Reduced Water Quality Research Articles

Assessment of Groundwater (Main Usable Aquifer) Vulnerability to Seawater Intrusion in the Polish Baltic Coastal Region

The inflow of saline water reduces water quality and limits its use as drinking water. The risk of seawater intrusion into groundwater along the Polish coastline was assessed using two methods. The vulnerability method (GALDIT) considered six aquifer parameters. The second method focused exclusively on the chemical parameters of groundwater: EC, seawater mixing index (SMI), rHCO₃/rCl, rNa/rCl, and the concentrations of Cl− and Br. The analysis focused on monitoring results collected from points located within 5 km of the Baltic Sea coastline. Both risk assessment methods used a division into three risk classes (low, moderate, and high), but the results differed between the two approaches. A comparison of the results from both classification methods was conducted, followed by a comprehensive risk assessment integrating the outcomes of both approaches. No straightforward relationship was observed between individual threat assessment parameters and distance from the sea. However, when the overall assessment, incorporating multiple parameters, was considered, such a relationship emerged. The classes of seawater intrusion risk differ in terms of the medians and ranges of individual parameters. Ratios such as rHCO3/rCl, rCa/rMg, and Cl/Br play a significant role in risk assessment, whereas the rNa/rCl ratio has a relatively smaller impact. Seawater intrusion risk should be assessed based on multiple parameters. The highest risk of seawater intrusion occurs within approximately 800 m of the coastline.

Calcium carbonate sediment corrosion and formation investigation in drinking water distribution network in Sough City, Iran

One of the major problems facing the water industry is corrosion and sedimentation, which causes problems such as reduced water quality and the useful life of water supply network equipment. This study aimed to investigate the corrosion and sediments formed in the drinking water distribution network of Sough City. In this cross-sectional study, samples were prepared from 7 wells, water storage reservoirs, and a dedicated water supply network in this area from 2006 to 2017. The parameters included pH, TDS, water temperature, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and total hardness indices of Langelier, Ryznar, Pokurious, and Aggressive were measured in all sources. The mean indices were -0.59 ± 0.62, 8.48 ± 0.79, 7.24 ± 0.28, and 12.01 ± 0.22, respectively. The average PSI in all seasons was more than 7, AI was equal to 12, and pH in all seasons was 7.8, but in the summer it increased slightly to 8.5. This research showed that the amount of corrosiveness and sedimentation of water is not related to physicochemical parameters. Examination of corrosion indices of the dedicated water supply network of Sough City in the summer of 2011 showed that the water of this network tends to calcium carbonate sedimentation. A magnetic field was used to remove sediments formed in this water distribution network.

Bimbingan Teknis Penyusunan Laporan Pertanggungjawaban sebagai Optimalisasi Dana Corporate Social Responsibility untuk Pembangunan Berkelanjutan di Sidoarjo

The problem of river water pollution caused by waste and garbage disposal has reduced water quality, ecosystem carrying capacity, and natural resources, especially in Sidoarjo Regency. This study aims to ensure that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds are utilized by the principles of sustainable development so that they positively impact society and the environment. The methods used involve the planning and socialization stages, allocation of CSR funds, implementation of activities, technical guidance, monitoring and evaluation, and accountability reports. The results show that technical guidance provides an in-depth understanding of transparency, accountability, and sustainability in managing CSR funds, increasing villages' capacity to manage funds effectively. This community service contributes to the management of CSR funds that are more focused on supporting environmental conservation and the welfare of local communities.

Environmental Implications of Sand Harvesting. Insights from Archer’s Post, Samburu County.

Sand harvesting is identified as a common socio economic activity, which is practiced globally, regionally and locally. In accordance with this understanding, this study seeks to assess and find out the key factors that have led to increase in sand extraction, and environmental implications of sand extraction in Archer’s’ Post, Samburu County. The sampling technique employed in the study involved both probabilistic (stratified and simple random sampling) and non-probabilistic (purposive sampling). A target population of 135 individuals from local residents, sand harvesters (sand miners, sand loaders, and sand transporters), chiefs, officers from Ministry of Land and NEMA offices. Questionnaires and key informant interview schedules were used to obtain data and observation while the data was analyzed by using statistical software such as SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The results were highlighted by bar graphs, tables and pie charts The survey findings were summarized using bar graphs, tabulation and pie charts. From the study it was established that sand mining in Archer’s Post is largely as a result of desperate need for an income source, need for construction materials form infrastructure and other development needs and generally a sheer economic force. Such environmental impacts include soil erosion, change of vegetation cover, and reduced water quality as a result of sedimentation in the local rivers and streams. These effects have been seen to negatively affect agriculture, diversity of species and the eco-system in the region. The study also revealed gaps of the current regulations, which do not provide an effective mechanism for the management and minimization of the environmental impacts of sand extraction. Some of the issues that are worthy of mention and solved in the near future for a sustainable sand harvesting scheme include the weak civil society involvement and engagement in environmental management, limited compliance with the set laws, and substandard harvesting techniques, as well as insufficient funding of monitoring and restoration programs. The results suggest that there be improvement in practices that will reduce the impact of sand mining on the environment.

PENGENDALIAN BANJIR SUNGAI BENGKANG UNTUK MENDUKUNG KAWASAN EKONOMI KHUSUS MANDALIKA

Changes in land use that have occurred over a period of several years in the Kuta area have resulted in a lack of water catchment areas. The impacts caused by the lack of catchment areas are flooding and reduced water quality in rivers. The flood disaster in the Bengkang River caused damage to bridge infrastructure and people’s homes. The Bengkang river basin is divided into 3 sub – basins with a total area of 10,45 km2. Based on the results of the design flood analysis using the Nakayasu synthetic unit hydrograph method, the largest flood discharge value was obtained, namely 32,859 m3/second for a return period of 25 years. Hydraulic modeling was carried out to determine the water level and the ability of the river section to receive flow using HEC-RAS 6.1 software. Based on the simulation results with a return period of 5 years, it is known that flooding occurs in the middle and lower reaches of the Bengkang River, so structural mitigation is needed, namely normalization and repair of embankments. A 25-year return period flow simulation was carried out using a cross – section of the channel plan and no runoff was obtained in the Bengkang River.

Determination of pollution load and river water quality status using the pollution index method (case study: Way Sekampung Watershed, Lampung Province, Indonesia)

Abstract Way Sekampung watershed is a significant watershed from the Seputih Sekampung River in Lampung Province. Along the Way Sekampung watershed, there are several WTP intakes. However, the watershed is surrounded by rice field irrigation flows, domestic waste disposal, and tributary estuaries that can potentially reduce water quality values. This study aimed to identify water quality and calculate the water pollution load and the value of water quality status in the Way Sekampung watershed. The parameters tested include temperature, pH, TSS, BOD, DO, ammonia, and total coliform. In this study, the method used to identify water quality is the Pollution Index (IP) method, and for pollution loads, the APL and MPL methods are used. The research area is divided into four segments consisting of 4 water quality sampling points and 1 point source pollution load point. The results obtained parameters that do not meet the quality standards at all points are BOD, COD, and Total Coliform parameters. In calculating pollution load, three parameters are excessive: the Total Coliform parameter 36,295,776 kg/day, COD 738,555.84 kg/day, and BOD 216,691.2 kg/day. The water quality status of the Way Sekampung watershed, with an average total index value of 5.069, is categorized as moderately polluted.

Management of fishery waste into liquid organic fertilizer in Hamadi Jayapura

Fishery waste is a problem that is very disturbing to the community because it causes strong odors, dirty views, and reduces water quality. Apart from having a negative impact, fishery waste still contains components needed for plant growth, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Therefore, it is essential to conduct community service activities for POKBAKER that involve the conversion of fishery waste into liquid organic fertilizer (POC). The aim of carrying out service activities is to provide understanding to participants through lectures and practical activities in making fertilizer from fisheries. The implementation methods expressed are three, namely pre-preparation, socialization activities (pre-test, lecture, post-test), and practical activities. The materials used in practical activities are fishery waste (gills and offal), EM4, molasses, and rice washing water. The results show that the percentage of answers to the six pre-test questions given ranges from 53-100 percent, while the percentage of the eight post-test questions given ranges from 93-100 percent. So, the conclusion is that this activity can increase the knowledge and understanding of the Fishery Waste Processing Group (POKBAPER) from 53 percent to 90 percent. Participants have the ability to plant liquid organic fertilizer from fishery waste.

Justification of Criteria and Assessment of Environmental Safety during the Operation of Metro Facilities

Introduction. In today's world, with the increasing pace of urbanization, environmental safety plays a crucial role in urban planning and management. Subway operations, as an important part of urban infrastructure, contribute to population mobility, but they can also cause significant environmental problems. Such scientists as Kulikova E.Yu., Konyukhov D.S., Potapova E.V., Balovtsev S.V., Chunyuk D.Yu., etc have studied these issues. However, their research mostly ignores the fact that one of the major threats to environmental safety is the degradation of tunnel linings due to hydrogeological processes. This not only increases the risk of accidents but also increases the likelihood of negative impacts on groundwater and the environment. Therefore, the study of the nature of the development of defects in tunnel linings and their dynamics over time is of both scientific and practical interest, and is the aim of this research. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to analyze the relationship between the condition of the tunnel lining and environmental safety based on data about defects in subway tunnel structures and their impact on the environment.Materials and Methods. For this study, we used defective sections of the subway tunnel linings from several lines of the Moscow Metro as materials. We conducted field studies of the lining's condition and geodetic surveys of the tunnels, which revealed significant changes in the indicators compared to the normative values as a result of the interaction between the human-made environment and the surrounding nature. Additionally, we employed seismoacoustic inspection methods to inspect the tunnel linings using shock excitation.Results. Data on the dependence of defect development on changes in groundwater level has been obtained. Defects in tunnel linings contribute to the leakage of chemically active substances into soil and groundwater, which threatens biodiversity and reduces water quality used by the population.Discussion and Conclusion. Field surveys have shown that defects in tunnel linings, such as cracks, concrete leaching, and waterproofing violations, have a direct impact on environmental safety. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of these structures is a key element in ensuring environmental safety in urban areas. The results of this research will form the basis for developing comprehensive proposals to improve monitoring techniques and ensure the structural integrity of tunnel structures.

Using Dominant Phytoplankton as Assessment of Water Quality: Water Resource Case Studies of University in Chatuchak District

The use of dominant phytoplankton as a water quality indicator was studied. Samples from 6 stations (S1-S6) were collected. From the study, 6 divisions of 34 genera of phytoplankton, i.e. Euglenophyta, Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta, Chromophyta, and Pyrrhophyta were found, and the significant phytoplankton genera were Euglena, Phacus, and Tetraedron. By analysing water quality assessment in terms of scores by AARL-SPP Score using these three dominant genera, it was found that stations S1–S4 had a moderate level of water quality and stations S5–S6 had a moderate-polluted level of water quality. When the relationship between phytoplankton species and the water quality parameters were analysed by stepwise multiple regression analysis, the results showed that the prominent genus Merismopedia of Cyanophyta (Blue-green algae), correlated with transparency, salinity, chlorophyll a, and soluble phosphate while the genus Oscillatoria correlated with the total suspended solids, Chlorophyll a content, transparency, pH, temperature, and ammonia-nitrogen. The correlation indicates the high rate of phytoplankton growth was due to reduced water quality. According to water quality standards for surface water, the water quality was classified in Category 3.

Measurement of Groundwater Eligibility as Drinking Water : Chemical Parameters

Water is a major need for humans—the requirements of mineral content contained in water need to get human attention. Reducing water quality will be bad for human health and can even cause death. The fulfilment of water worthy of drinking and bathing in Padang City is sourced from PDAM, dug water, and drill well water. Each water source needs to be given attention to its feasibility standards, so this research aims to measure the feasibility of groundwater chemically based on data on minerals (iron, zinc, manganese), nitrogen levels, and DHL and TDS—sampling using purposive sampling techniques. The samples used in the test are dug well water and drill wells. The chemical parameters tested on both models stated the feasibility of the selection as a source of drinking water in terms of DHL, TDS, manganese, zinc, and nitrogen levels except for drill well water, whose iron content is 5.73 times more than the legal feasibility of iron content in drinking water.

A Review of Climate-Driven Threats to Recreational Water Users in Hawaii.

In Hawaii, impacts from climate change, such as sea-level rise and flooding, increased hurricanes and wildfires, and warmer temperatures, intersect with aging infrastructure, toxicities from the built environment, and pathogens to threaten the health of recreational ocean users via reduced water quality, severe weather and flooding, environmental degradation, and food systems impacts. An examination of climate-driven threats to water safety is a pertinent review of threats to coastal residents globally.

The Impact of Green Infrastructure on the Quality of Stormwater and Environmental Risk

Increasing urbanization and the associated sealing of areas and the use of storm sewer systems for drainage not only increase the risk of flooding but also reduce water quality in streams into which stormwater is discharged. Green infrastructure (GI) measures are applied with the aim of managing this stormwater sustainably and reducing the associated risks. To this end, a quantitative–qualitative approach was developed to simulate GI—namely, rain gardens, bioretention cells, and vegetative bioswales—at the urban catchment scale. The findings highlight the potential of applying GI measures to managing stormwater more effectively in urban environments and mitigating its negative pollution-related impacts. For the housing estate analyzed, a simulated implementation of GI resulted in a reduction in pollution, measured as total nitrogen (N; 9–52%), nitrate-N (5–30%), total phosphorus (11–59%), chemical oxygen demand (8–46%), total suspended solids (13–73%), copper (12–64%), zinc (Zn; 16–87%), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16–91%), and the hydrocarbon oil index (HOI; 15–85%). Reducing the concentrations of pollutants minimizes the risk to human health determined via the HOI from a low-risk level to zero risk and reduces the ecological risk in terms of Zn pollution from a significant risk to a low risk of adverse effects. The modeling conducted clearly shows that the GI solutions implemented facilitated a quantitative reduction and a qualitative improvement in stormwater, which is crucial from an environmental perspective and ensures a sustainable approach to stormwater management. Lowering the levels of stormwater pollution through the implementation of GI will consequently lower the environmental burden of pollutants in urban areas.

Size-dependent effects of dams on river ecosystems and implications for dam removal outcomes.

Understanding the relationship between a dam's size and its ecological effects is important for prioritization of river restoration efforts based on dam removal. Although much is known about the effects of large storage dams, this information may not be applicable to small dams, which represent the vast majority of dams being considered for removal. To better understand how dam effects vary with size, we conducted a multidisciplinary study of the downstream effect of dams on a range of ecological characteristics including geomorphology, water chemistry, periphyton, riparian vegetation, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish. We related dam size variables to the downstream-upstream fractional difference in measured ecological characteristics for 16 dams in the mid-Atlantic region ranging from 0.9 to 57 m high, with hydraulic residence times (HRTs) ranging from 30 min to 1.5 years. For a range of physical attributes, larger dams had larger effects. For example, the water surface width below dams was greater below large dams. By contrast, there was no effect of dam size on sediment grain size, though the fraction of fine-grained bed material was lower below dams independently of dam size. Larger dams tended to reduce water quality more, with decreased downstream dissolved oxygen and increased temperature. Larger dams decreased inorganic nutrients (N, P, Si), but increased particulate nutrients (N, P) in downstream reaches. Aquatic organisms tended to have greater dissimilarity in species composition below larger dams (for fish and periphyton), lower taxonomic diversity (for macroinvertebrates), and greater pollution tolerance (for periphyton and macroinvertebrates). Plants responded differently below large and small dams, with fewer invasive species below large dams, but more below small dams. Overall, these results demonstrate that larger dams have much greater impact on the ecosystem components we measured, and hence their removal has the greatest potential for restoring river ecosystems.

Pistia stratiotes L. Biochar for Sorptive Removal of Aqueous Inorganic Nitrogen.

Biochar has proven effective in the remediation of excess nitrogen from soil and water. Excess nitrogen from agricultural fields ends up in aquatic systems and leads to reduced water quality and the proliferation of invasive species. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of chemically surface-modified biochar produced from invasive Pistia stratiotes L. for the adsorption of inorganic nitrogen (NH4+ and NO3-). Biochar structure was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results from adsorption experiments indicate that NH4+ removal was optimal (0.8-1.3 mg N g-1) at near-neutral pH levels (6.0-7.5), while NO3- removal was optimal (0.4-0.8 mg N g-1) under acidic pH conditions (4.8-6.5) using the modified biochar. These findings highlight the significance of solution pH, biochar morphology, and surface chemistry in influencing the adsorption of NH4+ and NO3-. However, further studies are necessary to assess the potential oxidative transformation of NH4+ to NO3- by biochar, which might have contributed to the reduction in NH4+ in the aqueous phase.

Developing a Genetic Algorithm for Selecting Infrastructure Modifications that Optimize Hydrodynamic Flushing in Old Tampa Bay

Impermeable infrastructure such as traffic causeways can reduce the natural hydrodynamic flushing of an estuary, resulting in reduced water quality and increased incidence of harmful algal blooms (HABs). A series of cuts through the three causeways spanning Old Tampa Bay, FL, (OTB) are being considered to help restore the natural circulation of the region, but the number of possible location combinations is computationally challenging to fully assess. A prototype genetic algorithm (GA) was developed to identify the optimal configuration of these cuts through one of the bridge sections that maximizes flushing as represented in a numerical ocean circulation model of OTB. Flushing was measured by integrating the trajectories of over 21,000 passive Lagrangian “particles” using the model velocity fields. The rate of loss of particles initialized near Feather Sound (a region subject to frequent HABs) was used to quantify the “fitness” over which the configurations were optimized. The highest-scoring solution produced a 42% increase in net flushing compared to a no-change baseline. Six independently initialized applications of the GA were conducted. All converged to the same solution within no more than 7 generations. The small population size of the prototype allowed testing of the complete solution space, and verification the found solution was optimal. Elitism (preservation of the highest-ranking solution) was required for convergence. The GA also identified configurations that had similar, but slightly slower, flushing rates. These results will help area managers prioritize or rank combinations of causeway modifications to improve overall water quality conditions in Tampa Bay.

Evidence of nitrogen inputs affecting soil nitrogen purification by mediating root exudates of salt marsh plants

Salt marsh has an important ‘purification’ role in coastal ecosystems by removing excess nitrogen that could otherwise harm aquatic life and reduce water quality. Recent studies suggest that salt marsh root exudates might be the ‘control centre’ for nitrogen transformation, but empirical evidence is lacking. Here we sought to estimate the direction and magnitude of nitrogen purification by salt marsh root exudates and gain a mechanistic understanding of the biogeochemical transformation pathway(s). To achieve this, we used a laboratory incubation to quantify both the root exudates and soil nitrogen purification rates, in addition to the enzyme activities and functional genes under Phragmites australis populations with different nitrogen forms addition (NO3−, NH4+ and urea). We found that NO3− and urea addition significantly stimulate P. australis root exudation of total acids, amino acids, total sugars and total organic carbon, while NH4+ addition only significantly increased total acids, amino acids and total phenol exudation. High total sugars, amino acids and total organic carbon concentrations enlarged nitrogen purification potential by stimulating the nitrogen purifying bacterial activities (including enzyme activities and related genes expression). Potential denitrification rates were not significantly elevated under NH4+ addition in comparison to NO3− and urea addition, which should be ascribed to total phenol self-toxicity and selective inhibition. Further, urea addition stimulated urease and protease activities with providing more NH4+ and NO2− substrates for elevated anaerobic ammonium oxidation rates among the nitrogen addition treatments. Overall, this study revealed that exogenous nitrogen could increase the nitrogen purification-associated bacterial activity through accelerating the root exudate release, which could stimulate the activity of nitrogen transformation, and then improve the nitrogen removal capacity in salt marsh.

Development Of Novel Processed Tilapia Products For The Group Of Female Fish Farmers In The Village Of Ranu Klakah Lumajang

Floatingfish cages are utilized in fish farming systems using public water bodies such as lakes and seas, with tilapia being a widely cultivated fish in Indonesia due to its economic and nutritional value. Ranu Klakah, a volcanic lake in East Java, is explored as a site for tilapia cultivation. Upwelling, the process of nutrient-rich deep water rising to the surface due to wind-induced currents, is examined for its effects on water quality and fish productivity. The activity focuses on the impact of upwelling on tilapia, including reduced water quality, scarcity of natural fish food, physiological stress, disease susceptibility, and decreased fish production. To address the challenges posed by upwelling, it suggests processing tilapia into value-added products, like fish nuggets and skin chips, to enhance market value. Community service activities involving training for making these processed fish products are described, aiming to empower women in the fish farming sector and improve family income. We concludewith insights into the potential benefits of these activities and their positive impact on the local community.

Grape pomace in diets for European sea bass: influence on oxidative status, intestinal microbiota, and fillet quality

The use of intensive systems in aquaculture causes an increase in environmental stress agents, reducing water quality and facilitating the appearance of pathologies in individuals. In this context, the selection of ingredients is a key strategy in managing the quality of aquafeed and the cultivation of aquaculture species. Considering this, wine by-products can be a potential functional ingredient due to several particular characteristics, such as their low cost, large volumes produced, and for being a natural source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. The present study developed different experiments focused on evaluating the benefits of feeding juvenile European sea bass during 5 weeks with feeds incorporating 0.4% red wine grape pomace (GP). At the end of the feeding period, potential modifications in metabolism, immunological and oxidative status, and functionality of intestinal microbiota were assessed as well as the potential protective effect against oxidation in fish fillets during 6 days of cold storage (4 °C). In addition, the preservative effect of GP on the feed when stored for a period of 12 weeks at two different temperatures (4 °C and 25 °C) was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of GP in feeds for European sea bass prevents oxidation when stored at room temperature. In addition, a general improvement in the physiological and immunological status, as well as fillet quality, was evidenced.

Salt pollution reduces turbidity, dissolved organic matter, and cyanobacteria in experimental vernal pool communities

Anthropogenic activities such as the over-application of road deicers are causing an increase in the concentration of salts in historically fresh waters. Experimental and field investigations demonstrate that freshwater salinization disrupts ecosystem functions and services, causing the death of freshwater organisms and changes to nutrient conditions. Wetland habitats are one system negatively affected by salt pollution, including ephemeral wetlands (vernal pools) that fill with salt-polluted water after snowmelt. In urbanized areas, the degradation of these ecosystems could result in irreversible ecological damage including reduced water quality and a reduction in biodiversity. To investigate the effects of freshwater salinization on vernal pool communities, we exposed soils from vernal pools to water containing no salt (control), or four concentrations of three salts standardized by chloride concentration (50 mg Cl− L−1, 100 mg Cl− L−1, 200 mg Cl− L−1, and 400 mg Cl− L−1; magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and sodium chloride). The results of this experiment suggest that emerging zooplankton communities in vernal pools are sensitive to low concentrations of salt pollution, and that alternative salts such as magnesium chloride and calcium chloride are more toxic than sodium chloride. We did not find positive or negative changes in the abundance of eukaryotic phytoplankton but did find negative effects of salt on cyanobacteria abundance, possibly due to corresponding reductions in turbidity which might be needed as a fixation site for cyanobacteria to form heterocysts. Finally, we found that salt pollution likely caused flocculation of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM), resulting in reduced concentrations of DOM which could alter the buffering capacity of freshwater systems, light attenuation, and the populations of planktonic heterotrophs.

Pengaruh Aktivitas Budaya Keramba Jaring Apung Terhadap Kualitas Air Sungai Mempawah

The Mempawah River is a water source used by the people of Mempawah Regency and plays an important role in supporting life. One of the community activities as a means of livelihood is fishing activities, namely fish cultivation. Effluent or waste from cultivation activities goes directly into the river body. This causes the entry of polluted materials such as organic materials originating from feed remains, feces and fish urine into the river body and can affect river water quality parameters. Increasing the concentration of organic matter in water can have an impact on reducing water quality. One of them is increasing BOD concentration. This research aims to determine the BOD concentration in waters, calculate the pollution load. The results of the research show that there is a BOD concentration value that is above the class II river water quality standard according to Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021.