Illegal disposal of solid waste is a significant issue in many parts of the world, particularly in urban areas. Because of unprecedented urbanization, these areas are crowded, putting pressure on the already inadequate municipal services such as waste management. As municipalities fail to provide adequate and effective waste management services, the expansion and proliferation of informal settlements contribute to the problem of illegal dumping. Apartheid spatial planning produced environmentally unsustainable cities characterized by glaring disparities in municipal resource allocation, disturbingly inefficient transportation systems, and widespread urban insecurity. Therefore, this study examines how the expansion of informal settlement at an unprecedented rate contributes to illegal dumping post-apartheid by conducting a systematic review. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search from 1994 to 2023 was conducted in the field of waste management. The review focuses on three key aspects: (1) factors that contribute to illegal dumping in townships; (2) waste management laws during apartheid and post apartheid; and (3) waste collection system in townships and spatial planning. South Africa’s inequality is a major contributor to environmental degradation. The situation was exacerbated by efforts to prevent urban migration and forcefully remove black people from cities; apartheid ideology justified the dormitory-like nature of urban townships. In the South African context, the literature reveals that there is a research gap in the application of technologies and effective waste management plans to keep up with the growing number of informal settlements. Furthermore, despite progressive environmental policies, implementation has been ineffective. This study offers valuable evidence on the spatial and temporal dynamics of informal settlements, addressing both the location and time aspects. A robust government-led Community Participation in Solid Waste Management program is required immediately.

Microplastic and nanoplastic (MNP) contamination has infiltrated nearly every facet of life, including food, water, air, and soil. The persistence of MNPs within different matrices poses a significant environmental and human health risk, underscoring the necessity for standardised methods to detect, characterise, identify, and quantify these emerging pollutants of concern. Traditional detection methods, such as visual inspection and gas chromatography, have limitations and are thus unsuitable for rapid, repetitive analyses. As such, advanced techniques like Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI) interfaces are becoming favoured. FTIR spectroscopy is the most popular method used today to identify and quantify MNPs. Furthermore, recent advancements in micro-FTIR (μ-FTIR)-AI image processing have enabled the semi-automation of MNP identification concentrated on different filter membranes without pre-sorting. Integrating AI tools in combination with μ-FTIR analysis can significantly boost its functionality as automated image processing facilitates quicker identification and quantification of MNPs. Overall, challenges remain in MNP detection due to plastic particle size constraints, contamination from organic matter, and a lack of standardised protocols, complicating the identification and quantification of these pollutants in environmental matrices and biological samples. Despite extensive research, there remains a pressing need for reliable, cost-effective analytical techniques. Moreover, establishing uniform definitions, characterisation methods, sampling techniques, risk assessment frameworks, and regulatory guidelines for MNPs is imperative for their effective management and regulation.

This paper investigates the impact of ENSO on water quality by looking at COD, SS, and Escherichia coli along the Crocodile River. Water samples were collected between 2016 and 2021 at three strategic sites on the river and were tested in an accredited laboratory. Python (version 3.8), Spyder and Microsoft Excel 2019 were used to analyze the data. The highest COD concentration (800 mg/L) was recorded at the White River site during El Niño, followed by 600 mg/L during the normal period, and 240 mg/L during the La Niña period. In 2019 during La Niña and the normal period, the E. coli levels were centered in one place at 60 cfu/100 mL, while in 2021 no E. coli levels were detected from the La Niña, El Niño, and normal periods. The suspended solids in this study were more prevalent in the White River (upstream) during the El Niño period. These analyses demonstrate that it is possible to evaluate the local effects associated with large-scale climate variability.

Water quality problems are a major challenge that humans encounter in the 21st Century. Water security presents a pressing concern in South Africa due to persistent difficulties in ensuring water availability, accessibility, and quality. Given the numerous activities that are taking place adjacent to riverbanks, there has been a decline in water quality. This study determined the state of the Crocodile River’s intermediate water quality and assessed the effects of various human-induced activities. Water samples were collected during 2016–2023 in different sites within the Crocodile River, and physicochemical parameters were analysed in an accredited laboratory. The Python package Seaborn was used for statistical analysis of the data to provide visualizations and data variations. Overall, the results show that elevated concentrations of electrical conductivity (EC) and sulphate (SO₄²⁻) were recorded in the Crocodile River. The presence of elevated EC levels in R571 Bridge exceeded 133.90 µs/cm between 2020 and 2021, whilst the highest concentration levels (114 mg/L) for SO₄²⁻ were recorded in Malelane in the year 2020. The elevated concentrations of concern were recorded during the dry season (winter) and the wet season (spring). Overall, the comparisons of the spatiotemporal concentration indicate that the water quality parameters fluctuate over time. Moreover, the monitoring practice of detecting the water quality change over time is also fundamental for providing valuable information necessary for the management of integrated water resources.

The integration of indigenous knowledge systems into the discussion of bush encroachment management is of paramount importance. Indigenous knowledge and formal monitoring may be mutually beneficial, and using both approaches can improve natural resource management. Savannah rangeland landscapes hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous communities, and their perceptions can provide valuable insights into creating more effective, community-driven conservation initiatives. This study was aimed at filling the existing knowledge and research gap on bush encroachment control by focusing on the integration of indigenous knowledge systems. To achieve this, the current research included three distinct non-probability sampling strategies: (1) Purposive, (2) Snowball, (3) Convenience sampling methods. The results showed that 90.3% of the participants indicated that the main encroaching species of concern was sickle bush (Dichrostachys cinerea) and it is therefore perceived as a problem in the rangeland. The majority of farmer respondents indicated that they cut the encroacher plant down, uproot all root systems, then burn the remaining roots. This is reported to be a more effective way of managing sickle bush as an encroacher plant. Both genders generally believe in the efficacy of these systems, with variations in levels of agreement. However, a gender disparity emerges in opinions on incorporating communal-based approaches, emphasizing the need to consider gender perspectives in environmental management initiatives. Therefore, considering this, the study concludes that a holistic approach, integrating both formal and informal knowledge systems, may be crucial for sustainable and effective management strategies. Given that, recognizing the diversity of perspectives within the community, particularly regarding gender differences, is essential for developing inclusive and community-driven environmental management initiatives.

The exploitation of resources and industrialized and societal activities has resulted in global freshwater contamination, which is a serious environmental concern. Climate variability exerts a significant influence on the metal concentrations in water sources. The monitoring of metal concentrations in surface water systems amidst climate change and variability has received limited attention, especially in southern Africa. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate temporal variations and seasonal patterns that impact metal levels in the Kaapmuiden River. The results show that the river observed higher iron in the autumn season of 2021 and 2016, recording 0.90 mg/l and 0.64 mg/l, respectively. Manganese was high in two different seasons: spring (2016) recording 0.060 mg/l and winter (2021) recording 0.053 mg/l. The result of this study shows that iron concentration was within the acceptable level of approximately 0.5–1 mg/l set for the ecological health of the river. Subsequently, results show high levels of aluminium in autumn for 2017 and 2021 with a concentration of 0.59 mg/l and 1.10 mg/l, respectively. High concentrations of manganese and aluminium in water resources have an ecotoxicological effect on aquatic biota; hence, adequate measures should be placed to minimize the introduction of these metals from anthropogenic activities.