Poor Water Quality Research Articles

The effects of citral on the intestinal health and growth performance of American bullfrogs (Aquarana catesbeiana)

Bullfrogs (Aquarana catesbeiana) are increasingly cultivated for their high nutritional value and adaptability to intensive aquaculture systems. However, ensuring optimal intestinal health and growth performance remains a challenge due to poor water quality and high stocking densities. This study evaluated the effects of varying dietary concentrations of citral, a natural compound from lemongrass essential oil, on the intestinal health, microbiota, antioxidant capacity, and growth performance of juvenile bullfrogs. A total of 200 juvenile bullfrogs (initial weight 6.85 ± 0.71 g) were randomly assigned into six groups, each receiving diets supplemented with citral at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mL/kg feed for 8 weeks. Citral supplementation significantly improved intestinal morphology, with goblet cell numbers, mucosal thickness, and villus-to-crypt ratios peaking at 2–4 mL/kg (P < 0.05). Optimal doses of 2–4 mL/kg also enhanced digestive enzyme activities, with α-amylase, lipase, and pepsin activities showing significant increases compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Antioxidant markers, including total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione (GSH), were highest at 2 mL/kg, while higher citral concentrations reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, indicating potential oxidative stress at 8–16 mL/kg (P < 0.05). Citral also modulated the intestinal microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Cetobacterium at 1–2 mL/kg (P < 0.05). However, microbial diversity decreased significantly at concentrations above 4 mL/kg. Growth performance analysis revealed that 4 mL/kg citral supplementation significantly improved weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), carcass weight (CW), and feed efficiency (FE), while survival rates declined at 16 mL/kg (P < 0.05). A linear regression model determined the optimal dietary citral concentration to be 3.216–3.942 mL/kg. This study concludes that dietary citral at 2–4 mL/kg optimally enhances growth performance, intestinal health, and antioxidant capacity in juvenile bullfrogs, while higher concentrations may disrupt gut health and oxidative balance. These findings provide valuable insights into the use of natural compounds like citral for sustainable aquaculture practices.

Water security in North Carolina’s most economically insecure county: a case study

Abstract Negative health impacts of water insecurity are often felt most in poor and rural communities and communities of color, who are more likely to be underserved by water infrastructure and disproportionately subject to socioeconomic stressors. Despite mandated efforts to allocate significant federal resources to infrastructure funding in ‘disadvantaged communities,’ communities with the most need risk systematic exclusion from access to resources, decision-making structures, and even benefits of research intended to address inequitable infrastructure services and health outcomes in their own communities. This project aims to describe groundwork and preliminary findings from community-engaged environmental research conducted within an ongoing community-based participatory research partnership in Robeson County, NC, a majority–minority county with the lowest median household income of NC’s 100 counties. Semi-structured interviews conducted with community members were analyzed to identify concerns about drinking water security (including safety, affordability, and reliability), perceptions of water quality, averting behaviors taken due to water insecurity, and ideas for improving water security. Findings suggest that there is a high level of mistrust in community water supplies, with perceptions of poor water quality driving a reliance on bottled water. Those relying on private wells expressed greater trust in their water and lower reliance on bottled water. Concerns about affordability were less prominent than those about water quality. Insufficient water reliability (low flow) was mentioned by many respondents, including those with community water service and those relying on private wells. Most supported increasing taxes to improve water security and also recommended increasing communications between water service providers and the public to improve trust. Overall, this work suggests the need for a comprehensive assessment of the quality and reliability of community water services in Robeson County, interventions to address problems identified, and much more engagement with the community about identifying and allocating funding to solve water security problems.

A qualitative analysis of the impact of government schemes on chronic kidney disease patients in Uddanam, India

PurposeThis paper presents an analytic report, with precise scientific rigor, the positive impact of the government’s welfare schemes and the areas that need urgent public policy intervention.Design/methodology/approachUddanam, Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, a conglomeration of an apportioned group of villages, grapples with a severe and mysterious kidney disease epidemic since the 1980s, affecting agricultural communities. The region, which was once fondly called “Udyanam,” translated as “Garden,” for its richness in greenery and cashew and coconut trees, has now become “Uddanam,” the land of death and despair. The residents of the region suffer with high rates of kidney failure and associated health complications for factors including environmental toxins and poor water quality. Despite several efforts by governments, the impact of governmental policy on improving the conditions has been non-significant. The problem has been taken into sincere and serious consideration by the present Government of Andhra Pradesh which introduced ground-breaking welfare initiatives to impede the prevalence of the disease and the deaths among patients. This paper presents an analytic report, with precise scientific rigor, the positive impact of the government’s welfare schemes, and the areas that need urgent public policy intervention.FindingsThis paper is the first to identify that out of the total of 942 CKD patients interviewed uniformly at random from the Uddanam mandals, a majority of 86.06%, who belong to advanced stages, receive advanced governmental (free) medical care, and soon succumb to the disease, and a minority of 13.94%, who belong to early stages of the disease, do not benefit directly from government welfare schemes, and hence perpetually proceed to advanced stages.Research limitations/implicationsThe qualitative study conducted in this paper is not fully exhaustive; however, the samples are taken uniformly at random from the entire region of influence, which renders the results credible.Practical implicationsThe key findings of this paper will provide a scientific basis for governmental and private health institutions to focus for providing sophisticated medical care for early state CKD patients to further mitigate the mortality rate due to the disease in Uddanam.Social implicationsThis paper shall create a positive social impact of the CKD handling measures taken by governmental and private agencies, and will bring to light the most impending issues that need immediate address, which are of great concern to the international community and media.Originality/valueThis paper is original and the contributions and findings presented herein have not been presented by anyone elsewhere. This paper is also the first to cojoin the impact of medical treatment for CKD at Uddanam and the use of digital technology, e.g. online consultation, online reports, etc.

Assessment of geochemistry and irrigation suitability of the River Ganga, Varanasi, India: PCA reduction for water quality index and health risk evaluation.

Surface water chemistry of the River Ganga at Varanasi was analyzed at 10 locations over 3years (2019-2021) across pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons. The study aimed to assess water parameters using principal component analysis (PCA), calculate the water quality index (WQI), determine processes governing water chemistry, evaluate irrigation suitability, and estimate non-carcinogenic health risks. The physical parameters measured included pH (8.12 ± 0.37, 8.17 ± 0.30, 7.80 ± 0.30), electrical conductivity (EC) (857.58 ± 163.17, 667.17 ± 162.15, 754.46 ± 179.32 µS/cm), total dissolved solid (TDS) (428.98 ± 81.74, 334.99 ± 80.75, 376.14 ± 88.91mg/L), and total coliform (6201.96 ± 6914.17, 4363.76 ± 3379.98, 6176.53 ± 7080.62 MPN/100mL) for pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons, respectively. WQI, based on 9 major parameters via PCA reduction, indicated poor water quality (53-74) across sites and seasons, except for S1, which was rated as good during the monsoon. The major ion concentrations in the samples followed the trend: (bicarbonate) HCO3⁻ (360.20mg/L) > (chloride) Cl⁻ (59.80mg/L) > (sodium) Na⁺ (53.10mg/L) > (calcium) Ca2⁺ (44.61mg/L) > (sulphate) SO₄2⁻ (43.81mg/L) > (magnesium) Mg2⁺ (24.50mg/L) > (potassium) K⁺ (5.20mg/L) > (phosphate) PO₄3⁻ (2.41mg/L) > (fluoride) F⁻ (0.52mg/L), indicating alkaline water. The Piper diagram is dominated by Ca-Mg-HCO3 and mixed SO4-Cl hydrochemical facies, while the Gibbs plot suggested rock-water interaction as the key driver of ion chemistry. Irrigation indices [sodium percentage (Na%); sodium absorption ratio (SAR); Kelly index (Ki); permeability index (PI); magnesium hazard (MH)] indicated suitability for irrigation. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed children were more sensitive to fluoride and chloride ingestion, while teenagers were more affected through dermal exposure.

Surface water quality evaluation of Mahanadi and its Tributary Katha Jodi River, Cuttack District, Odisha, using WQI, PLSR, SRI, and geospatial techniques

Surface water depletion in Odisha tract poses significant challenges for sustainable water management. An important part of the effort to satisfy the growing demand for water is surface water quality control. For that purpose, this study’s primary goal is to assess the surface water quality for drinking and irrigation at nine different locations, via the use of the innovative techniques. In this regard, Drinking Water Quality Index (DWQI), Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) and Spatial reflectance (SR) Indices (I), were considered to determine water suitability for different people’s activities. The samples were collected in the study area during the pre-monsoon season of period 2023–2024. The parameters analyzed: pH, DO, Alkalinity, Conductivity, Nitrate, Phosphate and Hardness. The results were subsequently contrasted with the water quality requirements, as instructed by World Health Organizations (WHO). The major anionic trend is expressed in the subsequent order: NO3− > PO43−. Finally, the analytical results were collected in order to produce the parameters’ numerical geographic distribution using the geographical information system (GIS) environment. According to the results of pH, the obtained average value is recorded as 8.0. This implies that the water is slight alkaline in nature. The results of the DWQI showed that 44.44% shared investigated locations, were classified as excellent to good, and 11% as poor, 22.22% as very poor and, 22.22% is indicated as unsuitable for drinking purpose classes. In addition, the new SRIs that were taken out of the VIS and NIR regions demonstrated a substantial correlation with DWQI, according to the results. The new SRIs and DWQI had R2 correlations with values ranging from 0.65 to 0.82. The results from DWQI and SRI depicts that Nitrate and Phosphate concentration were higher and exceeds the WHO standards. At five sites, which confers as poor water quality, these parameters were recorded very high. Additionally, the main factors causing variations in water quality were fertilizer, organic waste, and soil leaching. Based on the values of R2, the PLSR model generated an evaluation of DWQI that was more accurate. Furthermore, the PLSR model generated accurate predictions for DWQI, with an R2 of 0.82 and 0.85, in the validation and calibration dataset. Hence, PLSR is efficient and provides us with a clear image for evaluating surface water’s fitness for drinking and its regulating elements. This study provides a quantitative framework for assessing surface water suitable potential zones in the chosen region. By identifying the hidden variables influencing water quality, the three approaches work together to maintain their advantages while also offering crucial information for water management. The results allow for the monitoring of restoration measures to be prioritized, the identification of the anthropogenic impact on the five locations (S-(1), (2), (3), (4), and (5)) and the type of anthropogenic pressure associated with each location, as well as the optimization of monitoring programs to reflect significant anthropogenic pressures. The resulting maps and data offer valuable insights for policy makers and water resource managers to develop targeted surface water management strategies. These findings have significant implications for sustainable water resource management in the region, particularly in addressing challenges related to drinking and agricultural water demand and climate change adaptation. A more thorough assessment of the surface water quality would result from the addition of more water quality indicators, such as hydrological, biological, and particular pollutants, to the straightforward and trustworthy assessment scheme that has been suggested.

Assessing water quality restoration measures in Lake Pampulha (Brazil) through remote sensing imagery.

Urban reservoirs are frequently exposed to impacts from high population density, polluting activities, and the absence of environmental control measures and monitoring. In this study, we investigated the use of satellite imagery to assess restoration measures and support decision-making in a hypereutrophic urban reservoir. Since 2016, Lake Pampulha (Brazil) has undergone restoration measures, including the application of Phoslock®, to mitigate its poor water quality conditions. Satellite images from Landsat-8 (L8) and Sentinel-2 (S2) and historical monitoring data were used to estimate total suspended matter (TSM), chlorophyll-a (Chla), and Secchi disk depth (SDD). We explored both established models from existing literature and novel alternatives, the latter employing machine learning approaches. Model performance was assessed through the coefficient of determination (R ) during calibration and using the root mean square error (RMSE) and its normalization by the observed mean (nRMSE) during validation. Random forest regressor presented superior performance for the three water quality parameters and both satellites. The performance metrics for Landsat-8 were TSM (n=44) R of 0.62; Chla (n=48) R of 0.74; and SDD (n=23) R of 0.67. For Sentinel-2, TSM (n=53) R of 0.72; Chla (n=54) R of 0.64; SDD (n=33) R of 0.89. The selected models were then applied to cloud-free images from 2013 to 2022 to provide modeled TSM, Chla, and SDD values. These were used for spatiotemporal analysis, encompassing cluster analysis, sample comparisons, and trend analysis. Three distinct regions within Lake Pampulha were identified, with the upstream region displaying poorer conditions for TSM, Chla, and SDD. Restoration measures have contributed positively to improving water quality in Lake Pampulha; however, rainy periods pose a challenge due to water quality deterioration associated with urban runoff. Remote sensing has proven to be a robust tool for assisting managers in assessing recovery measures in urban lakes.

The impact of dairy effluent on water quality and ecotoxicological effects on amphibian larvae

ABSTRACT Agricultural industries contribute to water pollution, releasing agrochemicals, organic matter, nutrients and veterinary drugs. Our study aimed to evaluate water quality and ecotoxicological effects of a stream that receives agro-industrial effluents from dairy production at industrial scales and pluvial runoff of agricultural activities. The present study addresses a comprehensive analysis of physicochemical parameters, metals, pesticides, veterinary drugs and microbiological aspects at three sampling sites located upstream, near a dairy drainage discharge and downstream. Lethal chronic ecotoxicity bioassays and biomarkers on Rhinella arenarum larvae were evaluated. Poor water quality near the industrial discharge points was found, characterised by elevated ammonium, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and high concentrations of metals that exceeded environmental guidelines. In all sites, microbial aspects, total coliforms and fecal coliforms were detected, along with detergents, pesticide residues and ivermectin in high concentrations, exhibiting diverse profiles. Chronic toxicity bioassays showed mortality on amphibian larvae. The antioxidant defence system and the cholinergic pathways were altered in exposed larvae. The study highlights the urgent need to improve effluent management and regulations in the region to protect freshwater and underground water sources, aquatic fauna and human health.

Understanding Islandness Effects Through the Challenges of Water Infrastructure: A Case Study on the Kinmen Islands

On Taiwan’s offshore islands of Kinmen, the water supply infrastructure has experienced various challenges stemming from the physical and social conditions of islands. These conditions are related to islands’ distinct characteristics, such as smallness, boundedness, and remoteness, collectively referred to as islandness. This paper combines perspectives from infrastructure and island studies to examine how islandness-related effects have contributed to infrastructure failures. Drawing from interviews and document analysis, it explores the issues faced by the reservoirs and the desalination plant in Kinmen, including small storage and poor water quality, lack of energy and technical capacities, high production and maintenance costs, and poor seawater quality. Then, based on the above case study and a document analysis of water supply technical reports on Taiwan’s offshore islands, some shared islandness-related conditions are identified and categorized in relation to smallness, remoteness and peripherality, and ocean materiality. While offering generalizability, it is crucial to note that these conditions are not seen as determined but rather as relational and contingent upon other factors. Through such examination, the paper contributes to the discussion surrounding islandness and infrastructure breakdowns, shedding lights on the relational effects of islandness on water supply infrastructure.

Dynamics of pollution and trophic status in selected sub-tropical surface water bodies in Haridwar district, India.

This study provides a detailed approach to evaluating water quality in the Haridwar district, Uttarakhand, India, by integrating physicochemical and microbiological investigations. It employs multivariate analysis and applies water quality and trophic state indices to evaluate the current state of the water and identify potential sources of contamination. The results from the correlation matrix highlight the dynamic interactions between different water quality parameters. Dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, ammonium nitrogen, fecal coliform, pH, nitrate, and temperature exhibited varying temporal associations. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) identified pH, temperature, and total alkalinity as key influencers across all seasons, while sewage pollution and agricultural runoff were recurring concerns. The enumeration of NSF WQI (National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index) (observed from 33.0 to 41.7) further affirmed consistently poor water quality and provided a quantitative metric for a comprehensive assessment. Trophic state index (ranged from 58.6 to 94.2) analysis indicated hyper-eutrophic conditions driven by nutrient concentrations in specific sites, which was further validated by phytoplankton analysis, which revealed the widespread occurrence of cyanobacteria in nearly all water bodies, signaling severe nutrient enrichment and the risk of potential eutrophication. Despite high nutrient levels causing pollution, the water in these water bodies consistently fell within the safe category for irrigation based on estimated sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, and Wilcox diagram. However, it is not recommended to use these surface water bodies for irrigation due to the presence of high levels of organic pollution and a significant load of pathogenic bacteria.

UNSAFE SIPS: PREVALENCE OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIAL DIVERSITY IN DRINKING WATER OF KHAIRPUR CITY PAKISTAN

Background: Access to clean drinking water is vital for public health, yet contaminated water remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Pakistan, approximately 30% of diseases and 40% of deaths are waterborne, disproportionately affecting children in vulnerable environments such as schools. Poor water quality poses a significant risk to children's health, necessitating studies to assess microbial contamination and antimicrobial resistance in drinking water. Objective: To evaluate the microbial quality of drinking water in government primary schools in Khairpur, Pakistan, by identifying bacterial diversity, prevalence of pathogenic bacteria, and antimicrobial resistance patterns. Methods: A total of 42 water samples were collected from primary schools across six union councils in Khairpur. Total viable counts (TVC) were determined using serial dilution methods, and coliforms were detected using the membrane filtration method in accordance with WHO protocols. Bacterial isolates were identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the MicroScan WalkAway 96 plus system. Sensitivity profiling was performed to determine resistance patterns, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production. Results: Microbial contamination exceeded acceptable limits in all samples, with TVC ranging from 9,900 to 23,300 CFU/mL. Coliforms were detected in 57% of samples, and Escherichia coli was the most prevalent pathogen, constituting 47% of identified isolates. Among the 28 coliform isolates, 21.4% were identified as MDR, and 10% were ESBL producers. Antibiotics such as tigecycline, meropenem, and imipenem demonstrated the highest efficacy, whereas ampicillin and amoxicillin were the least effective. Conclusion: This study highlights the poor microbial quality of drinking water in Khairpur's primary schools, posing significant health risks to children. Immediate measures, including improved water treatment and regular monitoring, are crucial to mitigating the burden of waterborne diseases.

CO2 Fertilisation Counteracts the Negative Effect of Poor Water Quality on the Growth and Photosynthesis of a Great Barrier Reef Coralline Alga

ABSTRACTThe global problem of ocean acidification and localised decline in water quality are major threats to coral reefs worldwide. This study examined the individual and interactive impacts of global and local stressors by investigating the effects of increased seawater pCO2, elevated nutrient concentrations and reduced light levels on linear growth and metabolic rates of the common branching crustose coralline alga Lithophyllum cf. pygmaeum. We found complex interactions between factors on algal growth and photosynthetic rates, but overall, growth was significantly enhanced by pCO2 enrichment under all light and nutrient combinations. This is the first study to report a positive growth response in coralline algae to elevated pCO2 using linear extension methods. In contrast, the combination of reduced light levels and high nutrient concentrations simulating poor water quality conditions reduced algal growth rates by up to 67% (compared to individuals exposed to high light, low nutrients and elevated pCO2). Decreased light levels reduced linear growth, Pgross and Pnet rates by 33%, 18% and 24%, respectively, highlighting the critical role of light in coralline algal physiology. We suggest that poor water quality may counteract any CO2 fertilisation effect under ocean acidification conditions on the growth of coralline algae, and this has implications for coral reef conservation as it emphasises the importance of improving water quality to maintaining coral reef functions. These results further highlight the need for multifactorial experiments to better understand the interplay between global and local processes on coralline algae growth.

Limnological Analysis with Main Emphasis on the Influence of Physico-Chemical Parameters on Phytoplankton and Fish Faunal Diversity Distributional Pattern in Beru Stream, Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh (India)

the current investigation entails a comprehensive assessment of the limnobiological conditions within Beru stream, located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It examines both abiotic and biotic aspects, focusing on phytoplankton and fish diversity. Six phytoplankton genera were identified, falling under &lt;i&gt;Bacillariophyceae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Chlorophyceae&lt;/i&gt; classes. Concurrently, 5 fish species were documented, belonging to the &lt;i&gt;Cyprininae, Danioninae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Sisorinae&lt;/i&gt; subfamilies. Furthermore, our research involved the analysis of various abiotic parameters, including air and water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, Ca&lt;sup&gt;2&amp;#43;&lt;/sup&gt; and Mg&lt;sup&gt;2&amp;#43;&lt;/sup&gt; hardness, chloride concentrations, as well as phosphate and nitrate levels. These abiotic parameters were correlated with both phytoplankton and fish population size. The study also undertook a statistical examination of the relationship between phytoplankton and fish population sizes. In order to evaluate the diversity within the stream, several diversity indices, including Simpson's index, Simpson's index of diversity, Shannon index of diversity, Pielou's index of evenness and Sorenson similarity index were employed. The calculated values of the water quality index (WQI) were found to fall within the range of 33.91 to 59.16. These values suggest that the water quality within Beru stream spans a spectrum from "good" to "poor" according to the WQI classification. Notably, it was observed that the presence of excessive nutrient levels, particularly phosphates and nitrates, could lead to the heightened presence of a diverse array of flora and fauna during the month of March. Consequently, based on the WQI assessment, March was documented as a period characterized by poor water quality.

A Review of Fe–S–C Dynamics in Blue Carbon Environments: Potential Influence of Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils

ABSTRACTVegetated blue carbon environments have the potential to sequester large amounts of carbon due to their high productivity and typically saturated, anaerobic soils that promote carbon accumulation. Despite this, and the coupling of Fe–S–C cycling processes, the influence of iron (Fe) in acid sulfate soils (ASSs) on carbon sequestration in blue carbon environments has yet to be systematically explored. To address this knowledge gap, this review provides an overview linking the current state of blue carbon studies with the influence of Fe on soil organic carbon (SOC), as well as the potential influence ASSs have on carbon sequestration. A systematic literature review on SOC stock in blue carbon studies using the Web of Science database yielded 1477 results. Studies that investigated the drivers of carbon accumulation in blue carbon studies were restricted to vegetation species/structure and geomorphic setting, and few focused on soil properties and type. Iron both protects and enhances SOC decomposition depending on its redox state. Under oxic conditions, Fe oxyhydroxides can protect SOC via adsorption, co‐precipitation and by acting as a cement in soil aggregates. Iron can also increase SOC decomposition under oxic conditions due to Fenton reactions. However, under anoxic conditions, SOC mineralisation can also occur as Fe acts as an electron transporter in dissimilatory reductions. ASSs contain a range of Fe minerals, but the oxidation of Fe sulfides can result in soil acidification (pH &lt; 4) and subsequent impacts, such as a decline in vegetation health, poor water quality and infrastructure damage. Therefore, potential SOC protection by Fe under oxic conditions may come at the cost of soil acidification in ASSs, while maintaining anoxic conditions prevents acidification but may enhance SOC decomposition. Future studies on the influence of ASSs on Fe–S–C cycling and carbon sequestration in blue carbon environments are important, particularly for ‘hotspots’ such as Australia.

Threats Assessment of the Endemic Idle Crayfish (Austropotamobius bihariensis Pârvulescu, 2019): Lessons From Long‐Term Monitoring

ABSTRACTThe idle crayfish (Austropotamobius bihariensis Pârvulescu, 2019), endemic to Romania's Apuseni Mountains, urgently requires a specific conservation plan. Due to its recent description, conservation efforts have been limited, highlighting the need for immediate and practical recommendations to ensure its protection. Over 13 years, field observations were conducted to evaluate population trends and identify threats following IUCN standards. Additionally, geospatial assessments and predictive modelling were employed to estimate both the optimal habitat and current population size under three distinct scenarios. The primary threats identified include poor forest management, extreme drought, anthropogenic development and riverbed alterations, all contributing to declines in crayfish abundance. The most severe impacts arise when these pressures converge at a single site, compounded by a chronic, low‐virulence crayfish plague infection (A‐haplogroup). The total population is estimated at 31,150 (± 449.9 SE) individuals, with 1,163,754 m2 of suitable habitat, of which only 37.9% lies within 13 protected areas under the most realistic scenario. Poor water quality was found to significantly reduce the modelled population size. In light of these findings, we propose a series of targeted conservation actions tailored for each protected area and highlight the importance of extending measures beyond their current boundaries. Additionally, we recommend implementing the ‘ark sites’ concept in regions with optimal ecological conditions, stable populations and genetic diversity, to reduce pressures and safeguard the species through effective field management.

Application of electrical resistivity tomography for groundwater evaluation in Yirgacheffe Town and its environs, Main Ethiopian Rift

Exploring groundwater is crucial in areas with poor surface water quality, such as Yirgacheffe Town and its surroundings. This study aims to assess aquifer materials and groundwater potential using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) in the region,within the Main Ethiopian Rift. Four electrical resistivity profiles were gathered using a Wenner array with a WDA-1 digital resistivity and induced polarization meter from Chongqing, China. Each profile extended 236 m with 4-m electrode spacing. Data were analyzed and inverted with Res2DinV software and validated against lithological logs. The ERT inversion revealed three subsurface geoelectric layers: (1) massive rhyolite ignimbrite and basalt (>2000 Ωm); (2) weathered rhyolite ignimbrite and basalt (200–2000 Ωm); and (3) topsoil (4–200 Ωm). These results are key for effective water resource management and highlight ERT's utility in similar geological settings.

Water quality assessment using IRWQIsc and NSFWQI water quality indicators; A case study: Talar River (Iran).

One of the driest countries in the world, Iran has been facing several challenges related to water shortage, leading to serious social, economic, and environmental impacts. Given the escalating urbanization and industrial development within Iran, a comprehensive assessment of surface water quality utilizing both the US National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI) and the Iran Water Quality Index for surface water (IRWQIsc) is imperative. This study aimed to evaluate the water quality of the Talar River in Mazandaran, Iran, in 2023, through the IRWQIsc and NSFWQI. This study was conducted in the Talar River, located in Mazandaran Province in Iran. Water samples from the Talar River were collected to assess 11 physicochemical parameters from 10 sampling Points. A total of 60 samples were collected monthly during winter and summer 2023. The IRWQIsc and NSFWQI were selected to assess the overall water quality of the Talar River. Nitrate (NO3 -) concentrations ranged from 29.32 to 85.89mg/L across seasons, with average values falling within World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Phosphate (PO4 3-) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels exceeded WHO limits on occasion, while turbidity and electrical conductivity (EC) consistently surpassed both WHO and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. pH and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels remained within acceptable ranges. IRWQIsc and NSFWQI indicated generally poor water quality across all sampling sites, with slight seasonal variations suggesting slightly better conditions in summer for IRWQIsc and winter for NSFWQI. This study indicates that NO3 - and PO4 3- levels meet WHO limits, but COD, turbidity, and EC exceed the recommended threshold. The IRWQIsc and NSFWQI highlight poor conditions resulting from agricultural and industrial pollution. Urgent integrated management is essential to mitigate these impacts and safeguard river health in the face of environmental pressures.

Evaluation of riverbank filtration to improve groundwater quality (Euphrates River, Karbala, Iraq)

ABSTRACT Groundwater is considered an important source of water supply in Iraq, but the poor quality of water makes it unsuitable for drinking purposes. To enhance the groundwater quality, River Bank Filtration (RBF) method was investigated. It is a natural process in which wells along a riverbank are pumped, causing some of the river water to flow toward these wells. With this technique, water coming from the river is filtrated by soil deposits and then mixed with groundwater, improving its quality. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the implementation of the RBF technique to improve the poor quality of groundwater and get potable water. A study area was selected in Al Hindiyah District within Kerbala City, Iraq. Four wells (W1, W2, W3, and W4) with different distances from the Euphrates River bank (450 m, 720 m, 800 m, and 1950 m), respectively, were selected to examine the groundwater quality. The results were then compared to those for the Euphrates River. In addition, two boreholes (B.H.1 and B.H.2) of about 15 m depth were drilled near the riverbank to assess the soil properties of the studied area. The results showed that the groundwater quality at a depth more than 12 m enhanced as the well’s distance from the river bank decreased and got closer to the river. It was found that the water quality at pumping wells (W1, W2, and W3) is slightly polluted, which makes this area more suitable for groundwater abstraction to provide the best water quality. The poorest water quality was for W4 at 1950 m from the riverbank, which indicates that at this distance the river bank filtration process is eliminated.

Land use-based assessment of surface-water quality using indices approaches

ABSTRACT This study assessed land-use impacts on surface-water quality and explored relationships between water indexes with water parameters. Twenty-seven water samples, collected from canals located in agricultural, industrial, and residential areas, were analyzed for 22 parameters. Water quality index (WQI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), and metal quality index (MQI) results showed poor to very poor water quality across all land uses. Agriculture had the highest WQI (39), followed by residential (12) and industrial areas (7). Industrial areas exhibited the highest HPI and MQI, indicating higher heavy metal pollution in the areas. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between WQI and electrical conductivity and chemical oxygen demand (COD), explaining 71% of WQI variance. Discriminant analysis differentiated the three land uses with 100% accuracy using turbidity, COD, biochemical oxygen demand, Mg, and, Na. Tailored management strategies should be developed for each land-used type to improve water quality in urban areas.

A Risk Management Framework for Catfish Farming in Ghana

Purpose: The growth of the catfish farming industry in Ghana has created opportunities for economic advancement and food security; however, significant risks threaten its sustainability. This study aims to propose a comprehensive risk management framework specifically tailored for catfish farming in Ghana, addressing production and financial risks. Methodology: Data was collected from 120 respondents at Catfish Adwoa Atta Farms. The study analyzed production risks such as disease outbreaks and poor water quality, alongside financial risks including market fluctuations and limited access to credit. Findings: The research revealed that production risks account for 40% of total yield losses, with disease-related mortality causing 25% of these losses. Financial risks were also prominent, with 21% of respondents reporting a profitability decline of over 20% due to limited access to financial support. Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy:The proposed framework integrates modern technologies such as IoT sensors for water quality monitoring, structured contract farming, and government-backed insurance schemes. Pilot testing in regions like the Volta and Ashanti regions is recommended to evaluate its effectiveness. Implementation of the framework could significantly enhance the resilience of catfish farms, reduce production losses, and improve profitability, positioning Ghana’s aquaculture sector as a model for sustainable development.

PENERAPAN MODEL PROTOTYPE UNTUK PENGEMBANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI MANAJEMEN PEMBERIAN PAKAN IKAN BERDASARKAN FOOD CONVERSION RATIO (FCR)

Efficient feed management is crucial for successful fish farming. Improper feed management leads to waste, poor water quality, fish mortality, reduced yields, and decreased operational efficiency. A primary challenge is determining appropriate feed rations based on fish growth stages. This research developed a web-based information system to aid fish farmers in efficient and accurate feed management. The system calculates feed rations using a formula based on fish biomass and incorporates feed efficiency analysis via the Food Conversion Ratio (FCR). A Prototype Model was used for system development due to its adaptability to user feedback. Results show the system automatically calculates feed rations, manages fish sampling data, analyzes feed efficiency using FCR, and generates daily reports for efficient feed management. Field trials validated the system's effectiveness, demonstrating its ability to provide information on feed efficiency and reduce feed waste.