Vhembe Water reclamation project final paper - Copy

Generational Training & Development (Pty) Ltd |Tel: +27 10 591 2193| Fax: +27 86 621 8398| Beaulieu Office

Park; Block 1; Stallion Road; KYALAMI

1

WATER RECLAMATION PROJECT IN VHEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Project Proposal

Research and Development Unit (Vhembe)

And Vhembe District Municipality

15 July 2015



2

Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 3

2. CASE STUDY ONE: FUMANI WATER WORKS AND BOREHOLE ............................................. 6

2.1 Background .......................................................................................................................................... 6

Description of the study area ..................................................................................................................... 7

Research Problem / Problem Statement ..................................................................................................... 7

2.4 Define the concept or problem ............................................................................................................. 9

2.5 Objectives of the project ...................................................................................................................... 9

Justification of Research .......................................................................................................................... 10

2.7 Literature Review............................................................................................................................... 10

2.7.1 Consequences .................................................................................................................................. 11

2.7.2 Management solutions .................................................................................................................... 12

The proposed types of AMD treatments: 12

Reverse osmosis ....................................................................................................................................... 13

Rhodes BioSURE process........................................................................................................................ 13

Roughing Filters....................................................................................................................................... 14

Legislative and Policy Review................................................................................................................. 14

Methodology (N.B; How we wish to valid/prove and solve problem) .................................................... 15

Site visit ................................................................................................................................................... 15

Lab analysis ............................................................................................................................................. 16

Geochemical Test..................................................................................................................................... 16

Geophysics/ Geotechnical Investigations ................................................................................................ 16

Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................... 16

CASE STUDY TWO: NZHELELE THERMAL SPRINGS................................................................... 17

Background .............................................................................................................................................. 17

Description of the study area (s) .............................................................................................................. 18

Borehole in Siloam Village ...................................................................................................................... 19

Mphephu Resort ....................................................................................................................................... 20

Mamvuka Village..................................................................................................................................... 20

Research Problem / Problem Statement ................................................................................................... 20

Objectives of the project .......................................................................................................................... 21


Literature Review..................................................................................................................................... 23

Define the concept or problem ................................................................................................................. 24



3

Causes ...................................................................................................................................................... 24

Consequences (Environmental, Economic, Social, etc) .......................................................................... 24

Management solutions ............................................................................................................................. 24

Legislative and Policy Review (of Subject matter) ................................................................................ 25

Methodology (N.B; How we wish to valid/prove and solve problem) .................................................... 25

4 CASE STUDY THREE: THOHOYANDOU WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT ................. 26

Background .............................................................................................................................................. 26

4.2 Description of the study area ............................................................................................................. 28

Objectives of the project .......................................................................................................................... 31

4.5.1 Main objective ................................................................................................................................ 31

4.5.2 Specific objectives .......................................................................................................................... 31


Literature Review..................................................................................................................................... 32

4.7.1 Define the concept or problem ........................................................................................................ 32

Causes ...................................................................................................................................................... 34

Consequences (Environmental, Economic, Social, etc) .......................................................................... 35

4.8 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................... 39

4.9 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................... 40

Recommendations: ................................................................................................................................... 40

References ................................................................................................................................................ 42

List of figures

Fig.1.1. Fumani Water Works and Mine……………………………………………………….....7

Fig.1.2. Consequences of AMD………………………………………………………………......8

Fig.2.1. Limpopo Thermal springs………………………………………………………………18

Fig.2.2. Nzhelele Map…………………………………………………………………………...19

Fig.3.1. Map of the study area…………………………………………………………………...27

Fig.3.2. A schematic illustration of wastewater treatment plant………………………………....32

Fig.3.3. Summary of legislations to be looked for the purpose of this study…………………...36



4

List of Tables

Table 1: Unknown……………………………………………………………………………....22

Table 2: Temperature of study area……………………………………………………………..28

Table 3: Proposed standards by water specialist in SA………………………………………....37

Table 4: Depicting methodology structure……………………………………………………...38



5

1. Introduction

Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) as a Water Service Authority (WSA) state organ is

faced with a great challenge of distributing safe portable water which is fit for domestic

and industrial utilization to its population. As in other district municipalities in South

Africa, the problem is not that there’s no enough raw water supply from the dams, rivers

and underground water systems. The issue is with the infrastructures and water supply

channels (C. Marius 2013).

The VDM has a population of approximately 1 472 615, with 821 settlements, 14 of

which are urban and 807 are villages. Of the 821 settlements, 1% still does not have

formal water supply systems. 60% of these settlements have water supply below

acceptable standards, that is their water supply has infrastructure but communal one and

not per household (2012 Vhembe WSDP).

The VDM has not been able to effectively address the backlog challenge in terms of the

distribution of safe portable water, which is fit for domestic and industrial utilization, to

its entire population. This project seeks to address such a challenge by focusing on three

main case studies located within the VDM, and they are; Fumani water works and

borehole, Siloam hot-water boreholes and Thohoyandou wastewater treatment

plant.



6

2. CASE STUDY ONE: FUMANI WATER WORKS

AND BOREHOLE

2.1 Background

Fumani water works is situated in Mtititi village, under the Jilongo chieftency,

approximately 25 Km away from Malamulele town in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

The plant started operating in November 2004, with its raw water supply from

groundwater sources (boreholes). The main raw water supply is a municipal borehole

situated a few tens of meters away from the plant, inside an old abandoned none

operational gold mine. The borehole was drilled in 2003 inside the mine (Fumani Mine)

directly from what appears to be an exploratory adit. The water from the exploratory adit

contains contaminants of heavy metals from the mine, some of the these metals when

exposed to oxygenated water results to acidic water which is assumed to be Acid Mine

Drainage. The case study is focused on contaminated groundwater within Fumani water

works.



7

2.2 Description of the study area

Fumani water works is situated outside Malamulele town in Mtititi village under Vhembe

district municipality in the Limpopo province (see map below).

Legend

Study area

Plant & Borehole

SOURCE: GOOGLE

MAPS

SCALE: NTS

Fig. 1.1. Fumani Water Works and Mine

Climatic condition: The town has a very dry subtropical climate, specifically a humid

subtropical climate (koppen climate classification: Cwa), with long hot and rainy

summers and short cool and dry winters.

Soil type and vegetation: ?????

Geology of the area: ?????

2.3 Research Problem / Problem Statement

The raw water extracted from the borehole has serious side effect of corrosion on the

pipelines and pressure pump motors at the borehole and at the plant and all other

metal it comes in contact with.



8

Even after the treatment process, the “clear water” supplied still shows evidence

heavy metals residue.

From the evidence gathered on site, the locals have indicated that the use of the

treated water has an itchy feel and a burning sensation thereafter, the usage of the

very same water also has a negative effect of vegetation if used for watering and the

livestock get sicknesses (swollen mouths) from the consumption of the water.

Based on the in-situ evidence obtained, the team came to the assumption that the

cause of this may be Acid Mine Drainage, because the available evidence’ are typical

side effects of AMD.

Fig.1.2. Consequences of AMD



9

2.4 Define the concept or problem

Mining operations are a source of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) in South Africa that

renders water useless for consumption, industrial and agricultural purpose if not treated

(Steyl, 2012). Coal and other sulphide-bearing mining operations expose sulphide to air

and water, thereby increasing the surface area, the rate of acid generation and then

possibly the salt load. The metal toxicity, acidity of the water and salinization from these

mines is known as AMD (Mey & Van Niekerk, 2009).

When the surface comes in contact with atmospheric oxygen and rain water, it results in

oxidisation of minerals and an enrichment of ferric iron. This process is known as Acid

Rock Drainage (ARD) or Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). AMD occurs when the sulphide-

bearing minerals are exposed by mining operations/constructions to oxygen and water

whereas ARD is when a rock that contains sulphide-bearing minerals is exposed or

comes in contact with oxygen and water. Leaching solution is accumulated from the

oxidation zone into the cementation zone just below the groundwater level. This affects

the groundwater quality. A common tell-tale sign of AMD occurrence is a discharge of

bright orange colored (yellowboy) water or stained rock due to the precipitation of

(Fe(OH)3) ferric hydroxide (Usher, 2003; Lawrence and Day 1997).

2.5 Objectives of the project

Conduct a thorough scientific (hydrogeological, environmental & chemical)

research to assess and confirm whether or not AMD certainly is the cause behind

the challenge.

Identify and analyse the raw water contaminants and elements, identifying a way

of removing them from the raw water to make it safe and suitable for treatment

and purification at the plant.

Device proper and effective borehole management plan and raw water treatment

plan.



10

2.6 Justification of Research

Economically, the municipality has been losing a lot of money(millions) from

replacing pipelines and pressure pump motors that get ruined by the side effects

of the water, to an extent that they had to shut down the plant due to lack of

maintenance funds. The shutdown of the plant mean that surrounding

communities do not have access to water anymore (businesses have to shut down

as well). Solving this problem will not only save the municipality money, but

generate money for it as well since local business would be operational and have

to buy water supplied from the plant.

Socially, the shutdown means that surrounding settlements have no water supply,

which is fit for domestic consumption, at all. Due to this, settlers rely on unsafe

sources of water supply and are prone to waterborne diseases. Addressing this

challenge will save lives of many settlers from the surrounding disadvantaged

communities.

Environmentally, the water from the plant has been having serious hazardous side

effects on the vegetation and the livestock from local communities. These

negative impacts can only be avoided by effectively addressing this challenge.

2.7 Literature Review

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is highly acidic water, usually containing high

concentrations of metals, sulphides and salts as a consequence of mining activity. The

major sources of AMD include drainage from underground mine shafts, runoff and

discharge from open pits and mine waste dumps, tailings and ore stockpiles (CSIR,

2009).

AMD is a common and pervasive environmental concern, one that can occur anytime,

pyrite (FeS2) or other sulfide minerals are excavated, exposing them to surficial oxygen,

water and bacteria. It is characterized by acidic (pH<5), sulfate (SO42-) rich water with



11

high concentrations of dissolved metals. The presence of these metals and metalloids can

significantly impair biological functions in the receiving streams, with even small

amounts (100-200μg/L) of dissolved inorganic Al3+ capable of fish kills (Baker et al.,

1996).

AMD may form in underground workings (groundwaters) of deep mines, although this is

generally of minor importance when a mine is in active production and water tables are

kept artificially low by pumping. However, when mines are closed and abandoned, and

the pumps turned off, the rebound of the water table can lead to contaminated

groundwater (Younger et al., 2004; Neal et al., 2004).

Acid mine drainage arises primarily when the mineral Pyrite or Sulphur bearing rocks

comes into contact with oxygenated water (McCarthy,2011). During the oxidation of

sulphide bearing minerals several chemical reactions occurs. Each sulfide mineral and

other heavy minerals (Pd, Zn, As, Cu and Co) have different oxidation rate. E.g. during

the study carried out in Fumani mine it is revealed that high concentration of Zn in water

leads to water contamination. Generally Zn content of 15mg/L in water is considered to

be toxic and results in renal damage (DWAF, 1996; Us EPA, 2009).

Although acid drainage is formed within tunnels during active mining, it is limited by

continuous water removal. Once abandoned, the severity of acidity generated within the

flooded mine workings is influenced both by the sulfide geochemistry and by the

hydrogeology; the volume and recharge of oxygenated water (Blowes, 2005).

2.7.1 Consequences

Mine water impacts negatively on the water environment by increasing the levels of

suspended solids, leading to mobilization of elements such as iron, aluminum, cadmium,

cobalt, manganese and zinc, it also decreases PH of the receiving water. The overall

effect of mine water is the deterioration of water quality in many surface water sources

that may impact on domestic, industrial and agricultural uses (Ochieng et al, 2010).



12

AMD plays a vital role in water pollution and has a negative impact on the environment

and human life. The most immediate and serious impacts of acid mine drainage are on

natural waterways. If mining waste is acid-generating, the impacts to animals and plants

can be severe (Jennings et al, 2008). Contamination of drinking water supply via the toxic

heavy metals that remain dissolved in the acidic water from mines.

The metals can be ingested by humans through drinking water supplies which can

endanger human lives (Ochieng et al, 2010). Migratory creatures not resident to mining

sites are also affected. The death of migratory birds has been documented at mine sites

where contaminated water filled abandoned pits or accumulated in tailings ponds. Left

unremedied, acid mine drainage can leave streams and rivers and areas downstream

biological dead zones for decades, if not centuries. Metals contamination can also weave

itself into the food chain causing serious physical stress to soil, plants and animals,

impacting biodiversity and food sources used for human subsistence (Jennings et al,

2008).

2.7.2 Management solutions

Management of AMD in practice could be enhanced by understanding geochemistry and

hydro-chemistry of a system. Some solutions include:

Treatments of mining effluents and AMD

Water ingress prevention

Decant management

Mine layout

Environmental Management Plan (pollution control, mine closure and

rehabilitation plans)

The proposed types of AMD treatments:



13

Reverse osmosis

Reverse osmosis water purification is a process of mechanical filtration to remove

particles, absorb carbon and remove chlorine, taste, odour and chemical contaminants.

Reverse osmosis water purification removes up to 99.9% of undesirable water

contaminants by forcing untreated water through semi permeable membrane that

separates down to 0.0001 micron. It removes dissolves solids at the ionic level. In this

process the water pressure forces the water to flow in the reverse direction of flow in

natural osmosis. It has been proven that reverse osmosis water purification in South

Africa provides the best quality drinking water.

Rhodes BioSURE process

The Rhodes BioSURE process is the first full scale plant in the world, locally developed,

and first-of its kind solution for treating acid mine water drainage. It is the most cost

effective biological treatment option developed to date for reducing sulphates in acid

mine water without the external addition of chemicals. This process was developed by

Rhodes University’s environmental biotechnology research unit. (Ochieng et al, 2010).

The development of the Rhodes BioSURE process commenced at Rhodes University in

the early 1990s with observations of high degree of hydrolysis and utilization of organic

matter, sulphate reduction, hydrogen sulphide production and associated metal

precipitation and increased alkalinity in this systems. In follow up studies, the feasibility

of employing primary sewage sludge as an electron donor source for biological sulphate

reduction was successfully demonstrated. The findings led to the bench scale studies of

what become known as the Rhodes BioSURE Process. Following bench scale studies of

the operation , the process was scaled up to a 40Kl/day pilot plant located on site at

Grootvlei mine in Springs, Gauteng province, Treating an AMD stream with a sulphate

load as high as 200 mg/l (Christopher, 2001).



14

Roughing Filters

Roughing filters can be considered as a major pretreatment process for mine water, since

it efficiently separate fine solid particles over prolonged periods without addition of

chemicals. Roughing filters are simple and efficient mine water pre-treatment technology.

This is in terms of technical labour requirement, daily operation, maintenance and

treatment efficiency and effectiveness. The first horizontal roughing filter was developed

in delmas coal in Mpumalanga province of South Africa to treat heavy metals and

increase the pH of the mine water. Gravel was used as a control medium. The filter was

divided into three parts namely the inlet structure, the outlet structure and the filter bed.

The inlet and outlet structures are where flow control installations are required to

maintain a certain water level and flow along the filter as well as the establishment of an

even flow distribution along and across the filter. In order to improve the performance of

roughing filters, this process was modified by applying local available material like

charcoal as the filter media. The pilot plant was monitored for a continuous 90 days from

commissioning till the end of the project. The overall function of the filter in removing

parameters that were put to test was accepted using charcoal. Achieved results in this

study showed that roughing filters may be considered as a packed, low-cost and efficient

pre-treatment process for mine water treatment. (Ochieng et al, 2010).

2.8 Legislative and Policy Review

Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996

- Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or

well-being, and have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and

future generation, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent

pollution and ecological degradation, promote conservation, and secure

ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while

promoting justifiable economic and social development.



15

NEMA (National Environmental Management Act), 107 of 1998

NEM: WA (National Environmental Management: Waste Act), 59 of 2008

National Water Act (NWA), 36 of 1998

Purpose – is to ensure that national water resources are:

- Protected

- Used

- Developed

- Conserved

- Managed

And control in ways which take into account relevant factors, these includes:

- Basic human needs

- Equitable access to water

- Efficient and sustainable use of water

- Adequate provide for the growing demand o water

- Protecting aquatic and associated water based ecosystems

- Reducing and preventing pollution and degradation of water resources

- Meeting South Africa’s international obligations

2.9 Methodology (N.B; How we wish to valid/prove and solve

problem)

To prove that the water supplied to the treatment plant and to the community was

contaminated the following have to be conducted:

Site visit:

- Collect water samples

- Rock samples

- Drill core samples



16

Lab analysis:

- Test water )Concentration of heavy metals, PH and Total dissolved salts

Geochemical Test

- Petrological analysis

- Borehole profile assessment

Geophysics/ Geotechnical Investigations

- Geological mapping

2.10 Conclusion

Mining activities in Limpopo have helped increase the economy, funding the development of the

province. However due to these mining activities the environment is being damaged (in this case

study groundwater). AMD is the problem affecting groundwater and is related to gold and coal

mining. The by-products (mine dumps, tailings) produced by these mining activities contain

heavy metals which causes harm when reacting with rain water, resulting in AMD. The impact

has affected Fumani water works treatment plant resulting in it closing down and the borehole

being deserted.

As groundwater is the raw water supply to Fumani water works (treatment plant), communities

depending on this plant have been strongly affected due to this plant being deserted and as a

result they rely on other limited water sources. Therefore conducting this study is essential to

find solutions that will help with the problem faced in this study area.



17

3. CASE STUDY TWO: NZHELELE THERMAL

SPRINGS

3.1 Background

A thermal spring is a spring that is produced by the discharge of geothermally heated

groundwater from the Earth’s crust; this may be from volcanic or meteoric origin. South

Africa is known to have a large number of thermal springs, with a documented 87 being

located in the northernmost region of the country, these being associated with deep faults

in the Earth’s crust (Olivier et.al. 2010). “At least 33 thermal springs and boreholes are

located in the Limpopo Province”, (Yibas et.al, 2011).

Thermal springs in Limpopo occur in two main regions or ‘belts’, the Waterberg in the

south and in the vicinity of the Soutpansberg in the north. According to Lurie (2013), the

Soutpansberg Group occurs in the area of the mountain range of the same name’ it

largely consists of lavas and reddish sedimentary rocks (mainly quartzites). The areas of

focus in this study, namely Siloam thermal borehole, Mphephu thermal spring and

Mamvuka borehole are in the Soutpansberg region. The Siloan and Mamvuka boreholes

were drilled in the 1960’s by different mining companies.



18

3.2 Description of the study area (s)

Fig.2.1. Limpopo Thermal springs



19

LEGEND

Study Area

Site

SCALE : NTS

Fig.2.2. Nzhelele Map

The study areas are Siloam village, Mphephu Resort and Mamvuka village, which are

situated under the Nzhelele area. Siloam village and Mphephu Resort fall under the

quaternary catchment of the Nzhelele River located in Limpopo Province.

3.3 Borehole in Siloam Village

The borehole in Siloam village is situated within a villager’s premises. Water coming

out of the borehole is hot resulting in the pipes being hot as well. The borehole isn’t

facilitated by any pumping system; due to the high pressure of the water. The pipes of

the borehole are covered by an evaporate, in the form of salt particles which might be

identified as halide.



20

3.4 Mphephu Resort

Mphephu Resort is also situated in Siloam Village which is approximately 2km away

from the borehole in Siloam. The hot spring within the resort is a natural hot spring.

The rocks surrounding the hot spring are covered with white residue which might be

halite, similar to the one identified on the pipes of the borehole in Siloam Village.

The residue on the rocks indicates change of water levels in the spring.

3.5 Mamvuka Village

The borehole in Mamvuka Village is situated between villagers’ houses. It is one of

the six boreholes found around the village. This particular borehole produces more

water than the other five; water is hot during the morning and evening but cool during

the day. Like the borehole in Siloam Village, there is no pumping system aiding in

the water outflow. The pipe of the borehole is rusted, upon careful observation, rust

particles were identified in the water.


The literature reviewed on the thermal springs of South Africa revealed that not much is

known about how they have been used in the past and how their geochemical and

physical compositions and land-use around them has changed over time (Olivier et al.,

2011). And because of this, this research will attempt to study the geological, chemical

and physical properties of the areas of interest under the Ndelele village, so the thermal

spring waters can be used by the communities for consumption and domestic purposes.



21


Examine the physical and chemical characteristics of geothermal water at the study areas;

discuss the different uses associated with such water; and assess the health risks posed to

humans, through the different uses of the waters of the boreholes.

3.8 Justification of Research

The interest of this project is that the water coming out of the borehole in Siloam village

is hot and it’s not fit for domestic purposes because of there being some unwanted

elements in the water. The interest of the study of Mamvuka village boreholes is that the

temperatures of the water fluctuates with time which differs with the borehole in Siloam

Village were its temperature is more or less constant.

There is more water abandoned in the areas but cannot be utilised because of lack of

infrastructure and treatment facilities. According to a geochemical study by Olivier

(2010), the results obtained confirmed that none of the spring waters are fit for human

consumption since they contain unacceptably high levels of bromide and fluoride

elements.

The water that is wasted can be used for household purposes, since there are water

challenges in that area. The water does not meet Water Quality Standard because it

contains unwanted compounds and minerals e.g. hydrogen sulphide, and halide. The old

pipes of the Mamvuka boreholes should be replaced and there should also be a water

storage system implemented, for instance a reservoir.



22

Table 1 Major element and selected water quality parameters (Yibas et al., 2011 after

Olivier et al., 2010).



23

Table 2 Trace elements (Olivier et al., 2010).



24


3.9.1 Define the concept or problem

The water in the Siloam village borehole is hot and it has a certain odour, this odour

indicates the presence of certain compounds in the water e.g. hydrogen sulphide (H2S).

There is a continuous outflow of water, resulting in waste.

When the water from the borehole in Mamvuka was tasted, it had a rusty taste. Waste

was also identified in the Mamvuka borehole.

3.9.1 Causes

The hot water is a result of hydrothermal activities, which cause dissolution of

compounds and minerals from the underlying rock, resulting in the presence of certain

minerals in the water e.g. halite. And because of the high pressures, the water outflow is

continuous, resulting in the identified waste.

The pipes of the borehole in Mamvuka Village are old; the rust is as a result of this.

3.9.2 Consequences (Environmental, Economic, Social, etc)

Studies have shown that the water of geothermal springs could contain toxic elements,

pathogenic organisms, toxic gases and even elements that are radio-active in nature

(Olivier et.al. 2011). These may cause health risks to humans, kill plants and animals and

also have an environmental impact.


On an international scale, thermal spring waters are used for a number of things other

than recreation, namely, agriculture, aquaculture, industry, space heating, mineral

extraction and bottled water (Sheppard, 2013). Because South Africa lacks in studies

about thermal springs, and little is known and understood, they aren’t utilized for many

things.

In Siloam, two tanks can be built to store the hot water and then release it to another tank,

once it has cooled, to be purified and released for consumption or a reservoir can be built



25

or a canal to cool down the water, and a water purification method implemented, so as to

meet water use requirement standards.

In Mamvuka, the old pipes can be replaced, and a pumping machine can be used pump or

abstract more water, and a dam built to store the water and supply it to the surrounding

communities.

3.10 Legislative and Policy Review (of Subject matter)

National Environmental Management Act, 107 0f 1998

National Environmental Management : Waste Act, 57 0f 2004

National Water Act, 36 of 1998

Sustainable Development/Triple Bottom Line

International Organization for Standardization : ISO 14001 and ISO 18001

Environmental Management Plan

Water Quality

Environmental Management Plan

3.11 Methodology (N.B; How we wish to valid/prove and

solve problem)

The stratigraphy of the area should be known and must also do an Environmental

Impact Assessment for the site.

Take water samples and analyse mineral content and elements present in it, then

investigate the physical and chemical properties of the water.

Investigate water supply and demand of the areas.

Calculate the capacity or quantity of the reservoir or tanks to meet the water

demand of the areas.

Investigate the geohydrological characterisation of the underlying rocks.

Measure the temperature of the water at different times and different weather.

Investigate the ground water recharge and catchment.



26

Gather more information from other studies that were conducted on the areas

before, ask local people for more information.

3.12 Conclusion

Since the communities of Nzhelele area are suffering with access to portable water, while

the water is abandoned in their areas or villages and cannot be utilized because it is

contaminated, the project must be done to solve the Nzhelele problems discussed. This

would increase water supply in the Vhembe district and reduce the water demand from

the Nandoni and Thathe Vondo dams.

4. CASE STUDY THREE: THOHOYANDOU WASTE

WATER TREATMENT PLANT

4.1 Background

The high demand for clean water, which is green drop for waste water has come to a vital

necessity for sewage treatment plants which have to meet both the current legislation and

waste water purification standards. Wastewater treatment plants process water from

homes and business, which contains nitrogen and phosphorus from human waste, food

and certain soaps and detergents. The waste effluent comprises of high levels of

compounds such as phosphates and nitrates to mention a few. In excess amounts, these

minerals are known to be harmful. During eutrophication process, dissolved minerals and

nutrients flow into streams, lakes and other bodies of water. A good portion of these

dissolved minerals consists of phosphates and nitrates. High levels of phosphates and

nitrates are known to deplete dissolved oxygen levels by causing algae blooms

(http://westcumbriariverstrust.org accessed on 23 July 2015). This study investigates the

challenges faced in a Thohoyandou wastewater treatment plant and brings about solutions

to improve the efficiency of the process used.

http://westcumbriariverstrust.org/



27

The plant operates manually since 1973. Another plant was built which is an extension of

the existing plant and it started operating automatically in 2013.The capacity of the plant

is 12Ml/day. It treats sewage from the surrounding areas of Thohoyandou, amongst them

is: Shayandima, Tshilidzini hospital, Itsani, Makwarela, Muledzhi, and many more.

The Thohoyandou wastewater treatment plant receives raw sewage from these areas and

undergoes primary and secondary treatment. The primary treatment is more of physical

process that uses screens and a grit channel to remove large floating objects such as

diapers, plastics, and to allow solids such as sand and rock to settle out which is then

removed by shovels into wheelbarrows to the landfill (open dump) few meters across the

inlet. Then the waste stream flows into a primary settling tank where suspended solids

settle out as sludge. The sludge is taken to digester where it gets cooked for about 4-6

weeks. Then to the sludge drying beds where most of the sludge is sold to the community

serving as manure. The wastewater flows directly to biological filters in secondary

process.

The secondary treatment process is more of biological process in which aerobic bacteria

removes most of the dissolved and suspended biodegradable, oxygen-demanding organic

wastes as well as nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. Biological filters are used to remove

phosphates and nitrates from the wastewater before it is discharged. Before discharge, the

water is disinfected to kill disease-carrying bacteria and some viruses. This is

accomplished through chlorination, where in this case of the plant they use HTH tablets

instead of chlorine gas to clean the water. There are sampling collection point where

samples are taken towards the channels that discharge water to the river, to the lab for

analysis of ammonia, pH levels, nitrates and chlorine contained in the water.



28

4.2 Description of the study area

The study area is located at Muledane, which falls under Thulamela Municipality, within

Vhembe district, Limpopo province of South Africa. Thohoyandou, Tswinga, Maniini,

and Shayandima surround Muledane which is 8 Kilometers from Thohoyandou.

Thohoyandou waste water treatment plant is located between latitudes 23⁰01’00’’ S and

longitude 30⁰27’00’’ E. The location map of the study area is in figure 1.1.

Legend Study Area

Area NTS

Fig.3.1. Map of the study area

Muledane village is a farmstead with an elevation of 588 m above the sea level. It is

composed of variety of hills. The exact site where the study was undertaken is comprised

Thohoyandou



29

of gentle, flat and steep slopes. The vegetation of Muledane village is comprised of

shrubs and subtropical trees, and the type of soil found at Muledane village is composed

of Clay and Loam soil.

Thohoyandou waste water treatment plant is located within the subtropical climatic

region, which has high temperature, and humidity (60%) in summer and it is mild during

the winter. However, the area is relatively warm throughout the year with the temperature

of about 160C to 40

0C. During high rainfall seasons, soil erosion to take place. This

erosion can enable deposited solid waste at treatment plant to be transported easily into

water bodies.

Table 2. Temperature at study area (Source: Meo weather services)

Months

Temperature ⁰C Average rainfall (mm)

Average Absolute

Daily

Monthly Min Max Min Max

January 19,6 31 14,2 38,8 1,7 53,6

February 19,9 31,3 14,4 38,6 2,8 78,9

March 18,6 29,9 12,6 37,9 2,1 65,9

April 15,9 28,6 7,5 37,7 0,9 27,6

May 11,9 27,3 2,6 36,6 0,1 4,3

June 10,2 25,1 0 32,3 0,5 14,5

July 9,4 24,9 3,8 32,8 0,3 10,2

August 11,2 27,5 4,1 37 0,4 12,9

September 13,5 29,6 6,4 39,8 0,3 8,6

October 16 30,1 9 40,1 1,2 36,4

November 18,1 30,9 9,8 41,1 2,4 71,3

December 19,1 31,1 9,5 31,5 3 93,7



30


The first stage of the treatment process involves the removal of solid waste. Within a few

meters from the screening process there is a trench which functions as a landfill site,

where the non-degradable are then disposed. The effluent discharge area is also located

few meters from this landfill site. The topography in the waste water treatment plant is

steep, the landfill site located on the tip, which the effluent is discharge zone and the river

is the bottom of this inclined landscape.

There are environmental and social implications of this landfill site. Substances from the

landfill site can be removed or accumulated in by a percolating liquid in a process called

leaching. Landfills without leachate treatment facilities become a prominent source of

pollution that contaminates surface and groundwater. As evident in rainy seasons, rain

percolates through the water and soil strata and thus pollutes the ground water. In an

event where there are winds blowing or heavy rain due to the dipping topography, the

solid waste is able to find its way downstream.

Socially, diseases on a landfill site can be picked up and spread by different vectors like

birds, insects and there is a release of uncontrolled dangerous gases. The removal of

bacteria from the waste water occurs in the secondary process in the biological filters.

During the wastewater treatment processes there is a biological filter where in aerobic

digestion process takes place to remove phosphates and nitrates in the water. The aerobic

bacteria are kept alive by oxygen which comes in through the top of biological filter and

also the holes on the sides of the filter. Not all these nitrates and phosphates are removed

because aerobic bacteria receive less oxygen to keep them alive in the biological filters,

hence there is a growth of weeds in the maturation river indicating high concentration of

nitrates, amonia and phosphates in the effluent discharged, meaning the final effluent

doesn’t meet the waste water discharge standard(green drop) to the water bodies, thus

lead to eutrophication in the river which is harmful to aquatic life, human and animal

health.



31

According to the observations made in the site, the team has broadened its horizons to

look at the factors influencing the wastewater treated and discharged in the Mvudi River

by Thohoyandou sewage treatment plant. It is clear that there are pollutants received from

point and nonpoint sources that have effects to the water treated which were observed

mainly to be:

Solid waste disposal after the screening and grit channel phases of the primary

treatment process.

Adequate amounts of nitrates and phosphates in the final effluent lead to growing of

the weeds in the maturation river during the secondary treatment process.


4.5.1 Main objective

The main objective of this project is to analyse the state of the Thohoyandou

wastewater treatment plant and to detect challenges related to operational

management and compliance to relevant policies that govern municipal solid

waste disposal, wastewater treatment plant and to establish the possible solution

for the detected challenges.

4.5.2 Specific objectives

To examine possible environmental impact caused by noncompliance of the plant

in terms of its operational management

To establish possible strategies to maximize plant compliance

4.5.3 Justification of Research

As South Africa is a water-scarce country, removal of effluents and waste before it can

enter the water resource is critical. Undertaking research in Thohoyandou wastewater

treatment plant is important for the Vhembe District Municipality to assess the factors

influencing water quality and waste management as it supply large number of population



32

of the municipality. Looking deeper in the legislative and policies regulating waste

treatment will be easier for the municipality to manage the above mentioned problems as

they have negative environmental and social impacts within the plant and the Muledane

area as discussed earlier.


4.7.1 Define the concept or problem

Waste water treatment plants undergo similar number of stages of treatment as illustrated

in the figure 1 below. These stages include the preliminary, primary, secondary and

tertiary.

Stage 1: preliminary treatment

Screening is the first stage of the wastewater treatment process. Screening removes large

objects like diapers, nappies, sanitary items, cotton buds, face wipes and even broken

bottles, bottle tops, plastics and rags that may block or damage equipment. Special

equipment is also used to remove grit that gets washed into the sewer.

Stage 2: Primary treatment

This involve the separation of organic solid waste matter (Or human waste) from the

wastewater. This is done by putting the wastewater into large settlement tanks for the

solids to sink to the bottom of the tank. Settled solids are called sludge, at the bottom of

these circular tanks, large scrappers continuously scrape the floor of the tank and push the

sludge towards the center where it is pumped away for further treatment. The rest of the

water is then moved to the secondary treatment.

Stage 3: Secondary Treatment

The water, at this stage is put into large rectangular tanks. These are called aeration tank.

Air is pumped into the water to encourage bacteria to breakdown the tiny bits of sludge

that escaped the sludge scrapping process.



33

Stage4: Tertiary treatment

Next the almost treated wastewater is passed through a settlement tank. Here, more

sludge is formed at the settling of the bacterial action. Again, the sludge is scrapped and

collected for treatment. The waste at this stage is almost free from harmless substances

and chemicals. The water is allowed to flow over a wall where it is filtered through a bed

of sand to remove any additional particles. The Filtered water is then released into the

river.

Fig.3.2.: A schematic illustration of the wastewater treatment plant

(http://water.me.vccs.edu/c ourses/env108/Lesson1_print.html accessed 24/07/2015)

According to DEA (2014) during the screening process the solid waste is being deposited

or disposed in landfill sites, however if these landfills are not managed properly they

poses a threat to the environment and human health of residents nearby the plant. It is

known that landfills eventually leak leading to contamination of groundwater through

leaching process (Miller & Spoolman, 2009). In addition Strydom & King (2009)

revealed that in rainy season, waste can runoff to the river near the site contaminating the

http://water.me.vccs.edu/c%20ourses/env108/Lesson1_print.html



34

water that is later purified for human consumption. Again residents near the site get

exposure via inhalation of the air emitted by the treatment plant which may lead to illness

or human diseases.

Abdel-Raouf et al (2012) stated that the main aim of secondary process of the treatment

is to remove biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), suspended solids nutrients, coliform

bacteria and toxicity, in order to get purified wastewater. Wastewater consists of a

mixture of organic and inorganic materials, most of these materials are in a form of

microorganisms especially bacteria, viruses and protozoa (Abdel-Raouf et al, 2012).

Wastewater treatment plants are designed to function as “microbiology farms” where

bacteria and other microorganisms are fed oxygen and organic waste as a source of

nutrition (Abdel-Raouf et al, 2012) . In this way, the aerobic micro-organisms degrade

the organic matter and remove it from the wastewater as activated sludge (products of the

aerobic metabolism). However, in the presence of more plantations growing on the

maturation river during wastewater treatment that indicates excess amount of unwanted

activated sludge (organic matter) that would lead to effects on the water supply and

environment receiving the water through eutrophication.

4.7.2 Causes

Rapid population growth through urbanization and industrialization and changing

consumption pattern are resulting in the generation of excess amount of solid waste and

diversification of the type of solid waste generated (Visvanathan & Ulrich, 2006). Thus

the excess amount of solid waste in the treatment plant causes the contamination of the

environment and water resource nearby.

Frequently, the quality of effluents does not consistently meet effluent quality

requirements for discharge because their performance varies with climatic conditions. At

low temperatures, nutrient removal is difficult to achieve (Mbwele, 2006). As the aerobic

micro-organisms degrade the organic matter and remove it from the wastewater as

activated sludge, the high concentration of phosphates and nitrates in the final effluent is



35

caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the bacteria in the biological filters, as the

aerobic bacteria doesn’t reproduce accordingly.

4.7.3 Consequences (Environmental, Economic, Social, etc)

The environmental degradation caused by inadequate disposal of waste can be

expressed by the contamination of surface and groundwater through leachate, air

pollution, spreading of disease by different vectors like birds, insects, rodents or

uncontrolled release of methane by aerobic decomposition of waste (Visvanathan

& Ulrich, 2006).

Open dumpsites are a major problem to the environment, especially on the air that

people inhale. Dumpsites emit obnoxious odours and smoke that cause illness to

people living in, around or closer to them (Marshal, 1995).

Dumpsites maybe source of airbone chemical contamination via off site migration

of gases, particles and chemicals adhering to dust, especially during the period of

active operation of the site (Wrench, 1990).

Contamination of soil and groundwater may lead to direct contact or pollution of

indoor air, for example in the case of volatile organic chemicals into basements of

nearby residents and in the case of consumption of home grown vegetables as

well.

According to Dolk (1997), researches have been carried out in a number of

community/workers health surveys, a wide range of health problems including

respiratory symptoms, irritation of skin, nose and eyes, gastrointestinal problems,

psychological disorders and allergies have been discovered.

Waste placed in landfills or open dumps are subjected to either underflow or

infiltration from precipitation. Ares near the landfill sites have a great possibility

of groundwater contamination because of the potential pollution source of

leachate originating from the nearby site. Such contamination of groundwater



36

resource possesses a substantial risk to local resource users and to the natural

environment. Migration of the generated leachate in conjunction with

underground water automatically limits the quality of groundwater around the

landfill site (Abolfzi & Elache, 2008). According to Trina (2006), concentration

(mg/l) of leachate constituents are in phases namely: transition (0-5 years), Acid

formation (5-10), Methane fermentation (10-20 years), and find maturity (>20

years). Therefore the age of a landfill also significantly affects the quality of

leachate formed.


The key to protect the groundwater and river from water pollution from point and non-point

sources is to reduce the flow of pollutants (solid waste) from the sewers, improve the

natural systems of removing pollutants (nitrogen and phosphorus) during wastewater

treatment by implementing systems that provide sufficient oxygen in the biological filters.

By doing so “the idea is to prevent toxic and harzadous chemicals from reaching sewage

treatment plants” Miller & Spoolman (2009).

Solid waste in landfills (open dumps) can be managed through:

Incineration: this is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of

organic substances contained in waste material. Incinerators reduce the solid mass of

the original waste by 80-85% and the volume by 95-96%. Incineration does not

replace landfiling, it significantly reduces the necessary volume for disposal (Klein

et al., 2004)

Gasification: is a process that converts organic or fossil fuels based carbonaceous

materials into carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This is achieve by

reacting the material at high temperatures (>7000C) without combustion with a

controlled amount of oxygen and/or steam. The resulting gas mixture is called

syngas or producer gas and is itself a fuel.



37

Pyrolysis: is a form of treatment that chemically decomposes organic material by

heat in the absence of oxygen. Pyrolysis typically occurs under pressure and at

operating temperatures above 4300C (800

0F). Organic materials are transformed into

gases, small quantities of liquid, and solid residue containing carbon and ash. The

off-gases may be also be treated in a secondary thermal oxygen unit. Several types

of pyrolysis are available including the rotary kiln, rotary health furnace and

fluidized bed furnace. These units are similar to incinerators except they operate at

lower temperatures with less air supply (http://www.cpeo.org// 22/07/2015).

Anaerobic digestion: is a series of biological processes in which microorganisms’

breakdown biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen (http://www.epa.gov//

22/072015).

4.8 Legislative and Policy Review

Compliance to the South African laws that regulate the treatment plant is critical

especially when it comes to management of any plant. It is also of importance for the

municipality to look at the activities that have the potential of polluting water resources

as per National Water Act defined under section 21, these needs to be enforced to

municipality (Strydom & King, 2009). Thus the legislative framework has been provided

to summarize the main legislations focused on the case study concerned (see figure?

below)

http://www.cpeo.org/

http://www.epa.gov/



38

Fig.3.3. Summary of legislations to be looked for the purpose of this study.

South Africa made it mandatory through the South African water act (Act 54 of

1956) that effluent be treated to acceptable standards and returned to the water

course from where was originally obtained.

National environmental management act, 1998 (Act No.107 of 1998).

National Water Act (NWA) under section 21 looks at legal obligation in terms of

management and control of land-based wastewater/effluent (Department of

Environmental Affairs, 2014).

NWA section 36 of 1998 aims at the protection of the national water resources for

long term sustainable use (van Niekerk, 2000)

Public health

Minimum Requirement for Waste Disposal by Landfill.

The table below shows the proposed new waste discharge standards by the water

specialists, which are compared with the achievable performance of advanced secondary

treatment.



39

Table 3: Proposed standards by water specialists in South Africa (van Niekerk, 2000)

According to van Niekerk, (2000), the new standards reached for the faecal chloroform

and free chlorinedue to public health considerations and impact of the free chlorine on the

natural aquatic environment are:

FaecalChloroform ≤ 100#/100ml

Free Chlorine ≤ 0.1mg/l

4.9 Methodology

Draw a map which will show the proximity of the river to the waste disposal site.

Draw a geological map which show the proximity of the soil to see effects of penetration

to the groundwater

Do analysis of waste water to check the amount of phosphates and nitrates, using the

following apparatus: pH meter, conductivity meter, Gas Chromatography (GC) or

relevant lab equipment to test the elements present in the waste.

Table 4: Depicting methodology structure

Objectives Tool

Analysis of existing plant

operational management

- Observation

- Questionnaires



40

Examining water quality

- Water sampling parameter

instruments

Examining of the environmental

impact

- Observation

Analysis of plant compliance and

establishment of possible strategies

to maximize plant compliance

- Reviewing legislations, policy, and

guidelines

4.10 Conclusion & Recommendations With all the investigations and observations made, it can be concluded that the waste

water treatment standards have to be met and with a team that consist of various

specialist, chemical, environmental and geological, it is possible to come with a clean

solution to all problems encountered.

Recommendations:

To improve the function of the biofilters, the filter medium can be increased to

allow more time for the microorganisms to breakdown the waste; this will help to

reduce phosphates and nitrates in the treated water.

In order to handle the disposal of solid waste, incinerators can be installed at the

disposal site to burn the solid waste instead of dumping it in an open pit.



41

5. Conclusion

With all the information collected from the different site visits, it was found that different

challenges affect different locations within the Vhembe District Municipality. These challenges

were summarized as follows: Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) due to mining activities in the Fumani

water works and borehole; lack of access to portable water in Nzhelele area because of

contamination and lack of storing water from boreholes as its abandoned and not managed

properly; and meeting waste water treatment standards.

It can then be concluded that, collaborating all different scientific fields of study which are

chemical engineering, hydrology, environmental management and geology, within the task team

appointed, the Vhembe District Municipality water challenges will be solved with the help of

highly experienced professional experts on board. The geology team is going to mainly focus on

doing geotechnical investigations, geological mapping and analyzing groundwater movement

patterns of all affected areas. The environmental management team will conduct Environmental

Impact Assessment (EIA) in all three sites, draft Environmental Management Plans (EMP) for all

the three sites and ensure that the project as a whole is In compliance with ISO 1400&1800

standards. Lastly the hydrology and chemistry/ chemical engineering team would be focusing on

the water sampling and lab analysis, SANS241 water standards compliance, and monitoring

pipelines corrosion.



42

References

Abolfzi M. and Elache A.P(2008).Ground water quality and the sources of pollution in

bengham,watershed,Iran.world academy of science,engineering and technology.

Department of Environmental Affairs. (2014). National Guideline for the Discharge of Effluent from

Land based Sources into the Coastal Environment. Pretoria: South Africa.

Dolk M(1997)Residents near waste landfill sites and most of non-chromosal congenital

malformations.collaboration study,new York.

Lurie J., (2013). South African geology for mining, metallurgical, hydrological and civil engineering.

11th rev. ed.

Marshal,E.(1995).Analytical study to evaluate associations between dumpsites and birth effects.

Trina K, (2006).leachate from sanitary landfills origin characteristic treatment.

Olivier J., Venter J.S. and Jonker C.Z., (2011). Thermal and chemical characteristics of hat water

springs in in the northern part of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Water SA. Vol. 37. No. 4.

Olivier J., Venter J.S. and Van Niekerk H.J., (2010). Physical and chemical characteristics of thermal

springs in the northern part of the Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Visvanathan and Ulrich, 2006.groundwater quality and the sources of pollution in rural Africa

pp247-258

Van Niekerk, A.M. (2000). Technological perspectives on the new South African effluent (waste)

discharge standards. Presented at the WISA 2000 Biennial Conference, Sun City, South Africa.28

May-1 June 2000.

http://www.google-earth.com/ (accessed on 22 July 2015).

http://www.meoweather.com/ (accessed on 22 July 2015).

Strydom, H. A & King, N.D (2009). Environmental Management in South Africa. 2Ed. Juta. South

Africa.

Miller G.T & Spoolman S.E. (2009) Living in the Environment: Concepts, connections and solutions.

16Ed. Brooks/Cole, Canada, USA.

http://water.me.vccs.edu/c ourses/env108/Lesson1_print.html (accessed 24 July 2015)



43

Mbelwe, L. A (2006) Microbial Phosphorus Removal In Waste Stabilisation Ponds Wastewater

Treatment Systems. Stockholm, Sweden.

Yibas B., Olivier J., Tekere T. and Jonker C.Z., (2011). Preliminery health risk analysis in thermal

springs in Limpopo Province, South Africa based on water chemistry.

Documents

Vhembe Water reclamation project final paper - Copy