Dire state of SA rivers

RED FLAGS: STUDY FINDS HIGH LEVELS OF CANCER-CAUSING CHEMICALS

- Thando Nondywana

A University of Johannesburg (UJ) study has uncovered dangerously high levels of cancer-causing chemicals in the Klip River in Gauteng.

The research highlights a serious environmental and public health threat, as the detected levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exceed safe limits.

According to UJ researchers, Sediment samples collected from the Klip River during the high and low flow seasons were found to contain 16 chemicals listed by the US Environmental Protection Agency as priority PAHs, with the varying concentrations depending on pollution level at different sites.

The study found that high molecular weight PAHs were more prevalent than low molecular weight PAHs, posing a greater environmental risk.

Most PAH concentrations exceeded the maximum permissible limits set by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, raising red flags for aquatic life, livestock and human health.

Mathapelo Seopela, a lecturer and researcher in UJ's department of chemical sciences, said the impact of pollutants spread on the environment.