Water quality in a mining and water-stressed region

S'phamandla Mhlongo, Paul T. Mativenga, Annlizé Marnewick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

71 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate trends in water quality and mineral footprint along the catchment of a dam located in a coal mining area and water-stressed region. The study was conducted along the upper Olifants River, which is the catchment of Witbank Dam, in the jurisdiction of Emalahleni Local Municipality in South Africa. The study analysed water quality data over an eight-year period, obtained from the water authorities, and two-year data from the municipality. The analysis focused on water quality determinants such as pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, sulphates and manganese. The analysis was conducted in line with South African National Standard 241:2015 on drinking water. By using allowable mineral concentration limits and thresholds, a statistical process capability index was calculated to determine the efficiency of controls on the potential of water being contaminated by land use and mining activities. It was found that the coal mining region was associated with adverse effects on the raw water quality. The paper presents a generic method in terms of a concentration-independent process capability index for monitoring deterioration of water across many water quality determinants. The results provide a warning signal to stakeholders. There is a time-critical and growing deterioration of water quality, which may pose health risks to consumers if there is no reduction in contamination sources or improved efficacy of water purification systems.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)446-456
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Cleaner Production
Volume171
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jan 2018

Keywords

  • Acid mine drainage
  • Process capability index
  • Water quality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • General Environmental Science
  • Strategy and Management
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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