Electrical Conductivity Content Research Articles

Lactation mastitis: Promising alternative indicators for early diagnosis.

Although lactation mastitis (LM) has been extensively researched, the incidence rate of LM remains a salient clinical problem. To reduce this incidence rate and achieve a better prognosis, early and specific quantitative indicators are particularly important. It has been found that milk electrolyte concentrations (chloride, potassium, and sodium) and electrical conductivity (EC) significantly change in the early stages of LM in an animal model. Several studies have evaluated EC for the detection of subclinical mastitis in cows. EC, chloride, and sodium content of milk were more accurate for predicting infection status than were other variables. In the early stages of LM, lactic sodium, chloride, and EC increase, but potassium decreases. However, these indicators have not been reported in the diagnosis of LM in humans. This review summarizes the pathogenesis and the mechanism of LM in terms of milk electrolyte concentration and EC, and aim to provide new ideas for the detection of sub-clinical mastitis in humans.

Spatial variability of soil properties of intensively cultivated rice soils of selected command areas of Karnataka

The spatial distribution of soil properties and plant available Si was studied in three important rice producing command areas of Karnataka by collecting random georeferenced surface (0-15cm) soil samples using GPS and GIS techniques. The soil samples were analysed for different soil properties and plant available Si and the data along with GPS reading were used for the preparation of soil thematic maps using interpolation method and the interpolated maps were analysed with geostatistical parameters and the corresponding kriging maps for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and plant available Si (CCSi and AASi) were prepared. These soil samples were categorized as low, medium and high as per criteria followed by soil testing laboratories. The content of soil pH, EC, OC, CEC, sand, silt and clay in surface soils varied from 5.2- 8.7, 0.05-0.49 dS m-1 , 2.2-17.5 g kg-1 , 3.6- 26.5 c mol (p+ ) kg-1 , 20.4-85.6, 0.9-59.7 and 1.9-47.8%, 15.7-65.4 mg g-1 and 19.2-106.7 mg g-1 , respectively. The available nitrogen (89.6- 313.6 kg ha-1 ) was low whereas, phosphorus (10.4-206.9 P2O5 kg ha-1 ) and available K2O (68.9-516.9 K2O kg ha-1 ) were low to medium in range. The CCSi and AASi content ranged from 15.7-65.4 mg g-1 and 20.0-106.7 mg g-1 , respectively

Analysis of the eutrophication in a wetland using a data-driven model.

Eutrophication is a major problem in the international Anzali wetland (northern Iran). The present research initially aimed to determine the trophic state index (TSI) in ten sampling sites in the main parts of the Anzali wetland (western, eastern, central, and Siahkeshim parts). After determining the TSI in the wetland, a data-driven method (classification tree model with a J48 algorithm) was implemented to predict the trophic condition in the wetland based on a set of water quality and physical-structural variables. One hundred twenty samples related to chlorophyll-a (the model's output) and environmental variables (the model's inputs) were measured monthly during 1-year study period (2017-2018). Based on the TSI calculation, the western, Siahkeshim, eastern, and central parts of the wetland are classified as eutrophic, super-eutrophic, hyper-eutrophic, and hyper-eutrophic, respectively. When all environmental variables were introduced to the model (with five-time randomization effort, pruning confidence factor = 0.01, and seven-fold cross-validation), eight variables (bicarbonate, pH, water temperature, electric conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus, water depth, and water turbidity) were predicted by the model. The model predicted that an increase in total phosphate, water turbidity, and electric conductivity concentration may contribute to the hyper-eutrophic state of the wetland. In contrast, the hyper-eutrophic of the wetland is associated with a decrease in water depth, dissolved oxygen, and pH concentration. According to ANOVA test, the trophic condition in the wetland can be affected by spatial and temporal patterns. Anthropogenic pressures such as the influx of chemicals particularly the nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) are the main cause of water enrichment (eutrophication problem) in main parts of the Anzali wetland ecosystem.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Variables Following Demolition of Building Structures in and Around Kware Lake, Sokoto, Nigeria

Physical and chemical factors are dynamic in nature, and anthropogenic activities can affect these changes. The residents have used Kware Lake as a source of drinking water, irrigation, and fishing activities. The destruction of structural buildings inside and surrounding the lake served as the impetus for this investigation. Selected physicochemical factors were identified, and three study locations (Inlet, Mid, and Outlet) were chosen. For a period of six months, monthly samples of water and sediment were taken (October 2021 to March 2022). The amounts of Ca+ , Mg+ , SO4, and NO3 were found to be significantly changed across months when measured using standard methods, although, Na+ values were not and there was little seasonal variation in electrical conductivity (EC). However, at p<0.05, the variables pH, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Dissolved oxygen (DO), and Ammonia (NH4) indicated a significant difference across months. Additionally, according to a sediment investigation, there were no appreciable variations in electrical conductivity, organic carbon (OC) and clay between the months. However, in February and March of 2022, elevated pH and EC concentrations were observed. To ensure that the Kware residents continue to use the water daily, continuous monitoring is necessary

Heavy metal pollution in leachates and its impacts on the quality of groundwater resources around Iringa municipal solid waste dumpsite.

Heavy metal pollution in groundwater due to leachates leaking from the Iringa municipal dumpsite was investigated. The pollution was studied by analyzing pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Mn, and Zn) in leachates collected within the dumpsite and groundwater samples from residential wells close to the dumpsite. The pH of the leachate samples varied from 7.40 to 9.10, implying alkaline behavior and the methanogenic phase of solid waste deposits. The levels of EC, TDS, and heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mn, and Zn) in leachates were above the national and/or international standards. On other hand, groundwater samples presented pH values ranging from 7.15 to 7.60 which were within the World Health Organization acceptable limit. The concentrations of EC, TDS, Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn, and Zn in most groundwater samples exceeded the national and/or international permissible limits for drinking water. In addition, the water quality indices (WQI) of groundwater samples ranged between 8.30 and 17.90, which implied the excellent quality of groundwater sources. However, the presence of high levels of heavy metals above the permissible limits in both leachate and groundwater samples signified potential risks to the environment and public health. Therefore, the present study calls for proper management of municipal solid waste to reduce the potential risks of further contamination on the groundwater resources and environment around the Iringa municipal dumpsite.

Assessment of groundwater quality from some hostels around Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Groundwater is regarded as a safe source of drinking water because it usually contains low microbial loads often requiring very little or no treatment before drinking. This study investigates water quality, health risks and the major factors controlling the water quality within the study area. From the results, the pH was acidic with a mean value of 5.646 ± 0.389 and an observed range of 5.02 to 6.35. Total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity concentrations were below the permissible limit of the World Health Organization (WHO). The presence of total and faecal coliforms bacteria in some of the boreholes strongly indicates likely microbial contamination and that pathogens may be present. The mean levels of heavy metals were in a decreasing order (mg/L) of Fe (0.323 ± 0.316) > Ni (0.088 ± 0.045) > Pb (0.079 ± 0.034) > Cr (0.06 ± 0.038) > Zn (0.048 ± 0.042) > Cu (0.031 ± 0.022). The levels of Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb and Ni exceeding the WHO limit suggest that groundwater from selected Hostels is unsuitable for drinking. Although most of the analysed heavy metals did not pose any severe health risks via ingestion route, HQdermal of Pb was >1 for children. The estimated hazard index of Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Fe and Zn via dermal and ingestion route were <1. Moreover, Cr surpassed the carcinogenic risk limit of 10−6 to 10−4. Multivariate analysis revealed three components accounting for 83.955% of the total variance in the groundwater samples. Principal component analysis revealed anthropogenic (i.e., agricultural and urban runoff) and geogenic activities as the possible sources of pollution within the study area. This study is significant for formulating the needed remediation plans to enhance water quality within the study area.

Effect of Shelterbelt Construction on Soil Water Characteristic Curves in an Extreme Arid Shifting Desert

To explore the impact of artificial shelterbelt construction with saline irrigation on the soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) of shifting sandy soil in extreme arid desert areas, three treatments including under the shelterbelt (US), bare land in the shelterbelt (BL) and shifting sandy land (CK) in the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert were selected. The age of the shelterbelt is 16, and the vegetation cover is mainly Calligonum mongolicum. The soils from different depths of 0–30 cm were taken keeping in view the objective of the study. The SWCCs were determined by the centrifugal method and fitting was performed using various models such as the Gardner (G) model, Brooks–Corey (BC) model and Van Genuchten (VG) model. Then, the most suitable SWCC model was selected. The results showed that electrical conductivity (EC) and organic matter content of BL and US decreased with the increasing soil depth, while the EC and organic matter content of CK increased with the soil depth. The changes in soil bulk density, EC and organic matter of 0–5 cm soil were mostly significant (p &lt; 0.05) for different treatments, and the differences in SWCCs were also significant among different treatments. Moreover, the construction of an artificial shelterbelt improved soil water-holding capacity and had the most significant impacts on the surface soil. The increase in soil water-holding capacity decreased with increasing soil depth, and the available soil water existed in the form of readily available water. The BC model and VG model were found to be better than the G model in fitting results, and the BC model had the best fitting result on CK, while the VG Model had the best fitting result on BL with higher organic matter and salt contents. Comparing the fitting results of the three models, we concluded that although the fitting accuracy of the VG model tended to decrease with increasing organic matter and salinity, the VG model had the highest fitting accuracy when comparing with BC and G models for the BL treatment with high organic matter and salinity. Therefore, the influence of organic matter and salinity should be considered when establishing soil water transfer function.

Piezoelectric atomizer in aeroponic systems: A study of some fluid properties and optimization of operational parameters

The piezoelectric method to atomize fluids in aeroponic systems is known as a new application. In the current study, the effects of four independent variables on the misting rate were investigated. These variables were Dosage of Chemical Fertilizer (DCF), the Height of Solution above Piezoelectric Ceramic (HSPC), Piezoelectric Location at the Bottom of the Container (PLBC), and the Container Geometry (CG). Physical properties such as fluid density, viscosity, surface tension, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the solutions were measured. Moreover, optimization was performed to determine suitable ranges of independent variables to get the optimum value of the misting rate. Results showed that the HSPC, PLBC, and CG significantly affect the total misting rate (P < 1%). Besides, the DCF, HSPC, and CG have significant effects on surface evaporation at a probability level of 1%. At the temperature of 25 ℃ and for different concentrations of fertilizer, the density, viscosity, surface tension, TDS, and EC varied between 1 002–1 006.5 kg/m3, 1.009–1.395 mPa·s, 0.071 82–0.072 98 N/m, 253–3 397 mg/L, 502–6 795 µS/cm, respectively. Total misting rate ranged between 0.499 and 5.720 g/min. In the outlet of the mist generation container, mass flow rate was in the range of 59.895 to 65.116 g/min. Also, theoretically calculated mist average droplet size was in the range of 2.90 to 2.92 µm for different fertilizer doses. The present study is the first research on the factors affecting the ultrasonic mist production rate in an aeroponic system. For future developments, effect of voltage, frequency, and using horn should be investigated. Besides, similar research should be done in the field of gas-phase bioreactors (mist bioreactors).

Assessment of Seasonal and Spatial Variation of the Organic Carbon and Nutrients in the Ghaghara River Sediment

To assess the organic carbon and nutrients content and its seasonal and spatial variation, sediment samples were collected three times from 18 different locations starting from Keuna, Nepal to Doriganj, Bihar from Ghaghara River during the year 2018-19. The value of pH varied from 7.6 to 8.8 during the study period and indicated the alkaline nature of the sediment. The electrical conductivity (EC) value varied from 0.09 to 0.47 (m S cm-1) in the study area, which shows the contribution of the anthropogenic input mainly from domestic and industrial sources to the sediment of the Ghaghara River. The sediment organic carbon (SOC) was in the range of 0.14 to 1.26 %, with relatively higher concentrations during the post-monsoon and monsoon season. The concentration (Mean ± SD) of nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, sulphate and silica in the sediment samples of Ghaghara River were 7.05 ± 1.19, 5.5 ±1.7, 1372 ± 509, 562 ± 157, and 159306 ± 36192 (mg kg-1), respectively, during post-monsoon season, 2.05 ± 0.59, 18.0 ± 5.2, 1814 ± 318, 602 ± 139, and 180152 ± 52098 (mg kg-1) in pre-monsoon season, and were 7.3 ± 3.3, 7.8 ± 1.4, 1835 ± 696, 438 ± 85, and 163625 ± 68143 (mg kg-1) in monsoon season, respectively. The bulk density (BD), pH, EC, nitrate, ammonium, sulphate, and phosphate content showed significant seasonal variation and in the case of spatial variation, while only EC and sediment organic carbon showed significant variation in the Ghaghara river sediment.

Characterization of Solid Waste Leachateand Its Impact on Surface Water Quality: A Case Study at Rajbandh, Khulna, Bangladesh

The present study was carried out to characterize leachate from waste dumping site and its impact on surrounding surface water quality at Rajbandh in Khulna. For this purpose, surface water samples (10) and leachate samples (5) were taken from the site during two season the monsoon season and post monsoon respectively. The samples were taken during the daytime from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m because at midday the temperature rises and the physico-chemical parameters of the water are modified. Some physico-chemical parameters such as pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolved Solids (TDS), Dissolve Oxygen (DO), Chloride (Cl-), Magnesium (Mg2+), Calcium (Ca2+), Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Iron (Fe2+), Phosphate (PO43-), Sulfate (SO42-), Nitrate (NO32-) were analyzed in the laboratory in accordance with standard laboratory procedure. As well as some heavy metals such as Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Manganese, Iron and Zinc were also analyzed in the laboratory. It is observed that, the physicochemical characteristics of surface water and leachate samples vary among the parameters in two seasons throughout the study period. The concentration of TDS and EC were found to be high in leachate compare to surface water samples that might be caused due to the existence of high-level various anions and soluble salts with other inorganic components. In monsoon the TDS values ranged from 3227 ± 2357 for leachate and 737 ± 498 for surface water samples whereas in post-monsoon the variation followed by 4640 ± 1790 and 803 ± 232 for surface water and leachate respectively. In case of EC for leachate it varied from 3630 ± 1397 and 4900 ± 1734 for monsoon and post-monsoon seasons correspondingly but varied from 1473 ± 498 in monsoon and 1627 ± 473 in post-monsoon for surface water samples. The high concentration of BOD (3.91 ± 1.54 in monsoon and 6.25 ± 3.27 in post- monsoon) and COD (117.80 ± 58.31 in monsoon and 229.39 ± 166.55 in post-monsoon) value were found in surface water samples compared to leachate samples. In case of Cr for leachate it varied from 0.081 ± 0.029 and 0.070 ± 0.026 for monsoon and post-monsoon seasons correspondingly. As well as the concentration of Cd (0.023± 0.006 in monsoon and 0.087±0.068 in post monsoon) and Pb (0.35±0.109 in monsoon and 0.025±0.013 in post monsoon) varied greatly during both season. The concentration of heavy metals such as Pb, Zn, Cr and Mn in surface water samples was also greater than 0.001mg/l. Further for leachate COD was very strongly correlated with TDS and cadmium. Magnesium was significantly correlated with potassium. For surface water sample TDS was significantly correlated with EC and pH. Chloride was significantly correlated with Cd and pb was correlated with calcium. This study recommended that the authority should take proper steps for the management of waste as well as give emphasis on the leachate collection.

Physicochemical characteristics of local royal jelly produced in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia

Royal jelly (RJ) consumption is expanding because of its high nutritional and bioactive content. However, there is a lack of information to standardize the limit of properties of Saudi Royal Jelly for regulation. The aim of this study is to investigate the quality of Saudi royal jelly associated with the international standard. Twelve fresh royal jelly samples were analyzed for moisture, pH value, total acidity, protein, carbohydrate composition, and 10-hydroxydec-2-enoic acid (10-HAD) concentration. The result of physicochemical properties was varied from 61.70 % to76.80 % for moisture; 3.14 to 3.83 for pH; 39.4 to 45.0 mL for free acidity; 0.1 N NaOH/100 g; 571.60 to 745.80 µS/cm for electrical conductivity (EC); 6.73% to 13.27% for crude protein content. Moreover, the 10-HDA, fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, and lactose content were ranged from 1.68% to 6.36%, 2.51 to 5.71%, 0.00% to 2.64%, 0.00% to 2.01% and 0.00 to 0.69%, respectively. The obtained results indicated that all samples matched the international standard and Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO ISO 12824:2021) for royal jelly requirements in terms of 10-HDA concentration, one of the most critical quality parameters. The statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.487, P &lt; 0.01) between the EC and the total protein content while negative correlation between EC and sucrose content (r=-0.825, P &lt; 0.01) and 10HDA (r= -0.699, P &lt; 0.01); fructose and glucose content were shown to be statistically significant (r=0.887). The obtained results of present study will assist to the establishment of a standards of the Saudi royal jelly.

Evaluation of Compost and Soil Mix Ratios for Perennial Ryegrass Establishment on Topsoil and Subsoil

Soil degradation during construction often results in soil loss through erosion and reduced vegetation establishment. Composted organic materials are used to restore soil health of compromised urban soils when planting trees and shrubs; however, less is known about compost amendments for turfgrass establishment. The objective of this trial was to determine the effects of differing compost incorporation rates in two soil types on perennial ryegrass [PR (Lolium perenne)] establishment. The hypothesis was that as compost incorporation rates increase, turfgrass germination would increase until the compost rate becomes detrimental to turfgrass germination because of increased nitrate content and electrical conductivity (EC) levels. A salt-sensitive PR cultivar and a salt-tolerant PR cultivar were seeded into a loam topsoil and a clay subsoil at soil:compost volume ratios of 100:0, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, and 0:100 using a mixed-source mature compost. Percent green cover (PGC) and leachate pH, EC, and nitrate content were measured during the 5-week establishment period. This trial showed that with a suitable topsoil, compost incorporation may be unnecessary to obtain acceptable PGC, but that compost additions (30% to 40%) to a clay subsoil achieve faster establishment while limiting the potential for reduced establishment because of increased nitrate content or EC associated with greater levels of compost incorporation. The EC or pH of soil:compost leachate was not found to predict turfgrass establishment. This trial suggests that soil type should be considered when making compost use rate recommendations; however, further research is needed to link compost physiochemical properties to compost use rates.

Assessment of mass bathing event (Kumbh- 2019) impact on the river water quality by using multivariate analysis and water quality index (WQI) techniques at Sangam (Prayagraj), India.

This study evaluates the changes in the water quality of the River Ganga and the Yamuna due to the mass bathing events on the occasion of Kumbh-2019 at Sangam in Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh, India, by using multivariate statistical techniques and Water Quality Index (WQI). Water samples were collected from 15 locations and analyzed for 17 water quality parameters during the Kumbh-2019 period. The concentration of water quality parameters was used to estimate the WQI. A change in the value of WQI during the studied period was used to interpret the effect of mass bathing. The result of the Analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis indicates significant variation in the concentration of Electrical conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), anions (HCO3−, Cl−, SO42−, PO43−, NO3−), H4SiO4 and Most Probable Number (MPN) count during Kumbh-2019 event. The concentration of water quality parameters COD, NH4+, NO3− and H4SiO4 showed an increase of 31%, 55%, 40%, and 16%, respectively, during the Kumbh-2019 period. The high MPN count (920 - >1800/100 ml) observed during the Kumbh period makes it unfit for drinking and bathing. The pH, COD, NH4, and MPN counts are primary factors contributing to the water quality index (WQI) during the Kumbh period. The WQI value observed during the Kumbh period was relatively higher and ranged between 59 and 132, indicating the degradation of water quality from very poor to unsuitable for drinking purposes during the Kumbh-2019.

Effect of conventional retting of jute on the quality of water and jute fiber

Jute is a natural fiber also known as golden fiber in Bangladesh. Jute fiber is commonly extracted from the plant after immersion in water bodies. The traditional jute retting process harms the quality of jute fiber as well as water where jute plants were immersed as it decomposes bio-mass and hampers different water quality indicating parameters. In this study water samples were collected from different ponds and ditches at Muktagacha Upazilla, Mymensingh, Bangladesh in July 2020. Samples were collected from jute pre- and post-retting water bodies. The study was conducted to monitor the effect of jute retting on various physicochemical and microbiological parameters like- pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and dissolved oxygen (DO). All parameters were measured at the central laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University using a Multiparameter waterproof meter with a probe. To examine water quality, water samples were collected three times from five particular water bodies of stagnant waters, and the freshwater of the canal and pond. Water quality parameters of pre and post-retting jute water were found as pH 6.42~7.02 and 6.10~5.59, TDS 18~81 mgL-1and 103~183 mgL-1, DO 2.3~2.4 mgL-1and 0.8~0.9 mgL-1, and EC 36~163 µScm-1and 222~396 µScm-1, respectively. A comparison was made with the standard values of water quality parameters and found notable differences with the Department of Environment standards of Bangladesh. Another observation was also made to determine whether the retting water can influence fiber quality or not. Observed results indicated that a low level of pH and DO in jute retted water in a pond may not be suitable for fish cultivation. On the other hand, higher content of TDS and EC in post jute retting water was found responsible for the poor quality of jute fiber.&#x0D; Progressive Agriculture 32 (2): 151-161, 2021

PEMANFAATAN RUMPUT LAUT SARGASSUM sp. SEBAGAI BIOSORBEN DALAM PENYERAPAN LIMBAH LAUNDRY

The high growth rate of the laundry industry in Batam resulted in high laundry waste generated. One way to reduce the level of pollution due to laundry waste is by absorption using biosorbent from Sargassum sp. Sargassum sp. made in powder form and activated with chitosan to maximize the absorption rate. The purpose of this study was to see the ability of sargassum sp., in reducing the content of TDS (Total Dissolved Solid), EC (Electrical Conductivity), TSS (Total Suspended Solid), and Phosphate. The method used in this research is the experimental method. Analysis of the data used is descriptive. The results obtained on measurements of pH, TDS, EC, TSS and phosphate, showed that for each measurement there was a decrease in TDS, EC, and TSS after adding sargassum sp. Both activated and not compared with before adding sargassum sp. except in the measurement of phosphate the opposite occurs. For EC the decrease ranged from 34-59%, in the TDS measurement there was a decrease in the range of 14-46%. For the measurement of TSS and phosphate, the reductions ranged from 7-99% and 4-68%, respectively. Based on LHRI Regulation No. 5 of 2014 concerning wastewater quality standards, the highest phosphate level is 2 mg/L, TSS 60 mg/L and pH ranges from 6-9, it means that phosphate and pH still meet the standard while TSS before the addition of biosorbent exceeds the standard but after being added sargassum sp. activated to meet the standard except for the unactivated.

Relationships between Soil Electrical Conductivity and Sentinel-2-Derived NDVI with pH and Content of Selected Nutrients

Site-specific crop management demands maps which present the content of the main macronutrients. Such maps are prepared based on optimized soil sampling within management zones, which should be quite homogenous according to nutrient content, especially the content of potassium and phosphorus. Delineation of management zones is very often conducted using soil apparent electrical conductivity (EC) or other variables related to soil condition, including satellite-derived vegetation indices. In this study conducted in North-Western Poland, relationships between soil electrical conductivity and the satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of various crops (wheat, barley, and rapeseed) with soil pH and content of P, K, and Mg were evaluated. Strong relationships were observed between NDVI of cereals with potassium content in soil. Correlation coefficients for wheat ranged from 0.37 to 0.60 for average potassium content for three years and from 0.05 to 0.63 for barley. Stronger relationships were observed for the years 2018 and 2019 when NDVI was based on Sentinel-2 data, while weaker for year 2017 when Landsat 8 NDVI was used. Relationships between EC and macronutrients content were similar to those observed with NDVI. Satellite-derived NDVI of cereals can be used as a variable for the delineation of within-field management zones. The same relationships were much weaker and not consistent for winter rapeseed.

Municipal-to-Industrial Water Reuse via Multi-Stage and Multi-Pass Reverse Osmosis Systems: A Step from Water Scarcity towards Sustainable Development

Wastewater reclamation is a promising solution to growing pressure on limited water resources. In this study we evaluated the efficiency of boron removal from effluent at a water resource recovery facility (WRRF) using a two-stage/two-pass RO membrane system. We propose using measurements of electrical conductivity (EC) as a proxy for boron concentration. We tested our approach to boron estimation and the proposed split partial second pass (SPSP) system at an established WRRF and a pilot plant we constructed at the same location. Results showed that boron in the effluent was directly related to the concentration of EC. The proposed regression equation (y = 4.959 × 10-5x + 0.138) represents a rule of thumb for wastewater plant operators. The proposed SPSP system was optimized through manipulation of operating conditions, achieving a promising total water recovery of 64% at maximum boron rejection (over 85% removal) in a manner that was both cost-effective and flexible. This study demonstrates that two-stage/two-pass split-partial permeate treatment with a high pH for boron removal offers a sustainable freshwater supply option suitable for use by the semiconductor industry.

Groundwater quality assessments around acassava processing mill on the sedimentary terrain of Ilaro, South-western Nigeria

Groundwater quality assessments were carried out around a cassava processing mill within the Ilaro metropolis, South-western Nigeria using a hydro-chemical approach. Nineteen samples were obtained from proximate water wells which serve as sources of water for drinking, domestic, and irrigation activities. Twenty physicochemical parameters were analyzed, and the results were compared with the permissible limits of the world health organization (WHO) for drinking water. The pH values of the groundwater samples range between 4.60 and 7.65 which were not within the permissible limit and suggest the presence of contaminants in the water samples. The concentrations of electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and total hardness (TH) in the groundwater samples were 100% compliance, while Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentrations in the groundwater samples were 0% compliance with standard permissible limit by WHO. All the Anions (Cl−, HCO3−, NO3−, SO42−) in the groundwater samples were 100% compliance except CO32-which is 79% compliance, and cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+) concentrations were 100% compliance with the standard permissible limits. The concentrations of Fe, Cd, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cu in the samples were 0%, 0%, 31%, 36%, 100%, 100% in compliance respectively with standard permissible limits. The groundwater quality index (GWQI) and contamination index (CI) of the groundwater samples ranges from 527.24 to 699.16 and 24.03 to 38.80 respectively. The values of GWQI and CI of the groundwater samples were 0% compliance with recommended standard permissible limit for drinking and domestic purposes. The samples also showed moderate to high tendencies of aggressively corroding metals. The samples were unsuitable for irrigation and the concentrations of HCO3− and CO32− influenced the suitability of the samples. Strong direct relations exist between carbonate and electrical conductivity indicating freshwater status.

Ameliorative effects of nitric oxide on growth, physiology and biochemistry of chickpeaplants under salinity stress

Salinity is one of the major environmental constraints affecting agriculture in major regions of the world. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) treatments on two chickpea cultivars (Cagatay and Inci) under salt stress conditions. Different NO doses (0. 75 and 100 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP)) as an NO source were applied to chickpea plants grown under saline (presence of 50 and 100 mM of NaCl) and nonsaline conditions. In this study, plant shoot fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll reading value (CRV), relative water content (RWC), electrical conductivity (EC), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), antioxidant enzyme activity [superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX)], K/Na and Ca/Na ratio were examined. Plant growth, RWC, and chlorophyll content were negatively affected by salinity conditions but exogenous NO treatment improved the parameters. EC, H2O2, and MDA content were increased with salinity conditions while exogenous NO treatment decreased the searched parameters. K/Na and Ca/Na ratios were decreased with 50 and 100 mM of NaCl treatments. Although the cultivars response to salt stress is similar in general, Inci cultivars were found to be more sensitive to salt stress than Cağatay cultivar. The present study revealed that the exogenous NO treatment supported chickpea seedlings against salinity stress by regulating uptaking mineral elements, the antioxidant enzyme activity, and RWC.

EXTRACTION METHODS AND ADSORPTION KINETICS OF POTASSIUM IN CALCAREOUS SOILS OF MULTAN

Understanding the dynamics of potassium (K) and its availability is fundamental in its efficient use as an important nutrient. The objectives of present study were to compare standard K extraction methods for extractable K and kinetics of K adsorption on five different textured soils. The soils were analyzed for physico-chemical properties, extractable K contents and kinetics of K adsorption. The soils had variable contents of soluble (8-52mg kg-1), exchangeable (13-215mg kg-1), fixed (488-1836mg kg-1), structural (2936-26362mg kg-1) and total K (3438-28517mg kg-1). Except soluble K, the amount of K in different forms was significantly (P?0.05) correlated with clay contents, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and calcium carbonate in soils. Different methods variated the extracted K in different textured soils. Mehlich-III, ammonium acetate, AB-DTPA, and calcium chloride extracted K was maximum in sandy clay loam (298mg kg-1, 267mg kg?1, 226mg kg-1, and 113mg kg-1) and lowest was in loamy sand (33mg kg-1, 24mg kg-1, 30mg kg-1, and 24mg kg-1) respectively. Elovich and power function models best explained the K kinetics adsorption, as rate of adsorption constants were negatively correlated with sand contents in the soil type. Pearson correlation showed that the extractability of K by different methods and kinetics of K adsorption were dependent on soil texture EC, CEC and calcium carbonate contents. Hence, soil physico-chemical properties should be considered in recommending rate of K fertilization along with crop K demand and soil extractable K.