Industrial Waste Discharge Research Articles

Evaluation of Urbanization Influences on Beach Sediment Contamination with Heavy Metals Along the Littoral Zone of Alexandria City, Egypt

The western coastal area of Alexandria City, Egypt, faces significant environmental challenges due to heavy metal (HM) contamination in beach sediments, driven by intensive urbanization, tourism, commercial harbors, and industrial activities. Therefore, this study focuses on geochemically assessing HM levels in sediment samples from 28 sites and employed various descriptive and multivariate statistical approaches, pollution indices, and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) to identify pollution hotspots, define contamination grades, and assess the quality of beach sediments. The average concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were 25.7, 30, 2.2, 7.5, 2.9, and 8.0 times, respectively, compared to the geochemical background (carbonate sedimentary rocks). et al.-Hanuvil Beach, relatively elevated contents of these metals were recorded. In addition, samples showed Zn levels higher than the corresponding probable effect concentration (PEC) and effect range medium (ERM) values, suggesting adverse impacts on biota. The principal component (PC) analysis revealed the anthropogenic origin of Cd, Co, and Pb in PC1, the mixed origin of Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn in PC2, and the natural source of Fe in PC3. According to the applied single pollution indices, HM contamination grades were ranked in ascending order of Mn < Fe < Cr < Cd < Cu < Pb < Zn < Co. In conclusion, the HMs (Cu, Zn, Cd, Co, Pb, and Cr) in the study area are anthropogenic, attributed mainly to untreated discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater and solid wastes, atmospheric deposition of air pollutants, and tourism activities.

The Role of Environmental Audits in Enhancing Sustainability in Industrial Property Management. Insights From Nairobi County

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is experiencing significant environmental challenges, with pollution levels reaching unprecedented heights. This issue is particularly evident in the Nairobi River Basin, which comprises the Nairobi, Ngong, and Mathare Rivers. The basin is a focal point of concern due to the widespread discharge of untreated industrial waste into its waters. The city's high population density, coupled with the concentration of industries, exacerbates the environmental impact, making Nairobi the most affected region in the country in terms of pollution. Among the various sources, industrial pollution emerges as a major contributor, prompting the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to intervene and hold accountable the industries responsible for these environmental violations. This study set out to analyze the role of environmental audits in the management of industrial properties, focusing on a case study of industrial properties in Nairobi. The research targeted three key industrial areas: Nairobi Industrial Area, Baba Ndogo, and the industries along Nairobi-Mombasa Road. The study's target population consisted of 487 respondents, comprising 440 property managers and 47 NEMA County directors. Using Yamane’s 1967 formula, the sample size was determined to be 211 respondents. The study employed a simple random sampling method for data collection, utilizing questionnaires and interviews to gather information. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 24, and interpretation was guided by a theoretical framework and previous research. The study found that environmental audits significantly enhance industrial performance by improving organizational effectiveness, ensuring regulatory compliance, and boosting competitive advantage. They also raise awareness of environmental impacts, enhance corporate reputation, and provide valuable data for investors. However, challenges such as corruption, regulatory bias, and high audit costs persist. The research underscores the importance of environmental management and recommends that property managers strategically implement audit systems to support sustainable industrial growth and regulatory compliance

ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL ACCUMULATION IN THE STRAITS OF JOHOR: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON WATER, SEDIMENT, AND AQUATIC ORGANISMS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Johor Straits' marine water quality in the vicinity of Kampung Pasir Putih. Aquatic life and aquaculture operations are at risk due to the negative consequences of land use changes and increased discharge of household, agricultural, and industrial waste, as the investigation found. The distribution and concentration levels of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) in crabs, mussels, and sediment samples were particularly investigated in this study. For Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb, the corresponding mean concentration values in the entire body of the crabs and mussels were 60.4 to 256.5 mg/g, 21.8 to 50.3 mg/g, 1.6 to 4.5 mg/g, and 8.2 to 23.7 mg/g dry weight. Zn and Cu continuously had greater concentrations than the other elements, although the distribution patterns of these metals differed between sampling stations. The average amounts of heavy metals in the sediment samples ranged from 17.7 to 147.1 mg/g, 17.7 to 155 mg/g, 2.4 to 5.3 mg/g, and 9.8 to 14.5 mg/g dry weight for zinc, copper, lead, and mercury, in that order. The study showed that when development increases, water quality decreases and marine organisms accumulate more heavy metals. The range of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations, varying from 1.36 to 6.71 mg/L, exhibited a correlation with the accumulation of heavy metals.

Antagonistic effects of Bacillus subtilis-derived chitosan nanoparticles on growth performance, stress biomarkers, and histological alterations of cadmium-intoxicated Nile tilapia fingerlings

Heavy metals including cadmium (Cd) are one of the major persistent and non-biodegradable wastewater pollutants. However, Cd reaches the aquatic ecosystem via industrial and agricultural waste discharges and causes serious deterioration in the welfare status of aquatic animals. The use of feed supplements with immune-stimulants to mitigate the toxic influences of heavy metals including Cd is a much more intriguing point. Thus, the current experiment used the bio-synthetized chitosan nanoparticles derived from Bacillus subtilis (Bs-CNPs) as a feed supplement and evaluated its ameliorative impacts on the growth and welfare status of Cd-intoxicated Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Bifactorial design (3 Bs-CNPs levels × 3 Cd levels) was used in the current study where Nile tilapia fingerlings (58–63 g) were fed on 0.0, 2, and 4 g Bs-CNPs/kg feed alongside with exposing to 0.0, 0.392, and 0.784 mg Cd/L for 60 days to represent nine treatments as follows: T1: control group (no Cd exposure; no Bs-CNPs supplement); T2 and T3: fish were intoxicated with 0.784 and 0.392 mg Cd/L, respectively; T4 and T5: fish fed on 2 and 4 g Bs-CNPs/kg feed, respectively; T6 and T7: fish were fed on 2 g Bs-CNPs/kg feed along with exposure to 0.784 and 0.392 mg Cd/L, respectively; and T8 and T9: fish were fed on 4 g Bs-CNPs/kg feed along with exposure to 0.784 and 0.392 mg Cd/L, respectively. It is noted that the Cd-intoxicated fish exhibited significant retardation in growth performance and digestive enzyme activities with a decline in their survival rate compared to the control group (T1). The results also revealed that exposing fish to Cd toxicity alone with no feed supplement (T2 and T3) experienced abnormal clinical signs and behavioral changes. Compared with the control group (no Cd with no Bs-CNPs), highest values of cortisol, glucose, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, and acetylcholine esterase activity were found in fish fed on the control diet along with exposure to 0.784 mg Cd/L. Higher Cd restudies in liver, intestine, gills, kidney, and muscles tissues were detected in fish exposed to 0.784 mg Cd/L alone and the sequence order of Cd levels in different fish organs is intestine > gills > liver > kidney > muscles. Remarkable pathological alterations in hepatic and intestinal tissues were also observed. On the other hand, feeding Nile tilapia on Bs-CNPs-enriched diets alone with no Cd exposure enhanced their growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and hematological parameters with no Cd residues in fish organs. Interestingly, feeding the Cd-intoxicated fish on diets with Bs-CNPs (4 g/kg feed) returned their growth, digestive enzymes, hematological, and biochemical parameters to approximate those of the control group. Furthermore, these treatments showed histopathological alteration recovery in the intestine and liver tissues is similar to those in the control group (no Cd with no Bs-CNPs). Fish fed on Bs-CNPs levels with no Cd exposure showed no Cd residues in different fish organs. The Cd levels in different organs of fish exposed to 0.392 mg Cd/L along with feeding on Bs-CNPs (4 g/kg feed) were lower than those in Cd-exposed fish treatments. Consequently, the current study evoked that feeding Nile tilapia fingerlings on Bs-CNPs (4 g/kg feed) could enhance their growth performance and protect the fish from the Cd toxicity that may occur in the aquatic ecosystem.

Assessment of heavy metal concentration in the water of major carp breeding River Halda, Bangladesh

Heavy metal contamination in river water is a result of anthropogenic sources like industrial waste, tanneries, used fertiliser, and sewage discharge. Bioaccumulation and toxicity of heavy metals are alarming concerns for the natural carp breeding ground of the one and only river Halda of Bangladesh. Seven heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, and Cr (VI)) were assessed in this study following standard methods by gathering data from 36 sampling points that are situated along the area between the origin of Halda and Kalurghat confluence point of Halda and Karnofuli. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for the measurement of the heavy metals, and the correlation between the parameters was determined using principal component analysis (PCA). The concentration of heavy metals ranged from 0.316 to 3.216 mg/L for Fe, 0.023–0.236 mg/L for Mn, 0.022–0.044 mg/L for Cu, 0.022–0.051 mg/L for Co, 0.002–0.008 mg/L for Ni, 0.037–0.282 mg/L for Zn, and 0.013–0.146 mg/L for Cr (VI), respectively. Cu and Mn values in some points were above the permissible limit, but other metal contents were within the permissible limit.

Evaluating Surface Water Quality of Euphrates River in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf, Iraq with Water Quality Index (WQI)

The present study illustrates the rapid pollution of Euphrates River, inwards Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf governance (Al-Kufa River) in Iraq, which is one of the most important rivers in the region. The river faces formidable pressure due to encroachments, discharge of untreated domestic and industrial waste, drainage water from cultivated orchards, and dumping of solid waste. This study was conducted to assess the temporary and locative organic pollution in the region. Water Quality Index (WQI) of the Al-Kufa river was determined according to the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment (CCME) method by calculating seven parameters (water temperature, DO, COD, EC, TDS, turbidity, and pH) in two sampling stations. Surface water samples were collected in a period of four months (September to December) in 2023. WQI level, correlation analysis between parameters, and Iraqi and CCME drinking water specification standards were employed to classify the surface water status. The results show that the ecological condition can be classified as marginal with WQI= 49 and poor with WQI= 42 in stations 1 and 2, respectively.

Bioremediation of complex contaminated Yamuna River India by using selected cyanobacteria

River Yamuna serves as a major lifeline in Delhi and the people living along its banks rely on it for their livelihoods. However, it faces severe contamination due to anthropogenic activities, such as industrial and domestic waste discharge through various drains. Bioremediation emerges as a promising approach to mitigate such contamination, offering environmentally friendly solutions. This study focuses on the remediation potential of Nostoc, Anabaena, Phormidium, and Oscillatoria, which represent a better solution than traditional wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). BOD (120 ± 4.31 mg/L) and COD (241 ± 5.6 mg/L) were found in water samples collected from the Najafgarh drain at Wazirabad and BOD (90 ± 3.56 mg/L) and COD (180 ± 5.1 mg/L) were recorded in a water sample collected from the Wazirabad wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Phycoremediation analysis shows that Oscillatoria removes 72.4 ± 4.11% of BOD and 63.90 ± 3.67% of COD, while Nostoc removes 59 ± 5.1% of BOD and 68.46 ± 3.87% of COD. In comparison, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) only removes 25 ± 3.12% of BOD and 25.13 ± 2.92% of COD. The biosorption activity showed that Nostoc absorbed a maximum of 3.07 µg/ml (30.7 ± 2.13%) of chromium (Cr (VI)), followed by Phormidium at 2.27 µg/ml (22.7 ± 1.9%) only 3 days of incubation. This is the first study to examine how selected cyanobacteria can reduce pollution in the Yamuna River by treating both drain and treated water. The results show cyanobacteria are better at removing chromium and other pollutants than conventional WWTPs. This highlights the need to combine biological solutions with traditional methods for sustainable river restoration and effective environmental management.

Impact of total phenolic compounds on ecological and health risks of water and sediments from Timsah Lake, Suez Canal, Egypt.

This study aimed to measure spatial and temporal distributions of total phenolic compounds and their ecological and health hazards using UV-vis spectrophotometers as a low-cost, fast, simple method in water and sediments collected from Timsah Lake, Suez Canal, Egypt, 2022. Also, assessing highly adaptive fungal species associated with contamination is designed. Due to human and environmental activities and industrial waste discharges, Timsah Lake is increasingly threatened by all kinds of pollutants. The results indicated that the seasonal concentration means of the phenolic compounds were winter (0.229) > spring (0.161) > summer (0.124) > autumn (0.131) mg/l and winter (3.08) > summer (2.66) mg/g in water and sediment samples, respectively. The result has shown that the phenol concentrations in all stations were more than 0.005 and 0.1 mg/l for Egyptian National Standards and World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water but less than the limits of 1 mg/l for wastewater. Notably, the fungi recorded the highest counts during spring, totaling 397 colonies/100 ml of water and 842 colonies/gram of sediment. Four isolates of fungi were identified and deposited in the GenBank database by Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium roqueforti, and Penicillium rubens under accession numbers OR401933, OR402837, OR402878, and OR424729, respectively. Moreover, ecological risk (RQ) for the total phenolic compounds was > 1 in all investigated stations for water and sediments. The hazard quotient is HQ < 1 in all seasons in water and sediments except winter. The hazard index (HI) in water and sediments for children is higher than for adults. It can be concluded that the low-cost, fast, simple method for determining phenolic content in water and sediment samples, using UV-vis spectrophotometry, was useful for predicting the reactivates of a wide variety of phenol and their derivatives. Furthermore, it can be concluded that Periodic assessments of water quality and strict regulations are necessary to safeguard this vital resource from pollution and ensure the well-being of future generations. Finally, policymakers and water treatment specialists might use the information from this research to reduce these chemical pollutants in Egypt.

Chemical bath assisted construction of CuO/BiVO4 p-n heterojunction photocatalyst for visible light driven rapid removal of MB and Cr(VI)

Nowadays, uncontrolled discharge of industrial wastes containing organic dyes, drugs, as well as heavy metals into the water bodies presents serious pollution of thereby posing threat to the environment. Hence, there is a need to adopt a targeted approach to tackle the matter of water pollution. A method photocatalytic elimination of pollutants using semiconducting materials is a captivating approach. In this study, we report simple chemical bath assisted synthesis of CuO/BiVO4 (CuBi) p-n heterojunction photocatalyst for effective photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. Physico-chemical characteristics of the CuBi composite and its individual counterparts were assessed by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, XPS and UV–visible spectrophotometry. The CuO mico-planks, BiVO4 nanodots and CuBi composite were utilized for the photocatalytic breakdown of MB dye and Cr(VI) reduction. The CuBi p-n heterojunction demonstrated superior efficiency in degrading MB (99 % within 120 minutes) and reducing Cr (VI) (94 % within 45 minutes) when compared with its bare counterparts. Furthermore, repeating recycle studies for MB degradation and Cr(VI) reduction showed minimal loss in performance even after consecutive five cycles on the trot verified the strong photo-stability and reusability of our CuBi composite.

Empirical analysis of the relationship between economic growth and environmental pollution based on VAR model: A case study of Hubei Province China

In this paper, the industrial three wastes from 1992 to 2018 in Hubei Province were collected as environmental indicators, and the per capita GDP was used as economic indicators. The study of Kuznets curve showed that industrial wastewater gradually decreased with economic growth, showing an inverted N shape; Both industrial emissions and solid waste will increase with the growth of per capita GDP, industrial waste gas shows a linear relationship, and industrial solids show an inverted U relationship. Then through the VAR model research, it is found that the response of industrial “three wastes” to per capita GDP growth in Hubei Province is positive in the short term. The long-term response of economic development in Hubei province to industrial waste gas and industrial solid waste discharge is positive and decreasing, but the short-term response to industrial wastewater discharge is negative. The variance decomposition analysis reveals that the primary environmental determinants influencing the current economic growth trajectory of Hubei Province are industrial wastewater, industrial waste gas, and industrial solid waste. Fluctuations in economic growth within Hubei Province demonstrate a stronger correlation with variations in emissions of industrial wastewater and industrial solid waste, while exerting comparatively less influence on changes in emissions of industrial waste gas.

Determination of potentially toxic elements bioaccumulated in the commercially important pelagic fish narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson)

Anthropogenic activities have increased the discharge of marine contaminants threatening marine life. Small gulfs, such as the Arabian Gulf, are vulnerable to accumulating potentially toxic elements in marine species due to slow water exchange. The concentration of 21 elements was determined in the tissues of Scomberomorus commerson from Umm Al Quwain (United Arab Emirates) and Bandar Abbas (Iran). Chromium, Copper, and Iron exceeded internationally established maximum permissible limits. Sites could not be distinguished based on Principle Component Analyses of elements. Elevated Cu and Cr in muscle are of concern to marine species as well as humans. Metal Pollution Index showed a significant difference between sites, with 20.34 % and 100 % of individuals suffering high metal toxicity and poor body conditions, respectively. The Arabian Gulf is experiencing an increase in discharge of industrial wastes. Implementation of strict policies to reduce discharge of toxic substances is required to protect marine organisms and humans.

Physicochemical Analysis of Surface Water in Rohri Canal from Sukkur Barrage to Mehrabpur

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of domestic and industrial waste discharge on the surface water quality of Rohri Canal in the stretch of the canal from Sukkur Barrage to Mehrabpur town. Eight sampling points were selected along the canal focusing on canal locations near major settlements. The parameters studied were temperature, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, total dissolved solids and suspended solids, chlorides, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and E-coli. The average value of BOD and COD at the sampling stations were recorded as 212 mg/L and 423 mg/L respectively, which exceed the permissible surface water limits for drinking and irrigation purposes. The results indicate significantly higher value of BOD in sampling locations where there are major settlements and there is a continuous inflow of untreated sewage into the canal. The pH values at all the sampling sites were found within the drinking and irrigation water quality standards whereas the TDS values at only sampling stations (3 and 4) exceeded these limits. The turbidity values of the samples ranged from 237 to 821 NTU, exceeding the WHO drinking water quality standards for this parameter. The values of the water quality parameters including hardness (range 146 to 300 mg/L), chlorides (range 36 to 103 mg/L) and alkalinity (range 120 to 230 mg/L) were found well below the limits of WHO drinking water quality standards. The turbidity values of the samples ranged from 237 to 821 NTU and exceeded the WHO drinking water quality standards for this parameter. At all the sampling sites located near major settlements low levels of dissolved oxygen and the presence of E.coli were recorded. The results revealed that the continuous inflowing of untreated or un-treated sewage and industrial effluents into the canal has changed its physicochemical and biological characteristics, which make it unfit for human consumption and can have long-term irrevocable ecological threats if left unmanaged

Investigation of Toxic Metals Pollution in Water, Sediment and Fish at Al-Hodeidah city, Red Sea Coast of Yemen

The discharge of industrial waste and sewage is unequivocally the primary cause of toxic metal pollution in the Red Sea. This study centers on the detrimental impact of these human activities on the coastal ecosystem. We did an investigation because there was no available data on the levels of hazardous metals in the Red Sea Coast of Yemen. This study analyzes the average levels of toxic metals - Pb, Cd, Hg, and As - in water, sediments, and various fish organs including muscle, liver, and gill. Acquired from Al-Hodeidah city, situated on the Red Sea Coast of Yemen. Examples of water and debris have been gathered at nine different locations. Four fish species (Lethrinus mahsena, Epinephelus areolatus, Thunnus tonggol, and Sphyraena jello) were acquired from local commercial fisherman in Al-Hodeidah city between 2022 and 2023. Pb, Cd, Hg, and As levels were tested in water at 0.053-0.105, 0.006-0.008, 0.006-0.008, and 0.007-0.009 mg/l respectively. In sediment, the levels were 75.883-77.059, 2.380-2.495, 0.011-0.028, and 0.091-0.109 ?g/g dry weight for Pb, Cd, Hg, and As respectively. Levels of toxic metals in fish tissue (?g/g dry weight) vary as follows: Pb 0.031-0.357, Cd 0.018-0.146, Hg 0.019-0.082, and As 0.044-0.121 ?g/g dry weight in muscle; Pb 0.058-1.466, Cd 0.057-0.700, Hg 0.009-0.044, and As 0.011-0.074 dry weight in gills; and Pb 0.049-0.999, Cd 0.047-0.705, Hg 0.051-0.186, and As 0.065-0.198 ?g/g dry weight in liver cells. Comparing data from local and international studies along with global and local contamination standards, it is clear that pollution concentrations in Yemen are currently lower than the established limits

Assessment of drinking water quality and health risk using water quality index and multiple computational models: a case study of Yangtze River in suburban areas of Wuhan, central China, from 2016 to 2021.

Water quality, increasingly recognized for its significant impact on health, is garnering heightened attention. Previous studies were limited by the number of water quality indicators and the duration of analysis. This study assessed the drinking water quality and its associated health risk in suburban areas of Wuhan, a city in central China, from 2016 to 2021. We collected 368 finished water samples and 1090 tap water samples and tested these for 37 different indicators. The water quality was evaluated using the water quality index, with trends over time analyzed via the Mann-Kendall test. Furthermore, an artificial neural network model was employed for future water quality prediction. Our findings indicated that the water quality in rural Wuhan was generally good and had an improvement from 2016 to 2021. The qualification and excellent rates were 98.91% and 86.81% for finished water, and 97.89% and 78.07% for tap water, respectively. The drinking water quality was predicted to maintain satisfactory in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, principal component analysis revealed that the primary sanitary issues in the water were poor sensory properties, elevated metal contents, high levels of dissolved solids, and microbial contamination. These issues were likely attributable to domestic and industrial waste discharge and aging water pipelines. The health risks associated with the long-term consumption of this water have been steadily decreasing over the years, underscoring the effectiveness of Wuhan's ongoing water management efforts.

Bifunctional hybrid magnetic colloidal clusters for efficient oil sludge recovery

Oil contamination of water bodies due to oil spills, industrial waste discharge, oil leaks, etc. poses a major threat to the quality of groundwater, soil, and living organisms. To combat this issue through effective environmental remediation, efficient and cost-effective materials and innovative strategies are required. Here, we report a novel bifunctional magnetic material for efficient oil sludge removal using superparamagnetic colloidal nanocrystal clusters(BSPM-CNC) of nickel ion doped iron oxide with a shell of nitrogen-activated carboxymethyl cellulose char. The BSPM-CNC is synthesized by using a single-step procedure using water as a solvent. The crystallite and cluster size were tuned by varying Ni2+ ion concentration, carboxymethyl cellulose, and urea ratio. The cluster size was found to increase, when the carboxymethyl cellulose and urea ratio was reduced, due to insufficient stabilization of the capping agent that allowed the formation of secondary structures. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirmed the presence of nitrogen in the shell because of the condensation of OH and carbonyl groups of CMC with amine groups of urea, sp2-type carbon, C-O/N and O-CO bonding states. Laser Raman spectra of the char showed two major bands G and D bands, originating from the sp2 bonds and sp2 microdomains of the bond angle disorder caused by the sp3 hybridizations, respectively. The BSPM-CNC was found to be very efficient for oil sludge removal, where an oil removal efficiency of ∼ 98% was achieved with a cluster loading of 16 mg/L. The mechanism of sorption of oil are π-π interaction between aromatic hydrocarbons and graphitic domains of BSPM-CNC, Lewis-acid base interaction between nitrogenous char and delocalized electron cloud, and absorption into the pores of clusters. Our new approach provides a new platform to produce magnetic nanoclusters for the efficient removal of oil pollutants.

First forensic quantification, source-identification and health risk estimation of volatile organic carbons in the anthropogenically impacted Omi-Asoro Stream in Ilesa, Nigeria

This study quantified the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the Omi-Asoro Stream located in Ilesa town, Nigeria, to understand their sources and health risks to humans. The VOCs were measured in 2023 according to the US EPA equilibrium headspace method using a gas chromatograph (GC) and detected by a flame ionization detector (FID). Their human health risk assessments via ingestion and dermal contact were also estimated. The results showed that dissolved oxygen (DO) ranged 0.5–4.8 mg/L. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) was exceptionally high (March: 181.3 ± 45.5 mg/L; July: 180.7 ± 25.7 mg/L) in the industrial waste discharge area. Twenty-two and eighteen sets of VOCs were detected in March and July, respectively. 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) was the predominant VOC in the stream accounting for 18% (March) and 19% (July). DBCP, 1,2-dichlorobenzene+nbutylbenzene (oDCB+bBZ) and hexachlorobutadiene+1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (HCBD+TCB) were ubiquitous in the stream with 100% detection frequency. Disinfectants/fumigants, cleaning agents, industrial solvents, agrochemicals and plastic materials were the main sources of the VOCs. No individual VOC posed a non-carcinogenic risk (HI) in both months of the study. However, the total HI via ingestion route in March posed a non-carcinogenic health risk to children (HIsum = 1.03). BDCM, TeCA, TCP and pDCB posed a high carcinogenic risk to humans via ingestion with values in the range of (0.00219–5.07) × 10−2 for both months. TCP also posed a high carcinogenic risk (range of 10−4) via dermal contact to humans. The highly impaired water quality of the stream was due to industrial, agricultural and other anthropogenic activities.

Nitrate Contamination of Groundwater in Selected Industrial and Non Industrial Sites, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu: Exposure and Health Risk Assessment

Groundwater resources are essential for sustaining human health, agricultural productivity, and industrial growth. In recent years, anthropogenic influences have caused a sharp decline in ground water quality, which is also having an impact on human health in many parts of India. It is crucial to analyze the risk of contamination to human health and the quality of the water supply. Coimbatore is one of the rapidly growing industrial areas in South India. The industrial areas of ground water have a significant impact on ground water quality due to anthropogenic activities such as discharge of Industrial waste, chemicals and pollutants into the ground which make water unsuitable for human and industrial use. Nitrate is the emerging contaminant which can cause a deadly disease methehemoglobinemia. Hence the present study is focused to analyze the ground water of selected industrial and non industrial sites of Coimbatore city. Nitrate concentration ranged from 32.90 to 88.13 mg/l in the samples industrial and non-industrial sites, and over 37% of both the sites had nitrate levels that above the Bureau of Indian Standards’ and WHO’s acceptable limits (45 mg/l and 50 mg/l, respectively). The USEPA human health risk assessment tool was used to examine the potential health hazards of increased nitrate intake for both adults and children.

Azolla for Water and Land Phytoremediation Against Heavy Metals: A Mini Review

The progressive growth in various industries is followed by products in the form of waste – among them are heavy metal waste such as Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, Zn, and Cu. The substances are often found in the form of pesticide, heavy metal, and radioactive remains, which can degrade water and land through industrial waste discharge. Wastewater management to meet the quality standard as detailed in the Decree of the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Forestry – Republic of Indonesia prior to discharge is a must. Azolla can eradicate heavy metal pollutants thanks to its heavy metal hyperaccumulating ability, allowing it to decontaminate industrial waste, water reservoir, and any water bodies. While Azolla sp. fits for absorbing aforementioned non-essential heavy metal, its employment for controlling iron (Fe) as an essential substance is proven beneficial. In newlyopened rice fields where Fe poisoning frequently occurs due to oxidation-reduction process, rice growth and production is badly affected – applying azolla should not only bioremediate field water, but also contribute organic biomass as well as supply nitrogen while, at the same time, serve as antibiotics to support good rice yield.

Source apportionment, source-specific health risks, and control factors of heavy metals in water bodies of a typical karst basin in southwestern China.

Studying the apportionment of source-specific health risks and control factors for heavy metal pollution in karst regions is crucial for prevention and management. A typical karst basin was chosen in this study to investigate the pollution characteristics of heavy metals, source-specific health risks, and control factors. The results indicate that during the rainy season, As, Cd, and Pb, as well as As during the dry season, were the primary elements responsible for water pollution in the watershed. Comparative analyses showed that the absolute principal component-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model better identifies and quantifies the sources of heavy metals in karst basin waters. The analysis of health risks revealed that during the dry season, heavy metals in the basin posed a moderate cancer risk to adults (10-4 < total cancer risk (TCR) < 10-3), whereas during the rainy season, these heavy metals posed a non-cancer risk (total hazard index (THI) > 1) and a moderate to high cancer risk (10-4 < TCR < 10-2). The APCS-MLR model combined with the health risk analysis showed that Industrial waste discharge sources are the main contributors to the health of basin residents (29.39%-52.57%), making dry season As a non-cancer risk for basin residents, as well as rainy season As and Cd a non-cancer risk and a high cancer risk for basin residents. Therefore, reasonable planning for upstream industrial production should be developed, and priority should be given to monitoring and treating As and Cd pollution in water. Analyses also showed that input pathways, dilution effects, and hydrochemical characteristics may influence the spatial and temporal variability of heavy metals in the basin. The results provide essential information and significant reference for prioritising and managing the health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in water bodies in karst areas.

Assessment of Environmental Pollution in Mahadev Khola, Tarakeshwor Municipality

One of the Small tributaries of the Bishnumati River is Mahadev Khola. It originates from Ale Danda, and downstream, it gets mixed with the Bishnumati River flowing from Tokha. It is 8.9 km in length and its elevation is 2000. The river's physio-chemical and biological characteristics were analyzed to know the river's pollution status. Primary data were collected from field observation and water sample analysis tests, and the secondary data were collected from the Tarkeshwor Municipality. Data analysis was done through MS-Excel. pH, ammonia, phosphate, chloride, hardness, iron, BOD5, and conductivity increase from upstream to downstream, whereas DO decreases. Temperature, turbidity, TS, TSS, and TDS were higher at the middle point than the other two, and coliform was found in the middle and exit points. Among the three segments of the river, the quality of the source point was good in terms of standards for drinking water. The middle and exit points were in medium and lousy condition, respectively.The principal causes of deteriorating water quality in Mahadev Khola are mainly the free and direct discharges of household and industrial wastes into the river and excessive mining of sand from the river bed. Since the quality of the river is deteriorating day by day, it’s the responsibility of the local government and the people to take immediate action for its conservation.