# Seasonal Pollution Levels and Heavy Metal Contamination in the Jukskei River, South Africa
## 5 Conclusions  
The quality index assessment for heavy metal contamination indicates that the Jukskei River is polluted in both wet and dry seasons. The potential ecological risk index suggests that pollution during the dry season presents significant ecological concerns which need attention. Despite the disparity in Hg concentration, the results of the dry and wet seasons were comparable, signifying a continual influx of pollutants into the river. Multivariate analysis and water quality indices are effective tools for comprehending river quality and attributing pollution factors. PCA statistical analysis determined that the pollution  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l l l l l} \hline
**Variables** & **F1** & **F2** & **F3** & **F4** & **F5** \\ \hline As & \(-0.963\) & \(-0.232\) & \(0.092\) & \(-0.092\) & \(0.046\) \\ Cd & \(-0.875\) & \(-0.383\) & \(-0.04\) & \(0.288\) & \(0.049\) \\ Hg & \(0.949\) & \(-0.246\) & \(-0.055\) & \(-0.083\) & \(0.17\) \\ Pb & \(-0.912\) & \(-0.4\) & \(0.025\) & \(-0.049\) & \(0.015\) \\ Th & \(-0.535\) & \(0.706\) & \(-0.454\) & \(0.068\) & \(0.061\) \\ U & \(-0.605\) & \(0.571\) & \(0.551\) & \(-0.014\) & \(0.059\) \\ Fe & \(-0.941\) & \(-0.037\) & \(-0.233\) & \(-0.239\) & \(-0.008\) \\ Eigenvalue & \(4.963\) & \(1.246\) & \(0.578\) & \(0.162\) & \(0.041\) \\ Variability (\%) & \(70.897\) & \(17.806\) & \(8.260\) & \(2.318\) & \(0.584\) \\ Cumulative \% & \(70.897\) & \(88.703\) & \(96.963\) & \(99.282\) & \(99.865\) \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 11: Factor loadings for dry season.  
originated from anthropogenic sources, likely due to wastewater discharge and agricultural practices, whereas the sources of Th and U during the dry season indicate a combination of anthropogenic and geogenic origins.  
The overall assessment of heavy metals in the Jukskei River has significance for public health and environmental policy, given the potential risks these metals pose to ecosystems and human health. Understanding heavy metal pollution could provide insights into pollution sources, levels, and trends, thus facilitating policymakers in designing remediation actions. The findings of this research underscore the necessity for a rigorous methodology and rigorous frameworks, effective policies, focused mitigation strategies, and regular systematic monitoring programs to track temporal and spatial variations of heavy metal concentrations to address their contamination. This study recommends the implementation of improved monitoring, pollution control methods, public education initiatives, and river restoration projects that policymakers may employ to achieve water quality goals and ensure a sustainable future for water resources. These mitigation techniques are crucial for maintaining water quality and providing safe water consumption, consequently enhancing public health and environmental sustainability.  
Conceptualization, L.C. and M.R.L.; Methodology, N.M.; Validation, M.R.L.; Formal analysis, N.M. and N.N.; Investigation, N.M. and A.M.; Resources, M.H.M. and J.T.; Data curation, M.H.M., A.M. and M.R.L.; Writing--original draft, N.M.; Writing--review & editing, N.N., A.M. and M.R.L.; Visualization, M.H.M.; Supervision, M.H.M., L.C. and M.R.L.; Project administration, N.N.; Funding acquisition, J.T. and M.R.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research was funded by the Water Research Commission (C2023-2024-01320), Mintek internal Science Vote (ASR-002517).  
Not applicable.  
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.  
The authors declare no conflict of interest.