Determination of Potentially Harmful Element (PHE) Distribution in Water Bodies in Krugersdorp, a Mining City in the West Rand, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Abstract

The town of Krugersdorp in South Africa is the locus of an important wildlife game reserve, the Krugersdorp Game Reserve (KGR), which is juxtaposed by the (<1000 m) down-gradient of the large-scale gold mining outfits of Mintails Mogale Gold (MMG) and Rand Uranium (RU). The aim of the study was to determine the concentration levels of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) that have accumulated due to post-mining activities in the local water bodies in Krugersdorp and to use these data as a prerequisite and basis for formulation of the most appropriate remediation measures. Thirty water samples were collected and analysed in situ for: water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (mgl−1), dissolved oxygen (%), total dissolved solids (TDS), oxidation/reduction potential (ORP), and electrical conductivity (EC). This was later followed by laboratory analyses of aliquots of the water samples by ICP-MS for twelve PHEs whose concentration ranges were: As (0.70–32.20), Ag (0.16–105.00), Al (1.00–41.00), Co (0.07–6.16), Cr (1.60–5.00), Cu (0.80–8.00), Fe (23.00–117.00), Mn (0.14–12 255.00), Ni (0.20–7.00), Pb (0.80–6.30), V (1.90–55.20), and Zn (2.20–783.00). Areas of the town where excessive concentration levels of these elements have negatively impacted the health of its wildlife population and surrounding ecosystems are identified, and credible mitigation measures proffered.

Toxic Elements in Sediment and Water of the Crocodile River (West) System, South Africa, Following Acid Mine Drainage

“…However, Mn concentrations in the water phase of site 1 did not exceed 1 mg/L in 9 out of the 13 samples, leading to an extremely high standard deviation (mean: 21.6 ± 49.1 mg/L). Previous publications examining site 1 found concentrations of dissolved Mn between 11.4 and 192 mg/L [19,20,33], which is well comparable to those measured in this study. Under AMD conditions, large quantities of Mn (II) are typically present in acidic MIW.…”

Legacy Gold Mine Sites & Dumps in the Witwatersrand: Challenges and Required Action

“…Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) suggests that mining companies have become adept at using regulatory weaknesses to avoid spending the necessary funds on protecting water resources from the impacts of mining [28]. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) concurs and says that the DMRE has not taken adequate steps to secure financial guarantees for rehabilitating damage to the environment and water resources [17].…”

Toxic Heavy Metals in Soil and Plants from a Gold Mining Area, South Africa

“…In mines nearby streams, high concentration of heavy metals has been recorded by several researchers [10,46,47]. Shapi et al [46] reported heavy metal concentrations from water samples that have accumulated in wetlands due to the past gold mining operations in Krugersdorp, South Africa. The maximum concentrations recorded for As, Pb and Zn are 32.20 mg/L, 6.30 mg/L and 783 mg/L respectively [46].…”

“…Shapi et al [46] reported heavy metal concentrations from water samples that have accumulated in wetlands due to the past gold mining operations in Krugersdorp, South Africa. The maximum concentrations recorded for As, Pb and Zn are 32.20 mg/L, 6.30 mg/L and 783 mg/L respectively [46]. In the study by Chetty et al [47] on the transportation and accumulation of heavy metals in the Klip River's catchment, elevated concentrations of different heavy metals were recorded which included As, Cd, Pb.…”