Mineral Water Research Articles

A System Architecture for Early Wilt Detection in Hydroponic Crops: An Implementation and Assessment

Abstract Hydroponic farming systems have a high risk of failure if the disaster is not mitigated and responded to quickly. Hydroponic plants only rely on mineral water that flows through their roots as a source of life; thus, any malfunction will have an immediate impact on the plant. If plant wilting is not recognized and not treated quickly, the plant will experience stress and have the potential to fail. To ensure that major disasters do not occur, an early warning mechanism is needed that can provide disaster information to farmers. In this study, an intelligent system architecture was built to detect premature wilt in hydroponic vegetable plants. It combines the capabilities offered by the OV2640 image sensor and ESP32-S system-on-chip, the Internet of Things, deep learning based on convolutional neural networks, and cloud computing to create a robust and low-cost remote plant condition monitoring solution. As a proof-of-concept, a prototype system is built, and performance tests are carried out to find out how robust and effective the proposed design is. Based on the results of the prototype test, it can be seen that the system built can run properly with an accuracy of wilting recognition of up to 90.90%, which was tested on samples of vertically grown mustard plants in a hydroponic greenhouse.

Evaluating water quality, mineralization mechanisms, and potential health risks of nitrate contamination in the Continental Intercalaire aquifer of Reggane, Algeria

Evaluating water quality, mineralization mechanisms, and potential health risks of nitrate contamination in the Continental Intercalaire aquifer of Reggane, Algeria

The Valuation of the Urban Ecotourism Potential of the Volcanic Geomorphohydrosite Băile Tuşnad in Harghita County, Romania

Băile Tușnad, also known as “Little Switzerland”, “The Land of Mineral Waters”, “The Pearl of Transylvania” or “The Pearl of Spa Tourism in Romania”, was once the pride and effervescence of spa tourism in Romania. Officially, it is the smallest town in the country, and through the unique charm of its landscape and natural heritage it has earned its national and international reputation. A new opportunity for the development of the resort in 2023 is the promotion of the town by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MET) as a new ecotourism destination in the country. Thus, the area might become the 7th ecotourism destination in Romania, being one of the most representative volcanic geomorphohydrosites in the Harghita Mountains (Eastern Carpathians). The objective of the study was to evaluate the ecotourism potential of the settlement and the region using methods applied in academic literature for urban and rural geomorphosites, as well as to justify the importance of this ecotourism destination based on tourist circulation data. In the evaluation process of the ecotourism potential the resort receives 84% of the maximum score according to the methodology, and the tourist circulation data support the important contribution that the resort has in Harghita County, with increasing prospects after the recovery from the pandemic period.

Использование компьютерной программы «ПРОЕКТ ВПУ» для проведения технологического расчета и анализа технологий обессоливания воды на ТЭС и АЭС

There are many viable options of desalination schemes that allow us to obtain purified water of the required quality. To conduct process design of a water treatment plant, thermal power plants and nuclear power plants use special software provided by manufacturers of ion exchangers and membrane elements. However, these software programs consider individual water treatment technologies and are attached to filter and membrane materials of a specific manufacturer. They do not provide the ability to calculate complete water desalination schemes, as well as determine the performance indicators of the water treatment plant. It is relevant to develop a software program that allows us to conduct process design of complete water treatment schemes, which include various water treatment technologies, and to determine technological, environmental, and technical-economic indicators. Multivariate calculations with different initial data will allow us to identify the advantages and disadvantages of scheme solutions and determine areas of their rational use. The method of mathematical modeling of chemical and technological processes of water treatment at thermal power plants and nuclear power plants has been used. An application software program “PROJECT WTP” has been developed. It is designed for process design of various water treatment schemes, which are visually assembled from individual elements, and allows one to determine the technological, environmental, and performance indicators of the operation of water treatment plant. Computation data on the auxiliary need coefficient has been obtained for the main water desalination schemes and under condition of different mineralization of the source water. The developed software program can be used for process design of various water treatment schemes and assessment of the degree of improvement of water desalination technology.

Microplastic as an written composition in bottled water: Implications for waste management

Background: Microplastics are the smallest particles of plastic measuring about 4.8 milliliters and are dangerous to the body due to the chemicals they contain, such as PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls). Microplastics have been identified in various studies, both in aquatic and terrestrial environments, raising concerns about contamination in seafood, beverages (like beer), and more recently, bottled mineral water. Methods: This publication compiles and discusses currently available literature data on microplastic particles found in bottled mineral water. Findings: The discovery of microplastics in bottled mineral water highlights the widespread contamination of microplastics in consumable products, emphasizing the importance of water intake for supporting body metabolism. Conclusion: The identification of microplastics in bottled mineral water underscores the need for greater awareness of the dangers of microplastic contamination and its potential health risks. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article uniquely highlights the underexplored presence of microplastics in bottled mineral water, emphasizing the health risks associated with chemical contaminants like PCBs, and calls for increased awareness and regulatory measures to protect consumer safety.

Correlation Mineral Water Consumption and Hemoglobin Levels in Adolescent Girls

Anemia is a global health issue that affects people of all ages, particularly adolescent girls. Adolescent girls require nutritional intake, both from food and water. According to the balanced nutrition guidelines, people (particularly adolescents and adults) require 2000 liters (or eight glasses) of water daily. Most adolescent girls barely consider their water consumption. A lack of water in the body affects the balance of minerals (salt and sugar), disrupting regular metabolic processes such as hemoglobin (Hb) level regulation. This study investigates the correlation between adolescent girls' water consumption and hemoglobin levels. This quantitative study uses a cross-sectional design to collect variable data at a certain time. The study used blood with anti-coagulants EDTA from 30 adolescent girls from Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang. The primary data for this study are water consumption and hemoglobin levels. Results of the research show that adolescent girls' water consumption was adequate (66.7%) and low (33.3%). The average Hb level among adolescent girls was 12.4 g/dL. Adequate water consumption resulted in 3 respondents with low Hb levels and 7 with normal Hb levels. In contrast, low water consumption resulted in 2 respondents with low Hb levels and 18 with normal Hb levels. The Rank-Spearman correlation test showed sig 0.177 (p>0.05). The study concluded that there was no correlation between adolescent girl water consumption and hemoglobin levels. Food fluid intake can compensate for a lack of water consumption.

The Need for Comprehensive Regulation of Mineral Water Utilization in Ukraine

The Need for Comprehensive Regulation of Mineral Water Utilization in Ukraine

Assessment of groundwater quality using hydrochemical process, GIS and multivariate statistical analysis at central Rif, North Morocco

This study investigated groundwater in the central Rif region of northern Morocco by analysing 55 water sampling points to assess its physicochemical and hydrogeochemical properties. Through hydrochemical analysis, GIS spatial exploration, and multivariate statistical analysis, a direct correlation was found between EC, TDS, and major ions, influencing overall water mineralization. The key findings included pH levels ranging from 6.10 to 8.52, EC from 828 to 4581 μS/cm, and varying concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO2–, Cl–, N–NO2–, and SO42–. Notably, TDS and TH ranged from 647.19–3609.36 mg/L and 64.23–1051.24 mg/L, respectively, with a significant portion of samples exceeding WHO guidelines, particularly chloride (61.81%), sulfate (92.72%), and nitrate (12.72%) samples. The Piper diagram highlights sodium chlorides (Na–Cl) as the predominant chemical facies (70.9%), while the Gibbs diagram emphasizes the impact of evaporation on water chemistry dynamics. This study revealed the complex influence of geological and anthropogenic factors on groundwater quality, potentially leading to seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers. The observed high mineralization and hardness levels, in addition to mild alkalinity, pose public health risks, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and sustainable management practices in coastal groundwater management to protect human health and the environment.

Low-Mineral Water Diminishes the Bone Benefits of Boron.

This study looked at how desalinated seawater, which has low minerals and high boron, could affect bone health. Prior research suggests that low mineral water may harm bone health and boron could be beneficial, but the overall impact on bone health is still unclear. Eighty-nine-week-old male Balb/C mice were allocated into eight groups and administered either tap water or purified water with varying boron concentrations (0, 5, 40, and 200 mg/L). They were kept in an environment mimicking tropical conditions (35-40 °C, 70-80% humidity) and underwent daily treadmill exercise for 13 weeks. At the 14th week, serum, femora, and lumbar vertebrae were collected for mineral metabolism, bone biomarker, microstructure, and biomechanics evaluation. Boron exposure improved bone formation, microstructure, and biomechanics initially but the benefits weakened with higher levels of exposure (p < 0.05). Co-exposure to purified water elevated serum boron but weakened the promotion of boron on bone minerals and the bone benefits of boron compared to tap water (p < 0.05). Thus, when studying the health effects of boron in desalinated seawater, it is crucial to look at various health effects beyond bone health. Furthermore, it is important to consider the mineral composition of drinking water when using boron for bone health benefits.

Halal Labels and Religious Commitment: Their Impact on Bottled Water Purchases

Research Aims: To determine how halal labelling affects purchasing decisions for bottled drinking water products among Muslim students in Solo Design/methodology/approach: The study used quantitative descriptive analysis with primary data. The data analysis method used multiple linear regression analysis with independent variables, namely halal labelling (X1) and religiosity (X2). The number of samples in the study was 183 respondents. This study uses a purposive sampling technique with specific criteria. The study's dependent variable (Y) is the decision to purchase bottled drinking water Research Findings: halal labelling and religiosity have a positive and significant effect on customer decisions to buy bottled mineral water drinks. The value of the coefficient of determination concluded that the contribution of the independent variables in the regression model can explain the variation of the dependent variable by 48,6%. In contrast, the rest is explained by other variables outside the regression equation model. Based on the analysis results, actual steps need to follow up on purchasing decisions for halal bottled drinking water products, one of which is that the university can provide and facilitate the availability of bottled drinking water (AMDK) products on the campus. Besides increasing awareness of halal drinking water, it can also positively impact the development of halal products in universities in Solo. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The research highlights the simultaneous and partial influence of halal labelling and religiosity on purchasing decisions for bottled drinking water in universities in Solo. This adds a nuanced understanding of consumer behavior in a specific religious and educational context. The study emphasizes the need for further research into the urgency of providing halal AMDK, suggesting that such products are crucial for consumer assurance. This calls attention to a potentially underserved market segment. Keywords: Halal Label, Religiosity, Purchase Decision, Bottled Drinking Water.

Electrical conductivity profiling for rapid contamination assessment in unsaturated zones: A case study of an MSW landfill

This study investigates the potential of using bulk soil electrical conductivity (ECbulk) to predict pore water conductivity (ECpw) for assessing the contamination in the unsaturated zone of an old municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill. ECbulk, ECpw, and water content were evaluated with depth at an old MSW landfill in Bhalswa, Delhi, using the Hydraulic Profiling Tool (HPT) and a dual tube soil sampling system. This data was also supplemented by a cone penetration test (CPTu) for high-resolution soil type identification. The correlation of ECbulk with ECpw was primarily influenced by volumetric water content and mineral conductivity with the latter being negligible at this site due to the high conductivity of the leachate. A reasonable linear correlation between normalized EC (ECbulk/ECpw) was observed with volumetric water content, except at low water contents. ECbulk and ECpw profiles with depth indicated attenuation of contaminants in clay layers, while sand layers exhibited constant profile with depth. ECpw was contributed by macro ions generally found in the leachate, including Na+, Mg2+, K+, Ca2+, NH4+, Cl−, SO42−, and HCO3−, as demonstrated by a strong correlation with their cumulative ionic strength. The results indicate that ECbulk profile can be used as a rapid semi-quantitative method for assessing contaminant migration in the unsaturated soil zone, supporting the remediation or control strategies at old landfills.

Multiple effects of iron oxides on the adsorption and oxidation of dissolved organic matter by manganese oxides

Adsorptive fractionation and oxidation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on manganese (Mn) oxide surfaces alter the molecular composition and stability of DOM, but the impact of iron (Fe) oxides on the coupled adsorption-oxidation processes of DOM by Mn oxides is largely unknown. In this study, the underlying mechanisms of molecular transformation of DOM on birnessite (Bir) in the presence of ferrihydrite (Fh), with varying Fh/Bir mass ratios, were investigated at both molecular levels and microscopic scales with a suite of characterization techniques, including Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) and spherical aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cs-STEM). We found that higher Fh/Bir mass ratio impeded the adsorption of DOM by birnessite and the reductive dissolution of birnessite to release dissolved Mn, and the impediment on the reductive dissolution of birnessite was proportional to Fh/Bir mass ratio. Overall, during the interactions of DOM with ferrihydrite and birnessite, phenolic compounds were preferentially adsorbed by Fe and Mn minerals, and compounds with higher oxygen contents and polymeric substances were formed. FT-ICR-MS analysis further suggested that higher Fh/Bir mass ratio inhibited the occurrence of aromatic ring-opening and carboxylation of substituted groups on aromatic rings, but promoted polymerization of phenolic compounds. Cs-STEM analysis revealed that DOM distributions on ferrihydrite, birnessite, and their mixtures were regulated by their microscopic structures and reactivity. Compared with aromatic carbon (C), carboxylic and phenolic C were more likely to associate with birnessite. Our results highlighted the significance of organo-mineral associations with the mixed minerals in regulating the distribution and reactivity of organic C. This study has provided molecular evidences for molecular transformation of DOM mediated by both Mn and Fe oxides, which contributed to advancing our understanding on coupled reactions of organic C at the mineral–water interfaces in the environment.

Study of the impact of low ambient air and seawater temperatures on the possibility of mining solid minerals in arctic waters

Study of the impact of low ambient air and seawater temperatures on the possibility of mining solid minerals in arctic waters

Unambiguous detection of mesospheric CO2 clouds on Mars using 2.7 μm absorption band from the ACS/TGO solar occultations

Mesospheric CO2 clouds are one of two types of carbon dioxide clouds known on Mars. We present observations of mesospheric CO2 clouds made by Atmospheric Chemistry Suite (ACS) onboard the ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO). We analyzed 1663 solar occultation sessions of Thermal InfraRed (TIRVIM) and Middle InfraRed (MIR) channels of ACS covering more than two Martian years that contain spectra of 2.7 μm carbon dioxide ice absorption band. That allowed us to unambiguously discriminate carbon dioxide ice aerosols from mineral dust and water ice aerosols, not relying on the information of atmospheric thermal conditions. CO2 clouds were detected in eleven solar occultation observations at altitudes from 39 km to 90 km. In five cases, there were two or three layers of CO2 clouds that were vertically separated by 5–15 km gaps. Effective radius of CO2 aerosol particles is in the range of 0.1–2.2 μm. Spectra produced by the smallest particles indicate a need for a better resolved CO2 ice refractive index. Nadir optical depth of CO2 clouds is in the range 5 × 10−4–4 × 10−2 at both 2.7 μm and 0.8 μm. Asymmetrical diurnal distribution of detections observed by ACS is potentially due to local time variations of temperature induced by thermal tides. Two out of five cases of carbon dioxide cloud detections made by the TIRVIM instrument reveal the simultaneous presence of CO2 ice and H2O ice aerosols. Temperature profiles measured by the Near InfraRed (NIR) channel of ACS are used to calculate CO2 saturation ratio S at locations of carbon dioxide clouds. Supersaturation S > 1 is detected in only 6 out of 19 cases of CO2 cloud layers; extremely low values of S < 0.1 are found in 9 out of 19 cases.

Optimasi Human Error pada Proses Produksi Air Minum Dalam Kemasan di PT. Telaga Tanjung Pomosda Nganjuk

PT. Telaga Tanjung Pomosda, a bottled mineral water manufacturer in Nganjuk, East Java, faces challenges in maintaining high production standards and addressing operational issues such as product rejection and production process errors, impacting overall company efficiency and reputation. This study identifies operational error factors and evaluates the effectiveness of improvement methods. Research procedures utilize HTA, SHERPA, and Poka-Yoke to identify and reduce human errors in bottled mineral water production at PT. Telaga Tanjung Pomosda Nganjuk, focusing on error analysis, probability assessment, and Poka-Yoke strategy implementation. The bottled water packaging process involves critical stages such as cup packaging, pressing, and packing. Errors in each stage can result in delays, decreased water volume, imperfectly pressed lids, and packing mistakes, hindering the entire production process. Research at PT. Telaga Tanjung Pomosda identifies operator issues in machine settings, water measurement, lid positioning, task interruptions, packaging, and cup positioning, with solutions including routine checks and training to enhance product quality

Carbon paste based sensor for sensitive Cr(III) ion determination in different water samples and anti-diabetic supplement

A modified carbon paste sensor based on N,N′-(((ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(2,1-phenylene))bis(methanylylidene))bis(pyridine-2-amine; BPA Schiff base as Cr(III) selective carrier was fabricated and studied in this work. The proposed sensor homogenization and mechanism of action was studied by infra-red (IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) tools. The sensor covered 1.0 × 10−7–1.0 × 10–1 mol L−1 linear range and a detection limit of 7.22 × 10–8 mol L−1 for Cr(III) with 20.17 ± 0.13 mV decade−1 Nernstian slope. 5 s was the response time of the prepared sensor and it was reproducible and stable for 3 months. The working pH range was 3.3–6.0 and it also works well to determine Cr(III) ion in presence of water miscible solvents up to 12.5% content of the methanol and 17.5% of ethanol. The electrode’s selectivity was studied using separate and mixed solution methods for selectivity coefficients determination and the sensor showed good selectivity relative to a variety of metal ions (selectivity coefficients = 1.01 × 10−5–8.57 × 10−3). In addition, the practical analysis value of the sensor was demonstrated by measurement of Cr(III) quantitatively in mineral water, supplement and also as an indicator electrode in Cr(III) against EDTA potentiometric titration with good reproducibility (RSDs of 0.91–2.15%).

Single-Probe-Based Sensor Array for Fingerprint Recognition of Trivalent Metal Ions and Application in Water Identification.

Abnormal concentration levels of trivalent metal ions (M3+) might hinder their natural biological activities in physiological processes and cause severe health hazards. Herein, a dual-chromophore probe (RhB-TPE) composed of rhodamine and tetraphenylethene (TPE) units was synthesized and explored for discriminating M3+ ions. It exhibited special aggregation and AIE properties in aqueous media. Its ensemble with anionic surfactant SDBS assemblies (RhB-TPE/SDBS) could be utilized as fluorescent sensors for selective and sensitive detection of M3+ ions such as Fe3+, Al3+, and Cr3+ by illustrating quenched TPE emission and switched-on rhodamine emission. Moreover, the use of SDBS assemblies at two concentrations could provide a single-probe-based sensor array and realize four-signal pattern recognition of different concentrations of the three M3+ ions and identify M3+ mixtures or unknown samples. The cross-reactive fluorescence variation was attributed to the M3+ influence on the FRET process from TPE to open-ring form rhodamine in the two ensemble sensors. With the coexistence of Al3+, the optimized RhB-TPE/SDBS ensemble sensor array was successfully applied to differentiate commercially available brand mineral water and purified water, as well as tap water. The present work provides a novel strategy to generate a single-probe-based sensor array and realizes fingerprint recognition of three trivalent metal ions and efficient discrimination of different types of water. The modulation FRET process of a dual chromophore in different surfactant ensembles inspires the future construction of novel and effective sensing platforms.

The effects of beverage erosion on enamel: evaluating surface characteristics and loss of calcium and phosphate ions

BackgroundThe erosive impacts of various beverages on dental enamel have been identified as a potential erosive threat to dental hard tissues. This in vitro study aimed to address this by utilizing a systematic approach and advanced analytical methods to study enamel erosion due to selected beverages in a simulated oral environment.MethodsForty-nine extracted sound second premolar teeth were collected, disinfected, and prepared. These teeth were randomly allocated into seven groups, each exposed to a different beverage: distilled water, mineral water, instant coffee, black tea, Pepsi-Cola, orange juice, and synthetic vinegar. The modified Nordini Artificial Model (mNAM) was used to simulate the oral cavity. The enamel surfaces were scanned using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and analyzed using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Surface hardness was measured using the Knoop Hardness Scale. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.ResultsDistilled water and mineral water exhibited no significant changes in enamel surface or hardness. Coffee caused an 8–9% loss of calcium and phosphate, indicating potential erosion. Black tea showed signs of remineralization rather than demineralization. Pepsi-Cola and orange juice caused substantial erosion, with Pepsi-Cola resulting in a nearly 24% loss of calcium. Vinegar had a marked erosive effect, with a 17% loss of both calcium and phosphate. SEM images corroborated these findings, showing pronounced enamel prisms and increased visibility of minor cracks in post-treatment teeth. EDS analysis revealed significant changes in the elemental composition of the enamel.ConclusionsThis study categorised beverages based on their pH and fluoride content, revealing that drinks like Pepsi-Cola and orange juice are acidic but low in fluoride, whereas black tea, mineral water, and vinegar are acidic yet contain fluoride. The study suggests that the decrease in pH of acidic beverages may contribute to dental erosion, with fluoride as a mitigating factor. Among the various metrics assessed for evaluating dental erosion, hardness emerged as the most reliable quantitative parameter.

Restoration of the upper limbs of athletes in the Caucasian Mineral Waters resort using the combined application of electro- and peloidotherapy to the cervical– collar area

Objective. Of the work was to develop a method for restoring the upper limbs of athletes in the Caucasian Mineral Waters resort based on the combined use of electro- and peloid therapy on the cervical-collar area. Material and methods.Was carried out among highly qualified athletes during their stay at training camps in Kislovodsk. 30 athletes took part in the study (23 athletes — the main group and 7 athletes (CG). Before and after the application of the technique, the athletes were examined: the initial level and dynamics of the functional state of the upper extremities (according to electroneuromyography (ENMG) and rheography), as well as hemodynamics of cerebral vessels (according to rheoencephalography). The results of the study showed that a single and course application of electro- and peloid therapy procedures on the cervical-collar area contributes to a significant relaxing effect on the upper limbs of athletes. As a result, a decrease in neuromuscular activity and normalization of excessively increased blood flow, improvement of venous outflow. Conclusion. A method for restoring the upper extremities of athletes has been developed and scientifically substantiated, which is recommended for use especially for relaxation after a training day and during the transition (recovery) period of the training process in sanatorium-resort conditions.

Organoleptical Test And Acceptance Of Gummy Candy With The Addition Of Turmeric Acid

Abstract. Technological developments have an impact on people's awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy body by optimizing natural resources as functional food. Functional food is food and drink that is often consumed by the public because it contains bioactive compounds that are beneficial for health. Gummy candy is a type of jelly-like soft candy made from a mixture of sugar and the purpose of this study was to determine the acceptability of gummy candies with the addition of turmeric and tamarind as functional foods. This study used an experimental method with organoleptic tests on the resulting functional food products. There were 3 treatments in this study namely P1 (100% mineral water: 0% sour turmeric), P2 (81.5% mineral water: 18.5% sour turmeric) and P3 (63% mineral water: 37% sour turmeric). Based on the Friedman rank test, and carried out with the Wilcoxon test, it was found that the tamarind turmeric substitution had a significant effect on the color and texture parameters with a value (p = 0.00), but was not significantly different in the aroma parameter with a value (p = 0.81) and taste with a value (p = 0.16) on organoleptic gummy candy. It can be concluded that P3 got superior scores compared to P1 and P2 on the color and aroma parameters, while P1 excelled on the texture and taste parameters. The addition of tamarind turmeric will affect the organoleptic acceptability of Gummy candies.