Development of a GIS-based knowledge hub for contaminants of emerging concern in South African water resources using open-source software: Lessons learnt. Issue 1 (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Botha, Tarryn Lee; Bamuza-Pemu, Emomotimi; Roopnarain, Ashira; Ncube, Zibusiso; De Nysschen, Gert; Ndaba, Busiswa; Mokgalaka, Ntebogeng; Bello-Akinosho, Maryam; Adeleke, Rasheed; Mushwana, Akani; van der Laan, Michael; Mphahlele, Phedisho; Vilakazi, Fanelesibonge; Jaca, Penny; Ubomba-Jaswa, Eunice
• Is Part Of: Heliyon. Volume 9:Issue 1(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Interactive map -- Biological contaminants -- Freshwater -- Collated data; Research -- Periodicals; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; Natural history -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Periodicals; 507.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-8440

Abstract

Abstract: With population growth and dwindling freshwater sources, protecting such sources has come to the forefront of water resource management. Historically, society's response to a problem is based on funding availability, current threat, and public outcry. Achieving this is largely dependent on the knowledge of the factors that are resulting in compromised water sources. These factors are constantly changing as novel contaminants are introduced into surface water sources. As we are in the information age, the interest in contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) is gaining ground. Whilst research is being conducted to identify contaminants in South African water sources, the research outputs and available information is not collated and presented to the science community and stakeholders in readily available formats and platforms. Current research outcomes need to be made known to regulators in order to develop environmental laws. By using fourth industrial revolution technology, we were able to collate available data in literature and display these in a user-friendly online format to regulatory bodies as well as researchers. A standardized excel spreadsheet was developed and uploaded to a PostgreSQL, running a PostGIS extension and was then processed in the GeoServer to allow for visualization on an interactive map which can be continuously updated. The near real-time access to information will reduce the possibility of duplication of research efforts, enhance collaboration in the discipline, and act as a CEC early warning system. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Several studies have been performed to date on CECs in South African freshwater. Data points from literature can be plotted on an interactive map. Visualization of contaminants from different contaminants classes can infer interaction. Knowledge gaps can be identified such as seen with nanomaterials. Allows regulators to have a broad overview of current trends.