,GGH3708 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 (869740) - DUE 28 March 2025;
100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations
5 DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT PROBLEMS PROVIDED.
This assignment focuses on Part 1 of the portfolio but it is not Part 1 of the
portfolio. I have found that many students struggle to identify an
appropriate environmental problem for their portfolio. To address this
shortcoming of many students, you must submit a two-page explanation of
the local environmental problem you will be using in your portfolio. It is a
brain-storming exercise to help you to prepare for the portfolio. You must
focus on 5 aspects, namely:
1.description and context of the local environmental problem;
2.the location and extent of the local environmental problem;
3.who or what is causing the local environmental problem;
4.how you are associated or connected to the local environmental problem
5.who or what is being affected by this local environmental problem.
6.Water Pollution in the Vaal River (Gauteng/Free State)
7.Air Pollution in the Highveld Priority Area (Mpumala
8.Deforestation in the Eastern Cape (Wild Coast)
9.Plastic Pollution in Durban Beaches (KwaZulu-Natal)
10.Land Degradation in the Karoo (Northern & Western Cape)
11.References
, Water Pollution in the Vaal River (Gauteng/Free State)
1. Description and Context of the Local Environmental Problem
The Vaal River is one of South Africa’s most important water sources, supplying
water to millions of people in Gauteng, the Free State, North West, and
Mpumalanga. However, it has become severely polluted due to untreated
sewage, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and illegal dumping. The
pollution has led to the spread of toxic algae blooms, foul odors, and health risks
for humans and animals. The water quality has declined significantly, making it
unsafe for drinking, recreational activities, and sustaining aquatic life.
The Emfuleni Local Municipality and surrounding areas have been particularly
affected by sewage spills due to failing wastewater treatment plants. Reports
indicate that raw sewage flows directly into the river, increasing E. coli bacteria
levels to dangerous levels. This crisis has led to protests, legal actions, and
intervention from national authorities.
2. Location and Extent of the Local Environmental Problem
The Vaal River flows through Gauteng, the Free State, Mpumalanga, and
North West, covering approximately 1,120 km before joining the Orange River.
The most heavily polluted areas are near Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, and
Sasolburg—industrial and residential hubs. The pollution extends downstream,
affecting Parys and Bloemhof Dam, which depend on the river for water supply.
The crisis worsens during periods of low rainfall, as less water is available to
dilute pollutants. Algae growth and oxygen depletion have made large sections of
the river unsuitable for fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to biodiversity
loss.
3. Who or What Is Causing the Local Environmental Problem?
Several factors contribute to water pollution in the Vaal River:
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Failures: Many treatment plants in
Emfuleni, Midvaal, and Ngwathe Local Municipalities are not
functioning properly due to poor maintenance, lack of funding, and
corruption, leading to untreated sewage flowing into the river.
Semester 1 2025 (869740) - DUE 28 March 2025;
100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations
5 DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT PROBLEMS PROVIDED.
This assignment focuses on Part 1 of the portfolio but it is not Part 1 of the
portfolio. I have found that many students struggle to identify an
appropriate environmental problem for their portfolio. To address this
shortcoming of many students, you must submit a two-page explanation of
the local environmental problem you will be using in your portfolio. It is a
brain-storming exercise to help you to prepare for the portfolio. You must
focus on 5 aspects, namely:
1.description and context of the local environmental problem;
2.the location and extent of the local environmental problem;
3.who or what is causing the local environmental problem;
4.how you are associated or connected to the local environmental problem
5.who or what is being affected by this local environmental problem.
6.Water Pollution in the Vaal River (Gauteng/Free State)
7.Air Pollution in the Highveld Priority Area (Mpumala
8.Deforestation in the Eastern Cape (Wild Coast)
9.Plastic Pollution in Durban Beaches (KwaZulu-Natal)
10.Land Degradation in the Karoo (Northern & Western Cape)
11.References
, Water Pollution in the Vaal River (Gauteng/Free State)
1. Description and Context of the Local Environmental Problem
The Vaal River is one of South Africa’s most important water sources, supplying
water to millions of people in Gauteng, the Free State, North West, and
Mpumalanga. However, it has become severely polluted due to untreated
sewage, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and illegal dumping. The
pollution has led to the spread of toxic algae blooms, foul odors, and health risks
for humans and animals. The water quality has declined significantly, making it
unsafe for drinking, recreational activities, and sustaining aquatic life.
The Emfuleni Local Municipality and surrounding areas have been particularly
affected by sewage spills due to failing wastewater treatment plants. Reports
indicate that raw sewage flows directly into the river, increasing E. coli bacteria
levels to dangerous levels. This crisis has led to protests, legal actions, and
intervention from national authorities.
2. Location and Extent of the Local Environmental Problem
The Vaal River flows through Gauteng, the Free State, Mpumalanga, and
North West, covering approximately 1,120 km before joining the Orange River.
The most heavily polluted areas are near Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, and
Sasolburg—industrial and residential hubs. The pollution extends downstream,
affecting Parys and Bloemhof Dam, which depend on the river for water supply.
The crisis worsens during periods of low rainfall, as less water is available to
dilute pollutants. Algae growth and oxygen depletion have made large sections of
the river unsuitable for fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to biodiversity
loss.
3. Who or What Is Causing the Local Environmental Problem?
Several factors contribute to water pollution in the Vaal River:
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Failures: Many treatment plants in
Emfuleni, Midvaal, and Ngwathe Local Municipalities are not
functioning properly due to poor maintenance, lack of funding, and
corruption, leading to untreated sewage flowing into the river.
