A study of the net flux of nitrates from three estuaries of the eThekwini Municipality of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2011.

Estuaries, the interface of interaction of fluvial discharge and marine action serve as temporary repositories of materials (solid and dissolved) before finally exporting them to sea. This interchange of material is dependent on a range of factors such as tidal range, prism, and symmetry; fluvial flows and estuarine morphodynamics. The efficacy of transfer of materials to the marine environment is important for estuarine health particularly in estuaries located in highly developed areas such as the major coastal metropolitan areas of many countries. This study assesses the efficacy of the export of nitrates from three estuaries of the eThekwini Municipality of the city of Durban, South Africa which maintain an open mouth status, ensuring tidal exchange throughout the year. The focus of this study was to determine and analyze the net flux of nitrates between the Isipingo, Mgeni, and Tongati estuaries of the eThekwini Municipality, and their adjacent nearshore environments. It questioned whether the Isipingo, Mgeni, and Tongati estuaries were efficient at exporting nitrates to their adjacent marine environments. The abovementioned estuaries are classified as temporarily open/closed estuaries, and were chosen for this study, as they maintain an open mouth status for most of the year. An open mouth condition was critical in order to conduct this study, as tidal exchange, and the resulting nitrate fluxes, could occur. The net flux of nitrates was measured for these estuaries on a seasonal basis for both spring and neap tides. Measurements were taken over the tidal cycle, ensuring that the peak high and low tides were sampled. To determine the values of net flux, the cross-sectional area of the estuary mouths were measured; average flow velocities of water were measured; and average concentrations of nitrates were obtained. Results indicate that although there is a net export of nitrates to the nearshore environment, there were instances, particularly on the spring tide, when a net import of nitrates into the estuary occurred. The origin of the latter is likely derived from nearshore upwelling; unusually high biotic decomposition at sea and/or the longshore drift transport of decomposing sewage outfall. This creates an added dimension for consideration in estuarine management plans. Taking all three estuaries studied into consideration, a net export of nitrates for all seasons for the eThekwini Municipality was measured with a clear seasonal influence detected where high rainfall seasons led to greater export as a consequence of greater fluvial flows, erosion and leaching of agricultural lands and longer ebb duration.