Drinking Water Purposes Research Articles

Spreading the Desalination Technology as the Appropriate Option for the Drinking Water in Vietnam

Water scarcity is the one of the global risks. In order to compensate the sudden decrease in the water supply due to the increase in water demand and sudden variations of water resources due to the climate change, the alternative water resource could be required. Desalination technology is the water production method which can produce the fresh water from the seawater, the unlimited water resource on earth. In the Mekong delta area, Vietnam, the feasible water resources are the rainwater, groundwater, and Mekong river water. Because the climate in the Mekong delta area, Vietnam has the distinct rainy and dry seasons, the seawater intrusion has been occurred during the dry season due to the decreased Mekong river water by the Dam construction in the upper estuary and the increased seawater level. Therefore, the Mekong river water and groundwater have been affected by the seawater intrusion and become salty which are not proper for the agricultural and drinking water purposes. In order to provide the sustainable water in the rural areas in the Mekong delta area, Vietnam, the KIST and VKIST have been collaborated and suggested several the solar-power desalination systems. In this study, the collaborations and applications of the reverse osmosis plants were summarized.

Water Quality of Unconfined Aquifer in Universitas Negeri Malang Following the Drinking Water Quality Standard of Indonesian Ministry of Health

The quality of groundwater is naturally determined by water-bearing rock characteristics. However, the progression of civilian activities also negatively affects the groundwater quality. Therefore, this study aims to assess the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of groundwater in the Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) campus area in Indonesia and evaluate its compliance with drinking water quality standards, particularly the Class A standard. A comparative descriptive strategy was utilized in the study by involving groundwater in the campus area of UM. The focus of the research is water quality in unconfined aquifer. Through purposive sampling, 12 wells were selected to ensure appropriate spatial dispersion. Water samples were collected in sample bottles and tested for physical, biological, and chemical properties. These water quality tests were carried out in the Perum Jasa Tirta I Malang. Water quality data were analyzed qualitatively, descriptively, and comparatively. This study concludes that (1) the groundwater on the UM campus generally meets the physical criteria for drinking water quality standards; (2) the chemical quality of the groundwater on the UM campus still satisfies the drinking water quality standards; and (3) biologically, the free groundwater on the UM campus fails to meet drinking water quality standards. The novelty of this research is that the biggest threat to the quality of free groundwater in the campus area is bacterial contamination from sanitation activities. Accordingly, it is recommended that groundwater is boiled before being utilized for drinking water purposes to neutralize the E. coli bacteria present in all well water samples.Keywords: Water Quality; Unconfined Aquifer; The Drinking Water; Quality Standard

Biological arsenite oxidation on iron-based adsorbents in groundwater filters

Iron-based adsorbents are commonly used to remove arsenic (As) from water for drinking water purposes. Here, we study the role of biological As(III) oxidation on iron-based adsorbents in filters and its effect on overall As uptake. A lab-scale filter with iron oxide coated sand (IOCS), a commonly used adsorbent, was operated with water containing As(III) and As(V), while water samples were taken periodically over its height. As(III) oxidation initiated after approximately 10 days and increased to a first order rate constant of 0.09 s−1 after 57 days resulting in full oxidation of As(III) in <50 s. Consequently, the filter shifted from an As(III) to an As(V) adsorbing filter. Oxidation was not observed after inhibiting the microbial activity using sodium azide confirming its biogenic nature. This implies that As(III) oxidizing biomass can grow on iron-based adsorbents in water filters without requiring inoculation. As the experimental conditions were similar to full-scale As treatment plants, we believe that biological As(III) oxidation is widely overlooked in these systems. Occurrence of biological oxidation is, however, beneficial for removal, as at pH <8 the adsorption capacity for As(V) can be up to 10-fold higher than for As(III). With these new insights, arsenic treatment using iron-based adsorbents can be further optimized. We suggest a more robust new design with a biological active As(III) oxidizing top layer and an As(V) adsorbing bottom layer.

Water residence time is an important predictor of dissolved organic matter composition and drinking water treatability

Freshwater ecosystems are critical resources for drinking water. In recent decades, dissolved organic matter (DOM) inputs into aquatic systems have increased significantly, particularly in central and northern Europe, due to climatic and anthropogenic drivers. The associated increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration can change lake ecosystem services and adversely affect drinking water treatment processes. In this study, we examined spatial and temporal patterns of DOM treatability with granular activated carbon (GAC) and biological reactivity based on 14-day bacterial respiration incubations at 11 sites across Mälaren during six-time points between July 2019 and February 2021. Mälaren is the third largest lake in Sweden and provides drinking water for over 2 million people including the capital city Stockholm. In our spatio-temporal analysis, we assessed the influence of phytoplankton abundance, water chemistry, runoff, and climate on DOM composition, GAC removal efficiency, and biological reactivity. Variations in DOM composition were characterized using optical measurements and Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analyses indicated that DOM produced during warmer months was easier to remove by GAC. Removal efficiency of GAC varied from 41 to 87 %, and the best predictor of treatability using mass spectrometry was double bond equivalents (DBE), while the best optical predictors were specific UV absorbance (SUVA), and freshness index. The oxygen consumption rate (k) from the bacterial respiration incubations ranged from 0.04 to 0.71 d−1 and higher in warmer months and at deeper basins and was associated with more aliphatic and fresh DOM. The three deepest lake basins with the longest water residence time (WRT) were temporally the most stable in terms of DOM composition and had the highest DOC removal efficiency and k rates. DOM composition in these three lake basins was optically clearer than in basins located closer to terrestrial inputs and had a signature suggesting it was derived from in-lake processes including phytoplankton production and bacterial processing of terrestrial DOM. This means that with increasing WRT, DOM derived from terrestrial sources shifts to more aquatically produced DOM and becomes easier to remove with GAC. These findings indicate WRT can be highly relevant in shaping DOM composition and thereby likely to affect its ease of treatability for drinking water purposes.

A laboratory study on the durability of limestone wastes in harsh environments for their suitability as aggregate in concrete

One of the critical environmental issues in the Chegeni area (Lorestan Province, western Iran) is the production of a large volume of limestone wastes during the quarrying operations. Releasing limestone wastes in the areas neighboring the quarries has caused visual damage to the environment, and adverse effects on the quality of the soil, running water, and groundwater used for agricultural and drinking water purposes. One solution to this issue can be recycling limestone wastes to produce building materials. In the present study, a comprehensive laboratory program is planned for the durability evaluation of the limestone wastes under harsh environments for their suitability as aggregate in concrete. For this purpose, five aging tests, including freeze-thawing (F-T), salt crystallization (SC), acid attack (AA), wetting-drying (WD), and heating-cooling (HC), were conducted on the limestone sample up to 60 cycles. After every 10 cycles, the physico-mechanical characteristics of the sample, including porosity (n), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), point load index (PLI), and P-wave velocity (Vp) were determined. Moreover, the pores structure modification of the sample subjected to aging tests was examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data analyses revealed that the sample is highly vulnerable to the AA and SC processes but is durable against FT, WD, and HC actions. These results were in good agreement with the SEM data such that the sample exposed to AA and SC underwent more changes in their pore structure compared to FT, WD, and HC. Among the physico-mechanical characteristics, the Vp and PLI had the highest and the lowest accuracy, respectively, in the durability evaluation of the sample exposed to aging tests. Based on the data analysis, limestone wastes can be used as aggregate in concrete in environments with the possibility of FT, WD, and HC. However, this type of concrete is not suitable for conditions with occurrences of the AA and SC. Finally, in addition to reducing the environmentally harmful impacts of the study area, using limestone wastes as aggregate in the construction of concrete can also be a practical solution for sustainable development from an economic viewpoint. The results of the present study can be used for assessing limestone wastes produced in other areas of Iran and the world.

Tuning of polymeric membranes to mitigate fouling and removal of dissolved compounds for wastewater treatment: a Review

Wastewater, referred to as sewage, has been a byproduct of human settlement since ancient times. An increase in human activities leads to more wastewater effluents, resulting in higher concentrations of organic compounds, which are harmful to all forms of living organisms and drinking water purposes. Traditional methods cannot satisfy this issue for higher concentrations. The advanced membrane process is an alternative to this conventional method for removing organic compounds and various effluents due to its high permeate quality and less toxicity. Moreover, the modification of polymeric membranes by increasing its content led to a higher flux thereby enhancing the fouling property for effective wastewater treatment. The processes, UF, RO, NF, and FO, ion exchange, MD, and pervaporation, were developed for more robust methods to improve the quality of the environment and lead to higher salt rejection. This review provides an overview of the fabrications, methods and modifications of substrates utilized in different processes with varying modules to achieve a higher flux rate, lowering the fouling. We discuss the materials used for various membrane modules in ceramic membranes under different operating circumstances and the methods to enhance the performance of membrane fouling. This review also aims to track the ongoing research works to broaden different process combinations for further research purposes, showcasing better antifouling performance and maximizing water quality in the future.

Assessment of groundwater quality in the region of Hjar Nhal for safe drinking water purposes

This study assesses the groundwater quality in the vicinity of the newly established landfill site in the city of Tangier. A total of 8 wells and 2 water sources within a 2-kilometer radius of the landfill were sampled for analysis. The selection of sampling sites was carefully executed, taking into consideration the flow direction and elevation in the study area to ensure representative results. The study focused on the analysis of 11 physicochemical parameters to evaluate the suitability of the groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. Notably, the pH measurements at various points (S1, S2, P4, P7, P8) consistently fell within the WHO's recommended range of 6.5-8.5 for safe drinking water. Conductivity values (μS/cm) were well below the limit of 1000 μS/cm at each location, indicating low levels of dissolved ions. Additionally, the TDS levels (ppm) did not exceed the WHO limit of 500 ppm, further confirming water quality that meets international standards. These findings provide valuable insights into the groundwater quality for safe drinking water and irrigation purposes in the area. The results contribute to informed decision-making and sustainable water resource management practices, ensuring the preservation of local water resources in the context of the landfill's environmental impact.

Hydrochemical characterization and water quality perspectives for groundwater management for urban development

The present study was conducted to assess groundwater quality for drinking and industrial water purposes, evaluate the driving mechanisms of groundwater chemistry, and suggest appropriate management measures to protect groundwater resources for sustainable urban development in a part of Odisha, India. Overall Water Quality Index (OWQI) and Industrial Water Quality Index (IWQI), geochemical ratios and chemometric analyses were used to identify the causes of ionic sources of natural and anthropogenic inputs. Groundwater samples were collected and analysed for chemical parameters. The OWQI indicated that 95.93% of the study region is unfit for drinking water purposes due to high concentrations of Mg2+, Na+, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, and F− ions supported by the ANOVA test. The IWQI found corrosion and incrustation activities in 80.05% and 94.33% of the study region, respectively, which hinders urban development. The trilinear diagram illustrated that the freshwater type changes completely to mixed water type, and then to reverse ion exchange water and saline water types due to the influence of anthropogenic sources. Gibbs diagrams explaining the mechanisms responsible for groundwater chemistry that groundwater quality moves from the rock domain to the evaporation domain due to human-induced activities. Saturation indices showed that fluoride, gypsum, and halite are in a dissolved state, and calcite is in a precipitated state. Different ionic ratios clearly illustrated that groundwater quality is mainly modified by anthropogenic sources from lithological origin. Principal component analysis (PCA) classified the chemical parameters into salinity, alkalinity, and soil-controlled factors of groundwater chemistry based on their high-positive loadings. High positive scores of PCA, and Clusters 1 and 2 of the hierarchical cluster analysis clearly differentiated polluted and unpolluted affected groundwater samples. Therefore, it is suggested to take appropriate preventive measures to improve the groundwater resources. Otherwise, there will be adverse conditions for urban activities.

Revealing selected groundwater contaminants, risks, and sustainable solutions for safe drinking water through pristine and modified biochar

Groundwater serves as the primary source of drinking water for nearly half of the world's population. However, it is often contaminated with heavy metals, nitrates, fluorides, chlorides, and emerging contaminants, posing risks to human health. Treating groundwater to deliver safe drinking water is crucial, and biochar has emerged as a promising solution. While pristine biochar has proven to be an effective adsorbent in terms of performance, cost and regeneration capabilities, various studies have reported modification methods to further enhance its adsorption capacities. Although significant research has focused on efficacy of pristine and modified biochar in removing contaminants from aqueous solutions, its application for groundwater treatment remains limited. This study presents a systematic review consolidating knowledge on both pristine and modified biochar for the removal of inorganic and organic pollutants from groundwater. The review explores adsorption mechanisms, modification techniques, and the economic and environmental impacts of biochar application. It also emphasizes the need for future studies to concentrate on the interconnectivity of performance, cost, and environmental impacts of both pristine and modified biochar as well as their practical application in groundwater treatment for drinking water purposes.

The assessment of groundwater quality through the water quality and nitrate pollution indexes in northern Türkiye.

Groundwater is contaminated by anthropogenic factors such as industry, domestic waste, and excessive fertilizers. Groundwater samples, which were obtained from 50 different wells in July 2020, were used in this study. Thirteen hydrochemical properties, including electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), nitrate NO3-, anions, and cations were analyzed. Also, types of groundwater were investigated via the Piper diagram. The groundwater was also evaluated for irrigation suitability using the sodium percentage (Na%), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Kelly's index (KI), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), potential salinity, magnesium hazard (MR), and permeability index (PI). The samples were assessed for drinking the suitability using the water quality index (WQI) and the nitrate pollution index (NPI). Geographic information systems (GIS) were used to create spatial distribution maps of irrigation water quality indices, WQI, and NPI values. The results of major cations varied sodium 28.69-211.80mg/L, calcium 78.74-258.89 magnesium 27.78-161.30mg/L, and potasium 0.10-3.57mg/L. The results from the study area showed that 62.70 of EC, 32.40% of PI, 20.09% of RSC, 51.55% of PS, and 49.36% of MR were inappropriate for irrigation purposes. The NPI data ranged from - 0.75 to 9.65, and 21.06% of the study areas were heavily polluted. The WQI showed that almost 62.90% of the experimental area was categorized as poor, very poor, and inappropriate for drinking water purposes, whereas 37.10% of the areas were categorized as good and excellent.

Groundwater quality in the vicinity of a dumpsite in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria

Inappropriate management of municipal solid waste dumpsites is a major cause of groundwater contamination in developing countries, but the extent of the problem is not known. This study investigated groundwater quality in the vicinity of Olusosun dumpsite in Lagos, Nigeria, the most populous city in sub-Saharan Africa. During 2020, monthly groundwater samples were collected in 17 wells and boreholes used as drinking water sources, and analysed for 20 physico-chemical parameters. Differences between sites and seasons were statistically assessed, together with changes in water quality index (WQI). The results indicated that heavy metals (Pb2+, Ni+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Cr6+), cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+), total hardness and pH were the main parameters impairing water quality. Drinking water quality standards from both the World Health Organization and Nigeria government were exceeded more often in the wet season than in the dry season. Some groundwater properties were negatively correlated with distance to dumpsite (e.g., Fe2+, Pb2+, NO3−). Significant differences between sites were identified, but with no clear spatial trend. WQI varied from excellent (6%–24% of the sites over the study period) to unsuitable for drinking water purposes (12%–18%), with good quality prevailing at most sites (35%–47%). Although groundwater quality declined at 24% of the sites over 2020, the results indicated improvements compared with previous decades. Remediation strategies must be implemented to safeguard public health and the sustainability of water resources.

Assessment of water quality of Tigris River by using WQ index in Salah Al-Din province

The management of water resources depends on the evaluation of water quality. In this research, Water Quality Index (WQI) was used to evaluate Tigris River water quality for drinking water purposes and assess significant factors that affect water quality. The physiochemical parameters measurements of water samples taken from four sites along the river within Salah Al-Din province were collected from October 2022 to May 2023, including water temperature, turbidity, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological oxygen demand (BOD5), Total harness, Calcium, Magnesium, Total Alkaline, Chloride, Sodium, Potassium, Sulfate, Nitrite, and Phosphate. The results of WQI values ranged from 71.28 to 90.78, the water was considered poor to very poor in the study sites, due to the water getting polluted to some extent, so the value of WQI decreases. This indicated the Tigris River in the study area was unsuitable for drinking uses.

Assessment of Water Quality of Al-Habbaniya Lake by Using Statistical Techniques (Cluster and Factor Analysis)

Habbanyia lake is one of the most crucial resources of water, water lake is used mainly for agriculture, animal activities, and drinking water purposes. In addition, it represents a tourist city. Multivariable statistical approach was used to assess the quality of the water of Habbanyia lake in west Baghdad, to determine how the physical and chemical qualities relate of lake water and the local trend of water type. R-mode and Q-mode cluster and factor analyses were used to categorize chemical characteristics and determine the variables influencing changes in quality. The results show, the water samples are considered to be Fresh water and all the lake water samples were within the WHO standard. In general, Ca-SO4 and Na-SO4 facies were the most prevalent in the Habbanyia Lake water. The results show, there are two factors controlling the water quality of Habbanyia lake, the first is geological sitting and the second is human activities.

Detection Capability of 89Sr and 90Sr Using Liquid Scintillation Counting.

We developed a new method for simultaneous determination of 89Sr and 90Sr with an emphasis on detectability. The samples were digested, and Sr was chemically purified followed by a single count on a liquid scintillation counter in three windows overlapping the 90Sr, 89Sr, and 90Y peaks. Gamma spectrometry was used to measure 85Sr, added for chemical recovery. The method was tested on 18 water samples spiked at levels from 9 to 242 Bq of 89Sr and 90Sr, with either single radionuclides or their mixtures. In addition, eight method blanks were measured. The data were analyzed numerically by solving a system of linear equations for 89Sr and 90Sr activities as analytes and 90Y activity as a participating component. The total uncertainties of the results were calculated numerically using variances and covariances. The average bias from the known activities was -0.3% (range from -3.6 to 3.1%) for 90Sr and - 1.5% (range from -10.1 to 5.1%) for 89Sr. The En-scores were within -1.0 and 1.0 at 95% confidence level. The detection capabilities of this method were determined by means of the decision threshold LC and the limit of detection referred to as the minimum detectable activity. All relevant uncertainties were propagated into the LC and minimum detectable activity. In addition, detection limits were calculated for the purpose of Safe Drinking Water Act monitoring. The detection capabilities were compared with the regulatory requirements in the US and EU for food and water. For samples spiked with either pure 89Sr or 90Sr, false positives were observed for the opposite radionuclide exceeding the above LC values. This was attributed to interference by the spiked activity. A new method was developed to calculate decision and detectability curves in the presence of interference.

ANALISIS KAPASITAS EMBUNG MONGGOLOMO di KABUPATEN GORONTALO

The aim of this research is to determine the need for raw water in North Isimu Village for the next 25 years from 2011 - 2035 and also to determine the capacity of the Monggolomo Embung in fulfilling raw water in North Isimu Village in 2011 - 2035. This research uses a literature study method which is part from qualitative research. Literature study is to collect data related to concepts, approaches, procedures and research data analysis. The literature in the research comes from literature in the form of books, scientific journals and documents from agencies, namely the River Region Office and the Gorontalo Regency BPS Office. The research results show population projections for 25 years (2011 - 2035) using the base year (2009/2010) and analysis of raw water needs for residents of Isimu Utara Village, Tibawa District shows that the greater the population, the greater the amount of raw water needed. The projected population in 2034 is 3038 people with water needs of 7,595 m³/day for an average calculation of 60 liters/jia/day. Monggolomo Reservoir can be sufficient to meet the raw water needs of North Isimu Village until 2035. Addressing the fulfillment of raw water/clean water in North Isimu Village, which mostly uses dug wells and river water, both for drinking water purposes. So it is necessary to develop the use of the Monggolomo Reservoir as a source of clean water for the residents of North Isimu and its surroundings.

Recovered Reverse-Osmosis Water and MgO Nanoparticles for Improved Performance of Solar PV/T Systems

Domestic RO systems are commonly installed in households for water purification and treatment, typically for drinking water purposes. While RO systems effectively remove impurities, such as dissolved salts, minerals, and contaminants from tap water, they produce a concentrated waste stream known as RO reject. This reject water contains the contaminants that were removed during the RO filtration process. This RO reject can be effectively utilized in other domestic, agricultural, and industrial applications. In this study, the performance of a photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system was experimentally examined by employing RO reject and MgO/water-based nano-fluid. Two 165 W polycrystalline solar PV modules were used to compare the performance of a PV/T and a PV module. The performance of the solar PV module was assessed in terms of cell temperature and electrical efficiency using a water- and MgO/water-based PV/T system. Furthermore, the thermal and overall efficiency of the PV/T module was also compared using different base fluids. The effect of the working fluid flow rate (3 LPM, 6 LPM, 9 LPM, and 12 LPM) and variations in the concentrations (0.10 wt.%, 0.15 wt.%, and 0.20 wt.%) of MgO nanoparticles were examined to evaluate the improvement in the performance of the PV/T system. The results indicate that the PV/T system’s cell temperature was significantly reduced, and its electrical, thermal, and overall efficiency increased with an increased flow rate. The optimum concentration of nanoparticles and flow rate were determined to be 0.15 wt.% and 12 LPM, respectively. The findings suggest that MgO/water-based nano-fluids have the potential to enhance the performance of PV/T systems, and this study provides valuable insights for their practical implementation.

Reclamation of urban pollution impacted groundwater by advanced treatment processes: Effect of prechlorination on the removal of metals, ammonium and NOM at pilot scale

The need for new water resources in water scarcity regions has driven the exploration of water reclamation through a variety of treatment technologies. The present study aims at reclaiming impacted urban groundwater through two different treatment routes: one based on adsorption and ion-exchange processes on consecutive pyrolusite, granular activated carbon, zeolite and Fe(oxy)hydroxide filters (route L1) and a second one relying on sorption (on pyrolusite) and RO-membrane filtration (route L2). Both routes were operated without and with prechlorination to ascertain whether NaClO, beyond inactivating undesired pathogens, affected the removal of target parameters (Mn, As, NH4+, DOC) and the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs). Results showed that route L1 was successful at removing Mn, As, pathogens and THMs at levels below those stipulated by the legislation on reuse and drinking water. Only NH4+ failed to decrease below its threshold limits for drinking water, but only in the absence of prechlorination. However, concentration of Cl− and Na+ increased during treatment due to the chemicals used, compromising reuse of the produced water in specific industrial sectors requiring low contents of these ions. Route L2 showed a consistent high removal of all targeted parameters (also NH4+) without and with prechlorination conditions, producing a finished water with high potential for reuse and production of drinking water. DOC and its fluorescent fulvic and humic-like fractions were moderately removed by route L1 but highly removed by route L2. The outperformance of route L2 in terms of produced water quality must be balanced by the associated treatment cost, as it was 8–10 % higher for route L2 than for route L1. This made evident that a trade-off between quality and cost must be faced. This study demonstrates that reclamation of urban groundwater through the proposed treatment routes has a huge potential for reuse for a wide diversity of final purposes (urban, agricultural, industrial, environmental and recreational uses) and, although it may need further exploration, likely for drinking water purposes.

Investigation of biochar- modified biosand filter performance for groundwater treatment for drinking water purposes: A laboratory and pilot scale study

This study investigated the feasibility of improving the performance of biosand filter (BSF) using date palm biochar for groundwater treatment. The effect of date palm biochar placement (at the top, middle and bottom region of the filter media) on the modified biosand filter (MBSF) against BSF was investigated on a lab scale for simultaneous removal of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, NH4+, PO43−, NO3−, SO42−, Cl−, Na, Mg, K, turbidity, color, and total coliform from synthetic groundwater. Filters were charged intermittently twice per day for 90 days. The average removal percentage of Cu was 95.05 and 99.23 %, Zn was 99.99 and 100 %, Mn was 74.54 and 89.99 %, Fe was 60.18 and 78.94 %, NH4+ was 22.33 and 30.62 %, PO43− was 99.45 and 99.53 %, NO3− was 8.03 and 8.18 %, K was 16.33 and 16.41 %, Total coliform was 93.97 and 92.89 % and effluent pH was 8.03–8.18, for lab scale BSF and MBSF(D) respectively. Turbidity and color removal was 100 %, while no removal was observed for SO42−, Cl−, Na, and Mg in the lab-scale filters. Using biochar and positioning it at the bottom region of the filter media as in MBSF(D) showed significant removal for Mn and Fe. The pilot scale MBSF(D) showed earlier clogging (43 days) and reduced treatment percentage for contaminants in comparison to the lab scale MBSF(D), except for total coliform (100 % removal). After regeneration, effluent concentration still met WHO drinking water limits and was operational for 82 days on the lab scale MBSF(D) and 32 days on the pilot scale MBSF(D).

Contamination Fingerprints in an Inactive W (Sn) Mine: The Regoufe Mine Study Case (Northern Portugal)

The target of this study was the tungsten Regoufe mine, whose exploitation stopped in the 1970s. When the mine closed, an unacceptable legacy constituted of mining waste tailings and the ruins of infrastructure was left behind. This work assessed the soil, plants, and water contamination in the mining area; namely their content in potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The global impact of PTEs in the Regoufe mine surface soil points to a very high to ultrahigh degree of contamination of the area having a serious ecological risk level, mainly related to As and Cd contributions. However, establishing the direct relation between As contamination and the anthropogenic effects caused by the mining process cannot be carried out in a straightforward manner, since the soils were already enriched in metals and metalloids as a result of the geological processes that gave origin to the mineral deposits. The studies performed on the plants revealed that the PTE levels in the plants were lower than in the soil, but site-specific soil concentrations in As and Pb positively influence bioaccumulation in plants. The magnetic studies showed the presence of magnetic technogenic particles concentrated in the magnetic fraction, in the form of magnetic spherules. The magnetic technogenic particles probably result from temperature increases induced by some technological process related to ore processing/mining activity. The PTEs in the surface and groundwater samples were similar and relatively low, being unlikely to pose potential health and environmental risks. Arsenic (As) constituted the exception, with levels above reference for drinking water purposes.

Physico-Chemical and Trace Metal Analysis in Groundwater of Nagapattinam Region in Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu State

The aim of the present work is to find the quality of water in and around the Nagapattinam region and geochemical study of water and its chemical composition with qualitative and quantitatively assessed from the period of post monsoon ( January) in the year 2020. Therefore, ten underground water sample were taken from different areas in Nagapattinam region and analysed for the following qualities such as Color, odour, temperature, Electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, Hydrogen ion Concentration, calcium, magnesium, chloride, potassium, sodium, nitrate, and sulphate and trace metals like manganese, lead, chromium, copper, iron, arsenic, cadmium and zinc. The physico chemical parameters indicate the quality of ground water varies from bore well to bore well. Higher values of any parameter in a borehole indicate that the water is not fit for drinking. Therefore, the public is advised that the groundwater source in the study area should be monitored before it is used for domestic and drinking water purposes and that the government should adopt some treatment technology in the current study regions to minimize the hardness and salinity for provide safe water to the public.