Wednesday 4 June 2025, 10.30am (SAST)
Zoom Registration link:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/hnJ370yxR6iUP0z28Ew4YA
Passcode: 255283
by Dr Nokubonga Mbandzi-Phorego
Postdoctoral Researcher, NRF-SAIAB
Ecological risk assessment of metal pollution in shellfish along the south coast of South Africa: implications for healthy and sustainable coastal ecosystem
Nokubonga Mbandzi-Phorego is a Postdoctoral Researcher under the Professional Development Programme at NRF-SAIAB. Her research interests include marine and coastal ecosystems, with a particular focus on intertidal zones, marine pollution, and contamination-related ecological and human health risks. Industrial and urban activities significantly contribute to metal pollution in marine ecosystems, adversely impacting the health of marine invertebrates such as mussels, oysters, and limpets.
To better understand the extent of metal contamination in various coastal environments and the role of shellfish in this process, Nokubonga’s presentation will explore how coastal water quality assessments are used to monitor metal pollution in both urban and natural sites along the south coast, using bioindicator organisms. She will also examine the ecological risks posed by metal pollution in coastal ecosystems. Addressing these risks is essential to ensure sustainable fishing, maintain clean water, and support healthier shellfish — all of which are critical to support a thriving marine ecosystem and human livelihoods.
