Contamination Of Water Bodies Research Articles

In situ growth of TiO2 and its immobilization on PVDF films for the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of dye

Organic pollutants, such as dyes, contaminated water bodies seriously. Suitable materials and efficient technologies for degrading pollutants needed to be explored to protect the environment and human health. In this investigation, PVDF(PAA-g-β-CD)@TiO2 hybrid film was prepared by a combination of “in situ hydrothermal-vapor induction” under mild conditions. The distribution, particle size, and interaction with the film surface for TiO2 were investigated by XRD, XPS, SEM, and EDS. The TiO2 nanoparticles were firmly immobilized and uniformly distributed on the hybrid film surface. Poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) on the film matrix were connected by the chemical bond, which provided stable nucleation and growth sites for TiO2 while inhibiting photogenerated electron-hole recombination and significantly enhancing the adsorption ability. Furthermore, the multiple interaction forces (hydrogen bonding, coordination, and hydrophilic-hydrophilic interactions) between the film matrix and the TiO2 were evaluated by simulated geometries and theoretical calculations. The multiple interactions reduced the band gap (Eg) while endowing the hybrid photocatalytic film with excellent degradation efficacy (η), stability, and recycling properties. Finally, the η of methylene blue (MB) reached 97.34 % within 120 min and remained above 90 % even after 8 reuses. It was believed that PVDF(PAA-g-β-CD)@TiO2 film provided an approach for the mild preparation of polymer/TiO2 hybrid film with high catalytic activity and optimization of photocatalytic properties.

Bacterial heavy metal resistance related to environmental conditions

Contaminated water bodies such as rivers provide reservoirs for bacterial resistance. This field study tested the water quality and the bacterial resistance to heavy metals of Qishan River water pollution. Wastewater discharged to environmental surface waters is a major pathway of heavy metals and heavy metal-resistant bacteria. Contaminated water bodies such as rivers provide reservoirs for bacterial resistance. This field study tested the water quality and bacterial resistance to heavy metals of Qishan River water pollution. Guided by our research hypothesis that an overall increase in downstream heavy metal resistance levels was following an increase in human settlements were eight sites sampled along the Qishan River. These were situated upstream and downstream to the confluence of the Qishan River with the Kaoping River. In the laboratory bacterial heavy metal resistance was bio-assayed by disk diffusion and micro-dilution with six widely used heavy metals. The comparison of bacterial resistance was among Qishan River upstream sites (sites 1–6) and downstream sites (sites 7–9). Multi-drug-resistant bacteria and co-resistance against heavy metals and antibacterials appeared at site 8. This research discusses the correlation between environmental factors, and antibacterial and heavy metal resistance. The results provide stakeholders and authorities responsible for environmental pollution with a reference for risk assessment and management of bacterial resistance.

Green and Cost-Effective Cr (VI) Removal from Industrial Wastewater with Pomegranate Peel Activated Carbon

This research explores an eco-friendly solution to combat the contamination of water bodies with toxic hexavalent chromium, Cr (VI), often originating from industrial effluents. The study introduces activated carbon derived from pomegranate peels as an effective and low-cost adsorbent for removing Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions and industrial wastewater. The adsorbent demonstrates removal efficiencies of over 70%, particularly at pH 2, offering a sustainable approach to mitigate heavy metal pollution. This eco-friendly method, utilizing readily available pomegranate peels, holds promise for addressing the critical issue of heavy metal pollution in water bodies.

A Review on the Impact of Pesticide Toxicity on the Physiological and Behavioral Condition of Fish

Pesticides are an essential component of contemporary agriculture because they help keep unwanted insects and animals under control and boost crop yields. However, the widespread usage of pesticides has led to worries over the unexpected consequences that these chemicals have on non-target animals and ecosystems, particularly those that are aquatic. Fish, which play an essential role in aquatic food webs, are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of pesticides as a result of their direct contact with contaminated water bodies. The review covers acute and chronic pesticide effects on fish, including physiological and behavioral responses. It discusses population-level effects and biodiversity loss on fish reproduction, growth, development, immunological function, and locomotor activity. It also highlights pesticide toxicity’s long-term effects on fish populations. Pesticide exposure may also alter foraging behavior, competitive aptitude, and predation vulnerability, according to the review. Pesticides harm fish health by accumulating toxins, causing genetic defects, and upsetting the aquatic ecology. These effects put biodiversity in jeopardy and upset the food chain’s delicate balance, raising major environmental issues. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research to better understand fish pesticide toxicity and guide environmental regulatory measures. Implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to ensure sustainable pesticide use in the environment. Use of non-chemical strategies such as crop rotation, natural predators, and resistant varieties. limit pesticide application to specific pests, thereby minimizing ecological damage and preserving ecosystem equilibrium. We can improve agriculture-aquatic biodiversity coexistence by supporting holistic pesticide management.

Advancing the development of nanocomposite adsorbent through zinc-doped nickel ferrite-pinecone biochar for removal of chromium (VI) from wastewater

Leather and textile industrial effluents are the main disseminating routes for chromium contamination of water bodies, causing adverse impacts on public and environmental health. The attempt to remediate chromium through conventional wastewater treatment methods is inefficient. Therefore, this study aims to synthesize zinc-doped nickel ferrite pinecone biochar (Zn-NiF@PBC) nanocomposite for the removal of chromium from wastewater systems. The Zn-NiF@PBC nanocomposite was synthesized via the co-precipitation method. The properties of zinc-doped nickel ferrite (Zn-NiF) were effectively modified by blending with biochar at 1, 5, 10, and 15 % (w/w) which was successfully embedded with Zn-Ni ferrite nanoparticles. This was characterized and confirmed by typical adsorbent properties such as a high surface area of 104 m2/g, conducive pore volume of 0.117 cm3/g and pore size of 3.41 nm (BET), interactive multi-functional groups (FTIR), surface charge determination (pHpzc,), crystalline structure (XRD) and very rough surface morphology (SEM). The maximum chromium adsorption was found to be 95 % at the specific experimental condition of pH 3, adsorbent dose 1 g/50 mL, contact time 120 min, and initial chromium concentration 100 mg/L. The adsorption experimental data was best fitted with the Langmuir isotherm at R2 0.98 indicating the adsorption process was homogeneous and monolayer whereas the kinetics adsorption was resembling the second-order kinetic at R2 0.99. Moreover, the adsorption thermodynamics was spontaneous, endothermic, and increased the change in entropy. Finally, the regeneration of Zn-NiF@PBC was found to be effective up to five 5 cycles but gradually degrading in terms of removal efficiency after 3 cycles. In general, Zn-NiF@PBC can remediate chromium from wastewater with huge potential for scale-up and extend to other pollutants clear-up.

The Role of One Health Approach Research for the Conservation of Endemic Wild Animals and Mitigation of Future Public Health Threat in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia.

One of the things that made the Bale mountains park attract international attention is the home of many endemic wild animal including the world rarest canid, Ethiopian wolf. However, the park's major issues, especially public health study, wildlife and environmental sanitation, have not been adequately researched. The main objectives of the review is to highlight the study needed for prevention of animal and human health threat at Bale mountains national park. The water (river) rises from the park is used for drinking by the people downstream. As human approach to new area of the park, there is a chance for infected with new pathogens which may cause for newly emerging outbreak of the disease. The endemic animal in the park is infected with many disease from different reservoirs such as another wild animal and environment they reside in. As an example the Ethiopian wolf which listed as critically endangered species of the animal is infected with many disease which are transmitted from the rodents, carcass, stray dogs, human and the environment specially water bodies. Due to that infectious disease in rodents, stray dogs, human lives in the park and presence of pathogenic agents in water bodies should be investigated for prevention and controlling of infectious disease which could be causes extinction of the Ethiopian wolf. Wildlife waste is major water pollutants which may excreted and released from large animals to rodents found in Bale mountains national park. The pathogen from wild animal and human can made contamination of water bodies rise from mountainous area of the Bale and flow to the downstream can easily made the pathogen transported to lowland area of Ethiopia and Somalia which results a health risk of livestock, wild animal and human. Thus integrated research related to identification of pathogens found in wild animal, human lives in surrounding the park, and presence of pathogen in environment of the park (water bodies, soil) should be performed.

Unveiling the photocatalytic property of La2O3–CuO nanocomposites for organic pollutants in wastewater treatment

Photocatalytic degradation was considered the best strategy for removing hazardous dye contaminants in water bodies from wastewater. The photocatalyst of pure La2O3 nanoparticles and La2O3–CuO nanocomposites synthesized by sonochemical method. The nanocomposites were used to investigate the degradation activity of Safranin (SR) and crystal violet (CV) under sunlight irradiation. The physicochemical characterization methods (e.g., Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), ultraviolet, visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and BET analysis indicate that the composite has been constructed successfully that enhances the widened visible light absorption, induces charge transfer and separation efficiency of electron–hole pairs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiment demonstrated that introducing copper into lanthanum resulted in alterations in the size of the crystallites and the average size of the nanoparticles, shifting from 21.93 to 43.19 nm. The photocatalytic activity of all samples was examined through the photodegradation of Safranin and crystal violet in an aqueous medium. The photocatalytic degradation rate of nanocomposite catalysts could eliminate 95.80 % and 97.05 % of Safranin and crystal violet dyes in 135 min, about 1.4 times that of pure La2O3 nanoparticles. The current study will give an efficient nanocomposite photocatalyst for removing biological and textile dye aqueous pollutants.

The neglected role of ciliates as bioindicators

Abstract The impacts of anthropogenic synthetic contaminants are becoming a serious concern, primarily due to their harmful effects on human health and adverse effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being. Of more than 100 million chemicals, ~0.36% are regularised, as recorded in the Chemical Abstracts Registry database. Such chemicals ultimately contaminate water bodies and reduce the amount of potable water. It is estimated that about 50% of the human population will suffer from water shortages by 2025 if the present trend continues. Gause’s classical work in population ecology stimulated interest in working with ciliates as model organisms in ecotoxicology. Ciliates are good indicators for assessing saprobic water quality due to their abundance, ubiquity, and sensitivity to anthropogenic impacts. However, although more than 50 ciliate species are now in use as bioindicators, researchers should attempt to utilize the excellent potential of ciliates as bioindicators in large-scale studies, considering their availability and cost-effectiveness. Any change in the community composition of ciliates in response to environmental shifts is a powerful tool for biomonitoring and bioassessment.

Pseudomonas putida Metallothionein: Structural Analysis and Implications of Sustainable Heavy Metal Detoxification in Madinah.

Heavy metals, specifically cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), contaminating water bodies of Madinah (Saudi Arabia), is a significant environmental concern that necessitates prompt action. Madinah is exposed to toxic metals from multiple sources, such as tobacco, fresh and canned foods, and industrial activities. This influx of toxic metals presents potential hazards to both human health and the surrounding environment. The aim of this study is to explore the viability of utilizing metallothionein from Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) as a method of bioremediation to mitigate the deleterious effects of pollution attributable to Pb and Cd. The use of various computational approaches, such as physicochemical assessments, structural modeling, molecular docking, and protein-protein interaction investigations, has enabled us to successfully identify the exceptional metal-binding properties that metallothionein displays in P. putida. The identification of specific amino acid residues, namely GLU30 and GLN21, is crucial in understanding their pivotal role in facilitating the coordination of lead and cadmium. In addition, post-translational modifications present opportunities for augmenting the capacity to bind metals, thereby creating possibilities for focused engineering. The intricate web of interactions among proteins serves to emphasize the protein's participation in essential cellular mechanisms, thereby emphasizing its potential contributions to detoxification pathways. The present study establishes a strong basis for forthcoming experimental inquiries, offering potential novel approaches in bioremediation to tackle the issue of heavy metal contamination. Metallothionein from P. putida presents a highly encouraging potential as a viable remedy for environmental remediation, as it is capable of proficiently alleviating the detrimental consequences related to heavy metal pollution.

Towards removal of PPCPs by advanced oxidation processes: A review

The continuous influx of emerging contaminants (ECs) into water bodies poses a significant threat to human health. Among these contaminants, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are of particular concern due to their potential to exert adverse effects even at low concentrations. Therefore, it is imperative to explore methods for their effective removal or reduction to safeguard both human health and the ecological environment. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have received substantial attention as promising treatment methods. AOPs are capable of efficiently treating water by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) with potent oxidation properties, which can effectively eliminate various contaminants. This review delves into the diverse range of AOPs available, including ozonation, photocatalytic oxidation, the Fenton process, electrochemical oxidation, sulfate radicals-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs), and more. It also discusses the respective limitations and future prospects of these processes, aiming to provide insights into their potential for addressing the pressing issue of PPCP contamination in water bodies.

Amino acid functionalized metal oxide nanocomposite for the removal of fluoroquinolones

Antibiotic consumption has increased globally, and its discharge into water bodies at concentrations ranging from a few ng/L to mg/L has a detrimental effect on the ecosystems. Amino acid functionalized nickel ferrite nanoparticles were chosen to improve the stability of bare nanoparticles and prevent oxidation and leaching ions in nanoparticles thereby targeting the antibiotics in the contaminated water bodies. The removal of ciprofloxacin and lomefloxacin hydrochloride in the aqueous phase was investigated using a hydrothermally synthesized L-Leucine functionalized nickel ferrite nanocomposite (NFO@L). Various analytical techniques were used to analyze L-Leucine functionalized nickel ferrite, and the nanocomposite's average particle diameter was determined to be between 11 and 15 nm. The maximal measured zeta potential was −21.5 mV. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ninhydrin assay and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the attachment of L-Leucine onto nickel ferrite. The nanocomposite's surface-to-volume ratio was calculated to be 92.916 m2/g. The S-shaped curve from the vibrating sample magnetometer analysis reflected the superparamagnetic behaviour of the nanocomposite with a saturation magnetization of 0.665 emu/g. Various parametric experiments were conducted, in which 93.549% ciprofloxacin was removed in 120 min at 303 K, pH 8 and NFO@L dosage of 100 mg in 100 mL whereas 75.192% lomefloxacin hydrochloride was removed in 140 min at 333 K, pH 9 and NFO@L dosage of 70 mg in 100 mL. The plot of experimental datum in kinetic and isotherm studies fitted well with the Pseudo second order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm. There was no evidence of iron ions leaching from the final analyte. The recycle and regeneration studies showed good stability with a small reduction after four cycle runs. Based on these findings, the Leucine functionalized nickel ferrite nanocomposite could be a potent adsorbent for the removal of low-concentrated ciprofloxacin and lomefloxacin hydrochloride in the wastewater.

Preparation of graphene oxide-doped silica aerogel using supercritical method for efficient removal of emerging pollutants from wastewater

Emerging pollutants and a large volume of unused dyes from the textile industry have been contaminating water bodies. This work introduces a scalable approach to purifying water by the adsorption of Acid green 25 (AG), Crystal Violet (CV), and Sulfamethoxazole (SMA) from an aqueous solution by graphene oxide (GO) doped modified silica aerogel (GO-SA) with supercritical fluid deposition (SFD) method. Characterization of GO-SA using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) adsorption isotherms revealed the improvement in the adsorbent surface area, and its textural properties. The high removal percentages observed in most of the experimental runs provide evidence of the excellent performance of the adsorbent towards the anionic and cationic dyes along with the antibiotic. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics showed that the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models could explain adsorption. The adsorbent holds a higher adsorption capacity for SMA (67.07 mg g−1) than for CV (41.46 mg g−1) and AG (20.56 mg g−1) due to the higher hydrophobicity that interacts with the hydrophobic adsorbent. The GO-SA successfully removed AG, CV, and SMA with removal percentages of 98.23%, 98.71%, and 94.46%, respectively. The parameters were optimized using Central Composite Design (RSM-CCD). The prepared aerogel showed excellent reusability with a removal efficiency of > 85% even after 5 cycles. This study shows the potential of GO-SA adsorbent in textile and other wastewater purification.

Углеводы в поверхностных водах Карелии и их связь с содержанием биогенных и органических веществ

The results of a long-term research of the content of carbohydrates in natural waters of Republic of Karelia (Russia) from 2011 to 2020 are summarized. In total, 34 water bodies (29 lakes and 5 rivers) were studied in different hydrological seasons. The presented sample of water bodies captures almost all types of surface waters in the humid zone in terms of trophicity and humus content. It was found that the carbohydrates concentration varies widely from 0.7 to 53.1 mg/L (average 3.3 mg/L) and its share of total organic matter averages 16%. It was revealed that the content and distribution of carbohydrates in surface waters depends both on natural (the level of trophicity and humus content in the reservoir) and anthropogenic factors (eutrophication, trout farms, industrial wastewater discharge, seepage waters of solid waste landfills, communal wastewater). In addition, all the studied water bodies were categorized into two groups according to the water pollution degree: contaminated and uncontaminated. It was revealed that the concentration of carbohydrates in contaminated water bodies of Karelia is on average 1.4 times higher than in uncontaminated ones. In addition, the content of carbohydrates increases together with such chemical parameters as 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD Cr), permanganate oxygen demand (COD Mn), chlorophyll a, mineral and total phosphorus (Pmin and Р total relatively) and ammonium (N-NH 4+). In particular, these relations are pronounced in contaminated water bodies, where the highest values of the correlation coefficient between the above parameters are noted. The content of carbohydrates in surface waters is a complex indicator of both organic and biogenic water pollution.

Understanding the effective breakdown of PAH s in water through the use of g–C3N4–Ag–Cu–Ni nanocomposites

The research work aimed to explore the suitability of using a novel g- C3N4–Ag–Cu–Ni nanocomposite for the simultaneous degradation of pyrene in wastewater. The outcome revealed that the g- C3N4 phase was successfully fabricated on the g–C3N4–based compound, and the existence of the g- C3N4-based compound beneficially stabilized the Ag–Cu–Ni particles. The g- C3N4–Ag–Cu–Ni nanocomposite demonstrated excellent performance in pyrene degradation under various conditions. The degradation of pyrene increased with a rise in the dosage of g- C3N4–Ag–Cu–Ni. These findings indicate that the g- C3N4–Ag–Cu–Ni nanocomposite could be a promising material for water purification, especially for the simultaneous photocatalytic and antimicrobial treatment of contaminated water bodies. The study provides a helpful guide for future research in this field.

Is natural better? An ecotoxicity study of anthraquinone dyes

The concept of sustainability has gained prominence in recent years, enhancing the need to develop products that are less harmful to the environment. Dyes are used by various industrial sectors and have a lot of market value; they are used on a large scale mainly by the textile industry that uses large volumes of water and is one of the main contributors to the contamination of water bodies. Some natural compounds, especially anthraquinones are re-emerging as possible alternatives to synthetic dyes, some of which are known for their toxic and/or mutagenic effects. The BioColour project (https://biocolour.fi/) which is interested in promoting the development of new alternative molecules to synthetic dyes, provided us highly purified anthraquinone dyes dermocybin and dermorubin (>98% purity) extracted from a specie of fungus Cortinarius sanguineus. Dyes were tested for their acute and chronic toxicity using different aquatic organisms. Dermorubin was not toxic to any of the organisms tested for the highest test concentration of 1 mg L−1 and it was the most promising dye. Dermocybin was toxic to Daphnia similis (EC50 = 0.51 mg L−1), Ceriodaphnia dubia (IC10 = 0.13 mg L−1) and Danio rerio embryos (extrapolated LC50 = 2.44 mg L−1). A safety limit, i.e, predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) of 0.0026 mg L−1 was derived based on the toxicity of dermocybin. The PNEC value can be used to provide hazard information for future application in commercial dyeing processes. Then, we compared the toxicity of dermocybin and dermorubin with ecotoxicity data available in the literature on other anthraquinone dyes of natural and synthetic origin. Some natural dyes can be as toxic as synthetic ones, or more toxic when chronic effects are considered. Despite natural dyes being used since centuries past, there are few ecotoxicological studies available. This study is designed to help develop a more comprehensive understanding of their toxicological properties.

Environmental Sustainability and MRI: Challenges, Opportunities, and a Call for Action.

The environmental impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently come into focus. This includes its enormous demand for electricity compared to other imaging modalities and contamination of water bodies with anthropogenic gadolinium related to contrast administration. Given the pressing threat of climate change, addressing these challenges to improve the environmental sustainability of MRI is imperative. The purpose of this review is to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and the need for action to reduce the environmental impact of MRI and prepare for the effects of climate change. The approaches outlined are categorized as strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from MRI during production and use phases, approaches to reduce the environmental impact of MRI including the preservation of finite resources, and development of adaption plans to prepare for the impact of climate change. Co-benefits of these strategies are emphasized including lower GHG emission and reduced cost along with improved heath and patient satisfaction. Although MRI is energy-intensive, there are many steps that can be taken now to improve the environmental sustainability of MRI and prepare for the effects of climate change. On-going research, technical development, and collaboration with industry partners are needed to achieve further reductions in MRI-related GHG emissions and to decrease the reliance on finite resources. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 6.

Multifunctional carboxymethyl cellulose/graphene oxide/polyaniline hybrid thin film for adsorptive removal of Cu(II) and oxytetracycline antibiotic from wastewater

The antibiotics and metal ions in the contaminated water bodies must be removed using appropriate methods for sustainable development. In this study, the multifunctional carboxymethyl cellulose/graphene oxide/polyaniline (CMC/GO/PANI) hybrid thin film was synthesized and utilized for adsorptive scavenging of (Cu(II) and oxytetracycline (OTC) from wastewater. The prepared thin films' morphology, chemical compositions, functionality, and surface charge were analyzed by well-known physicochemical techniques. The adsorption process of the selected model pollutants was examined as a function of reaction time, Cu(II), and OTC solution pH, concentrations, and temperatures. Results showed that CMC/GO/PANI hybrid thin film had higher Cu(II) and OTC adsorption than CMC, GO/CMC, and PANI/CMP thin films due to the multifunctional synergetic effect. The adsorption kinetic data were fitted to the pseudo-second-order model. Redlich-Peterson isotherm model well interpreted Cu(II) and OTC scavenging equilibrium data. Energetically, the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic for both pollutants. The multifunctional CMC/GO/PANI thin film was recycled and reused seven times during adsorption-desorption cycles. The study outcomes demonstrated that CMC/GO/PANI thin film could be reused multiple times for large-scale wastewater purification.

Toward better monitoring of human noroviruses and F-specific RNA bacteriophages in aquatic environments using bivalve mollusks and passive samplers: A case study.

Monitoring pathogenic enteric viruses in continental and marine water bodies is essential to control the viral contamination of human populations. Human Noroviruses (NoV) are the main enteric viruses present in surface waters and foodstuff. In a context of global change, it is currently a challenge to improve the management of viral pollutions in aquatic environments and thereby limit the contamination of vulnerable water bodies or foodstuffs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of specific accumulation systems for improving the detection of NoV in water bodies, compared to direct water analyses. Passive samplers (Zetapor filters) and three species of bivalve molluscan shellfish (BMS) (Dreissena polymorpha, Mytilus edulis and Crassostreas gigas) were used as accumulation systems to determine their performance in monitoring continental and marine waters for viruses. F-specific RNA bacteriophages (FRNAPH) were also analyzed since they are described as indicators of NoV hazard in many studies. During a one-year study in a specific area frequently affected by fecal pollution, twelve campaigns of exposure of passive samplers and BMS in continental and coastal waters were conducted. Using suitable methods, NoV (genome) and FRNAPH (infectious and genome) were detected in these accumulation systems and in water at the same time points to determine the frequency of detection but also to gain a better understanding of viral pollution in this area. The reliability of FRNAPH as a NoV indicator was also investigated. Our results clearly showed that BMS were significantly better than passive samplers and direct water analyses for monitoring NoV and FRNAPH contamination in water bodies. A dilution of viral pollution between the continental and the coastal area was observed and can be explained by the distance from the source of the pollution. Viral pollution is clearly greater during the winter period, and stakeholders should take this into consideration in their attempts to limit the contamination of food and water. A significant correlation was once again shown between NoV and FRNAPH genomes in BMS, confirming the reliability of FRNAPH as a NoV indicator. Moreover, a strong correlation was observed between NoV genomes and infectious FRNAPH, suggesting recent viral pollution since infectious particles had not been inactivated at sufficient levels in the environment. More generally, this study shows the value of using BMS as an active method for improving knowledge on the behavior of viral contamination in water bodies, the ranking of the contamination sources, and the vulnerability of downstream water bodies.

Design and synthesis of silver bio-nanocomposite for photocatalytic applications.

One of the major concerns faced by humanity since Industrial Revolution is the contamination of water by the effluents released to the water bodies as a part of modernization and socio-economic development. Water purification is the most researched topic and numerous researches carried out in the past and are still going on in the present which pinpoints the seriousness of the grave issues raised by contamination of water bodies. In this work we have tried to develop a bio-nanocomposite utilizing colloidal silver nanoparticles synthesized via green protocol and arrowroot powder. Nano Silver well known for its photocatalytic properties has been incorporated into biodegradable and ecofriendly arrowroot powder for enhanced photocatalytic action and carried out degradation studies on the common contaminant dye Methylene Blue (MB). The synthesized bio nanocomposite exhibits promising photocatalytic action to be used for water purification.

Reducing nutrient loss in drainage from tomato grown in free-draining substrate in greenhouses using dynamic nutrient management

Substrate-grown crops represent approximately 10% of the cropping area of intensive greenhouse horticulture in southern Spain. The vast majority are free draining, in that they do not collect and recirculate drainage. The substantial nutrient loss in drainage contributes to contamination of water bodies. This study examined the effectiveness of dynamic management approaches to appreciably reduce the large nutrient loss associated with free-draining substrate-grown crops. For three tomato crops, grown in substrate, this study (i) compared management of N, P and K based on the ratio of the concentration in drainage to that in the nutrient solution, to conventional management, (ii) derived uptake concentration values for N, P and K throughout the crop cycle, and (iii) evaluated uptake concentration as a nutrition management tool. Ratio-based management reduced the amounts of N, P and K in drainage, in relation to conventional management by 58–61%, 65–80% and 55–77% respectively. The amounts of applied N, P and K were reduced by 22–28%, 37–43%, and 28–34% compared to conventional management. N, P and K concentrations in the applied nutrient solution slightly below the uptake concentration were associated with much lower concentrations in the drainage solution. In contrast, when the applied nutrient concentration exceeded the uptake concentration this was associated with much higher drainage nutrient concentrations. In conclusion, the two nutritional management strategies examined, ratio-based management, and use of uptake concentrations were both associated with reduced nutrient application and a considerable reduction of nutrient loss in drainage. Fruit production was maintained with the improved nutrient management practices. These strategies offer approaches that can considerably reduce the substantial nutrient loss in drainage associated with free-draining substrate cropping in greenhouse production in southern Europe.