Global Pollution Index Research Articles

WASTEWATER GLOBAL POLLUTION INDEX AS AN INDICATOR IN ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF THE EFFLUENT FROM THE ARAD MUNICIPAL TREATMENT PLANT

The main aim of the present study was to characterize the quality of the sewage leaving the Arad Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant and highlight the emergence and importance of water reclamation, recycling, and reuse as vital components in integrated aquatic resources management for further reuse. The sewer quality assessment was performed for the period 2018 - 2021. For this purpose, the Global Pollution Index (𝐼􀯀􀯉 ∗ ) was used to determine the degree of pollution of the wastewater influent and effluent from the Arad treatment plant during the mentioned period. These results on the quality of incoming and outgoing sewerage can contribute to developing a management plan for protecting and properly managing water resources.

SOURCE RISK ASSESSMENT FOR HEAVY METALS IN SOIL ON THE SITE OF A HYDROCARBON POWER PLANT

The present study aims to assess the soil quality on a hydrocarbon power plant site in Arad, Romania. It investigates the evolution of heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr) to establish source-related risks. For this purpose, the Global Pollution Index (GPI) was used, calculated for soil sampling points in the licensed area, and the database of monitored indicators was processed. Sampling was carried out annually between 2011 and 2020. An Individual Pollution Index (IPi) was calculated for each heavy metal and reference value, taking into account the Geochemical Background Level (Bi) specific to Romania. The correlation between these indices and the degree of pollution for each soil sample monitored was carried out to the legal provisions. Heavy metal concentrations (Cs, i) were evaluated in relation to the national legislation for less sensitive land use. Finally, the GPI was determined, and based on these values, the overall soil pollution status was assessed. Based on the determined CFi values and the corresponding Toxicity Factors (Ti) of heavy metals, the environmental impact was assessed by environmental risk analysis using the Risk Indices (ERi and R.I.) method. All the analyzed indicators were within the legal limits during the studied period, except Cd, where the alert threshold was exceeded in 2019 and 2020.

Computational study on hybrid air-PCM cooling inside lithium-ion battery packs with varying number of cells

Rising global pollution index, together with transportation vehicles as one of the major contributors, has prompted researchers to focus on clean and renewable sources of energy. Electric vehicles (EVs) with rechargeable lithium-ion battery offer a promising option to develop clean energy vehicles. However, in order to bring off an optimal performance, a specified temperature range must be chosen for the operation of these batteries. Here, we numerically investigated a battery thermal management system (BTMS) utilizing encapsulated phase change material (PCM) combined with forced convective air cooling using the coupled electrochemical-thermal modelling. Commercial SONY 18650 type lithium-ion cells were taken in two arrangements, namely, inline and staggered. PCM encapsulation of thickness 0–3 mm over the cells was used. Broadly, the influence of increasing cell number (N) on the cooling performance and thermal uniformity has been delineated at discharging rates of 1C, 2C and 5C. A scrupulous analysis of temperature and velocity distribution, cell temperature (average and maximum), and thermal uniformity plots have been reported. Typically, for N = 8, a significant reduction of ~33 K in average temperature was seen at 5C discharge rate and air inlet velocity of Uin = 0.2 m/s when only a thin layer (1 mm) of PCM is applied on the cells. Moreover, a simple predictive correlation is established for a priori estimation of the average and maximum cell temperature in the gamut of pertinent parameters. Lastly, for an optimization viewpoint, a comparative analysis of results is presented based on different location of PCM encapsulation.

Distribution of the heavy metals in the soil and water matrix, a space-time overview from a lakes protected area

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of environmental factors of soil and water in a protected area in Romania, namely the Preajba-Facai lake system in Dolj County. Highlighting the evolutionary aspects of the analyzed quality parameters (20 physical-chemical indicators) on a spatial-temporal scale in order to establish geochemical thresholds is the final result of a larger project. The presented results were obtained through seasonal monitoring over a period of 3 years, which involves water and soil sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis. The results obtained were interpreted in relation to the legislation in force and through a more suggestive evaluation by calculating the pollution indices: the global pollution index (IPC) for water and the Nemerov synthetic soil contamination index. Following the field visits, additional information was brought, which contributed to a good knowledge of this region. Although protected, the area is influenced by anthropogenic factors, which negatively impact the environment. In some cases, non-conformities were identified and validated through the analysis performed.

The Content and Sources of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Road Dust of Surgut (Russia)

The chemical and particle size composition of road dust in Surgut, which is a rapidly developing city in Western Siberia, was studied for the first time. Contents of major and trace elements were determined using ICP-MS and ICP-AES, respectively. It was found that the road dust had an alkaline pH (from 7.54 to 9.38) and that the particle size composition was dominated by the 100–250-μm fraction. The contamination assessment based on calculations of the enrichment factor (EF) showed that the road dust was significantly enriched in Sb and Cu and moderately enriched in Zn, Pb, Mo, Ni and W. The sources of these elements are probably associated with the abrasion of car tires and brake pads. Based on calculations of global pollution index (PIr) and total enrichment factor (Ze), the road dust of Surgut was characterized by a generally low level of potential ecological risk, except for stretches of road subject to regular traffic jams, where a moderate ecological risk level was identified. In comparison to the other Russian cities (Moscow, Chelyabinsk, Tyumen, etc.) where studies of road dust composition have been carried out, Surgut had similar contents of Cr and Cu and relatively lower contents of Sb, Cd, As and Pb.

Bluefin tuna reveal global patterns of mercury pollution and bioavailability in the world's oceans

Bluefin tuna (BFT), highly prized among consumers, accumulate high levels of mercury (Hg) as neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg). However, how Hg bioaccumulation varies among globally distributed BFT populations is not understood. Here, we show mercury accumulation rates (MARs) in BFT are highest in the Mediterranean Sea and decrease as North Pacific Ocean > Indian Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, MARs increase in proportion to the concentrations of MeHg in regional seawater and zooplankton, linking MeHg accumulation in BFT to MeHg bioavailability at the base of each subbasin's food web. Observed global patterns correspond to levels of Hg in each ocean subbasin; the Mediterranean, North Pacific, and Indian Oceans are subject to geogenic enrichment and anthropogenic contamination, while the North Atlantic Ocean is less so. MAR in BFT as a global pollution index reflects natural and human sources and global thermohaline circulation.

Sediments quality assessment in terms of single and integrated indices from Romanian MONITOX network (2019 – 2020)

The assessment of sediments quality from Romanian part of MONITOX Network was performed using both single indices - Single Ecological Risk Index (ErMe), Contamination Factor (CF Me), Enrichment Factor (EF Me), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo Me) - and integrated indices - Ecological Risk Index (RI), Global Pollution Index (PLI), Nemerow Pollution Index (PI N), Degree of Contamination (mCd), Probability of Toxicity (MERMQ), Contamination Security Index (CSI) - considering the heavy metals concentrations. The sediments were collected in 2019 and 2020 from 32 sampling points in the system of Danube river – Danube Delta - Black Sea, as follows: Lower Danube RO-BG (1), Lower Danube RO (10), Lower Prut RO-MD border (2), Danube Delta RO-UA border (7), Danube Delta –RO (2), Black-Sea area-RO (10). The selected heavy metals investigated in this work by ICP-MS technique are: Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn. For the evaluation of defined indices, the standard quality levels and background concentrations corresponding to the selected heavy metals were used. At the individual and integrated levels, it was observed an annual decreasing trend. The sediments from the Black Sea area are much less contaminated with heavy metals than those from the Lower Danube (Romania), attributed to the historical pollution resulting from anthropogenic activities. CSI – an index that includes the biological effects – shows values indicating that in 2019 and 2020 the sediments were unpolluted with heavy metals; however, the CSI value for both years (0.402 for 2019 and 0.398 for 2020) is very close to 0.5, the limit which separates the two quality classes/risk levels for heavy metals in sediments - uncontaminated and very low contaminated.

Contribution of the pollution index and GIS in the assessment of the physico-chemical quality of the surface waters of Moulouya River (NE, Morocco)

This study assesses the spatial and temporal physico-chemical quality of the surface waters of Moulouya River based on the global pollution index PI. Several physico-chemical parameters (T°C, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved Oxygen (DO), BOD5, PO43−, NH4+, SO42− and NO3−) were monitored on 66 samples collected in 2014 during three campaigns at 22 stations from the upper reaches in the Upper Moulouya to its mouth in the Mediterranean. The results show that 86.4% of the stations show no pollution and are mainly located upstream of Moulouya river during the three campaigns of 2014 (March–April, May–June and July–August). However, the Zaida (M6), Missour (M12) and Gercif (M16) stations have polluted waters related to the very high levels of ammonium, nitrates, sulphates, phosphates and DBO5, which exceed Moroccan standards and would be related to the anthropogenic impact of agricultural fertilizers and urban and industrial wastes.

Investigations of the Atmospheric Deposition of Major and Trace Elements in Western Tajikistan by Using the Hylocomium splendens Moss as Bioindicators.

The study was performed in a mountainous area of approximately 7000sq.km of Western Tajikistan, i.e., Turkestan, Zeravshan, Hissar, and Karateghin ridges that are characterized by complex geological settings. Moss biomonitoring was used to assess the concentration level of trace and major elements in atmospheric deposition of the study area. Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp. moss was used as biomonitor in this study. 43 major and trace-elements were determined by Epithermal Neutron Activation (ENAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). GIS maps of the 43 elements showed that the distribution of Mo, Cd, REE, Th, and U could be most probably associated with the Odjuk pegmatite field. Zr, Hf, and W contents are significantly increased in the vicinity of the Sarbo River washout while Cr, Co, Ni, and As showed a maximum content near Kanchoch gold field. The global pollution index based on the local content of presumed pollutants Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, and Pb in some places exceeded the threshold limits for a pristine, unpolluted environment. At the same time, the distribution of incompatible Sc, La, Yb, and Th suggested for the airborne material deposited on mosses a continental component, enriched in few places in felsic components.

The concept of sustainability applied to an industrial sludge deposit

The paper presents an environmental impact study in a real case: a landfill containing hazardous substances, held by an economic operator in an area near a city. The sludge storage was monitored taking into account three main impact factors: soil, groundwater and leachate. The actual environmental status of the storage area is assessed by calculating these impact factors before and during ten years of storage and the global pollution index.

Decision-Aiding Transit-Tracker Methodology for Bus Scheduling Using Real Time Information to Ameliorate Traffic Congestion in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal

The bustling urban environment of Kathmandu Valley is characterized by unprecedented traffic congestion. Due to its bowel-shaped geography, gusty winds rarely remove vehicular emissions from the urban atmosphere, making Kathmandu one of Asia’s most polluted cities, 100th city in global pollution index. Over 500,000 vehicles travel daily on over 1600 km of roads covering over 675 sq·km urban area. Thousands of low occupancy vehicles are added each year to the urban public transit system (UPTS). Kathmandu faces worse and unreliable traffic from the current UPTS mostly with low occupancy vehicles. Around 4.5 million urban denizens, both permanent and transient residents, suffer from unreliable UPTS. Traffic rules and daily transportation schedules are rarely followed, resulting in frequent traffic jams and accidents. Once experienced, visitors try avoiding the UPTS. Tourism, annually contributing almost 8 percent to Nepal’s total annual GDP, also suffers from poor UPTS. Planners, policy makers, and politicians (P-actors) are seeking ways to improve sustainable UPTS to ameliorate stresses to family life and working hours for the urban majority. Aiming to help P-actors, we propose a transit-tracker model that uses real time information (RTI) in mobile phones and web-embedded devices to inform travelers, drivers, government authorities, and sub-admins. We argue that unreliability in the UPTS motivates urban elites to add more low occupancy vehicles, which in turn reduces already shrunken urban spaces and contributes more per capita air pollution than multi-occupancy vehicles. Since mobile and smart phones are capable of processing RTI to generate meaningful information and inform various stakeholders in communicable languages, we argue that replacing low occupancy vehicles with multi-occupancy buses within a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, on main roads with fixed schedules and strict traffic rules, would not only improve UPTS, but also reduce pollution in the Kathmandu Valley.

Economic, Energetic, and Environmental Impact Evaluation of the Water Discharge Networks from Mining Works

Sustainable development represents an optimistic scenario for the evolution of contemporary civilization. The object of this paper is to define certain evaluation criteria regarding the performances of water discharge networks from mining works, and propose a method for aggregating the specific indicators for monetary costs, energetic costs, and environmental impact-related costs. The global pollution index (GPI) represents a method for assessing environment health status or pollution levels. The GPI quantitatively expresses this status based on its index, which results from a ratio between the ideal value and the given value of certain quality indices that are considered specific for the analyzed environmental factors at certain moments. The proposed method in this paper tries to perform a synergistic aggregation of the balance sheet of harmfulness and classic balance sheets for matter and energy for an industrial process.

Graphical Methodology of Global Pollution Index for the Environmental Impact Assessment Using Two Environmental Components

One of the applied methods for environmental impact assessment is the index of global pollution (IGP) proposed by Rojanschi in 1991. This methodology enables the global estimation for the ecosystem state affected more or less by human activities. Unfortunately, Rojanschi’s method has a limitation; it can be applied only if at least three environmental components are considered. Frequently, many environmental impact assessment applications rely on analysis of only two environmental components. Therefore, this work aimed to develop a new graphical method to extend Rojanschi’s approach for the case of two environmental components. The proposed method avoids the average value of evaluation grades and uses only the graphical correspondence for calculation of the index of global pollution. A right-angle triangle graph methodology was proposed, where bases represented the values of evaluation grades. Thus, for the case of two environmental components, the index of global pollution was calculated as the relation between the ideal and real ecosystem states represented by the ratio between areas of external and enclosed right triangles. The developed graphical method was tested and validated for real case studies: the environmental impact assessment from a refinery located on the Romanian Black Sea Coast considering Air and Water environmental components and from a coal-fired thermoelectric power plant from Eastern Romania regarding Air and Soil environmental components. In this way, it was provided a reliable and faster tool to be used for the pollution characterization of human-derived chemicals for better decisions in risk management.

Decentralized wastewater treatment systems: Efficiency and its estimated impact against onsite natural water pollution status. A Romanian case study

Abstract The paper proposes discussions of some concrete datasets resulted for three solutions of wastewaters management systems applied in case of a Romanian petroleum chemical company. These management options, differing especially in type (centralized or decentralized system) and wastewaters treatment system, were emphasized, mainly by real datasets on treatment performance, polluting species removals, risk of some residuals in treated effluents and natural watercourse nearby, but also environmental impact assessment, using the alternative methodology of global pollution index (I*GP). Interpreting datasets based on in-time analyzed physical-chemical quality indicators and river characteristics, it was estimated the standard quality classification of receiving watercourse as ‘medium’ (water quality indices, WQI = 55.58 − 67.47), affected more or less by treated effluents discharged in it. The environmental risks of some selected residuals in treated effluents and natural aquatic receptor were assessed by the risk quotient (RQ) which appreciated the risk of residuals toward aquatic life as no to low-medium level, with few exceptions. The impact assessment results conclude an admissible pollution status of natural water receptor due to company wastewaters mechanical–chemical–biological treatment plant activities, in decentralized (I*GP = 1.73) and centralized (I*GP = 1.83) system, but generating discomfort effects to aquatic life due to only mechanical–chemical treatment plant operating in decentralized system (I*GP = 2.205). Direct discharge of un-treated industrial wastewaters had been interdicted. These real results underline that decentralized systems are reliable, qualitatively efficient and costly effective, offering long-term solution, and that all wastewaters management strategies of petroleum chemical company had been adapted to specific on-site functioning situations.

WATER POLLUTION STATUS OF SIRET RIVER IN PASCANI TOWN AREA DUE TO DIFFERENT DOMESTIC AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT ACTIVITIES (WINTER SEASON)

The paper discusses the pollution status in the case of an important NE Romanian watercourse (Siret River) in Pascani town area based on the analysis of some water quality indicators (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, organics (COD and BOD5), conductivity, fixed residues, nitrogen-based nutrients (N-NH4+, N-NO3-, N-NO2-), phosphates, total phosphorus (P), total calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), iron (Fe2+, Fe3+), turbidity and suspended solids content) measured at three local strategic control sections, in the winter season (January-February) of 2013 and 2014. The final results classify the water quality of the Siret River in Pascani town area as medium to good (i.e. calculated standard water quality indices WQI, varying between 63.20 to 72.62 in 2013, and between 53.92 to 76.54 in 2014). The evaluation score (ES) for water quality corresponded to values between 6.28 to 6.57 in 2013, and 5.69 to 6.88 in 2014. The real pollution status of the Siret River is estimated by the global pollution index (I*GP), giving values in the range of 2.32 - 2.53 (2013), or 2.11 - 3.09 (2014), which indicate an aquatic environment modified by domestic and urban wastewater treatment activities, generating discomfort effects for different life forms (especially, daphnia) or human health . It is recommended that continuous monitoring of the Siret River water quality to be undertaken, and the implementation of preventive control and remediation actions (periodic cleaning/sanitation services) in order to perform at least good water quality until 2015 - 2018, at all strategic control sections. Overall, the water quality of the Siret River in Pascani town area was found as improving, and the standard European quality classification target of good was partially attained in some control sections in winter season of 2013 - 2014. Key words: global pollution index, natural water pollution status, quality indicator, standard quality classification, Siret River, wastewater treatment plant

EVALUATION OF WATER POLLUTION STATUS IN BAHLUI RIVER (IASI TOWN AREA) DUE TO DOMESTIC AND URBAN WASTEWATER TREATMENT ACTIVITIES

This study presents some data about the water pollution status of Bahlui river in Iasi town area (two control sections) mainly due to domestic and urban wastewater treatment activities, considering especially some quality indicators (i.e.<em> </em>nitrogen-based nutrients, total phosphorus and sum organics content) evaluated for 2009-2010. The Bahlui water classification by European standards in Iasi town area corresponds to ‘medium’ (WQI = 53.893 - 64.345). The real water pollution state of Bahlui river (Iasi town area) is estimated by the global pollution index (<em>I<sup>*</sup><sub>GP</sub></em>), and corresponds to values of 2.80-2.929 (Valea Lupului-Iasi control section), and 3.030-3.196 (Holboca control section, i.e. downstream of Dancu wastewater treatment plant). These values are indicating an aquatic environment modified by domestic and urban wastewater treatment activities, generating discomfort effects, or producing stress against aquatic life forms. These data are recommending application of hydro-ameliorative/remediation actions, and permanent control of Bahlui watercourse quality in all existing control sections.

EVALUATION OF WATER POLLUTION STATUS IN BAHLUI RIVER (IASI TOWN AREA) DUE TO DOMESTIC AND URBAN WASTEWATER TREATMENT ACTIVITIES

This study presents some data about the water pollution status of Bahlui river in Iasi town area (two control sections) mainly due to domestic and urban wastewater treatment activities, considering especially some quality indicators (i.e. nitrogen-based nutrients, total phosphorus and sum organics content) evaluated for 2009-2010. The Bahlui water classification by European standards in Iasi town area corresponds to ‘medium’ (WQI = 53.893 - 64.345). The real water pollution state of Bahlui river (Iasi town area) is estimated by the global pollution index (I*GP), and corresponds to values of 2.80-2.929 (Valea Lupului-Iasi control section), and 3.030-3.196 (Holboca control section, i.e. downstream of Dancu wastewater treatment plant). These values are indicating an aquatic environment modified by domestic and urban wastewater treatment activities, generating discomfort effects, or producing stress against aquatic life forms. These data are recommending application of hydro-ameliorative/remediation actions, and permanent control of Bahlui watercourse quality in all existing control sections.

Effects of air pollution for estimating global solar radiation in India

Solar energy is the primary resource for all biological, chemical and physical processes. The amount of global solar radiation is an important parameter for solar energy applications. It is common to estimate a monthly average of daily global solar radiation using different regression models. These models in turn exploit the correlation between solar radiation and various atmospheric factors. These factors are commonly derived from meteorological, geographical and climatological data that are readily available for majority of weather stations across the world. In this paper, a novel regression model that can predict location-independent daily global solar radiation is presented. The proposed exponential quadratic model captures the correlation between measured global solar radiation values, sunshine hour and Air Pollution Index for Indian cities. In addition to this, an extended study of several other regression models (e.g. linear, quadratic, exp.-linear and exp.-quadratic) is also presented. This analysis with real data from Indian cities suggests that air pollution is a more significant factor than location when predicting solar radiation. Finally, the model parameters (regression coefficients) for each model are listed out. Additionally, the generalised model equation for the best performing model is also presented.

Methodological Limitations of Determining Global Pollution Index as a Tool for Environmental Impact Assessment and a Proposed Extension

In Global Estimation Methodology for the Ecosystem State, Rojanschi (1991) used the geometric correlation method to assess the impact of human activity on environment and derived an indicator termed as Global Pollution Index (I_pg). The index is capable of describing the real state of environment at a particular location in respect to the national or international standard. However the method is only applicable when at least three environmental components (such as water, air, soil) are considered. In 2005 Popa proposed Alternative geometric correlation method which is also applicable when minimum two environmental components are investigated. However Popa’s method suffers from the limitation of taking average of average values of investigated data and lack geometric figure which show the real status of all the corresponding environmental components. Hence in several cases (as shown in the current paper), the Popa’s pollution index gives misleading information. In this paper, limitations of both Rojanschi’s and Popa’s methods are discussed and to rectify their limitations, a new scheme termed as ‘Extended Rojanschi’s Method’ is proposed. The proposed method includes concentric/eccentric circle technique for one and two environmental components in addition to the basic Rojanschi’s method. Thus the new method is applicable to any number of environmental component from literally one to infinite. It also provides an option to calculate pollution index from actual investigated data instead of their average value (as in Rojanschi’s method) or average of average value (as in Popa’s method). In proposed method the geometric figures are also capable of representing real status of all the investigated environmental components in respect to their ideal state (which is impossible in Popa’s method) and pollution index can be calculated even from one or two environmental component (which is impossible in original Rojanschi’s method).

Control Study of Siret River Quality in Pascani County Area and Estimation of Its Pollution Level

Abstract The study presents some authors’ experimental results for determination of some quality indicators (few general, specific and toxic physical-chemical indicators) analyzed at the beginning of summer season (June, 2013), in three control sections of Siret River in Pascani town area (i.e. Lunca-Pascani entrance, 1 km-upstream, and 1 km-downstream of Pascani bridge, respectively). The real pollution status of Siret River in Pascani town area is also estimated by the global pollution index (I* GP), and corresponds to values between 3.215-3.891 indicating ‘an aquatic environment modified by domestic and economic activities alongside the river with generation of stress effect against life forms’.