Cave and Karst

IUCN (SA) Karst Working Group All pictures are taken by and remain the property of Mike Buchanan For information and prices on cave or karst pictures please email:- caveandkarst@gmail.com INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE, SOUTH AFRICA COUNTRY OFFICE (IUCN SA) - KARST WORKING GROUP . The Cave Research Organisation of South Africa (C.R.O.S.A.) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature South Africa Country Office (IUCN SA) established the Karst Working Group. The first meeting, with Saliem Fakir and Mike Buchanan present, was held at The IUCN SA in Pretoria on Wednesday 9 July 2003. The first founder meeting was held at The IUCN SA Pretoria. Thursday 5 February 2004. Present: were Melinda Swift (GDACE), Saliem Fakir (IUCN), Murray McGregor (independent karst consultant), Melissa Fourie (IUCN SA), Leintjie Cohen (Mpumalanga Parks Board). Garfield Krige (Land Owner), Neil Norquay (Wild Cave Adventures), Mike Buchanan (C.R.O.S.A.). Nigel Fe...

Histoplasma capsulatum - Histo - South Africa 2006 Histoplasma spores are prevalent in the atmosphere all the time. Our immune systems tolerance is derived by the local level of exposure. Within certain caves, typically low energy systems receding/dropping water table being the key to increased prevalence, the closer to the equator the more the prevalence becomes. Along with all other tropical diseases. Histoplasma capsulatum is an intelligent Dimorphic Fungus. This does not mean it can make tea. The intellect comes in the form of a transformation from a fungus into a yeast, as the spore settles and defuses through the alveoli membranes of the lung, into the blood stream. "Calcareous lesions" as reported radiologically historically, have been disproved by direct biopsy. The prevalence of reactive lymph nodes within the lungs specifically in the mediastinum is what we see as a "storm" on the x-ray image. As with the evolution of the development of your imm...

Mine Acid Decant Western Area A Health Issue for The South African Aquifer Groundwater Invertebrates Cave Amphipoda A mine acid decant was predicted in Gov financed publications as early as 1995. This decant and the subsequent research did not identify that the acid water would ultimately decant into fresh potable groundwater reserves. Up to five years back, heavy metals poisoning was becoming prevalent around the point of decant prior to the commencement of surface flow. All animals including humans were the casualties. In August 2002 almost to the forecast date, the brew/cocktail of sulphate based heavy metals started to flow from any conceivable spring, mine ventilation and mine shaft at this lowest altitude just south of the now collapsing (both figuratively and literally) Krugersdorp Game Park west of Mogale City. Theorists (possibly those who got us into the mess we are in - The Mine Geohydrologists) initially thought that this decant was directly attr...

Karst Images by Mike Buchanan Miniopterus bats in flight Secondary mineral deposits or cave speleothem Fossils Cave Ecology - Miniopterus bats Ooliths Stromatalites Dolomite Karst Cave formations are a small part of karst system conservation NEW For more pictures please click on this link - More Cave and Karst Pictures The most important part of karst systems are  S edimentary Geology, Groundwater, Ecology

HEALTH AND SAFETY Thiobacillus ferrooxidans stained ground Typhoid is caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi, which is carried by human waste. This bacterium finds its way into natural drinking water, and this contaminated water is then consumed by people who are then exposed to this disease. 1.1 Bacterium conveyed via water, are either contaminating surface water, or groundwater. Surface water is relatively easy to manage, as accessible testing methods are able to detect the levels of bacterium, chlorine and other composites found in water. Extensive monitoring of reservoirs and sample testing at selected water points can theoretically effectively control the quality of water. 1.2 During the recent Typhoid outbreak in Delmas in Mphumalanga, human waste containing the Salmonella Typhi bacteria was found in boreholes and which led to a number of people contracting the Typhoid disease. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) spokespeople indicated that the disea...

CONTAMINATED WATER POSING A SERIOUS THREAT TO HEALTH: AN AGRICULTURAL PERSPECTIVE Contaminated water is usually the result of numerous factors, ranging from groundwater being exposed to various forms of heavy metals and harmful solids, to contamination as a result of previous mining (mine acid decant) and/or some or other form of industrial and farming activities. Over a period of time, these minute particles are transported via an underground ecological system (e.g. dolomite and dynamic karst systems) and find their way into water utilized for every day consumption. 1.1 Geohydrologist’s and Geophysicists have proved that the threat to agriculture is more serious than anticipated by governing bodies such as The Department of Water and Forestry (DWAF). Any cattle living on the emanating decant will carry a diverse range of heavy metal poisoning’s, including that of Thorium and Uranium. Their reproduction and fetal deaths are reported to be the biggest concern. 1.2 Some vegetables absorb...

Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site The Management of Karst Landscapes and Caves FINAL REPORT September 2002 Report prepared by: M.Buchanan & J.Maguire 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY · There are numerous valid reasons for protecting and managing the subterranean environment of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. These encompass ecological, water conservation, scientific, commercial, tourism and aesthetic aspects. · Although protective legislation exists, this often · is difficult to enforce and monitor · presents gaps · overlaps and duplicates areas of responsibility · is not co-ordinated, enforced, policed and monitored by any one organ of state. · The subterranean environment and the intricate and fragile “biosphere” it contains is an overlooked and under-managed ecological area. · The Minerals Act, the National Water Act, the National Heritage Resources Act, the National Environmental Management Act, the Tourism Act, the Public Health and Safety Act and the Nature Conservation...