Mineral Water Research Articles

Current state of tourism services for tourists: a study in Hanoi City, Vietnam

Assessing tourist satisfaction has become a hot topic for tourism research in recent years. Many studies have shown that improving tourist satisfaction not only has a positive impact on service providers and destination reputation, but also increases tourist loyalty, lowers price elasticity, lowers future transaction costs, and increases production efficiency (Chen et al., 2012; Nguyen Trong Nhan et al., 2014). Some other studies have also shown that improving tourist satisfaction will stimulate word-of-mouth advertising (Ekinci, 2004; Gonzalez et al., 2007; cited by Chen et al., 2012). Therefore, assessing tourist satisfaction is very important, it helps to find out the existing problems, limitations or strengths of service quality from the perspective of tourists, thereby finding solutions to contribute to improving the ability to provide better and better services. Hanoi as the capital, the economic - political - social center of Vietnam. Therefore, the tourism - hotel industry not only attracts tourists but also diplomatic, business and economic - political - social event participants. Hanoi has great potential for tourism - hotel with hundreds of famous landscapes, historical and cultural relics, traditional craft villages, festivals. In terms of natural tourism resources, Hanoi is famous for Huong Tich as "Nam Thien De Nhat Dong". A series of lakes such as West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Mo, Suoi Hai, Quan Son, not to mention the potential of mineral water resources. Hanoi also has many scenic spots around the foot of Ba Vi mountain, creating branded eco-tourism resorts such as Ao Vua, Vua Ba, Khoang Xanh, Suoi Tien, Thac Da, Thac Nga, Ba Vi National Park, etc. Keywords: Satisfaction, Tourists, Service Quality.

An easy, low-cost and efficient method for the extraction of benzoic acid and sorbic acid from orange juice and cola soft drink based on PET plastic stir bar sorptive extraction

In this research, a simple, convenient and low-cost method was used for the simultaneous extraction of benzoic acid (BA) and sorbic acid (SA) with the help of stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) method followed by HPLC-UV. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was used to cover the stir bar. The source of PET was mineral water plastic bottles, which create a porous polymer coating after dissolving in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and mixing with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The simple strategy of converting waste PET plastic can not only reduce environmental pollution caused by microplastics, but also create an inexpensive and efficient material for coating of stir bar. The obtained polymer was identified by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), field emission-scanning electronic microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. After optimizing the factors affecting the extraction by Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology (RSM), a linear range of 10–7000 μg/L with a coefficient of determination (R2) of more than 0.9984 was obtained for the mentioned compounds. The detection limit for BA and SA was 6 and 5 μg/L, respectively. This method was successfully applied to measure BA and SA in cola soft drink and orange juice samples. The recovery of more than 92.4 % and the error of less than 5.1 % indicate the applicability of this method.

Влияние абиотических факторов на продуктивность тростника Phragmites australis в озёрах юга Западной Сибири

The article presents the results of studying phytomass, stem height and density of thickets (herbage) of Phragmites australis, one of the most common aerial-aquatic plant in the south of Western Siberia. This region is distinguished by a rare combination of chloride, sulfate and soda lakes in a relatively small space. As an eurybiont, reed is highly resistant to water and soil salinity, but high salinity adversely affects its growth and development. The aim of the work was to assess the degree of abiotic factors (pH, mineralization) effect on the quantitative characteristics of reed growing in water bodies with different water mineralization: from 0.005 to 387.6 g/L. In total, we studied 59 freshwater, brackish-water (oligo-, meso- and polyhaline) and hypersaline water bodies, located in various natural zones (southern taiga, forest, forest-steppe, steppe and dry-steppe) in the south of Western Siberia. The studies were carried out in late July – early August from 2012 to 2020 during the period of maximum vegetation of plants. As a result of the studies, it is shown that the optimal for reed growth and development is water mineralization from 0.5 to 5.0 g/L, when the highest values of biomass and plant height are observed. A model based on redundancy analysis (RDA) was built and a correlation analysis was carried out to assess the dependence of phytomass, shoot height and herbage density on abiotic factors. We took into account pH, salinity, and Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, K+, HCO3-, Cl- and SO42- content. We found that pH and determined by Ca2+ water hardness are the limiting factors in freshwater lakes. In brackish-water meso- and polyhaline, as well as in saline hyperhaline water bodies reed phytomass is affected by a whole range of factors, while shoot height is affected by pH, chlorides, and water hardness, and grass stand density is affected by chlorides and sulfates.

Mathematical modeling of pollution of underground aquifers due to mining of minerals

Purpose. The research aims to create a mathematical model of salt contamination spreading through underground aquifers in the event of depressurization of the hydrocarbon production well crater for further assessment of environmental and economic damage from these processes. Methods. To predict the environmental and economic damage from salt contamination, the distribution of concentrations of harmful substances was investigated, taking into account the number of supply sources and their intensity over time, based on situ studies at the Rybalske Oil Field, Okhtyrskyi District of Sumska Oblast in Ukraine, where there were technological failures wells, accompanied by open fountains with the release of large amounts of highly mineralized water and the formation of craters. Mathematical modelling methods were used to process the data from the study of accidental technogenic pollution of underground aquifers. Findings. Based on real data from the study of the processes of potential salt contamination spread in fresh aquifers as a result of accidents at hydrocarbon production facilities, a mathematical model of salt contamination spreading in drinking groundwater in the event of depressurization of an oil field well crater has been developed. Potential economic losses in case of possible groundwater contamination with highly mineralized solution, which can into drinking groundwater aquifers, are substantiated. It has been established that in connection with the occurrence of an emergency situation due to the release of formation water to the surface in the territory of oil and gas fields, the formation of technogenic meromictic reservoirs is possible, which is confirmed by the example of the Rybalske Oil Field. It is proved that the total mineralization of crater water increases linearly with depth of the reservoir occurrence, and a similar dependence is characteristic of the chloride ion content. Originality. For the first time, a multicomponent mathematical model of mineral salt migration processes in underground freshwater aquifers in the case of depressurization of a meromictic reservoir has been developed. Practical implications. The research results obtained using numerical methods make it possible to predict the processes of spreading harmful substances in drinking underground aquifers as a result of emergencies at oil and gas fields, taking into account the number of sources of pollutants penetrating the study area, the heterogeneity of properties of the environment into which the harmful substance enters, and to assess the dynamics of changes in the concentration of these substances and time with further assessment of environmental and economic damage from these processes.

Evolution of small molecule-mediated regulation of arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis.

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis formed by most extant land plants with symbiotic fungi evolved 450 Ma. AM promotes plant growth by improving mineral nutrient and water uptake, while the symbiotic fungi obtain carbon in return. A number of plant genes regulating the steps leading to an efficient symbiosis have been identified; however, our understanding of the metabolic processes involved in the symbiosis and how they were wired to symbiosis regulation during plant evolution remains limited. Among them, the exchange of chemical signals, the activation of dedicated biosynthesis pathways and the production of secondary metabolites regulating late stages of the AM symbiosis begin to be well described across several land plant clades. Here, we review our current understanding of these processes and propose future directions to fully grasp the phylogenetic distribution and role played by small molecules during this ancient plant symbiosis. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolution of plant metabolism'.

Study of Sleep Quality in Geopathic Stresses Areas and Efficacy of Enviromat in Improving the same- A Quantitative Study

A good night's sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind, as our body cells repair themselves during sleep. However, various factors can disturb our sleep, and Geopathic Stress is considered one of the contributing reasons. Geopathic Stress refers to the disturbance of natural energy flows, primarily caused by geological features such as underground water veins, mineral deposits, and fault lines, which can lead to disruptions in health. So, we aim to investigate the impact of Geopathic Stress on sleep quality and the efficacy of Enviromat as a potential solution. In this study, a total of 22 subjects were screened and recruited as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research began with a literature review of relevant studies to identify the effects of Geopathic Stress on sleep quality. After reviewing the relevant research studies, a protocol was formed and presented to the Institutional Ethics Committee for approval, at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Once the protocol was approved, Geopathic Stress zones were identified in the Sleep lab, where subjects slept on the beds in these zones. Subsequently, the Enviromat was evaluated for its efficacy to mitigate the harmful effects of Geopathic Stress on sleep quality. Complete data of 20 subjects was recorded and analysed with and without Enviromat with a gap of 10 days between two readings. The results indicated that sleep quality improved significantly (from 80.78 ± 7.83 to 87.08 ± 5.70; p-value = 0.0021) in most subjects when the Enviromat was used, suggesting its potential effectiveness in counteracting the negative effects of Geopathic Stress on sleep. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between Geopathic Stress and sleep and highlight the Enviromat as a promising intervention.

Ensuring the normalization of the aero-ionic regime in production areas by means of ultrasonic air ionization

The results of studies on the normalization of the aeroionic regime in rooms under ultrasonic ionization of humidified air are presented. The increase in the concentration of negative aeroions under these conditions by the combined effect of the balloelectric effect and ultrasonic cavitation is substantiated. It has been established that when distilled water is used as a source of air ions under the action of a 10 W ultrasonic generator at a distance of 0.5 m, the concentration of negative air ions increases almost sixfold. At the same time, due to the joint effect of ultrasonic cavitation in the surface layer of water and the balloelectric effect, no generation of ozone and nitrogen oxides is caused. It is proved that with a decrease in the degree of water mineralization, the concentrations of negative and positive aeroions increase due to changes in the physicochemical properties of water and the resulting mechanochemical phenomena. The mechanism of formation of air ions in the air of industrial premises under the combined action of the balloelectric effect and ultrasound is proposed. It is substantiated that the quality of the air ionic composition of industrial premises air improves at a temperature of demineralized water of 20-25 °C and a directed air flow of 6 m/s towards the working area with the combined effect of ultrasound and balloelectric effect, which contributes to the improvement of sanitary and hygienic working conditions. The structure of an automated system for controlling the aeroionic regime of the working area of industrial premises with artificial ionization of humidified air using an aeroion generator and a ventilation system is proposed. This will allow monitoring and processing of information on technological, electrical and microclimatic parameters, adjusting, coordinating and jointly controlling the ventilation system devices and the ultrasonic generator of air ions.

History of Ambo Ambaa Lafaa of Western Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State: The Heartland of Hero and Heroism

History is indispensable to understanding ourselves and the world around us. This study attempts to construct the history of Ambo Ambaa lafaa of western shewa zone of Oromia regional state. Its foundation, gradual change, economic activity, politico-administration and religion in different leaders. Further the study recognizes the problem which affects the development of Ambo town. In this study, the researcher utilized primary, secondary and pamphlet sources as well as oral information through interview in order to gather the data. The collected data was organized and analyzed using qualitative research methods. The study is based on historical and Ethnographic approach. The historical foundation of Ambo was not directly concern for the cause of military garrisons like many other Ethiopia Towns, its growth and internal character came to be closely connected with the mineral water, God Bridge and commercial activities. Ambo is town found in west shewa zone of oromia regional state. Ambo was known by pride of their nation in different era of various ruler of Ethiopia. They struggles for their right and know their responsibility simultaneously. Ambo known by patriots, hero and brave those who stand for the freedom of country in any controversy and pleasure time. The society of town needs peace, stability, truth, justice, equality, brotherly hood and fraternity with diverse nation and nationalities in the empire, because Oromo are founders of gada system that did for equality of human beings. Ambo town was established in late of 19<sup>th</sup> century. At the beginning the spatial size of Ambo town is small, it is around 1320 hectares and became expand to 8578 hectares after it makes gradual expansion to the neighboring farm land. As the result Ambo is very comfortable for different investment activities because of comfortable climate condition and stability (safety) in area, there is also different attraction site including Wanchi lake, Dandi Lake (it had number eight shape/symbol), Guder fall, obse fall, old palace of emperor Haile sillase and other different natural, cultural and ritual sites

Tap water filtration and purification usage and their impact on the concentrations of fluoride and other minerals – A community-based study

ObjectiveThis study investigated the prevalence of water filtration and purification system (WFPS) use among residents of central Indiana (USA) and determined the effects of WFPS on the concentrations of fluoride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in tap water. MethodsA census-based questionnaire collected data on demographics, water use, and water sources. Participants were also asked to provide water samples from their tap water or the WFPS they used. Water samples were analyzed using ion-specific electrodes (fluoride) and atomic absorption spectrometry (metals). Mineral concentration comparisons between water sources used nonparametric tests; questionnaire associations were testing using correlations, chi-square tests, and nonparametric tests. ResultsOne hundred and one participants completed the study, of which 71 % used some type of WFPS. Blacks were less likely to use WFPS than Asian or White participants (p = 0.045). Those with bachelor's degrees or higher were more likely to use WFPS (p = 0.003). The most used WFPS were pitcher filters (31 %), water softeners (21 %), reverse osmosis systems (11 %), faucet-mounted filters (4 %), and whole-house carbon filters (1 %). Reverse osmosis systems resulted in the lowest mineral concentrations (median, ppm; F-0.08, Ca-2.30, Mg-0.46, Na-4.60, P-0.35). Pitcher filters were largely comparable to unfiltered tap water. Water softeners resulted in the highest sodium concentrations (78.40 ppm). ConclusionA large proportion of study participants use WFPS, with pitcher filters being the most common. Reverse osmosis systems had the most significant impact on reducing mineral levels in tap water, while pitcher filters do not adversely affect mineral concentrations. Clinical SignificanceUnderstanding how different WFPS affect the various minerals in tap water is essential for helping consumers in choosing the right system and for oral care providers to guide patients on water consumption and the need for fluoride supplementation, especially for those at high risk of dental caries.

Practical application of the rules for identification of natural mineral waters

Practical application of the rules for identification of natural mineral waters

Impact of hydrophobic and hydrophilic surface properties on Pseudomonas aeruginosa adhesion in materials used in mineral water wells

Microbiologically contaminated water is a significant source of infections in humans and animals, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) being particularly concerning due to its ability to thrive in water environments and its resistance to many disinfectants. Therefore, this study investigates the adhesion potential of PSA strains on various materials used in mineral water extraction wells, focusing on hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. Mineral water samples were collected from three wells (P-01, P-07, and P-08) within the Guarani Aquifer System and Fractured Aquifer System (SAF) in Brazil. The physicochemical properties of the water, including concentrations of Sr (strontium), Fe (iron), Si (silicon), SO4 2− (sulfate ions), Cl− (chloride ions), and ORP (oxidation-reduction potential), were analyzed. Results indicated higher PSA adhesion on hydrophobic materials, particularly high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and geomechanically plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Multiple correlation analyses revealed positive correlations between PSA adhesion on hydrophilic materials and Sr, Fe, Si, SO4 2−, and Cl− concentrations. Conversely, ORP negatively correlated with bacterial adhesion on PVC surfaces, suggesting higher ORP values reduced PSA attachment. These findings highlight the importance of water composition and material properties in influencing bacterial adhesion and potential biofilm formation in mineral water extraction systems.

Application of remote sensing and electrical resistivity technique for delineating groundwater potential in North Western Nigeria

Improving the living condition of residents of Palladan and Basawa community requires access to drinking water. The main objectives of this paper are to identify suitable groundwater zones for productive drilling and to assess groundwater mineralization in the coastal aquifers of the study area. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) were used in the methodology to generate the groundwater potential map. Slope, landcover/land use, lineament density, rainfall, soil cover and drainage density were taken into account to characterize the groundwater potential zones. Weights were assigned to the various parameters and their characteristics according to their impact on groundwater recharge. The groundwater potential map was classified into five zones namely: poor, fair, moderate, good, excellent. Based on the lineament density map, the distribution of these lineaments reveals the degree of porosity or permeability in each area and, consequently, its groundwater potential. Aeromagnetic data filtering permits the construction of a structural map that illustrates various geophysical lineaments that are known to be fault systems in the research area. These faults are the main routes via which groundwater seeps into the subsurface and granitoid-type magnetic rocks intrude into the basement. The research region is badly fractured/failed and made up of four lithologic units, including the aquifer layer (clayey sands in the cracked basement) with thicknesses varying from 12–55 m, according to the vertical electrical sounding (VES) applications. According to geoelectric cross-sections, the subsurface structures are made of granitic rocks that are surrounded by normal faults that trend both NW and NE. It is believed that groundwater flows into the hard rock aquifers in the studied locations through these notable geological features, such as faults and fractures. Two phenomena are responsible for the mineralization of water: a process of interaction between water and rock; and a process of salinization resulting from natural phenomena or anthropic activities. The present study could guide hydrogeological investigations and groundwater resource management planning in the study area.

Study of radon exposure, chemical and radiological characterization of spring mineral waters from Águas de Lindóia and Poços de Caldas, Brazil

Study of radon exposure, chemical and radiological characterization of spring mineral waters from Águas de Lindóia and Poços de Caldas, Brazil

Natural High Strontium Mineral Water Might Reduce Liver Protein Synthesis: A Non-Targeted Metabolomics Study in Rats.

Strontium-rich mineral water (strontium > 0.20mg/L) is the second largest type of mineral water on commercial drinking water market. Exposure to high levels of strontium through drinking water or soil may interfere with calcium metabolism and increase the risk of cardiovascular and skeletal diseases, but no in-depth mechanism has been disclosed to date. Data on liver metabolic alterations in rats resulted from drinking natural high strontium mineral water (strontium 26.06mg/L, SrHW) or tap water (filtered by activated carbon, strontium 0.49mg/L, TW) for 3months were obtained and analyzed with non-targeted metabolomics strategy. Compared with rats drinking TW, those drinking SrHW showed a significant change in 36 liver metabolites. Among them, 33 liver metabolites (including 14 amino acids, 6 carbohydrates, 4 short-chain fatty acids, 4 organic acids, 2 phenylpropanoic acids, 1 fatty acid, 1 peptide, and 1 bile acid) were down-regulated, and 3 (hydroxyphenyllactic acid, propionylcarnitine and S-adenosine homocysteine) were up-regulated. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism are most impacted. Furthermore, the serum prealbumin content also significantly decreased in rats drinking SrHW. Therefore, changes in liver metabolites and serum protein levels suggested that high concentration of strontium in water was associated with decreased liver protein synthesis; changes in liver metabolites suggested that high strontium was associated with decreased lipid levels. In conclusion, high strontium in water may exert a negative effect on protein synthesis, and further study on the dose-response relationship is necessary.

Purification of Liquid Fraction of Digestates from Different Origins-Comparison of Polymeric and Ceramic Ultrafiltration Membranes Used for This Purpose.

Circular economy, clean technologies, and renewable energy are key to climate protection and modern environmental technology. Recovering water and valuable minerals from the liquid fraction of digestate is in line with this strategy. Digestate, a byproduct of anaerobic methane fermentation in biogas plants, is a potential source of water, minerals for fertilizers, and energy rather than waste. This study examined digestate from municipal and agricultural biogas plants and highlights the need for research on both due to their differences. The use of membrane techniques for water recovery from liquid digestate offers an innovative alternative to conventional methods. This study used standalone membrane filtration and an integrated system to produce water suitable for agricultural use. Ceramic membranes with cut-offs of 1, 5, 15, and 50 kDa and polymeric membranes of polyethersulfone and regenerated cellulose with cut-offs of 10 and 30 kDa were tested. The results showed that the membrane material significantly affects the transport and separation properties. Higher cut-off values increased permeate flux across all membranes. Ceramic membranes were more susceptible to fouling in standalone ultrafiltration, but were more effective in purifying digestate than polymeric membranes. The best results were obtained with a ceramic membrane with a 1 kDa cut-off (for example, for the integrated process and the municipal digestate, the retention rates of COD, BOD5 and DOC were 69%, 62%, and 75%, respectively).

A turn-on fluorescent aptasensor for Pb2+ detection based on rhodamine B dye leakage from the internal cavity of hollow gold nanoparticles

In this project, a sensitive fluorescent aptasensor was fabricated to detect lead ions (Pb2+) by applying hollow gold nanoparticles (HGNPs) as a nano-carrier and rhodamine B (RDB) fluorescent dye as the signal agent. In the aptasensor that was created, the specific attachment of the aptamers to Pb2+ ions led to the release of aptamer from the chitosan (CTS) coated-HGNPs loaded with RDB, causing an increase in fluorescence intensity due to the leakage of RDB. The method demonstrated specific detection of the target analyte, achieving a detection limit (LOD) of 1 ppb and a broad linear dynamic range spanning from 2 to 1000 ppb. The aptasensor was able to accurately measure the concentration of Pb2+ in human serum, low-fat milk, and mineral water samples. The suggested biosensor, which offers the benefits of simplicity, user-friendliness, affordability, and high sensitivity, is well-suited for use with complex samples such as environmental and clinical samples.

Radioactivity Levels, Spatial Distribution, and Radiological Risk Assessment of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in Water Samples from Dhaka City and Savar, Bangladesh.

This investigation was conducted to measure the radioactivity levels of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in the 13 most popular branded bottled mineral water (BMW), 12 groundwater sources consumed in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, and six water samples collected from the nuclear object site at Savar, adjacent to Dhaka. The activity of 3H was measured by using a liquid scintillation counter, and a gamma-ray spectrometer with an HPGe detector was used to measure the activity of other radionuclides. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in BMW samples and groundwater were found to be 1.81 ± 0.43, 1.74 ± 0.40, 43.08 ± 6.23, 2.42 ± 0.16, and 1.61 ± 0.51, 1.69 ± 0.45, 57.42 ± 3.16, and 3.02 ± 0.19 Bq/L, respectively. In addition, the activity concentrations of identified radionuclides in water samples collected from Savar were found to be 1.59 ± 0.43, 1.53 ± 0.50, 99.83 ± 3.05, and 2.95 ± 0.20 Bq/L. With the exception of 3H, the activity concentration and the annual effective dose of 40K, 226Ra, and 228Ra surpassed the acceptable thresholds of the WHO. The combined activity of radium (Rac) also exceeds the USEPA recommended maximum permissible limit of 0.185 Bq/L. The excess lifetime cancer risk results were below the permissible threshold of 10-3 for radiological risks. Groundwater was subjected to an AAS analysis for common metals (Na, Mg, and Ca) and heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Cu, and Pb). The results showed that the heavy metals were below the detection limit. Radionuclide contents in groundwater of Dhaka city were mapped spatially using a GIS technique. Statistical analyses such as one-way ANOVA, one sample t test, and Pearson's correlation analysis were also performed. According to Pearson's correlation analysis, 228Ra is mostly responsible for radiation risk in BMW and groundwater.

Groundwater quality assessment using revised classical diagrams and compositional data analysis (CoDa): Case study of Wadi Ranyah, Saudi Arabia

This research aims to assess the status and chemical properties of groundwater in the shallow aquifer of the Wadi Ranyah region, Saudi Arabia, using robust statistical methods (CoDA) that take into account the unique characteristics of chemical analysis data from forty-five (45) groundwater samples collected in the Wadi Ranyah valley. A centered logarithmic transformation (clr) approach and isometric logarithmic transformation (ilr) plots for compositional data were utilized to determine the different water types and to understand the hydrogeochemical processes influencing groundwater chemistry in the region. The results of principal component analysis and K-means clustering reveal the existence of three groundwater groupings: (i) The first group occupies the recharge region with a relationship between trace metal elements (F, Pb, Mn, Zn), pH, and TDS, indicating the effect of alteration of igneous and metamorphic rock minerals. (ii) The second group characterizes the downstream part of the Al-Hujrah area with a relationship between calcium and nitrates, indicating the influence of agricultural activities. (iii) The third group, located in the Ranyah area, shows a relationship between major ions (Na+, SO42−, Mg2+, HCO3–, Cl−, K+), which explains water mineralization influenced by silicate weathering and evaporation phenomena. According to the modified Piper diagram (ilr Piper), two hydrochemical facies are identified. The upstream region is categorized as Ca-HCO3– while the downstream region is classified as Na-K-HCO3–. Calculated water quality index (WQI) values indicate that all Wadi Ranyah groundwater samples are of very poor quality (WQI > 300). This is due to higher concentrations of polluting elements (Pb, Mn and F), in particular the high lead concentrations which vary between 0.24 and 0.4 mg/L, and are well above the WHO limit (0.01 mg/L) for consumption of drinking water. The application of CoDA for the first time in the study region has provided a more detailed and reliable assessment of the mechanisms governing groundwater quality, permitting suggestions for the management of groundwater resources and defining future research needs.

Construction of novel π-bridged fluorescent probes for Fe2+ monitoring in living cells and foods.

Fe2+ plays a crucial role in biological systems as an essential trace element in the body. Iron is absorbed by the body through food and Fe2+ is also an important component of living cells; therefore, quantitative testing of Fe2+ in food and in living cells is of great importance. This paper presents the development of a novel π-bridge EDOT-based N-oxide turn-on fluorescent probe, designated as FeE, for the detection of Fe2+. The probe has been shown to exhibit excellent sensitivity, a favorable linear relationship between fluorescence signal intensity and Fe2+ concentration, and an effective immunity to interference. The probe has low cytotoxicity and has been successfully used to detect Fe2+ in cells using laser confocal fluorescence microscopy. It is also possible to determine the presence of Fe2+ in animal blood, spinach, apple juice, red wine, mineral water and metal cans.

Impact of diverse mineral hardness in electrodialysis water on the ionotropic gelation mechanism of low methoxyl pectin

In this study, the effect of desalinated lava seawater via electrodialysis (ED water) on the formation and properties of low methoxyl pectin (LMP) gels was investigated. Additionally, the syneresis, microstructure, gelation mechanism, and thermostability of the gel samples were analyzed. When the ED water content exceeded 25 %, pectin gels with viscosities and textures that differed from those of the sol were formed. The highest gel hardness (9.38 N) was observed when 50 % ED water was mixed with LMP. However, when 75 % ED water was added, the pore size of the LMP gel became the largest, and excess water was released from the gel, resulting in a weak gel strength (4.98 N). The formation and properties of the gel structure were found to be mainly due to the ionic bonds between the minerals in the ED water and the free carboxyl groups of pectin, and it was confirmed that the hydrogen bonds within the pectin chains also had an effect. These results suggest that the interaction between the ED water and LMP can be widely used in various industrial fields, including low-sugar gels or viscosity-enhancing agents with diverse rheological properties.