Premium
Metal Speciation in the Rivers Around Potchefstroom Based on Seasonality
Author(s) -
Manyatshe Alusani,
FossoKankeu Elvis,
Berg Divan,
Lemmer Nico,
Waanders Frans,
Tutu Hlanganani
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
water environment research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.356
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1554-7531
pISSN - 1061-4303
DOI - 10.2175/106143017x15054988926587
Subject(s) - genetic algorithm , dry season , seasonality , carbonate , environmental chemistry , trace metal , effluent , pollutant , wet season , water quality , environmental science , surface water , trace element , metal , chemistry , environmental engineering , ecology , biology , organic chemistry
About 44 surface water samples were collected in the wet and dry seasons around mining areas near the city of Potchefstroom in South Africa, and physicochemical parameters were analyzed to assess the speciation of pollutants and impact on dispersion potential. It was found that concentrations of the trace elements measured decreased significantly during the dry season. High concentrations of trace elements during the wet season were correlated to high effluents from anthropogenic sources which were flowing into the surface water. Aqueous metal speciation in both seasons was conducted using the PHREEQC geochemical modelling code. The seasonal variation of species observed was due to changes in the physicochemical quality of water between the two seasons. Collected data indicated that high percentages of Ca and Mg were present as free hydrate species, whereas the Fe, Cd, As, and U were mostly present as carbonate or hydroxide species.