Grab Sampling Method Research Articles

Assessment of residual pesticides and other organic pollutants using passive samplers in Can Tho River, Vietnam, and Cagayan de Oro River Basin, Philippines

Agriculture-dependent developing Southeast Asian countries need to assess residual pesticides in receiving water from agricultural runoff as one of the basis for the establishment of baseline data. Monitoring residual pesticides in surface water is challenging due to pesticides’ irregular/intermittent emission and low solubility in water. To address the challenge of pesticide assessment, passive samplers composed of silicon rubber sheets (SR) and speedisk (SD) were used to capture hydrophobic and hydrophilic organic pesticides and other organic pollutants, respectively. Samplers were submerged uninterruptedly for at least 30 days in three selected sites in Can Tho River, Mekong Delta, Vietnam, and Cagayan de Oro River Basin, Philippines, for 2 years. Passive samplers (SR spiked with 232 pesticides) captured 83 and 69 residual pesticides at concentrations of ng/L levels in Vietnam and the Philippines, respectively, which is unattainable through conventional grab sampling methods. Trace concentrations of banned compounds such as OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs were also detected at pg./L levels. The success of this alternative methodology can be attributed to the combination of passive samplers tailored for nonpolar (water-insoluble) and polar (water-soluble) organic contaminants coupled with sensitive analytical instruments, including GCMSMS and LCMSMS.

Pengaruh Waktu Aerasi terhadap Peningkatan Efisiensi Penghilangan Amonia di Air Lindi pada Sistem Ammonia Stripper

Talang Gulo Final Disposal Site (FDS) has a Leachate Treatment Plant (LTP) equipped with denitrification and nitrification facilities which function to reduce the concentration of ammonia (NH3) in leachate according to predetermined environmental quality standards. Research samples were taken in the form of leachate using the grab sampling method in accordance with SNI 6989.59:2008. The results of the research showed that the aeration time for the ammonia stripper of 3 hours, 6 hours and 12 hours both gave the highest value for the ammonia stripper efficiency percentage variable. The highest ammonia removal efficiency is aeration time of 12 hours. However, if we look at the operating efficiency of the ammonia stripper, the removal of ammonia by using an aeration time of 12 hours does not provide a significant improvement when compared to a treatment with an aeration time of 6 hours. This means that the operating time is 6 hours faster, the 6 hour variation can provide an ammonia removal efficiency of more than 90%

The Potential of Spring Water Analysis for Drinking Water at Ujung Gagak Village, Kampung Laut Subdistrict, Cilacap Regency

Limited clean water is the main problem in Ujung Gagak Village. The community can use no groundwater because the water is brackish and salty, which is unsuitable for daily activities. This study aims to analyze the potential of the Karang Cave spring to be used as drinking water. This spring plays an important role in the life of the people of Ujung Gagak Village when the dry season arrives. Using the grab sampling method, raw water sampling at the Karang Cave spring. Pollution Status Index (IP) quality of 5.08 is included in the moderately polluted category. Then, raw water samples are taken and processed in the Reverse Osmosis (RO) system. Parameters that exceeded the quality standard were total coliform of > 24,000 CFU/100ml, salinity parameter of 0.33‰, turbidity of 1.98 NTU, and hardness of 320 mg/L. However, treating it in an RO system for drinking water is necessary. Laboratory test results for water quality after processing, several parameters experienced a significant decrease, for the parameter salinity to 0‰, turbidity to 0.74 NTU, and hardness to 99 mg/L, total coliform decreased by 108 CFU /100ml. The results showed that the RO system succeeded in removing salt up to 99.5% and reducing the Concentration of turbidity, hardness, and total coliform. It is suitable for drinking water, but if you want to drink it immediately, you can cook it first, considering that the total coliform is still above the required quality standard.

KAJIAN DAYA TAMPUNG BEBAN PENCEMAR SUNGAI CIUJUNG KABUPATEN SERANG PROVINSI BANTEN

This Final research was conducted in Ciujung River where this research was conducted in Serang Regency with its head in Nagara Village, Serang Regency, and downstream in Tirtayasa Village, Serang Regency. The research was conducted for 3 months from October – December 2022 starting from 09.00 – 12.00 and continuing from 12.00 – 13.45. The purpose of the study is to identify and determine the sources of pollution that have the potential to pollute the Ciujung River, analyze water quality, water quality status, and pollutant levels in the Ciujung River, and analyze the carrying capacity of polluter loads in the Ciujung River. And analyze the burden of pollutants in the Ciujung River. The length of the Ciujung River studied is 31.3 km. The parameters used for this study are pH, Temperature, DO, BOD, COD, Nitrate, Phosphate, and Total Coliform. The method used in identifying the source of pollution contained in the Ciujung River is carried out by conducting field observations and taking samples of Ciujung River water. Sampling in the Ciujung River was carried out by the grab sampling method. which is done at 6 sampling points. Analysis of river water quality was carried out at the Trisakti University Laboratory. The results of the analysis are then compared with the quality standards of PP No. 22 of 2021 in Attachment VI. Water Quality Status is calculated by the Polluter Index method. Nonpoint sources of pollution are dominated by residential areas, stalls, garbage, shops, mosques/prayer rooms, schools, and markets. Point sources of pollution are obtained from industrial areas. Measurement of river characteristics is carried out in October, November, and December by measuring distance, width, depth, cross-sectional area of the river, river speed, and river discharge. The results of the analysis of water quality in the river stated that for phosphate parameters almost all exceeded quality standards due to domestic waste from the environment, the runoff of agricultural fertilizers, livestock waste, and very high industrial activities. The BOD parameters at point 2 and point 5 exceed the quality standards due to the content of organic waste. The load capacity of BOD pollutants is 3.64 kg/day – 20.20 kg/day, COD is 42.63 kg/day – 144.22 kg/day, Nitrate is 1.67 kg/day – 3.47 kg/day, Phosphate 0.79 kg/day – 3.11 kg/day, Total Coliform is 8694.19 kg/day – 33042.56 kg/day. BOD Pollution Load of 314.26 kg/day- 1744.99 kg/day COD of 2365.46 kg/day - 12460.37 kg/day Nitrate of 144.55 kg/day- 423.16 kg/day Phosphate of Total Coliform of 454133.37 kg/day – 2854876.86 kg/day.

Identification and characteristic of microplastics in sediment and macrozoobenthos of upper Citarum River

Article about the microplastic content in The Citarum River as the most critical aquatic ecosystem in West Java Province. The research was conducted in 2020, during the pandemic situation. Citarum River is the most polluted water due to anthropogenic activities, such as industries, agriculture, and domestic. Monitoring the water quality of the Citarum River to emerging pollutants is becoming an important issue, since the vital role of Citarum River in supporting the livelihood. Microplastic pollution is one of the emerging pollutants, and this study aims to characterize the microplastic particles in sediments and macrozoobenthos found in the upper Citarum River and identify the source of their pollution source. The sediment and macrozoobenthos are samples using the grab sampling method. Microplastic identification is carried out by Fenton’s oxydation method. The result shows that macrozoobenthos species are only found at the Wangisagara sampling station, indicating that the Upper Citarum River is already polluted in some sampling locations, especially downstream. Microplastic particles are found in all sediment samples with an average microplastic concentration of 15.7 particles / 100 g of wet sediment. The highest concentration of microplastics is found at the Nanjung sampling station. The potential sources of microplastic pollution in the Upper Citarum River are the textile industry activities and the accumulation of plastic waste. The types of microplastic particles identified in the Upper Citarum River are fibers and fragments with a predominantly size of 1001 - 5000 µm

Analisis daya tampung beban pencemaran sungai bedadung Jember menggunakan software wasp

The distribution of pollution sources from domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities has the potential to reduce the water quality of the Bedadung River, thereby negatively impacting its self-purification. The aim of this research is to model the parameters, specifically the values of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solid (TSS), and to determine the river's capacity to carry the pollution load using the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP). The input parameters for this study include BOD, TSS, and water discharge data collected at 21 monitoring points along the Bedadung River, with the river water sampling technique employing the grab sampling method. The output validation of the modeling is assessed using the Root Mean Square Error (RSME) equation, and the research results indicate that the water quality modeling with WASP software effectively reflects the dynamics of BOD and TSS parameters in the Bedadung River, as supported by an average output validation value of 9%. The pollution load capacity values for the Bedadung River in the Patrang - Ajung segment are found to be 361.48 kg/day for BOD and 5368.31 kg/day for TSS. The positive values suggest that the Bedadung River still has the capacity to naturally degrade organic pollutants.

Analysis of pollutant index in Gunung Putri Pond, West Java Province, Indonesia

Gunung Putri Pond is one of the lakes in Bogor Regency that functions as water reservoir, agricultural irrigation, fisheries activities, which has an area of 120,645 m2 and a depth ranging from 0.5 to 1.7 m. Gunung Putri Pond is surrounded by residential areas, agricultural land, and several industries which discharge their waste into the lake’s water bodies, including the motorcycle manufacturing industry, industrial equipment suppliers, the automotive industry, and construction companies which directly or indirectly pollute the waters of the lake. The aims is identify pollutant sources that have the potential to pollute waters, analyze water quality, and quality status for Gunung Putri Pond. The research was carried out in March 2023-July 2023. Water sampling was carried out at 6 points using the grab sampling method. The parameters analyzed in this study were temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Nitrate (NO3-N), Phosphate (PO4), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb) and E. coli. The results of water quality Gunung Putri Pond for parameters COD, Fe, Pb and E. coli exceed the quality standards of Government Regulation No. 22 Year 2021 Class 2. The water quality status of Gunung Putri Pond used Pollutant Index (IP) method with an average value of 2.78, which is lightly polluted category.

A SERS Responsive DGT Sensing Device for On-Site Determination of Organic Contaminants Underwater.

Although diffusion gradient in the thin-film technique (DGT) is highly regarded in environmental analysis, the traditional DGT devices cannot serve as sensing devices but in situ sampling devices. Here we report a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) responsive DGT sensing device (SERS-DGT Sensor) capable of on-site determination of organic contaminants underwater. This is achieved by innovatively utilizing a SERS responsive liquid suspension of Au nanoparticles supported on graphene oxide (AuNPs@GO) as the DGT binding phase. Liquid suspension is synthesized via a combined secondary growth and molecular welding approach and used as DGT binding phase AuNPs@GO exhibit good SERS activity, aqueous stability, and adsorption performance. Based on the development time range of 24-144 h, the measurement of sulfadiazine (SMT) by SERS-DGT Sensor is evaluated in the concentration range of 0.3289-2631 ng mL-1. The SERS-DGT sampler is valid for measuring SMT under a wide range of environmental conditions (i.e, pH 5-9, ionic strength 0.0001-0.05 mol L-1 NaCl, DOM concentrations 0-100 mg L-1, the values of TC: SMT ≤ 20 and MNZ: SMT ≤ 20). SERS-DGT Sensor is applied to the practical test of SMT content in pig breeding wastewater, and compared with the grab sampling method, the results confirm that this novel hyphenated technique exhibits good accuracy and precision. The platform proves to be versatile by extending the method to the monitoring of rhodamine 6G, metronidazole, fluoxetine, and enrofloxacin. In this article, SERS-DGT Sensor, a platform for directly on-site sensing of organic DGT, holds great potential for in situ sampling and on-site sensing for a wide range of organics and provides a new idea for environmental monitoring.

Determination of The Water Quality Status of The Kalimalang River In Telaga Murni Recidence, Bekasi District

The behavior of the people around the riverbanks, such as throwing garbage directly into the river body, and the river's proximity to steel-producing companies impacts river water quality. This research aims to determine the Kalimalang River water quality status in Telaga Murni housing. The sampling method used in this study is the Grab Sampling method with a combination of Purposive Sampling, which is taken from the most polluted points so that it is expected to obtain river water samples that best follow the conditions of river water quality from upstream to downstream. From the results of laboratory tests & calculations using the Storet method and Pollution Index, river water in Telaga Murni housing is classified as heavily polluted. The Phenol and Total Coliform values exceed the quality standards indicating contamination from domestic and industrial wastewater.

Pollutant Burden on Pollution Sources in the Wai Batu Merah Watershed, Sirimau District, Ambon City

This study aims to identify sources of pollution and determine the magnitude of the potential pollution load from pollutant sources in the Wai Batu Merah watershed, Sirimau District, Ambon City. The method for identifying sources of pollution is carried out by using saturated or census sampling methods, calculating pollutant loads using direct methods for point source pollutant sources and indirect methods for non-point sources . The direct calculation method uses wastewater discharge data and the results of wastewater quality analysis results from measurements directly at the point source pollutant wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The wastewater sampling technique uses the grab sampling method. While the indirect method uses effluent factors and supporting data from non-point source pollution sources that have been identified in the Wai Batu Merah watershed. The results showed that the pollutant sources found in the Wai Batu Merah watershed were point sources originating from hotel and health facility activities and non-point sources originating from domestic activities from residential areas, agricultural and livestock businesses, non-point source land (forest and open land), micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), small scale industries and waste. The dominant pollutant source in the Wai Batu Merah watershed comes from domestic non-point sources. The highest point source pollution loads for BOD, COD and TSS parameters in the Wai Batu Merah watershed came from hotel activities in segment 6 with the contribution of each parameter of 17.82 kg/day, 23.82 kg/day and 0.029 kg/day. Meanwhile, the highest non-point source pollution load for BOD, COD and TSS parameters came from non-point source waste in segment 6 with the contribution of each parameter of 2825.3 kg/day, 3884.8 kg/day and 2684.03 kg/day.

Effect of Nutrient Element and Leaf Cutting Year on Tea Quality At Unit Perkebunan (UP) Tambi Wonosobo

This research was conducted on the tea plant which has the scientific name Camelia Sinesis L at the Tambi Plantation Unit (UP) located in Tambi Village, Kejajar District, Wonosobo Regency. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of soil nutrients and the year of cut on the quality of tea leaves at UP Tambi. The flow of thought in this research, where after taking soil samples and leaf samples at the Tambi Wonosobo Tea Plantation Unit with the 4th cutting year (2018) and the 2nd cutting year (2021) then proceed with laboratory testing to determine nutrient content soil and substance content of tea leaves to measure the quality of tea plants. The sample for this study was taken using the instant sample method (Grab Sample), where the samples were taken directly from the soil body at a predetermined location with a depth of 20 cm from the soil surface, while the leaf sampling also used the Grab Sample method. The results of this study showed that the Correlation Test found that the content of Polyphenols, Catechins (EGCG), Flavonoids, and Caffein was influenced by soil nutrients pH, C org, N, available P2O5, P2O5, K2O, CaO, Ca, and Mg, meaning that there the effect of soil nutrients on the quality of tea leaves in the Tambi Plantation Unit (UP), Furthermore, there was no effect of the year of cutting on the quality of the tea leaves as shown by the results that in the 4th cutting year (2018) and the 1st cutting year (year 2021)

Determination of the Isotopic Composition of Aqueous Mercury in a Paddy Ecosystem Using Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films.

Measuring the isotopic composition of Hg in natural waters is challenging due to the ultratrace level of aqueous Hg (ng L-1). At least 5 ng of Hg mass is required for Hg isotopic analysis. Given the low Hg concentration in natural waters, a large volume of water (>10 L) is typically needed. The conventional grab sampling method is time-consuming, laborious, and prone to contamination during transportation and preconcentration steps. In this study, a DGT (diffusive gradients in thin films) method based on aminopropyl and mercaptopropyl bi-functionalized SBA-15 nanoparticles was developed and extended to determine the concentration and isotopic composition of aqueous Hg for the first time. The results of laboratory analysis showed that Hg adsorption by DGT induces ∼ -0.2‰ mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) and little mass-independent fractionation (MIF). The magnitude of MDF exhibits a dependence on the diffusion-layer thickness of DGT. Since Hg-MDF can occur in a broad range of environmental processes, monitoring the δ202Hg of aqueous Hg using the DGT method should be performed with caution. Field results show consistent MIF signatures (Δ199Hg) between the DGT and conventional grab sampling method. The developed DGT method serves as a passive sampling method that effectively characterizes the MIF of Hg in waters to understand the biogeochemical cycle of Hg at contaminated sites.

A Novel Suspended-Sediment Sampling Method: Depth-Integrated Grab (DIG)

Measuring suspended sediment in fluvial systems is critical to understanding and managing water resources. Sampling suspended sediment has been the primary means of understanding fluvial suspended sediment. Specialized samplers, sampling methods, and laboratory methods developed by select U.S. Federal Agencies are more representative of river and stream conditions than commonly used grab sampling and total suspended solids (TSS) laboratory methods but are not widely used because they are expensive, time consuming, and not required as part of water quality standards in the United States. A new suspended-sediment sampling method called a depth-integrated grab (DIG) was developed by combining certain elements from both grab and depth-integrating sampling methods and suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) laboratory methods. The goal of the DIG method was to provide more accurate results than grab-TSS while being easier and cheaper to sample than specialized samplers and methods. Approximately 50 paired comparison samples were collected at 9 sites in Minnesota from 2018 through 2019. Results showed no significant difference between the DIG and specialized sampling methods and a significant difference between both methods and the Grab-TSS method. The DIG-SSC provided an improved alternative to the Grab-TSS method, but additional research and testing is important to evaluate if this method is appropriate in different conditions than were observed in this study.

Seasonal variation of Ichthyofaunal diversity and it’s relation with substratum in the River Changa, West Bengal, India

Aim: A survey was conducted at four sampling sites of the River Changa to study the fish diversity in relation to river substratum. The aim of the study was to prepare a check list of ichthyofaunal diversity and their habitat preference guild in relation to sediment type. Methodology: Ichthyofauna was collected from four selected stations at monthly interval with the help of fishermen using gill net and cast net. For the analysis of the riverine substratum, sediment samples were collected from six square inches area at the sampling sites of the river by grab sampling method. The composition of stones, pebbles, sand and mud were evaluated from the sample. Results: A total of 64 fish species belonging to 6 families and 18 orders were recorded. Among which 33 were cold water fishes, 31 were warm water fishes, 28 were rheophilic and 24 were eurytopic fishes. Site 1 and 2 were dominated by rheophilic and cold water fishes and Site 4 was rich in eurytopic and warm water fishes. Cypriniformes was the most dominant order with 42 fish species. River sediment of Site 1, 2 and 3 were dominated by stones, pebbles and sand, while sediments collected from Site 4 was dominated by sand and mud. Cold water and rheophilic fishes were positively influenced by stones and pebbles. Eurytopic and warm water fishes were positively influenced by sand and mud. Interpretation: Cold water and rheophilic fishes were abundant at upstream of the river and eurytopic and warm water fishes were abundant at downstream of the river. Abundance and distribution of fish species depends on the river substratum. Key words: Ichthyofaunal diversity, Rheophilic, River Changa, River substratum

Analysis of the Load Carrying Capacity of BOD and COD Pollutants in The Krukut River

Krukut River is one of the rivers that has an important role to support the activities of the residents of Jakarta City. Krukut River has a length of 44.3 km. In 2015 the Krukut River was the target of a master plan for improving river water quality in Jakarta by Regional Environmental Management Agency (BPLHD) DKI Jakarta but in fact there was a decline in river water quality due to increasing population growth so that monitoring activities are needed. The purpose of the study is to identify the polluting sources of the Krukut River, analyze the water quality of the river, determine the pollutant load. The research parameters used are Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Sampling in the Krukut River was carried out using the grab sampling method in September, October, November 2021 divided into 9 segments consisting of 9 non-point sources and 5 point sources. Non-point sources of pollutants are obtained from domestic waste dominated by residential areas, as well as food stalls, point source of pollutants are obtained from drainage channels, Mampang River, Ciliwung River, Cideng Channel and Krendang River. Pollutant load carrying capacity for BOD and COD concentrations in the Krukut River were respectively 292.896-622.592 kg/day and 2440.8-13521.6 kg/day. The pollutant load for BOD and COD concentrations in the Krukut River were respectively 2601.3-13792.2 kg/day and 3139.1-16542.6 kg/day.

The feasibility of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance using wastewater and environmental sampling in Indonesia.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) surveillance as an early warning system (EWS) for monitoring community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings, where diagnostic testing capacity is limited, needs further exploration. We explored the feasibility to conduct a WBE surveillance in Indonesia, one of the global epicenters of the COVID-19 pandemic in the middle of 2021, with the fourth largest population in the world where sewer and non-sewered sewage systems are implemented. The feasibility and resource capacity to collect samples on a weekly or fortnightly basis with grab and/or passive sampling methods, as well as to conduct qualitative and quantitative identification of SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) using real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) testing of environmental samples were explored. We initiated a routine surveillance of wastewater and environmental sampling at three predetermined districts in Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. Water samples were collected from central and community wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), including manholes flowing to the central WWTP, and additional soil samples were collected for the near source tracking (NST) locations (i.e., public spaces where people congregate). We began collecting samples in the Delta wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia in July 2021. From a 10-week period, 54% (296/544) of wastewater and environmental samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The sample positivity rate decreased in proportion with the reported incidence of COVID-19 clinical cases in the community. The highest positivity rate of 77% in week 1, was obtained for samples collected in July 2021 and decreased to 25% in week 10 by the end of September 2021. A WBE surveillance system for SARS-CoV-2 in Indonesia is feasible to monitor the community burden of infections. Future studies testing the potential of WBE and EWS for signaling early outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 transmissions in this setting are required.

The Investigation on Mineral Wool Performance as a Potential Filter to Remove TSS in Cikapayang River, East Jawa, Indonesia

Mineral wool has been used as a filter medium that reaches approximately 95% removal efficiency of total suspended solids (TSS) on a laboratory scale. However, there is no research available has been applied on a larger scale. Hence, this study investigated the ability of mineral wool to remove TSS in two separate segments of the Cikapayang River at different seasons. This analysis utilizes a mineral wool type I, with a dimension of 180×30×120 cm placed in segment 2, and a mineral wool type II with a dimension of 325×30×100 cm placed in segment 9. Samples were taken using the grab sampling method to analyze the TSS concentration before and after being filtered by mineral wool. This investigation concluded that mineral wool could reduce the TSS concentration by up to 65%, and the removal capacity increased by about 6.82% during the dry season. The concentration of TSS in the dry season positively correlates with the increase in the removal capacity of the media. Mineral wool of type I in segment 2 had a better removal ability (31.43%) than type II in segment 9 (14.71%). This research shows that mineral wool can be used as a support material in sanitation sites in large cities experiencing quality degradation in their water bodies.

Assessment of soil quality at selected sites around Karwi town, Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh), India

Every living organism on this planet prioritises food. Sustainable crop production is the need of the present hour to fulfil the basic needs of the large population of the country. The production of any crop, along with many other factors, largely depends on the soil quality of the area. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to ascertain the quality of the soil in the study area. To fulfil the aim of the present study, four sites {Karwi Mafi (SS-1), Karwi (SS-2), Amanpur (SS-3), and Narainpur (SS-4)} were selected around Karwi town, Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh), India. The soil samples were collected from the selected sites following the Grab sampling method for 12 months (January 2021 to December 2021). A total of 80 soil samples were collected and analysed for various physical parameters, primary and secondary nutrients, micronutrients, and heavy metals. The results obtained showed that soil moisture ranged from 44.56% to 48.12%. Among all the four sites, the soil quality of SS-03 (pH=6.79±0.03) was observed to be slightly acidic in nature. Phosphorous ranged from 48.10 to 56.53 mg/kg. Similarly, all other studied primary and secondary nutrients were observed in sufficient quantity at all the study sites. The concentration of all the studied micronutrients (Cd, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe) ranged from 0.95-1.31 mg/kg, 4.39-5.23 mg/kg, 2.47-3.62 mg/kg, 14.29-21.42 mg/kg, and 4.83-6.01 mg/kg, respectively. Chromium ranged from 0.96 to 1.58 mg/kg. On the basis of the present study, it can be concluded that the quality of soil in the study area is in good condition. The findings of the present study are important as they reveal the soil quality of pure residential and agricultural areas without any anthropogenic or natural dumping of solid or liquid waste.

Interdisciplinary approach to determining the use of drugs of abuse in wastewater using a survey and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

(a) To use a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the analysis of drugs of abuse in wastewater in Botswana. (b) To explore the knowledge of the BIUST community on the use, disposal, and fate of medicinal and illegal drugs in wastewater using a survey. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is increasingly becoming an alternative method for estimating drug usage and consumption in a population. The data obtained through WBE on drug usage and consumption is near real-time and it allows analysts to monitor current patterns and trends in novel psychoactive substances, illicit drugs, and therapeutic compounds. WBE can be complemented with other conventional methods to obtain data on drug use and abuse such as survey questionnaires. The survey is administered in communities where wastewater samples are collected. The data obtained through the two means are compared and a correlation is established if any. Through survey responses, researchers can obtain the demographic information of participants, frequency of use, and mode of administration of drugs. Twenty-two influent wastewater samples were collected at five wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Botswana between July 2019 and October 2019 using the grab sampling method. Solid-Phase extraction with Strata-X Drug B SPE cartridges was used for sample extraction before analysis by GC-MS. Toxicology checkout mixture (TCM) with 28 analytes, caffeine and ibuprofen standards were used. The online survey questionnaire was administered to the BIUST community between March 2021 and May 2021 using convenient sampling. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The GC-MS method was used as a screening method targeting pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs (opioids, sedatives, stimulants, and hallucinogens). Ibuprofen and caffeine were reliably identified in wastewater samples. The online survey respondents indicated the use of different pharmaceutical drugs such as ibuprofen and panado (acetaminophen). Survey respondents also indicated the use of different illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. For the survey, 80.8% of the respondents used medicinal drugs compared to 15.8% who used illegal drugs. Of the respondents who indicated to have used medicinal drugs, 88.7% used painkillers, while 4.1% used antidepressants. Of the respondents who had used illicit drugs, 94.7% used hallucinogens while only 10.5% used stimulants such as cocaine. All the pharmaceutical and illicit drugs that participants indicated to have used were targeted in wastewater samples. A GC-MS method was successfully used for qualitative analysis of wastewater samples in which ibuprofen and caffeine were detected. The two compounds were also targeted. Illicit drugs which were targeted in wastewater when TCM was analyzed were not detected. The survey respondents indicated the use of medicinal and illicit drugs with the former being used more. The respondents also indicated that leftover/expired medicinal/illicit drugs are thrown in the litter bins or flushed down the drain. Most respondents are aware of the fate of the drugs in wastewater. The survey results do not correlate with the analytical results as the drugs in the survey answers were not detected in wastewater from BIUST, although ibuprofen was detected in other wastewater samples used for this research. Ibuprofen, a common pharmaceutical and caffeine, were detected in wastewater collected for this research using a screening method. With further refinement, this method can be used to monitor weekly, monthly, or seasonal variations in drug use in Botswana. The survey respondents indicated the use of different medicinal and illicit drugs, with medicinal drugs being used more. Results obtained from the research will assist stakeholders in Botswana in the fight against drug abuse as they provide information on commonly used drugs, frequency of use, and demographic information of participants.

Characterisation of Laboratory Wastewater for Planning Wastewater Treatment Plants in a University Campus in Indonesia

Numbers of parameters are referenced to determine the characteristics of wastewater. Biodegradability andtoxicity are determined based on the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) to chemical oxygen demand (COD)ratio. Contaminant monitoring in wastewater is an important consideration in choosing among alternativewaste management systems. Information relating to wastewater parameters can be used to improve theefficiency and effectiveness of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). This research focused on identifyingparameter conditions and classifying the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) to chemical oxygen demand(COD) ratio of laboratory wastewater at the University of XYZ, Indonesia. Sampling of laboratory wastewaterfrom two faculties or Department in the University of XYZ the Faculty of Agricultural Technology and theFaculty of Pharmacy, was carried out using a grab sampling method. The wastewater quality parametersof temperature, pH, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), COD, BOD, and heavy metals were observedand the results obtained were compared with quality standards contained in Regulation of Environmentand Forestry Ministry No. 5, 2014. Wastewater characterisation was then identified based on the results ofBOD/COD calculations. The results showed that the quality parameters of pH, BOD, COD, TSS and totaldissolved solids (TDS) in laboratory wastewater exceeded the quality standards set. The BOD/COD ratioof wastewater taken from the laboratory of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology was 0.3 and for thePharmacy Faculty was 0.4, indicating that both were biodegradable. The wastewater treatmentrecommendation was a combination of physical (biofilter) and biological (phytoremediation) methods.The results of this investigation were used as considerations for the construction of a wastewater treatmentplant (WWTP) at the University of XYZ which would meet both aesthetic and environmental requirements.