Integrated water resource management in South Africa

South Africa is an emerging economy, and hence facing the challenge of rapid growth of industry and population. Therefore, the protection of natural resources such as water are crucial for sustainable growth. An international project has been launched, called MOSA – Integrated Water Resource Management Pilot Project "Middle Olifants". The project aims the co-ordinated development and management of water, land and related resources, in order to maximise the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. Within MOSA, LAR Process Analysers is responsible for the construction and equipment of a mobile monitoring station. It is used for the determination of various water parameters at the most important sources of pollution. The laboratory is able to determine parameters, such as pH, conductivity and redox, and sumparameters such as TOC (total organic carbon), COD (chemical oxygen demand) and TN_b (total bound nitrogen). Further LAR analysers determine the ammonia levels and toxicity.

Since 2013, the monitoring station is successfully in operation and provides accurate and reproducible results. The unique stand-alone character, the data transfer system developed by LAR, and providing measurement results directly via internet to the authorities and partners, are the biggest advantages for all participants. Authorities and project partners can use the results directly for further updates and evaluation.