New study warns of dangerous levels of pollution in Krugersdorp water
Mangosuthu University of Technology researcher Dr. Maryam Jordaan says acid mine drainage has contaminated both surface and underground water in the Krugersdorp Game Reserve.
In a study done by MUT to determine the levels of various elements in toxic wastewater in the area, they found high concentrations of six potentially harmful elements.
"PHE's are metallic elements which at a certain concentration, which are essential elements needed for the normal functioning of the human body. However, at high concentration they are harmful, and they are damaging to animals and people,” says Jordaan.
Jordaan warns that the water is not safe to drink as pollution can have long-term effects.
She says local authorities must take steps to purify the water.
"The study found the area's water bodies to have concentrations of silver, arsenic, cobalt, chromium, manganese, and vanadium, which were higher than the amount permissible by the World Health Organisation,” she says.
"All these values are in excess of the MAC (minimum alveolar concentration) levels set by the World Health Organisation or other accredited institutions for groundwater or drinking water.
"These results raise a safety concern as many PHEs are required to be within the recommended limits.”
"This study has charted a new path in understanding the distribution of various toxic elements in AMD and how treatment of mining wastewater could be designed in relation to the elements' contact with wildlife in the area", added Jordaan
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