Water pH Research Articles

Dynamics of inland saline ground water and associated growth potential of common carp Cyprinus carpio for a sustainable aquaculture

Natural and anthropogenic causes have led to soil degradation, salinisation of inland areas, and groundwater. The degraded soils are unsuitable for primary agriculture, but can be utilised for saline aquaculture. ICAR-CIFE has initiated a selective breeding program for faster growth in common carp cultured at low salinity (6–8 ppt). The present study demonstrates the dynamic nature of physico-chemical parameters of Inland Saline Ground Water (ISGW) and the growth potential of selectively bred F1 generation of common carp using ISGW. About 1560 common carp fingerlings were stocked in two ponds, each representing a unique size class (> 100 g and < 100 g). "The water quality parameters, viz., temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium recorded during the culture period had mean values of 30.27 ℃, 6.73 ppt, 8.48, 5.02 mg L−1, 1544.83 mg L−1, 217.29 mg L−1, 177.22 mg L−1 and 332.33 mg L−1, respectively". The average body weight of common carp at stocking in Pond 1 and Pond 2 was 42.43 g and 180.86 g, respectively. The average standard length at stocking for Pond 1 and Pond 2 was 10.57 cm and 16.57 cm, respectively. The overall means for harvest body weight and standard length at 200 days of culture in summer months were 432.48 ± 4.14 g and 22.72 ± 3.04 cm, respectively. The effects of standard length, sex of fish, and sex by pond interaction were found to be significant on the harvest body weight. The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE), and Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) obtained for Pond 1 and Pond 2 were 2.19, 45.8, 1.53; 2.25, 44.44, and 1.48, respectively. The daily weight gain for Pond 1 and Pond 2 was 1.58 g and 1.61 g, respectively. In conclusion, the common carp reared in an inland saline environment showed a similar growth pattern in both size classes as reported in freshwater culture. Thus, the present study recommends common carp as a potential candidate species for inland saline aquaculture in degraded soils and advocates its scientific propagation.

Effects of chronic exposure of specific water quality parameters in poultry drinking water on dietary amino acid digestibility and early broiler performance.

Poultry drinking water quality parameters influence physiological functions and bird health. This study aimed to explore the impacts of poultry drinking water pH, TDS (total dissolved solids), and elevated levels of certain minerals on the early phase of broiler performance. Four treatment groups were created based on water source and water quality types: i) municipal water source (MW); ii) well/underground water source with moderately higher levels of Ca, SO4-, and Mn (WW); iii) high-pH (>8) water (HPH); and iv) high-TDS water (>3000 ppm) (HTDS). All treatment water samples were profiled for mineral content. Treatment water was fed ad libitum throughout the experimental period. A total of 288 birds (Cobb 500 males), fed a standard diet (day(d) 0-21), were utilized for the study, creating six replicates/treatment with 12 birds/replicate cage unit. Birds were weighed on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Water consumption, body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR), water: feed, and amino acid digestibility were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using 1-way ANOVA with Tukey's HSD test for significance (P < 0.05). Water consumption was higher for MW and HTDS until d10, but there was no difference in overall water consumption by d21 (P > 0.05). The overall feed intake and BWG were lower for HTDS birds compared to other treatment groups (P < 0.05), however, there was no difference in FCR (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, the apparent ileal digestibility of dietary amino acids for essential and non-essential amino acids did not differ among treatment groups (P > 0.05) and ranged from 0.40 to 0.94 across all treatments. The overall results showed that high-TDS water above 3000 ppm with elevated calcium and chloride levels could negatively impact early bird performance on feed consumption and BWG.

Oligoethylene Phosphoramidate-based Kinase Inhibitor Prodrugs - Solubility, Enzyme Inhibition, and Hydrolysis.

The efficiency of kinase inhibiting cancer therapeutics is often limited by their poor solubility in water. PEGylation is one possible strategy to improve the solubility of the drug, however, means to cleave these after reaching the target is important to make use of the therapeutic effects of the native drug. Moreover, the length of the PEG chains will have an effect on the solubility and binding. In this study we want to extend our understanding of solubilizing oligo ethylene glycol (OEG) chains connected to kinase inhibitors using a pH labile phosphoramidate linker. We synthesize a library of drug-OEG conjugates for Ceritinib, Crizotinib, Palbociclib, and Ribocilib kinase inhibitors with n = 2, 3, 4 and 8 OEG repeat units. We study the influence on water solubility, enzyme inhibition, and pH induced hydrolysis. A maximum in solubility is obtained for n = 3 or 4.We show that small differences in chain length can strongly influence the water solubility while all other properties remain relatively comparable.

Delayed onset of ocean acidification in the Gulf of Maine

The Gulf of Maine holds significant ecological and economic value for fisheries and communities in north-eastern North America. However, there is apprehension regarding its vulnerability to the effects of increasing atmospheric CO2. Substantial recent warming and the inflow of low alkalinity waters into the Gulf of Maine have raised concerns about the impact of ocean acidification on resident marine calcifiers (e.g. oysters, clams, mussels). With limited seawater pH records, the natural variability and drivers of pH in this region remain unclear. To address this, we present coastal water pH proxy records using boron isotope (δ11B) measurements in long-lived, annually banded, crustose coralline algae (1920–2018 CE). These records indicate seawater pH was low (~ 7.9) for much of the last century. Contrary to expectation, we also find that pH has increased (+ 0.2 pH units) over the past 40 years, despite concurrent rising atmospheric CO2. This increase is attributed to an increased input of high alkalinity waters derived from the Gulf Stream. This delayed onset of ocean acidification is cause for concern. Once ocean circulation-driven buffering effects reach their limit, seawater pH decline may occur swiftly. This would profoundly harm shellfisheries and the broader Gulf of Maine ecosystem.

Performance of a Wild Sesame (Sesamum Spp) Phytochemical Extract for Water Disinfection

The study sampled wild Sesame from open field in South Africa. The samples were pretreated while the extracts were screened for phytochemical compositions and applied for water purification using standard procedures. The physicochemical properties of sampled raw and purified water (pH, total dissolved solids, salinity turbidity and conductivity) were analyzed in situ before and after treatment in the lab, respectively. The plant’s phytochemical extract from the leaves and stem was prepared using selected solvents (methanol, cold water and warm water). The results revealed the presence of phytochemicals including tannins, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, anthraquinone, terpenoids, saponins, and phlobatannins in both the stem and leaf of the wild Sesame plant. The study shows effective percentage reduction of E. coli and total bacteria with extracts of leaf (98.5, 100.0 and 97.2%), (98.8, 100.0 and 95.0%) and stem (94.0, 95.4 and 99.0%), (99.4, 98.6 and 98.4%) using methanol, cold and warm water, respectively, at 5ml of the phytochemical extracts. This study explores the use of wild Sesame phytochemicals for disinfecting river and stream water samples, highlighting the potential for greener and sustainable water treatment. The physicochemical parameters of the treated water were within tolerable limits, especially salinity and the total dissolved solids. Thus, the extract is presented as a potential solution for water purification, aligning with SDG goals 6 (clean water), 9, and 12 (green innovations). It fills the knowledge and product gap in water treatment, causing minimal harm, consistent with the African Union's sustainable development agenda and the African Council on Water's goal for clean water. This innovation meets the criteria for technology readiness levels 2 and 3, making it ready for further development.

Storage Stability and Probiotic Viability of Foxtail Millet Probiotic Powder Enriched with High Protein and Fiber

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the storage stability of foxtail millet probiotic powder enriched with high protein and dietary fiber under two storage conditions: room temperature (27 ± 1°C) and refrigeration temperature (7 ± 1°C). Study Design: This was an experimental, laboratory-based study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Science College, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, between January 2024 and October 2024. Methodology: Foxtail millet probiotic powder enriched with high protein and dietary fiber was stored in polypropylene sachets under two storage conditions: room temperature and refrigeration temperature. Samples were systematically drawn at 7-day intervals and analyzed for key quality parameters, including probiotic viability, microbial contaminants, water activity, moisture content, alcoholic acidity, and pH. Statistical analyses were performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), with a 5% significance level. A critical difference (CD) value was employed to determine the statistical significance of observed variations between treatments over the storage period. Results: The storage stability of the optimized foxtail millet probiotic dry mix was assessed at both room temperature (27 ± 1°C) and refrigeration (7 ± 1°C) until spoilage or decline in probiotic viability below the threshold value. Probiotic viability declined significantly under both conditions, with a reduction from 11.04 log₁₀ CFU/g to 8.88 log₁₀ CFU/g at room temperature and 8.81 log₁₀ CFU/g under refrigeration. Water activity and moisture content increased over time, reflecting the hygroscopic nature of the mix, while alcoholic acidity rose significantly in both storage conditions. Despite these changes, the mix maintained probiotic viability above the therapeutic threshold (9 log₁₀ CFU/g) for 84 days at room temperature and 105 days under refrigeration, demonstrating its potential as a stable functional food product. Conclusion: The storage study of foxtail millet probiotic powder demonstrated its stability under both refrigeration and ambient conditions, with probiotic viability exceeding the 1 billion CFU/g threshold for up to 105 days and 84 days, respectively. Significant changes in water activity, moisture content, alcoholic acidity, and pH were observed, highlighting the product’s dynamic response to storage conditions.These results support the feasibility of developing shelf-stable, high-protein, high-fiber probiotic millet powders for the health-conscious market.

A Weighted Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression Approach for Predicting the Growth of Indoor-Cultured Abalone

The cultivation of abalone, a species with high economic value, faces significant challenges due to its slow growth rate and sensitivity to environmental conditions, resulting in prolonged cultivation periods and increased mortality risks. To address these challenges, we propose a novel probabilistic machine learning approach based on a Bayesian framework to predict abalone growth by modeling key environmental factors, including water temperature, pH, salinity, nutrient supply, and dissolved oxygen levels. The proposed method employs a weighted Bayesian kernel machine regression model, integrating Gaussian processes with a spike-and-slab prior to identify influential variables. This approach accommodates heteroscedasticity, capturing varying levels of variance across observations, and models complex, non-linear relationships between environmental factors and abalone growth. Our analysis reveals that time, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and nutrient supply are the most critical factors influencing growth, while water temperature and pH play relatively minor roles under controlled indoor farming conditions. Interaction analysis highlights the non-linear dependencies among factors, such as the combined effects of salinity and nutrient supply. The proposed model not only improves prediction accuracy compared to baseline methods, but also provides actionable insights into the environmental dynamics that optimize abalone growth. These findings underscore the potential of advanced machine learning techniques in enhancing aquaculture practices and offer a robust framework for managing complex, multi-variable systems in sustainable farming.

Effects of water and sediment chemistry variables on aquatic macroinvertebrate community structuring in a subtropical Austral river system.

Riverine physical and chemical characteristics are influencing ecosystem integrity while shaping and impacting species richness and diversity. Changes in these factors could potentially influence community structuring through competition, predation and localised species extinctions. In this study, eight sampling sites over multiple seasons were assessed along the streams draining the City of Nelspruit, South Africa, to examine river health based on water and sediment quality, while using macroinvertebrates as bioindicators for pollution. All water variables with the exception for salinity were found to be significantly different among seasons, with sites having significant differences among all water variables. All sediment chemistry variables were also found to be significantly different among sites and seasons, with the exception of K for sites and Zn and Ca for seasons. The PCA factor loadings and two-cluster analysis identified two groupings, i.e. group 1 that consisted of all metals apart from K and Na and group 2 with K and Na metals. A total of 4470 macroinvertebrate taxa were identified, with Crustacea Caridina nilotica and Diptera Chironominae being dominant across seasons, with macroinvertebrate communities being found to be significantly different among sites and seasons. The most common functional feeding groups across sites were the collector-gatherers (52.2%), followed by collector-filters (26.8%), predators (16.4%), scrapers (4.4%) and shredders (0.1%). Boosted regression trees indicated that high variation in species richness occurred with change in resistivity, P, water pH, ORP, conductivity and S concentrations. These results evidence a strong linkage among the sediment, water quality, substratum embeddedness and habitat structure and community structure. It is important to protect the integrity of aquatic ecosystems through effective monitoring due to the increasing water and sediment quality pressures that arise from various anthropogenic activities.

A new compact potentiometric electrode for pH monitoring built upon a glass substrate with a Ce-doped SnO2 layer.

A novel compact potentiometric electrode specifically designed for pH monitoring, featuring a good construction on a glass substrate coated with a cerium-doped tin oxide (Ce-doped SnO2) layer. The Ce-doped SnO2 thin film was created by spray-pyrolysis it on a glass substrate. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the deposited metal oxide coating. As a miniature potentiometric electrode, the synthesized Ce-doped SnO2/glass substrate was utilized to measure a broad pH range (pH 2-12) in aqueous solutions. The electrode had a perfect near-Nernstian response (slope of -58.6 ± 0.7 mV per decade), high potential stability, mechanical durability, and great selectivity towards some common interfering cations and anions. These characteristics made it ideal for quality control and assurance purposes. The electrode's performance parameters and validation measurements were assessed using established procedures. The Ce-doped SnO2-based electrode satisfactorily monitored the pH of several genuine water, drink, and fruit juice samples, and the data compared well with those obtained using a traditional pH glass electrode. The integration of Ce-doped SnO2 as the active material marks a significant advancement, providing enhanced electrochemical stability, improved sensitivity, and a wider pH detection range compared to conventional electrodes. The compact design not only reduces the sensor's footprint but also facilitates its application in miniaturized and portable pH monitoring devices, making it highly suitable for advanced analytical and environmental sensing applications.

Rancang Bangun Prototype Sistem Kontrol Suhu dan Monitoring PH Air pada Aquarium Benih Ikan Lele Dumbo Menggunakan Arduino UNO dan NodeMcu Berbasis Internet Of Things (IoT)

Cultivation of Dumbo Catfish requires optimal water quality management to ensure healthy fry growth. Key parameters to monitor are water temperature and pH, as imbalances can negatively affect the health and growth of the fish. This study aims to design and develop a prototype water quality monitoring system based on the Internet of Things (IoT) using Arduino UNO and NodeMCU. In ideal cultivation conditions, the optimal water acidity (pH) ranges between 6–9, and the ideal water temperature is 26–30 °C. Using Arduino UNO and NodeMCU IoT technology, fish farmers can more easily control temperature and monitor water pH in the fry nursery aquariums. Arduino is the microcontroller, while the NodeMCU Wi-Fi module connects the microcontroller to the Blynk application as the user interface. Temperature regulation is achieved through water heaters and Peltier elements. Test results indicate that the system can maintain an average temperature of 26 °C and an average pH of 6, consistent with manual measurements using a water thermometer and litmus paper. The heating and cooling systems function optimally, with an average delay time of 13.5884298 milliseconds, significantly lower than the 150-millisecond threshold. Thus, the system operates effectively, facilitating fish farmers in real-time monitoring and controlling aquarium water quality.

ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF A PEAT BOG FROM NORTHEASTERN ROMANIA

Peatlands are highly sensitive ecosystems that respond to hydrological, climatic, and geomorphological changes. In this study, we investigate the origin and historical evolution of a peatland located in Northeastern Romania, on the Suceava plateau. Our approach includes the analysis of historical maps and physical characteristics of both the peat (grain size, LOI - loss on ignition) and water (pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity). Our findings suggest that the development of this peatland has been more prominent along the surface than the depth. The presence of gravel and sand at the base of the peat deposit, along with surface morphological evidence, supports the hypothesis that this peatland originated in an ancient paleomeander. pH analysis indicates that the peatland is mesotrophic, while granulometric and LOI analyses suggest a fluviogenic origin.The significant changes observed in the sedimentary structure of the peatland may be attributed to climate change, with potential anthropogenic influences over the past 50 years. Furthermore, our study contributes valuable insights to geomorphological research in the Suceava valley, revealing visible changes spanning the last 250 years.

Environmental Assessment Using Phytoplankton Diversity, Nutrients, Chlorophyll-a, and Trophic Status Along Southern Coast of Jeddah, Red Sea

The objective of this study is to better identify the state of eutrophication of coastal waters along the southern coast of the city of Jeddah in the Red Sea. Thirty-six samples from surface seawater were collected during the spring and autumn of 2021. Water temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), nutrients, and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) content were examined as a guide of water quality indicators. The present data revealed low levels of Chl-a content (in the range of 0.11–0.24 µg L−1). The average concentrations of DIN (dissolved inorganic nitrogen) forms follow the order NO3-N &gt; NH4-N ~ NO2-N (representing about 11.4–29.4% of the total nitrogen). To investigate the trophic status and water quality, numerical indicators were applied to the results of the analysis of chemical variables (NH4-N, NO3-N, and PO4-P) and the biological analysis (Chl-a) in the aqueous environment within the study area. These indicators are simplified based on the specialist, the non-specialist, the decision-maker, and the one responsible for managing the coastal areas. We also obtain through this method a single numerical value that expresses the state of the coastal waters. According to the analysis of phosphorus and nitrogen data and a trophic index (TRIX), the study area’s trophic status was determined as oligotrophic, due to low nutrient concentrations in the seawater. The current study identified a total of 58 species of phytoplankton comprised four classes in the investigated areas; Bacillariophyceae was the dominant algal class (Diatoms 30 species), followed by Chlorophyceae (9 species), Dinophyceae (11 species), and Cyanophyceae (8 species). Seasonally, spring recorded the highest value of total phytoplankton, recording a value of 251 × 103 cells/L with a percentage of 61%, while autumn recorded the lowest value of 186 × 103 cells/L with a percentage of 39%. Phytoplankton classes can be arranged in order of prevalence as follows: Bacillariophyceae &gt;&gt; Dinophyceae &gt; Chlorophyceae &gt; Cyanophyceae.

Response of Plant Community Characteristics and Soil Factors to Topographic Variations in Alpine Grasslands.

Topography has an important influence on plant-soil relationships. However, research on plant-soil relationships in alpine grassland at the slope aspect and slope position scales is currently inadequate. In this paper, based on the topographic and geomorphological characteristics of the study area, alpine grassland with typical slope aspect and slope position conditions was selected as the research object. Through field investigations and laboratory research to reveal how the characteristics of the alpine grassland plant community and soil factors respond to changes in topography. The results show: Slope aspect and slope position changes significantly affect alpine grassland plant communities and soil properties. In terms of the dominant species in plant communities, the sunny slopes were dominated by Poaceae and the shady slopes were dominated by Polygonaceae. Plant community characterization variables showed a decreasing trend from shady to sunny slopes and bottom to top. The soil factors showed significant differences among the six types of topography (p < 0.05), and the magnitude order in different slope aspects and positions was basically shady slope > sunny slope and bottom > middle and top. Correlation analysis showed that there were good correlations between soil organic carbon (SOC), soil water content (SWC), total nitrogen (TN), pH, and plant community characteristics in alpine grassland. In addition, redundancy analyses (RDA) indicated that the divergence in plant community characteristics was primarily driven by the change difference in SOC along topographic gradients. Our findings may provide a scientific basis for the restoration and utilization of alpine grassland vegetation and the evaluation of the ecological environment in this region.

Clarias Gariepinus Parasites as Bioindicator For Assessing Water Quality in Omi Dam, Kogi State, Nigeria

Studies using host-parasite dynamics as bioindicator of effects and accumulators of heavy metals for assessing environmental quality are still scarce, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed at elucidating the possible use of parasites of fish in monitoring and assessing water quality. 102 samples of 18 species of parasites of Clarias gariepinus were analyzed for copper, lead, manganese, iron, zinc and cadmium concentrations. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Physico-chemical parameters were measured on sites using Hanna instrument. The nutrients and non-toxic constituents of water were also determined using methods by (American Public Health Association, 1999). The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance and significant differences accepted at p ≤ 0.05. Duncan Multiple range test was used to compare the heavy metal accumulation in the parasites and sample t- test was used to compare the values of physico-chemical parameters, nutrients and non-toxic constituents of the water. The heavy metal concentrations in parasites of C. gariepinus were in the order of Lead&gt;Cadmium&gt;Copper&gt;Iron&gt;Magnese&gt;Zinc. Bioindicating capacity of parasites were in the order Nematodes&gt;Cestodes&gt;Protozoan&gt;Trematodes. All physico-chemical parameters of the water (pH, temperature, salinity, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid) except dissolved oxygen were within the permissible level of the WHO (2011) permissible limits. The water nutrients except fluoride were within the permissible limits of WHO (2011). The non-toxic constituents were within permissible limits except NH4+ in the control study sites and PO43- in both study sites that was not within permissible limits. This study revealed that parasites can be ideal indicators for both effects and accumulation of heavy metals in aquatic environments. Findings from this study demonstrate the need for an ecosystem friendly approach towards sustainable management of dams and rivers. This will curb aquatic pollution which can directly and indirectly affect the structure and composition of fish parasite communities and also lead to a health risk in people consuming aquatic resources contaminated with heavy metals.

A Comparative Analysis of the Water Retention Properties of Hydrogels Prepared from Melon and Orange Peels in Soils.

The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the performance of hydrogels prepared from two distinct raw materials and to identify the hydrogels with the optimal overall capacity for dry farming applications. Ten grafted polymer hydrogels were prepared from melon peel (MP) and orange peel (OP). A comparative analysis of the degree of swelling, water absorption time, pH range, reusability, and soil water retention and water-holding capacity of the two hydrogels revealed that the MP-based hydrogels exhibited superior performance in all evaluated parameters when compared to their OP-based counterparts. The treatment group of hydrogels prepared from MPs exhibited the highest degree of swelling, with an absorptive capacity of up to 765.6 g/g in ultrapure water. The optimum absorption ratio at pH = 8.1 was 606.8 g/g, as determined by Gaussian distribution modeling. The treatment group with the best reusability demonstrated an average absorption ratio of 445.0 g/g. The degree of swelling was 84.0 g/g when the process was repeated seven times. After the MP-gels were applied to the soil, it was observed that the gels enhanced the water retention and holding capacity of the sandy soil. The water retention ratio of the sandy soil was increased by 271.0% by the addition of MP-gel, and the growth of wheat was found to be normal when 1.5% to 2.0% of MP-gel was added under drought-stress conditions. In light of the necessity to reuse agricultural waste, the preparation of MP-gel can facilitate the improvement of dry farming and address the issue of water scarcity in agriculture. This offers a viable solution for the growth and management of crops under conditions of drought stress.

Impacts of Vetiver Grass and DT2008 Soybean Cover Crop Practices on Soil Quality in Citrus Orchards in Cao Phong, Hoa Binh

This study investigated the efficiency of biomass management, residue quantity, and quality from Vetiver grass and DT2008 soybean cover crops in improving soil quality, including carbon and nitrogen content and soil physiochemical properties. Mesocosm experiments in pots were conducted with six treatments, each was replicated three times: CT0 (control), CT1 (2% Vetiver grass mulch), CT2 (2% DT2008 mulch), CT3 (1% Vetiver grass and 1% DT2008 mulch), CT4 (1% Vetiver grass and 1% DT2008 buried), and CT5 (2% DT2008 buried). After 12 months, significant increases in total carbon, nitrogen, and humic and fulvic acids were observed, indicating enhanced soil physiochemical properties. CT5 and CT4 showed the highest carbon, nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) improvements. Soil moisture, pH in water (pHH2O), pH in KCl (pHKCl), and hydrolytic acidity were higher in CT1, CT2, and CT3. Nitrogen accumulation efficiency was relatively lower than carbon (24.44% to 86.67%), while carbon accumulation efficiency was much higher (41.94% to 91.72%). The most effective methods were to bury soybean biomass or mulch Vetiver grass over a soybean plant mulching layer, with Vetiver grass mulch recommended for enhancing and conserving soil fertility.

Temporal Variation of Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Water in Selected Locations in Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake whose water quality is of great concern because of human and natural influences that affect its water chemistry and limnological characteristics. The main objective of this paper was to determine the temporal variation of physical and chemical characteristics of water in Lake Naivasha. Physico- chemical parameters were studied monthly and collected in triplicates from seven pre-defined stations from February 2019 to July 2019. Samples were collected in triplicates to determine nitrate nitrogen, SRP, TN, TP, ammonium nitrogen, and silicates. Water temperature, conductivity, DO, secchi, and pH were measured in situ using a multimeter probe. The findings of the study showed that the mean temporal variations in TN were 471 μg/L ± 170.61 SD, TP 97.97 μg/L ± 49.06 SD, NO3-N 6.70 μg/L ± 3.55 SD, NH4-N 18.93 μg/L ± 10.91 SD and SiO2 3.18 mg/L ± 2.99 SD. The temporal in situ readings showed a mean temperature of 22.73 °C ± 1.6 SD, DO 8.51 mg/L ± 0.87 SD, and pH 8.13 ± 0.3 SD. Single-factor ANOVA test revealed that temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, TP, TN, and silicates were significantly different between the sampled months (p &lt;.05). The results depict that anthropogenic activities, seasonal shifts, and variation play a key role in determing the lake’s water quality and limnological characteristics. There is a need for monitoring the limnological characteristics of Lake Naivasha basin to understand the water quality dynamics of the ecosystem and to come up with relevant management strategies.

Biological growth properties of marine Enteromorpha-diatom and its adhesion evolution on mortar surfaces

Currently, most research on bio-corroded mortar focuses on cyanobacteria and microorganisms in the marine environment, but the specific mechanism of mortar performance at different stages of the specific biological system of marine dominant algae, Enteromorpha-diatom, is still lacking. Therefore, this paper investigates the growth characteristics of Enteromorpha-diatom proliferation organisms and their attachment evolution on mortar. First, the concentration of Enteromorpha spores over 0 to 15 days was studied. Subsequently, the effects of Enteromorpha-diatom on the properties of mortar at different growth stages over 0 to 360 days were investigated through changes in pH, DO (dissolved oxygen), microstructure, mineral composition, and microstructure in the culture medium. The results showed that Enteromorpha-diatom organisms significantly affected the pH and DO in water through photosynthesis and metabolic activities. Additionally, the adhesion of Enteromorpha-diatom organisms significantly impacted the mechanical properties of mortar, with compressive strength decreasing by 46.1% and flexural strength decreasing by 39.0% over 0 to 360 days. Furthermore, the formation of biofilm, deposition of CaCO3, and accumulation of organic and inorganic substances altered the microstructure of mortar, changing its electrochemical characteristics. The electric flux change rate was 46.1%, and the internal impedance decreased by 59% over 0 to 360 days.

Insights into Rock Wettability Influencing Factors: A Review.

Wetting characteristics of a hydrocarbon reservoir are generally quantified for cost-effective field development. The wetting process of rock by oil is a complex process involving reactions among compounds (rock, oil, and brine), the impact of environmental conditions (temperature, pressure, etc.), and treatment history (coring, transportation, etc.). There has not been much attention given to understanding the mechanisms causing different rock wetting states to quantify rock's wettability. This work aims to provide an in-depth insight into rock wettability influencing factors including CO2 & H2. In addition, advanced computational approaches such as molecular dynamics simulation, computational fluid dynamics, and machine learning for wettability have also been reviewed to govern the undiscovered interactions and mechanisms of this complex process. The key observation is that the polarity of organic components (asphaltenes and long-chain acids) determines the oil wetness in crude oil. In addition, acidic polar organics dominate oil-wetting in carbonate rocks; basic polar organics are key in sandstone. Also, environmental factors such as water films, brine salinity, and pH influence wettability significantly.

Ecological Disturbances and Adaptation of Mangroves in High-Disturbance Urban Areas of Navi Mumbai in India

Mangroves are coastal ecosystems characterized by salt-tolerant intertidal forest structures that serve as vital buffer zones between the coastal waters and human habitats. They expose an evolutionary course spanning around 60 million years, leading to the emergence of tailored adaptations like salt-excreting glands and prop roots. Despite widespread acknowledgment of their value, mangroves are swiftly declining due to coastal development and climate change. Rapid urbanization has increased anthropogenic pressures on these ecosystems, yet comprehensive assessments of their resilience in highly disturbed environments remain limited. This study looks at the ecological health of mangrove populations across three sites in Navi Mumbai, areas facing high urban and industrial growth. The analysis revealed elevated Zn (-0.88, p &lt; 0.001), Cu (-0.73, p &lt; 0.01), Pb (-0.70, p &lt; 0.05), and Mn (-0.76, p &lt; 0.01) correlating with reduced plant height, alongside consistently acidic water pH (mean = 5.93) and high salinity (range: 35–40 PSU). These conditions amplify metal mobility and toxicity, disrupting pneumatophore function, and lowering DO (mean = 3.8 mg/L), reflecting ecological degradation. Despite these stressors, mangrove populations exhibited decent growth traits, demonstrating a capacity for urban adaptation. Regulations of industrial discharge to reduce heavy metal specifically zinc contamination, coupled with targeted restoration efforts focusing on enhancing mangrove density and structural integrity, are essential to sustain these ecosystems.