The impact of environmental pollution on the water quality in Johannesburg

Abstract : This research assesses the impact of environmental pollution on water quality, both pure water sources and tap water in South Africa, and in Gauteng province in particular. Many journal, articles and newspapers have attested to the fact that the South African environment is generally affected by the various sources of pollution from industrial activities. Assessing the type of environmental pollution, and how that pollution impacts the quality of water, is the primary purpose of this research. To give a specific type of environmental pollution, a brief overview of pollution from the energy industry were developed; since environmental pollution is a large subject. The creation of energy in South Africa does not only give positive aspects but using coal products to increase the electricity production to meet electricity demand comes up with many environmental pollution problems. The research illustrate the various environmental causes, the relationship between environmental pollution and water quality, by showing the impact on water quality. This study revealed that the same producer of coal which is employed in the generating of electricity are observed to be the same primary contributor to the degradation of the environment and to pollute the water quality of the location of their operations. Also, the research also establishes that there is a relationship between environmental pollution and water quality; and this correlation can be positive or negative. In the case of this research, water quality is still an issue in South Africa. Lastly, following the negative impact of using of coal in the generation of electricity which consequently after the water quality, the authors, therefore, recommend the consideration of alternative energy sources such as Hydropower, wind energy, solar energy, Geothermal energy and Bioenergy.M.Tech. (Operations Management