Quality Index Method Research Articles

Chemical quality and water quality indices of Fiche drinking water, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract The problem of drinking water quality is common in developing countries. While a piped water supply is available in many parts of Fiche, Ethiopia, the water may be contaminated in the distribution system and thus continuous quality assessment is required to ensure safe drinking water for the community. Instrumental and spectrophotometric methods were used to analyze the chemical characteristics including dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, ammonia, iron and manganese. The weighted arithmetic water quality index method was applied to assess the water's quality rating. The chemical characteristics of the tap water's annual range was; temperature between 19.4 and 20.0°C, pH between 6.8 and 7.6, DO between 4.5 and 6.1 mg/L, ammonia between 0.01 and 0.2 mg-NH3/L, nitrate between 1.1 and 1.8 mg-NO3−/L, nitrite between 0.003 and 0.06 mg-NO2−/L, 2.0 and 19.1 mg-SO42−/L, chloride between 10.07 and 30.0 mg-Cl−/L, manganese between 0.003 and 0.003 mg-Mn/L, iron between 0.01 and 0.03 mg-Fe/L. The WQIs for the reservoir and tap water were 25.031 and 40.676, respectively, so the tap water is rated ‘good’ for drinking.

A GIS-based analysis of intrinsic vulnerability, pollution load, and function value for the assessment of groundwater pollution and health risk

Groundwater pollution risk assessment is an effective tool for the control and prevention of groundwater pollution. However, the risk is generally difficult to interpret because it is affected by both natural and anthropic factors such as topography, aquifer characteristics, land-use changes, and mining process. In this study, a GIS-based analysis of aquifer vulnerability (V), groundwater pollution load (L), and groundwater function value (F) were combined to comprehensively evaluate the groundwater pollution risk in a typical mixed land use area of Chengdu Plain, in China. Groundwater pollution risk assessment was then validated by a groundwater quality evaluation using the comprehensive water quality index method. A health risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the susceptible population exposed to the groundwater pollution. The results showed that the estimated ‘high’ and ‘very high’ pollution risk areas together accounted for 24.85% of the study area, mainly located in the southeast and southwest of the plain area with highly permeable aquifer, abundant amounts of groundwater storage, a shallow water table, and near pollution sources. In addition, our results revealed that 14% of groundwater in the study area posed an unacceptable non-carcinogenic health risk to children. The risk assessment of groundwater pollution and human health in the study area can provide effective support for strengthening groundwater management and pollution control.

Risk-aware decision making in the safety investments - Application of stochastic simulations and judgment value method

We propose a methodology for risk-aware decision making related to the investment in safety. The methodology consists of probabilistic risk assessment and following cost-benefit analysis upon calculated risk values. We introduce a web-based tool for computing the risk for various safety regimes. The tool makes use of joint fire and evacuation modelling along with Monte Carlo sampling for uncertain or variate input variables. The results include individual as well as societal risk values, related to fatalities or serious injuries. The obtained changes in risk values – related to the applied safety measures – define an input for the cost-benefit analysis. The analysis is based on the Life Quality Index and J-value judgement method. As a case study, we used the hotel part of a seven-story mixed-use building. We designed the methodology to be applicable in day-to-day engineering calculations related to the safety of the building as well as other purposes, such as the introduction of the new product to the market. Therefore, in this article, we focus on the practical aspect of the methodology.

Differentiation between fresh and frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle as raw materials for sashimi during cold storage.

The changes of sensory and biochemical characteristics on the fresh and frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle during storage at 4°C were discussed in this study. The Quality Index Method (QIM) scheme for evaluating scallop adductor muscle as raw materials for sashimi was proposed for the first time. The results of sensory evaluation showed that frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle within zero to one day of refrigeration can be happily accepted by consumers, indicating the superiority of freezing for long-distance transportation, although the triangle test confirmed that there are still sensorial differences between fresh and frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle. The microscopic observation of myofibrils extracted from scallop adductor muscle suggested that the myofibrillar protein which constitutes myofibrils has suffered some extent change due to freezing and thawing, even though the head region of myosin remained stable judging by the fact that there was no significant difference in Ca2+ -ATPase activity (p > 0.05). The changes of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its related compounds, and pH value during storage can be regarded as indicators to differentiate fresh and frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle. The changes of Mg2+ -ATPase activity indicated that the interaction between myosin and actin was weakened by the freezing and thawing process. Practical Application: The QIM scheme can be used to evaluate the scallop adductor muscle as raw materials for sashimi. The mechanism of quality changes in the frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle was discussed in combination with the destruction of myofibrils, ATP degradation and the decrease of pH value. This study has positive significance for improving the quality of frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle by combining the changes of sensory and biochemical characteristics.

Seismic vulnerability assessment of the benedictine basilica typology in central Italy

The research deals with a methodology for the seismic vulnerability assessment of a set of historic churches characterized by a specific building typology and focuses on the mid-scale analysis which stands in between territorial level assessment and studies of single buildings. In particular, the proposed methodology allows to coordinate, connect and interpret apparently distant information, provided by accredited analysis tools from different scale of investigation on the seismic behaviour of historical constructions. A set of basilica churches, settled in central Italy, and stricken by the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake, has been analysed to uncover weaknesses related to the building typology by relating historical, environmental, geometrical, technological, and mechanical issues through a multi-discipline multi-scale innovative approach. All the churches belong to the Benedictine building culture and are built across a relatively limited territory; hence, they share the same architecture typology, while building technology can vary considerably due to the available environmental resources. Geometrical proportions and dimensions are investigated through appropriate morphological indexes, while masonry types through the Masonry Quality Index (MQI) method. First-level vulnerability indexes are determined on expeditious on site survey basis and most prone-to-activate kinematic mechanisms are hence deduced. Apse and façade constitute the macro-elements most prone to local mechanism activation. Also, the scale of the monument, associated to historical importance, quality of employed resources, and relevance of reworks, is central in determining homogeneity in the overall construction, quality of connections among the crucial macro-elements, and hence, their vulnerability. In the kinematic mechanism evaluation, the inclusion of frictional restraint forces simulating quality of connections between orthogonal walls proves effective in quantitatively translate observational data, although cautious calibration of the minimization procedure must be considered, especially for relatively small churches. • Novel methodology for assessment of seismic vulnerability of building typologies. • A set of basilica churches stricken by the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake has been analysed. • Analysed churches share common geometrical proportions, but scale and materials are different. • Apses and facades are the most vulnerable macro elements. • Vulnerability due to slenderness is not adequately compensated by wall-to-wall connections.

Investigation of water quality and its spatial distribution in the Kor River basin, Fars province, Iran

As one of the largest rivers in the southwest of Iran, the Kor River plays an important role in local economy and ecosystem. However, the rapid development of industry has caused significant pollution in this river in recent years. Despite of a number of studies reported on this river regarding water pollution, few have conducted a comprehensive investigation of a wide range of water quality parameters to map the current pollution status. This study focuses on 21 water quality parameters around the industrial centers of the Kor River basin with samples taken from 25 stations. With the measured parameters, the interpolation maps of each parameter were determined using the Kriging method, and the water quality was quantified using the Water Quality Index (WQI) method. The results showed that the WQI values were between 28 and 73, showing more pollution around the factories than in the upstream areas. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that BOD, COD, NO3−, and coliforms were the most important parameters among the 21 parameters affecting the water quality. Linear regression results suggested that the best parameters for determining coliforms and WQI values were BOD, and Cr, PO43−, Hg and Zn levels, respectively, with R2 greater than 0.87. These results can also simplify the prediction of coliforms and WQI using only a few parameters. We further found that flatter regions generally had more pollution, primarily due to pollutant accumulation as a result of water stagnation.

Mapping of Groundwater Flow Pattern and its Quality Index based on Microbiological Parameters in Klojen District, Malang City, East Java, Indonesia

Groundwater is one source of fulfilling water needs for the Klojen district, the most populous district in Malang City. Population density affects the condition of groundwater quality because it causes pollution. The possibility of groundwater quality contamination can be identified by mapping the flow pattern and determining the quality level according to its use as drinking water. The purpose of this study is to map the groundwater quality index according to its flow pattern. Flow patterns based on groundwater-surface contours can indicate the direction of flow and the direction of pollution. The quality of groundwater according to its use as drinking water was identified using the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI) method. Based on the research results, the research location's flow pattern generally flows from North to South. According to the flow pattern, groundwater quality is getting worse, as indicated by an increase in the index value

Drinking Water Quality Assessment Using WQI in Bhokardan Area of Jalna District, Maharashtra State

The quality of surface and ground water resources is deteriorating with time due to numerous natural and anthropogenic sources of pollution. As surface and ground water is major source of drinking water in rural area in the study area, made essential to monitor its quality regularly. Water Quality Index (WQI) show a significant role and a useful tool for evaluating the overall quality of water aimed for drinking purpose. This method converts the complex and large data on water quality trends to a single value which can be easily understandable to the common public, local governing bodies and policymakers. In the present research work an attempt was made to check suitability of surface and ground water for drinking purpose using Water Quality Index method. The water quality was estimated by analyzing selected physico-chemical parameters which play significant role in determining water quality such as pH, Alkalinity, Electrical Conductivity, Fluoride, Chloride, Nitrate, Sulphate, Potassium, Total Hardness, E. Coli, Turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids, Dissolved Oxygen and Biochemical Oxygen Demand. Total 32 surface and 35 ground water samples were collected from different selected locations in the study area during pre and post-monsoon seasons respectively. The overall results revealed that almost all the surface water sources from the Bhokardan area, Jalna District, India was found unsuitable for drinking purposes. The application of WQI method to evaluate sequential variations in surface as well as ground water quality was therefore found suitable and effective tool for monitoring and proper management of drinking water resources.

Assessment of Anwai river water quality using the weighted arithmetic water quality index (WQI) in Delta State, Nigeria

The weighted arithmetic water quality index method was used to assess the water quality of anthropogenically-laden Anwai-river within the Asaba-capital territory of Delta State, Nigeria, in Stations 1(Otulu), 2(Isele- asagba) and 3(Anwai-Asaba) using pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, phosphates, nitrates, total hardness (TH) and coliforms, to determine its water quality status and its suitability for humans and aquatic biota. Aside from TDS, turbidity, and TH, other parameters such as pH (5.3-8.2), DO (2.0-2.8 mg/L), BOD (1.02-2.4 mg/L), EC (110-113 µS/cm), turbidity(2.3-5.2 NTU), TDS (8.0-16.0 mg/L), TH (30-62 mg/L), phosphates (0.13-0.28 mg/L), nitrates (0.05-0.27 mg/L) and Coliform (25.75-45.5 cfu/ml) indicated non-significant variableness (p>0.05) between Stations. Water depth, TDS, turbidity, TH, phosphate, nitrate and total coliform were significant contributors to the Anwai-river's water quality by Principal component analysis (PCA). The first principal component (PC1) exhibited 94.1% variance and a 0.1860 loading factor, while the second showed 5.9% variance and 0.0117 loading factor implying depth, flooding, excessive human activities and sewage disposal as important contaminants. Although the individual physiochemical-based water qualities were below the WHO recommended drinking water values translated into poor water quality by the weighted arithmetic water quality index at the three Stations; 86.83, 75.02 and 81.27 in Station's 1, 2 and 3 respectively, correspondingly poor to very poor based on Water quality index. The water of Anwai-river is a serious health threat to humans and aquatic organisms and thus, it should not be utilized untreated.

Analisis Kualitas Jalur Pedestrian Di Koridor Jalan Pb Sudirman Kecamatan Pare Kabupaten Kediri

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users compared to other road users. To create a pleasant walking environment, we need an environment that can provide security for pedestrians. One of the busy pedestrian lanes is the PB Sudirman Corridor area, Pare District which is a commercial area in Kediri Regency. The purpose of this study is to see how safe a path for micro scale pedestrians can then be used as input in the process of improving lane design. The method used in this study is the Pedestrian Environmental Quality Index (PEQI) method that assesses the quality of pedestrian pathways with five variables namely crossing safety; traffic; pedestrian track design; land use; and Safety and walkability variables. The results showed that the quality of pedestrian lanes in PB Sudirman Road Corridor Area has an inadequate quality average at the intersection and only has basic facilities for pedestrians on the lane, so efforts are needed to improve the quality of pedestrian lanes.

Study on Quality Standards for Green Coffee Beans

Coffee flavor is considerably influenced by the quality of green coffee beans. Therefore, specialty coffee has a richer aroma, higher acidity, and a more distinct flavor profile compared to commercial coffee. The current methods for evaluating specialty coffee quality are mainly SCA sensory evaluation and complementary techniques such as taste sensing systems and NIRS. However, because the flavor profiles of specialty coffees have become complex over the years, we propose a new quality index method based on physicochemical numerical values.

Evaluation of Groundwater Using an Integrated Approach of Entropy Weight and Stochastic Simulation: A Case Study in East Region of Beijing.

Groundwater is an important source of water in Beijing. Hydrochemical composition and water quality are the key factors to determine the availability of groundwater. Therefore, an improved integrated weight water quality index approach (IWQI) combining the entropy weight method and the stochastic simulation method is proposed. Through systematic investigation of groundwater chemical composition in different periods, using a hydrogeochemical diagram, multivariate statistics and spatial interpolation analysis, the spatial evolution characteristics and genetic mechanism of groundwater chemistry are discussed. The results show that the groundwater in the study area is weakly alkaline and low mineralized water. The south part of the study area showed higher concentrations of total dissolved solids, total hardness and -N in the dry season and wet season, and the main hydrochemical types are -Ca and -Ca-Mg. The natural source mechanism of the groundwater chemical components in Chaoyang District includes rock weathering, dissolution and cation exchange, while the human-made sources are mainly residents and industrial activities. Improved IWQI evaluation results indicate that water quality decreases from southwest to northeast along groundwater flow path. The water quality index (WQI) method cannot reflect the trend of groundwater. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the improved IWQI method could describe the overall water quality reliably, accurately and stably.

The Use of Color to Determine Fish Freshness: European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

ABSTRACT In this study, the relationship between color and the quality of fish was investigated. Additionally, how the color properties alter as a result of whether the fish is kept in cold water during the storage was also observed. For this purpose, the color changes on both halves of the sea bass (the bottom side dipped in cold water (WS: wet side) and the top side exposed to air (AR: air side)) were analyzed during 4°C storage by computer-based image analysis (CBI). The eyes, gills, and skin of the samples were monitored separately. Along with the color measurements, some freshness parameters, including total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), TVC (total viable count), quality index method (QIM), and Torry score sensory analysis were assessed. The results indicated that the shelf life of sea bass was six days. High correlations were obtained between CBI results and the freshness parameters analyzed (min R2 = 0.844). Among the CBI analyses of skin, gill, and eye segmentation, the best results were achieved via monitoring the skin color. Regardless of the side of the fish (AS or WS) used, our study has revealed that applicable color parameters for the determination of shelf life of sea bass are a* and b*.

Seasonal Evaluation of Freshness Profile of Commercially Important Fish Species.

Freshness is considered one of the most important parameters to judge the quality of most fish products. In the current study, the seasonality effect on the freshness profile of different economic fish species was evaluated for the first time, using three different approaches (sensory: Quality Index Method (QIM) and European (EC) Scheme; physical: Torrymeter (TRM) values; and microbiological analyses: Total Viable Counts (TVC) and degradative bacteria). Over a year, individuals of farmed fish Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax, as well as the wild fish Trachurus trachurus, Scomber colias, and Sardina pilchardus, were sampled seasonally for the evaluation of their freshness profile over 10 days on ice. In general, data showed an increase in QIM values, a decline in TRM, and an increase of spoilage bacteria throughout the storage time, revealing a clear temporal degradation of the quality of the fish. Additionally, some signs of seasonality effect could only be observed for some species. For example, the seabass D. labrax showed lower numbers of degradative bacteria in winter than in the other seasons, suggesting a high potential to be marketed in a fresher condition, especially during that season. On the other hand, S. colias showed higher freshness scores (i.e., higher TRM values in spring and autumn and lower numbers of bacteria in summer) from spring to autumn. However, from the five studied species, S. colias presented the lowest freshness values, indicating a higher fragility of this species. This information is extremely relevant for consumers and retailers that want to invest in higher quality products, as they would thus be able to choose certain species in detriment of others. Additionally, obtained data showed that farmed species reached day 10 of storage time with lower values of QIM and microbial counts (cfu), as well as higher values of TRM, in relation to wild species. These results reinforce the idea that farmed fish can, under proper conditions, present high quality/freshness profile.

Temporal trends and source apportionment of water pollution in Honghu Lake, China.

Honghu Lake, the largest shallow lake in Jianghan Plain of China, is essential for maintaining ecosystem functioning in this region. However, water pollution and high disturbance are seriously threatening the ecological security of this lake. To explore the causes of water quality fluctuations in Honghu Lake, the water quality index method (CCME-WQI), multivariate statistical, and source apportionment techniques were adopted to characterize temporal trends in lake water quality (2004-2017), identify the main driving factors of water quality indicators, and quantify the contribution of various pollution sources. Besides, the water periods of the lake have been reclassified due to the seasonal variation of rainfall in the study area. The results of CCME-WQI showed that the water quality in Honghu Lake initially improved over 2004-2011, with better water quality in the wet period than in the dry periods, while the results over 2012-2017 were found to be opposite. Correlation analysis identified untreated industrial wastewater (UIW) as the main pollution source affecting CODMn concentrations in Honghu Lake, while untreated domestic sewage discharge (UDS) was identified as the main pollution source affecting BOD and F. coli concentrations. The main pollution sources affecting nutrient indicators were rainfall and enclosure aquaculture (EA). Principal component analysis (PCA) combined with absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression model (APCS-MLR) further appointed the source contribution of each pollution source to water quality indicators. The results showed that EA in 2012 was reduced by 81% compared with 2004, resulting in the contribution of EA to NH3-N, TP, and TN decreased by 0.2 mg L-1, 0.039 mg L-1, and 0.37 mg L-1, respectively. Compared with 2012, UIW was reduced by 65% in 2016, resulting in the contribution of UIW to CODMn decreased by 1.17 mg L-1. In addition, compared with 2004, UDS decreased by 85% in 2016, and the contribution of UDS to BOD and F. coli decreased by 0.7 mg L-1 and 887 cfu L-1, respectively. Based on the results of APCS-MLR, it was predicted that the concentrations of COD and TP in Honghu Lake would meet the water quality requirements after 2017. However, the rainfall non-point source pollution must be further controlled to achieve the desired level of TN concentration. This study provided an accurate method for analyzing lake water pollution, and the results can provide a valuable reference for optimizing water quality management and pollution control strategies within Honghu Lake.

Sensory evaluation of fresh/frozen mackerel products: A review

Mackerel has received considerable attention in the global food market as one of the most important pelagic commercial fish species. The quality of mackerel is influenced by species, season, fishing area, nutritional status, catching method, handling, and storage. Due to the mackerel's perishability, its quality is mainly measured by sensory procedures. Although considerable effort has been made to explore quick and reliable quality analysis, developing a practical and scientific sensory evaluation of mackerel has been an active ongoing study area to meet the quality evaluation demand of the industry. Different sensory evaluation methods have been used to assess the mackerel fish quality, including Palatability and Spoilage test, Torry scheme, EU scheme, Quality Index Method, Catch damage index and Processed fish damage index, Affective test, Discriminative test, and Descriptive test. Each method has its strength and weakness. Despite mackerel sensory evaluation protocols having undergone partial harmonization, specific sample process needs to be carefully followed to minimize the change during sample preparation. This review summarizes the sensory evaluation methods in mackerel research, the factors affecting sensory evaluation, and then updates the latest advances in mackerel sensory evaluation and offers guidance for presenting its application in the mackerel chain. Also, each technique's advantages and limitations are discussed. In our opinion, the future trends for sensory evaluation of mackerel should be consumer-centric.

The combination of microbiological, biochemical, and quality index methods in quality evaluation of pacific white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei) preserved at 0°C

In this study, the sensory, microbiological, and biochemical qualities were used to examine the quality of Pacific white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei) preserved at 0°C during a 10-day period. The sensory quality was evaluated by a quality index (QI) that resulted from a quality index method (QIM) scheme. Meanwhile, the total viable count (TVC) and K-value were used to assess the microbiological and biochemical qualities of the shrimp. On day 9, the results from TVC and QIM have shown that the shrimp showed signs of spoilage, corresponding to a log CFU/g of 6.4 and a QI of 21.37, which is unacceptable to consumers. The QI increased linearly with storage days therefore the remaining shelf-life of the shrimp was estimated from a linear regression equation. In particular, this study found a linear relationship between QI, K-value, and hypoxanthine content. Furthermore, hypoxanthine itself could be considered as an independent quality index like the K-index. In conclusion, the quality of Pacific white shrimp was categorized into four different classes: excellent, good, acceptable, and moderately acceptable, based on its sensory and biochemical quality indicators.

Quality Index Method for Freshness Assessment of Chilled Japanese Flying Squid (Todarodes pacificus)

Aims: To develop and apply a quality index method (QIM) scheme for evaluating the freshness and estimating the shelf life of raw whole Japanese flying squid (Todarodes pacificus) stored at low temperatures.
 Study design: A QIM scheme was developed through pre-observation and formation of a preliminary scheme, finalization of the protocol and training of judges. The scheme was then applied to evaluate the freshness of squid in comparison with control methods, which were quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), Torry scoring, and total viable count (TVC) determination.
 Place and duration of study: Nha Trang University, Vietnam, between February and June 2012; and from November 2019 to January 2020.
 Methodology: A total of 399 Japanese flying squids (Todarodes pacificus) of 50-70 g stored at 0-2°C were used in the study. Seven judges engaged in the QIM establishment and application. Control methods were QDA, Torry and TVC check. Principle component analysis (PCA) was used for studying the dataset main variance. Partial least square regression (PLS-R) was carried out to evaluate the possibility to predict storage time of the developed QIM scheme.
 Results: The formulated QIM scheme for Japanese flying squid stored at low temperatures composed of 8 parameters, which are odour, eyes, skin pigment, skin elasticity, body shape, body texture, ink sac integrity, and head-body connection, forming a quality index (QI) range of 0-15. The PLS-R showed that the developed QIM protocol could give a shelf life estimation accuracy of ± 1.0 day if 7 squids from each batch were evaluated. The PCA showed that QDA parameters clustered into good and bad attribute groups, which characterised flesh and old/spoilt squid, respectively. QDA, Torry and TVC results revealed a maximal squid shelf life of 12 days at 0-2 °C.
 Conclusion: The QIM scheme for chilled Japanese flying squid (Todarodes pacificus) could be used to estimate the remaining shelf life of the product with the precision of ± 1.0 day, using at least 7 squids of the same storage time for assessment. Squid exhibited a shelf life of 12 days at 0-2 °C.

Assessing drinking water quality based on physical, chemical and microbial parameters in the Red Sea State, Sudan using a combination of water quality index and artificial neural network model

This study aimed to assess the quality of water resources, and its suitability for the drinking uses in Red Sea State, Sudan. Particularly, with regard to international standards from the World Health Organization (WHO/2017), and the national standards from Sudanese Standard and Meteorology Organization for drinking water (SDS-044/2007). Twenty locations site were investigated to represent this important area, where its analysed for compliance with the national and international standards, furthermore, the suitability for drinking purpose was assessed by using water quality index (WQI) method. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was applied to predict the QWI by using the algorithm of feed forward back propagation artificial neural networks (BP ANN) for optimization. Physio-chemical assessments indicated that, water resources did not conform to the safe limits, especially heavy metals likes cadmium, which has the highest concentrations-hazard in almost all samples. High lead levels were observed at nineteen sites, while a high concentrations of nickel, and Total dissolved solids were observed at seven locations. The microbial assessment indicated most of locations did not conform to the safe limits, a high bacteria –hazard for Total coliform and Escherichia coli were observed in fourteen, and seven locations, respectively. Computed WQI values ranged from 35.61 to 337.52. ANN model showed much high prediction accuracy of WQI modeling with R2 values greater than 0.95 during training, testing and validation. WQI spatial distribution shown that, Red Sea State has unsuitable water quality in most of study sites (70%). The effects of heavy pollutants dominated on the water quality, and spread in these regions. This study conducted the first full-scale survey of the drinking water sources (ground and surface) in the Red Sea State of Sudan. Based on these results, we recommended that, an urgent measures such as a chemical treatments to treat the pollution, with/or filters installation should be implemented as soon as possible to manage and protect the water resources.

Evaluation of Chemical Parameters of Urban Drinking Water Quality along with Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study of Ardabil Province, Iran.

In recent years, in addition to water resources’ quantity, their quality has also received much attention. In this study, the quality of the urban water distribution network in northwestern Iran was evaluated using the water quality index (WQI) method. Then, some important trace elements were investigated, and finally, the health risk assessment was evaluated for both carcinogenic elements (Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb, and As) and non-carcinogenic elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, F, NO3, and Cu) using carcinogenic risk (CR) and hazard quotient (HQ), respectively. In the present study, the WQI was calculated based on both World Health Organization (WHO) and Iranian drinking water standards. Comparing the results of these standards revealed that the WQI based on the Iranian standard was slightly higher. Regarding the calculated WQI for the study region, the status of water quality for drinking consumption is in the good water quality class (25 < WQI < 50). It was observed that Cu and Cd have the highest and lowest concentrations in all sampling points, respectively. Hazard Index (HI) results showed that the non-carcinogenic substances studied had a low risk for both adults and children (<1.0). However, the CR results showed that Ni, Cd, and As were above the desired level for both children and adults. The results of this study can be applied for efficient water management and human health protection programs in the study area.