Water Pollution Research Articles

Urban transformation of lakes and its impacts on a lake series: A case study of the yele mallappa shetty lake series Bengaluru, India.

The interconnected systems of lakes of Bengaluru, India, experience tremendous stress due to unsustainable urbanisation. Traditional lake-centric research approach struggles to capture and address this issue due to the cascaded nature of impacts in interconnected lake systems. Hence, this study assesses the impact of urbanisation on a lake series scale, focusing on the Yele Mallappa Shetty Lake series (YMSLS). Land use land cover change analysis (1993-2023) showed that in 1993, the YMSLS catchment area was dominated by open spaces (53.4%) and agriculture land and vegetation (35%), with built-up areas covering only 7.2%. By 2023, the built-up area has expanded to 34.6% and became the dominant land use. This rapid urbanisation has led to increased water surface area from wastewater influx, causing significant weed growth and water pollution in the lakes. Lake water quality assessment showed that faecal coliform, total coliform, dissolved oxygen, and biochemical oxygen demand levels exceeded standard limits with spatio-temporal variations driven by interconnectivity. Pollutant flushing during monsoon reduced pollution load in upstream lakes, but high wastewater inflow made downstream lakes, particularly the end lake, highly polluted but perennial. Increased water availability expanded the user base of the end lake, but traditional uses have declined and coping strategies of users, such as wastewater lift irrigation from the lake, became unsustainable. The study indicates that spatial interdependence and cascading effects necessitate a lake series approach for assessing the impacts of urbanisation on interconnected lake system, which is crucial for enhancing water security and preparedness for future extreme events.

UTILIZATION OF CASSAVA PEEL AND CHITOSAN FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEL AS A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Water pollution is a significant environmental issue, especially in developing countries where domestic wastewater often contains a high concentration of pollutants, posing risks to public health and the environment. Hydrogel from cassava peel and chitosan shows promise as a bioadsorbent for domestic wastewater treatment, but its capacity and optimal production temperature have not been fully studied. The study aimed to investigate the characteristics of hydrogel from cassava peel and chitosan, the optimal temperature for hydrogel production, and the efficacy of hydrogel as a bioadsorbent for domestic wastewater treatment. The study involved four stages: cellulose isolation, hydrogel preparation, wastewater treatment experimentation, and data analysis. The results showed that chitosan hydrogel synthesized at 750C had superior efficiency, achieving an optimal outcome of 88% in the treatment of household wastewater using a triad of chitosan hydrogel pellets. The degree of cross-linking in chitosan hydrogel diminished with an increase in heating temperature

Algorithm for monitoring water quality parameters in optical systems based on artificial intelligence data mining.

Due to the increasingly serious water environment pollution, the difficulty of Water Quality Monitoring (abbreviated as WQM for convenience) is also constantly increasing, which puts forward more requirements for the capabilities of various aspects of WQM systems. However, the current WQM method has drawbacks such as slow speed, long monitoring time, complex operation, poor stability, and the inability to obtain accurate information on water pollution in the first time, as well as the generation of toxic and harmful secondary pollutants after some measurement parameters are tested. To address these issues and ensure water quality safety, this paper investigated the algorithm for monitoring water quality parameters using artificial intelligence data mining optical systems. This article applied an artificial intelligence data mining system to detect water quality and designed various system through this method to improve system performance. To verify the actual effectiveness of artificial intelligence data mining systems, this article selected 10 water plants as experimental research subjects and compared the differences between traditional WQM methods and WQM methods based on artificial intelligence data mining systems in terms of WQM time, accuracy, sensitivity, and protective performance. The experimental results showed that the optical system based on artificial intelligence data mining took an average of 2.7 days in WQM and the average accuracy was 85.95%. The average sensitivity value was 84.19% and the average protective score was 8.46 points. This indicated that artificial intelligence data mining optical technology had vital significance and value for WQM.

Assessment of lake Markakol’s physical and chemical condition with consideration of eutrofication

The study was conducted in 2023 and comprised a comparative assessment of the state of Lake Markakol’s aquatic ecosystems in surface and bottom water strata. The analysis of bottom water temperatures showed correlation between this parameter and dissolved oxygen concentrations, indicating that pollution caused by organic impurities leads to lake eutrophication, in turn, pro-pelling the extinction of aquatic life. Although the main water physicochemical parameters of Markakol Lake correspond to the oligotrophic type, the shifts in dissolved oxygen and phos-phate content, as well as growth of aquatic vegetation indicate its transition to the mesotrophic type. Higher phosphate content in water is a consequence of pollution disturbing the biological balance, as well as stimulating the reservoir’s eutrophication and increased biological productivity, i.e. algal bloom. In addition, phosphate ions serve an informative indicator of Hazard Class 3 (organoleptically hazardous) anthropogenic pollution. Based on the correlation factor (r), two statistical models were considered for the target lake: 1) Water Pollution: nutri-ent concentrations depending on surface and bottom water temperatures (Model 1); and 2) changes in Water Pollution Indices (biogenic, heavy metals, mean) because of air temperature growth due to global warming of 0.25°C/decade (Model 2).

Mengorganisir Sampah yang Tercemar di TPS Masyarakat Dusun Karanglangon Desa Leran Wetan Kecamatan Palang Kabupaten Tuban

Waste is leftover material that is considered to have no economic value, but its existence cannot be avoided in people's social life. In Karanglangon Hamlet, the increase in population that occurs every year increases the volume of waste produced. As the population increases, household waste production and other activities also increase, thereby exacerbating waste management problems in the region. If not managed properly, the increasing amount of waste can have various negative impacts, both on public health and the surrounding environment, such as air, land and water pollution. This problem demands more attention from various parties to find appropriate and sustainable solutions. This research aims to identify in more depth the problems related to waste management at the Dusun Karanglangon TPS using the PAR (Participatory Action Research) approach method. The research results revealed that the condition of the waste at the TPS had a significant negative impact on the surrounding environment. The main causes are limited facilities, minimal budgets, and inadequate waste management standards, resulting in the accumulation of waste and increasingly severe environmental pollution.

Effects of Artisanal Mining on Land Degradation in Zamfara North-West, Nigeria

This paper analyzed the effects of artisanal mining on land degradation. It took critical look on both legal and illegal mining activities in the study areas and their level of devastated effects on land texture and structure over space. The method implored is both probability and non-probability approaches. The purposive targeted populations for the study were licensed and unlicensed small scale gold mining operators in the study areas, with a sample population of 100 person, and types of data used is both primary and secondary sources. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistic and frequency chart that indicated major challenges was illiteracy 31% and lack of coordination among miners 23%, major effect of land degradation was water pollution and deforestation had 30% and 23% respectively, and effects of artisanal mining on land degradation was degradation of arable land had 20% and exposing the soil to wind and chemical had 18%. It had a serious implication on ecosystem. The paper concluded that artisanal mining of mineral ores had caused serious damages on the land resources both soil and rivers. Therefore, to ensure sustainability in mining activities and to secure a quality environment, the following recommendations are hereby suggested, Educating local miners on the dangers of open cast mining and grinding of gold ore using the same grinder for grains to be consumed and Policy makers should avoid politicizing vital issues that will threaten peace and security of people in Zamfara and its environs.

Ti3+ Self-Doping of TiO2 Boosts Its Photocatalytic Performance: A Synergistic Mechanism

Pollution remains one of the most significant global challenges. Photocatalysis consists of a new organic pollutant removal technology, with TiO2 widely studied as a photocatalyst in the photocatalytic removal of water pollution. However, intrinsic TiO2 has the disadvantages of weak visible light absorption, low electron separation, and transmission efficiency, as well as few active sites. In this study, anatase-phase Ti3+ self-doped TiO2 (B-TiO2) with a core-shell structure was successfully prepared by forming an amorphous layer rich in oxygen vacancies (OVs) and Ti3+ defects on the TiO2 surface under a nitrogen atmosphere using NaBH4 as a chemical-reducing agent. The visible light absorption performance of the catalyst was notably improved when exposed to light irradiation. The bending of surface energy bands facilitated the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, and the core-shell structure allowed the electron-hole pairs to be transported to the surface of the catalyst and participate in the reaction faster. We observed that 92.86% of Rhodamine B (RhB) was degraded in only 5 min, an increase of 2.73 times that of the degradation rate observed in commercial P25. With extraordinary stability, the photocatalytic efficiency of the catalyst remained at 96.2% after five degradation cycles.

Micro- and mesoplastic pollution in the surface water and nekton from the Eastern Indian Ocean: Spatiotemporal variation, correlation and risk assessment.

The pollution of micro- and mesoplastic (MMP) in the Eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) remains poorly understood. The present study revealed that MMP abundance in nekton from EIO in 2022 (mean: 2.30 ± 0.39 items individual-1 and 1.81 ± 0.54 items g-1) was significantly higher than that in 2021 (mean: 1.60 ± 0.22 items individual-1 and 0.80 ± 0.13 items g-1). In contrast, MMP abundance in surface water varied insignificantly between 2021 (mean: 0.04 ± 0.01 items m-3) and 2022 (mean: 0.05 ± 0.02 items m-3). The rise in predominant polymers-polypropylene (PP), rayon (RA), and polyester (PES)-in nekton from 2021 to 2022 may suggest increased pollution from face masks and home textiles along coastal regions. Notable spatial variation in PP and RA between the northeastern and southeastern regions was observed only in nekton, suggesting they are better indicators of MMP spatiotemporal variation than surface water. Shadow driftfish ingested more MMPs than purpleback flying squid and mackerel scad, likely due to its deeper habitat. By simultaneously considering color, composition, and shape, integrated MMP analysis showed insignificant correlation between MMP pollution in surface water and nekton, suggesting that nekton may ingest MMPs through multiple pathways beyond surface water. Risk indices for surface water and nekton reached moderate to upper levels globally, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring in the EIO. Epoxy resin, rubber, and PP + acrylic were identified as the most hazardous polymers, providing a valuable basis for developing effective strategies to mitigate plastic pollution.

Climate responsive innovations at Karachi steel

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: to identify and analyze the importance of operations management in a situation demanding minimizing environmental impact and maintaining operational momentum; access the risks faced during project executions and apply project management concepts to facilitate Karachi Steel in implementing indigenous technological solutions; and evaluate the importance of adaptability, continuous improvement and innovation in creating sustainable solutions to address complex challenges. Case overview/synopsis Javaid Iqbal, CEO of Karachi Steel, was the case’s protagonist. With capacity expansion, Javaid relocated the steel facility from Rawalpindi to Islamabad, Pakistan. The company encountered several difficulties because of the air emissions’ inconvenience to nearby residents and the strict environmental regulations. To push the emissions into the air, the company first installed a locally fabricated chimney. Later, they hired a foreign Pakistani engineering firm to install air filters, but the project proved unsuccessful. To control emissions, the company developed a Wet Particulate Control (WPC) system based on a water-sprinkling mechanism. The endeavor was successful, but it resulted in water pollution. As a result, Karachi Steel signed a contract with a local engineering company that invented and effectively installed an air filtration system. Karachi Steel not only devised solutions for their predicaments but also made significant contributions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the emissions reporting and monitoring mechanism continued to cause inconvenience for regulators. In addition, the filtration facility encountered a blocked duct conveying zinc sulfate from smoke, resulting in the periodic suspension of operations. As Karachi Steel seek long-term solutions to current challenges, it is critical to examine the relationship between internal circumstances and external forces and stimulate a holistic approach to resolving issues within the realms of operations management and project management. Complexity academic level The case study is suitable for students pursuing their undergraduate degree programs in business studies or management sciences. This case can be taught in specific subjects in the domain of management sciences, including project management and operations management. Furthermore, undergraduate students pursuing degrees in environmental sciences, specializing in environmental impact assessment and sustainable development, can also learn from this case study. These subjects have the potential to provide students with a detailed understanding of the dynamic relationship between environmental problems caused by business activities, and how to address these challenges using principles of project management and operations management. There is no pre-requisite for this case study, and the level of difficulty is moderate. The recommended teaching pedagogy for this multidisciplinary case study includes role-playing exercises, simulations to replicate real-world situations and the Socratic method, which encourages critical thinking. Supplementary material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 7: Management Science.

Nuclear abnormalities and DNA damage indicate different genotoxic stress responses of marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus, Pallas 1771) to industrial and agricultural water pollution in South Bulgaria.

Amphibians are continuously exposed to pollutants and anthropogenic stressors in their natural habitats, representing a significant challenge to their survival. This study aimed to quantify the extent of DNA damage caused by chronic industrial and agrochemical surface water pollution in wild populations of the marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus). The observed genotoxic effects on the marsh frog DNA, manifesting as abnormalities in erythrocyte nuclei, micronuclei, and DNA strand breaks, demonstrate a clear cause-and-effect relationship with surface water parameters, heavy metals, metalloids, and pesticides. The most prevalent nuclear abnormalities observed were notched and blebbed nuclei and nuclear buds, indicative of chromosomal instability. The significant correlation between cadmium, lead, and copper contamination and the increased frequency of DNA breakage in the marsh frogs from the industrial site indicates that heavy metal contamination has a higher genotoxic potential than pesticide contamination. These findings underscore the vulnerability of amphibians inhabiting heavy metal-contaminated wetlands to genotoxic stress due to their lower tolerance to environmental genotoxins. Therefore, using in situ assays to detect erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities and DNA damage in P. ridibundus could serve as a reliable indicator of environmental quality and provide early detection of anthropogenic pollution.

Isolation and identification of antifungal, antibacterial and nematocide agents from marine bacillus gottheilii MSB1.

Pathogenic fungi employ numerous strategies to colonize plants, infect them, reduce crop yield and quality, and cause significant losses in agricultural production. The increasing use of chemical pesticides has led to various ecological and environmental issues, including the emergence of resistant weeds, soil compaction, and water pollution, all negatively impacting agricultural sustainability. Additionally, the extensive development of synthetic fungicides has adverse effects on animal and human health, prompting the exploration of alternative approaches and green strategies for phytopathogen control. Microorganisms living in sponges represent a promising source of novel bioactive secondary metabolites, potentially useful in developing new nematicidal and antimicrobial agents. This study focuses on extracting bioactive compounds from endosymbiotic bacteria associated with the marine sponge Hyrtios erect sp. (collected from NIOF Station, Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt) using various organic solvents. Bacillus sp. was isolated and identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The biocidal activity of Bacillus gotheilii MSB1 extracts was screened against plant pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. The n-butanol extract showed significant potential as a biological fungicide against Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum. Both n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited negative impacts against the plant pathogenic bacteria Erwinia carotovora and Ralstonia solanacearum, whereas the n-butanol extract had a positive effect. Regarding nematicidal activity, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts demonstrated in-vitro activity against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, which causes serious vegetable crop diseases, but the n-hexane extract showed no positive effects. The findings suggest that bioactive compounds from endosymbiotic bacteria associated with marine sponges, particularly B. gotheilii MSB1, hold significant potential as alternative biological control agents against plant pathogens. The n-butanol extract, in particular, displayed promising biocidal activities against various plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. These results support further exploration and development of such bioactive compounds as sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides and fungicides in agricultural practices.

Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics Pollution in Surface Water and Sediments of Opak River, Yogyakarta

Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics Pollution in Surface Water and Sediments of Opak River, Yogyakarta

Electrodialysis coupled with nano-activated carbon (ED-NAC): a promising technology for the removal of trace pollutants in saline-alkaline waters

Electrodialysis coupled with nano-activated carbon (ED-NAC): a promising technology for the removal of trace pollutants in saline-alkaline waters

Composition of the Low Molecular Weight Metabolome of Potamogeton perfoliatus (Potamogetonaceae) as an Indicator of the Transformation of the Ecological State of the Littoral Zone

The composition and nature of changes in the low-molecular-weight metabolome (NM) of Potamogeton perfoliatus L., growing in 6 biotopes of Lake Ladoga with different types of the anthropogenic load has been analyzed. According to the research results, it was found that the total number of low molecular weight organic compounds (LMWOCs) in the P. perfoliatus NM composition is directly dependent on anthropogenic load, which is well marked by the development of cyanobacteria. The greater the intensity of pollution or eutrophication of waters, or the higher the number of cyanobacteria, the lower the total number of LMWOCs and their concentration. A strongly pronounced dependence of the total concentrations of groups of NM compounds on the anthropogenic disturbance of the biotope and the concentration of cyanobacteria was revealed. A decrease in the number, relative amount, total concentration of carboxylic acids, number and content of unsaturated fatty acids, and, at the same time, an increase in the composition and content of phenols and the total content of aldehydes and ketones depends on an increase in anthropogenic pressure. The specific composition of NM of pierced pondweed depends on its response to biotic and abiotic factors of the aquatic environment, including anthropogenic ones. The revealed features of the change in the composition of P. perfoliatus NM make it possible to use it as an integral indicator of the anthropogenic impact on the littoral biotopes of water bodies and the deterioration of their ecological state.

Rapid Degradation of Dye Effluents with A SnS Catalyst: A Sustainable Approach Using Natural Light Under Ambient Conditions.

Dye degradation presents a persistent challenge in addressing water pollution. While several methods, including adsorption, biodegradation, and advanced oxidation processes, have been extensively explored, photocatalysis remains one of the most effective techniques. Conventional photocatalytic dye degradation processes often rely on expensive light sources and are time-intensive. Herein, we synthesized a SnS catalyst by the solvated metal atom dispersion (SMAD) method, using Sn foil and sulfur powder. The catalyst exhibited remarkable performance, achieving complete degradation of methylene blue within 2 minutes under ambient room light, without the need for any external light source. Similar degradation efficiency was achieved for methyl orange. To evaluate the role of light for the degradation, control experiments were conducted in the dark using methylene blue as a model dye. Although the degradation rate was slightly reduced, the catalyst still facilitated dye degradation in the absence of light. Additionally, the catalytic performance was tested with four other dyes under natural light, all of which yielded promising results, demonstrating the versatility and effectiveness of the SnS catalyst in dye degradation. This work highlights the potential of the SnS catalyst for efficient and rapid dye degradation under both light and dark conditions, offering an energy-efficient solution for wastewater treatment.

Impact of Improper Waste Disposal on Surface and Ground Water

Pollution in water occurs when harmful substance (often chemicals or biological) contaminate streams, river, lakes, oceans or other bodies of water, degrading water quality and rendering it unhealthy to humans, animal and the environment. The widespread problem of water pollution is jeopardizing our health. Water pathogens, in form of disease-causing bacteria and viruses from human and animal waste, are a major reason of illness from contaminated drinking water. Owing to the improper treatment facilities, waste is often discharged into the surface and ground water sources. Water bacteria can be limited by recycling used plastic, standard disposal of chemicals, oils or non-biodegradable items and proper collection and transportation of solid waste to a processed disposal site. In addition, waste water should be treated properly to prevent adverse health risk of the user of both surface water and ground water in the aquatic ecosystems.

Visible Light-Driven Photocatalysis of Al-Doped SrTiO3: Experimental and DFT Study

Environmental problems associated with water pollution caused by organic dyes have raised serious concerns. In this context, photocatalytic processes have proven to be promising and environmentally friendly methods for water purification utilising abundant solar energy. In this study, a SrTiO3-based photocatalyst was modified by doping with Al ions and the deposition of dual co-catalysts (Rh/Cr2O3 and CoOOH) to enhance the photocatalytic decomposition efficiency of methylene blue (MB). Pure perovskite SrTiO3 was synthesised by chemical precipitation followed by calcination at 1100 °C. Al-doped SrTiO3 with deposited co-catalysts showed 3.2 times higher photocatalytic activity compared to unalloyed SrTiO3 with co-catalysts in MB decomposition under visible radiation. This study highlights the effectiveness of using dual co-catalysts and low-valence metal doping to enhance the efficiency of the photocatalytic decomposition of organic pollutants. The density functional theory analysis results show that the Al doping of SrTiO3 improves charge separation and increases the lifetime of photogenerated electrons and holes while maintaining the size of the forbidden band, which confirms its effectiveness for enhancing photocatalytic activity.

The Effect Characterization of Lens on LNAPL Migration Based on High-Density Resistivity Imaging Technique

Light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs), which include various petroleum products, are a significant source of groundwater contamination globally. Once introduced into the subsurface, these contaminants tend to accumulate in the vadose zone, causing chronic soil and water pollution. The vadose zone often contains lens-shaped bodies with diverse properties that can significantly influence the migration and distribution of LNAPLs. Understanding the interaction between LNAPLs and these lens-shaped bodies is crucial for developing effective environmental management and remediation strategies. Prior research has primarily focused on LNAPL behavior in homogeneous media, with less emphasis on the impact of heterogeneous conditions introduced by lens-shaped bodies. To investigate the impact of lens-shaped structures on the migration of LNAPLs and to assess the specific effects of different types of lens-shaped structures on the distribution characteristics of LNAPL migration, this study simulates the LNAPL leakage process using an indoor two-dimensional sandbox. Three distinct test groups were conducted: one with no lens-shaped aquifer, one with a low-permeability lens, and one with a high-permeability lens. This study employs a combination of oil front curve mapping and high-density resistivity imaging techniques to systematically evaluate how the presence of lens-shaped structures affects the migration behavior, distribution patterns, and corresponding resistivity anomalies of LNAPLs. The results indicate that the migration rate and distribution characteristics of LNAPLs are influenced by the presence of a lens in the gas band of the envelope. The maximum vertical migration distances of the LNAPL are as follows: high-permeability lens (45 cm), no lens-shaped aquifer (40 cm), and low-permeability lens (35 cm). Horizontally, the maximum migration distances of the LNAPL to the upper part of the lens body decreases in the order of low-permeability lens, high-permeability lens, and no lens-shaped aquifer. The low-permeability lens impedes the vertical migration of the LNAPL, significantly affecting its migration path. It creates a flow around effect, hindering the downward migration of the LNAPL. In contrast, the high-permeability lens has a weaker retention effect and creates preferential flow paths, promoting the downward migration of the LNAPL. Under conditions with no lens-shaped aquifer and a high-permeability lens, the region of positive resistivity change rate is symmetrical around the axis where the injection point is located. Future research should explore the impact of various LNAPL types, lens geometries, and water table fluctuations on migration patterns. Incorporating numerical simulations could provide deeper insights into the mechanisms controlling LNAPL migration in heterogeneous subsurface environments.

Building a Circular Economy for Lithium: Addressing Global Challenges

AbstractAs countries worldwide race toward a green transition, the demand for electric vehicles is surging, and with it comes a growing need for batteries. However, the push for increased domestic mining to secure these materials raises significant concerns about environmental sustainability. Even with stringent regulations, the environmental impact of mining can be profound, posing risks such as biodiversity loss, water pollution, and broader ecological damage. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions could arise as countries whose economic interests are threatened by these initiatives may react adversely. Local communities might also resist mining projects due to concerns over environmental degradation, health risks, and disruptions to their livelihoods. Given the critical importance of metals in the ecological transition, this challenge must be approached with the same urgency and global coordination as a pandemic response. Just as the world mobilized unprecedented resources to tackle COVID‐19, a similarly robust approach is necessary to ensure the availability of critical metals for a sustainable future. This paper suggests potential pathways for academic, technological, and societal advancements within the framework of a circular economy for lithium, aiming to secure a sustainable supply of this essential resource.

Editorial: Biomass conversion and biomass-derived carbon-based materials for remediation of emerging pollutants in soil and water

Editorial: Biomass conversion and biomass-derived carbon-based materials for remediation of emerging pollutants in soil and water