Bioaccumulation of current-use herbicides in fish from a global biodiversity hotspot: Lake St Lucia, South Africa.

Agricultural pesticides threaten aquatic systems and biodiversity at a global scale, but limited information is available on the accumulation of current-use herbicides in tissues of aquatic organisms. Here, we examine the potential exposure and accumulation of currently used herbicides in two species of fish from Lake St Lucia, a global biodiversity hotspot located in South Africa. Muscle tissue samples were analysed for 11 widely used multi-residue and phenoxy-acid herbicides.

Herbicide residues in sediments from Lake St Lucia (iSimangaliso World Heritage Site, South Africa) and its catchment areas: Occurrence and ecological risk assessment.

The impact of agricultural pesticides on sensitive aquatic ecosystems is a matter of global concern. Although South Africa is the largest user of pesticides in sub-Saharan Africa, few studies have examined the toxicological threats posed by agricultural runoff, particularly to conservation areas of international importance. This study investigated the occurrence of 11 priority listed herbicides in sediments from Lake St Lucia, located on the east coast of South Africa.

Dietary exposure and risk assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in rural communities living within catchment areas of iSimangaliso World Heritage Site, South Africa.

Dietary intake of contaminated food is a major route of human exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Despite the prevalence of OCP usage in southern Africa for several decades, their impact on socioeconomically vulnerable communities remains largely overlooked. We investigated the accumulation of OCPs in crops commonly cultivated by rural communities surrounding iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa.

Assessing the influence of human activities on river health: a case for two South African rivers with differing pollutant sources.

The impact of agricultural and anthropogenic activities can play a significant role in heavy metal precipitation and transport in water. Human activities along two rivers: the Palmiet and Sezela Rivers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, have been classified and metal contamination (Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) and mobility assessed using a range of factors including contamination and enrichment factors, pollution load indices and water quality parameters. The overall assessment of the Palmiet River, which is characterised by industrial zone (predominantly metal works), followed by residential areas and informal settlements shows significantly elevated metal concentrations with high mobility and bioavailability.

Bioaccumulation and risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides in fish from a global biodiversity hotspot: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa.

Unlabelled: Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been used extensively in the eastern regions of South Africa for agricultural and malaria control purposes, yet few data exist on the local environmental and social impacts of these compounds. Such issues have become of increasing concern in the iSimangaliso World Heritage Site, where the continued use of OCPs may pose risks to several sensitive and protected species. This study was designed to examine the bioaccumulation of OCPs in two common fish species, Oreochromis mossambicus (Mozambique tilapia) and Clarias gariepinus (African sharptooth catfish) from iSimangaliso Wetland Park.