The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of assumptions, regarding assimilative capacity for microbial contaminants, implicit in microbial water quality management in South Africa. A one dimensional steady state stream water quality model, assuming first order decay of microbial water quality variables, was employed in an attempt to describe and predict microbial water quality in the chosen catchment. Based on the faecal coliform counts the results indicated that the processes of decay and dilution were inadequate to yield water quality which complied with South African and international guidelines for the domestic and recreational use of water. It was also found that a first order decay model can, with fairly limited data, allow a manager to investigate different microbial water quality scenarios in a cost-effective manner.
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Research Article|
March 01 1995
Estimation of the fate of microbial water quality contaminants in a South African river
D. Hohls;
D. Hohls
*Watertek CSIR, P.O. Box 395 Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
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G. du Plessis;
G. du Plessis
*Watertek CSIR, P.O. Box 395 Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
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S. N. Venter;
S. N. Venter
*Watertek CSIR, P.O. Box 395 Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
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M. C. Steynberg;
M. C. Steynberg
**Rand Water, P.O. Box 54 Vereeniging, 1930, South Africa
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C. M. E. De Wet;
C. M. E. De Wet
**Rand Water, P.O. Box 54 Vereeniging, 1930, South Africa
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N. Rodda;
N. Rodda
***Sanachem (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 1454 Durban, 4000, South Africa
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R. Kfir
R. Kfir
*Watertek CSIR, P.O. Box 395 Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
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Water Sci Technol (1995) 31 (5-6): 271–274.
Citation
D. Hohls, G. du Plessis, S. N. Venter, M. C. Steynberg, C. M. E. De Wet, N. Rodda, R. Kfir; Estimation of the fate of microbial water quality contaminants in a South African river. Water Sci Technol 1 March 1995; 31 (5-6): 271–274. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.1995.0623
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