effluent has an impact on the surface water of Buffalo River Catchment as it is polluted with faecal coliform. Water Quality at Buffalo River is deteriorating.