Pollution in the Urban Environment: A Research on Contaminated Groundwater in the Aquifers Beneath the Qoboza Klaaste (QK) Buildingt University of Johannesburg in South Africa

Davhana Patience, Nkhonjera German, Mahachi Jeffrey, Rebecca Alowo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Through water quality surveillance research and testing, the paper seeks to establish whether groundwater at the Qoboza Klaaste (QK) building, in the University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus (UJ DFC) is fit for consumption. Waste generated in Johannesburg causes contamination to groundwater resources, affecting its quality, and thus making groundwater unsafe for consumption if not treated. In the assessment of groundwater at QK building collection of samples of groundwater to conduct laboratory tests was carried out; checking quality for the water for human consumption and for any chemical and physical elements that may be the cause of contamination to the water. During the research it was found that there are dolomites in the southern parts of Johannesburg as well as high yield of groundwater occurrence because of the nature of the rocks in those areas. The results were also bench marked against the South African National Standards 241:015 (SANS 241:2015), the finding was that the water in not compliant with drinking water requirements, in addition only two national physical parameters which are the pH and EC were satisfactory. Therefore, this means the groundwater at UJ DFC is not affected by Acid Mine Drainage generated from mining activities in the Witwatersrand. The major source of contamination to groundwater at UJ DFC is mainly faecal pollution, which probably enters the aquifers through leakages of sewers. The research concludes that the groundwater is unsafe and not suitable for Human consumption. The value of the study to other intuitions and UJ DFC is that the university can use the groundwater for purposes such as watering gardens, and for flushing toilets in all the buildings within the university premises.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTowards a Sustainable Construction Industry
Subtitle of host publicationThe Role of Innovation and Digitalisation: Proceedings of 12th Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Postgraduate Research Conference
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages773-782
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9783031224348
ISBN (Print)9783031224331
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2023

Keywords

  • Dolomite
  • Faults
  • Lithological
  • Permeability
  • Weathering

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering
  • General Business,Management and Accounting
  • General Social Sciences

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