Industrial Discharges Research Articles

Spatial Distribution Patterns, Eco-Environmental Risk Assessment, and Human Health Impacts of Uranium and Thorium in Beach Sediments in the Central Gulf of Gabes (Southern Mediterranean Sea)

This study investigates uranium (U) and thorium (Th) levels in surface beach sediments from the Central Gulf of Gabes (SE Tunisia), aiming to identify concentration zones, geochemical behaviors, and enrichment factors. U concentrations ranged from 0.71 to 38.00 mg/kg, exceeding Th levels, which ranged from 1.00 to 10.60 mg/kg. A positive correlation between U and Th indicates a common source, which is most likely phosphogypsum wastes, and similar geochemical behaviors. The central sector near Gabes’ fertilizer factories showed the highest U and Th concentrations, with factors such as proximity to industrial discharge, port structures’ influence, organic matter enrichment, low seawater pH, and high phosphorus levels affecting the spatial distribution of these elements. Thermochemical analysis suggests that U and Th exhibit parallel chemical behaviors in low-pH, phosphate-rich conditions. This is the first study to document U and Th presence in phosphogypsum-contaminated beach sediments in Gabes, underlining potential risks to the environment and human health. The findings of this work contribute to the international database of U and Th contamination in coastal sediments, providing essential data to support sustainable strategies aimed at safeguarding human health and preserving local environments affected by phosphate fertilizer industry pollution.

Heavy metals pollution in riverine sediments: Distribution, source, and environmental implications.

This research reports heavy metal pollution in riverine sediments from River Kabul, Pakistan, which could endanger human health and ecology via the food web. The results revealed a substantial special variation in the average contents (mg/kg) of chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), and aluminum (Al) in riverine sediments, in the order of Fe (20,234.51) > Al (17,550.86) > Mn (375.45) > Zn (149.08) > Ni (89.11) > Cr (83.36) > Pb (45.29) > Cu (19.86) > Cd (7.48) > Co (6.28) > Hg (0.81). Among the heavy metals, Cd exhibited the highest degree of pollution along the river, followed by Hg > Ni > Zn > Pb > Al > Cr > Mn > Fe > Cu > Co. The overall contamination factor (CF) values for the sum of heavy metals were highest at monitoring site S-9, followed by S-8 > S-10 > S-6 > S-5 > S-7 > S-1 > S-4 > S-12 > S-3 > S-2 > S-1 with pollution load index (PLI) > 1, whereas the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) values of Cd and Hg fluctuated between Levels 3, 4, and 6, suggesting moderate to extreme pollution in the river. The correlation statistics determined the fate and distribution of heavy metals by establishing significant positive correlations between the specific metals of bounded sediments. The cluster analysis separates the correlated metals into Groups A and B, and Groups 1 and 2. While the principal component analysis evaluates the qualitative behavior of clustering by discerning industrial, agrochemicals, mining, and domestic wastewater discharges, leakages of lubricants along with multiple geogenic inputs, erosion of mafic and ultramafic rocks, and minimal atmospheric deposition are all potential sources of Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb, Fe, and Al contamination. In terms of risk, the contaminations of Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, and Pb in riverine sediments were 85, 100, 100, 17, and 11%, respectively, representing a rare biological influence because their value is less than their corresponding threshold effect concentrations (TECs), whereas the levels of Mn, Ni, Cd, and Hg were above their probable effect concentrations (PECs) of 100, 100, 81, and 52%, respectively, representing prominent adverse biological influence. Based on consensus-based TECs and PECs, the contamination levels of Cr, Mn, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb were 100, 85, 83, 19, 48, and 90%, respectively, indicating occasionally exhibited adverse biological effects on the riverine population. Besides, the overall potential ecological risk index (PERI) of Cd and Hg, in particular, exhibited the maximum pollution level ( ≥ 320), suggesting a very high potential ecological risk in the drainage that requires special attention from pollution control authorities.

Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances, and Organophosphate Flame Retardants in the Upper Yangtze River: Occurrence, Spatiotemporal Distribution, and Risk Assessment

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), have raised global concerns due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity. This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the occurrence, spatiotemporal distribution, potential sources, and the ecological and human health risks associated with 18 PFASs and 9 OPFRs in the surface waters of the upper Yangtze River, China. The water samples were collected from the main stream and five major tributaries (Min, Jinsha, Tuo, Jialing, and Wu Rivers) in 2022 and 2023. The total concentration of PFASs and OPFRs ranged from 16.07 to 927.19 ng/L, and 17.36 to 190.42 ng/L, respectively, with a consistently higher concentration observed in the main stream compared to the tributaries. Ultra-short-chain PFASs (e.g., TFMS) and halogenated OPFRs (e.g., TCPP) were the predominant compounds, likely originating from industrial discharges, wastewater effluents, and other anthropogenic sources. Ecological risk assessments indicated low-to-moderate risks at most sampling sites, with higher risks near wastewater discharge points. Human health risk evaluations suggested negligible non-carcinogenic risks but identified potential carcinogenic risks from OPFR exposure for adults at specific locations, particularly in Leshan city. This study highlights the importance of understanding the fate and impacts of PFASs and OPFRs in the upper Yangtze River, and provides valuable insights for developing targeted pollution control strategies and risk management measures.

Presence and sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the three major rivers on Hainan Island.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have attracted considerable attention because of their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation potential. With the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the rapid development of economy, environmental pollution on Hainan Island is becoming increasingly prominent. PFASs have been detected in the seawater and sediments of mangrove ecosystems on Hainan Island. As the receiving water of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and industrial wastewater, rivers are inevitably contaminated by PFASs. However, few studies have focused on PFAS pollution in three large rivers (the Nandu, Changhua, and Wanquan rivers) on Hainan Island. In the present study, the pollution status, potential sources, and ecological risks of PFASs in these three major rivers were explored. Perfluorobutanonic acid (PFBA) (48.7%) was found to be the major PFASs in the surface waters, and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) (19.7%) was the major PFASs in the sediments of the three major rivers. The concentrations of ∑PFASs in the upper-midstream region were low due to minimal human influence and increased in the middle-lower reaches with increasing industrial activity and urbanization, whereas decreased at downstream sites near estuaries where river water was diluted with seawater. WWTP effluent, industrial wastewater discharge, the application and discharge of aqueous fire-fighting foam, storm runoff and landfill leachate were the major sources of PFASs in the three major rivers. In surface water, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) and perfluorooctadecanoic acid (PFODA) posed low-moderate risks at 5.71-85.6% of the sampling sites. PFASs in the sediment posed no ecological risk. This study provides key data regarding the pollution status and potential sources of PFASs in large rivers on subtropical islands.

Liquid crystal sensor for Cr(III)-citrate detection via interfacial coagulation.

Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and its highly soluble carboxyl complexes, often discharged into the environment by industries such as electroplating, leather tanning, and textile manufacturing, present severe risks to human health and ecosystems due to their high toxicity. These compounds are notoriously difficult to detect and remove during wastewater treatment, as they can persist in aqueous environments. Consequently, there is a pressing need for the development of simple, cost-effective, and reliable methods for their detection, which can improve monitoring, facilitate timely interventions, and enhance environmental protection efforts. In this study, we developed a liquid crystal (LC)-based sensor for detecting Cr(III)-citrate in aqueous environments. The sensor utilizes the amphiphilic ligand tributylhexadecylphosphonium bromide (THPB), which is strategically doped into the LC matrix. When subjected to polarized optical microscopy, the THPB-doped LC displayed a transition from a dark to a bright optical state specifically in the presence of Cr(III)-citrate, demonstrating high selectivity over other metal ions, anions, chelating groups and metal-citrate complexes. Comprehensive analyses at both bulk and molecular levels demonstrated that this notable optical transition is facilitated by strong electrostatic interactions between THPB and Cr(III)-citrate, resulting in interfacial coagulation at the LC/aqueous interface. Impressively, the sensor achieved a detection limit as low as 5μM for Cr(III)-citrate in water, significantly below the regulatory limits set for industrial discharge. This work addresses the urgent need for simple, effective analytical techniques to detect and monitor Cr(III)-citrate in aqueous environments without relying on complex instrumentation, making it ideal for a promising tool for on-site environmental monitoring and assessment. It also highlights the broader potential of LC-based sensors for efficient environmental monitoring of other metal ion complexes.

Temporal Variations in Environmental Quality in Kokori-Erhoike Flow Station, Kokori Community, Delta State. Nigeria

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria, characterized by extensive oil and gas activities, frequently experiences gas flaring, a significant environmental concern. This study aims to investigate the temporal variations in environmental quality near the Kokori-Erhoike Flow Station in Kokori Community, Delta State, with a focus on assessing pollution levels in air, water, and soil. Samples were collected from various strategic locations around the flow station, including air, water, and soil samples. Samples were analyzed for a range of parameters including Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), heavy metals (such as zinc, chromium, cadmium, lead, and copper), and physicochemical properties like pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and electrical conductivity. The analytical methods employed included Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) for heavy metal analysis, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectometry (GC-MS) for TPH. Significant findings revealed elevated levels of PM10, and PM2.5 in the air, particularly during the June period, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding WHO limits. Water sample analysis indicated high concentrations of TPH, especially in the June period, with levels rising from 1.67 mg/L to 2.91 mg/L at specific locations. Heavy metal contamination in water samples showed concentrations of lead (Pb) up to 0.54 mg/L and cadmium (Cd) up to 1.42 mg/L, surpassing WHO guidelines. Soil samples also exhibited high levels of heavy metals, with cadmium (Cd) concentrations up to 1.72 mg/kg and lead (Pb) concentrations up to 10.46 mg/kg. Pearson's correlation analysis highlighted strong positive correlations, such as between cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) (r = 0.876, p < 0.01), and zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) (r = 0.821, p < 0.01), suggesting common pollution sources, such as industrial discharges and agricultural runoff. The findings of this study indicate significant environmental degradation in the vicinity of the Kokori-Erhioke Flow Station due to gas flaring activities.

Understanding the Impact of Heavy Metals on the Environment and Human Life in a Non-Perennial River Basin South India – A Multi-Index Geochemical Analysis

In western Tamil Nadu, the Noyyal River basin is the primary water source for agriculture, industry, and consumption. The present research aims to evaluate the quality of surface water and the implications of heavy metal contamination on the surface waters within the Noyyal River basin. The major chemistry of the surface water exhibits the CaMgHCO3 type with dominant silicate weathering. The sodium absorption ratio and sodium percentage show the acceptability of water for irrigation purposes. On the other hand, water quality is unsuitable for human consumption during both seasons. The heavy metal pollution index revealed that 32% of monsoons and 40% of summer locations have a higher index (>100). Hazard index and Probability cancer risk show a higher risk of metal pollution, especially chromium in children than in adults and newborns. Principal component and cluster analysis shows that metals entering the river system mainly through industrial wastewater discharge during summer and monsoon seasons experience significant weathering through rainfall runoff. In essence, the study shows industrial activity plays a major role in increased surface water pollution in the study region with metals causing a major impact on the environment and human health, especially on children compared to adults.

Optimized bioethanol production from Lemna minuta biomass harvested from polluted water via acid and enzymatic hydrolysis

The contamination of water bodies through domestic, agricultural, and industrial discharges remains a critical environmental challenge, leading to eutrophication and harmful impacts on aquatic ecosystems and public health. In response, phytoremediation, which utilizes aquatic plants for pollutant removal, have gained attention. This study investigates the potential of Lemna minuta biomass, harvested from a polluted pond, for bioethanol production. The research evaluates carbohydrate content and explores the efficiency of acid and enzymatic hydrolysis in converting the biomass into fermentable sugars. The study’s findings reveal that Lemna minuta exhibits a carbohydrate content of 36.46 ± 1.69%. Acid hydrolysis demonstrated a high conversion efficiency, with optimal conditions achieving up to 99.20% efficiency and 18.09 g L−1 total reducing sugars. Enzymatic hydrolysis, while effective, yielded lower efficiencies, indicating the need for further optimization. Fermentation tests using Saccharomyces cerevisiae chardonnay resulted in ethanol production of 1.5 g L−1, highlighting the potential of Lemna minuta as a sustainable bioethanol feedstock. These findings highlight the potential of Lemna minuta as a sustainable feedstock for bioethanol production while contributing to environmental remediation, reinforcing its dual role in renewable energy and ecosystem restoration.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risk assessment of some vegetables irrigated with wastewater in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Aim: There is growing concern on the use of contaminated and untreated water from industrial discharge for irrigation during the dry season farming in many parts of northern Nigeria. Industries effluents are among the major sources of heavy metal pollution of water bodies and when used for irrigation could be a source of heavy metal bioaccumulation in crops. This study determined the potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks in both children and adults through the consumption of some vegetables irrigated with polluted water in Bassa, Plateau, and Nigeria. Methods: Four vegetable farms that exclusively use untreated industrial effluents were identified and eight commonly consumed vegetables were sampled for heavy metal analysis using atomic absorption spectrometry. The metals of interest were Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Zn. Results: Concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cr in all the vegetables exceeded the WHO’s permissible limits while Cu and Zn did not. Mean heavy metals in the vegetables ranged from 26.87–33.50 mg/kg (Cd), 4.17–10.90 mg/kg (Pb), 27.00–38.67 mg/kg (Cr), 10.60–24.38 mg/kg (Cu), and 1.77–3.42 mg/kg (Zn). Estimated daily intake (EDI) for Cd and Pb for both children and adults exceeded the oral risk-free dose (RFD) set by US-EPA. However, the EDI of Cu in children exceeds the RFD while the EDI of adults did not exceed RFD. Consumption of all the metal-contaminated vegetables posed a potential non cancer risk hazard index (HI ≥ 1) in both children and adults while the target cancer risks (TCR) were due to ingestion of Cd and Cr in the vegetables with TCR values above 1 × 10–4. Conclusions: This study found that adults and children population in this area are susceptible to non cancer and cancer health risks from the consumption of all the studied vegetables. Screening of industrial effluent should be prioritized and enforced to avoid crop heavy metal bioaccumulation.

Sustainable biodegradation of malachite green dye by novel non-pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa ED24.

Sustainable management of textile industrial wastewater is one of the severe challenges in the current regime. It has been reported that each year huge amount of textile industry discharge especially the dye released into the environment without pre-treatment that adversely affect the human health and plant productivity. In the present study, different bacterial isolates had been isolated from the industrial effluents and investigated for their bioremediation potential against the malachite green (MG) dye, a major pollutant of textile industries. The biochemical and molecular characterization of the bacterial strain showed the resemblance of most potent strain ED24 as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which showed effective bioremediation potential against the MG dye. During response surface analysis (RSM), best MG degradation conditions have been observed at pH 7.0, 37°C, 48h, and 200mg/L dye concentration, with highest degradation efficiency of 96.56 ± 0.8622 percent. Subsequently, supplementing various carbon and nitrogen sources increases MG decolorization by 1 to 2%, with beef extract (97.23%), sodium nitrate (97.46%), and maltose (98.67%). FT-IR results revealed the disappearance of distinct peaks, namely, 3328.275cm-1, 2102.842cm-1, 1101.140cm-1,and 559.04cm-1 from MG, and the formation of major intermediate compounds like leucomalachite green, benzoic acid, diacetamide, benzeneacetic acid, hexyl ester, ethyl 4-acetoxy butanoate, butanoic acid, and 2-methyl in GC-MS analysis of degraded dye sample confirms the biodegradation by bacterial strain ED24. The phytotoxicity studies on mung bean seeds confirmed MG dye toxicity reduction up to 67.53%, 54.16%, and 67.53% in biomass accumulation, root, and shoot lengths, respectively. Also, the microbial toxicity of MG was completely reduced on soil microflora Bacillus flexus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Alternaria spp.The dual mitigation, both in microbial and plant systems, indicates the strong remediation potential of P. aeruginosa ED24 to break down MG dye ecologically sustainably.

Fascinating physicochemical features of wasted biomass nanoscale biosorbent for heavy metal ions removal from water

Abstract Pollution of aquatic systems and habitats by heavy metals is a significant concern to the ecosystem and health of humans as it arises from different sources, including industrial discharges, agricultural activities, mining activities, and disposal of toxic substances. Heavy metals introduced in water bodies may also come through leachates from contaminated soils and sediments. Subsequent bioaccumulation in marine organisms and spheres of life around lakes, rivers, and oceans is inevitable upon their introduction. Recently, some studies have shed light on nano-waste biomass (NWB), which can be deliberately used to remove heavy metal ions from polluted waters. It is produced from eco-friendly agro-industrial and is treated on the nanometer scale, which enhances adsorption because its size has increased, increasing its surface area and active sites for binding. This novel technology deals with heavy metal pollution and waste management, as it helps recycle unwanted materials into useful adsorbents, thereby minimizing incinerators and reducing tree cuts. Metal ions from water can be removed through adsorption, where NWB is bonded to metal ions. NWB has been acknowledged as an economically viable and environmentally benign means of decontamination. Advanced analytical methods, such as X-ray diffusion, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and others, were used for the extensive characterization of NWB. The lemon peel nanoparticles exhibited a particle size range of 40 nm–65 nm. Additionally, a few experiments about contact time and pH were performed to improve NWB adsorption and increase NWB efficiency in eradicating heavy metal ions from polluted water sources.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Content (Cd, Hg, and Pb) in Rice Harvested by Farmers in Dengilo District, Pohuwato Regency Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS)

Rice is the staple food for a significant portion of the global population, particularly in Indonesia. The objective of this study was to determine whether rice cultivated in Dengilo District, Pohuwato Regency, is contaminated with heavy metals. The research employed qualitative and quantitative methods using various reagents, including HNO3, 55% HCl, HClO4, H2SO4, Potassium Iodide (KI), NaOH, Na2CO3, and an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) instrument. The results revealed that the qualitative tests showed positive contamination in rice samples A, B, and D, indicated by color changes and the formation of precipitates, while sample C tested negative. Quantitative tests confirmed the presence of heavy metals (Cd, Hg, and Pb) in all samples, although within permissible limits. Among the three metals, cadmium (Cd) exhibited the highest average concentration at 0.0465 mg/kg. This elevated Cd level is attributed to the repetitive use of phosphate fertilizers and pesticides, industrial waste discharge, vehicle combustion emissions, heavy metal residues from industrial processes, and atmospheric deposition. The study concludes that all rice samples tested positive for heavy metals (Cd, Hg, and Pb); however, their concentrations remain within the safe thresholds established by regulatory standards. Keywords: Rice, Heavy Metals, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS)

The impact of dairy effluent on water quality and ecotoxicological effects on amphibian larvae

ABSTRACT Agricultural industries contribute to water pollution, releasing agrochemicals, organic matter, nutrients and veterinary drugs. Our study aimed to evaluate water quality and ecotoxicological effects of a stream that receives agro-industrial effluents from dairy production at industrial scales and pluvial runoff of agricultural activities. The present study addresses a comprehensive analysis of physicochemical parameters, metals, pesticides, veterinary drugs and microbiological aspects at three sampling sites located upstream, near a dairy drainage discharge and downstream. Lethal chronic ecotoxicity bioassays and biomarkers on Rhinella arenarum larvae were evaluated. Poor water quality near the industrial discharge points was found, characterised by elevated ammonium, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and high concentrations of metals that exceeded environmental guidelines. In all sites, microbial aspects, total coliforms and fecal coliforms were detected, along with detergents, pesticide residues and ivermectin in high concentrations, exhibiting diverse profiles. Chronic toxicity bioassays showed mortality on amphibian larvae. The antioxidant defence system and the cholinergic pathways were altered in exposed larvae. The study highlights the urgent need to improve effluent management and regulations in the region to protect freshwater and underground water sources, aquatic fauna and human health.

Emerging contaminants in the Mediterranean Sea endangering Lebanon's Palm Islands Natural Reserve.

The Mediterranean Sea is an intercontinental marine environment renowned for its biodiversity and ecological significance. However, it is also one of the most polluted seas globally with significant levels of microplastics and heavy metals among other emerging contaminants. In Lebanon, inadequate waste management infrastructure and unregulated industrial discharges have exacerbated water quality deterioration by introducing these complex contaminants into surface and seawater. The Palm Islands Natural Reserve in Lebanon is a UNESCO-designated marine protected area and home to endangered species. However, the reserve faces significant threats from pollution, including heavy metals and microplastics, exacerbated by nearby Tripoli's escalating contamination. Plasticisers, particularly phthalates, are recognized for their hormone-disrupting effects, and heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic pose severe eco-toxicological risks. This study investigates the levels of heavy metals and phthalates in water and sediments from the Palm Islands. Samples were collected from different locations within the reserve, and heavy metals and phthalates were detected, including chromium (13.58 to 19.28 μg L-1), arsenic (2.05 to 5.04 μg L-1), cadmium (1.27 to 3.04 μg L-1), and lead (0.92 to 2.88 μg L-1). Cadmium levels exceeded the permissible limits set by environmental regulatory bodies, highlighting an urgent pollution problem. Phthalates, including DEP and DEHP, were also detected in concentrations of 7.12-10.25 μg L-1 for DEP and 38.47-56.12 μg L-1 for DEHP raising concerns over their potential eco-toxicological impact on marine species. Our research underscores the need for comprehensive environmental monitoring, better waste management infrastructure, and stricter regulatory measures to address pollution in Lebanon's coastal ecosystems.

Source Apportionment and Analysis of Potentially Toxic Element Sources in Agricultural Soils Based on the Positive Matrix Factorization and Geo-Detector Models

The potentially toxic element pollution of agricultural soils has become a significant environmental threat to food safety and human health. Accurately identifying sources of potentially toxic element pollution is key to developing effective pollution prevention and control measures. In this study, regional potentially toxic element pollution of the soils in the Nanliujiang River Basin was analyzed using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and the geo-detector model. First, topsoil samples from the study area were collected to analyze eight potentially toxic elements in the soil, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The PMF model was used to conduct source apportionment of the potentially toxic element data and identify the primary pollution sources and their contribution rates. Then, the geo-detector model was used to analyze the key factors affecting the spatial distribution of the potentially toxic elements and the influence of natural and human factors on the distribution of the potentially toxic elements. There are four potentially toxic element pollution sources of the agricultural soil in the study area: geological background, agricultural activities, industrial discharge, and river irrigation. The geological background contributed the most. The main factors affecting the spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements included agricultural activities, industrial discharge, and river irrigation. This integrated method can analyze the formation of potentially toxic element pollution in depth from the perspectives of source apportionment and spatial differentiation and provide a scientific basis and decision support for preventing and controlling potentially toxic element pollution in agricultural soils. This study provides a new method and scientific basis for identifying and preventing potentially toxic element pollution sources in agricultural soil and can guide the formulation of targeted soil pollution control measures.

Media reporting of industrial wastewater issues in Kenya

Scholars have acknowledged the public health risks associated with industrial wastewater. Kenya’s close to 5000 industries discharge large volumes of wastewater, but the authorities have barely enforced the law on industrial wastewater disposal and therefore neighborhoods remain exposed to the effects of poorly managed wastewater from the industries. This is an issue of public interest that public media should seek to highlight. This study investigated how Kenyan media, as a public watchdog, reported the issue of industrial wastewater and therefore whether media has been able to set the agenda. The study was guided by three main objectives: (a) How did the media cover the issue of industrial wastewater in Kenya between January 2010 and December 2014? (b) What are public perceptions of the issue of industrial wastewater and the media’s handling of the issue? (c) What is the link between public perception, government policy and media coverage of the issue of industrial wastewater in Kenya? The study employed a mixed methods approach, using content analysis for newspaper articles and survey study for public perception, and therefore the study generated both qualitative and quantitative data. The study found that Kenyan media reporting on issues of industrial wastewater was very infrequent, less detailed, and the articles were not so prominently displayed. Members of the public said they were unhappy with the media for not paying attention to the issue of industrial wastewater and most respondents said they no longer rely on traditional media for information on industrial wastewater. The public is frustrated with the authorities for failing to enforce the law on industrial wastewater disposal and the inability of the authorities to protect communities from harm. Since the public has opted to seek information elsewhere and not the traditional media, it is fair to argue that the media has failed to build the much-needed trust and confidence among its audience that would have enabled it to set the agenda on the issue of industrial wastewater. To win back the public and become effective on the issue, the media should increase the frequency of coverage, seek to display articles on industrial wastewater more prominently and do more to include the voices of the affected communities in their articles.

Antimicrobial resistant Enterobacterales of clinical importance in mute swans.

Urban water environments, including canals, harbours and estuaries are susceptible to contamination with antimicrobials and drug-resistant bacteria through domestic and industrial wastewater discharges and storm water overflows. There is potential for wildlife using these waters to acquire and transmit drug-resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) of clinical importance. This study aimed to assess clinically important drug-resistant bacteria in urban waterfowl, particularly mute swans. Faecal samples were collected from 17 mute swans in the Greater Dublin Area, Ireland during July, August, October, and November of 2022. Samples were swabbed directly onto agars to select for carbapenem resistant, Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing, ciprofloxacin resistant and colistin resistant bacteria. Isolates identified by MALDI-TOF as Enterobacterales were tested for susceptibility to a panel of 16 antimicrobials and real-time PCR was employed to detect cefotaximase and carbapenemase genes (CRGs). Drug-resistant isolates were characterised by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), including long read sequencing for carbapenemase and mobile colistin resistance (mcr) gene-producing Enterobacterales isolates. Eleven of seventeen (65%) swan samples were positive for the resistant organism(s) (n=35), comprising Escherichia coli (n=32; 82%) and other Enterobacterales (n=3). Twenty E. coli (63%) produced ESBL, with 16/20 (80%) identified as positive for blaCTX-M-group 1 enzymes, comprising CTX-M-15 (n=13), CTX-M-55 (n=2) and CTX-M-1 (n=1) and 4/20 (20%) positive for blaCTX-M-group 9 enzymes CTX-M-27 (n=2) and CTX-M-9 (n=2). Three E. coli isolates were phenotypically ertapenem resistant, one of which was an ST4450 isolate which carried plasmid encoded blaOXA-181 and blaCMY-141 with blaCTX-M-15 identified chromosomally. One colistin resistant E. coli bore the mcr-1 gene chromosomally. Bioinformatic analysis revealed high-risk pathogenic ESBL E. coli clones including ST38 (n=3), ST69 (n=3), and ST131 (n=2). The study indicates mute swans are a reservoir for drug-resistant Enterobacterales and ARGs of clinical importance and may be a useful sentinel species for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in wildlife.

Sources and Pathways of PFAS Occurrence in Water Sources: Relative Contribution of Land-Applied Biosolids in an Agricultural Dominated Watershed.

This study evaluated PFAS occurrence in rural well water and surface water relative to land application of biosolids in a tile-drained agriculture-dominated watershed. Spatial data were used to identify potentially vulnerable rural wells based on their proximity to biosolid-permitted land and location with respect to groundwater flow. Water was collected from 103 private wells in Greater Tippecanoe County Indiana and 168 surface water locations within the Region of the Great Bend of the Wabash River watershed. Overall, results indicate that surface water (∑PFAS ≤ 169.4 ng/L) is more vulnerable to PFAS contamination than well water (∑PFAS ≤ 15.7 ng/L). Short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids made up 72% of the ∑PFAS in both water sources. Nonetheless, long-chain homologues were detected more frequently in surface water (94%) than well water (82%). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified biosolid-applied fields, WTTPs, and industrial discharges as PFAS sources in first-order streams with high ∑PFAS. Temporal trends revealed an inverse relationship between streamflow and concentrations in surface water sites impacted by point discharges and vice versa for diffuse sources, thereby providing complementary evidence of potential sources. The well water data set did not show a distinct spatial trend between ∑PFAS and distance from biosolid application or well characteristics.

Distribution, sources and risk assessment of heavy metals in Yangshan port and its adjacent sea areas

Heavy metals play an important role in marine ecosystems, but excessive heavy metals can harm aquatic life and human health. The Yangshan Port is located near an important agricultural and fishing area in China, with rich fishery resources. However, there is a lack of research on the impact of heavy metal pollution on local fishery and environment. This study assessed the concentrations of seven metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Hg) in the water, sediments and two organisms (fish and benthic organisms) of Yangshan Port, aiming to get a comprehensive information about the heavy metal pollution in Yangshan Port and its adjacent sea areas. The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in the sediments was higher than that observed in the water. The concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediments were influenced by human activities. The main reason for this regional distribution difference was human factors such as industrial wastewater discharges, household pollution, and agricultural and fishery discharges, followed by various natural factors, such as organic content and sulfate, as well as hydrodynamic self-disturbance. It is worth noting that As is affected not only by emissions from land-based sources, but also by riverine inputs and human marine engineering activities. The ecological risk indicated that two of seven metals (As and Hg) posed a risk to the marine environment in this region. In addition, the content and accumulation level of heavy metals in benthic organisms was significantly higher than that in fish. Human health risk assessments showed that the heavy metal posed a potential carcinogenic risk to human health, particularly to children. Overall, the health risks from seafood intake by humans were low, with As having the greatest impact on human health, and metal concentrations being the most sensitive factor affecting metal health risk assessment, with As being the most sensitive element. This study provided new insight into the heterogeneity of heavy metal pollution accumulation in the Yangshan Port and its adjacent sea areas and offered a scientific basis and favorable support for port ecological environment protection and prevention of heavy metal pollution-related ecological risks.

The impact of land use patterns on water quality in the Cikapundung sub-watershed

Abstract Cikapundung River divides the city of Bandung, one of popular Indonesia’s tourist and educational destinations. The watershed land cover has drastically changed in the last twenty years. This study integrates water quality analysis across the Cikapundung sub-watershed, assessing various physical, chemical, and biological indicators impacted by land use practices. Critical sources of pollution identified include domestic waste, agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and unpaved riverbanks. Results indicate that numerous parameters exceed Indonesian Government Regulation No. 22/2021 Class II thresholds, notably total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, Fe, Mn, oil and grease, hydrogen sulfide, MBAS, total coliform, E.coli, and fecal coliforms. The total coliform concentration ranged from 9.25×103 to 5.56×108 MPN/100 mL, fecal coliforms from 7.6×102 to 2.53×107 MPN/100 mL, TSS from 4 to 276 mg/L, and TDS from 88.4 to 1111.15 mg/L. Pollution levels varied across river segments, showing moderate to severe upstream and downstream contamination over three sampling periods. The pollution index ranged from 5.26 to 16.77 across the watershed. This research emphasizes the urgency of implementing pollution control measures and sustainable land use practices to safeguard water quality in the Cikapundung sub-watershed. Its findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and environmental managers to formulate effective watershed management and protection strategies.