Chemical Quality Of Surface Waters Research Articles

Spatial effects of urban green infrastructure on instream water quality assessed by chemical and sensory indicators

Urban green infrastructure has been simulated effectively and economically to reduce volume and pollutants of stormwater runoffs but its spatial effects remain unclear. A snap sampling campaign was carried out for surface water quality in the downtown waterway network of a pilot sponge city (Suzhou) in China, dividing into 7 subwatersheds according to the digital elevation map. In total, 144 sampling points were investigated and measured for chemical quality of surface water while 68 out of the sampling points had a sensory evaluation questionnaire interview for water quality with 321 respondents, in whom the native residents scored a significant spatiality of water quality. The downtown waterway network had phosphorus-limited eutrophic surface water with total nitrogen worse than Class V of the national guidelines. Chemical and sensory evaluation indexes of surface water quality had significant spatial consistency (p < 0.001). All types of green spaces (%) in subwatershed, especially along the urban waterway network (waterfront) and roadside, and in the 100 m riparian buffer zone, significantly influenced nutrient loads in surface water. Findings of the present study suggest that the 100 m riparian buffer zone would be priority areas and the waterfront and roadside should be the highly efficient spots for planning strategy on urban green infrastructure implementation to reduce nutrient loads in surface water and to improve urban landscape aesthetics.

Heavy metals and their impact on surface waters of the Mantaro river basin, Junin, Peru

In the Mantaro river basin, located in Central Peru, an agricultural activity developed, even supplying the capital of Peru. An intense mining activity took place in the headwaters of this basin, and the La Oroya Metallurgical Complex was built a century ago. Mining activity has left mining environmental liabilities, which directly impact the quality of the water and the soil. In this sense, it is very important to investigate the presence of heavy metals and identify the geochemical associations present in surface waters to assess the real impact on the environment. For this purpose, 30 water samples were analyzed, collected from the Mantaro River and the channels that derive water for irrigation and animal consumption. The samples were analyzed by ICP-MS techniques, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and ICP-AES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. For the evaluation of the main physicochemical parameters, the ECA has been used, as the environmental quality standard of Peru, according to the Ministry of the Environment (2017); while for the chemical quality of surface water, the quality standards of the WHO, World Health Organization, were taken as a reference, according to the WHO guide (2017), being the elements considered: Al, As, Mn, Pb, and Zn. Investigations results show that the waters of some sectors have concentrations of As and Pb, which exceed the standards established by WHO, and there are also some specific cases (Muqui canal) in which Al and Mn exceed the WHO standard. In the case of Zn, its concentrations are much lower than the WHO standard.

Influence of glacial sediments on the chemical quality of surface water in the Ulta valley, Cordillera Blanca, Peru

The Río Santa (Ancash, Peru) and its tributaries are an essential source of drinking and irrigation water. Its discharge relies on glacial meltwater, which is diminishing due to the rapid decrease in glacial extent. As a secondary effect, water quality can be compromised (e.g. pH < 3 and high concentrations of SO42− and trace metals). Although this has previously been attributed to pyrite rich Chicama bedrock exposed by glacial retreat, little is known about the occurrence of Chicama fragments in Quaternary glacial sediments and its influence on water quality. This research aims at elucidating this effect by relating observed changes in water quality in streams to presence and chemical composition of morainic ridges in the Quebrada Ulta in the Río Santa basin. Changes in water quality before and after contact with a morainic ridge were assessed using carbonate alkalinity titration, ion analysis and elemental analysis. Moreover, relative contributions of glacial meltwater and precipitation were assessed qualitatively using stable water isotope analysis. We used a novel method to explain the provenance of contaminated glacial sediments using a reconstruction of their source area. The mineralogical composition of a morainic ridge was strongly related to the geology of the source area indicating that mineralogical composition of tills may be predicted using this technique. Effects of glacial sediments in morainic ridges on water quality were minimal but depended on their mineralogical composition. Morainic ridges with a high content of Chicama shales tended to increase solute loads of Mg and SO42−. Additionally, isotope signatures suggest that during the dry season, moraines may act as reservoirs for precipitation-derived shallow groundwater. Clear trends in water quality were observed along the whole flow path of the Río Buín, which could potentially be explained by increased groundwater contribution downstream and shifts in dominant weathering mechanisms. Future research should focus on disentangling these various drivers of water quality in glacial catchments.

Method development for rapid quantification of Rn-222 in surface water and groundwater.

Understanding the risks of a developing unconventional hydrocarbons industry, including shale gas, to the chemical quality of surface water and groundwater involves firstly establishing baseline compositions against which any future changes can be assessed. Contaminants of geogenic origin are of particular interest and radon has been identified as one potential contaminant from shale sources. Robust measurement and monitoring of radon in water at environmental concentrations is essential for ensuring protection of water sources and maintaining public confidence. Traditional techniques for Rn-222 determination in water, such as inference by gamma spectrometry and direct alpha counting, are impractical for direct field measurement, and the relatively short half-life of Rn-222 (~ 3.82days) means that longer analytical protocols from field to the laboratory may result in greater uncertainty for Rn-222 activity. Therefore, a rapid and low-cost method would be beneficial. We have developed and refined a laboratory procedure for Rn-222 monitoring using liquid scintillation counting (LSC). The accuracy of Rn-222 activities obtained via this procedure was evaluated by the analysis of almost 200 water samples collected from streams and boreholes as part of a detailed baseline investigation in the Vale of Pickering, Yorkshire, one potential location for future shale gas exploration. LSC was preferred for measurement of Rn-222 and had comparable accuracy to gamma spectrometry and direct alpha counting. The methodology provided a rapid, portable and low-maintenance option relative to the two established techniques and is shown to be a favourable choice for the measurement of radon in surface water and groundwater at environmental concentrations.

A Framework to Evaluate the Impact of Armourstones on the Chemical Quality of Surface Water.

Today, basic requirements for construction works include the protection of human health and of the environment. In the tension area between economic demands, circular flow economy and environmental safety, a link between the results from standardized leaching tests and the respective environmental quality standards must be created. To derive maximum release limits of metals and metalloids for armourstones in hydraulic engineering, this link is accomplished via a simple model approach. By treating natural materials and industrial by-products the same way, the article delivers an overview on the recent regulative situation in Europe as well as describes and discusses an innovative approach to derive maximum release limits for monolithic construction products in hydraulic engineering on a conceptual level. On a practical level, a list of test parameters is derived by connecting an extensive dataset (seven armourstone materials with five repetitions and 31 elements tested with the worldwide applied dynamic surface leaching test) with surface water quality standards and predicted no effect concentrations. Finally, the leaching tests results are compared with the envisaged maximum release limits, offering a direct comparison between natural materials and industrial by-products.

Chemical Quality of Surface Water of Bhola Sadar Upazila in Bangladesh for Irrigation, Aquaculture, Drinking and Livestock Consumption

A study was carried out with 25 pond water samples of Bhola Sadar Upazila to assess the quality of surface water for irrigation, aquaculture, drinking and livestock consumption. Chemical analyses of different parameters were done to assess the quality of water. All of the water samples showed slightly acidic in nature. Sixteen surface water samples were not suitable for drinking and aquaculture in respect of pH (pH &lt;6.5). Electrical conductivity (EC) categorized the waters as “low salinity” (C1) to “medium salinity” (C2) class for irrigation. With respect to total dissolved solids surface waters were within “highest desirable limit” for drinking and irrigation and suitable for livestock consumption and aquaculture. Calcium and Magnesium content rated the samples as “maximum permissible” and “highest desirable” limit for drinking. All the samples were suitable for drinking in case of Na and K, 21 samples were not suitable for aquaculture due to higher (&gt;5.0 mg L-1) K content. Six samples were unsuitable for livestock due to higher (Cl &gt;30mgL- 1) Cl values. SSP rated 9 samples as “good”, 1 as “excellent”, 6 as “doubtful” and 9 as “permissible” for irrigation. With respect to RSC 21 samples were “suitable”, 3 were “marginal” and 1 was “unsuitable” for irrigation. Hardness classified 14 samples within “moderately hard”, 10 within “soft” and only one as “hard” limit for irrigation and 1 sample (No. 16) was unsuitable for livestock consumption. P, B, Cu and As concentration categorized all the samples suitable for irrigation, aquaculture, drinking and livestock consumption.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22053 J. Environ. Sci. &amp; Natural Resources, 6(1): 131-140 2013

Trends in Surface Water Chemistry in Acidified Areas in Europe and North America from 1990 to 2008

Acidification of lakes and rivers is still an environmental concern despite reduced emissions of acidifying compounds. We analysed trends in surface water chemistry of 173 acid-sensitive sites from 12 regions in Europe and North America. In 11 of 12 regions, non-marine sulphate (SO4*) declined significantly between 1990 and 2008 (−15 to −59 %). In contrast, regional and temporal trends in nitrate were smaller and less uniform. In 11 of 12 regions, chemical recovery was demonstrated in the form of positive trends in pH and/or alkalinity and/or acid neutralising capacity (ANC). The positive trends in these indicators of chemical recovery were regionally and temporally less distinct than the decline in SO4* and tended to flatten after 1999. From an ecological perspective, the chemical quality of surface waters in acid-sensitive areas in these regions has clearly improved as a consequence of emission abatement strategies, paving the way for some biological recovery.

New Standards for the Chemical Quality of Water in Europe under the New Directive 2013/39/EU

Directive 2013/39/EU amending Directives 2000/60/EC and 2008/105/EC as regards priority substances in the field of water policy was adopted on 12 August 2013. It revises crucial rules on determining the chemical quality of surface water in Europe (e.g. identification of new harmful substances, updating of environmental quality standards, introduction of a new “watch list” mechanism) and establishes new standards for the protection of water in Europe. This paper explores the legal and factual background to the new legislation on protecting water quality in Europe and takes a critical look at its most important provisions.

The characteristics of the chemical flow within the Motru catchment area, south — west Romania

Abstract The present paper, with reference to the Motru catchment area, contributes to the hydrochemical studies at an international level and to the completion of the characteristics regarding the chemical flow in Romania. In this regard, it emphasizes once again the dependence between the content of dissolved salts (fixed residue — mg/l) on the one hand and the lithological conditions, human activity, flow and the surface of the catchments on the other hand. The calculation and the analysis of the chemical flow for the Motru catchment area (located in the south-west of Romania) was performed on the basis of two parameters: the average flow of dissolved chemical substances (mg/s) and specific average chemical flow (t/kmp year) recorded at the monitoring stations on the Motru River and its tributaries during the period 2005–2009. The values obtained (for example: 2.63 mg/s and 47.7 t/km2 year, at the Fata Motrului station, on the Motru River, in 2009) confirm the importance of the areal factors of natural background in the analysis of chemical flow as a morpho-dynamic process and implicitly for the chemical quality of surface waters.

Water quality in the Scottish uplands: a hydrological perspective on catchment hydrochemistry

Land above 300 m covers approximately 75% of the surface of Scotland and most of the nation's major river systems have their headwaters in this upland environment. The hydrological characteristics of the uplands exert an important influence on the hydrochemistry of both headwater streams and downstream river systems. Thus, many of the spatial and temporal patterns in the chemical quality of surface waters are mediated by hydrological processes that route precipitation through upland catchments. These hydrological pathways also have an important influence on how the hydrochemistry of upland streams is responding to increasing pressures from environmental changes at the global and regional scales. At the present time, atmospheric deposition remains an issue in many parts of the Scottish uplands, where critical loads of acidity are exceeded, particularly in areas affected by increasing N deposition. Moreover, climatic change forecasts predict increasingly wetter, warmer and more seasonal conditions, which may modify the hydrochemical regimes of many river systems, particularly those with a strong snowmelt component. On a more localised scale, land management practices, including felling of commercial forests, expansion of native woodlands, agricultural decline and moorland management all have implications for the freshwater environment. Moreover, increasing public access to upland areas for a range of recreational activities have implications for water quality. Understanding the hydrology of the uplands, through integrated field and modelling studies, particularly of the hydrological pathways that regulate chemical transfers to streamwaters, will remain an important research frontier for the foreseeable future.

Benthic macroinvertebrates and water quality assessment: Some toxicological considerations

The distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates is generally considered to be indicative for the chemical quality of surface waters. However, little is known about their tolerance to chemical pollutants. To give further information on the tolerance of macrobenthos to toxic conditions of surface water, the susceptibility of invertebrate species of different taxonomical groups (Oligochaeta, Diptera, Hirudinea, Isopoda, Gastropoda, Tricladida, Hydrozoa, Heteroptera, Amphipoda, Odonata, Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera) to 15 chemical compounds and to a mixture of organics concentrated from river Rhine water was determined in acute toxicity tests. The results indicated that the tolerance of macroinvertebrate species are pollutant-specific, whereas the differences in their susceptibility to toxic conditions due to pollution by several toxicants may be negligibly small. Therefore, the reliability of using biological systems based on the macrobenthos distribution to classify surface waters polluted with a variety of chemical pollutants should be seriously doubted.

Relationships between the Chemistry of Minnesota Surface Waters and Wildlife Management

Relationships between chemical quality of fresh waters and associated geological, climatic, and biological phenomena have long been of interest to aquatic biologists. Minnesota is especially favorably located for such observations because of varied climate and geology and a resulting wide range in the chemical quality of surface waters. Studies of regional water chemistry of Minnesota lakes have been carried out in Minnesota since 1935 and, as has been reported earlier (Eddy, 1938; Moyle, 1945), patterns of water chemistry are evident that are associated with biological patterns. The relationships noted are general and geographic in nature and should be applied with caution to individual waters. Water

The Chemical Quality of Surface Waters in Devils Lake Basin, North Dakota

The Chemical Quality of Surface Waters in Devils Lake Basin, North Dakota

The Chemical Quality of Surface Waters in Devils Lake Basin, North Dakota

The Chemical Quality of Surface Waters in Devils Lake Basin, North Dakota