Water Contamination Levels Research Articles

Recent progress regarding electrochemical sensors for the detection of typical pollutants in water environments.

A variety of organic and inorganic pollutants in water environments pose threats to human health. Therefore, it is critical to develop effective techniques to determine and monitor the levels of water contamination. Compared to traditional detection methods, electrochemical sensors have the advantages of high sensitivity, low detection limits, and good selectivity. In this review, we summarize the progress made from 2000 to 2020 regarding the development of electrochemical sensors capable of detecting typical pollutants in different water environments. Since the concentrations of typical organic contaminants (antibiotics and pesticides) in water environments are often very low (generally at the nmol level), further improvements to the electrode sensitivity and detection limit will be necessary. We also found that more detailed cost analysis of electrode materials is needed to support future production and applications. When we apply the electrode to detect real water samples, the anti-interference and electrochemical sensor componentization need to be further enhanced. Besides, although groundwater serves as the main, or only, source of drinking water in many areas, current studies on the electrochemical detection of groundwater pollutants are limited. We hope that this review will provide new ideas for the future development of electrochemical water contaminant sensors.

Water and sub-soil contamination in the coastal aquifers of Arogbo, Ondo State, Nigeria

Study RegionArogbo Community, Ondo State, Nigeria. Study FocusIn this study, groundwater and subsoil contamination within the coastal aquifers of Arogbo was investigated in order to determine the nature and sources of contamination, and its variation with season. In dry and wet seasons, water samples were analysed for their physico-chemical and bacteriological properties while soil samples were collected at depths of 0–0.5 and 0.5–1.0 m to determine the elemental concentration of heavy metals and their variation with depth. New Hydrological Insights for the RegionThe data obtained showed that the aquifer is shallow with a depth to water table ranging from 0.37 to 1.20 m. The hydro-chemical results revealed that the quality of water have been greatly impaired by the presence of contaminants such as Fe, Mn, and brackish water while the bacterial analysis showed that only few water samples were fit for human consumption. The results of soil analysis revealed the presence of anthropogenic contaminants such as Cd, Cu and Zn. This study concluded that the soil contaminants had no significant impact on the contamination level of water within the study area. Rather, terrestrial sources of iron and manganese were the major contaminants responsible for the high level of colouration of surface water and groundwater within the study area. These contaminants could pose serious health hazards to residents of the community.

Monitoring of SARS-CoV 2 on primary production and manually processed foods in Northern Italy

Abstract Background SARS CoV2 pandemic has generated interest in research of virus spread sources, apart from human contagion. In particular different studies are performed to understand surfaces involvement; during the epidemic event, different types of studies on surfaces have been performed. However, there is little information regarding the presence of the virus in food; wastewater contamination and poor hygiene practices could be the sources of viral contamination in handled food products. The aim of this work was to analyze different types of food for Sars CoV 2 presence. Methods 390 samples of molluscs, 353 vegetables, 10 meat, 72 water, 169 berries, 16 seafood products and ready-to-eat dishes were analysed (2020-2021). Samples were selected from those provided for routine analysis during the pandemic period. The preparation was done based on ISO 15216-2 indications, followed by extraction with Nuclisense®Minimag® system; real-time PCR was applied to detect the Sars CoV2 virus Open Reading Frame 1ab, with two different master mixes. Results All samples tested were negative for ORF1ab detection. Many hypothesis can be made about negative Results: it could be possible that contamination levels in water, or on surfaces in contact with food, are too low to generate a detection signal; again, handling practices may be sufficient to avoid the transmission of the virus to food. Otherwise, the selected genetic target and the Real-time PCR performed, could have been not so efficient in detecting virus as expected. Conclusions In this preliminary work, food does not seem to be a substrate for Sars CoV2 contamination; other food categories or transformation/production processes could be investigated to confirm the obtained results. Also, different targets and amplification systems would have to be evaluated to verify the rule of foodstuffs as Sars CoV2 vehicles. Key messages Primary production and manual processed food don't seem to be at risk for SARS CoV2 contamination. Food has not been identified as a source of Sars CoV2 spreading.

Sources, Mobility, Reactivity, and Remediation of Heavy Metal(loid) Pollution: A Review

Heavy metal(loid)s are a group of elements present commonly in the environment, including Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb, and As elements, among others. While these elements could have their origins in natural sources, anthropogenic activities, such as mining, agriculture, industry, etc., are also responsible for enhancing the concentration of these elements in the ecosystems up to undesirable levels. A few of these metal(loid)s serve as necessary micronutrients for life, while the others are extremely harmful and might affect the entire trophic chain upon entering the natural ecosystems due to their mobility and toxicity characteristics. Most of these heavy metal(loid) pollutants are already recognized for their harmful effects; nevertheless, their environmental control encounters obstruction due to various factors. In this context, the present report details the key points regarding the anthropogenic sources of heavy metal(loid) pollution, which are increasing rapidly with time due to the emerging industry practices and processes, the elements causing this kind of pollution, and the physicochemical processes of these elements occurring in the environment–air interface, soil, and water-air interface. These elements exert a severe impact on the environment, which could be mitigated through the development and application of various remediation techniques. Therefore, the present report concludes with a final discussion on the various remediation treatments currently available for reducing the heavy metal(loid) contamination level in both water and soil.

Before the Dam: A Fish-Mercury Contamination Baseline Survey at the Xingu River, Amazon Basin Before the Belo Monte Dam.

In the last decades, mega-diverse rivers worldwide (e.g., the Amazon and their tributaries) have experienced several human-driven transformations, although impact assessments oftentimes lack baseline data or reference values to better estimate observed disturbances. Herein, we assessed THg and δ15N in fish muscle tissue to determine biomagnification processes, also including seasonal assessments, concerning Hg in fish from the Belo Monte reservoir, located on the Xingu River, prior to its impoundment. A total of 312 samples from 19 fish species belonging to distinct feeding guilds were sampled. None presented THg concentrations above the threshold levels of 0.5μgg-1 established by the World Health Organization. However, biomagnification was observed (R = 0.8; p < 0.001), also confirmed by a trophic magnification factor of 1.76 for the entire food web. The THg content in the water was less than 0.001mgL-1 and only Hemiodus unimaculatus presented seasonal variations for THg. Therefore, at the time of this study, the Xingu River presented low Hg contamination levels in both water and target fish.

Physicochemical and Bacteriological Water Quality Parameters in Relation to Land-use Practices at a Rural Catchment, Mbinga District, Tanzania

Data on physicochemical water quality parameters and contamination levels is crucial for protection and sustainable utilization of water resources. This study assessed the physicochemical water quality parameters, faecal coliform bacteria and nutrient loads in water at a catchment used for municipal supply in Mbinga District, Tanzania. Samples were seasonally collected from three areas characterized by distinct geographical features, settlement patterns and land-use practices, and analyzed using standard analytical protocols. Data were subjected to paired-sampled t-test and cluster analysis. The parameters varied as follows: pH (4.75–6.83); temperature (16.4–26.2 ºC); electrical conductivity (14.6–121.1 µS/cm); total dissolved solids (7.0–23.2 mg/L); total suspended solids (BDL–35.5 mg/L); dissolved oxygen (8.6–23.8 mg/L); turbidity (0.1–68.1 NTU); faecal coliform (&lt;1–76 FC/100 mL); nitrite (BDL–0.09 mg/L); nitrate and sulphate were not detected. Spatial variations were associated with land-use disparities. Comparison to risk-based regulatory thresholds for drinking water revealed the levels to be within the acceptable limits, with a few exceptions. Observed seasonal trends indicated an overall decrease in water quality during the wet season. Generally, results showed that water quality at the catchments satisfies requirements for domestic uses. However, the potential contamination risks from human activities call for regular monitoring.&#x0D; Keywords: Physicochemical parameters; faecal contamination; water quality; surface water; Mbinga District

Permeable low-density cellular concrete (PLDCC) as a replacement for aggregate layers in permeable parking lots

This study examines the suitability of permeable low-density cellular concrete (PLDCC), a highly porous concrete with no aggregates, as a partial replacement for aggregate layers in permeable parking lots. Four PLDCCs are developed in the laboratory, and their permeability and compressive strength are tested. The tested PLDCCs have compressive strengths of 0.6–1.8 MPa, permeabilities of 300–1800 cm/h, and air void contents of 70–80%, thus demonstrating the favorable aggregate properties of the PLDCC. The study compares the effectiveness of the PLDCC by creating a conventional permeable paving section and four more sections in which the PLDCC replaces 50% of the aggregate layer. Potable water is then filtered through the developed permeable paving models, and the level of contaminants in the output water of each layer is monitored for 25 cycles. The effluent from the permeable paving with the PLDCC exhibits higher alkalinity, pH, and total dissolved solids than conventional permeable pavements.

Current hydroecological state of the Ural River in the lower reaches

Climate and hydrological changes in the Ural River basin, together with water management activities determine the current hydroecological state of the river in its lower course. In comparison with the conventional natural background, the salinity of water in high water period increased by 2.5 times, in low water period- by 5-8 %. Contamination of the lower course of the river is caused by the inflow of pollutants from the upstream sections and the confluence of the polluted tributaries. In the area with no tributaries, the water is characterized as “standard-clean”. The saprobity indices, which characterize the content of organic substances in water, are located within the boundaries of the b-mesosaprobic zone, which characterize low level of water contamination. The content of dissolved oxygen indicates insufficient aeration of the river water during most of the year. The lowest oxygen content is observed during winter period.

Health risk and source assessment of semi-volatile phenols, p-chloroaniline and plasticizers in plastic packaged (sachet) drinking water

The presence of U.S. EPA priority organic contaminants in drinking water poses a dire health risk on consumers. Packaged drinking water such as plastic sachet drinking water has significantly gained market in both developed and developing countries, especially, its dominance in the Ghanaian market. The treatment process, packaging, and storage of the sachet drinking water contribute to the levels of genotoxic semi-volatile phenols, p-chloroaniline, and plasticizers contamination in the drinking water. The study thus sought to investigate the levels of semi-volatile phenols, p-chloroaniline, and plasticizer contaminants in sachet drinking water on the Ghanaian market and the associated health risk of exposure. The study also investigated the possible sources of the contaminants. A total of thirty (30) different brands of sachet water on the Ghanaian market were studied. The samples were extracted in replicates (n = 3) using Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) cartridges and further analysed with GC–MS (SIM mode). The source apportionment was conducted using absolute principal component analysis coupled with multiple, linear regression (APCA-MLR) and automatic linear regression (APCA-MALR) modelling. The mean total levels for the phenols, p-chloroaniline, and plasticizers were between 210.2 and 18,914.9, 11.2 and 18,871.0, and 21.2 and 69,834.1 ng/L respectively. The cumulative non-cancer risk (hazard quotient) and cancer risk upon exposure were computed to range between 2.1 × 10−3 and 1.2 and 1.5 × 10−7 and 1.3 × 10−4 respectively. About 37% of the samples had elevated cancer risk (>10−6) which may contribute to the existing incidence, cause for concern. The five sources found for the contaminants were apportioned as “environmental background (major)”, “water treatment/disinfectant”, “plastic/plasticizers”, “storage and preservation”, and “residual inter-conversion/degradation sources”.

Historical Assessments of Inorganic Pollutants in the Sinkhole Region of Winkler County, Texas, USA

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the public water contamination levels of Winkler County, in West Texas. With water scarcity becoming more prevalent in arid climates like West Texas, it is important to ensure the water quality in these areas. The Dockum and Pecos Valley aquifers were analyzed for inorganic pollutants that could inhibit the water. The parameters such as copper, lead, arsenic, nitrate, chloride, and chromium level reports were provided from 1972 to 2018 to analyze and compare to other studies such as the ones conducted in the Midland/Odessa area. The results were compared to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety standards, and conclusions were made for the safety consumption of water within the county. We found that inorganic pollutants resulted mainly from the mobilization of the contaminant from anthropogenic activities such as chemical fertilizers, oil and gas developments. This research provides important information for inorganic pollutants in the sinkhole region of Winkler County and contributes to understanding the response to the aquifers. The significance of water quality in West Texas is now more important than ever to ensure that everyone has clean drinking water.

Retention of heavy metals from mine tailings using Technosols prepared with native soils and nanoparticles

A large number of heavy metals are generated in tailings of precious metal extractive operations, which could cause high levels of water contamination. Because of the environmental and health concerns, many conventional technologies have been applied to capture heavy metals from mining-polluted streams with limited performance in terms of effectiveness and immobilization efficiency. In this context, this study evaluates the retention of mine-generated heavy metals using Technosols prepared with iron-rich soils and multicomponent nanoparticles of Fe/FeS (MCNPs). Firstly, nanoparticles were synthesized using orange-peel extract and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as reductant agents and FeCl3.6H2O and Na2SO4 as metal precursors. The TEM and SEM images showed nanoparticles with roughly spherical morphology with a size in the range of 35.9 ± 11.7 nm arranged in a kind of filamentous structure. Secondly, Soils were dosed with 1% and 3% (w/w) of multicomponent nanoparticles and then used to capture heavy metals present in mine tailings using batch and fixed-bed column tests. The Technosol prepared with 97% soil, and 3% MCNPs reached on average 70% retention of heavy metals for fixed-bed setups. While, in batch experiments using the same Technosol, the capture of heavy metals was 80% after 6 min of treatment, and upon reaching 30 min, 90% removal was attained. This suggests that tailored Technosols might be part of a promising technology to treat contaminated mine tailings with reasonable spending.

Relationship between diarrhoea risk and the combinations of drinking water sources in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

In Nepal, the number of diarrhoea hospitalizations in all ages is seriously high. According to the World Health Organization, diarrheal diseases can be substantially prevented through safe drinking water sources. In the Kathmandu Valley, because of the shortage of piped water, local residents use alternative water sources, such as groundwater, jars and tanker water. However, these alternative water sources can be contaminated. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between diarrhoea risk and the combinations of drinking water sources. A survey using multiple questionnaires on diarrhoea occurrence, water sources and water treatment was conducted three time between 2015 and 2016. The odds ratios (ORs) of developing diarrhoea were significantly high for drinking jar (OR 6.1) and tanker water (OR 8.4) compared with not drinking. The combined drinking of jar and tanker water obtained the 1 log higher OR compared with drinking only piped water. Conversely, drinking groundwater had a low OR, implying that the residents refrained from drinking polluted groundwater. In conclusion, diarrhoea occurrence was related not only to the level of water contamination, but also to a behavioural factor, i.e. people's careful management of the choice of multiple water sources.

Effects of heavy metal contamination released by petrochemical plants on marine life and water quality of coastal areas.

The present study attempts to assess the threat of water contamination in Persian Gulf by heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Se, and Ni) and its subsequent effects on five fish species including Scomberomorus guttatus (S. guttatus), Lethrinus nebulosus (L. nebulosus), Brachirus orientalis (B. orientalis), Pomadasys kaakan (P. kaakan), and Scomberomorus commerson (S. commerson). Water and fish samples from fourteen monitoring stations were obtained to determine the concentrations of contaminants in water and fish. Heavy metal pollution index (HMPI) and non-carcinogenic hazard quotient (NHQI) were employed to evaluate contamination level in water and fish muscle. The Kriging geostatistical method was employed to determine the spatial distribution of different heavy metals around petrochemical plants. The highest NHQI values for P. kaakan and B. orientalis species were 1.036 and 1.046, respectively. In both cases, the NHQI values were higher than the maximum allowable value of 1, indicating that both fish species were on the verge of contamination by heavy metals, which in turn makes the consumption of these fish highly hazardous to human health. The lowest NHQI value was observed in S. commerson species at a value of 0.394, indicating its harmlessness to human health. Overall, fish species living within the top 5 m of the water column (S. commerson and S. guttatus) were found to be less contaminated by heavy metals compared to species dwelling near the seafloor (P. kaakan and B. orientalis). Results also indicated the pollution absorption rate in S. commerson and S. guttatus were 0.45 and 3.4 mg/kg-year, while the corresponding values for the B. orientalis and L. nebulosus species were 6 and 2 mg/kg-year, respectively. P. kaakan species showed a pollution absorption rate of 3.2 mg/kg-year. High heavy metal concentrations of 4.8, 10, 9.8, 5.2, 9.4, and 6.7 mg/L were obtained for Cr, Zn, Pb, Ni, Fe, Cu, and Cd, respectively, in water samples obtained from stations nearby petrochemical plants. The HMPI index for the most contaminated stations was ten times that of the maximum allowable limit. Given the intense activity of oil, gas, and petrochemical plants in the Persian Gulf, defining safe fishing areas by management practices similar to contamination zoning maps presented in this study can substantially protect the public health from heavy metal contamination.

Dynamics of Trace Element Composition of Bratsk Reservoir Water in Different Periods of Anthropogenic Impact (Baikal Region, Russia).

Bratsk water reservoir is a part of the unified Baikal-Angara water system, the world's largest reservoir of surface drinking water. This study intends to assess the water quality of Bratsk reservoir by examining the spatial and temporal variability of trace element concentrations over periods of changing by the anthropogenic impact. The water samples were collected along the length of the reservoir in 2003, 2008, 2012, and 2018 and analyzed for 12 trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Cs, Pb, U, and Hg). The results show that in the zone of maximum anthropogenic impact the concentrations of these elements increased as follows: Al 781.0µg L-1; Cr 1.43µg L-1; Fe 1052.4µg L-1; Cu 3.34µg L-1; Zn 15.52µg L-1; Cd 0.691µg L-1; Cs 0.070µg L-1; U 1.74µg L-1; Hg 0.0505µg L-1. The trace element concentrations in Bratsk reservoir water did not exceed levels set by the international drinking water quality standards. At the same time, the uniqueness of the reservoir requires the use of stricter criteria for water quality control. The trace element concentrations in the water from the source of the Angara river (the only run-off from Lake Baikal) used as reference levels indicate higher levels of metal contamination and pollution indices in Bratsk reservoir water. Over different periods of observation, the contamination factor (CF) showed very high contamination for Al, Mn, Cd, and Cs. PLI indices for 2003 and 2018 classify the majority of water samples as polluted. The NPI values were indicative of severe water contamination by Mn and Pb (all years), Cu (2009), Fe and Cd (2003), Al, Cr, Zn, Cs, and Hg (2003, 2009, 2018). The obtained results showed the importance of using water quality criteria with a view to strengthening the requirements of environmental protection measures in the Baikal region.

Laboratory tests of the hydraulic pump operating load with monitoring of changes in the physical properties

The present article deals with the physical properties monitoring of the transmission-hydraulic fluid, and changes of those properties due the operating load of the hydraulic pump in laboratory conditions. Tests of the transmission-hydraulic fluid were performed in laboratory conditions with the simulation of the operating load, so as to simulate the real conditions under which hydraulic circuit of the agricultural tractors operates. The universal transmission-hydraulic fluid was subjected to analysis, where the samples of the fluid were taken sequentially according to the chosen methodology at intervals of 250 and 500 h. The results of the present article include the evaluation of the physical properties of the fluid and the flow efficiency change of the hydraulic pump after 250 and 500 h of operation, while simulating the operation load. Based on a laboratory test, we found that after working for 500 h, the dynamic viscosity of the examined hydraulic fluid at 40°C decreased by 2.92 mPa.s and at 100°C decreased by 0.64 mPa.s. When determining the kinematic viscosity of the hydraulic fluid after working for 500 h, we recorded its decrease, namely, at a temperature of 40°C by a value of 3.37 mm2/s and at a temperature of 100°C, its value decreased by 0.77 mm2/s. In the analysis of the test oil samples, we found that the level of water contamination of the hydraulic fluid decreases with increasing number of hours worked. Specifically, the water concentration in the hydraulic fluid decreased by 0.031%. At the same time, we recorded a slight decrease in the flow efficiency of the hydraulic pump, specifically by a value of 0.03% after 500 h worked. After working 500 h, we found that the range of abrasion particles in the transmission-hydraulic fluid is within the prescribed range, which is determined by the standard D6595-00.

Expanded clay aggregates multi-functionality for water purification: Disinfection and adsorption studies

Elevated levels of contaminants in surface and ground water pose serious and adverse health challenges in the twenty-first century. It is imperative that the quality of life of people without safe ...

Assessment of Ecological and Target Hazard Risks of Mercury Contaminated Water Along Makassar Coastal Areas, Indonesia

INTRODUCTION: The coastal area of Makassar city is a vulnerable area to various pollutants, most of which are generated by anthropogenic activities, such as home industry products, gold shop waste products, and household waste, starting from the coastal area in Barombong to the coastal villages in the Ujung Tanah subdistrict, with the highest level of mercury (Hg) concentration in the coastal area. Another source of potential Hg pollution in this area can be due to community activities at the fish landing base (PPI, Paotere). AIMS: The aims of this research were to analyze the Hg content in surface water collected from coastal areas of Makassar City and to analyze the target hazard risk effect due to the excessive exposure of water from the recognized as ecologically contaminated area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research applied an observational analytic design of cross-sectional studies. Direct measurement and laboratory sample analyses were conducted as well as a questionnaire was applied to obtain relevant, precise, and accurate data. Respondents’ characteristics related to education, habit, lifestyle, occupational smoking habits, and dietary were requested by the administered household interview questionnaire. Assay of the laboratory to analyze the magnitude of Hg in surface water was conducted. Respondents with volunteered based selected using stratified random sampling methods. RESULTS: Results of the analysis of Hg distribution in surface water used kriging interpolation method showed that the highest concentration of Hg was in stations (22 and 23) around Area of Anjungan Losari Beach and Area of Anjungan Mandar Losari with 1.0013 and 1.0012 mg/l, respectively. While the lowest were in station 2 with 0.0011 and in station 26 Pelindo Jetti area with 0.0013 mg/l, respectively. Ecological Risk assessment indicated that the areas with the highest risk of ecology were such as Near Dermaga Kayu Bangkoa with 9.8, the Tourism area of Karaeng Batjo Tomb 9.7, and Tanjung Bayang beach with risk ecology 9.1 units, respectively. Furthermore, the magnitude of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values were 0.0093 in station 1 in Tourism area of Karaeng Batjo Tomb and 0.0089 units in station 24 of Port of Sukarno Hatta, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, Hg levels of contamination in water are still be tolerated in the current; however, its accumulate that potentially harmful in the near future. Ecological risk value was more than one that indicates at risks, although the THQ values are still below than the one that indicates safe.

Effect of water contamination on transmissivity behaviour of nonwoven geotextile

Nonwoven geotextiles are one of the most widely used geosynthetic materials in drainage and filtration in geotechnical engineering works and applications. In the present study, drainage property of geotextile fabric with three levels of water contamination (20, 40, and 60 gpl) and with clean water has been studied with the variation of transverse loads (1, 3, 5, and 7 kPa) and fabric mass density (300, 600, and 900 g/m2). Transmissivity of geotextile is found to be lower at higher level of water contamination. The effect of water contamination concentration is higher for fabric with higher mass density. However, the effect of contamination on geotextile material is lower at higher transverse load. The effect of transverse load on transmissivity of geotextile is higher for 300 g/m2 as compared to 600 and 900 g/m2. Although the reduction in transmissivity of fabric with higher mass density (900 g/m2) is higher, still the fabric exhibits better transmissivity behaviour as compared to 300 and 600 g/m2.

Study of microbiological contamination level of surface water in MONITOX network areas before and after COVID-19 pandemic

The microbiological contamination of the water with faecal bacteria resulting from anthropogenic activity is an important issue for population health and the assessment of the presence of pathogenic bacteria in water is a major concern for the protection of humans and animals. Coliform bacteria are indicators for the assessment of faecal pollution and a potential presence of pathogens, which is caused mainly of untreated wastewater. In this paper, a comparative study was carried out in 32 sampling sites of MONITOX network in two periods, June 2019 and June-July 2020, before and after COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, regarding the rate of the water microbiological contamination in Lower Danube (Calarasi/Silistra-Galati-Tulcea sectors, Danube Delta and Black Sea coast, from SE part of Romania, by counting of the bacteria indicators of the organic pollution (heterotrophic bacteria and total coliforms). The results demonstrate a decrease of microbiological contamination of surface water in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown in all the samples collected form Black Sea coast, Danube branches, Danube-Black Sea confluence, and Danube river downwards Galati town.

Assessment of the impact of land-cover change on water quality: case study of the Chiba watershed, Nabeul, Tunisia

Water scarcity and water quality degradation are important problems that can affect human well-being. Population growth, unplanned urbanization, land-cover change, and the intensification of agricultural and industrial activities are the main reasons for water resource issues. The main aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of land-cover change on groundwater quality in the Chiba watershed, Nabeul, Tunisia. A remote-sensing technique was used to identify the principal transitions in land cover between 1998 and 2018. Additionally, four water quality indicators (electrical conductivity, chloride concentration, nitrate concentration, and sodium absorption ratio) were utilized to investigate variations in water quality in the study area. It was found that most of the watershed was covered with agricultural land in 1998 (87.5%) and 2018 (88.6%). Based on a comparison of these two periods, various types of land-cover transitions were observed. Moreover, the water quality indicators revealed that the salinity hazard and nitrate contamination in the watershed were high. The spatial relationship between water contamination level and land-cover transition category indicated that barren land to built-up land transitions had the strongest negative effect on water quality among all of the main land-cover transitions. Demonstrating the impact of land-cover change on water quality should encourage local decision makers and water managers to implement strategies for sustainable urban planning and periurban agriculture.