Plaagdoders in rivierwater van die Nasionale Krugerwildtuin

Abstract

Rivers flowing into the Kruger National Park were monitored for pesticide residues. Sampling sites were located on the Levubu, Letaba, Olifants, Sabie and Crocodile Rivers. Altogether 657 samples were analysed over two years and in only 11 or two per cent were pesticide residues found. Endosulfan was found in seven samples at concentrations ranging from 100 to 6 300 ng/dm3. Dieldrin was found in two samples at concentrations of 1 700 and 2 900 ng/dm3, while DDT was found in the other two samples at concentrations of 100 and 500 ng/dm3. In 85 samples or 13 unknown chlorinated compounds were found, possibly industrial pollutants. The results of this survey indicated that pesticides in rivers do not pose a serious threat to wildlife in the Kruger National Park.