Author(s): A. Gilau
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Litter Loads; Soil Loss
Abstract: The effects of litter and silt transport on the ecosystems of Southern Africa has long been a debated issue due to the scarcity of information relating to methods, sources of litter loads, types and typical loads of both silt and litter and the impacts thereof on urban lakes. The project aims at creating an integrated model and decision support tool that will empower local municipal managers in making informed decisions regarding the improvement of current service levels and to quantify the effect changes in land use, demographics and urban densification will have on urban lakes. The study focuses on an urban lake in Boksburg, South Africa within a catchment comprised of a mixed land-use, demographics and soil conditions and aimed at creating an integrated model and new approach to the estimation of silt loads specifically aimed at urban conditions. The model further analyses various measures for the reduction of litter and silt and provides an implementable approach considering various economical, functional and sustainability factors. The study substantiated that the specific approach and methodology can be used and applied to other urban regions although further verification and calibration is required. It further indicated that it can be a useful tool in trend indicator and forecasting.
Year: 2010