Conference Publications

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The 2020 WMO symposium on climatological, meteorological and environmental factors in the COVID-19 pandemic: A special issue from symposium presentations
(2021-06) Sweijd, Neville; Zaitchik, BF
The COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the great historical events of the modern era, presenting a generational challenge to the world. Questions about the role of weather on SARS-CoV-2 transmission led to the gathering of scientists at an online event, the “International Virtual Symposium on Climatological, Meteorological and Environmental factors in the COVID-19 pandemic,” convened on 4–6 August 2020 under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organization. This collection of papers arise from the Symposium.
84th IMESA Conference in collaboration with IAWEES (International), Virtual conference, Cape Town, 17 - 19 November 2021
(2021-11) Steyn, Maronel; Walters, Chavon R
Water scarcity, increased pollution, unprecedented population growth and climate change are collectively driving the need to reuse water with the aim to enhance water security, sustainability, and resilience. It is clear that South Africa¿s already strained water resources will become even more stressed in the near future. The Department of Water and Sanitation predicted that by 2030 water demand will reach 17.7 billion m3, far more than what is available to allocate. An Atlas for potential industrial bulk scale water reuse was produced from publicly available Natsurv and WARMS data. A web-based Decision Support System (DSS) tool is being developed to enable municipal and industry partners, and water quality managers to make informed decisions for possible reuse options. The tool aims to directly assist by linking industrial effluent volumes and quality to fitness for use, and linking it with specific industries in the geographical vicinity based on industry specific water quality and quantity requirements.
A comparison of LiDAR and meteorological mast wind measurements in the Karoo
(2024-09) Grobler, Jan H; Malatji, DB
Accurate wind resource assessments are key to developing efficient wind farms. Due to the steady rise in the dimensions of wind turbines in recent years, meteorological masts with heights of 100m and beyond are typically now required for wind resource estimation. There is a need to explore alternative methods in the interest of saving time and costs. In this study, an analysis is done to determine the feasibility of using new technologies based on remote sensing, such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), for measuring wind speed and wind direction. A measurement campaign was conducted over a 16-day period using ground based LiDAR and one of the meteorological masts erected near the town of Sutherland as part of the Wind Atlas of South Africa project. Sutherland is situated in the South African Karoo, an area known for relatively high altitude, generally non-complex terrain and low aerosol levels. A WindCube V2 LiDAR unit was deployed at the meteorological mast site. Measurements taken with the LiDAR and cup anemometers on the mast were compared at heights of 40m and 60m. A regression statistical analysis was performed on the datasets to calculate metrics such as the coefficient of determination. Data filtering, which includes wind speed range selection and application of LiDAR data availability thresholds, is done to ensure compatibility between the two datasets. In addition, an adjustment was required to account for time stamp differences between the data sets. The wind speed and winddirection results between the LiDAR and cup anemometers compared well. The coefficient of determination was 0.98 or higher for the two datasets evaluated.
A government sustainable building rating tool?
(2024-07) Gibberd, Jeremy T
Some countries have significant public building backlogs. Schools, colleges, clinics, and hospitals still need to be built and existing infrastructure needs to be updated and refurbished. In addressing backlogs, there is the prospect of developing more sustainable buildings and infrastructure. However, often this opportunity is not taken, and the design and construction of public buildings continue to follow conventional unsustainable approaches. Reasons for this include the lack of a suitable sustainable building rating tool that aligns with government priorities. To address this gap, this study explores development a Government Sustainable Building Rating Tool (GSBRT). It investigates this for South Africa, a country with large public building backlogs. Government policy is analysed to establish the key development priorities and translate these into building performance criteria. These criteria are compared with criteria from an existing green building rating tool, to determine alignment. The study finds that while there is some overlap, there are also significant differences and that the conventional green building rating tool does not cater for some government sustainable development priorities. Recommendations are made for further research and development of a GSBRT as a means of addressing sustainability in government buildings.
A summary of green hydrogen as an upcoming energy storage technology
(2024-10) Karamanski, Stefan; Grobler, Jan H; Hlalele, Thabo G
The increasing renewable energy production trend poses concerns about energy dispatchability. The intermittency of renewable energy requires compensating reliable and suitable energy storage technologies. An upcoming energy storage technology is green hydrogen. Green hydrogen has received both extremes of praise and criticism from the energy industry. This study aims to dispel misconceptions about green hydrogen. Green hydrogen and its applications are thoroughly yet concisely described, together with its suitability in power systems. The advantages and disadvantages of green hydrogen are discussed. It was found that green hydrogen has significant benefits of longterm energy storage and strong suitability in heavy industries. Despite green hydrogen decreasing in cost, it is still comparatively expensive and suffers from significant logistical constraints. Green hydrogen remains an important factor in the renewable energy transition and forms an integral component of the energy storage of the future. This study is useful for policy makers, system operators, renewable energy developers and financial institutions that would like an improved understanding of green hydrogen and its integration.
Achieving successful community engagement in the evolving power system landscape: A case for micro- and mini-grids
(2024-08) Rakaibe, Tshwanelo K; Pandarum, A; Tlokolo, Nthabeleng B; Marema, Abram
Off-grid mini and microgrid systems are increasingly recognized as a viable solution that can be implemented for extending energy access to the 760 million people around the globe who are currently not served by traditional grid infrastructure. In South Africa’s rural and remote areas, the electricity utility company, Eskom, is leveraging microgrid technology and has three active sites. Eskom is also currently conducting feasibility studies for 40 sites, with plans to develop approximately 100 installations across the country. These projects hold great potential for extending reliable power to underprivileged communities. It also has the potential to increase efforts for a just energy transition. This paper underscores a critical aspect of micro- and mini-grid implementation that transcends technical and generic environmental considerations i.e. the pivotal role of community engagement and inclusion. While these systems are fundamentally technological solutions, their success hinges on their integration and understanding within the communities they are hosted in and supply. Furthermore, South Africa has very unique socioeconomic challenges that need to be considered when developing such projects in the country. Recognizing this, this paper explores the multifaceted nature of successful community engagement for micro- and mini-grid projects in the South African context. Successful and meaningful community engagement and inclusion is becoming progressively important as the globe grapples with the concept of the just energy transition. Drawing from both global best practices and the unique context of South Africa, this paper emphasizes the importance of involving local communities from the project's inception through to its operation and maintenance phases. Additionally, an understanding of what really is considered just will also be provided in this paper. It highlights the tangible benefits that such engagement can yield, including increased project acceptance, sustainability, and socio-economic development. Lastly, the paper presents a toolbox of effective community engagement strategies for micro- and mini-grid projects in South Africa which may be able to be used in other developing countries that have similar socio-economic challenges and experiences.
Advancing ecosystem accounting in estuaries: Swartkops Estuary case study
(2023-03) Taljaard, Susan; Van Niekerk, Lara; Adams, JB; Riddin, T
Rapid degradation of ecosystems and loss of ecosystem services have sparked interest in developing approaches to report and integrate such change with socio-economic information systems, such as the System of National Accounts. Here we describe an approach and application of ecosystem accounting for individual estuaries, building on approaches previously applied at national and bay levels. Using the Swartkops Estuary as a case study, the focus is on physical accounts for ecosystem extent and condition, as well as accounts for two important ecosystem services (carbon sequestration and recreational use). Pressure accounts are also introduced to demonstrate the value of identifying key areas for management and restoration interventions in response to changes in extent and/or condition accounts. Greater resolution in these account reports, achieved through zoning, provides spatially explicit information on ecosystem assets and their services within an estuary to also inform management decision-making at local level. Further, these accounts can also inform local restoration prioritisation, in support of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), for example offsetting irreversibly degraded areas in one zone with restoration or maintenance of similar habitats in another.
Advocating circular economy in wastewater treatment: Struvite formation and drinking water reclamation from real municipal effluents
(2020-08) Mavhungu, A; Masindi, Vhahangwele; Foteinis, S; Mbaya, R; Tekere, M; Kortidis, I; Chatzisymeon, E
In this pilot study, the circular economy concept in wastewater treatment was examined, through a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) process where struvite was recovered and drinking water was reclaimed. A stage wise approach was followed for struvite formation and the subsequent reclamation of drinking water. Specifically, the early stages of treatment entail the synthesis of struvite via the chemical precipitation of nutrients (phosphate and ammonia), using thermally activated cryptocrystalline magnesite. Thence, reverse osmosis (RO) was employed for drinking water reclamation. With this dual approach, 3.5m3 of municipal wastewater were successfully treated at a pilot plant in South Africa, producing ~52.5 kg of struvite and ~3.4 m3 of drinking water. The operating parameters were 30 min of residence time, 0.5 g : 500 mL solid to liquid (S/L) ratio, using ambient temperature and pH. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR-SEM) coupled with electron dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the synthesis of struvite and the presence of notable Mg/P ratios. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) further ascertained the obtained results. Moreover, it was identified that the reclaimed water meets the South African National Standard (SANS) 241:2015 and the world health organisation (WHO) standards for drinking water. An economic analysis revealed the viability of the process, suggesting that the system could be self-sustainable. Therefore, the results of his work indicate that introducing the concept of circular economy in wastewater treatment can promote the sustainable management of the ever-increasing quantities of municipal wastewater and at the same time address problems of emerging concern, such as water scarcity and phosphate shortage.
AFDB Project Video
(2023) Steyn, Maronel
The video gives and overview of the project Phycoremediation as an adaptation measure for climate change vulnerability at rural wastewater treatment plants in Southern African development community countries. It shows images of the different treatment plants in the different partner countries where feasibility studies were completed and where the technology is implement in Malawi. The technology addresses the issue of overloaded wastewater treatment works in South Africa and together with that the eutrophication and our receiving water environments. It also helps with service delivery issues in South Africa.
An in-depth comparison of the performance of a heat pump powered by Solar PV compared to solar water heating when applied in the residential and commercial sectors
(2024-08) Segakweng, Tshiamo T; Sheik, Muhammad; Surridge, K
An in-depth comparison of a large scale solar thermal systea and a heat pump was conducted. Solar energy can be used to produce hot water, either directly through a Solar Thermal (ST) system or indirectly through a solar photovoltaic panel that produces electricity to drive a heat pump (SHP). The heat pump and solar thermal systems, despite their initial costs and challenges, have proven to be efficient solutions for heat generation and energy cost savings. Both systems have demonstrated significant monthly energy production and savings, with the heat pump system having a return on investment (ROI) period of approximately 7.3 years, and the solar thermal system having a shorter ROI period of approximately 3.4 years. The comparative performance of these systems suggests that a hybrid system, combining the strengths of both, could potentially outperform each individual system. The solar thermal system excels during warmer months, while the heat pump system is more efficient in colder months and offers a more consistent and reliable hot water supply.
Appropriate renewable energy for education infrastructure in rural South Africa: The Cofimvaba science centre model
(2020-11) Nice, Jako A
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has embarked on an innovation investigation through a ministerial initiative brought by the Department of Science and Technology Innovation (DSI). The Cofimvaba Science Centre was envisioned, planned and is currently in construction to build and test theory with regard to the efficacy of multiple innovations in the supply and delivery of building construction projects in South Africa. This is in response to the target set by the National Development Plan (NDP 2011:288) of 2030 for energy efficiency in building standard SANS 204 to achieve ‘zero carbon’ buildings. There is a need for alternative teaching platforms for maths, science and technology. At the same time, there is a need for rapid construction of infrastructure with sustainable ongoing power supply in rural areas in South Africa. The innovations could lead to improved teaching outcomes and quality of instruction, as well as improvement in the rate of construction and service delivery, with the added benefit of future economy creation downstream. The building has been constructed by alternative construction methods and materials, with five different energy sources regulated through a microgrid system delivering a planned net zero carbon building. A multiyear building performance analysis will be conducted to gather evidence for future application and appropriateness. A pre-construction investigation of available building technologies was done, and during construction assessments of renewable energy sources and the financial viability of the project continued. Post-construction assessment of the building’s performance will be conducted covering materiality, thermal performance, indoor air and sound quality, energy, water and waste use. The alternative building construction method has yielded rapid construction time. However, a slow administrative process has delayed the completion date. Nevertheless, the project suggests that net zero energy can be achieved for Government and private buildings in rural South Africa.
Assessing alternative supporting organic materials for the enhancement of water reuse in subsurface constructed wetlands receiving acid mine drainage
(2022-06) Oberholzer, MM; Oberholster, PJ; Ndlela, Luyanda L; Botha-Oberholtster, AM; Truter, CJ
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a global problem with severe consequences for the environment. South Africa’s abandoned mines are a legacy from the country’s economic dependence on the mining sector, with consequent negative impacts on ecosystems. AMD remediation includes active and passive techniques. Constructed wetlands (a passive technique) have lower operational costs but require larger spaces and longer timeframes to achieve the remediation of AMD, and are supported by anaerobic sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB), which capable of remediating high-sulphate-laden AMD while precipitating dissolved metals from the AMD. Organic substrates supporting these activities are often the limiting factor. When enhancing existing passive AMD remediation technologies, alternative waste material research that may support SRB activity is required to support the circular economy through the reduction in waste products. Chicken feathers show potential as a substrate enhancer, boosting organic carbon availability to SRB, which sustains passive AMD treatment processes by achieving pH elevation, sulphate and metal reductions in AMD water for reuse. Microbial biodiversity is essential to ensure the longevity of passive treatment systems, and chicken feathers are proven to have an association with SRB microbial taxa. However, the longer-term associations between the AMD water parameters, microbial diversity and the selected substrates remain to be further investigated.
Assessment of food losses and waste at the Tshwane market and small scale farms
(2021-02) Ramukhwatho, Fhumulani R; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Musvoto, Constansia D; Polasi, Letlotlo T
Food losses and waste are issues of global concern as they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that agricultural production and marketing contribute a large portion of food waste in the value chain. This paper reports on findings of a research study conducted in Tshwane Fresh Produce Market (TFPM) within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) and on small-scale vegetable farms in Limpopo province. The aim of the study was to assess food losses and waste in a small-scale production context and at a fresh produce market. Questionnaires were used to collect information on the amount of food wasted or lost, reasons for the wastage and methods employed to reduce waste. It was found that food loss varied depending on the crop, and even on the variety of produce. The main causes for food wastage at the farm level are weather conditions, damage from insects and birds. Sixty percent of farmers divert their food waste for animal feeding. On average five thousand tonnes of food is wasted every year in the Tshwane fresh produce market and the main cause of wastage is oversupply by farmers. The study concluded that the highest losses occur at the preharvesting stage and growers often have little control over how much produce is lost.
ASTRAL pool of technologies: A technology validation perspective within the Atlantic Area
(2024) Pias, M; Guterres, B; Orazi, G; Paris, M; Drews, P; Oliveira, V; Botelho, S; Duarte, N; Poersch, L; Smith, Marie E
This presentation focused on various issues within the aquaculture sector, as well as Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) and ASTRAL Pool of Technology Innovations.
ASTRAL pool of technologies: Digital twins to support IMTA within the Atlantic area
(2022-09) Pias, M; Orazi, G; Drews, P; Paris, M; Dupont, C; Smith, Marie E; Michalek, K; Lain, L; Martinez, J; Khelifi, I
Presentation on the ASTRAL pool of technologies: Digital twins to support IMTA within the Atlantic area.
Battery energy storage systems value chain analysis for the identification of opportunities for enterprise development
(2023-10) Pandarum, Aradhna; Rakaibe, Tshwanelo K; Mbam, Vuyo
South Africa is confronted by the triple threat of inequality, poverty, and unemployment and has the highest inequality and unemployment rate in the world. The energy transition to a low carbon economy offers significant opportunity for the country to stimulate economic growth and overcome some of the social challenges faced by pursuing investments to reindustrialise the economy. The country is expected to experience a significant investment in renewable energy as part of the energy transition. However, increased penetration of renewable energy demands other technologies to ensure that grid stability is maintained. Battery energy storage is seen as one such technology and according to the Integrated Resource Plan of 2019 and Eskom’s latest Transmission Development Plan it is expected that a capacity between 2GW and 6.6GW will be required to be installed by 2032. This indicates the potential investment that will need to be made for battery storage thus highlighting the potential opportunity for localisation and industrialisation of such value chains. Thus, this paper seeks to detail the activities, products and services required for lithium-ion and vanadium flow battery energy storage systems value chains with the inherent aim at unpacking potential enterprise development opportunities that exist. The paper will detail the upstream, midstream, and downstream activities within the value chains, key market competitors, barriers and possible solutions for reindustrialisation in the country.
Breakthrough studies for the sorption of methylene blue dye from wastewater samples using activated carbon derived from waste banana peels
(2023-05) Ramutshatsha-Makhwedzha, D; Munyengabe, A; Mavhungu, ML; Mbaya, R; Baloyi, Siwela J
In the current study, an activated carbon derived from waste banana peel using H2SO4 was applied for the first time in a packed-bed column for methylene blue (MB) dye removal from wastewater. The pore structure and surface of banana peel activated carbon (BPAC) were investigated using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis to discover the mechanism of MB sorption. The produced BPAC by H2SO4 activation agent has surface area of 361.86 m2/g and exhibits good thermal stability. The extent of MB breakthrough performance was examined by optimizing flow rate, bed mass, and initial concentration at pH 9. The column’s dynamics revealed a strong dependence of breakthrough curves as a function of process conditions. The breakthrough time (tb), volume of liters processed (L), and adsorption exhaustion rate all increased as bed mass increased but decreased as flow rate and initial concentration increased. Applying linear regression to the experimental data, Yoon-Nelson and Thomas’ kinetic model was used to extract column characteristic parameters that could be used in process design. Using environmental water, the waste banana peel activated carbon material demonstrated effectiveness in removing MB to below acceptable levels by processing 1.16 L of water with an initial MB concentration of 40 mg/L using 8 g of sorbent. Nitric acid (3M) was able to regenerate the exhausted bed. Moreover, the sorbent was reused four times with no significant capacity loss. It can be concluded that waste banana peel activated carbon medium is an alternative solution to remediate MB-contaminated wastewater.
Bulk scale industrial effluent reuse potential in South Africa Atlas
(2021-10) Steyn, Maronel; Walters, Chavon R; Mathye, Salamina M; Thwala, Melusi; Ndlela, Luyanda L; Tancu, Yolanda; Lehutso, Raisibe F; Banoo, Ismail
Globally, responsible and efficient water management is fast becoming a pressing reality for domestic users, agriculture and industry alike. The challenge is therefore to capitalise on the limited water we currently have. Solution: Bulk-scale reuse of industrial water effluent can play a significant role in water security in a water scarce country, such as South Africa, as it can augment or partially substitute freshwater resources needed for domestic purposes and future development. Water reuse in South Africa is however lagging. Approach: An Atlas for potential industrial bulk scale water reuse was produced from publicly available Natsurv and WARMS data. It highlights the urgent need for water reuse to form an integral part of an integrated water management supply approach in South Africa.
“A can of worms”: Aerosol waste within the context of EPR, some insight from South Africa
(2022-10) Muswema, Aubrey P; Oelofse, Suzanna HH
According to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, the paper and packaging sector needs to prepare EPR schemes for management of their end-of-life products. The aerosol sector recognises that aerosols present somewhat different challenges at end-of-life when compared to other types of packaging waste due to the nature of aerosols in comparison to paper and packaging. The Aerosols Manufacturing Association (AMA) therefore initiated background research to determine the feasibility of developing an aerosol specific EPR scheme. The CSIR was commissioned to conduct research to determine the current practices relating to end-of-life management and the associated challenges posed by aerosol cans as part of the packaging waste stream. This paper presents the findings from a survey focussing on aerosol waste management practices and the challenges hampering increased recycling rates. EPR is a good option for implementing recovery of aerosol wastes. It should be considered that aerosol waste can be divided into pre- and post-consumer waste. There are instances where individual manufacturers have implemented recovery of pre-consumer aerosols, but respondents indicated that there are currently no formal takeback programs at municipal level for spent post-consumer aerosols. The informal sector does recover some of these items from households (post-consumer), but in general it was reported that buy back centres are reluctant to accept poorly dismantled aerosol cans. A challenge for collection is the low post-consumer volumes of aerosol can waste from households. Poorly managed aerosols do have several negative environmental, health and safety impacts. There is a need for more training and education on the specific requirements for handling and disposing of aerosol waste for the different stakeholders involved. There is also a need for innovative recycling technology which is simple to implement, and which is cost effective. Efforts should ideally be focussed on the pre-consumer waste streams, which can be recovered in relatively large volumes. The post-consumer waste streams present a co-mingled challenge, hence a ‘can of worms’ to mitigate. The findings of this research also provided evidence to AMA to inform their approach to EPR.
Case studies of modified South African estuaries and implications for ecological restoration in these systems
(2019-09) Weerts, Steven P; MacKay, F; Taljaard, Susan; Van Niekerk, Lara
Presentation on the case studies of modified South African estuaries and implications for ecological restoration in these systems.

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