<b>A comparative study of the phosphate levels in some surface and ground water bodiesof Swaziland</b>

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The levels of total phosphate in selected surface water and groundwater bodies from Manzini and Lubombo regions of Swaziland were determined using UV spectroscopic method. Samples were collected from three rivers (upstream and downstream of each), three industrial effluents, one reservoir, one pond, one tap water and fifteen boreholes. Mean phosphate levels in the tap water and reservoir varied between 0.08-0.09 mg/L while for the river samples, the range was 0.11-0.37 and for the industrial discharge, it was 0.11-1.60 mg/L PO4-P. For the ground water systems it ranged between 0.10-0.49 mg/L PO4-P. The mean phosphate levels in all the analyzed surface and groundwater samples were below the recommended maximum contaminant level (MCL) by SWSC (Swaziland Water Service Corporation) -i.e. 1.0 mg/L for drinking water; 2.0 mg/L for rivers and industrial effluents, and the South African criterion of 1.0 mg/L PO4-P, for sewage effluents being discharged into receiving waters. However, pooled mean values for all the sites were higher than the USEPA criterion of 0.03 mg/L maximum for uncontaminated lakes. Dominant factors considered to have influenced the levels of phosphates in both the surface and groundwater samples analyzed include industrial activities (where present), agricultural activities (including livestock), population density, location (urban, suburban or rural), soil/rock type in the vicinity of the sampling point, climate and rainfall pattern of the area or region concerned.

Poly(pyrrole‐co‐pyrrole‐2‐carboxylic acid)/Pyruvate Oxidase Based Biosensor for Phosphate: Determination of the Potential, and Application in Streams

“…Phosphate effects the ecological balance and quality of life in terms of environmental and clinical aspects consists of many natural and anthropogenic source. Aquatic plants require low phosphate concentration (0.025-0.1 mg L À 1 ) for growing [1,2]. Increased phosphate concentration leads to eutrophication (algal bloom) in natural water sources such as lakes, reservoirs, dams etc.…”

Assessment of borehole water quality in Yola-Jimeta Metropolis, Nigeria

“…Generally, limits quoted in literature ranged between 0.05 to 1.0 mg/litre (Fadiran et al, 2008). In our study phosphate level ranged between 0.3 and 0.9 mg/litre.…”

Multiannual variations in phytoplankton populations: what distinguished the blooms of Aphanizomenon ovalisporum in Lake Kinneret in 2010 from 2009?

“…Phosphate availability is considered a major limiting factor to phytoplankton growth in Lake Kinneret (Berman, 1988; Markel et al ., 1994; Eckert et al ., 1997) and many other lakes around the world (a few recent publications from diverse environmental conditions include Ogawa, 1988; Rengefors et al ., 2003; Mhamdi et al ., 2007; Fadiran et al ., 2008; Spijkerman, 2008; Aubriot et al ., 2011; Burford and Davis, 2011; Young et al ., 2011). Measurements of the various forms of phosphate are therefore routinely performed as part of monitoring of Lake Kinneret waters.…”