Rainwater Samples Research Articles

Monitoring of tritium concentrations in tap water and rainwater collected in Thailand.

This study aimed to measure tritium (3H) concentrations in Thailand. Nationwide tap water samples were collected in July 2021. Rainwater samples were collected monthly during May-October 2020, April-October 2021, and February-March 2022 in Chonburi province and in Chiang Mai province during July-November 2021, January 2022, and March-June 2022. The measurements of 3H activity concentrations were conducted by Osaka Sangyo University (OSU) and were compared with measurements by the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT). The results from OSU and TINT showed that 3H concentrations in tap water were matched in the ranged from 0.08±0.03 to 0.28±0.04BqL-1, while those in rainwater samples collected from Chonburi province and Chiang Mai province are also matched in the ranged from 0.11±0.02 to 0.21±0.03BqL-1 and 0.19±0.02 to 0.57±0.04BqL-1, respectively. Our measured result suggests that 3H concentration in tap water and rainwater shows a similar relation depending on latitude.

Utilizing the Concept of Entropy in the Second Law of Thermodynamics to Determine Risk Levels Associated with Groundwater and Bottled Drinking Water Using Rainwater Quality as a Clean Reference

The concept of entropy as a state function is employed in this paper within a radiation system designed to address the role of atomic disturbance in determining the levels of physical permeability changes in the studied states, comparing the results with those of a clean phase. This investigation begins with samples prepared for characterization tests using a unique technique for electromagnetic irradiation. The samples included: (1) a rainwater sample carefully collected during the first week of February 2024, serving as a high-quality natural reference in its aqueous phase; (2) a sample from a 42-meter-deep drinking water well (GW) in Ghout al-Dees, west of Tripoli, Libya; and (3) a bottled water sample (AA-WS3) commonly available in the Libyan market. The test results focused on the values of the physical property (τC), identified from the relationship between the entropy operator and time, as a physical fingerprint that accurately detects disturbed material permeability. The study concludes with a section linking the properties of the natural reference phase to the fingerprint characteristics of the studied samples, providing an approach to assess the quality of the tested water samples against the ideal chemophysical quality of rainwater. This led to findings that (1) the groundwater quality (QAA-WS2) was 76.92%, and (2) the quality of bottled water available in the Libyan market (QAA-WS3) was 74.57%, highlighting the role of the polymer composition in plastic container packaging as an additional factor, alongside the structures enclosing water sources, as in the case of the groundwater well exposed to contamination. Keywords: atomic disturbance, entropy, chemical identity, atomic irradiation, wave gaps

Characterization and ecological risks of microplastics in urban road runoff

Microplastics (MPs) deposited on urban roads are often flushed into water bodies via drainage systems without treatment, and MP concentrations in the initial road runoff may be particularly high. Yet, there is only a limited understanding of the characteristics, dynamics, and impacts of MPs in urban road runoff. In this study, stormwater and rainwater samples were collected from seven different locations in Hong Kong across 11 rainfall events between February 2021 and September 2022. Characteristics of MPs in the collected samples were analyzed in detail, along with the dynamics of MP concentration in rainfall events, possible influencing factors, and ecological risks. The results show that MP concentration in the initial road runoff is particularly high during a rainfall episode. Overall, the median MP abundance in the collected runoff samples (185 particles/L) was 4.6 times higher than that in rainwater (40 particles/L). The most common polymers identified were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, with fragments being the dominant shape. Over 60 % of MP sizes were smaller than 300 μm in the runoff samples. Additionally, risk assessments based on the Polymer Risk Index (PRI) classified most road sites in pollution classes II to III (PRI = 13.3–138.0), indicating moderate to high ecological risks. It appears that MP abundance in the initial runoff was significantly influenced by seasonal changes. These findings highlight urban roads as a major source of MP pollution in stormwater runoff and emphasize the importance of addressing the initial runoff in pollution control.

PhiX-174 phage concentration in rainwater by skimmed-milk flocculation

ABSTRACT Rainwater, as a sustainable source of drinking water, is becoming increasingly important worldwide. Appropriate microbiological techniques are needed to ensure the acceptability of rainwater for potable uses. Bacteriophage has been widely used as a viral indicator in water studies, and its concentration is an important step when sampling several litres of water. Skimmed-milk flocculation (SMF) is a simple method for viral recovery, and its efficiency has already been assessed for some viruses. However, there are only a few records on bacteriophage recovery using SMF, and none with PhiX-174 coliphage, an important surrogate for human enteroviruses. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the SMF technique on the concentration of PhiX-174 coliphage in rainwater. 3 L of rainwater samples were artificially spiked with PhiX-174 and were concentrated to 10 mL volumes by SMF. The phage enumeration on the concentrated samples were evaluated by a standard double layer plaque assay. From the 6 samples tested, the average recovery was 22.8 ± 15.2%, ranging from 10.8 to 52.8%. This is the first time that SMF is applied for PhiX-174 coliphage recovery, and in rainwater. Therefore, SMF is a cost-effective method that can effectively be used to recover bacteriophage PhiX-174 in water samples.

Iraqi Meteoric Water Line and its Application in Groundwater-Surface Water Connection

The LMWL was re-plotted from the isotopic analysis data (δ2H and δ18O) for rainwater samples collected from three stations in Baghdad city in the current study and data from previous studies. Four samples of shallow groundwater and five samples from the Tigris River were isotopically analyzed for 2H and 18O using a Liquid-Water Stable Isotope Analyzer (LWSIA). The samples were collected from the Al-Jaderia area within the University of Baghdad. The analysis was done against Vienna Standard Main Oceanic Water (VSMOW). The isotopic composition of groundwater ranges between -43.91‰ and -37.57 ‰ for 2H with an average of -40.06±2.7 ‰, while it ranges between -6.28‰ and -6.01‰ for 18O with an average of -6.14±0.1‰. These values are slightly more depleted compared to the isotopic composition of the Tigris River water (-38.79 ‰ to -37.87 ‰) for 2H with an average of -38.05±0.9‰ and between -6.23‰ to -5.11 ‰ for 18O with an average of -5.74±0.4 ‰. This is a logical result since the river is usually fed with fresh new rainwater, which isotopically is relatively more enriched. The current study confirms that the Local Meteoric Water Line (LMWL) has a formula of δ 2H‰ = 7.5 δ 18O‰ + 13. The LMWL is located above the Global MWL by +13.9‰ toward the Eastern Mediterranean (EMMWL δ2H‰ = 8 δ 18O‰ + 22), indicating the origin rainwater from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The groundwater and surface water isotopic compositions were below the LMWL due to the evaporation of shallow groundwater. There is interconnection between river water and groundwater, directly or by recharge from irrigation water. Iraq may have two different MWLs, one for the northeastern region and the other for the middle, western and southern Iraq. The MWL for the northern eastern region of Iraq is close to that of the EMMWL, indicating Mediterranean climate and vapor source, while the rest of the areas of Iraq have MWL with various isotopic compositions affected by more hot climate in these regions and by the continental tropical air masses.

An ultrasound assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction and a composite ionic liquid-metal organic framework for sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons analysis in fruit juice and environmental water samples

Aluminum-based metal organic framework composite containing ionic liquid was prepared and used as sorbent for extraction of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in list of priority pollutants of United States Environmental Protection Agency before their analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The dispersive micro solid-phase extraction method, known as a simple and fast method, was preferred as the extraction method. The optimized parameter conditions were 5 mL of sample solution, 10 min sonication by ultrasonic bath, 30 mg of sorbent, 30 °C extraction temperature, 0.1 mL of hexane as elution solvent with 5 min elution time. The suggested method presented that limit of detection and limit of quantification were in the range of 0.01–0.10 μg l-1, and 0.04–0.33 μg L-1, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day repeatability were within the ranges of 1.18–4.88 % and 1.02–5.06 %, respectively. The recoveries for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in peach juice, cherry juice, tap water and rain water samples were obtained in the range of 84.9–99.9 % for spiked 5, 50 and 100 μg l-1 standard polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons solution.

Chemical and Physical Denudation Rates in the Poços de Caldas Alkaline Massif, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Chemical and physical denudation rates have been assessed in areas with different lithologies. Surprisingly, there are no studies that attempt to document these rates in the Poços de Caldas Alkaline Massif (PC), the largest alkaline magmatism in South America and an important Al supergene deposit in Brazil. Therefore, the chemical and physical denudation rates were assessed and explained in the PC. Surface water and rainwater samples were collected at the Amoras Stream basin, covering one complete hydrological cycle (2016). All samples were analyzed for dissolved cations, silica, anions, total dissolved solids (TDS), and total suspended solids (TSS). The results reflected the seasonal variation on discharge, water temperature, and electrical conductivity in the Amoras Stream, with most of the cations, anions, silica TDS, and TSS being carried in the wet season. Partial hydrolysis and silicate incongruent dissolution are the main water/rock interactions in the PC, with an atmospheric/soil CO2 consumption rate of 1.6 × 105 mol/km2/a. The annual fluxes of Cl−, PO43−, NO3−, and Al3+ were significantly influenced from rainwater. Chemical and physical weathering rates were 4 ± 0.8 and 3.0 ± 0.6 m/Ma in the PC, respectively, indicating that under the current climatic condition, the weathering profile is in dynamic equilibrium.

Comparative assessment of the effect of storage vessels, thatched roof and industrial activity on harvested rainwater quality in south eastern, Nigeria using water quality index

Rainwater is usually harvested through catchment systems such as roofs or directly from the sky for storage in different vessels for eventual use due to water scarcity which is as a result of increased in water demand, rapid industrialization, increasing pollution, global warming and climate change. This study was carried out to assess the effects of galvanized iron and PVC tanks, thatched roof and industrial activity on harvested rainwater quality by investigating physico-chemical properties, heavy metals, coliform level and metal composition of the storage vessels. Seven-two harvested rainwater samples were collected from four locations in the urban and rural areas of Delta and Enugu States, Nigeria between the months of April-July, 2018. Rainwater samples stored for 1 month to a year in storage vessels were considered. The results were compared with water quality standards (USEPA, WHO, NAFDAC and NSDWQ) and Water Quality Index ratings. Heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cr, Zn and Al) were analyzed using Flame-AAS; other parameters were determined using standard methods. The WQI ratings were calculated using the weighted arithmetic method. The results were analysed using descriptive and two-way ANOVA statistical analysis. Results obtained in both areas of the States showed mean values ranging from 5.60 ± 0.28 to 7.60 ± 0.20 for pH, E.coli (0.00 ± 0.00–1.00 ± 0.00 cfu/mL), EC (7.00 ± 1.41–108.70 ± 8.62 µs/cm), colour (0.44 ± 0.01–12.86 ± 0.17 TCU) and heavy metals (mg/L) gave 0.00 ± 0.00–1.52 ± 0.13 for Fe, Pb (0.00 ± 0.00–0.29 ± 0.02), Cr (0.00 ± 0.00–0.30 ± 0.05), Zn (0.00 ± 0.00–0.05 ± 0.02) and Al (0.00 ± 0.00–4.65 ± 2.24). The results of the harvested rainwater samples analyzed showed that, the mean values of all the parameters analyzed were below and within the water quality set standard with the exception of a few in both areas in each of the States and were significantly different at (p < 0.05). The results of WQI ratings showed that, harvested rainwater qualities in both States were rated from excellent to unfit for drinking water quality. Generally, harvested rainwater stored in PVC tanks rated better than rainwater stored in galvanized iron tanks though not free of contamination. The storage duration for harvested rainwater is very important for its water quality, hence, harvested rainwater whether it is stored or not should be subjected to treatment before being use for potable usages.

Contribution of Gas Flare on the Rainwater of the Braced States in the Niger Delta

Gas flaring contaminates rainwater, which harms the ecology. Exposure to flared gas turns rainwater acidic. The study examined the rainwater quality in gas flare areas of the BRACED states of the Niger Delta. The study employed an ex-post facto research design to assess the quality of rainwater in the industrial regions of the BRACED Niger Delta states. Rainwater samples were collected from twelve (12) locations in the BRACED Niger Delta states near refineries and gas flaring sites. The results show that the rainwater near GHG-impacted areas of the BRACED states has an average pH of 6.7, which is below the guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). A pH lower than the required WHO standards suggests acidic rainwater. The temperature is 27.4 °C, the conductivity is 37.1µS/cm, and the phosphate concentration exceeds WHO guidelines. Nitrate and sulphate levels are below WHO guidelines. P&lt;0.05 indicates substantial changes in pH value and temperature amount in rainwater quality. Acidic rains, high temperatures, and high phosphate concentrations characterise the BRACED States, raising concerns about the suitability of rainwater for drinking. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to controlling gas flaring, which includes taxation, anti-acidic coating measures, and infrastructure upgrades.

Integrated Ozonation and Photocatalysis to Remove Pollutants for Reuse of Rainwater

Rainwater is susceptible to pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals, and particles, posing challenges to water quality protection and soil degradation, impacting ecosystems and agriculture. The study focuses on the effectiveness of combined ozonation and photocatalysis in improving physicochemical parameters and reducing toxic substances. Integrated analyses, including ecotoxicological assessments, evaluate the impact of treatment on actual rainwater samples. The results indicate significant reductions in color, heavy metals, and organic pollutants after treatment. Microbiological analyses reveal the inactivation of E. coli, which is crucial for safe water reuse. Ecotoxicity studies show no toxicity to crustaceans, but slight toxicity to algae and bioluminescence bacteria in post-treatment samples. Genotoxicity assessments indicate that there is no detectable DNA damage. Overall, the study highlights the complex nature of rainwater pollution and the efficacy of photocatalytic ozonation in reducing contaminants, underscoring the need for more research to ensure sustainable water resource management.

Investigating the convective transport possibilities of lower-atmospheric pollutants to the UTLS region using rainwater and aerosol chemical characterization

Various attempts using different platforms to understand the chemical composition of the Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (ATAL) have concluded that it primarily consists of nitrate (NO3−) aerosols. Recent in-situ measurements from aircraft flying through ATAL have suggested that ammonia (NH3) pollution from Asia could serve as the precursor for nitrate aerosols in ATAL through gas-to-particle formation after undergoing convective uplift to the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere (UTLS) regions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential pathways of convective transport of lower-atmospheric pollutants by analysing the chemical composition of rainwater and aerosols in a highly convective region, Kolkata (Head Bay of Bengal), India. We utilized the PILS-IC system established at Kolkata Camp Observatory of the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (KCON). The analysis revealed a significant dominance of NH4+ and NO3− ions in both rainwater and aerosol samples during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, with the dominance increasing during the post-monsoon season. Air mass trajectories indicated a clear influence of the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) region during the post-monsoon season, which is well-known for its dense agricultural activities and industries. High concentrations of NH3 even at higher altitudes, have been observed in Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) measurements. Moreover, using Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) and vertical wind as proxies for tropical deep convection and updrafts/downdrafts, respectively, we found evidence supporting the possibility of convective transport of these lower-atmospheric pollutants to the UTLS regions during the monsoon season. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the potential convective transport of lower-atmospheric pollutants, including NH3 and other precursor gases, to higher levels. These pollutants could partially serve as the source of nitrate aerosols in the ATAL through gas-to-particle formation processes.

First measurements of chlorine 36 (36Cl) wet deposition fluxes in the vicinity of Orano La Hague nuclear reprocessing plant in France

Chlorine 36 (36Cl) is a radionuclide of natural and anthropogenic origin, mainly used as a tracer in geochemical studies. Owing to analytical constraints and its low environmental levels, knowledge of 36Cl behavior in the environment is still very limited. In this study, we use environmental measurements to report for the first time the wet deposition fluxes of 36Cl downwind an anthropogenic source, the Orano nuclear reprocessing plant, which chronically emits 36Cl into the environment. Measurements of 36Cl in rainwater samples at our study site were 1–2 orders of magnitude above the environmental background. The isotope ratios 36Cl/Cl of the samples and the 36Cl content in the rainwater averaged 2.3x10−12 at at−1 and 1.7x108 at l−1 respectively. A decrease in these levels was observed 20 km away from the study site, outside the plant's gas plume, indicating that the marking of 36Cl on the study site is related to the plant discharges. Over the sampling period, wet deposition fluxes at the study site averaged 3.4x103 at m−2s−1, with significant values measured when precipitations scavenge the plant's gas plume down onto our study site. Analysis of these fluxes also revealed the presence of a significant rainout phenomenon in the study area. These results provide new data on the wet deposition flux of 36Cl and will thus enable better assessment of impact studies in a context of decommissioning or accidents involving nuclear power plants.

Occurrence and Fate of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Atmosphere: Size-Dependent Gas-Particle Partitioning, Precipitation Scavenging, and Amplification.

The concerns about the fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the atmosphere are continuously growing. In this study, size-fractionated particles, gas, and rainwater samples were simultaneously collected in Shijiazhuang, China, to investigate the multiphase distribution of PFAS in the atmosphere. Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) dominated the total concentration of PFAS in atmospheric media. A strong positive relationship (0.79 < R2 < 0.99) was observed between the concentration of PFCAs and organic matter fraction (fOM) in different particle size fractions, while no such relationship for perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) and fOM, suggesting fOM may be an important factor influencing the size-dependent distribution of PFCAs. Temperature played a key role in the gas-particle partitioning of PFAS, while it did not significantly affect their particle-size-dependent distribution. The associative concentration fluctuation of particle and particle-bound PFAS during precipitation suggested that precipitation scavenging was an important mechanism for the removal of PFAS from the atmosphere. Furthermore, temporary increases in atmospheric PFAS concentrations were observed during the precipitation. Fugacity ratios of PFAS in rainwater and gas phase (log fR/fG ranged between 2.0 and 6.6) indicated a strong trend for PFAS to diffuse from the rainwater to the gas phase during the precipitation, which may explain that the concentration of PFAS in the gas phase continued to increase even at the end of the precipitation.

Determining rainwater dissolved organic carbon to reveal atmospheric carbon deposition in China's karst city: Variations, origins, and deposition flux

A large amount of organic carbon (OC) in the atmosphere are transferred to the Earth's surface through dry (40%) and wet (60%) deposition. Therefore, wet deposition is an important physical pathway for the removal of atmospheric OC. Identifying the variations of DOC in wet deposition (rainwater) is essential for clarifying the earth-surface C balance. The present study detected the DOC content in 96 daily rainwater samples collected over an entire year in a karst city, with abundant rainfall in Southwest China. The DOC concentrations varied between 1.03–37.7 mg C L−1, while the VWM value stood at 2.76 mg C L−1, which is similar to the worldwide and Asian averages. The yearly DOC wet deposition flux was calculated as 2.88 g C m−2 yr−1. Both the VWM concentration and flux of rainwater DOC exhibit pronounced seasonal variations and regional differences, primarily controlled by precipitation and the external input of OC. The sources of rainwater DOC were multifaceted, including urban waste emission, agricultural activities, and fossil fuel combustion (especially coal combustion), while the contribution from natural sources was limited. Additionally, the C: N (2.08) ratio of rainwater is significantly lower than the Redfield ratio (6.625), indicating the importance of considering the impact of nutrient components in rainfall on the material cycling of surface water ecosystems. This work will benefit the knowledge of the present status of rainwater DOC and its deposition flux on the karst regional scale and further on a global scale, and contribute to a better understanding of the C geochemical cycle on the territorial system.

Significant influence of urban human activities and marine input on rainwater chemistry in a coastal large city, China

The coastal urban region is generally considered an atmospheric receptor for terrestrial and marine input materials, and rainfall chemistry can trace the wet scavenging process of these materials. Fast urbanization in China's east coastal areas has greatly altered the rainwater chemistry. However, the chemical variations, determinants, and sources of rainfall are unclear. Therefore, the typical coastal city of Fuzhou was selected for 1-year rainwater sampling and inorganic ions were detected to explore above problems. The findings depicted that rainwater ions in Fuzhou were slightly different from those in other coastal cities. Although NO3−, SO42−, Ca2+ and NH4+ dominated the rainwater ions, the marine input Cl− (22 %) and Na+ (11 %) also contributed a considerable percentage to the rainwater ions. Large differences in ion concentrations (2∼28 times) were found in monthly scale due to the rainfall amount. Both natural and anthropogenic determinants influenced the rainwater ions in coastal cities, such as SO2 emission, air SO2 and PM10 content on rainwater SO42−, NO3−, and Ca2+, and soot & dust emission on rainwater SO42−, NO3−, indicating the vital contribution of human activities. Stoichiometry and positive matrix factorization-based sources identification indicated that atmospheric dust/particles were the primary contributor of Ca2+ (83.3 %) and F− (83.7 %), and considerable contributor of SO42− (39.5 %), NO3− (38.3 %) and K+ (41.5 %). Anthropogenic origins, such as urban waste volatilization and fuel combustion emission, contributed 95 % of NH4+, 54.5 % of NO3− and 41.9 % of SO42−, and the traffic sources contribution was relatively higher than fixed emission sources. The marine input represented the vital source of Cl− (77.7 %), Na+ (84.9 %), and Mg2+ (55.3 %). This work highlights the significant influence of urban human activities and marine input on rainwater chemicals and provides new insight into the material cycle between the atmosphere and earth-surface in coastal city.

ASSESSMENT OF RAINWATER QUALITY FROM COLLECTED RAINWATER AND ITS TREATMENT NEEDS IN DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE ALJABIL ALAKHDER

Rain water samples were collected from three cities, Al-Bayda, Shahat and Derna. A study was conducted to evaluate the level of quality of rainwater by tested pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC) , total dissolved solids (TDS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Turbidity, Fe+2 and pb+2. The results showed that the range of reading for were pH from 6.42 until 7.24, EC from (57.2 -484 ) microsiemens/cm3 ,TDS between 27 and 231 mg/L, COD was 4.09 mg/ L-8.32mg/L and BOD was ranged 1-55 mg/L and 3.24 mg/L. The range of parameter of Turbidity readings were between 6.23-9.84NTU, Fe+2 was ranged 0.030 mg/l and 0.058 mg/L and the pb+2 was from 0.0020mg /L to 0.0057 mg/L. The comparison with Recommended Raw Water Criteria by World Health Organization (WHO) shows that within the permissible limits. Keywords: Rainwater, Heavy metals, Quality, Assessment, Rooftop, Treatment, Aljabil Alakhder.

Evolution and determinants of precipitation chemistry in a plateau city, China: Insight from the pollutants source identification and environmental effect

Rainfall-related chemical ions deposition processes have important environment effects on earth-surface, which is also a vital sink of urban air pollutants. Therefore, identifying the rainwater chemical evolution and determinants, and source is essential. The daily-based rainwater samples during 2022– 2023 and the historical rainwater data in a typical plateau city (Kunming) were investigated. The Ca2+ and NH4+, SO42− and NO3− dominated the rainwater cations and anions, with the cationic and anionic percentages of 78% and 10%, 50% and 33%. The historical variations in ions percentages revealed the achievement of environmental protection. The precipitation amount and the seasonal changes of source emission were critical determinants for the variations of rainwater chemistry. Using the stoichiometry and receptor model, the contributions of potential origins to rainwater chemicals were assessed. 86% of NO3− and 40% SO42− were from combustion-related anthropogenic source, volatilization-related source contributed 85% of NH4+ (e.g., agricultural/municipal wastes emissions), whereas marine input was the main contributor of Cl− (59%) and Na+ (52%). Mg2+ (58%) and Ca2+ (41%) were primary from terrestrial input source. The risk of wet deposition-caused acidification was limited due to the high rainwater neutralization level, whereas the impact of nitrogen-related deposition on gross primary productivity (GPP) was non-negligible and further attention was need. Overall, the present study clarified the rainfall chemical features of plateau city region and further provided decision support for more effective urban air environmental management programs.

Potential health risk assessment of mixtures of heavy metals in drinking water

Despite the potential to cause chronic adverse effects, heavy metals screenings are not typically as frequent or exhaustive as those for bacterial contamination. Additionally, there is a pressing need for collectively assessing heavy metals as a mixture rather than individual allowed limits. We tested a hypothesis that comprehensive methodical wide screening for heavy metals can inform the magnitude of potential exposures and aid in classifying heavy metals collectively as hazardous rather than individual level comparisons. A total of 297 samples were taken by proportional cluster sampling from different households in Irbid governorate, depending on population density in each district. We analyzed the samples using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Our analysis looked at individual levels of heavy metal clustering in different water sources and regions and calculated a heavy metals pollution index (HPI) in five different types of drinking water: harvested rainwater, bottled water, spring water, water shop, and tap water. Pb and Fe were the main contaminants in drinking water, especially tap and harvested rainwater. High amounts of essential metals were found in tap, harvested rain, and spring waters compared to water shop and bottled water. HPI was above critical value in 29 samples, all of which were harvested rainwater samples, and most of which came from Wasateya and Taiba regions. Spring and tap water had similar heavy metal patterns. This experimental approach provides a guide for clustering water sources in their heavy metal patterns and for classification of heavy metals as mixtures rather than individual limits; it also fills crucial gaps in prioritization of heavy metal testing according to water type and metal correlations. Furthermore, this study presents the first data on drinking water quality in Jordan to be published in over a decade.

Effect of Different Storage Vessels on the Microbiological and Physicochemical Properties of Rainwater Harvested from Different Rooftops in Owerri, Nigeria

This study evaluated the effect of different storage vessels on the microbiological and physicochemical properties of rainwater harvested from different rooftops in Owerri. Different storage vessels were assembled and used to stored rainwater delivered by using different catchments. The catchments used were corrugated iron sheet roof, asbestos roof, stone coated roof, aluminum roof, and thatched roof. Rainwater was also collected directly from rainfall, in the open environment and stored in the vessels. The storage vessels were plastic contain, metal tank, earthen ware pot, and block/cemented tank. The study was designed in such a way that each of the storage vessels received water from each of the catchments for storage. In all, a total of 24 storage vessels were used. Each of the catchment delivered rainwater to a peculiar plastic container, metal samples were allowed to stay in the vessels for some days before they were taken to the laboratory for analysis using standard methods. From the results observed, the storage vessels made more microbial impact on the stored rainwater samples that physicochemical impact. Six bacterial and mould organisms were isolated from the stored rainwater samples. However, the molecular identification study for the bacterial organisms revealed plasmid possessed E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and Enterobacter sp., which made them resistant to the antibacterial drugs. From the observation of the present study, storage vessels may impact more on bacterial contamination than physicochemical or metal contamination. This study has shown the effect of different storage vessels on the microbiological and physicochemical properties of rainwater harvested from different rooftops in Owerri, Nigeria.

Chemophysical and Metallic Characterization of Surface Water and Precipitation for Environmental Quality Assessment in Oyigbo L.G.A., Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigates the repercussions of oil industry operations on environmental quality in the Niger Delta, with a specific focus on atmospheric soot contamination. By conducting chemophysical and metallic characterization of surface water (river) and precipitation (rain) in Oyigbo, Rivers State, Nigeria, the research evaluates various chemical and physical parameters, like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, as well as concentrations of heavy metals like lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn). The findings uncover a slightly acidic to neutral pH in water samples. The elevated EC in the Imo River, while meeting WHO standards, highlights the delicate balance between industrial development and environmental health. Turbidity values, meeting WHO standards but exceeding limits in some rainwater samples, prompt scrutiny of anthropogenic influences, with fishing and sand mining emerging as potential contributors to river turbidity, while TSS values, though higher along the Imo River, remain within WHO standards. Results reveal Cd, Cu, and Zn adhere to standards, while the elevated Pb levels necessitate further exploration into contamination sources. The heavy metals pollution index (HPI) categorizes the area as polluted and identifies lead as the primary contributor, underlining the urgency of interventions. The potential ecological risks index (PERI) classifies the pollution risk as slight, indicating a low ecological risk level, and reveals risk hierarchies, in the order of metals contributing to pollution as Pb &gt; Cu &gt; Cd &gt; Zn for both river and rainwater. This study unravels the relationship between industrial activities and water quality in Oyigbo, contributing substantively to sustainable water resources and environmental management. The detailed findings stand as a cornerstone for informed decision-making, aiming to mitigate environmental impacts and safeguard ecosystems and communities reliant on vital water sources.