Aquatic Systems Research Group

Plastic pollution doesn't stop at rivers and oceans, it is increasingly affecting the livestock that many rural communities depend on for food security and livelihoods.

Our latest article in The Conversation explores how plastic waste is harming livestock in South Africa's communal grazing systems and, importantly, what smallholder farmers believe is needed to address the problem. Their priorities are clear: improved waste management, stronger environmental education, better veterinary support, and policies that tackle plastic pollution at its source. These findings highlight that protecting livestock also means protecting the environment in which they graze. Plastic pollution is not only an environmental issue, it is an agricultural, economic, and public health challenge that requires coordinated action from government, researchers, municipalities, and communities. The voices of farmers provide practical solutions that should inform future policy and management.

Read the full article here:

https://theconversation.com/plastic-waste-is-harming-livestock-in-south-africa-smallholder-farmers-using-communal-land-set-out-the-support-they-need-288414

Stellenbosch University
UniMpumalanga
University of Limpopo
Centre for Invasion Biology
Linton Vhalenzo Munyai
Tatenda Dalu
Nomcebo Madonsela

Plastic waste is harming livestock in South Africa: smallholder farmers using communal land set out the support they need As plastic waste spreads across communal grazing land, smallholder farmers are losing livestock, income and an important source of food and security.

New publication alert!

We pleased to share our latest research examining microplastic contamination in livestock dung from rural South Africa. We analysed 499 dung samples collected from 29 farms, covering chickens, goats, and cattle, to better understand how microplastics move through agricultural systems. Our findings revealed that chickens contained the highest microplastic loads, followed by goats and cattle. Fragments were the most common particle type, transparent particles dominated across livestock, and polychloroprene emerged as the most frequently detected polymer. These results highlight an often-overlooked pathway through which microplastics can enter agricultural soils, raising important questions about soil health, ecosystem functioning, livestock production, and long-term food security.

As plastic pollution continues to expand beyond aquatic environments, understanding its movement through terrestrial food production systems is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies and protecting agroecosystems.

Congratulations to all my co-authors (Nomcebo Madonsela, Linton Vhalenzo Munyai, Mwazvita Dalu, Ross Cuthbert, Tatenda Dalu) on this collaborative effort. I look forward to seeing how this work contributes to advancing research on terrestrial plastic pollution and sustainable agriculture.

UniMpumalanga
University of Limpopo
Stellenbosch University
Centre for Invasion Biology

Plastics in the pasture: tracing microplastics in livestock dung from rural communities - Microplastics and Nanoplastics Microplastics are a pervasive environmental pollutant originating from diverse sources and comprising a wide range of polymer types. Their persistence and widespread release have raised global concern about ecological and animal health risks. (Micro)Plastics are ingested by livestock and excreted in...

Congratulations to our PhD students! 🇺🇸

We are proud to celebrate Ms Ncumisa Matam (Stellenbosch University) and Ms Elsie Leshaba (UniMpumalanga), who have been awarded prestigious Fulbright Fellowships and will each spend 9 months on research exchange in the United States from August 2026 to May 2027.

Ms Ncumisa Matam will be heading to Louisiana State University (LSU)
Ms Elsie Leshaba will be heading to Pennsylvania State University (PSU)

This is a wonderful achievement and a testament to their hard work and academic excellence. We wish them all the best as they represent our institution abroad!

Centre for Invasion Biology
Stellenbosch University
Aquatic Systems Research Group
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, Eastern Cape

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DgLpThNjk/

We delighted to share the news of appointment of Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu a valuable member of the Aquatic Systems Research Group as a Visiting Professor in the School of Geography and Remote Sensing, Ningbo University (China). This appointment is particularly meaningful as it builds on her ongoing and highly productive collaboration with Professor Naicheng Wu, whose incredible contribution and shared commitment to impactful environmental research have laid the foundation for this exciting new chapter. Together, our collaboration has already produced meaningful research outcomes, and we look forward to expanding these achievements through deeper institutional and academic partnerships centred around students. Read more on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mwazvita-nee-sachikonye-dalu-472516383_internationalisation-highereducation-globalpartnerships-ugcPost-7483820555213656064-t7jO/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAXd2GsBs-l_KY8e1YJQ792qOqVw5ijAkp4

UniMpumalanga
University of Mpumalanga

#internationalisation #highereducation #globalpartnerships #ningbouniversity #universityofmpumalanga #environmentalscience #geography #remotesensing #researchcollaboration #academicleadership #china… | Mwazvita nee Sachikonye Dalu I am so delighted to have been appointed Visiting Professor in the School of Geography and Remote Sensing, Ningbo University (China) by Professor Jialin Li, Dean of the Faculty. This appointment is particularly meaningful as it builds on an ongoing and highly productive collaboration with Professor....

What an amazing experience! Ncumisa Matam recently had the opportunity to visit for a summer school program, gaining new knowledge, exploring a different culture, and connecting with people from around the world.

A memorable journey filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable moments. 🇨🇳



Centre for Invasion Biology
Stellenbosch University
Aquatic Systems Research Group

A wonderful story highlighting the power of nature, science, and community stewardship within the Ramsar declared wetland system wetlands.

The latest article, “The Wetlands That Came Home: Science, Stewardship and Resilience in Makuleke,” shares an inspiring reflection on the importance of protecting wetlands and the role of local knowledge and collaboration in restoring these precious ecosystems.

A reminder that when communities, scientists, and conservation partners work together, we can help nature recover and build a more resilient future.



Read full article here:
https://vhakomanews.co.za/the-wetlands-that-came-home-science-stewardship-and-resilience-in-makuleke/

Stellenbosch University
University of Limpopo
Centre for Invasion Biology
Aquatic Systems Research Group
Linton Vhalenzo Munyai

The Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University is proud to celebrate Ncumisa Matam one of our outstanding PhD students, who is currently participating in the GAUC Climate Immersive Summer Programme in . The programme brings together emerging researchers from around the world to engage with leading experts on pressing climate change challenges, sustainability, environmental innovation, and international collaboration. Through lectures, field visits, workshops, and cross-cultural exchanges, participants gain valuable insights into global approaches to climate action while building lasting international research networks. Ncumisa's participation reflects the CIB's commitment to developing globally connected scientists equipped to tackle complex environmental challenges through interdisciplinary research and international partnerships. We wish Ncumisa a rewarding and inspiring experience as she represents the Centre for Invasion Biology and Stellenbosch University on this international platform. We look forward to hearing about the knowledge, collaborations, and experiences she brings back to strengthen our research community.



Stellenbosch University
Centre for Invasion Biology

Congratulations to Dr Linton Vhalenzo Munyai on winning the SASAQS Bronze Medal at the Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists 2026 Conference held in Port Alfred. This achievement is a testament to your dedication, scientific excellence, and meaningful contribution to aquatic science in the region. Your work continues to inspire both emerging and established researchers in the field. Wishing you continued success as you build on this well-deserved recognition.

University of Limpopo
Aquatic Systems Research Group

Samkelisiwe Thobile and Nothando Mbuso Themba are currently attending the Southern African Society of Aquatic Ecologists conference in Port Alfred. Please do visit Nombuso Nothando Themba poster to full under some of her PhD work.

Stellenbosch University
Centre for Invasion Biology
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, Eastern Cape
UniMpumalanga
University of Mpumalanga