Physicochemical Parameters Research Articles

Enhanced catalytic performance of ethyl-levulinate to γ-valerolactone: Effect of copper loading on Ni/KIT-5 catalyst

A facile wet impregnation method was employed to prepare a bimetallic Ni–Cu catalyst on a mesoporous KIT-5 support, keeping the nickel loading constant (5 wt%) while varying the copper wt.% (xCu, where x = 8, 10, 12, 14). Several physico-chemical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD), temperature-programmed reduction of hydrogen (H2-TPR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were utilized for catalyst characterization. An environmentally friendly NiCu bimetallic-supported catalyst system was developed in response to many problems, including metal leaching, sintering, and cost. A mesoporous KIT-5 silica support with a large surface area was used. The hydrogenation of ethyl levulinate to gamma-valerolactone was studied utilizing a high-pressure stirred reactor and a range of reaction temperatures (120–160 °C), hydrogen pressures (10–30 bar), and reaction periods. Various catalysts were used in the investigation. Among all tested catalysts, the 12Cu–5Ni/KIT-5 one shows excellent activity. The best GVL yield is 84% at a conversion of 100% after 8 h of treatment at 150 °C and 25 bar H2 pressure; the promotion is also 76.1%. Optimization of reaction conditions was shown to correlate the physicochemical parameters of the catalyst with its activity.

Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation for Comprehensive Characterization of Hetero-aggregates made of nano-Silver and Extracellular Polymeric Substances

The present study explores the capability of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled online with diode array (DAD), fluorescence detectors (FLD), multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to characterize silver nanoparticles (nAg) hetero-aggregates formed with diatoms derived extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The content of EPS varied from 10.5 to 105 mgC L-1 and nAg were dispersed at 4 mg L-1 in a freshwater medium. Good recoveries (∼ 76.9 ± 8.4%) of nAg-EPS were obtained from AF4-DAD signals, but an anomalous elution was observed as EPS concentration increased: AF4 retention times decreased despite average gyration radii measured by MALS for nAg-EPS increased (from 16 nm to 24 nm), which suggests a change in the aggregation state, as evaluated by UV-Vis scans obtained from DAD. A regular Brownian relaxation of nAg-EPS was proven for each EPS concentration using these 2 detectors. The comparison of on-line and batch DLS measurements validated in addition, that no (dis)aggregation occurs upon injections. After a thorough comparison with classical AF4 using standards, the frit-inlet-AF4 was used. Slightly higher recovery (79.6±4.6 %) was obtained but similar deviation of nAg-EPS elution occurred, excluding the implication of membrane differential fouling of nAg-EPS /conditioning effects of EPS. The investigation of physico-chemical parameters controlling the Brownian relaxation of nAg-EPS suggests the influence of nAg-EPS structure and EPS loading. This study demonstrates the suitable use of AF4 coupled to multiple detectors to probe-out eco-corona formation and characterize polydisperse systems containing NPs, EPS and their hetero-aggregates in freshwaters, even under a non-ideal size-fractionation scenario.

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF OGUTA LAKE WATER AND ITS EFFECT ON PHYTOPLANKTON POPULATION

Samples were collected from the three sampling stations namely; Up, Mid and Downstream respectively to investigate the effect of nutrients concentration on the phytoplankton in Oguta Lake. The methods used were electrometric, argentometric titration, phenate spectrophotometric, colorimetric, cadmium reduction and acetone extraction spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the pH of water sample, chlorides, sulphate, ammonia, phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite, chlorophyll-A, conductivity, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand, copper, colour, total dissolved solid, respectively. However, serial dilution was carried out using the spread plate or pour plate method was used to determine the microbial analysis of the sample. At the end of these researches, the Physico-chemical parameters analysed showed that Oguta Lake had total dissolved solids values of 6.50 ± 0.06mg/l, 6.50 ± 0.14 and 6.50 for upstream, mid stream and downstream respectively. The result showed there was no significance total dissolved solids difference between the various stream points (P0.05). the colour of the Lake showed significant difference ranging from 17.00 ± 1.41 and76.00 V 1.41 in upstream and downstream and the lowest value at upstream. The pH range in this study indicates that the water may be acidic (5.54-7.31). Phytoplankton assemblages obtain across the three stream points showed only three divisions and 78 species. The identified divisions and species are comprised of Eurcharyta (44), Cyanophyta (25) and Chlorophyta (9). Eurkaryta recorded 100%, 5% and 15% abundance in upstream, midstream and downstream respectively, while Cyanophyta recorded the highest abundance at downstream with 75%, Chlorophyta only was identified at the midstream and was least abundance with 23%. The phytoplankton diversity indices done showed that downstream was most diverse having the highest Shannon Weiner Index and Evenness Index of 3.631 and 1.212 respectively. In relation to physicochemical and phytoplankton abundance, the findings in this study is contradictory to some researches. They reported positive correlation of phytoplankton with phosphate and nitrate. There was negative correlation of phosphate with Eurkaryta and Chlorophyta, except for Cyanophyta that showed positive correlation with phytoplankton but not very significant. These low levels of phosphate and nitrate may be the cause of low phytoplankton levels.

The Effects of Enriching Shortbread Cookies with Dried Sea Buckthorn Fruit on the Physicochemical and Sensory Properties.

The present study evaluated the physicochemical parameters, polyphenolics content, levels of heat-induced compounds (acrylamide, furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural), antioxidant properties, as well as sensory quality of shortbread cookies enriched with dried sea buckthorn fruit (SBF). The SBF-enriched cookies were prepared by replacing 1, 2, 3, or 5% of the flour with dried sea buckthorn fruit. Our results showed the presence of 12 phenolic acids and 5 flavonoids in the SBF, while two phenolic acids and two flavonoids were detected in the cookies. Most of the compounds were identified in the cookies enriched with 5% SBF. Among the phenolic acids, benzoic acid was the most abundant, while among the flavonoids, quercetin was the most abundant. 5-hydroxymethylofurfural was not detected in any cookies, and the addition of SBF contributed to the presence of furfural in baked products and increased the amount of acrylamide, and their content increased with the amount of SBF addition. The addition of sea buckthorn fruit at 5% distinctly exceeded the benchmark level of acrylamide in the cookies and worsened their sensory quality. It should also be noted that SBF significantly (p < 0.05) improved the antioxidant potential determined by two tests, ABTS and DPPH. The SBF-enriched cookies were characterized by significantly higher values of crispness and browning index compared to the control cookies. The results of the study indicate that SBF can be successfully used as a component of bakery products. In conclusion, the cookies with SBF can show improved technological and functional properties and constitute an added value bakery product that could provide health benefits.

Synthesis, Structure, and In Vitro Biological Evaluation of Semi-Synthetic Derivatives of Betulin

Betulin and α-lipoic acid are naturally occurring substances with different biological properties. Combining two phytochemical units into a conjugate is a frequently used method to obtain new compounds with better pharmacokinetic parameters. This research concerned the preparation of lipoate derivatives of betulin using the Steglich method. Experimental lipophilicity values were determined for target compounds 6–10 by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography. In silico methods were used to calculate the physicochemical parameters and lipophilicity of new derivatives and to determine the probable directions of biological activity. α-Lipoic acid, betulin, and lipoate derivatives 6–10 were tested for antiproliferative activity against MV4-11, A549, MCF-7, PC-3, HCT116, MiaPaca-2, and Hs294T cancer cells. 3-(5-(1,2-Dithiolan-3-yl)pentanoyl))betulin 10 showed moderate anticancer activity against MV4-11, PC-3, and HCT116, with IC50 values in the range of 39.8–76.7 µM. The introduction of a dithiolate substituent at the C3 position in 28-acetylbetulin gave compound 9 the highest activity (IC50 = 37.9 µM), in the ratio of biphenotypic B myelomonocytic leukemia cells (MV4-11). All lipoate derivatives were inactive towards normal cells.

Effect of pasteurization on the physicochemical and nutritional quality of milk from the Korhogo dairy

Stabilization of the nutritional value of milk is essential for its conservation. It is in this context that the aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional quality of raw and pasteurized cow's milk produced in Korhogo with a view to its valorization. Raw and pasteurized milk were sampled from June 24 to July 13, 2024, at the Korhogo dairy. The physicochemical and nutritional parameters of the two types of milk were determined according to AOAC methods. The results of the physicochemical parameters revealed that the values ​​of pH, acidity, dry matter and degree brix are respectively 6.64 ± 0 .01 and 6.90 ± 0.00; 18.00 ± 0.10; 16.20 ± 0.04 °D; 121.93 ± 0.64; 126.23 ± 2.19 g/L and 10.10 ± 0.10; 11.20 ± 0.10 °Brix for raw and pasteurized milk. The nutritional parameters of raw and pasteurized milk show significant contents of ash (7.00 ± 0.01 and 7.47 ± 0.01 g/L), lipids (40.80 ± 0.02 and 36.30 ± 0.46 g/L), proteins (40.71 ± 0.01 and 37.02 ± 0.01 g/L) and carbohydrates (33.42 ± 0.03 and 45.44 ± 0.04 g/L). Pasteurization could be used to stabilize the nutritional value of milk.

Comparative analyses on nitrogen removal microbes and functional genes within anaerobic-anoxic-oxic and deoxidation ditch sewage-treating processes in Wuhan and Xi'an cities, China.

Anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (A2/O) and deoxidation ditch (DOD) processes are being increasingly preferred owing to their effectiveness in treating various wastes in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Considering seasonal variations is crucial in optimizing treatment processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining the overall efficiency and effectiveness of WWTPs. This study aimed to determine the influence of seasonality on nitrogen removing microbes and functional genes within A2/O and DOD processes in the humid Wuhan and semi-arid Xi'an cities, China. The physicochemical parameters of water quality were determined, and molecular and bioinformatic analyses of the bacterial community and nitrogen metabolism functional genes in the two different treatment processes of two WWTPs were performed over four seasons. Our analyses revealed a significant difference in all physicochemical parameters across all experimental groups (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Dokdonella, one unidentified genus of Nitrospiraceae, Terrimonas, and one unidentified genus of Chloroflexi was the highest in all groups. Generally, warmer seasons exhibited higher biodiversity indices. The A2/O system exhibited higher values in terms of most nitrogen metabolism functional genes than those of the DOD sewage treatment system. In both WWTPs, the abundance of most genes in spring and summer were higher than that of autumn and winter seasons. Taken together, changes in temperature, caused by seasonal changes, may contribute to changes in abundance of nitrogen metabolic functional genes.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Studies of Gemifloxacin Mesylate with Nickel(II) and Copper(II)

Gemifloxacin mesylate, a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone-type antibiotic, is widely used for community treatment of acquired pneumonia and severe bacterial infections. The Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes of gemifloxacin mesylate were synthesized by refluxing an aqueous solution of the ligand with the required amount of metal(II) salts in a round bottom flask with 2:1 (L:M) ratio in an oil bath at 90 ºC with a continuous stirring for 4 h. The mixture was kept overnight to obtain a coloured solid complex. The synthesized metal(II) complexes were characterized by physico-chemical parameters and spectral analyses, including UV-Vis, FT-IR and 1H NMR. The structures of the complexes were further confirmed by elemental (CHNS) and TG-DTA analyses. The spectral findings revealed that metal-ligand interaction has successfully occurred where the ligand acted as a bidentate chelate in the synthesized metal(II) complexes. The IR studies showed that upon complexation the characteristic carboxylic stretching frequency at 1714 cm-1 disappeared and the pyridone stretching frequency shifted to a lower frequency region. The 1H NMR data of the complexes confirm the effective interaction between the metal and the ligand via 3-carboxyl group and 4-oxo groups. The thermal and elemental analyses data were also in agreement with the proposed interaction. The ligand as well as its metal(II) complexes showed significant activity against all the studied 11 bacterial strains and one of the fungal strains, Candida sp.

Assessment of drinking-water quality in Indigenous Communities of Santa Victoria Este, Argentina

Santa Victoria Este is in the north-east region of Argentina. Historically, socio-economic marginalization and poor governmental assistance have resulted in one of the poorest regions of the country. Over 60% of its population is estimated to belong to indigenous communities. Access to water is mainly through community wells, often lacking adequate infrastructure. With the main objective of empowering indigenous communities in relation to access to safe water, we: 1) established a local laboratory with capacity to analyze microbiological and physical and chemical parameters of water and transfer capabilities to the local community to ensure long-term monitoring; 2) assessed the water quality in 34 communal wells. Results (physical, chemical, metals, and microbiological parameters) show that 70.6% of the groundwater supplies are not safe for human consumption as they exceed the limits established by Argentinian regulation. Microbiological contamination was consistently found in water storage systems (tanks), highlighting the imperative need of water treatment and maintenance. A long-term monitoring program, which includes physicochemical and microbiological parameters, is crucial to ensure the quality of water in these communities and to take appropriate decisions and measures.

Development of a complex antioxidant for stabilization of dressing enriched with omega-3 fatty acids

The solution to the problem of developing a complex antioxidant for the oxidative stabilization of emulsion systems with a high content of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is considered. The object of the study is the oxidative stabilization of dressing using a complex antioxidant of plant origin. The ratio of ω-3:ω-6 PUFAs in model samples of the emulsion system was 1:5.46 and 1:2.21. The reasonable range of antioxidant ratios in the complex was substantiated. The ratio of tocopherol extract, garlic and laurel essential oils in the complex antioxidant is 1:1:1, respectively. Over 30 days of storage of the emulsion system model samples stabilized with a complex antioxidant, there is a gradual accumulation of organic acids (from 0.73 % to 0.75 %). The content of primary oxidation products increases for sample No. 2 – from 0.7 to 1.9 mmol ½ O2/kg, for sample No. 3 – from 0.4 to 1.2 mmol ½ O2/kg. The obtained values of physicochemical parameters meet the requirements of regulatory documentation (DSTU 4561). The peculiarity of the obtained results is that the complex antioxidant showed a significant increase in the stability of the emulsion system of high nutritional value, in particular, slowed down the accumulation of organic acids and peroxides. From a practical point of view, the development can effectively stabilize food emulsion systems with a high content of oxidation-labile PUFAs. An applied aspect of the obtained scientific result is the possibility of modeling and developing new formulations of emulsion and individual fat systems with high nutritional value, containing high PUFA concentrations

Analysis of Groundwater Quality in Semi-arid Region of Eastern - South Rajasthan on the Basis of Water Quality Index (WQI)

Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the groundwater quality for drinking purposes in selected locations of the Eastern- South Rajasthan of India. Total eight sights groundwater samples were collected during 2022 and the samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters i.e., pH, total hardness, total dissolved solids, Nitrate, Sulphate, fluoride, Chloride, and alkalinity were calculated. The results of the study are illustrated with the help of descriptive statistics, diagrams, and the water quality index (WQI). The focus of this research was to assess the current state of groundwater quality and the spatial distribution of characteristics in order to determine the quality of drinkable water. The WQI was used to categorize the samples into categories based on its acceptability for consumption. It is observed that most of the samples fall in the water unsuitable for drinking purposes category and a few samples are in the very poor water category.

Study of some physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics of drinking water in three selected rural communities in Wamba, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Access to safe drinking water remains a challenge in rural Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics of drinking water in three rural communities in Wamba, Nasarawa State. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, 5 water samples were in respective cases collected from stream, well and borehole sources. Standard techniques were used for physicochemical analysis. Total viable counts, Total Staphylococcal counts, Total coliforms &amp; Feacal coliforms in the samples were obtained using pour plate method, growth on Mannitol salt agar, growth on MacConkey agar and Eosin Methylene Blue agar respectively. Stream Water had higher values for physicochemical parameters. Stream water exhibited the highest bacterial counts, followed by well and borehole water. The Bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp, Klebsiella spp, Proteus spp and Salmonella spp. The acid lability attributes of the isolates were determined using Nutrient Agar buffered with (4-(2- Hydroxyethyl)-1- piperazineethanesulfonic acid) and Lipase activity was assessed using Trypticase soy agar supplemented with 1% Tween 80. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-PC statistical package, with a p-value of &lt; 0.05 it was considered statistically significant. These findings indicate contamination of drinking water sources, posing health risk to consumers and it shows the need for water treatment, monitoring &amp; public health education in rural communities.

Determining the influence of raw milk β-casein polymorphism on the efficiency of making soft cheese

One of the ways to increase the profitability of the cheese industry is the genetic selection of dairy cows to obtain milk with excellent cheese-capacity characteristics. The object of this study is the technology of fresh soft cheeses made by the acid-rennet and thermo-acid method from the milk of cows with different β-casein genotypes (A1A1, A1A2, A2A2). The subjects of research are the physicochemical indicators of raw milk from cows with different genotypes for β-casein (A1A1, A1A2, A2A2); as well as the yield of soft cheeses. The study has established that the physicochemical parameters of milk from cows with different β-casein genotypes are typical for fresh cow's milk. The study showed that with the acid-rennet method, the composition of cheeses from A1A1 milk was 51.60 %, 21.63 %, and 23.62 % of moisture, protein, and fat, respectively. A1A2 milk cheeses contained 50.70 % moisture, 20.96 % protein, and 25.12 % fat. A2A2 milk cheeses consisted of 52.50 % moisture, 20.70 % protein, and 23.71 % fat. With the thermo-acid method, cheeses from A1A1 milk were characterized by the moisture content of 55.13 %, proteins – 23.31 %, and fat – 20.21 %. A1A2 milk cheeses contained 58.13 %, 22.62 %, and 17.98 % of moisture, protein, and fat, respectively. A2A2 milk cheeses consisted of 54.03 % moisture, 22.33 % protein, and 22.25 % fat. The calculation of the production efficiency of soft cheeses from the milk of cows with different genotypes according to β-casein with the acid-rennet method of production is 119.3 % on average, which is more compared to milk A1A2 (by 4 %) and A2A2 (by 7 %). With the thermo-acidic method, the efficiency of cheese production from A2A2 milk is 107.5 %, which is higher compared to A1A2 milk (by 9 %) and A1A1 (by 5 %). The conclusions show that changes in the β-casein genotype in raw milk can affect the yield and quality of cheese, and therefore, the profitability of production

On the Valorization of Olive Oil Pomace: A Sustainable Approach for Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Media.

Currently, industrial water pollution represents a significant global challenge, with the potential to adversely impact human health and the integrity of ecosystems. The continuous increase in global consumption has resulted in an exponential rise in the use of dyes, which have become one of the major water pollutants, causing significant environmental impacts. In order to address these concerns, a number of wastewater treatment methods have been developed, with a particular focus on physicochemical approaches, such as adsorption. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of a bio-based material derived from olive oil pomace (OOP) as an environmentally friendly bio-adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB), a cationic dye commonly found in textile effluents. The biobased material was initially characterized by determining the point of zero charge (pHpzc) and using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis was conducted, evaluating the impact of specific physicochemical parameters on MB adsorption, which included a thorough examination of the kinetic and thermodynamic aspects. The adsorption process was characterized using Langmuir, Freundlich, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and Dubinin Radushkevich (D-R) isotherms. The results suggest that the equilibrium of adsorption is achieved within ca. 200 min, following pseudo-second-order kinetics. The optimal conditions, including adsorbent mass, temperature, bulk pH, and dye concentration, yielded a maximum adsorption capacity of ca. 93% (i.e., 428 mg g-1) for a pomace concentration of 450 mg L-1. The results suggest a monolayer adsorption process with preferential electrostatic interactions between the dye and the pomace adsorbent. This is supported by the application of Langmuir, BET, Freundlich, and D-R isotherm models. The thermodynamic analysis indicates that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic. This work presents a sustainable solution for mitigating MB contamination in wastewater streams while simultaneously valorizing OOP, an agricultural by-product that presents risks to human health and the environment. In conclusion, this approach offers an innovative ecological alternative to synthetic adsorbents.

Comparative Analysis of Using Water Quality in Urban Areas of Duhok City, Iraq

Water is sourced from various locations, including lakes, wells, artificial reservoirs, and rivers. Contamination of these sources poses a significant threat to human health, highlighting the need to monitor water quality. This study focuses on evaluating the water quality in the Duhok governorate of the Kurdistan region, Iraq, by analyzing several key physicochemical parameters: turbidity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), total alkalinity (TAL), total hardness (TH), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), sulfate (SO₄²⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻), sodium (Na⁺), and potassium (K⁺). Over a period spanning from January 2019 to December 2021, a total of 1,374 water samples were collected from different sources, including reservoirs, deep wells, springs, the Duhok dam, and the water supply network within the Duhok governorate. The analysis revealed that parameters such as turbidity, pH, TH, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, and Na⁺ varied significantly across the three years studied. In contrast, other parameters like TDS, EC, TAL, Cl⁻, and K⁺ showed no significant fluctuations. The results also indicated a decrease in most physicochemical parameter values in 2021 compared to 2019 and 2020, with the exception of turbidity. Overall, the majority of water samples were found to be within safe drinking limits. Ongoing monitoring of these water sources is essential to detect any variations in water quality promptly.

Trace Metal Elements (TMEs) in Groundwater Around the Former Industrial Gold Mine of Poura in Burkina Faso – West Africa

The objective of this study is to assess the quality of groundwater around the first industrial mine in Burkina Faso, whose activities have been closed since 1999. The diagnosis of pollution by trace metal elements of groundwater around the old Poura gold mine was carried out through the determination of the contents of Trace Metal Elements (TME) at MP-AES and the measurements of the physicochemical parameters in situ on 38 samples of borehole water. These data made it possible to calculate the pollution risk index, to establish correlations between the different physicochemical parameters on the one hand and with the trace metal elements on the other hand, from the Pearson matrix and to carry out a multivariate statistical analysis, in particular that in principal components (PCA), with a view to determining the origin of the polluting elements. The results obtained made it possible to identify four samples of groundwater with an acidic pH (GWF18 (6.44), GWF19 (6.39), GWF23 (6.1) and GWP01 (5.99)) and 34 samples of groundwater whose Cd, Al, Fe, As, Pb, or Hg contents are higher than the standards in force in Burkina Faso. The Pollution risk Index (PI) indicates that 35 groundwater samples are slightly polluted and 3 groundwater samples are very heavily polluted (GWP01 (PI = 456%), GWF06 (PI = 132.5%), GWF03 (PI = 105.1%)). The Pearson correlation matrix and the principal component analysis (PCA) show that the origin and mobilization of the trace metal elements involved (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Fe, Hg and Pb) are linked to natural mineralization and anthropogenic activities such as mining and agricultural activities, favored by the infiltration of water into the subsoil through geological structures such as fractures and faults.

Prevalence and Parasitological Examination of Fish Parasites in Clarias gariefinus from Selected Fish Farms in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt The prevalence of fish parasites in fish farms within the Sokoto metropolis is assessed. The results revealed high prevalence of Camallanus spp. and Capillaria spp. among fish populations. Water quality analysis revealed that there is interaction between physicochemical parameters and parasite prevalence. A comprehensive approach to fish farm management and disease control is provided. Full Abstract Fish are known to be affected by parasites both internally and externally with detrimental effects on fish growth and development. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fish parasites in selected fish farms in the Sokoto metropolis. A total of one hundred and twenty fish samples were collected from ten selected fish farms and subjected to microscopic examination. Water samples were collected from ten fish farms and analysed using the standard procedures recommended by the American Public Health Association. The results indicate that 35.0% of the fish were infected with the parasite (P&lt;0.0300). Significant high prevalence of 50.0% and 48.1% was recorded in the gender and age groups of the fishes (P&lt;0.0308) and (P=0.0003), respectively. However, a significantly high prevalence of 47.6%, 49.1% and 31.7% was also observed in the length, weight, and body part of the fishes (P&lt;0.0.0000). This study identified two nematode species (Camallanus spp. and Capellaria spp.) with Camallanus spp. showing a higher prevalence of 60.3% was obtained in Camellanus spp. among the parasite species identified. The parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and nitrate (NO3) were assessed, and results were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the aid of SPSS version 27.0. The values of the physicochemical parameters were between the range of 6.68+0.11 to 7.83±0.05 for pH, 5.23+0.03 to 8.17±0.88 mg/L for DO, and 13.70+1.37 to 100.33+0.33 for NO3 respectively. All parameters examined were within acceptable limits recommended by the World Health Organization. Maintaining an optimum feeding strategy, regular monitoring of the water quality parameters and vaccinations will help to further decrease the rate of the parasite.

Assessment of the Quality of Borehole Water Collected Around Unlined Solid Waste Dumpsites within Awka Metropolis

Groundwater is an important natural resource that is essential to man and other living things. However, it can become polluted resulting from natural and anthropogenic conditions. The quality of selected groundwater samples collected from boreholes around abandoned and active dumpsites in Awka metropolis, Nigeria between January and March 2023, was assessed using water quality index (WQI) method. The samples were analyzed for their physico-chemical properties and some selected heavy metals using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results of the physico-chemical analysis showed that the mean pH ranged from 5.75 – 6.71 in January as compared to 5.92 – 6.98 in February and 5.94 – 6.84 in March indicating slight acidity. Calcium and magnesium content ranged from 8 – 20mg/l of Ca2+ and 96 – 314 mg/l of Mg2+ ion. The concentration of heavy metals in the samples were all seen to be within the standard limits for potable water (Fe (0.057 – 2.384 ppm), Cu(0.00 – 0.185 ppm) except for mercury, lead and cadmium(Hg (0.00 – 0.248 ppm), Pb (0.00 – 0.051 ppm), Cd (0.006 – 0.39 ppm) for the month of February whereas heavy metal concentration for the month of March ranged from Fe (1.432 – 2.908 ppm), Cu (0.00 – 0.008 ppm), Hg (0.00 – 0.016 ppm), Pb (0.00 – 0.003 ppm), Cd (0.00 – 0.01ppm). Pollution Index of the sampled borehole water from the different locations shows that some were potable and can be consumed without treatment. The study shows that solid wastes contribute to the level of contamination caused by Heavy metals and some physico-chemical parameters in groundwater matrix.

Assessment of trace metal levels in water, sediment and fish tissue from Lake Small Abaya, Ethiopia

The environmental impact of trace metal contamination is a concern for Lake Small Abaya, Ethiopia, because of nearby agricultural and industrial activities. This study assessed the levels of trace metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Cr) in water, sediment, and fish samples, as well as the physicochemical parameters of the water. Samples were collected from five sites and analyzed via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The mean concentrations in the water were Zn: 0.6971 mg/l, Fe: 0.5628 mg/l, Cu: 0.1168 mg/l, Mn: 0.2129 mg/l, Pb: 0.0057 mg/l, Cr: 0.0021 mg/l, and Cd: 0.0014 mg/l. In the sediments, the mean concentrations were as follows: Fe, 33.066 mg/kg; Zn, 18.263 mg/kg; Mn, 22.777 mg/kg; Cu, 7.5663 mg/kg; Pb, 0.0751 mg/kg; Cr, 0.0233 mg/kg; and Cd, 0.0183 mg/kg. The fish samples presented mean concentrations of Fe: 21.855 mg/kg, Zn: 12.686 mg/kg, Cu: 0.3185 mg/kg, Mn: 0.9181 mg/kg, Pb: 0.0089 mg/kg, Cd: 0.0075 mg/kg, and Cr: 0.0015 mg/kg. All the metal concentrations were generally below the World Health Organization (WHO) regulatory limits. The physicochemical parameters indicated slightly alkaline to neutral conditions, with electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids within acceptable ranges. These findings suggest that current agricultural and industrial activities do not significantly contribute to trace metal pollution. However, continued monitoring and pollution control measures are recommended to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the lake. This study highlights the importance of effective environmental management strategies to safeguard this crucial aquatic resource.

Analysis of groundwater and surface water quality using modelled water index and multivariate statistics in Kampala and Mbarara Districts, Uganda

The demand for domestic, public and industrial use of water increases with population growth. However, activities from humans and natural environment have resulted into decline in water quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of groundwater and surface water collected from Kampala and Mbarara districts of Uganda using water quality index and multivariate statistics. A total of 10 physicochemical parameters (pH, water temperature, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total solids, and phosphate) were measured monthly to evaluate the quality of water in the study districts. Results showed that sulphate, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were observed with significantly high values in surface water than the groundwater for both seasons. Among all the parameters measured, electrical conductivity was observed with the highest value (2129.67 ± 1.41 µS/cm) while nitrate concentration (0.57 ± 0.02 mg/L) was observed with the lowest during the wet season in surface water. In addition, the mean values of nitrate, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and sulphate detected in the groundwater and surface water were within the recommended limits, while phosphate and chloride were observed with mean concentrations above the regulatory limits in 50% of the samples. The correlation analysis revealed strong and positive association between electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids in groundwater and surface water for both seasons. Also, the chemical make-up of groundwater and surface water within the study districts revealed that the determination of water quality rests on two major indices (conductivity and anthropogenic-pollutants) based on the factor analysis. The two indices accounted for 0.619% in groundwater and over 0.70% in surface water, indicating more pollution in surface water. Moreover, the water quality index (WQI) values obtained ranged from 14.81 to 115.73 in dry season and 7.77 to 108.24 during the wet season. According to WQI classification, 42% of the samples collected fell within the “excellent” and “good” categories while others fell within “poor” and “unfit” categories (58%) during the dry season. Based on these findings, appropriate treatment methods, proper sanitation and waste management should be implemented in locations with critical water conditions. Also, frequent monitoring of groundwater and surface water quality by environmental protection agency is highly recommended.