Monique Chelin has delivered a number of international publications over the years. A small selection of those is provided below:

Mining Ombudsman Annual Report

LinkedIn articles (monthly publication)

Geochemistry of Mkomazi River Sediments

Monique Chelin’s work on Mkomazi River sediments focuses on analyzing the geochemistry of mud-sized particles to assess anthropogenic pollution, finding significant variations in elements like iron, aluminum, and potassium with depth, and identifying localized pollution hotspots, particularly near industrial areas, using sediment as a historical record. Her research, often involving partners like Greg Whitmore, details how elements change from upstream (more natural) to downstream (more impacted), with specific elevated levels in certain areas indicating human activity.

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Key Findings & Research Focus:
  • Pollution Assessment: Chelin uses sediment chemistry to detect and quantify human-caused pollution in the Mkomazi River system in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
  • Element Distribution: Studies show strong correlations for elements like Fe₂O₃, Al₂O₃, and K₂O increasing downstream, while some areas show elevated levels of MnO, P₂O₅, and TiO₂, sometimes linked to heavy minerals or localized sources.
  • Upstream vs. Downstream: Upstream samples often reflect natural Holocene conditions, whereas downstream samples (closer to industrial/urban areas) show significant deviations, indicating pollution.
  • Heavy Metals: Research also investigates heavy metals (like copper), revealing pollution plumes extending from industrial inputs into the river sediments.
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In essence, Monique Chelin’s research uses the geochemistry of Mkomazi River sediments as a tool to understand the extent and sources of human impact on the river’s environment over time.