By: Lalelisile Mncwabe
Oghenekaro Nelson Odume is a professor and a director for the Institute for Water Research at Rhodes University. He is a leading researcher in aquatic ecosystems ecology, water quality, and pollution management. His research interests span water quality studies, aquatic ecosystem resilience, and pollutants of emerging concern like plastics and pharmaceuticals. He also focuses on the science-policy-practice interface, water governance, transdisciplinary scholarship, and social-ecological systems research.
Professor Oghenekaro Nelson Odume's inaugural lecture emphasises the pressing issue of water justice in South Africa, emphasising the need for ecological and social justice in water resource management. As a renowned expert in the field, Prof. Odume shared his research experiences and findings, underscoring the importance of collaborative approaches to address the nation's complex water challenges. He was highlighting the significance of water in our lives. Water is essential for various aspects of human existence, including spiritual practices, recreation, and sustenance. The United Nations recognises water as a critical resource, with Sustainable Development Goal 6 aiming to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.
South Africa's water resources face significant threats, including inadequate wastewater treatment, microplastic pollution, and water quality contestation. His research revealed that nearly 50% of the country's rivers are severely impacted, with wastewater treatment works being a primary culprit. The situation is exacerbated by non-compliance with chemical, physical, and microbial guidelines. He continued to highlight the pervasive presence of microplastics in the environment, including in air, water, and even human brains. Research revealed that microplastics absorb pharmaceutical pollutants, becoming vectors for chemical contaminants. Furthermore, microplastics foster antibiotic-resistant bacteria and algae growth, exacerbating the global antibiotic resistance crisis.
Microplastics have been found in the guts and gills of aquatic organisms, while larger plastics provide unsuitable habitats for microinvertebrates. This underscores the need to reassess plastic consumption and management across the value chain. He shared a case study on water quality contestation in Johannesburg, where industrial activities led to pollution. His research team developed a model, revealing that even without industrial discharge, water quality would not significantly improve due to extensive pollution and development.
This emphasises the need for a catchment-wide approach, engaging all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive solution. His work contributed to developing the South African Water Quality Guidelines, adopting a risk-based approach and transitioning from paper-based to software guidelines.
The consequences of water mismanagement are far-reaching, affecting the environment and human well-being. Drought management measures have been implemented in Nelson Mandela Bay, but equity issues hinder their effectiveness. The poor are disproportionately affected, with some households facing water bills exceeding R1 million. He highlighted the complexities of achieving equity in water management. Research revealed that emerging farmers struggle to become commercial farmers due to inadequate support. This emphasises the need for a temporally sensitive approach, considering efficiency, sustainability, and equity. The Department of Water and Sanitation's revised water pricing strategy, published in June 2024, addresses emerging farmers' concerns. The new strategy phases in water payment over time, alleviating financial burdens.
Prof. Odume advocates for a holistic approach, considering historical context, interdisciplinary research, and community involvement. He stresses the need for capacity strengthening, and African-wide approaches to address water challenges. Collaborative platforms, bringing together the private sector, communities, academic institutions, and governments, are essential for effective water management. His work demonstrates the importance of transcending disciplinary boundaries. He has developed innovative solutions by working with humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences scholars, such as artificial wetlands to absorb chemical pollutants.
Ultimately recognising that “the business of water and water research is everyone's business,”. We must work together towards a more equitable, sustainable water future for all, exploring innovative solutions for microplastic pollution, context-specific water pricing strategies, and intersections between water management, social justice, and ecological sustainability.