Attenuation of ionic pollutants in selected South African soils
Date
2007-03
Authors
Mwepu, Mireille K. M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Two–thirds of South Africa, including more than 280 towns and settlements are
largely dependent on groundwater for their drinking water supply and development.
However, groundwater resources in South Africa are limited both in terms of quantity
and quality, especially in the semi–arid parts of the country (Sililo et al., 2001, p. i).
Therefore, the importance of protecting groundwater resources from pollution has
been recognized.
The first objective of this research was to investigate the attenuation capacity of a
selection of soil horizons and materials representing major types of diagnostic
horizons and materials in the South African soil classification in order to validate their
chemical attenuation ratings as provisionally specified by Sililo et al. (2001, p. 4.6).
The second objective was to assess the pollutant attenuation capacity of South
African soil horizons and materials as well as describe the diagnostic value of key
chemical properties of soils for conveying information on their contaminant
transport/attenuation potential. The third objective was to investigate whether it is
possible to apply acid/base priming using H2SO4 and Ca(OH)2 to a bulk quantity of
soil in order to reduce the mobility of contaminants.
Description
Thesis (MScAgric (Soil Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Soil science, Theses -- Soil science, Soil pollution -- South Africa, Groundwater -- Pollution -- South Africa, Ionic mobility