Water Pollution Monitoring Research Articles

Current state, microbiological monitoring, and prevention of water pollution in Lake Baikal

Since 2003, Limnological Institute SB RAS has been holding the International Baikal Microbiological Symposia “Microorganisms and Viruses in Aquatic Ecosystems” every four years, and even in the “covid” year 2020, it was held “in remote mode.” The proper functioning of viral and bacterial communities is the basis for the stable quality of aquatic ecosystems. New ecological problems for the Lake Baikal ecosystem are becoming more and more acute, and the scientific research, the results of which are presented and discussed at these symposia for different aquatic ecosystems around the world, should help to find solutions for preserving the water quality now and in the future. We analyze the long-term microbiological studies of the water quality in the littoral and pelagic zones of Lake Baikal carried out by numerous authors, and propose a specific scheme of microbiological monitoring of this unique aquatic ecosystem required by the environmental regulatory authorities. Specific measures to prevent pollution of oligotrophic lake waters are also provided; these measures can be rapidly implemented now.

Nanocosmos of catalysis: a voyage through synthesis, properties, and enhanced photocatalytic degradation in nickel sulfide nanocomposites.

Nanomaterials play a decisive role in environmental applications such as water purification, pollutant monitoring, and advanced oxidation-based remediation processes, particularly in semiconductor and metal sulfide-based photocatalysis. Metal sulfides are ideal for photocatalysis because of their unique optical, structural, and electronic characteristics. These properties enable the effective use of solar energy to drive various catalytic reactions with potential uses in environmental remediation with sustainable energy production. Among them, nickel sulfides (NiS) stand out for their narrow band gaps, high stability, and cost-effectiveness. This review thoroughly analyzes recent advancements in employing nickel-sulfide-based nanostructures for water decontamination. It begins by addressing environmental material needs and emphasizing the properties of nickel sulfide. To improve photocatalytic performance, controlled processes that affect the active structure, shape, composition, and size of nickel sulfide photocatalysts are examined, along with their synthesis methods. The heart of the review article is a detailed analysis of the modification of NiS through metal and non-metal doping, heterojunction, and nanocomposite formation for enhanced photocatalytic performance. The discussion also includes metal-modified nanostructures, metal oxides, and carbon-hybridized nanocomposites. This study underscores notable advancements in the degradation efficiency of NiS photocatalysts, rivaling their costly noble-metal counterparts. The analysis concludes with potential future directions for nickel sulfide-based photocatalysts in sustainable environmental remediation.

Enhancing water and air pollution monitoring and control through ChatGPT and similar generative artificial intelligence implementation

Enhancing water and air pollution monitoring and control through ChatGPT and similar generative artificial intelligence implementation

A Deep Survey of Fish Health for the Recognition of Useful Biomarkers to Monitor Water Pollution

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the wild freshwater fish health status using a vast array of biomarkers as predictive factors of pollutant exposure. The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and brown trout (Salmo trutta fario), resident in rivers with different degrees of pollution in the South of Italy (Picentino River with good environmental quality and Tusciano River with low environmental quality), were examined using biometric parameters, histopathological and immunohistochemical biomarkers to evaluate the health status and a possible correlation with the water quality. Several alterations identified in the liver positively correlated with water and soil pollutants: hemorrhage (p ≤ 0.05), cytoplasmic vacuolization (p ≤ 0.01), hemosiderosis (p ≤ 0.05), irregular arrangement of hepatocytes (p ≤ 0.01), lipid accumulation (p ≤ 0.05), necrosis (p ≤ 0.01), cellular hyperplasia (p ≤ 0.05), leukocyte infiltration (p ≤ 0.01) and melanomacrophages centers (MMC) (p ≤ 0.01). In the spleen, only hemosiderosis correlated with water and soil pollutants (p ≤ 0.05). The inflammatory biomarker tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and ciclooxigenase 2 (COX2) responded to the environmental pollution, as well as the oxidative stress biomarkers superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and 8-Hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities and erythrocytic cellular abnormalities were found to be significantly higher in the blood of both the European eel (p < 0.0001) and brown trout (p < 0.001) in the Tusciano River compared with the Picentino River. Taken together, these results outline the need to increase the number of suitable biomarkers to assess fish health and reinforce the importance of employing additional biomarkers in biomonitoring programs that can be applied to evaluate water quality and in environmental assessment around the world.

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles-based sensing for monitoring water pollution: an updated review

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles-based sensing for monitoring water pollution: an updated review

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanometal Oxide-Biochar Derived from Date Palm Waste for Adsorption of Manganese and Iron from Contaminated Water

Groundwater is a predominant stream of potable water in numerous areas and frequently harbors pollutant removal, notably iron, and manganese. The present work explored synthesizing and conducting a thorough analysis of a composite material termed nanometal oxide-biochar (NMO) and biochar that is prepared from date palm waste. The application of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis, SEM/EDX, XRD, and BET facilitated the identification of unique molecule characteristics inside the composite material. This research also investigated the kinetics of manganese and iron adsorption, and the results suggested that both first- and second-order models are applicable, with a slight preference for the pseudo-second-order model. The mechanisms of adsorption in the NMO were further clarified by the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models, which emphasized that the NMO predominantly undergoes monolayer adsorption. In short, composite materials exhibited an adsorption capacity of 3.169 mg/g and 4.151 mg/g for manganese and iron on biochar as well as 4.33 mg/g and 4.859 mg/g on NMO, respectively. In addition, values for R2 provide goodness of fit for the Adams–Bohart and Thomas models. The adsorption capacity for manganese and iron are observed as 31.97 mg/g and 32.28 mg/g on NMO as well as 26.6 mg·L−1 and 29.54 mg·L−1 on biochar, respectively, at a flow rate of 7 mL/min. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of the NMO-BC composite for monitoring water pollution, sustainably obtained from date palm waste, as a viable approach for eliminating manganese and iron from polluted water.

Instant water toxicity detection based on magnetically-constructed electrochemically active biofilm

Water toxicity determination with electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) is promising in the early warning of water pollution. However, limited by tedious biofilm formation, natural EAB biofilms are uncapable of the instant detection of water toxicity, resulting in the failure for the emergency monitoring of water pollution. To solve this problem, a novel method for the rapid construction of EAB biofilms using magnetic adsorption was established, and the performance of instant water toxicity detection with magnetically-constructed EAB biofilm was investigated. The results demonstrate that EAB biofilms were magnetically constructed in less than 30 min, and magnetically-constructed EAB biofilm generated stable currents even under continuous flow conditions. Magnetically-constructed EAB biofilms realized instant water toxicity detection, and the sensitivity increased with the decrease of magnetic field intensity. Low magnetic field intensity resulted in a loose biofilm structure, which is conducive to toxic pollutant penetration. The detection limit for Cu2+, phenol, and Cd2+ achieved 0.07 mg/L with optimal magnetic field intensity, and the detection time was less than 30 min. This study broadens the application of water toxicity determination with EAB, and establishes a foundation for the instant and continuous detection of water toxicity with EAB.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EFFECT OF CHLORPYRIFOS PESTICIDE ON LIVER AND KIDNEY OF FRESH WATER FISH CATLA CATLA

All the natural water bodies are continuously being contaminated with toxic chemicals from industrial, agricultural and domestic activities. Chlorpyrifos is one of the most widely used organophosphate pesticides. Excessive application of pesticides from agricultural fields contaminate aquatic medium, resulting in serious damage to non-target species, including fish. The fish as a bioindicator of aquatic medium plays an important role in the monitoring of water pollution. Histopathology is an important tool for evaluating the action of any toxicant at tissue level. The focus of the present study is to measure the histological changes in liver and kidney of the fresh water fish Catla catla exposed to sub lethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos 1/15th of the 96 hour LC50 values for the period of 10 and 20 days. The fish exposed to chlorpyrifos showed mild vacuolar hepatocytes, dilation of central vein, vaculor degenerative changes, mild hyperaemia and severe hyperaemia of central vein in the liver tissue slide. The changes observed in kidney slide due to the impact of chlorpyrifos toxicity are hemorrhage, degenerative changes in between tubules, constriction of primary tubule, vacuolardegenerative changes, necrosis in epithelial lining of proximal tubules, chlorpyrifos compound induced.

Water quality status analysis based on a parameter of Physics and Chemistry using the STORET method in Bekasi river

In the last 100 years, river water pollution has continued to increase along with industrial, agricultural, and human population developments. Various attempts are being carried out continuously to characterize river water quality. The status of water quality needs to be determined as an effort to monitor water systems for clean water need and the biota life need. The purpose of this study was to examine the water quality status of the Bekasi River based on Physics parameters (Temperature, Turbidity, TDS, Salinity, and Electrical Conductivity) and Chemistry parameters (pH, COD, content of Iron, Nitrite, Zinc, Chromium, and Copper), as an effort to river water pollution monitoring. Parameter measurements were carried out from August to September 2022 at six observation locations along the Bekasi River. The procedure for collecting samples refers to SNI 03-7016-2004. The data obtained were then compared with water quality standards based on applicable government regulations and analyzed using the STORET method. The index calculation results show that the six locations are lightly polluted, with a negative score of -8. Based on these results, the waters of the Bekasi River in the October-September period belong to class B with the “Good” category.

Electrochemical simultaneous determination of hydroquinone, catechol, bisphenol A, and bisphenol S using a novel mesoporous nickel-modified carbon sensor

The widespread occurrence of endocrine disruptor compounds in wastewater has garnered significant attention owing to their toxicity, even at low concentrations, and their persistence in the water body. Among various analytical techniques, electrochemical sensors become popular for the environmental monitoring of water pollutants due to their low cost, rapid detection, high sensitivity, and selectivity. In this study, the mesoporous Ni (MNi) material was synthesized with an innovative method using Pluronic™ F-127 as a soft template and applied as a modifier for the simultaneous electrochemical sensing of hydroquinone (HQ), catechol (CC), bisphenol A (BPA), and bisphenol S (BPS). MNi with high porosity efficiently enhanced the redox-active surface area and conductivity of the glassy carbon electrode contributing to a significantly improved sensitivity in the detection of target chemicals. The pore size and surface area of MNi were estimated based on atomic force microscopy and Brunauer Emmett and Teller techniques to be ∼14.2 nm and 31.1 m2 g−1, respectively. The limit of detection for HQ, CC, BPA, and BPS was determined to be 5.3, 5.7, 5.6, and 61.5 nM, respectively. The electrochemical sensor presented in this study holds promise as a platform for developing portable and miniaturized tools offering the rapid and sensitive detection of these hazardous phenolic compounds in environmental water samples.

Integrated Plastic Microfluidic Device for Heavy Metal Ion Detection.

The presence of heavy metal ions in soil, air and water constitutes an important global environmental threat, as these ions accumulate throughout the food chain, contributing to the rise of chronic diseases, including, amongst others, cancer and kidney failure. To date, many efforts have been made for their detection, but there is still a need for the development of sensitive, low-cost, and portable devices able to conduct on-site detection of heavy metal ions. In this work, we combine microfluidic technology and electrochemical sensing in a plastic chip for the selective detection of heavy metal ions utilizing DNAzymes immobilized in between platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs), demonstrating a reliable portable solution for water pollution monitoring. For the realization of the microfluidic-based heavy metal ion detection device, a fast and easy-to-implement fabrication method based on the photolithography of dry photosensitive layers is proposed. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the detection of Pb2+ ions using the prototype microfluidic device.

SEDIMENT MICROBIAL FUEL CELL BASED BIOSENSOR FOR REAL TIME DETECTION OF CU2+ IN INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATERS – OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS

Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are bio-electrochemical systems in which the anode is placed in the anaerobic sediment and the cathode is immersed in the surface layer of water. Natural exoelectrogenic bacteria decompose organic compounds in sediment, producing electrons and protons. The electrons reach the cathode through an external electrical circuit, while the protons pass through the soil layer, which acts as a kind of membrane. Oxygen is in many cases the preferred electron acceptor due to its presence in the cathode region and its high potential. Heavy metal ions and other compounds can also be reduced on the cathode, which will increase the energy generated. Based on the above characteristics, SMFCs would be suitable for application as biosensors for monitoring water pollution with heavy metals. In the present study, the possibility of application of SMFCs as biosensors for water pollution with copper has been studied. A high correlation was found between the concentration of copper ions in the range 0,1 – 100 mg/L and the voltage generated by SMFC. The constructed SMFC based biosensor showed wider detection limits for copper compared to other authors' studies as the coefficient of determination reached 0,9911. Native exoelectrogenic bacteria were represented mainly by Geobacter, Clostridium, Anaeromixobacter and Bacillus.

Local environmental variables outperform spatial and land use pattern in the maintenance and assembly of phytoplankton communities in the wetland cluster

Phytoplankton is a crucial primary producer in wetland ecosystems and is highly sensitive to changes in water quality. It has long been considered one of the most important biological indicators for monitoring water pollution. However, our understanding of the various aspects of phytoplankton communities assembly and the factors driving them remains limited. In this study, we conducted collection and analysis of phytoplankton samples from a temperate wetland cluster encompassing both lake and marsh types under the backdrop of industrial pollution from the petroleum industry. Our aim was to investigate the influence of spatial factors, land use patterns, and local environmental variables on the taxonomic and functional structure of the phytoplankton community, utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) and variation partitioning. Our results revealed that environmental filtering exerts a greater relative impact on shaping the taxonomic composition of phytoplankton compared to mass effects. Human activities, such as industrial and agricultural production, can lead to landscape modifications that increase water nutrient levels and consequently influence the community composition. Taxonomic beta diversity is determined by both mass effects and environmental filtering. In contrast, functional beta diversity responds more to local environmental gradients, while the land use pattern was not important for facets of beta diversity in the wetland cluster. These results validate the concordance and complementarity between functional and taxonomy-based biome structures, highlighting the significance of integrating multiple ecological drivers. The results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of wetland community assembly and the processes of biogeography, and are of crucial significance for the biological monitoring and management of freshwater ecosystem environmental pollution.

Automatic Monitoring of Water Pollution from Sentinal-2 Satellite Imagery A Case Study of Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Water is the most important source among the natural sources on the earth's surface for the health of marine and near-shore ecosystems. Assessing water pollution in coastal areas is an essential process for sustainable development. El Gharbia coast, Egypt is one of the most important coasts of Egypt. The main objective of this work is to predict the future changes of water pollution in this coast using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery of three consequent times. First, three Sentinel-2 satellite imagery of consequent dates were acquired and processed for further classification process. The maximum likelihood classification algorithm was then used to prepare the base maps for: time 1, time 2 and time 3, with ten major classes (pollutants). The classified images of time 1 and time 2 were then used to predict the time 3 water pollution map using a Markov Chain Model. After that, the final predicted water pollution map for time 3 was validated with the classified one of the same time. Finally, and compared with the water pollution map of time 3, the future ratios of all types of pollutants have been predicted. The results showed that the proposed model can simulate water pollution changes with reliable results. Based on the simulated water pollution map and by 2030, the ratios of all pollutants will increase. Accordingly, El Gharbia coast and surrounding activities can be saved from more pollution in the future.

Engineering boron and nitrogen codoped carbon nanoarchitectures to tailor molecularly imprinted polymers for PFOS determination

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained significant attention as emerging contaminants due to their persistence, abundance, and adverse health effects. Consequently, the urgent need for ubiquitous and effective sensors capable of detecting and quantifying PFAS in complex environmental samples has become a priority. In this study, we present the development of an ultrasensitive molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) electrochemical sensor tailored by chemically vapour-deposited boron and nitrogen codoped diamond-rich carbon nanoarchitectures for the selective determination of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). This approach allows for a multiscale reduction of MIP heterogeneities, leading to improved selectivity and sensitivity in PFOS detection. Interestingly, the peculiar carbon nanostructures induce a specific distribution of binding sites in the MIPs that exhibit a strong affinity for PFOS. The designed sensors demonstrated a low limit of detection (1.2 μg L-1) and exhibited satisfactory selectivity and stability. To gain further insights into the molecular interactions between diamond-rich carbon surfaces, electropolymerised MIP, and the PFOS analyte, a set of density functional theory (DFT) calculations was performed. Validation of the sensor’s performance was carried out by successfully determining PFOS concentrations in real complex samples, such as tap water and treated wastewater, with average recovery rates consistent with UHPLC-MS/MS results. These findings demonstrate the potential of MIP-supported diamond-rich carbon nanoarchitectures for water pollution monitoring, specifically targeting emerging contaminants. The proposed sensor design holds promise for the development of in situ PFOS monitoring devices operating under relevant environmental concentrations and conditions.

Searching for a Reliable Viral Indicator of Faecal Pollution in Aquatic Environments.

The disposal of sewage in significant quantities poses a health hazard to aquatic ecosystems. These effluents can contain a wide range of pathogens, making faecal contamination a leading source of waterborne diseases around the world. Yet monitoring bacteria or viruses in aquatic environments is time consuming and expensive. The standard indicators of faecal pollution all have limitations, including difficulty in determining the source due to lack of host specificity, poor connection with the presence of non-bacterial pathogens, or low environmental persistence. Innovative monitoring techniques are sorely needed to provide more accurate and targeted solutions. Viruses are a promising alternative to faecal indicator bacteria for monitoring, as they are more persistent in ambient water, more abundant in faeces, and are extremely host-specific. Given the range of viruses found in diverse contexts, it is not easy to find one "ideal" viral indicator of faecal pollution; however, several are of interest. In parallel, the ongoing development of molecular techniques coupled with metagenomics and bioinformatics should enable improved ways to detect faecal contamination using viruses. This review examines the evolution of faecal contamination monitoring with the followingaims (i) to identify the characteristics of the main viral indicators of faecal contamination, including human enteric viruses, bacteriophages, CRESS and plant viruses, (ii) to assess how these have been used to monitor water pollution in recent years, (iii) to evaluate the reliability of recent detection methods of such viruses, and (iv) to tentatively determine which viruses may be most effective as markers of faecal pollution.

Recent advances in synthesis, structural properties, and regulation of nickel sulfide-based heterostructures for environmental water remediation: an insight review.

Heterostructured nanomaterials exhibit pronounced potential in environmental science, including the water purification, pollutant monitoring, and environmental remediation. Especially, their application through advanced oxidation processes has been found capable and adaptable in waste water treatment. In semiconductor photocatalysts, metal sulfides are the leading materials. However, for further modifications, the progresses on specific materials need to be overviewed. Among metal sulfides, nickel sulfides are the emerging semiconductors due to relatively narrow band gaps, high thermal and chemical stability, and cost effectiveness. The aim of the present review is to conduct a thorough analysis and summary of recent progress in the application of nickel sulfide-based heterostructures in water decontamination. Initially, the review introduces the emerging needs of the materials for environment following the characteristics features of metal sulfides with emphasis on nickel sulfides. Subsequently, synthesis strategies and structural properties of nickel sulfide (NiS and NiS2)-based photocatalysts are discussed. Herein, controlled synthesis procedures to influence their active structure, compositions, shape, and size for the enhanced photocatalytic performances are also considered. Furthermore, there is discussion on heterostructures formed by metal modification, metal oxides, and carbon hybridized nanocomposites. In the continuation, the modified characteristics are investigated which favors the photocatalytic processes for degradation of organic contaminations in water. The overall study highlights significant improvements in degradation efficiency of hetero-interfaced NiS and NiS2 photocatalysts towards organics that are comparable to expensive noble-metal photocatalysts. Finally, we also added a little on prospects for future advancement of nickel sulfide-based photocatalysts for applications in sustainable environmental remediation.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using extract of banana peel waste assisted by microwave irradiation

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles are among the most desirable nanomaterials for a variety of applications, such as lithium-ion battery, water pollution monitoring, photocatalytic water splitting, and medical devices. Their increased production and integration in environmental applications play an important role for nanoscience and nanotechnology in engineering. The synthesis methods of Ag nanoparticles include physical, chemical, and biological routes. In this study, we reported a rapid, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient method to synthesize Ag nanoparticles using an extract of banana peel waste as a reducing and capping agent under microwave radiation. A comparison between the conventional heating method and microwave radiation revealed that the microwave radiation method for the extraction of banana peel waste and the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles required much shorter extraction and reaction times. The effects of extraction conditions (banana peel content and extraction time) and synthesis conditions (silver nitrate concentration and reaction time) on Ag nanoparticles were investigated. The optimum conditions were found to be for the extraction: 50 g/L banana peel-to-water ratio and microwave extraction time of 140 s at 800 W and for the Ag nanoparticles synthesis: microwave reaction time of 120 s at 800 W and 1 mM silver nitrate solution and. Plasmonic Ag nanoparticles with a surface plasmon resonance peak at 420 nm and an average size of about 149 nm were synthesized.

Uncertainty-Based Calibration Method for Environmental Sensors—Application to Chlorine and pH Monitoring With Carbon Nanotube Sensor Array

Societal demands in the field of air and water pollution monitoring require the ability to simultaneously detect a wide variety of chemical elements at very low concentrations in complex environments using compact and low-cost sensor devices. Although nanomaterial-based sensors have long been proposed as a solution to these exacting requirements, their detection accuracy is generally degraded in real-world conditions compared to laboratory conditions due to the effects of various interferents. To manage the related uncertainties and to associate confidence to the estimations, it seems natural to formulate the calibration-estimation problem in a probabilistic framework. This probabilistic formulation and its successful application to the monitoring of pH and active chlorine in drinking water are the main contributions of this work. While other tested calibration methods only allowed the monitoring of active chlorine, our solution enables the monitoring of both active chlorine and pH with quantified and reasonable uncertainties. Its success relies mainly on two adaptations of standard calibration methods: the consideration of the sensor inputs measurement errors (and not only the errors associated with the sensor outputs as it is generally done), and the introduction of two sources of model error (ME), one accounting for the approximate character of the calibration model, the other for unmeasured—and possibly unknown—interferents in the calibration environment.

Monitoring of polar organic compounds in fresh waters using the Chemcatcher passive sampler

The monitoring of polar organic pollutants in surface water is now undertaken to fulfil a number of legislative requirements. Passive sampling is being frequently used for this purpose and includes the commercially available Chemcatcher device. This protocol is based on knowledge that has been acquired over the past ten years in the use of the Chemcatcher for monitoring a wide range of polar organic compounds in freshwater. It provides detailed procedures and guidelines of how to prepare the sampler in the laboratory, deploy and retrieve the device in the field (including water and sampling site measurements) and subsequent sample processing in the laboratory up to instrumental analysis. By end users adopting this standardized, systematic protocol it will help to ensure the reproducibility of their monitoring data.•Robust and detailed procedure for the sampling of polar pollutants in surface waters using the Chemcatcher passive sampler•A low cost, novel and versatile apparatus for deploying the Chemcatcher at riverine sites•Practical tips based on extensive experience of using the Chemcatcher are provided for end-users