Assessment Of Seasonal Variations Research Articles

Assessment of seasonal variations and human health risks due to heavy metals in water, soils and food crops using multi-indices approach

Assessment of seasonal variations and human health risks due to heavy metals in water, soils and food crops using multi-indices approach

Assessment of Seasonal Variability in Soil Nutrients and Its Impact on Soil Quality under Different Land Use Systems of Lower Shiwalik Foothills of Himalaya, India

The present study was conducted to investigate the seasonal effects of five land use systems (LUSs), i.e., wheat–rice (Triticum aestivum—Oryza sativa) system, sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), orange (Citrus sinensis) orchard, safeda (Eucalyptus globules) forest, and grassland, on soil quality and nutrient status in the lower Satluj basin of the Shiwalik foothills Himalaya, India. Samples were analyzed for assessment of physico-chemical properties at four soil depths, viz., 0–15, 15–30, 30–45, and 45–60 cm. A total of 120 soil samples were collected in both the seasons. Soil texture was found to be sandy loam and slightly alkaline in nature. The relative trend of soil organic carbon (SOC), macro- and micro-nutrient content for the five LUSs was forest > orchard > grassland > wheat–rice > sugarcane, in the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. SOC was highly correlated with macronutrients and micronutrients, whereas SOC was negatively correlated with soil pH (r = −0.818). The surface soil layer (0–15 cm) had a significantly higher content of SOC, and macro- and micro-nutrients compared to the sub-surface soil layers, due to the presence of more organic content in the soil surface layer. Tukey’s multiple comparison test was applied to assess significant difference (p < 0.05) among the five LUSs at four soil depths in both the seasons. Principle component analysis (PCA) identified that SOC and electrical conductivity (EC) were the most contributing soil indicators among the different land use systems, and that the post-monsoon season had better soil quality compared to the pre-monsoon season. These indicators helped in the assessment of soil health and fertility, and to monitor degraded agroecosystems for future soil conservation.

Assessment of seasonal variation on neonatal sepsis

BackgroundNeonatal sepsis is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Frequency of bacterial sepsis is affected by seasonal variations. This study was done to rule out the effects of seasonal variation on neonatal sepsis and to determine isolated bacterial agents and their antibiotic sensitivity profile.ResultsThis cross-sectional study included100 neonates with suspected sepsis, and conducted during summer and winter seasons. High frequencies of neonatal morbidities were observed like poor feeding (98%), Jaundice (82%), pallor (76%), respiratory distress (66%) and convulsions (64%) in winter, whereas fever (40%) and edema (12%) in summer. Statically significant correlation was found between the seasonal variations and different symptomatic expression of bacteremia like jaundice, respiratory distress, convulsions and poor feeding (p value < 0.001) in winter, while pallor, fever and edema (p value < 0.05) in summer. Our study showed high proportion of neonatal infection with Gram negative bacteria, as (40%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and (16%) Escherichia coli in winter season, while (22%) Enterobacter in summer. Carbapenems was very effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter, Acinetobacter, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria, while theses bacterial isolates showed (80–100%) resistance to Unasyn and Cephalosporins (3rd generation).ConclusionThis study showed that Seasonal variations had effects on neonatal sepsis regarding their both different symptomatic expressions and bacterial isolates. Most of isolates were sensitive to Carbapenems and resistant to both Unasyn and Cephalosporins (3rd generation).

Assessment of Seasonal Variation in Water Quality and Water Quality Index of Tattekere Lake, Bangalore, India

Assessment of Seasonal Variation in Water Quality and Water Quality Index of Tattekere Lake, Bangalore, India

Biological rhythms of fatal myocardial infarction in Greece: an autopsy study

Background Biological rhythms, acting as an endogenous clock, prepare and assist the organism to function optimally during predictable seasonal and daily cycles. Many elements of the cardiovascular system exhibit specific rhythmical patterns. Besides genetic mechanisms, external stimuli may alter biological rhythms. Methods The aim of this study was to investigate the patterns of biological rhythms in patients who suffered a fatal myocardial Infarction (MI), ascertained by macroscopical or histopathological examination. Cases of fatal MI examined during the time 2010–2017 were included in our study sample (827 cases in total). Medical History was also obtained for each case. The assessment of seasonal variation of fatal MI was accomplished by employing three different methods, Rayleigh Uniformity Test, X2 Goodness-of-fit test and Edward’s Seasonality Test. Statistical significance was defined as a 2-sided p value of <0.05. Results Regarding the distribution of total cases, fatal MIs onset occurs more often during winter, with higher incidence in December and January. The weekly distribution of cases seems uniform. The circadian pattern presents higher frequencies of fatal MIs between 08:00 and 12:00 with the acrophase between 11:00 and 12:00. Further analysis was conducted separately, depending on the method of time-of-death reporting. Conclusions Taking under consideration the variation of the occurrence of MI related deaths, in accordance with the respective biological rhythms, public health policies more suitable to the individual requirements of every country's population may be adopted.

Effects of abattoir activities on the water quality of Oko-Oba river in Agege, Lagos, Nigeria: a seasonal variation assessment

Surface water from the Oko-Oba River in Agege, Lagos Nigeria which runs beside the Oko-Oba Abattoir was assessed for its physicochemical quality in relation to temporary seasonal variation. The samples were collected in May and September 2019 (wet and dry season) and analysed for physicochemical (including some potentially toxic metals (PTMs)) and microbiological parameters using standard protocols of American Public Health Organization (APHA) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Many physicochemical and microbiological parameters analysed for the samples did not meet regulatory standards for surface water. Some significant correlations were observed between the seasons, sampling points and parameters. The results of this study showed that seasonal variations affected some the water quality parameters of the Oko-Oba River. Further studies are recommended to provide information on the effect of the Abattoir activities on aquatic life in other to ensure sustainable river bodies.

Assessment of seasonal variations in concentration, particle-size distribution, and taxonomic composition of airborne fungi in a courtyard space

As people desire contact with the natural environment and comfortable living, modern buildings are increasingly incorporating the design of courtyard spaces. Hence, it is of interest to investigate the fungal air quality of courtyard spaces. This study aimed to investigate seasonal patterns of airborne fungal concentration, particlesize distribution, and taxonomic composition by using air microbial samplers and combining culture and molecular techniques. The results indicated that fungal concentration varied between seasons, peaking in autumn (825 ± 260 CFU/m3) and being the lowest in winter (617 ± 197 CFU/m3). Spearman's correlation analysis showed that fungal concentrations were positively correlated with relative humidity and wind speed. The relative humidity and wind speed supported fungal dispersion, whereas temperature negatively affected fungal dispersion in a multiple linear regression model. The fungal concentrations corresponding to “not excellent” in the Air Quality Index (AQI: >50) were higher than those corresponding to “excellent” (AQI: 0–50). The airborne fungal particle sizes in the range 1.1–3.3 μm (>58%) were predominant in all four seasons. In all four seasons, the airborne fungi had count median diameters ranging from 1.60 μm to 1.80 μm, allowing the fungi to penetrate the terminal bronchi. Verticillium (75.9%) and Cladosporium (27.4%) were the most abundant fungal genera in spring and summer, respectively. Flammulina was predominant in autumn and winter, accounting for 35.2% and 31.3%, respectively. Moreover, 14 fungal genera that contained allergenic or pathogenic species were identified in all four seasons. The highest mean average daily dose rates of airborne fungi was found in autumn. These findings will provide information for creating a more reasonable, comfortable, and healthier courtyard space air environment.

대동호의 시기별 및 계절별 수질변화 평가

대동호의 시기별 및 계절별 수질변화 평가

Assessment of Seasonal Variation in Physicochemical Characteristics of the Soil at Gautala Reserve Forest (M.S), India

The aim of study was to investigate the seasonal changes of physicochemical parameters in the soil of selected 15 spots of the Gautala reserve forest. The soil is consist of the most significant natural factors, which is created by weathering of the rocks existing in the environment. The present survey was made to study consists the physicochemical parameters in the soil of the Gautala Reserve Forest during the year 2017-18 at three seasonal intervals i.e. rainy, winter and summer seasons. The soil parameters examined were soil pH, soil texture, moisture content, bulk density, electrical conductivity (EC),organic carbon (OC), available Nitrogen (N), available Phosphorus (P), and available Potassium (K). The Gautala forest soil physical property was analyzed as sandy loam and silty loam. The pH and Organic carbon levels were low during summer and high in monsoon. The total amount of available N, P, K, electrical conductivity, water holding capacity and moisture content were maximum in monsoon and minimum in summer season. The physicochemical properties are dependent variables that play an important role in order to understand plant diversity.

Assessment of seasonal variation in physico-chemical characteristics of a lentic waterbody of Bhopal, India

The present study was conducted with an aim to assess the seasonal variation and nutrient status of a lentic water body (Lower lake) of Bhopal, India. Different variables involving water temperature (W.T), Secchi transparency (TRN), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity (CON), total alkalinity (T.A), dissolved oxygen (DO), chlorides (CL), total hardness (TH), orthophosphate (PO4-3) and nitrate (NO3-N) were examined using the standard methodology of APHA (2005). Significant seasonal variation was observed in Secchi transparency which ranged from 27 cm to 83 cm, chlorides (29 mg/l to 58 mg/l, dissolved oxygen (1.6 mg/l to 9.2 mg/l), phosphate (1.76 mg/l to 2.9 mg/l) and nitrate (0.98 mg/l to 3.57 mg/l). Our results confer that the water body is undergoing nutrient enrichment especially littoral sites due to direct influx of untreated sewage from surrounding urban settlements which has resulted in the deterioration of water quality of the lake. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to determine the relationship among water parameters which revealed both significant positive and negative trends.

The subway microbiome: seasonal dynamics and direct comparison of air and surface bacterial communities

BackgroundMass transit environments, such as subways, are uniquely important for transmission of microbes among humans and built environments, and for their ability to spread pathogens and impact large numbers of people. In order to gain a deeper understanding of microbiome dynamics in subways, we must identify variables that affect microbial composition and those microorganisms that are unique to specific habitats.MethodsWe performed high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing of air and surface samples from 16 subway stations in Oslo, Norway, across all four seasons. Distinguishing features across seasons and between air and surface were identified using random forest classification analyses, followed by in-depth diversity analyses.ResultsThere were significant differences between the air and surface bacterial communities, and across seasons. Highly abundant groups were generally ubiquitous; however, a large number of taxa with low prevalence and abundance were exclusively present in only one sample matrix or one season. Among the highly abundant families and genera, we found that some were uniquely so in air samples. In surface samples, all highly abundant groups were also well represented in air samples. This is congruent with a pattern observed for the entire dataset, namely that air samples had significantly higher within-sample diversity. We also observed a seasonal pattern: diversity was higher during spring and summer. Temperature had a strong effect on diversity in air but not on surface diversity. Among-sample diversity was also significantly associated with air/surface, season, and temperature.ConclusionsThe results presented here provide the first direct comparison of air and surface bacterial microbiomes, and the first assessment of seasonal variation in subways using culture-independent methods. While there were strong similarities between air and surface and across seasons, we found both diversity and the abundances of certain taxa to differ. This constitutes a significant step towards understanding the composition and dynamics of bacterial communities in subways, a highly important environment in our increasingly urbanized and interconnect world.AZfigM7Ccn69mJ5i-QZDFtVideo abstract.

Ozone pollution in Chinese cities: Assessment of seasonal variation, health effects and economic burden

The ground-level ozone (O3) concentration in the urban regions of China has become an increasingly noticeable environmental problem in recent years. Many epidemiological studies have reported the association between O3 pollution and mortality, only a few studies have focused on the O3-related mortality and corresponding economic effects at the Chinese city and province level. This study reports the seasonal variation of ground-level O3 in 338 cities of China during the year 2016 and evaluates its effect on premature mortality and economic loss. It further illustrates the differences in cause-specific mortality outcomes of the log-linear and linear model, two of the prominently used methods for estimating health effects. In 2016, the annual average daily maximum 8-h O3 concentration in China ranged between 74 and 201 μg/m3 (138 ± 24.7 μg/m3). 30% of the total population was exposed to >160 μg/m3 O3 concentration (Chinese national ambient air quality standard) and about 67.2% urban population lived in exposure above the WHO recommended O3 concentrations (100 μg/m3). The estimated national O3-attributable mortality was 74.2 × 103 (95% CI: 16.7×103–127×103) in the log-linear model, whereas, the total O3-related mortality using the linear model was 69.6 × 103 (95% CI: 16.2 × 103–115 × 103). The exposure to O3 caused a nationwide economic loss of about 7.6 billion US$ (range: 1.7–12.9) in 2016. This study uniquely provides most comprehensive coverage of the Chinese cities for O3 associated mortality utilizing ground level measurement data for 2016 and presents a measurable assessment to the policymakers of China for streamlining their efforts on air quality improvement and O3 containment.

Economic Assessment of Seasonal Variations in the Poultry Farming: The Case of District Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Economic Assessment of Seasonal Variations in the Poultry Farming: The Case of District Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Rating curve based assessment of seasonal variability of sulfate in streamflow

Though constituent concentrations and loads in rivers exhibit apparent seasonal fluctuations, they are characterized by event-driven nature of the fluctuations in respond to natural processes and seasonal anthropogenic activities. This study aimed at establishing relationship between streamflow and sulfate load in Gin River, the major water source in southern Sri Lanka and assessing seasonal sulfate levels in the streamflow following monsoon pattern and cultivation seasons. Rating curve, a load-streamflow regression model, was developed using adjusted maximum likelihood estimation. Following the assumptions of model fit, the regression model showed low correlation among explanatory variables and good empirical agreement with the measured data exhibiting its applicability to deduce sulfate loads from streamflow data, during non-sampling periods. Sulfate loads, highly dependent on streamflow, peaked annually in April-June (south-west monsoon contributing to Yala cultivation season) and October-December (north-east monsoon contributing to Maha cultivation season), following the bimodal monsoon pattern in the catchment. Median sulfate load exhibited fourfold increase from the lowest value 8,888kg/day in August (non-cultivation season) to the highest value 38,185kg/day in November (Maha cultivation season), despite the twofold increase of median streamflow between the twomonths. Flow-weighted sulfate concentrations showed varying flow dependence attributed to the seasonality. At low streamflows (above 70th percentile), sulfate concentration and streamflow were inversely related and at high streamflows (below 30th percentile), and sulfate concentration and streamflow were directly related. Elevated sulfate concentrations attributed to less soluble sulfate irons were clearly evident during the two cultivation seasons which coincided with the monsoon periods.

Appraisal of groundwater quality from Sirpur Kaghaznagar area,Adilabad district, Telangana

Ground water quality plays an important role in promoting agricultural production and standard of human health and the sources and causes of ground water pollution are closely associated with human use of water. For many years ground water was thought to be protected from contamination by the layers of rocks and soil that acts as a filter, but contaminants do make their way into the ground water and affect its quality. The present paper deals with the assessment of seasonal variation in ground water and its suitability for drinking purpose. For this purpose major ions were assessed and Water Quality index was calculated for both pre monsoon and post monsoon season. A comparison of ground water quality in relation to drinking water quality standards proves that the ground water quality was altered with respect to parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, Ca2+, Mg2+ and TH showcased higher levels. Similarly WQI calculated for both the seasons ranged to fall in poor to unsuitable category. From the above results it is clear that the ground water of the study area is deteriorated due to paper industry effluents, use of agricultural fertilizers and the local geology and is found unsatisfactory for drinking purpose.

An assessment of seasonal variations in physico-chemical characteristics of underground water in a growing tropical city in Nigeria

The quality of underground water is influenced by natural and anthropological factors which need to be constantly monitored in order to safeguard human health. This work investigated seasonal variations in well water in Iwo town, Osun State Nigeria. A total of 15 water samples were collected from hand-dug wells from each of the political wards. Samples were analysed for seven physico-chemical parameters namely pH, temperature, Electrical Conductivity, Phosphate, Sulphate, Nitrate and Total Hardness. The analysis was done according to standard method of water examination. The results of the analysis showed that the mean content of each of the parameters was higher during the dry season. These are respectively 8.10 ± 0.61, 28.55 o C ± 0.88, 185.60μᶴcm -1 ± 80.88, 0.04mg/L ± 0.02, 0.05mg/L ± 0.02, 0.02mg/L ± 0.01 and 315.47mg/L ± 92.34. These indicate that all water quality parameters analysed were within the WHO and NIS permissible limits. It implies that the well water in Iwo is generally safe for human consumption. However, efforts should be made for regular quality assessment, maintenance and prevention from surface wash into wells for better quality. Further investigation is suggested to examine the bacteriological contents of the underground water to ascertain that the water is free of bacteria to ensure its safety to human health. Keywords: Domestic uses, Osun State, Seasonal variation, Well water, Water quality

Assessment of seasonal variations in water quality of Brahmani river using PCA

Assessment of seasonal variations in water quality of Brahmani river using PCA

Assessment of seasonal variations in persistent organic pollutants across the region of Tuscany using passive air samplers

Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were measured for an entire year in the region of Tuscany, Italy. Passive air samplers consisting of polyurethane foam (PUF) disks were deployed over four sampling periods of 3–5 months from April 2008 to July 2009 in urban (n = 6) and rural (n = 4) sites. The aim of the study was to characterize the spatial and seasonal variations in selected POPs. The POP concentrations (pg m−3) in the air were dominated by dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and metabolites (DDTs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (∑7PCBs). DDTs, and ∑7PCBs showed a clear decreasing urban > rural gradient. The concentrations of DDTs and PCBs were up to 10 and 6 times higher, respectively, in urban sites than in rural sites. ∑7PCBs showed a significant correlation with the urbanized areas located <5 km around the sampling sites. For hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), α-HCH concentrations were similar at both sampling sites and were found to be quite uniform during the four sampling periods. Seasonal fluctuations were observed for DDTs, and ∑7PCBs, with the highest concentrations observed during period 4 (summer–spring); this is most likely due to a temperature-driven re-emission from local sources. These findings were also supported by an air back trajectory analysis in the study area. This study contributes new information about POP levels in the Italian atmosphere and demonstrates the feasibility of using PUF disks to simultaneously assess seasonal concentrations at different sampling sites.

Assessment of Seasonal Variation in Water Quality in River Rwizi Using Multivariate Statistical Techniques, Mbarara Municipality, Uganda

Assessment of seasonal variations in surface water quality characteristics is an essential aspect for evaluating water pollution due to both natural and anthropogenic influences on water resources. In this study, temporal variations of water quality in river Rwizi section within Mbarara municipality, Uganda, were assessed using multivariate statistical methods. This river section is a major source of water for the inhabitants of Mbarara municipality. Water samples from five sites were analyzed for physicochemical parameters such as pH, EC, turbidity, temperature, TSS, TDS, alkalinity, salinity, colour, NH3-N, , total hardness, BOD, COD, DO, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn. About 50% of sites recorded colour above 800 Pt Co, 60% of sites recorded turbidity above maximum permissible limit of 100 mg/l, attributable to erosion and mineral matter. pH for dry season ranged between 6.5 and 8.5 whereas for rainy season was below 6.0. All study sites recorded total Fe above 0.3 mg/l and Mn below 0.5 mg/l, attributable to chemical weathering of host rock materials as well as from industrial effluent. About 60% of sites recorded COD above 100 mg/l, 40% and 80% of study sites showed BOD above 50 mg/l in dry and rainy seasons respectively. Hardness ranged between 50 and 100 mg/l indicating that the water is moderately soft. Colour, turbidity, alkalinity, TSS, TDS, salinity, pH, hardness, Fe, Mn, NH3-N, BOD, COD, and DO were higher in rainy season, as a result of erosion, discharge of domestic and industrial waste. Mg, Ca, and were higher during dry season due to high evaporation of water from the river. PCA/FA determined that 81.2% of the total variance was explained by the first factor for the dry season and 69.2% for rain season. These results revealed that water pollution resulted primarily from domestic waste water, agricultural runoff and industrial effluents.

Seasonal Variation Assessment and Correlation Coefficent of Metal Pollutants in Sediments and Water from Porto Novo Lagoon Ecosystem, Benin Republic

The study on concentrations of metal pollutants as an index of pollution in sediments and water samples of Porto-Novo Lagoon ecosystem was carried out for 12 months within two seasons (July-December 2014 and January-June 2015). Metal pollutants including Hg, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pd, Ni, Va, and Methyl mercury were investigated. This study employed the application of exploratory data analysis statistics, laboratory analysis and sampling techniques to reveal all tested metal pollutants and identify their sources. There is a significant difference in the metal pollutants in the sediments and water of Porto-Novo lagoon during rainy and dry seasons at 5% level of significance and correlation analysis showed that the mean concentration of metal pollutants in sediments and water were positive correlated values. The results proved that the sediments and water of Porto-Novo Lagoon are highly polluted with metal Pollutants, which might affect human health as well as the health of the ecosystem. National Priority List (NPL) on Porto-Novo Lagoon ecosystem is therefore, recommended for the revamping of the aquatic ecosystem.