Browsing Research articles (ORI) by Author "Masamba, W."
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Ramberg, L.; Lindholm, M.; Hessen, D.O.; Murray-Hudson, M.; Bonyongo, C.; Heinl, M.; Masamba, W.; Vanderpost, C.; Wolski, P. (Springer, http://www.springer.com, July 19, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The frequency of fires in the Okavango Delta seasonal floodplains peaked at an intermediate frequency of flooding. Floodplains are commonly burnt every 3–5 years. This study showed fundamental changes in ecosystem properties due to burning. A burnt seasonal floodplain in the aquatic phase had oxygen levels well above saturation, 100–200%, while the levels in the un-burnt control site were below saturation and, at night, could decline to 10–40% saturation. The total phosphorous and total nitrogen concentrations were similar on both floodplains but considerably enriched relative to inflowing water, due to nutrient release from the flooded soil-sediment and animal droppings. Zooplankton biomass was very high in both systems although the abundance of fish fry was ten times higher on the un-burnt floodplain. In a low flood year the un-burnt floodplain water had high nutrient levels, primary production, methane emission, and subsequent uptake of methane in biota, as well as a high zooplankton biomass. The very high flood the following year showed the opposite with much lower production at all levels owing primarily to greater dilution of nutrients. The abundance of fish, however, was much higher during the high flood year. Macrophytes and litter provide direct shelter for fish fry but also promote low oxygen levels when decaying. Large flooded areas result in high fish production by removing obstacles related to congestion. This interplay between hydroperiod and fire may be crucial for the maintenance of high biological productivity both in the aquatic and terrestrial phases in a very nutrient poor wetland landscape. Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimal management. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/838 Files in this item: 1
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Meck, M.; Atlhopheng, J.; Masamba, W.; Ringrose, S.; Diskin, S. (Bentham Open, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This study set out to establish the major minerals at Dorowa and determine which of those are likely to host metals that may leach into surface and groundwater. This study comes after a preliminary assessment of the water quality in the Save River downstream of the Dorowa phosphate mine in Zimbabwe showed an increase in conductivity, iron content, manganese content, nitrates and hardness when compared to those taken before the mining area. X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) was used to establish the major minerals at Dorowa whilst Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP- MS) was used to establish the chemistry of the rocks. The results from this study show that the major minerals in the rocks around Dorowa are feldspars, pyroxenes, apatite, magnetite and calcite. The metals hosted by the rocks include Ag, As, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, Sb, Se and Zn. The study concludes that the minerals likely to host metals are calcite and apatite. Metal hosting is higher in apatite minerals than in calcite. Metal hosting by the other minerals observed in the study area is low. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/932 Files in this item: 1
Now showing items 1-2 of 2