Superficial Water Quality Research Articles

A short-cut methodology for the spatial assessment of the biochemical river quality

The deterioration of superficial water quality is a significant concern in water management. Currently, most European rivers do not achieve qualitative standards defined by Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive, WFD), while the health status of many surface water bodies remains unknown. Within this context, we propose a new methodology to perform a semi-quantitative analysis of the pressure state of a river, starting from easily accessible data related to anthropic activities. The proposed approach aims to address the endemic scarcity of monitoring records. This study proposes a procedure to (i) evaluate the relative pressure of different human activities, (ii) identify allocation points of different pollutant sources along the river using a raster-based approach, and (iii) determine a spatial biochemical water quality index. The developed index expresses the overall biochemical state of surface water induced by pollutant sources that may simultaneously impact a single river segment. This includes establishments under the so-called Seveso Directive, activities subjected to the IPPC-IED discipline, wastewater treatment plants, and contaminated sites. The methodology has been tested over three rivers in Northern Italy, each exposed to different industrial and anthropogenic pressures: Reno, Enza, and Parma. A comparison with monitored data yielded convincing results, proving the consistency of the proposed index in reproducing the spatial variability of the river water quality. While additional investigations are necessary, the developed methodology can serve as a valuable tool to support decision-making processes and predictive studies in areas lacking or having limited water quality monitoring data.

Seasonal impact of acid mine drainage on water quality and potential ecological risk in an old sulfide exploitation

Sulfides are usually associated with deposits of metals and coal. The reactive wastes from their exploitation, typically stored in piles and tailings dams, are often the mining sector’s primary source of environmental problems. The surrounding river waters can present signs of acid mine drainage, responsible for aquatic ecosystem degradation. So, the main target of the present study is to investigate the impact of this process on the water’s environmental quality and potential ecological risk. The study area is located at the Iberian Pyrite Belt, in an old sulfide exploitation, closed without environmental rehabilitation measures. The results exhibit high sulfate concentrations (410,601 mg/L) and potentially toxic elements, with prominence of Fe (134,000 mg/L), overcoming many other extreme cases of AMD pollution. The Ficklin diagram exposes that most samples are classified as “high-acid, high-metal.” Two of them have extreme classifications (high-acid, extreme-metal). The pH value is well below the acceptable range for the environmental quality of superficial waters (5–7), measuring at a minimum of 0.84. Regarding seasonal variability, the study showed a higher degree of contamination in dry conditions (e.g., 4,420 mg/L of Cu), while the rainy month had lower concentrations of PTE (186.8 mg/L of Cu for the same sampling point). In addition, the water does not accomplish the environmental objectives established by the EU Water Framework Directive. According to the new approach developed based on a scale adjustment, the potential ecological risk index studied indicates that most sampled sites present strong, very strong, and even extremely potential ecological risk. With a typical Mediterranean climate, the region suffers from water scarcity, predicting increasingly in the future more degrading scenarios for water environmental quality. Consequently, urgent mitigation and remediation measures are necessary to improve and preserve water quality and fulfill the objectives of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals.

Comment surveiller la qualité des eaux superficielles pour en connaître la qualité ? Exemple du marais d’Isle de Saint-Quentin

Comment surveiller la qualité des eaux superficielles pour en connaître la qualité ? Exemple du marais d’Isle de Saint-Quentin

Impact of landfill sites on superficial water quality: case of the controlled landfill of Zerizer (N-E Algeria)

Adaptation of environmental literacy awareness to the education system and reflection of interest and attitude towards the environment in behavior is a critical element in order to ensure sustainable development. Turkey's interest in the environment and sustainable development began to increase at the end of the 20th century. Unfortunately, the reflection of this interest in the education system has not been at the desired level. The foremost aim of the study is to measure the level of consciousness and awareness about sustainable development of the students who are in the master's programs of the department of public administration. As a sample, students studying in the relevant field between 2018-2020 at Pamukkale University and Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University Social Sciences Institute were selected. In this study, where the qualitative method was preferred, the data of 20 students who provided feedback to the 11-expression interview form were analyzed using the word cloud method. It was concluded that the participants began to examine the relationship between the environmental factor and sustainable development, understood the importance of sustainable development for future generations, but could not adequately reflect the consciousness and awareness they had achieved in their behavior.

Assessment of superficial water quality of small catchment basins affected by Portuguese rural fires of 2017

Abstract In October of 2017 a series of rural fires affected Portugal’s Central Region, leading to the destruction of 40–60% of the forest area in some districts. A monitoring program was initiated in 5 catchments of the Mondego drainage basin, in order to understand the temporal evolution of the water’s physical and chemical characteristics in a post-fire scenario. This monitoring program was implemented in catchments with sizes between 20 km2 and 160 km2 in areas 60%–99% burnt. For each catchment a gauging point was selected near the mouth of the river. These 5 gauging points were assessed monthly, starting one month after the fire, in November 2017, and ending in June 2018. In each campaign stream water was sampled for laboratory analysis and in-situ physical-chemical proprieties were measured. Major ions in water samples were determined through ion chromatography (IC) and molecular absorption spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Trace elements were evaluated through ICP-OES and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Total organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon were evaluated through the oxidation method and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The data collected was crossed with the catchment’s morphometric, geological and land use data, including characteristics of the burnt area. Results showed that these fires affected the surface waters in the studied catchments, producing an increase in turbidity, and in the concentrations of Al, Fe, Mn and possibly NO3 and As.

Geochemical mechanisms controlling the isotopic and chemical composition of groundwater and surface water in a sector of the Pampean plain (Argentina)

The Samborombón River basin, which has eminently rural characteristics, develops within the Pampean plain along with other basins with serious contamination problems due to the growth of the industrial activities and the absence of a proper groundwater management. Considering that the knowledge of the natural baseline quality is important to measure an imposed environmental change, the aim of this work was to study the mechanisms that control the natural composition of groundwater and superficial water in the Samborombón River basin. In order to achieve this, detailed analysis of the minerals forming the aquifer matrix along with the data obtained from isotopes, major and trace elements were performed. Geochemical processes that define the chemical characteristics and contribute to the evolution of both surface and groundwater are associated with rainwater infiltration, carbonate dissolution, cation exchange and evaporation. Additionally, the low concentration of heavy metals may respond to natural background levels. Comprehending the hydrochemical processes governing groundwater and superficial water quality, particularly in a rural area where water supply is vital for the development of human activities, is essential to prevent environmental deterioration and thus, enhance socio-economic growth.

Efeitos da implantação e operação do complexo minerário do sistema Minas-Rio na qualidade das águas superficiais

Diversos são os impactos ambientais causados por atividades de mineração e beneficiamento de minério de ferro. No caso específico da mineração do Sistema Minas-Rio, localizada no município de Conceição do Mato Dentro, Minas Gerais, não há publicações a respeito da influência dessas atividades na qualidade das águas superficiais da região. Ao mesmo tempo, comunidades do entorno demonstram preocupações relacionadas ao comprometimento dos diversos usos dessas águas. Este artigo objetivou analisar o efeito da implantação e operação desse complexo minerário na qualidade das águas superficiais das sub-bacias do entorno, bem como o atendimento dos parâmetros de qualidade da água aos padrões ambientais legais. Foram analisados dados de monitoramento (médias mensais) referentes aos períodos anterior (2006, 2007) e posterior (2010 a 2016) à implantação e operação do empreendimento para os seguintes parâmetros: pH, sólidos dissolvidos totais, sólidos suspensos totais, turbidez, ferro total, manganês total, DBO, chumbo total, mercúrio total e coliformes termotolerantes. O efeito do local (sub-bacias do Córrego Passa Sete, do Ribeirão Folheta e do Rio Santo Antônio) e do período de coleta de amostras (anterior x posterior) foram testados (Testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney). Relações entre as variáveis foram testadas através da correlação de Spearman. Conclui-se que as atividades de implantação e operação do complexo minerário contribuíram para aumentar os níveis de pH, sólidos dissolvidos totais, sólidos suspensos totais, turbidez, ferro total e manganês total nos corpos hídricos do entorno (sub-bacia do Córrego Passa Sete). Os parâmetros turbidez, manganês total, DBO e coliformes termotolerantes mostraram resultados maiores que os limites legais, indicando não adequação da qualidade das águas da região a diversos usos.

Impact of Urban Expansion on Superficial Water Quality in Periurban Areas

Economic growth promoted by large investment projects in the city of Seropédica and surrounding areas is not accompanied by a territorial planning that supports future growth scenarios. The challenge of the municipality is to prepare to have its territory fully transformed. This study aimed to establish quantitative data on the interferences that the growth model practiced has caused in its main watercourse called Val?o dos Bois. For this, its morphometric characteristics and physicochemical parameters of water quality were measured, and computational simulations of the self-purification processes were performed at various points, as well as the infiltration and precipitation processes, surface flow and leaching in four occupation scenarios of the urbanized areas of the basin, for rains with five different return periods.

Potencial de la investigación "en relevo" para la construccion de saberes y la producción científica

Con la finalidad de evaluar su potencial para la generación de aprendizaje significativo y conocimiento científico, se exploraron y describieron los resultados de la implementación piloto de una metodología de investigación alternativa denominada “en relevo”, en la cual 8 equipos de estudiantes de 8 secciones del espacio formativo “Introducción a la Educación Ambiental” participaron secuencial y transitoriamente en la recolección y análisis de datos hasta la presentación de resultados de investigación. Se evaluó la calidad de los reportes parciales generados por los equipos en un proyecto de investigación llevado a cabo desde abril de 2014 a agosto de 2015 en la temática de calidad de aguas superficiales y se analizó la prevalencia de proceso generadores de aprendizaje significativo en la participación de cada uno. Se encontró que en procedimientos tales como la selección de literatura, calibración y pilotaje de instrumentos y aplicación de normativas básicas de citación y referencias, los cuales presentaron valores de calidad inferiores al mínimo aceptable, es fundamental el adiestramiento previo y el acompañamiento por parte de la figura de coordinación. Asimismo, etapas como la construcción del sustento teórico y metodológico de la investigación piloto mostraron una prevalencia significativamente superior de procesos potenciadores de aprendizaje significativo que aquella evidenciada en etapas tales como la construcción de contexto y la recolección y análisis de información de campo.

Water quality change of rivers during rainy events in a watershed with different land uses in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT High frequency monitoring in environmental studies is increasingly being used due to the availability of equipment and quick response. With high frequency time series, it is possible to extract short-term responses during and after a rain event, which is not captured by conventional monitoring. The aim of this study is to evaluate the superficial water quality change of a stream in a preserved area in Atlantic Forest by short-term data (hour interval). The Cubatão do Sul watershed is located in the Central Coast region of the state of Santa Catarina in Brazil. Rain height and water quality parameters were monitored using rain gauge and multiparameter probes. Two fluviometric sections were also monitored — one in Vargem do Braço stream (FS1), which is mainly native forest (dense ombrophilous forest), and the other in Cubatão do Sul River (FS2), which is influenced by urban, agricultural and sand extraction uses. The temperature and nitrate ion permanency curve in FS1 showed slightly lower values during rainy events, but an opposite behavior was observed for turbidity. On the other hand, the permanency curves during rainy periods of FS2 presented lower conductivity and ammonium ion. When the dry and rainy periods were statistically compared, there was a significant difference for temperature, conductivity, pH, nitrate ion, turbidity and dissolved oxygen for FS1, and temperature, conductivity and turbidity for FS2. The water quality of the Cubatão do Sul watershed is influenced by stream flow and has a short-term time response considering the rain events. The oscillation of the monitored parameters between two periods, dry and rainy, is smaller in native forest than urban and rural land use.

Nitrate removal from polluted water by using a vegetated floating system

Nitrate (NO3−) water pollution is one of the most prevailing and relevant ecological issues. For instance, the wide presence of this pollutant in the environment is dramatically altering the quality of superficial and underground waters. Therefore, we set up a floating bed vegetated with a terrestrial herbaceous species (Italian ryegrass) with the aim to remediate hydroponic solutions polluted with NO3−.The floating bed allowed the plants to grow and achieve an adequate development. Ryegrass was not affected by the treatments. On the contrary, plant biomass production and total nitrogen content (N-K) increased proportionally to the amount of NO3− applied. Regarding to the water cleaning experiments, the vegetated floating beds permitted to remove almost completely all the NO3− added from the hydroponic solutions with an initial concentration of 50, 100 and 150mgL−1. Furthermore, the calculation of the bioconcentration factor (BCF) indicated this species as successfully applicable for the remediation of solutions polluted by NO3−. In conclusion, the results highlight that the combination of ryegrass and the floating bed system resulted to be effective in the remediation of aqueous solutions polluted by NO3−.

Environmental assessment of small rivers in the Kiev region (Ukraine) according to the health and hygienic indicators

The study of water in reservoirs of Ukraine through passive monitoring methods permit to detect heavy metals in the proportion that far exceeds the maximum allowable concentrations. The aim of our article is to analyze the state of aquatic ecosystems of the small rivers of Kiev region according to the toxicological indices. The objects of our research are the superficial waters of the small rivers of Kiev region. Materials and research methods. The ecological assessment of the mentioned was conducted in the different seasons on the basis of analytical research program according to the sanitary indicators. Our researches were made in the Institute of agro-ecology and environmental usage of the national academy of agrarian sciences of Ukraine during 2007-2010. The heavy metals’ content in the water was determined by the extraction of 1 N acid HNO3, and its quantity in the solutions-extracts was found by the atomic adsorption spectrometry. There was analyzed the state of aquatic ecosystems and there was made their ecological assessment based on sanitary indicators. This article presents the results of monitoring of some toxic substances in several small rivers in Kiev region considering the influence of anthropogenic factors. In conclusion nowadays we can provide the ecological safety using waste-free technologies with full utilization of all the raw materials’ constituents. In our future research area we plan to elaborate the ecological control methods of the quality of superficial waters for the small rivers of Kiev.

Organic farm does not improve neither soil, or water quality in rural watersheds from southeastern Brazil

This study was conducted in a rural region where there are conventional and organic farms, the agricultural production includes more than 20 million people, and the effect on environmental quality is still poorly known in terms of indicators. Our objectives were: (1) compare soils attributes to reference areas, (2) verifying if cultivated areas under different farm systems presented differences in the soils attributes, (3) evaluate the attributes of quality water of watersheds and comparing the results with limiting values established by environmental legislation, and (4) analyze the values considering three criterion: watersheds, climatic season, and region of the landscapes. The study was conducted in two rural watersheds that have similar biophysical features and located in the Ibiúna municipality, São Paulo State, Brazil. However, one watershed encompasses farms where landowners largely use conventional agricultural systems. In the other watershed approximately 25% of the farms there are using an organic farm system. In the two watersheds soil samples were collected in sites covered with natural forest and in sites with agriculture (one watershed being organic and other being conventional). The attributes analyzed were soil bulk density (BD), concentrations of Carbon (C) and Nitrogen (N), C:N ratio, C Management Index, and the abundance of 13C and 15N in the soil organic matter. Water attributes were analyzed onsite or in laboratory after analysis of samples. Analyses included: air and water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, total of dissolved solids, total solids, electric conductivity, turbidity, total chloride, nitrate, total phosphorus and potassium. Regarding the soil attributes our database revealed that (1) the soils from cultivated sites of both watersheds presented significant differences from their respective forested areas, (2) Soil attributes are of equal quality in both farm systems. Concerning water attributes: (1) almost all attributes presented values better than the limiting values stipulated by Brazilian legislation; (2) the watersheds did not present significant differences of most of the attributes; (3) in the criteria climatic season data showed some significant differences. The data showed that the soils from the areas used for agricultural ends present belief that significantly worse soil quality in comparison to soils from sites still covered with natural forest. Neither the land cover nor farming system are altering the superficial water quality of the studied watershed and this appears to be related to the extensive percentage of natural remaining vegetation that still exists in both watersheds. The seasonality is an important force that drives the quality characteristics of the water. We highlight that the principles of organic agriculture should be practiced more efficiently and influences such as deforestation should be rigorously avoided.

Evaluation of the superficial water quality in the affected area of a waste dump

A destinacao inadequada dos residuos solidos urbanos em lixoes pode gerar varios problemas ambientais, incluindo riscos de contaminacao das aguas superficiais e subterrâneas pelo lixiviado, fato este, que pode acarretar serias consequencias a saude publica. Nesse contexto, o trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade da agua superficial do rio Juma proximo ao Lixao do Municipio de Apui/AM. As analises foram realizadas nas estacoes seca e chuvosa em dois pontos, um a montante e outro a jusante do lixao. Foram avaliados os parâmetros fisicos, quimicos e microbiologicos que compoem o Indice de Qualidade de Agua (IQA), tais como: coliformes termotolerantes, Demanda Bioquimica de Oxigenio (DBO5,20), fosforo total, nitrogenio total, oxigenio dissolvido, pH, residuo total, temperatura da agua e turbidez. De acordo com os resultados foram observados que todos os parâmetros da agua superficial, tanto a montante quanto a jusante, e independente da estacao climatica, estao dentro dos valores permitidos pela resolucao CONAMA no 357/2005, exceto o pH que apresentou-se fora da faixa, devido as caracteristicas naturais da bacia hidrografica. O IQA apresentou boa qualidade, variando de 62% a 66% entre os pontos de coletas, indicando a nao influencia do lixao.

Impacts of mixed farms on water quality of Pinhal river sub-basin, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Brazil is one of the largest producers of food in the world. Agriculture and livestock production are concentrated in certain regions of the country. Livestock has been perceived as a constant threat to the quantity and quality of water resources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of mixed farms on superficial water quality in Pinhal River sub-basin, which is located in Con- cordia, Santa Catarina State. Eight sampling sites representing different land-uses (LU1: dairy cattle; LU2: without animals; LU3: dairy + pigs + poultry + crops; LU4: pigs + poultry + crops; LU5: dairy + pigs + poultry + crops + human; LU6: dairy + pigs + crops; LU7 and LU8: dairy + pigs) were evaluated. These sampling sites were assessed longitudinally and sampled during the summer, spring, autumn, and winter of 2006 to 2009. LU1 presented the worst water quality with high concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS) and chemical oxygen demand. In this point, cows had access to the river. The highest concentration of nitrate (NO 3 -N) was found at the estuary of the river. There were higher concentrations of TSS, NO 3 -N and NO 2 -N in wet season. At this time, intensive fertilizer application to corn fields is common. Autumn and winter presented the worst water quality with respect to nitrogen concentration. Results showed a strong relationship between the sources of pollution (e.g., cows, pigs and poultries) and water quality. Managing the use of animal manure with optimum chemical fertilizer applications along with riparian fencing may provide important mitigation options for protecting water quality of Pinhal River.

Impacto de sistemas de produção pecuários/agrícolas na qualidade da água da sub bacia do rio pinhal, santa catarina, brasil

O Brasil é um dos maiores produtores de alimentos do mundo. As produções agrícolas e animais estão concentradas em determinadas regiões do país. A pecuária tem sido percebida como uma ameaça constante para a quantidade e a qualidade dos recursos hídricos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto de sistemas de produção pecuários/agrícolas na qualidade da água superficial na sub-bacia do Rio Pinhal que está localizado em Concórdia, Santa Catarina. Oito pontos de amostragem, representando diferentes usos da terra (LU1: gado leiteiro; LU2: sem animais; LU3: gado leiteiro + porcos + aves de corte + culturas; LU4: porcos + aves de corte + culturas; LU5: gado leiteiro + porcos + aves de corte + culturas + humanos; LU6: gado leiteiro + porcos + culturas; LU7 e LU8: gado leiteiro + porcos) foram avaliados. As águas foram amostradas durante o verão, outono, primavera e inverno de 2006 a 2009. LU1 apresentou a pior qualidade da água com altas concentrações de sólidos suspensos totais (SST) e demanda química de oxigênio. Neste ponto, os animais tinham acesso ao rio. A maior concentração de nitrato (NO3-N) foi encontrada na foz do rio. Houve maiores concentrações de SST, NO3-N e NO2-N na estação chuvosa. Nesta estação há intensiva aplicação de fertilizantes orgânicos para os campos de milho. Outono e inverno apresen-taram a pior qualidade da água em relação à concentração de nitrogênio. Os resultados mostraram forte relação entre as fontes de poluição e qualidade da água. O gerenciando o uso de fertilizantes orgânicos com o de fertilizantes químicos e a recuperação das áreas ripárias são ações mitigatórias importantes para proteger a qualidade da água do rio Pinhal.

Assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in Atlantic Rain Forest fragments, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A superficial water quality survey in a watershed of the Paraíba do Sul River, the main water supply for the most populated cities of southeastern Brazil, was held in order to assess the impact of the expansion of agricultural activity in the near border of the Atlantic Rain Forest. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of priority organochlorine pollutants in soils and superficial waters of Atlantic rainforest fragments in Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro State. Soil sample preparations were compared by using ultrasound, microwave assisted extraction and Soxhlet extraction. Recoveries of matrix spiked samples ranged from 70 to 130%. Analysis of a certified soil material showed recoveries ranging from 71 to 234%. Although low concentrations of organochlorine residues were found in water and soil samples, this area is of environmental importance and concern, thus demanding a monitoring program of its compartments.

Three-level control systems for ecological-economic objects with fan structure

Mathematical formalization of control systems for ecological-economic objects with fan-type organizational structure is suggested. These systems are considered using three-level model of superficial water quality control systems as the corresponding example. The methods of compulsion and impetus are involved as the ones of hierarchical control. A certain algorithm to evaluate the solution is developed; some natural examples are provided and the obtained results are analyzed.

Avaliação espacial e temporal da qualidade da água na sub-bacia do rio Poxim, Sergipe, Brasil

The dynamics of the land use and cover in the Poxim river basin, in Sergipe, Brazil, is a determinant factor for reducing the superficial water quality. This study aimed to identify aspects of water quality related to the land use and cover in four different monitoring stations, in the rainy and dry season. The monitored parameters were pH, DO, BOD, COD, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total phosphorus, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, between July 2009 and June 2010. Water samples were collected at four monitoring stations (E1, in the Poxim-Mirim River; E2, in the Poxim-Acu River; E3, in the main river, near the confluence

Assessing the spatial and temporal water quality in the sub-basin of the Poxim river, Sergipe state, Brazil

The dynamics of the land use and cover in the Poxim river basin, in Sergipe, Brazil, is a determinant factor for reducing the superficial water quality. This study aimed to identify aspects of water quality related to the land use and cover in four different monitoring stations, in the rainy and dry season. The monitored parameters were pH, DO, BOD, COD, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total phosphorus, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, between July 2009 and June 2010. Water samples were collected at four monitoring stations (E1, in the Poxim-Mirim River; E2, in the Poxim-Acu River; E3, in the main river, near the confluence of the two tributaries; and E4, at the Sanitation Company of Sergipe State water supply intake) and analyzed at the Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the Federal University of Sergipe State. The results were compared with Brazilian standards for fresh water quality (Class 2), according to CONAMA Resolution no 357/2005. BOD and COD showed a higher input of organic matter in the monitoring station E3. OD values were critical in all four stations. The nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus had higher concentrations at stations E1 and E2 (upper basin, with agricultural practices). In the lower basin, there is a considerable deterioration of water quality, possibly due to the urbanization process. The studied parameters indicate the low quality of water in the Poxim River basin and the need to adopt appropriate mitigation measures.