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Agricultural co-operative societies and challenges of sustainability: The case of vegetable cooperative societies in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Sohuma, Anathi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6260-6428
  • Date: 2020-06
  • Subjects: Agriculture, Cooperative , Sustainable development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21422 , vital:48601
  • Description: The government has initiated various support programmes to assist agricultural co-operative societies to remain viable; however, many cooperatives continue to flounder while some have collapsed. This dissertation assesses the challenges of sustainability facing agricultural co-operative societies gushing vegetable co-operative societies in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province as a point of departure. The study used the corporate sustainability theory to investigate the extent to which co-operative societies are able to operate sustainably. The data for this study were collected through document reviews and non-scheduled structured interviews which were conducted through a questionnaire. The board of directors were sampled purposively. The research adopted stratified sampling to select co-operative members that participated in the study. This research made use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 software to analyse data. The outcomes provide an understanding of the sustainability challenges that face vegetable co-operative societies. The results show that most of the co-operative societies rely on members for daily farm management. With regards to management, co-operative societies reveal that they keep sales, production and meeting record books. Furthermore, most co-operatives specified that they received training for financial and production record-keeping. It was found that some cooperatives have had training only once since their establishment. However, fewer co-operatives reported that keeping records is still challenging for them due to lack of training and little profit made from sales. The findings suggest that co-operative societies can function well and become sustainable when there is good management and cooperation amongst members. Based on the findings of this research, it is recommended that the government and co-operative stakeholders should play a greater part in ensuring co-operative societies are developed and managed in a way that will make them sustainable without relying solely on government support. For example, the government and stakeholders can establish and enforce policies that encourage co-operatives to invest in member capability programmes that would equip farmers understanding, adoption and use of co-operative values and principles. This would help in reducing challenges that occur within co-operatives and promote cohesion and commitment within co-operatives. The role of extension services towards the sustainability of the co-operatives is crucial. The majority of the co-operatives indicated that there is some level of interaction between the co-operatives and extension personnel albeit, there is a need to improve the frequency of extension visits, training and follow-up appointments. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-06

Determinants and contribution of participation in farming to rural households’ welfare in Nyandeni Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

  • Authors: Qange, Siphesihle
  • Date: 2020-06
  • Subjects: Agricultural systems , Rural development , Community development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20849 , vital:46634
  • Description: Participation in farming has been the main livelihood strategy for, especially in rural areas, where homesteads used to produce the majority of their basic food basket. Participation in farming is one of the strategies that can be used to address the food insecurity and poverty in rural areas. Participating in farming seems to be key in the improvement of rural households’ livelihoods, especially in the developing countries, however nowadays, participation in farming is declining from year to year. Rural households tend to invest more of their time in non-agricultural activities. Rural homesteads now behave like their urban counterparts; they purchase more food from the markets than they produce for themselves. Consequently, there are high levels of poverty and food insecurity in rural areas. Government and non-governmental organisations implemented a variety of agricultural projects with the intention of empowering subsistence farmers in rural areas. Despite these interventions, farming in rural areas has continued to decrease as rural dwellers have realised other livelihood strategies. Moreover, the decline in farming activities results in increased unemploymentrates, hunger, and food insecurity in rural areas, resulting in the depreciation of the economy. Therefore, the objective of the study is to investigate the determinants and contribution of participating in farming to the welfare of rural households. The study was conducted in Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in the survey and the data was obtained from 176 rural households comprising both those who participate in farming and those who do not. The study employed a cross-sectional research design, and purposive sampling was used to select the sample prior to the data collection. Data was collected and captured in Excel and then analysed using the Stata version 15. Descriptive statistics were used to profile the socio-economic characteristics of rural households, the probit model was used to determine the factors affecting farming in rural areas and Two stage least squares was used to determine the contribution of farming to the welfare of rural households. In reference to the descriptive statistics, the results indicated that 62 percent of the rural households were headed by females and 51 percent of the household heads were married. The average age of the household heads was 55 years old and above, and the average household comprised 5 persons. Moreover, 50 percent of the rural households had only obtained primary education and 55 percent were unemployed. The average farming experience was 12 years and 12 percent of the households confirmed that they receive extension services from the Government. The probit model was fitted to estimate the factors affecting rural households’ participation in farming. The empirical results indicated that education level, income and Participation in Agric. Project a negative influence on the participation of household in farming and they were significant at 0.01 and 0.05 significance level respectively. Access to extension services had a positive influence on households’ participation in farming and were significant at 5 percent. Farming experience had a positive influence on household participation in farming and was significant at 5 percent and farming experience had a positive influence on participation in farming and was significant at 1 percent significancelevel. Two stage least squares regression was used to measure factors affecting the contribution of household farming to rural household welfare. The study measured the contribution of household farming in terms of income generated from farming. The results indicated that Educational level, Household size and Condition of Infrastructure indicate a positive significant effect on income. The remaining variables, Age, Marital status, Participation in Agric. Project and Access to extension services have a negative significant effect on income. The study concluded that households headed by married individuals fared better than households headed by single individuals. Educated individuals have easy access to various sources of information that could help them with income-generating farming skills. Employment, more especially formal employment, results in higher income, and it is stated that the higher the income the better the welfare of the household. Therefore, the study recommends that Government must promote farming in rural areas through the initiation of support programmes and agricultural community projects. Rural households have the potential to succeed in farming but they lack input and proper equipment, and therefore it is recommended that Government should put more focus on household farming rather than their current primary focus on commercial farming. , Thesis (MSc) (Agricultural Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2020-06

Investigations into tolerance of quality protein maize germplasm to low soil pH.

  • Authors: Mathiso, Ncebakazi
  • Date: 2020-06
  • Subjects: Proteins in human nutrition , Crops--Drought tolerance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20804 , vital:46580
  • Description: Quality protein maize (QPM) has double the amount of two crucial amino acids (tryptophan and lysine) compared to normal maize. These amino acids make QPM very nutritious and strategically important to overcoming malnutrition in communities that use maize as a staple food. However, QPM production is affected by many abiotic stress factors such as drought, salinity and low soil pH. Screening for tolerance to low soil pH was conducted in this study due to limited focus on this stress in previous QPM breeding efforts. The main objective of this study was to determine the response of QPM germplasm to low soil pH. The specific objectives were to: (i) screen QPM germplasm for tolerance to low soil pH at seedling stage; (ii) determine the combining ability and type of gene action controlling various traits of QPM inbred lines under low soil pH at seedling stage (iii) select QPM hybrids that are high yielding under limed and unlimed conditions, as well as across environments. This study was conducted in South Africa, at the University of Fort Hare and at Dohne Agricultural Development Institute. Screening of 21 QPM inbred lines and two testers under glasshouse conditions was conducted using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. In this experiment, maize germplasm were screened for tolerance to low soil pH at the early seedling stage. The soil had a pH of 4, and it was sourced from Hogsback, in the Eastern Cape. The control was obtained by liming this soil so as to increase the pH to 5.5. Seedling traits such as chlorophyll content, stem diameter, plant height, root to shoot ratio, total biomass as well number of leaves were recorded in both experiments. JMP statistical software, version 14, was used for analysis of variance (ANOVA) and generating descriptive statistics on the traits that were measured. All measured traits showed highly significant variation (p<0,0001) except for number of leaves in the glasshouse experiment. Two indices, namely Dickson quality index and acidic soil adaptation index, revealed that tolerant inbred lines were QSW 20, IBL 7, IBL 1, IBL 14 and NC. The same 21 inbred lines were evaluated in the laboratory using the haematoxylin assay. A RCBD with three replicates was used to screen the inbred lines for tolerance to Al toxicity. The genotypes were exposed to a nutrient solution that had 440 uM of Al3+ at a pH of 4 while the control used a nutrient solution without Al toxicity at a pH of 5.8. Net root growth, relative root growth, total biomass and haematoxylin scoring were measured. All these parameters showed significant differences (p< 0,0001). The haematoxylin scoring and other measured traits were used to effectively assess the tolerance of inbred lines to Al toxicity. Inbred lines QSW 32, QSW 20, QSW 1, QSW 6 and IBL 1 were tolerant to Al toxicity. Combining ability of parental inbred lines and testers was evaluated for various traits under limed, unlimed as well as across (both limed and unlimed) environments in a glasshouse experiment. Line x tester hybrids and parental lines were evaluated in a RCBD with three replicates. The results showed that both additive and non-additive gene action influenced the expression of measured traits in all the environments. However, total dry weight was controlled by additive gene action in all the environments. There were no parents that showed good GCA for total dry weight under limed environments whereas inbred lines 17,15, 14, 1 and 20 had high GCA values for TDW under unlimed conditions. Moreover, across the environments, lines 21 and 14 showed good GCA for total dry weight. On the other hand, among the tescross hybrids evaluated under limed environment, seven hybrids had very high SCA values, while hybrids 10 x 20 and 6 x 20 showed best SCA for TDW under unlimed conditions. Under both limed and unlimed environments, hybrids with good SCA for TDW were 11 x 21 and 12 x 21. Forty testcross hybrids were assessed for yield potential under limed and unlimed conditions in the field using a RCBD with three replicates. The SAS version 9.2 was used for analysis of variance. Standard morphological traits measured showed significant differences under unlimed and limed conditions. Genotype OBT x IBL 2 had high grain yields, low yield reduction, a short anthesis-siking interval under low soil pH, and it was tolerant. On the other hand, genotypes NC, NC x IBL 6 and OBT x QSW 6 exhibited the best yield stability across across environments. These genotypes are recommended for further evaluation to ascertain their yield potential and stability of performance in multi-locational soil acidity hot spots. , Thesis (MSc) (Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2020-06

Evaluation of the utilisation of game liver and maize meal in the production of liver sausage

  • Authors: Cairncross, Kelly Inga
  • Date: 2020-02
  • Subjects: Meat -- Preservation , Sausages
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23743 , vital:59029
  • Description: The study aimed to evaluate the utilisation of game liver and maize meal as a partial fat replacer in the production of liver sausage. Mixed game livers (Blesbok, Impala and Springbok) were purchased and processed into sausages with varying levels of maize meal (6percent, 8percent, 10percent and 12percent). The liver sausages were cooked in a water bath for 2 hours to an internal temperate of 70 °C. Cooked sausages were cooled in ice water before storage at 4 °C before vacuum packed and frozen at -20 °C for 30 days. Proximate and fatty acid composition, pH, water activity, texture, lipid oxidation, and microbial content was determined on both day 0 and 30 days after frozen storage. Of the proximate composition, carbohydrate content had significant differences (P≤0.05) and increased as maize meal inclusion increased. The pH of raw game liver sausage batter differed (P≤0.05) between treatments. The pH of cooked game liver sausage differed (P≤0.05) from the raw batter. Textural parameters showed an increase (P<0.01) for both hardness and chewiness after 30 days of frozen storage. A positive correlation was found between hardness and chewiness with an increase in maize meal inclusion. TBARS values of the 12percent treatment differed (P≤0.05) from the maize meal inclusion treatments, but no differences (P>0.05) were recorded over 30 days of frozen storage. No differences (P>0.05) were recorded for the fatty acid composition between treatments. No growth was observed for microbial quality indicators nor Campylobacter spp. for all treatments. This study showed that frozen storage only had a negative effect on some textural parameters, while the inclusion of maize meal affects most physicochemical characteristics. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-02

Fossil Shell Flour supplementation in the diet of Dohne Merino rams: effects on feed acceptability and heat stress tolerance

  • Authors: Mwanda, Lwazi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9503-6150
  • Date: 2020-02
  • Subjects: Sheep--Feeding and feeds , Animal feeding , Fossils
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22567 , vital:52464
  • Description: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of feeding Dohne Merino rams with various inclusion levels of Fossil Shell Flour (FSF) as an additive supplement on feed preference and heat tolerance response of Dohne Merino rams. The FSF is used as an animal feed additive and is known to be rich in minerals. A total of twenty-four Dohne Merino rams (average 19.8 ± 0.43 kg body weight) were used to determine the feed preference of varying inclusion levels fossil shell flour (0g FSF/kg, 20g FSF/kg, 40g FSF/kg and 60g FSF/kg). The preference was assessed using feed intake and coefficient of preference. The feed intake, co-efficient of preference and physical attributes of feed (such as colour, smell and texture) was measured. The feed intake and coefficient of preference were higher in rams supplemented 60g FSF/kg (P < 0.05). The physical attributes of the experimental diets were adjudged based on the colour, smell and texture. The colour of experimental diets were brown in 0g FSF/kg while in 20g FSF/kg, 40g FSF/kg and 60g FSF/kg the colour of experimental diets were light brown (P< 0.05). All the experimental diets had a pleasant smell (P< 0.05). The texture of diets with 0g FSF/kg was moderately firm while diets 20g FSF/kg, 40g FSF/kg and 60g FSF/kg had a firm texture. The order of preference of diets supplemented with fossil shell flour in terms of feed intake by Dohne Merino rams was: 60g FSF/kg > 40g FSF/kg > 20gFSF/kg > 0g FSF/kg. In the second experiment, a total of twenty-four (n=24) Dohne Merino rams of about 8 to 9 months old, weighing 19.8 ± 0.43 kg were confined in individual pens for a period of 100 days. The rams were subjected to four varying inclusion levels of fossil shell flour (0g/kg, 20g/kg, 40g/kg and 60g/kg. Water and feed intake were recorded throughout the period of successive feeding. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 45 and 90. The parameters studied included the average daily water intake (ADWI), average feed intake (ADFI), skin temperature (ST), respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), rectal temperature (RT), total plasma protein (TPP), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). The inclusion levels of FSF affected both the ADWI and ADFI, showing a high-water intake and feed intake in rams subjected to 40g/kg of FSF followed by 60g FSF/kg, 20g FSF/kg and 0g FSF/kg (P< 0.01) respectively. All the physiological parameters ST, RT, RR, HR and PR decreased with an increase in the inclusion levels of FSF (P< 0.01). The TPP increased as the levels of FSF increases (P< 0.01). The MCHC was low in rams subjected to 60g FSF/kg and in 0g to 40g FSF/kg TPP increases as levels of FSF increases (P< 0.01). This study concluded that supplementing with various inclusion levels of FSF had a positive effect on feed preference. The FSF also showed the ability to mitigate heat stress in Dohne Merino rams. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-02

Thermal studies on three common mangrove-associated ectotherms in Mngazana Estuary, with emphasis on the survival of the salt marsh crab, Parasesarma catenatum (Ortman 1897

  • Authors: Nonyukela, Asandiswa Simamkele
  • Date: 2020-02
  • Subjects: Mangrove forests
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20838 , vital:46627
  • Description: Ecological data on the development and distribution of mangroves over time suggest that mangroves were strictly tropical in nature but have extended to higher latitudes during warmer periods. Species distribution models show that the mangrove range may have since 1963 expand by 17 km in 2020 and by as much as 68 km southwards by 2050. More climate data obtained, and modelling of future climate have increased interest in the thermal tolerance or organisms. Critical thermal maxima (CTMax) and thermal tolerance were employed to determine the thermal limits of common estuarine species associated with the mangrove forests at Mngazana Estuary. Three species were selected, each representing a medium within the mangrove environment: for water, i) Palaemon peringueyi; ii) for air, Cerithidea decollata; and iii) Parasesarma catenatum on the substratum. Animals were acclimated for 48 hrs following the thermal history of the environment. Each individual was exposed to constant rate of water temperature increase of 1°C.h-1. Different size classes (adult, sub-adult, juveniles) of crabs were used to determine the CTMax performance. Parasesarma catenatum showed intraspecific variability in CTMax in both air and water. Palaemon Peringueyi had a CTMax value of 33.8°C±1.96 while C. decollata had a CTMax of 39.6°C±2.76 and P. catenatum had a CTMax of 36,38 ±1,57 in water and 34,1 ±1,67 in air. Different size classes (Adult, Sub-adult, Juveniles) of crabs were used to further determine their CTMax performance. Parasesarma catenatum showed of intraspecific variability in CTMax in both air and water. Juvenile crabs showed higher CTMax in water than in air, while adult and sub-adults showed a higher CTMax in air. The size classes of P. catenatum (Adult, Sub-adult, Juveniles) were exposed to a range of salinity treatments from 5-65 for both shock and acclimated exposures. For acclimated exposures, crabs were acclimated down/up at change of 5-10 untill the test salinity was reached, at which point the crabs were exposed. For the shock exposure, the crabs were directly exposed to the test salinity from the holding salinity of 35. This study shows P. catenatum is euryhaline, tolerating salinities been 10 and 50. Survival was highest across all cohorts for the short-term (shock) exposure, suggesting prolonged exposure to hypo/hypersaline conditions may be detrimental for this keystone Mngazana Estuary species. Juven.ile populations showed the highest survival rate for both shock and acclimated exposure. This study highlights the importance of microhabitat variability and its effect on the tolerance of different species to abiotic factors and so may be useful in modelling the effects of climate change in these systems. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2020-02

A study of the geology of the Vaalbank and Lady Frere areas in the Karoo Basin of South Africa using gravity, magnetic and gamma-ray spectrometry data: implications of groundwater potential

  • Authors: Khalimashe, Sinesihle , Gwavava, Oswald
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Gamma ray astronomy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11983 , vital:39124
  • Description: The Vaalbank and Lady Frere areas belong to the Elliot, Molteno and Burgersdorp Formations, that are part of the sedimentary succession of the Beaufort Group in the Karoo Basin of South Africa. There is Quaternary alluvium covering the mudstone, sandstone and shale rocks of the Beaufort Group. Dolerite and gabbro sills of the Karoo age have intruded the whole area. A number of investigations were carried out for the study namely field observations, petrographic, X-ray diffraction, airborne gamma-ray spectrometry, aeromagnetic and gravity analyses. Twenty four rock samples were collected in the field from fresh outcrops of the Karoo dolerites, Burgersdorp and Molteno formations. The measured densities and porosities show that the Karoo dolerite suite has the highest average dry density of 2.771 g/cm3 and the lowest average porosity of 3%. The Burgersdorp Formation has an intermediate average density of 2.458 g/cm3 and an intermediate average porosity of 5.4%. The Molteno Formation has the lowest average density of 2.190 g/cm3 and the highest average porosity of 14.5%. Petrographic and geochemical investigations were carried on 19 rocks samples collected in the field to determine the mineralogy character using microscopic and XRD analyses. Both petrographic and X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the sandstones of the study area are composed of quartz as their primary mineral and feldspars as the secondary mineral. The dolerite consists of euhedral structured minerals such as magnetite, pyroxene, plagioclase and amphibole. The gamma ray maps show high spectrometric values are associated with the Burgersdorp Formation, alluvium cover and dolerite dykes. The low spectrometric values are associated with dolerite sills and ring complexes. The boundaries of the sill/ring complexes are clearly delineated by the K/U ratio and ternary maps. The magnetic maps show ring like patterns of magnetic high anomalies that are due to the sills/ring complexes whilst the numerous, narrow, linear magnetic highs are due to faults and dolerite dyke swarms. The majority of the dykes trend in a NW-SE direction and a few dykes are in a NE-SE direction. The magnetic power spectrum indicates four depths of the magnetic sources at average depths of 0.13 km, 1.60 km, 2.83 km and 12.40 km. The magnetic depth iii slices maps show that both the circular/ring like and linear anomalies extend from shallow to deeper depth of 12.4 km. The gravity map is dominated by a long wavelength gravity anomaly that increases from about -120 mGals in the northwestern corner of the study area to -110 mGals in the southeastern corner of the study area. Results from 2½D gravity modelling show that this long wavelength anomaly is due to a horizontal Moho at a depth of 47 km in the study area, which shallows outside the study area near the coast. Superimposed on it are short wavelength gravity anomalies due to low density sediments and high density dolerite intrusions. The simple 2½D models generated from five profiles traversing the study area reveal that the sediments of the Karoo Supergroup extend from the surface down to a depth 5 km below sea level attaining a maximum thickness of about 6½ km. These sediments are dykes, sills and ring complexes. The dykes and sills/ring complexes identified from gamma ray spectrometry, magnetic and gravity data results are likely to be associated with fractures, joints, cracks and fissures in the host rocks, which form preferential pathways for groundwater transmission. Hence, they could be suitable targets for groundwater.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Accessibility of agricultural information by smallholder farmers in Amatole District Municipality: Nexus between agricultural extension services and the library

  • Authors: Sigigaba, Masimthembe
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Farms, Small
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric (Agric Extension)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18849 , vital:42870
  • Description: Accessibility to relevant, accurate and timely information remains vital in farming. For farmers to improve their productivity they depend on access to pertinent agricultural information. Such information updated them about new agricultural technologies, climate change, new cultivars, access to market and access to financial assistance. These types of information help farmers in decision making regarding their farming. Agricultural extension officers remain a reliable source where farmers could obtain relevant agricultural information. Community libraries are also channels that could be used by agricultural extension officers to complement their work of providing farmers with information. Thus, the study sought to assess linkage between these two institutions to provide farmers with information. A positivism paradigm with quantitative research approach were adopted in the study. Smallholder farmers (169), agricultural extension officers (5) and librarians (15) were the unit of analysis. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection and SPSS software for analysis. Findings revealed that, agricultural extension officers mostly utilise interpersonal channels that include demonstrations, group meetings and face-to-face interaction to provide farmers with information. Community libraries were found to be non-utilised by extension services and also by farmers. Farmers were of the perception that libraries are meant for educated people. It was also discovered that community libraries have information on agriculture that only targets learners who are taking agriculture in school as a subject. There was no existing linkage between agricultural extension services and community libraries working together to provide farmers with pertinent agricultural information that can help them improve productivity
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Adol-Safety: A Framework for Empowering Parents to be Aware of Social Network Threats Affecting Adolescents

  • Authors: Mjoli, Phumelela , Shibeshi, Z
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Social networks Social media|
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science )
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12016 , vital:39127
  • Description: The use of social networks has grown so much that adolescents have become active members of various social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, etc. The gradual change in how people choose to communicate, socialize and share ideas today has influenced adolescents to an extent that they find themselves wanting to engage more on social networks than they really should due to peer pressure. Whenever a person joins social networks or browses the Internet, they by default are exposed and become vulnerable to many cyber threats. Cyber threats are driven by users that have negative intentions on the Internet or social networks. Adolescents are no exception to these cyber threats. The findings of this research reveal that threats such as cyberbullying, harassment, and online predators to name a few are often designed to abuse and affect adolescents). Therefore, this research aims to prevent such threats from prevailing by empowering parents to be aware of the threats that affect their adolescents in an online environment, which typically includes social networks. To achieve this, this research starts by investigating the cyber threats that affect adolescents and then explores ways that can be used to empower parents. A framework is developed to handle this. The framework includes strategies that parents can adopt and ways in which safety on social networks can be increased, as well as guidelines that can be followed in order to prevent cyber threats. The framework also aims to enhance a parent-child relationship that can help in preventing social network threats. Lastly, the framework is implemented as a knowledgesharing website that can be used by parents to receive and give an insight into social network threats that influence adolescents on social networks.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

An in silico analysis, purification and partial kinetic characterisation of a serine protease from Gelidium pristoides

  • Authors: Ntsata, Zolani
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Gelidium Proteolytic enzymes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12076 , vital:39149
  • Description: The aim of this study was to characterize the protease enzyme (s) from red algae. An in silico analysis of red algae genomes was used to identify gene coding for protease. Protease sequences identified from these genomes were examined for conserved domains, active site and structures. The domain search revealed that the identified sequences were from the five classes of protease enzymes. For function inference, the red algae sequences were aligned to identify the catalytic sites, and the tertiary structures were predicted using homology modelling. An in silico analysis provides an indication of the class and potential functions of the enzymes. However, it cannot predict whether the gene is constitutively expressed in the red algae or under which conditions it may be induced, and it cannot determine the kinetic efficiency of an enzyme against various substrate, or the optimum conditions for the protein activity. Attempts to clone and recombinantly express selected red algae proteases, proved unsuccessful, as the available genomes where from red algae species found mainly in Asia, and the designed primers, therefore, did not amplify a corresponding PCR product from the red algae harvested in South Africa. Crude extracts of red algae collected from Kenton-on-Sea, along the East Coast of South Africa, were screened for protease activity using Benzoyl-Arginine-pNitroAnilide (BApNA) as substrate. The proteases detected in the crude extract were purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation and HiPrep DEAE FF 16/10; CM FF 16/10, and HiPrep Q FF 16/10 columns for ion-exchange chromatography. The HiPrep Q FF 16/10 column yielded active protein, which revealed two bands of 11kDa and 17kDa on SDS-PAGE. It was assumed that these bands represented two subunits of the purified protease. Kinetic characterisation of the purified protease revealed a pH optimum of 9, using BApNA as substrate, a temperature optimum at 60ºC, and sensitivity to temperature when stored above 4ºC. The protease activity was inhibited by Ferric chloride (32%), induced by calcium chloride (156%), no inhibition by magnesium chloride (97%) and slight inhibition by potassium chloride (77%) and manganese chloride (70%). Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), a serine protease inhibitor, almost totally inhibited the protease activity, indicating that the protease from red algae was most likely a serine protease. The Km and kcat values were 1.96 µM, and 0.364 s -1 , respectively using BApNA as the substrate. This study revealed that the red algae genome contains numerous genes that encode for proteases from almost all the classes of proteases. A serine protease from the red algae Gelidium pristoides was partially purified and kinetically characterised, confirming that red algae found along the Eastern Coast of South Africa contain genes that express active proteases that may be of medical or industrial interest. Further studies, however, are required to recombinantly express, purify and characterise the numerous proteases encoded by the genes identified in the in silico analysis of this study.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Analysis of maximum power point tracking data for obtaining photovoltaic parameters

  • Authors: Chitura, Anesu Godfrey
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Photovoltaic power system
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18576 , vital:42610
  • Description: As a standard, photovoltaic (PV) modules are rated by the use of standard test conditions (STC). Such details entail current and voltage (I-V) measurements for modules under an irradiance of 1000 W/m2 an air mass ration of 1.5 global spectrum and 25˚C cell temperature. Outdoor weather conditions continuously vary with time and from one location to the other. This further offset the expected operational power outputs as outdoor conditions are generally characterized by high cell temperatures. The technology one uses will also complicate the power output prediction since different module technologies respond to these outdoor conditions differently. I-V tracers are able to measure the full I-V curve of the module thus can give the operational PV parameters at any given time. However, these tracers are sold at exorbitant prices and they require skilled personnel in order to operate them. Most if not all tracers require isolation of the module under test thereby disrupting the power production function of the module._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In this study a method to obtain photovoltaic (PV) parameters using the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) data is presented and tested under natural outdoor conditions. The method features a customized data acquisition system (DAS) designed for the measurement and storage of meteorological and MPPT data. The DAS is capable of extracting parameters from any combination of modules with an open circuit voltage 〖(V〗_oc) less than or equal to 120 Volts and a short circuit current 〖(I〗_sc) of 100 Amps. The system used is capable of extracting MPPT data using a reliable, improved storage and a programmable data logger. In order to match the sampling operational speeds of internal charge controller switches a computer interfaced Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) card was also used. Data collection and characterization of the MPPT data was done in such a way that the power generation process remained uninterrupted throughout the whole process. The regression nonlinear least squares method was used to fit MPPT crests and obtain the knee part of the I-V curve. This was then extrapolated to obtain the full I-V curve, which then produces the operational PV parameters. The resultant parameters from the characterization process were logged and accessible at any time. The end result was a method that can be incorporated within a charge controller for quick, hands-free PV parameter extraction, using only the MPPT scanned data.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Beef quality, oxidative stability and fatty acid composition of Nguni heifers fed diets with incremental levels of Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus) cladodes

  • Authors: Mkhosi, Silungile
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Meat -- Quality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Animal Science )
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18732 , vital:42728
  • Description: The objective of the study was to determine meat quality, fatty acid (FA) composition and shelf-life stability of longissimus muscle of Nguni heifers fed incremental levels of Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus) cladodes. A total of 32 heifers aged 36 months were allocated randomly to four dietary treatments: 10% cactus, 20% cactus, commercial and control diets for 90 days. The longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) samples were taken from each carcass for the determination of meat quality, retail shelf-life stability and FA composition. Diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on pH and drip display, however, there was an increase in drip display with ageing time (P ≤ 0.05). Meat colour attributes (L* a* b* and C*) were influenced by diet, with 20% cactus diet having lower L* values compared to other diets (P ≤ 0.05). During a 14-day retail display, a diet  day interaction was observed for hue angle with the cactus diets having the lowest values at day 14 of display compared to the other diets (P ≤ 0.05). Differences in meat from heifers fed different diets were observed with 20% cactus accounting for significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher levels of deoxymyoglobin and the lowest levels of oxymyoglobin. Thawing loss and Warner Bratzler shear force decreased (P ≤ 0.05) with ageing period. Meat from heifers fed cactus diets had lower (P ≤ 0.05) proportions of oleic acid (C18:1n9c) and total MUFA, higher (P ≤ 0.05) proportions of total SFA, C15:1, C17:1, linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) and total PUFA. The control diet produced meat with the highest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values compared to other diets (P ≤ 0.05) and with ageing TBARS values increased (P ≤ 0.05). Diet showed an effect (P ≤ 0.05) on sensory attributes such as overall tenderness and mouth feel with cactus diets accounting for lower scores. However, juiciness, overall tenderness, grassy and animal like attributes increased with ageing (P ≤ 0.05). Inclusion of cactus in the diet did not produce any adverse effects on meat quality, fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation and sensory quality. Therefore, it can be concluded that inclusion of cactus in Nguni heifer finisher diets up to 20% can improve meat quality.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Design of a Traffic Surveillance Application using iFogSim

  • Authors: Sinqandu, Mluleki
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Cloud computing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18676 , vital:42705
  • Description: __iFogSim is a toolkit to model, simulate and evaluate networks of Fog computing, Edge computing and Internet of Things (IoT). This framework provides the capabilities of analysing and evaluating the performance of applications and resource management policies in Fog/IoT environments, based on which designers can model and test their applications. This thesis proposes a novel application model of a traffic surveillance vehicular network application through smart cameras using iFogSim, where the scenario of multiple vehicles tracking is considered. The effectiveness of the proposed application model is assessed and validated by simulations using a modified application model inherited from a case study of intelligent surveillance through distributed camera networks introduced. Simulations are conducted using the iFogSim tool and performance evaluation is done. The comparison between one vehicle and multiple vehicle tracking is done and the results demonstrate that the multiple vehicle application model achieves a better performance in terms of average latency and data transfer rate
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Determinants of adaptation to climate variability:A case study of crop farming households in Tyhume Valley communities Eastern Cape,South Africa.

  • Authors: Mtintsilana, Olona
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Climatic changes Sustainable agriculture Climatic changes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18789 , vital:42733
  • Description: Climate variability affects rural households and agricultural productivity, yet it is just one of many stresses that vulnerable rural households have to cope with. Climate variability is not as noticeable as weather variability, because it happens over seasons and years. It is the manner in which climate fluctuates above or below a long-term average value. Without measures at local and national level to adapt to climate variability, risk of food insecurity will continue to increase at household level. The objective of the study was to determine factors affecting adaptation to climate variability. Purposive sampling was used to identify households who participated because of un-availability of sampling frame. Information was elicited from the selected households with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire. The study utilised a cross-sectional survey of 205 farming households in Tyhume Valley communities. Data gathered was subjected to descriptive statistics, Cross tabulations and Binary logit model. The results indicate that rural households from Tyhume Valley communities practiced coping adaptation through use of the following adaptation strategies; crop rotation, planted drought resistant crops, changed planting dates and used indigenous strategies such as using ash to kill mule (intuku). Most of the households used irrigation as the coping strategy to adapt to climate variability. However, heatwave, high winds, employment status, cell phones, age and gender of the rural households’ heads have effects on households’ adaptation to climate variability in Tyhume Valley. In view of the research findings, a large number of farming households are old and are females, there is a need for development of labour saving technologies and extension services to increase the likelihood of adaptation of climate variability by vulnerable farmers such as women and elderly farmers.The study also recommends that there must be a development of infrastructure for farmers as they are negatively affect by high winds due to low infrastructural development.The study also shows that farming households who have access to cellphones are more likely to adapt to climate variability, therefore the study recommends that communication of farming households must be improved.Adapting to climate variability is an increasingly important issue in agriculture and one that is likely to persist for many years.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Developing a Machine Learning Algorithm for Outdoor Scene Image Segmentation

  • Authors: Zangwa, Yamkela
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Computational intelligence Computer science
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science )
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12087 , vital:39150
  • Description: Image segmentation is one of the major problems in image processing, computer vision and machine learning fields. The main reason for image segmentation existence is to reduce the gap between computer vision and human vision by training computers with different data. Outdoor image segmentation and classification has become very important in the field of computer vision with its applications in woodland-surveillance, defence and security. The task of assigning an input image to one class from a fixed set of categories seem to be a major problem in image segmentation. The main question that has been addressed in this research is how outdoor image classification algorithms can be improved using Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) architecture. There has been no one segmentation method that works best on any given problem. To determine the best segmentation method for a certain dataset, various tests have to be done in order to achieve the best performance. However deep learning models have often achieved increasing success due to the availability of massive datasets and the expanding model depth and parameterisation. In this research Convolutional Neural Network architecture is used in trying to improve the implementation of outdoor scene image segmentation algorithms, empirical research method was used to answer questions about existing image segmentation algorithms and the techniques used to achieve the best performance. Outdoor scene images were trained on a pre-trained region-based convolutional neural network with Visual Geometric Group-16 (VGG-16) architecture. A pre-trained R-CNN model was retrained on five different sample data, the samples had different sizes. Sample size increased from sample one to five, to increase the size on the last two samples the data was duplicated. 21 test images were used to evaluate all the models. Researchers has shown that deep learning methods perform better in image segmentation because of the increase and availability of datasets. The duplication of images did not yield the best results; however, the model performed well on the first three samples.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Effect of increasing fossil shell flour levels on digestive and metabolic utilization, health, body weight change and wool production, and quality in Dohne-Merino wethers

  • Authors: Ikusika, Olusegun Oyebade
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Merino sheep Sheep -- Quality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18465 , vital:42542
  • Description: The study's broad objective was to assess growth performance, blood and parasitic profiles, wool parameters, methane emission, and nutritional status of Dohne-Merino wethers fed diets supplemented with varying levels of fossil shell flour. Twenty-four Dohne-Merino wethers, averagely weighing 20.0±1.50 kg, were divided into four groups and used in this study. The effects of varying inclusion levels of fossil shell flour (FSF) (0, 2, 4, and 6 %) on feed intake, water intake, nutrient digestibility, N-retention, hematobiochemical and parasitic profiles, body condition scores, feed preference, wool parameters and methane output were determined. The influence of FSF's varying inclusion levels on fermentation parameters, in vitro true digestibility, and relative feed values were also determined. Wethers fed with 4% FSF inclusion level diet showed the highest (P<0.05) values for dry matter intake, average daily weight gain, N retention, (Nitrogen retention) and apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), Ether Extract (EE) and Ash 6 % (P < 0.05). The urinary N and fecal N were lowest in wethers fed 4% FSF inclusion level and highest in those fed on diets without FSF (P < 0.05). Water intake was highest in wethers fed 0% FSF diet, followed by those fed on 4% and lowest in 6% FSF (P< 0.05). There was a significant increase in white blood cell counts in wethers fed on a diet with 4% and 6% FSF inclusion levels from day 10 to 100 compared to wethers fed on a diet with 0% and 2% FSF (P <0.05). Red blood cell counts also increased significantly in wethers fed on a diet containing 4% FSF, but a slight increase in wethers with 6 % FSF diet, throughout the experimental period (P < 0.05). Blood urea was highest in wethers fed 0% FSF inclusion level and lowest in 6% at day 30 to day 100. Wethers on 4% FSF diet showed an increase in blood urea from day 30 to day 100 (P < 0.05) while wethers on 0% and 2% remained unchanged (P<0.05) during this period and not different (P > 0.05) from wethers on 4% FSF as well. The total protein concentration, albumin, total bilirubin, Na, K, glucose, cholesterol, and liver enzymes were normal for wethers. However, serum creatinine level was lower in wethers fed on 4% FSF than those on 0% FSF (P < 0.01). Haemonchus and Coccidian fecal egg counts were low in wethers fed diets with 2%, 4%, and 6 % FSF (P < 0.01) compared 11 with wethers fed with 0% FSF inclusion level during the same period. The body condition score of wethers fed on diets with 2%, 4%, and 6% FSF inclusion levels were higher than those on 0% (P < 0.05). Wool yield, staple length, the coefficient variation of the fibre diameter, and fibre of wethers fed on diets with FSF were higher than those without FSF (P < 0.05). The fibre diameter of the wethers fed on FSF supplemented diets was the same as those on 0 % FSF (P > 0.05). The wethers spent more time on FSF supplemented diets and consumed more feed compared to that without FSF supplemented (P < 0.05). The levels of FSF inclusion in the diet affected the enteric methane output (ppm-m), where 4 % FSF had the highest enteric methane output while wethers on 2 % FSF had the lowest methane output (P < 0.05). Resting wethers produced more methane (g/day) than those feeding or standing (P < 0.05). Increasing levels of FSF did not affect ruminal temperature and pH. Ammonia-N increased with increasing FSF except in wethers fed on a diet with 4% FSF (P < 0.01). The total molar concentrations of the wethers' volatile fatty acids decreased with increasing FSF levels (P > 0.05). The acetic propionic ratio of the wethers also decreased except at a 4% inclusion level. The in vitro true digestibility dry matter (IVTDDM), in vitro true digestibility neutral detergent fibre (IVTDNDF), and in vitro true digestibility acid detergent fibre (IVTDADF) of the wethers decreased up to 4% FSF inclusion but tended to increase at 6% inclusion. This study's result as one of the pioneer studies in Dohne-Marino wethers showed that FSF treatment has the potential to improve the nutritional status of the animal and the animal performance and wool quality. Health-wise, FSF decrease nematode population and boost animal immunity as seen in RBC and WBC counts. It also can play a major role in protecting the environment, as seen in its reduction in feacal and urinary nitrogen, which is heavily involved in environmental pollution. Result also confirmed that the best period to target for methane mitigation in ruminants is the resting period. In conclusion, the inclusion of FSF in the diet of Dohne-Merino wethers has the potential to improve the overall performance, with a 4% FSF inclusion level having optimal productivity. However, future research is required to investigate FSF's effect on meat quality, rumen microbial community, in-vivo digestibility, and milk production.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Extraction, Isolation and Biological studies of Pentanisia prunelloides and Hippobromus pauciflorus

  • Authors: Ngcetane , Lazola Luyolo
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Medicinal plants Antioxidants
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18766 , vital:42731
  • Description: Enormous amounts of drugs or drug components have been found with the use and help of ethnobotanical knowledge of plants by the indigenous civilisation of that region. The primary reason that plants are chosen as a potential source of new medicines is that they are readily available to researcher and the public either free of charge or at a low and affordable cost in the rural majority community in the developing world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical content of two commonly used medicinal plants of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and to explore their antioxidant potential. Crude extracts of Hippobromus pauciflorus and Pentanisia prunelloides were obtained by means of sequential solvent extraction followed by evaluation of the phenolic and flavonoid content of extracts and the anti-oxidant ability of the both plant samples and also their ability to hinder lipid peroxidation. For the H.pauciflorus sample, different masses of crude extracts were obtained with Dichloromethane (0.817 g) yielding the smallest mass and the 70% Ethanol (120.196 g) extract yielding the largest mass. The total phenolic content of the plant sample extracts were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent. The Methanol extract (133.019 ± 0.003 μgGAE/mL) exhibited the largest content while the EtOH extract (13.981 ± 0.001 μgGAE/mL) exhibited the least content. The MeOH extract exhibited the highest flavonoid content (46.005 ± 0.001 μgQE/mg extract) while the Hexane extract (19.000 ± 0.008 μgQE/mg extract) exhibited the least. 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper Frap assay was performed with the Ethyl Acetate extract displaying the least anti-oxidant ability (10.284 ± 0.014 AAE/mL) while the Hex extract (204.705 ± 0.119 AAE/mL) displayed the highest anti-oxidant ability. 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was performed with the hexane, methanol and ethanol extracts exhibiting an anti-oxidant property with IC50 values of 3.594x10-3 ± 0.133 mg/mL, 0.185 ± 0.019 mg/mL and 0.011 ± 0.002 mg/mL respectively. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation at 150 μg/mL was performed where the Dichloromethane extract showed the highest inhibition percentage (-75.000 ± 0.119%) while the Hex extract (-41.667 ± 0.021005%) showed the lowest inhibition percentage at 300 μg/mL; only the DCM extract (-3.051 ± 0.018%) displayed inhibition ability. For the P.prunelloides sample, different masses of crude extracts were obtained with EA extract (0.348 g) yielding the smallest mass and the MeOH (47.941 g) extract yielding the largest mass. Phenolic content was evaluated with the DCM extract (122.827 ± 0.010 μgGAE/mL) exhibited the largest content while the MeOH extract (48.788 ± 0.001 μgGAE/mL) exhibited the least content. Flavonoid content was evaluated with the DCM extract (88.543 ± 0.005 μgQE/mg extract) exhibited the largest content while the EtOH extract (19.254 ± 0.001 μgQE/mg extract) exhibited the least content. FRAP assay was performed with the DCM extract (13.021 ± 0.008 AAE/mL) displaying the least anti-oxidant ability while the MeOH extract (217.758 ± 0.025 AAE/mL) displaying the highest anti-oxidant ability. DPPH assay was conducted with EA and methanol extracts exhibiting antianti-oxidant ability and having IC50 values of 0.579 ± 0.021 mg/mL and 0.006± 0.001 mg/mL respectively. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation at 150 μg/mL was performed with the n-Hex extract (-36.395 ± 0.015%) showing the highest inhibition percentage while the DCM extract (-17.647 ± 0.005%) the lowest and at 300μg/mL the EA (- 12.881 ± 0.018%) and DCM (-0.847 ± 0.009%) extracts displayed inhibition. An attempt was made to isolate and elucidate the compounds in the extracts but unsuccessful, although the TLC results indicated several compounds that can be elucidated in future study
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Fabrication of a photocatalytic PAN supported C-TiO2-CFA nanocomposite for use in water treatment

  • Authors: Mpelane, Amkelwa
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Photocatalysis
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18744 , vital:42729
  • Description: The goal of this study was to fabricate a visible light responsive composite of C-TiO2-CFA. The prepared nanocomposite (C-TiO2-CFA) was immobilized on poly(acrylonitrile) membrane to address the drawback of recovering the nanosized photocatalyst from water after photodegradation experiments. The C-TiO2-CFA nanocomposites were fabricated using a modified sol-gel method, while the C-TiO2-CFA/PAN membranes were prepared via the phase inversion technique. The nanocomposites were fully characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, DRS, and BET surface area analysis. The prepared C-TiO2-CFA/PAN membranes were evaluated in the photodegradation of methyl orange and the golden yellow dyes, as well as the photoreduction of lead and cadmium heavy metals in synthetic wastewater. UV-Visible spectroscopy was used to follow the changes in the concentration of organic dyes, while inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy was used to follow changes in the concentration of the heavy metals. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups expected on the prepared C-TiO2- CFA/PAN membranes and EDX analysis accounted for the elements expected. The prepared membranes all exhibited an asymmetric structure as depicted by cross-sectional view study via SEM analysis. TEM and SEM analyses revealed that the prepared C-TiO2-CFA nanocomposite was roughly spherical in shape with an estimate particle size of 10.94 nm according to TEM and 11.62 nm according to XRD using Scherrer equation. The incorporation of carbon into the lattice structure of titanium dioxide resulted in a reduction in bandgap from 3.19 eV to 2.78 eV through introduction of mid-band states, allowing visible light utilization. The best nanocomposite was obtained by doping TiO2 with 4% carbon and having a C-TiO2 to CFA ratio of 4:1 respectively. The C-TiO2-CFA nanocomposite exhibits a crystalline structure with a mixture of rutile and anatase phases. The parameters investigated in the evaluation of photocatalytic performance of C-TiO2- CFA/PAN were effect of photocatalyst load on PAN membrane, initial dye concentration, pH and light source in the activation of photocatalyst. For both dyes (methyl arrange and golden yellow), it was observed that photodegradation efficiencies increased with an increase in catalyst load. In the photodegradation of MO and GY using the membrane with 1% C-TiO2- CFA, removal efficiencies of 73.3% and 59.99% were attained respectively, while the membrane with 2% C-TiO2-CFA achieved MO and GY photodegradation efficiencies of 99.8% and 99.2% respectively. Photodegradation efficiencies of MO and GY were observed to decrease with an increase in dye concentration. Low pH (3) was observed to favour the photodegradation of MO and GY azo dyes. Photodegradation efficiencies of 99.8% and 99.2% were attained where obtained at lower MO and GY initial concentration. The modified photocatalyst (C-TiO2-CFA/PAN) exhibited better photoactivity under sunlight irradiation compared to strict UV light irradiation. Evidently, the C-TiO2-CFA/PAN membranes can be 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper utilized as a sustainable and stable photocatalyst to efficiently eliminate methyl orange and golden yellow dyes. A PAN membrane with 2 wt% C-TiO2-CFA revealed enhanced cadmium and lead removal efficiencies in comparison to PAN membranes with 1 wt% and 1.5% C-TiO2-CFA. A Cd2+ removal efficiency of 95% was obtained using 2 wt% C-TiO2-CFA/PAN nanocomposite membranes. Cadmium removal efficiencies of 92.5% and 91% were obtained using the 1.5 wt% and 1 wt% C-TiO2-CFA/PAN nanocomposite membranes. A lead removal efficiency of 97% was obtained using PAN membrane with 2 wt% C-TiO2-CFA. Pb2+ removal efficiencies of 90.9% and 94.6% were obtained using the 1.5 wt% and 1 wt% C-TiO2-CFA/PAN nanocomposite membranes. The photoreduction activity was observed to decrease with an increase in cadmium and lead initial concentrations. A cadmium and lead removal efficiencies of 95% and 97% were observed at lower Cd2+ and Pb2+ initial concentrations (20 ppm), respectively. The removal efficiencies varied marginally with changes in pH values. The fouling activity of the C-TiO2 modified PAN asymmetric membranes and pure PAN was investigated by carrying out pure water filtration tests as well as bovine serum albumin (BSA) filtration tests. A bovine serum albumin rejection of 98% was obtained utilizing the 2 wt% CTiO2-CFA/PAN membrane.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Geological and geophysical investigations of groundwater resource in the area of Ndlambe Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

  • Authors: Mpofu, Mthulisi
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Groundwater Geophysical surveys
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18755 , vital:42730
  • Description: Groundwater is an essential resource contributing extensively to overall total annual supply. However, overexploitation has depleted groundwater availability significantly and also brought about land subsidence at some places. The evaluation of groundwater potential zones is essential in protecting the quality of water and managing of groundwater structures. The Eastern Cape Province is one of the provinces faced with the challenge of supplying clean fresh water to the communities residing in it. Ndlambe municipality is a case in point where people rely on groundwater for agriculture and domestic activities. Few studies have been undertaken to evaluate groundwater resource in the study area. This study aims to assess groundwater resources as a way of achieving the goal of water sustainability. In the southeast of the Cape Fold Belt (CBF), is the Ndlambe municipality underneath folded Cape and Karoo Supergroup rocks. The rock sequence in the region reflects the geological history over a considerable period. In general, the area of study comprises of the Bokkeveld and Witteberg groups. The Bokkeveld comprises of shale along with sandstone whilst the Witteberg Group consists predominantly of quartzites with minor interbedded shales. The aims of the study were to target potential zones for groundwater exploration, analyse zones of lineaments, investigate the networks of fractures and the mineralogy of the area of study. In line with studies for groundwater exploration, a number of methods were undertaken for obtaining the results. These included literature review, remote sensing and geographic information system, thin section analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), structural analysis and geophysical investigations (magnetic and vertical electrical sounding). Potential zones for groundwater were identified using remote sensing techniques and geographical information systems (GIS). Maps were generated using GIS tools. Geology, slope, lineaments and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were considered as parameters for determining groundwater potential zones. A geological and geophysical study was conducted in the Ndlambe municipality. Twelve samples for thin sections, 12 samples for XRF analysis and 4 samples for SEM analysis were collected at different locations in the area of study and were analysed. Thin section analysis revealed that quartz arenite has been metamorphosed to quartzite due to high pressure and temperatures and the cracks in the quartz grains are due to pressure and brittle deformation that has in turn enhanced secondary porosity resulting in joints and fractures which are good for groundwater movement. Scanning electron microscopy complemented the findings from optical microscopy by revealing splatter pores which are due to intense fracturing and these contribute to increasing permeability of the rock structures. XRF revealed the chemical composition of various rock types in the area of study. The analysed samples were dominated by silica reflecting their source from weathering of silicate rocks. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Al2O3 values of the analysed samples reflected moderate to intensive weathering. In the study area, three main hydrogeologically important structures were taken into account. These included primary structures (bedding), contacts (geological) and secondary structures like fractures and folds. The study area comprises of several faults that are an important factor for porosity and permeability. The study area is dominated by blocky quartz veins that have been crushed due to compression hence higher permeability of groundwater. The Syscal Pro multichannel resistivity equipment was used to conduct the survey using the Schlumberger- Dipole-dipole array on three lines of varying length (350 m, 530 m and 340 m). Data collected were processed using RES2DINV software, producing a subsurface 2-D geoelectrical model from the pseudosections of apparent resistivity. Low resistivities in the study area were inferred to be weathered moist sandstone while low resistivities with depth indicated an overlying zone of fractured sandstone and quartzite which may be hosting some groundwater. An area of low resistivity zones between two large bodies suggests that the massive rock bodies are being weathered and fractured and fractures act as conduits for groundwater. High resistivity values indicate hard rock bodies that are unweathered hence low potential zone for groundwater localisation. The ground magnetic survey was used to delineate the subsurface structures as these control groundwater potential.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Household and business recycling programs as green strategies for waste management in East London, South Africa

  • Authors: Fotoyi, Tenjiwe
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18687 , vital:42706
  • Description: Municipalities in South Africa generate enormous waste which is disposed of in a few landfill sites which, in turn, have a limited life span. Household recycling is one important mechanism that can be used to reduce the amount of waste that reaches overfilled landfill sites. The city of East London is running out of land to dispose waste, and their landfill sites, in particular, are filing up fast. Most of the waste generated, is recyclable, however recycling in the city remains fragmented, and is moving very slowly. This is because of the lack of a co-ordinated approach between the BCMM and the local communities, across the many suburbs of East London. Considering that urban areas have limited space, effective and efficient use of current landfills is of strategic importance. This research therefore will examine ways of improving recycling in East London, addressing challenges facing current recycling. Data for this study was collected from the random administration of 100 questionnaires on different categories of respondents in the study area. The study revealed that by the introduction of the “Hand-on-waste” programme, the waste management personnel have taken the first step towards household waste recycling. However, the level of awareness and knowledge of the public on domestic recycling was quite poor, if residents are given the necessary encouragement, motivation and recycling infrastructure waste minimisation would be achieved
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020
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