KNYSNA NEWS - For some time now, the charity volunteer group known as the Knysna Basin Project, has been putting major effort into monitoring the waters feeding into the estuary, to ensure that the water quality is kept up to international standards.

Under the leadership of Dr Louw Claassens, ongoing water testing and liaison with Knysna Municipality have taken place on a regular basis, not only for the health of consumers but also for the benefit of our unique Knysna seahorse species, to ensure their environment remains suitable for caring and breeding.

Montessori High School director Dana Ross Miles, who guides KMS Gr 10, 11 and 12 in life sciences, invited Claassens to give a talk to the students about the work she and the Knysna Basin Project members are doing to promote the conservation of the estuary. 

The students responded with interest and enthusiasm, and the Gr 10 class decided to adopt it as a research task.

The Knysna Basin Project donated nitrate testing equipment to the school, and for the past three months the students have been collecting water samples from various points along the Bongani River. The river runs through the Industrial Area, past the sewage works and feeds into the estuary alongside Loerie Park. Thanks to the donation of the equipment, the Gr 10 students have been testing water samples for nitrates, phosphates and microplastic, using only scientific methods with complete accuracy of any scientific working environment, viz. sterilisation of all equipment, records of data samples being collected, and accurate recordings of abiotic factors such as temperature, winds, tides, etc. They also take photographs of pollution in the area.

This is an ongoing project, and the students are hoping for the opportunity to present their final data to the municipality before the end of the year, and that their involvement will make a difference.

Aiden Carr taking care of the environment. Photos: Supplied

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