Search Results
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
- uMhlathuze River in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a critical freshwater resource supporting industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. However, its water quality is under threat from various anthropogenic pressures. This review synthesises existing literature to assess the river’s water quality, focusing on key contaminants, spatial and temporal trends, ecological impacts, and socio-economic implications. Key pollutants identified include elevated levels of nitrates (>10 mg/L), phosphates (>2 mg/L), heavy metals such as lead (Pb > 0.01 mg/L) and chromium (Cr > 0.05 mg/L) (Nsibande et al. Afr. J. Aquat. Sci. 2024, 262–274, 3.), and microbial contaminants with faecal coliforms exceeding 1,000 CFU/100 mL (Mthembu et al., Afr. J. Microbiol. Res. 2012, 2020–2026, 9.). Seasonal variations exacerbate these issues, with higher pollutant loads observed during rainy periods due to increased runoff from industrial, agricultural, and urban areas. Figures illustrating contaminant trends by season or location could complement these findings. The degraded water quality has led to declines in biodiversity, including fish and aquatic macroinvertebrates, and poses significant public health risks for communities reliant on the river for drinking water and sanitation. Maps of pollution hotspots and biodiversity loss would aid in visualizing these impacts. Key knowledge gaps include inconsistent sampling methodologies, insufficient long-term data, and the absence of a region-specific Water Quality Index (WQI). This review highlights the need for standardised WQI frameworks, advanced monitoring technologies, and pollution tracking mechanisms to address these challenges. Additionally, socio-economic studies and community-based conservation initiatives are recommended to mitigate pollution impacts and improve water resource sustainability. These findings serve as a foundation for targeted research and policy actions to protect and sustainably manage the uMhlathuze River system.
- 0
- 9
- 0
- This study investigated the catalytic potential of metal-loaded gamma alumina catalysts in the ozonation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB) under ambient reaction conditions. Different metal (Fe, Ni, and V) loaded gamma alumina catalysts were synthesized via wet impregnation technique and characterized using ICP-OES, FT-IR, BET, XRD, TEM, and SEM techniques. To identify the reaction products, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. The ozonation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene was studied within a glass reactor, where each substrate was exposed to ozone for varying time durations between 3 and 24h. The catalytic performance of a range of metal-loaded γ-Al2O3 catalysts was assessed by examining their conversion and selectivity capabilities. During the oxidative degradation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 3,4-dichloro-2,5-furandione (DHF) and mucochloric acid (MCA) were identified as the ozonation products. Among the studied catalysts, 2.5% Ni/γ-Al2O3 exhibited outstanding catalytic activity towards the conversion of 1,2-dichlorobenzene yielding a significant 65% conversion of 1,2-dichlorobenzene after 24h of ozonation.
- 0
- 7
- 0
- The eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles has attained magnificent recognition in the present century due to its emphasis on reducing the environmental impact of chemical processes. The study investigated the utilization of a bioflocculant for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles to test their antimicrobial effect against two pathogenic microorganisms. Characterization techniques including UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, and dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were utilized in the present study to learn about the different properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. UV-visible spectroscopy viewed absorption bands at 250nm and 435nm for the bioflocculant and silver nanoparticles, respectively. Functional groups including alcohols, carboxylic, amine, aromatic compounds, sulfates, and halo compounds were observed for the bioflocculant FT-IR. Silver IR spectra showed absorption peaks indicating alcohols, alkenes, sulfonyl chloride, and halo compounds. SEM spectrum of the bioflocculant and silver nanoparticles presented spherical and flak-like morphologies, respectively. The SEM-EDX analysis of the silver nanoparticles showed elemental silver with 59.64wt% previously not present from the bioflocculant before synthesis. The bioflocculant was not effective against the tested strains and AgNPs were effective against Escherichia coli in a concentration-dependent manner. These results show that a bioflocculant can be used to synthesize AgNPs with antibacterial potential.
- 0
- 5
- 0
