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EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE
Lake soon ready for swimmers
REPORTER
T
HE organic clean-up of the largest freshwater lake in the Nelson Mandela Bay region is yielding positive results, with the water body set to be “swimmerready” during the course of this year, results show.
Water quality test results from the North End Lake reveal a marked improvement in various critical parameters, suggesting that the tide is finally turning on pollution levels which in the past have seen the lake unsuitable for swimming events where participants come into direct contact with contaminants. According to Rhino Water director Sarel Bam, whose company was appointed by stadium operator Access Leisure and Facilities Management to conduct the organic clean-up – or bioremediation – of the lake, the toxic blue-green algae, faecal coliforms and E. coli levels dropped substantially between January and March. The downward trend was significant, said Bam, and a clear indication that the North End Lake’s bioremediation was taking effect in spite of a continued influx of toxins and other pollutants into the lake. He added that anecdotal evidence such as a marked increase in the number of young fish, or fingerlings, also suggested an improvement. The most recent test results from the North End Lake – taken since the bioremediation of the water body began last November – reveal that inorganic materials such as dissolved metals and minerals now meet
the national SANS 241 specifications for drinking water. Algae and bacterial levels have also dropped significantly, although still remain above the acceptable standards for recreational use set by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF). Further good news is that pollutant sludge levels on the floor of the North End Lake have decreased by up to 20cm, from depths of around 80cm, since the first phase of the project commenced. The second phase of the project, which started on January 6, will continue until the end of June when another update will be provided. “Based on the data we have, we are on the right track,” said Bam. “Algae levels have improved substantially, while bacterial forms such as E. coli, faecal coliforms and Enterococci have also improved, but are not yet where we would like them to be.” DWAF guidelines state that E. coli and faecal coliform colonies should be fewer than 130 per 100ml, while toxic blue-green algae levels should be less than six bluegreen units per millilitre. “Some members of the public have also commented on improved water clarity, but this will change as the sludge continues to lift. We’re looking at ways to expedite the process and have the North End Lake remediated in the coming months.” The bioremediation process has involved dosing the lake with an imported proprietary product containing natural bacteria and co-enzymes to effectively lift and digest sludge from the bottom of the lake and remediate the water. Continued on page 2
Wêreldklas judo in die Baai Liane Pretorius (wit gordel) en Danel Ludick (blou gordel) het dit gister behoorlik op die geel mat by die Statebondjudokampioenskapbyeenkoms uitgespook. Dié twee is deel van honderde judoka van meer as 15 lande wat by die Nelson Mandela Metropolitaanse Universiteit se binnenshuise sportsentrum vir plekke op die podium meeding. Die spele het die naweek begin en sal tot Saterdag duur. Op die inlas is Michaela Whitebooi (20), van Booysenpark in die Baai wat ‘n Afrikajudokampioen is. Dié tenger student in finansiële wetenskap aan die Universiteit van Pretoria is een van die honderde deelnemers wat vandeesweek aan die Statebondjudokampioenskapbyeenkoms – wat die eerste keer in die Baai gehou word – gaan meeding. FOTO’S: WERNER HILLS
Despatch........................Tel: 041 933 5352
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