Laboratory members

Dr Tatenda Dalu 
Group Leader
Aquatic System Research Group 
Prof Ryan J Wasserman 
​Research Associate
Wetland Ecology Lab Leader
Dr Ross N Cuthbert
​Research Associate
GEOMAR, Germany
Mr Farai Dondofema
​Research Associate
University of Venda
Current Students

Doctoral 

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Mangana B. Rampheri is a first year PhD candidate in Environmental and Water Sciences at the University of the Western Cape. Her research interest centers on the application of GIS and Remote Sensing on Water Resources and Environmental Management. Currently, her PhD research focuses on the application of GIS and Remote Sensing in mapping Groundwater independent water ecosystems in Khakea Bray Transboundary Aquifer System. She holds BSc in Environmental and Resource Studies and MSc in Geography and Environmental Sciences (with Cum laude) from University of Limpopo. Her MSc research focused on “Community involvement in Biodiversity Conservation and Management”. Her study involved the use of cutting edge spatial explicit GIS and Satellite-based methodologies to assess tree species diversity before and after community involvement in biodiversity conservation. During her MSc, she was involved in tutoring undergraduate students  (1st to 4th year) in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at University of Limpopo. Specifically she tutored  GIS and Remote Sensing, Land degradation, Natural Resources and Environmental Management practical's. As part of her MSc, she managed to author four journals articles, three of these have been published in ISI peer-reviewed journals, and the other one currently accepted with minor comments. She also presented at local conference. Supervisors: Prof Timothy Dube, Dr Tatenda Dalu.​ 2021–present. 

Scientific Publications
  1. Rampheri MB and Dube T. 2021. Local community involvement in nature conservation in protected areas under auspices of Community-Based Narural Resource Management (CBNRM): A state of the art review. African Journal of Ecology. DOI: 10.111/aje.12801.
  2. Rampheri MB, Dube T and Dhau I. 2020. Use of remote sensed data to estimate tree species diversity as an indicator of biodiversity in Blouberg Nature Reserve, South Africa. Geocarto International. DOI:10.1080/10106049.2020.1723717.
  3. Dube T, Shoko C, Sibanda M, Baloyi MM, Molekoa, Nkuna D, Rafapa B and Rampheri MB. 2020. Spatial modelling of ground water quality across a land use and land cover gradient  in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth. 115(Feb): 102820.
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Chipo P. Mungenge holds a BSc. Hons in Biological Sciences (2013) and MSc in Tropical Resource Ecology (2015) from the University of Zimbabwe. She is currently a PhD candidate at the Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University. Her research interests centre on limnology, plankton ecology, fish ecology, aquaculture and fisheries management. Her current research is on how within-system processes shape plankton diversity in groundwater dependent ecosystems in the Khakhea/ Bray Dolomite Trans boundary Aquifer. Her MSc research focused on looking at the limnology and plankton ecology of Mazvikadei reservoir in Zimbabwe. Her past work has garnered her years of work experience in studying the limnology and ecology of various freshwater systems in Zimbabwe. She believes that research must be accessible and extend outside of academia into practical application. Supervisors: ​Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2021–present.

Scientific publications
  1. Nhiwatiwa T, Mungenge CP, Mhlanga L and Dalu T. 2020. Stratification regimes and thermodynamic modelling of a subtropical African reservoir. Lakes and Reservoirs: Science, Policy and Management for Sustainable Use. DOI: 10.1111/lre.12352
  2. Mhlanga L, Mungenge C and Nhiwatiwa T. 2017. Physico-chemical limnology and plankton dynamics of Mazvikadei, a tropical reservoir in Zimbabwe. African Journal of Aquatic Science. 42(2):93–108.
  3. Masocha M, Mungenge C and Nhiwatiwa T. 2016. Remote sensing of nutrients in a Subtropical African reservoir: Testing utility of Landsat 8. Geocarto International. 33(5):458–469.
  4. Mungenge C, Zimudzi C. Zimba M and Nhiwatiwa T. 2014. Phytochemical screening, cytotoxicity and insecticidal activity of the fish poison plant Synaptolepis alternifolia Oliv. (Thymelaeceae). Pharmacognosy Journal 2(5):15–19.
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Thendo Mutshekwa is a motivated and creative individual, with BSc and BSc Hons Environmental Sciences from University of Venda. He worked as a Research Assistant on invasive plant species project within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. For his MSc study, he focused on the leaf litter decomposition in small agricultural reservoirs and he will be extending the work for his PhD focusing on the impacts of macadamia leaves and pesticides on aquatic food webs at University of Venda. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Lutendo Mugwedi.​ 2020–present. 


Scientific Publications
  1. Dalu T, Banda T, Mutshekwa T, Munyai LF and Cuthbert RN. 2021. Effects of urbanization and a wastewater treatment plant on microplastic densities along a subtropical river system. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13185-1.
  2. Dalu T, Dlamini P, Wasserman RJ, Mokgoebo MJ, Mutshekwa T, Dondofema F and Cuthbert RN. 2021. Effects of environmental variables on littoral macroinvertebrate community assemblages in subtropical reservoirs. Chemistry and Ecology. DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2021.1892656. 
  3. Mutshekwa T, Cuthbert RN, Wasserman RJ, Murungweni FM and Dalu T. 2020. Nutrient release dynamics associated with native and invasive leaf litter decomposition: a mesocosm experiment. Water. 12(9):2350. 
  4. Mutshekwa T, Cuthbert RN, Wasserman RJ, Murungweni FM and Dalu T. 2020. Macroinvertebrate colonisation associated with native and invasive leaf litter decomposition. Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems. 421(July):32.
  5. Cuthbert RN, Dalu T, Mutshekwa T and Wasserman RJ. 2019. Leaf inputs from invasive and native plants drive differential mosquito abundances. Science of the Total Environment. 689(1 Nov):652–654. 
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Linton Fhatuwani Munyai joined the University of Venda as an undergraduate student in Bachelor of Environmental Sciences in 2012 and went on to complete his BSc, BSc Honours and MSc Degree research on water quality and supply. During his MSc, he used remote sensing to map Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and chlorophyll-a dynamics and also tried to come up remediation techniques of cyanobacterial blooms in aquaculture fish ponds within the Vhembe District, South Africa. For his PhD, he will be focusing on Biodiversity, trophic structure and connectivity of ephemeral aquatic ecosystems within the Makuleke Wetlands at the University of Venda. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Lutendo Mugwedi.​ 2020–present. 

Scientific Publications
  1. Dalu T, Banda T, Mutshekwa T, Munyai LF and Cuthbert RN. 2021. Effects of urbanization and a wastewater treatment plant on microplastic densities along a subtropical river system. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13185-1.
  2. Netshiongolwe NR, Cuthbert RN, Maenetje MM, Chari LD, Motitsoe SN, Wasserman RJ, Munyai LF and Dalu T. 2020. Quantifying metal contamination and potential uptake by Phragmites australis Adans. (Poaceae) along a subtropical river system. Plants 9(7):846. 

Masters 

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Tafara Frank Bute has a BSc Hons Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology from the Midlands State University, Zimbabwe. For his undergraduate research, he focused on nosocomial infections and will be joining SADC GMI – JRS Biodiversity Khakhea Bray Transboundary Aquafer Project for his MSc studies through Rhodes University.  Tafara is passionate about the environment. Supervisors: Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2021–present.
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Fannie Mfaniseni Masina is a full time MSc student at the University of Mpumalanga. He graduated with BSc Hons in Agriculture at the University of Mpumalanga. For his BSc Hons, he focused on Vegetable growers' perceptions on pest management strategies in selected areas of Nhlazatshe. For his MSc studies, he will be focusing on Assessing the influence of macrophytes diversity and structuring on macroinvertebrate communities in Khakhea Bray Transboundary aquafer temporal ponds. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman. 2021–present.
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Fhatuwani Makherana received her BSc and BSc Hons Environmental Science degrees from University of Venda. She holds a Certificate in GIS. Her BSc Hons looked at investigating impacts of tourism development on local communities around Nandoni Dam. She is currently working towards attaining an MSc Environmental Sciences on "Relationship between water and sediment quality variables on the invasive snail Tarebia  granifera  abundances and its distribution in Nandoni Reservoir" at University of Venda. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Ross N Cuthbert. 2020–present. 
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Kudzai Shaun Mpakairi graduated with a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Zimbabwe in 2018. For his MSc at the University of the Western Cape, Kudzai will focus on using GIS and Earth Observation techniques to map the Khakea/Bray Transboundary Aquifer. To date, Kudzai has published several articles in SCOPUS indexed  journals on climate change, ecology and natural resources management. Most of these articles emphasize the use of GIS and Earth Observation techniques in climate change, ecology and natural resources management. Kudzai has also worked extensively with several governmental and non-governmental organizations in Zimbabwe as a research technician. Some of the organizations include Vision RI, UNDP, African Wildlife Fund (AWF), Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) and University of Zimbabwe. Supervisors: Prof Timothy Dube, Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema. 2021–present.
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Masimini Stanford Nkosi is a full time MSc student at the University of Mpumalanga. He graduated with BSc Hons in Agriculture at the University of Mpumalanga. For his BSc Hons, he focused on socio-economic determinants of tomato production; evidence from smallholder in Nkomazi Municipality. For his MSc studies, he will be focusing on Quantifying plastics abundance and diversity along the Nelspruit River system. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Ross N Cuthbert. 2021–present.
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Fulufhelo Faith Muthivhi graduated with BSc Hons Environmental Sciences at University of Venda. Her research interests lie in the fields of conservation and remote sensing. For her BSc Hons, she worked on the impacts of landscape characteristics on species habitat diversity of Thulamela Municipality. For her MSc studies, she will be working on Assessing spatio-temporal variation in primary productivity of Nandoni Reservoir in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve at the University of Venda. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Matjutla Mokgoebo. 2020–present.
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Takalani Vincent Netshituni obtained his BSc and BSc Hons Environmental Science degrees from University of Venda. He also holds a Certificate in GIS. His project for BSc Hons degree focused on characteristics of Abutilon theophrasti population in two state-owned nature reserves, Vhembe district, Limpopo province. He is currently working towards attaining his MSc Environmental Sciences on "Effects of wildfire on aquatic ecosystem primary productivity" at University of Venda. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Ross N Cuthbert. 2020–present.

BSc Hons 

Submitted for Examination
  1. ​​Cyncinatia Malapane. 2021. Mapping the distribution and abundance of common reeds Phragmites australis in the Nylsvley Wetland, South Africa using SPOT and Landsat imagery. MSc Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Eduard M Stam. 

Graduated Students 

PhD
  1. Tinotenda Mangadze. 2020. Ecological assessment using complimentary biomonitoring techniques: the case of Bloukrans River system, South Africa. PhD Marine Biology. Rhodes University, Grahamstown. Supervisors: Prof P William Froneman, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
MSc
  1. Lufuno Makhuvha. 2021. Organic matter dynamics in Nylsvley Wetland: distribution and processes. MSc Environmental Science with Merit. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman. 
  2. Edward Mhlongo. 2021. Perceptions of the role of Lantana camara on human well-being and rural livelihoods in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. MSc Environmental Sciences with Distinction, Rhodes University, Grahamstown/Makhanda. Supervisors: Dr Sheunesu Ruwanza, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
  3. Terence Magqina. 2021. Age estimation, growth rate and reproductive biology of tiger fish, Hydrocynus vittatus (castelnau 1861) in Lake Kariba: assessing the impact of decades of fishery exploitation. MPhil Aquatic Ecology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare. Supervisors: Prof Tamuka Nhiwatiwa, Prof Lindah Mhlanga, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
  4. Mukondi Olga Ligege. 2020. Assesing the effects of powerline servitudes as corridors for alien plant invasion: a case study of Fundudzi and Khakhu powerline corridors. MSc Environmental Science with Merit. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Eduard M Stam. 
  5. Ndivhuwo Robert Netshiongolwe. 2020. Quantifying metal contamination variation and potential uptake by Phragmites australus Adans. (Poaceae) along a subtropical river system. MSc Environmental Science with Merit. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Lenin D Chari, Dr Samuel N Motitsoe. 
  6. Onica Mukhuwana. 2020. Challenges affecting the management of Thulamela wetlands: managers’ engagement with local communities use of wetlands. MSc Environmental Science with Merit. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu​, ​Mrs Florence M Murungweni. 
  7. Pretty Dlamini. 2020. Assessing the influence of water level fluctuations on macroinvertebrate community assemblages in two small subtropical farm reservoirs. MSc Environmental Science with Merit. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Matjutla Mokgoebo. 
  8. Rendani Mbedzi. 2020. The occurrence and distribution of microplastics in surficial sediments and fish in a South African reservoir. MSc Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology with Merit. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mrs Florence M Murungweni. 
  9. Rolindela Tshivhase. 2020. An assessment of metals and nutrient dynamics within soil-sediments: a case study of the Nylsvlei Ramsar Wetland (South Africa). MSc Environmental Science with Merit. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Mrs Florence M Murungweni.
  10. Thendo Mutshekwa. 2020. Assessing the effects of invasive and native leaf litter decomposition dynamics in agricultural water impoundments. MSc Environmental Science with Merit. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Mrs Florence M Murungweni. 
  11. Molline Natanah Chido Gusha. 2018. A community–wide trophic structure analysis in intertidal ecosystems on the south coast of South Africa. MSc Marine Biology with Merit. Rhodes University, Grahamstown. Supervisors: Distinguished Prof Christopher McQuaid, Dr Tatenda Dalu.
  12. Simphiwe Gininda. 2017. Effect of pollution on community assemblages of a small river system: A case of Bloukrans River, South Africa. MSc Marine Biology with Distinction. Rhodes University, Grahamstown. Supervisors: Prof Nicole B Richoux, Dr Tatenda Dalu.
BSc Hons
  1. Glencia Matimu Chauke. 2021. Assessing the abundance and distribution of alien invasive snail Tarebia granifera in Nandoni reservoir (South Africa). BSc Hons Environmental Science. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. ​Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Linton F Munyai. 
  2. Ronald Mashamba. 2021. The diet and length-weight relationship of Clarias gariepinus from Nylsvley Wetland. BSc Hons Environmental Science. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema. 
  3. Katlego William Masasane​. 2020. Assessing key drivers and use of Thohoyandou’s urban green spaces.  BSc Hons Environmental Science. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
  4. Thabiso Banda. 2020. Effects of a wastewater treatment plant on mircoplastics distribution along the Mvudi River (Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa). BSc Hons Environmental Science. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisor: Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
  5. Mokgale Merchatte Maenetje. 2020. Enrichment and geoaccumulation of heavy metals in the superficial sediments and macrophytes along a subtropical river system. BSc Hons Environmental Science. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisor: Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
  6. Khumbelo Mulondo. 2020. Assessing variation and dynamics in below–ground organic matter along the Nylsvlei wetland, South Africa. BSc Hons Environmental Science. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu.
  7. Mathapelo Jaqualine Methi. 2020. Assessing and monitoring the abundance and diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates in a Ramsar wetland: a case study of Nylsvley Wetland. BSc Hons Environmental Science. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu.
  8. Phumudzo Ragimana. 2020. Assessing the significance of the public’s negative perceptions towards large wood in river ecosystems following flooding experiences. BSc Hons Environmental Science. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisor: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
  9. Rabelani Seshonge. 2020. Considering the links between street vending and poverty alleviation in the case of Thohoyandou. BSc Hons Environmental Science. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
  10. Rotondwa Matshidze. 2020. Mapping the distribution of the common reed Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud. using aerial imagery in Nylsvley Wetland, South Africa. BSc Hons Environmental Science. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Tatenda Dalu.
  11. Rotondwa Sithagu. 2020. Assessing the effect of water depth on trophic interaction strength in ephemeral ponds. BSc Hons Zoology. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Ross N Cuthbert, Dr Tatenda Dalu.
  12. Tshedza Thriddah Murudi. 2020. Ballon milkweed Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey invasion in a tropical wetland: abundances and distribution. BSc Hons Environmental Science. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
  13. Salphina Ntombikayise Sathekge. 2019. Differential vulnerability: Assessing the effects of invasive predator common carp Cyprinus carpio and nutrient enrichment on macroinvertebrate taxa. BSc Hons Environmental Science with Pass. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
  14. Bernad Malesa. 2019. Assessing factors affecting the distribution and occurrence extent of macroplastics around Nandoni reservoir. BSc Hons Environmental Science with Pass. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
  15. Rivoningo Chauke. 2019. Assessing macroinvertebrate communities in relation to environmental variables, a case of the Sambandou wetlands, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (South Africa). BSc Hons Environmental Science with Pass. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
  16. Mulweli Makatu. 2019. Assessing the relative contribution of indigenous forest products to rural livelihoods: A case of Mavunde and Sambandou villages, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (South Africa). BSc Hons Environmental Science with Pass. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
  17. Muhali Hulisani. 2019. Is awareness on plastic pollution being raised in primary and secondary schools? A case of Thulamela Municipality district. BSc Hons Environmental Science with Pass. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 
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