Results Of Physicochemical Parameters Research Articles

CORRELATION ANALYSIS AND MODELLING OF HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS FROM SOIL SAMPLES OF FIVE SELECTED REFUSE DUMPSITES IN LAFIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Thousands of tons of solid wastes are generated and disposed daily in open dumps of most Nigerian cities due to rapid population explosion and commercial activities. In this study, concentrations of heavy metals and physicochemical parameters from 20 soil samples each from selected refuse dumpsites in wet and dry seasons were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) standard methods. The results showed that during the wet and dry seasons, the concentration of heavy metals, Hg, Cr, Mn were above that of World Health Organisation (WHO), and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), while that of Pb, As, Fe, Zn, Cu and Ni were below the tolerable limits. The results for physicochemical parameters in wet and dry seasons for nitrates, phosphates and organic matter were above WHO standards. Statistical test at 0.05 probability level (p < 0.05) was used to determine the degree of association between pairs of the variables. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to measure the direct and inverse relationship between these parameters and heavy metal availability. Based on the different variables obtained at the study areas, a multiple linear regression analysis was determined from which a general linear model was formulated. The study recommends appropriate government agencies should as a matter urgency integrate the regular monitoring of waste disposal into the state developmental plan and framework in order to prevent excessive build-up of these metals in humans through the food chain.

Assessment of surface and groundwater quality in Tikamgarh city, Madhya Pradesh, India

Surface water and groundwater are primary resources for communities living in arid and semi-arid regions. The expansion of industrial and agricultural practices has raised pressure on natural resources. Water quality assessment provides valuable information about potential of resources for intended uses. The correlation study was carried out on the physicochemical parameters of surface water and groundwater in the Tikamgarh city. The physicochemical parameters, such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), total alkalinity (TA), sulphate (SO42-), fluoride (F-), iron (Fe), nitrate (NO3-), chloride (Cl-) and turbidity were analysed to determine correlation between parameters. The grab sampling technique was adopted to collect water samples from selected dug wells and reservoirs. The results of physicochemical parameters were fitted in the correlation coefficient equation to predict probable values of different parameters for selected locations. Results of the correlation study showed that calcium and TH are strongly correlated, followed by TH with chloride. However, Ca2+, TH, Cl-, TA, TDS, SO42-, and iron show a high correlation. The findings show that water quality can be managed by controlling TH and TDS concentrations through conventional and non-conventional treatment methods.

Enhanced Phytoremediation and Physicochemical Parameters of Crude Oil Polluted Soil Using Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus substilis

There have been worry over the Niger Delta's environmental contamination. Bacteria and other microorganisms have shown to be very helpful in the breakdown of hydrocarbons generated from petroleum. The goal of this research is to use elbow bufallow grass and sedge plants for phytoremediation of soil affected by crude oil. Standard microbiological techniques were applied to the contaminated soil once it was gathered. Using a hand auger, contaminated soil samples were taken twice a month for three months from two separate locations in Rivers State at two distinct depths: 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm. The following physicochemical parameters of samples were analysed using Standard Laboratory Procedures: pH, Temperature, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium available in the polluted soil and the total hydrocarbon content (THC). Two plant species common in the Ogoni region of Rivers state, i.e. Sedge plant (Schoenoplectus), Elbow buffalo grass (Panicum subalbidum) were used for phytoremediation monitoring. A combination of treatment consisting of the application of Pseudomonas fluorescens Bacillus substilis, Panicum subalbidum and Schoenoplectus senegalensis was evaluated during 28 days of remediation. Each pot contained crude oil mixture in the soil as a sole source of carbon and energy. THB counts ranged from 2.35 to 4.15 cfu/g. The statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the total heterotrophic bacteria counts between the samples. HUB counts range from 0.7 to 1.45cfu/g. The total bacterial population counts obtained from soil sample during bioremediation monitoring ranged from 17+1.41 (CS+PAN) to 40+1.412cfu/g (CS+PSE+BAC+PAN) in Day 1. Results of Day 14 range from 13+1.41 (CS+PAN) to 35.5+3.542cfu/g (CS+BAC+SCH). Results of Day 28 ranged from 8.5+0.71 (CS+PAN) to 27+1.412cfu/g (CS+PSE+BAC+PAN). The presence of microbial activity was determined by the enumeration and isolation of total heterotrophic and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria. The results of physicochemical parameters before bioremediation is as follows: pH (5.43), Temperature (27oC), Electrical conductivity (9), Moisture content (7.80%), Total organic carbon (0.93%), Soil organic matter (1.60%), Nitrogen (56.695mg/kg), Phosphorus (0.621mg/kg), Potassium (7.125mg/kg) and Total Hydrocarbon content (700mg/kg). Results revealed amount of soil hydrocarbon removed and percentage (%) Bioremediation remediated after 28 days of monitoring to be higher in set up with CS+PSE+SCH (3454mg/kg; 85.28%) and lowest in set up with US+SCH (434mg/kg: 62%) and the amount of root hydrocarbon content removed and percentage (%) Bioremediation remediated after 28 days of monitoring to be higher in set up with CS+BAC+SCH (632Mg/kg; 15.6%) and lowest in set up with US+SCH (12.2mg/kg; 1.74%).
 Three (3) most occurring hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial isolates were isolated and identified culturally and phenotypically from the soil samples these bacteria isolates were confirmed to be Peudomonas, Priestia megaterium and Bacillus spp molecularly via sequencing of the 16SrRNA gene. The most common bacteria isolated were Bacillus spp at a dilution of 104. This research revealed and recommend that Panicum subalbidum as a suitable plant species for phytoremediation of crude oil-contaminated soil.

Spatial distribution of major and trace elements in artificial lakes in Serbia: health risk indices and suitability of water for drinking and irrigation purposes

Lakes and reservoirs are the main water resources for household, irrigation, and industrial use. Hence, it is necessary to control water pollution and have reliable information on water quality, which refers to its suitability for a particular purpose. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of water for drinking and irrigation purposes from ten artificial lakes on the territory of the Republic of Serbia. The physicochemical parameters were determined using standard analytical methods, whereas the optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma, ICP-OES, was used to determine the concentrations of 23 macro-, micro-, and trace elements in water. Health risk indices of drinking water and its suitability for irrigation purposes were evaluated. The results of physicochemical parameters, except for total organic matter, indicated that most samples were within the recommended values. Among analyzed elements, the concentration of Mg was elevated in the water of the lakes Srebrno and Prvonek. The results of health risk assessment clearly showed that there was no acute health risk (HQA < 1), whereas long-term risk (HQL) in the studied lakes was observed with respect to As (lakes Grlište and Srebrno), Mn (lakes Srebrno and Prvonek), Ni (Lake Vrutci), and Sr (Lake Grlište). The irrigation criteria indicated that the water from the examined lakes had satisfactory quality for this purpose, except for residual sodium carbonates (RSC). This criterion indicated low quality or unsuitability of the water in 7 lakes. The main outcomes provided valuable information on the suitability of water from the artificial lakes for intended uses.

Pharmaceutico-Analytical standardization of amavatari rasa – A herbo-mineral formulation

Introduction: Amavatari Rasa (AR) (mercury-containing herbo-mineral formulation), widely used in the management of Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis) has been being manufactured by many pharmaceutical companies in India for long. However, till today, the standard manufacturing process (SMP) for this formulation is not available, and hence, the present study was carried out to set the SMP of AR along with its quality control parameters. Methods: Pharmaceutical procedures such as Shodhana (pre-processing) of Parada (mercury), Gandhaka (sulfur), Chitraka (Plambago zeylanica Linn.), and Guggulu (Commiphora wightii Arn.); preparation of lime water, Triphla Kwatha (decoction) and AR were carried out at Rasa shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana Department of ITRA, Jamnagar. Physicochemical parameters, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) were carried out at the pharmaceutical chemistry Lab, ITRA, Jamnagar and Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility, IIT Powai, Mumbai respectively. Results: Average of 54.33 g of castor oil was required for 354.33g of AR. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) of pH, loss on drying, ash value, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive, and alcohol soluble extractive of AR was 3.77 ± 0.20, 6.29 ± 0.41%w/w, 5.46 ± 0.72%w/w, 0.40 ± 0.15%w/w, 23.2 ± 5.15%w/w and 30.13 ± 7.19%w/w, respectively. HPTLC study showed 4 peaks in 254 nm and 5 peaks in 366 nm ultraviolet lights. AR contains 7.38% mercury, 0.0031% arsenic, and 0.0032% lead. Conclusion: The adopted method for preparation of AR was convenient to replicate and hence can be considered SMP. Results of physicochemical parameters, HPTLC, and ICP-AES of this study could be used as quality parameters for Amavatari Rasa prepared by this method.

Impacts of adding thermotolerant nitrifying bacteria on nitrogenous gas emissions and bacterial community structure during sewage sludge composting

This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of inoculation with bacterial inoculum containing three thermotolerant nitrifying bacteria strains on nitrogenous gas (mainly NH3 and N2O) emissions and bacterial structure during the sludge composting. The results of physicochemical parameters indicated that inoculation could prolong the thermophilic phase, accelerate degradation of organic substances and improve compost quality. Compared with the non-inoculated treatment, the addition of bacterial agents not only increased the total nitrogen content by 8.7% but also reduced the cumulative NH3 and N2O emissions by 32.2% and 34.6%, respectively. The bacterial inoculation changed the structure and diversity of the microbial community in composting. Additionally, the relative abundances (RA) of bacteria and correlation analyses revealed that inoculation increased the RA of bacteria involved in nitrogen fixation. These results suggested that inoculation of thermotolerant nitrifying bacteria was beneficial for reducing nitrogen loss, nitrogenous gas emissions and regulating the bacterial community during the composting.

Characterization of Various Honey Samples from Different Regions of Morocco Using Physicochemical Parameters, Minerals Content, Antioxidant Properties, and Honey-Specific Protein Pattern

Honey is a bee product relatively expensive; therefore, it has been a target of adulteration by many sweeteners. In this work, we evaluated the good quality, authenticity, and content in bioactive molecules of twenty-two Moroccan honey from different botanical origins and geographical areas. For that, the following analyses were determined: the content in total protein and especially the major royal jelly protein (apalbumin 1), the analysis of total acidity, free acidity, lactonic acidity, pH, ash, Pfund, electrical conductivity, and moisture. In addition, the content of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, the dosage of polyphenols, flavones, and flavonols, and the antioxidant activities were assessed. All analyzed samples had good antioxidant activities and present a source of antioxidant compounds, the predominant mineral in all honey samples was potassium, and the physicochemical parameters are in line with the standards’ recommended limits. The content of honey samples in total protein and apalbumin 1 ranged between 212 μg/g and 4121.2 μg/g and between 27.4 μg/g and 790.82 μg/g, respectively. Overall, the detection of apalbumin 1 in all honey samples and the results of physicochemical parameters, minerals, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities confirm the authenticity and no adulteration of Moroccan honey.

Physicochemical, bacteriological and water quality index assessment of hand dug well (HDW) water suitability for drinking

ABSTRACT Underground water were abstracted from HDWs to determine their suitability for drinking. Physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters were carried out following standard guidelines. Total coliform count was done using the membrane filtration method. Heavy metal was determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS BULK SCIENTIFIC MODEL 210 VGP). Samples were subjected to statistical and multivariate analysis. Results of physicochemical parameters show that they were all within the WHO standard for drinking. Cation concentrations follow the order: Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+, while anions are: HCO3 − > SO4 2-> Cl−> NO3 − > PO4 2-. As, Cd and Pb were not detected in the sampled water, but other heavy metals Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were detected. They were, however, within the WHO’s recommended range. Based on E. coli analysed, all of the water samples were free from faecal contamination since none was discovered in the water samples. Based on the water quality index, only sample G hand-dug well is of poor quality (though it could be treated) for human consumption; all other samples are good for human consumption. Deductions from Pipers’ and the Durov diagram, as well as principal component analysis, revealed that there was little geological and human activity within the hand-dug wells. Based on the physicochemical, microbiological, heavy metal and water quality indexes, this study indicates that all of the water samples examined are free of pollution, but that continual monitoring of the hand-dug wells should be prioritised.

Environmental Impact Assessment of Fish Breeding Center

Background &amp; Aims of the Study: Environmental impact assessment is the identification and systematic evaluation of the consequences of projects and programs on physical-chemical, biological, cultural, and socio-economic components of the environment. Changes caused by urban and rural effluents in the environment can directly affect the downstream part of the river. The goal of this study was to evaluate the environmental effects of the fish farming center of Miandoab and analyze the implementation and not implementation of the project at the two phases of construction and operation, which was conducted using the Saratoga Matrix. In addition to this goal, the physicochemical parameters of water and dissolved oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), nitrate, phosphate, alkalinity, ammonia, temperature, and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) were measured every 30 days in summer 2020. Materials and Methods: Miandoab Fish Breeding Center on a land area of 2000 hectares is designed for breeding hydrothermal fish. The Saratoga matrix was used to evaluate the environmental effects and analyze the two options of implementation and non-implementation of the project in the two phases of construction and operation. In the present study, four stations were determined to investigate the effect of the Miandoab Fish Breeding Center on physicochemical parameters of water in different parts of the Siminehrood river in Miandoab city. Based on the results of physicochemical parameters, the Water Quality Index (WQINSF) was calculated. Results: The result of the effects at the construction phase (-83) and operation phase (+137) indicated that implementation and operation of the fish farming center of Miandoab have positive effects. The results of the water evaluation showed that there was no significant difference in temperature between study stations (P&gt;0.05). The parameters of nitrate, phosphate, alkalinity, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, pH, and BOD5 were significantly affected by different stations (P&lt;0.05). The highest and lowest levels of BOD5 in stations three and one were 12±0.001 and 5.5±0.707 mg/L, respectively and also the highest and lowest ammonia levels were observed at 1.16±0.156 and 0.01±0.001 mg/l in stations one and four, respectively. Conclusion: With the implementation of the project, some difficulties, such as lack of water caused by wasting it in soil channels, overall condition of fish farming activity in the region, immigration from villages to urban areas, lack of employment and lower-income and welfare of the people will be improved; accordingly, and a positive trend will be taken in the future. According to the Water Quality Index (WQINSF), the first and second stations showed good quality status and the third and fourth stations showed lower (average) status. Therefore, it is recommended that all units be equipped with wastewater treatment systems.

Spectrophotometric Determination of Zinc in Food Waste Water Samples in the Presence of Surfactants Using Dithizone Method

The food waste water quality of sampling points of restaurant were collected within the Bilaspur city limit state Chhattisgarh India by determining some physicochemical parameter of the water samples using standard analytical techniques. The results of physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total solids, Alkalinity and dissolved oxygen) revealed high variations in the concentrations of physicochemical parameters. Therefore, it is imperative that the water sources should be monitored regularly and be subjected to further treatments in order to reduce the concentrations of the few identified pollution indicators that may pose some dangers to the health of people living in this area. The aim of the present study is to develop a simpler direct uv- spectrophotometric method for the trace determination of lead with dithizone in the presence of inexpensive anionic micelles, such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), in aqueous solutions.

Bioindicators of lotic and lentic ecosystems in Agbede wetlands (Southern Nigeria), using macroinvertebrate tools

Macroinvertebrates are globally acclaimed as essential tools for biological monitoring in freshwater ecosystems. The essence of this study was to establish bioindicators for Agbede wetlands located in Edo- North in southern Nigeria. Both lotic (stations 1–3) and lentic (stations 4–7) water bodies were sampled between December 2012 and May 2014. Standard methods were applied for macroinvertebrates collection from the littoral habitats. The results of physicochemical parameters indicated that; flow velocity influenced the lotic environments, while temperature, electrical conductivity and turbidity mostly influenced the lentic water bodies. Three major pollution indicator groups were realised across the ecotypes and they are; the pollution sensitive (Ephemeroptera, Coleoptera and Trichoptera), the facultative (Anisoptera, Zygoptera and Decapoda) and the pollution tolerant groups (aquatic snail, Oligochaete and Leech). Pollution tolerant group was preponderance across the study stations but was significantly predominant in the lentic stations, especially during the dry seasons (November to March). The performance of pollution tolerance index (PTI) model, biodiversity indices and Multivariate analyses; all showed high taxa abundance, species composition and diversity across the stations. Similarly, PTI model revealed moderate water quality particularly in the lentic stations (values between 17 and 18) indicating healthy ecosystems, which was also proven by the biodiversity indices. The implication of this work is that, it will remain a comprehensive guide on biomonitoring programmes of the water bodies and the catchment areas as the water bodies are not in a bad quality.

Spatial and Seasonal Distribution of Heavy Metal Pollution in Tropical Lagoon off the Gulf Of Guinea

Abstract: The consistency of the aquatic environment at any point reflects basin lithology, anthropogenic input and climatic conditions. Spatial and seasonal distribution of heavy metal pollution in tropical Lagoon off the Gulf of Guinea was investigated between November, 2018 to October, 2019. Water samples were collected bi-monthly for heavy metal analysis and physicochemical parameters were measured in-situ every month. Results for physicochemical parameters were presumed to be ideal for marine life for both seasons as prescribed by the Federal Ministry of Environment. Salinity showed a significant negative correlation with temperature and a significant positive correlation with electrical conductivity (EC) during wet season. During the dry season, temperature showed a significant positive correlation with pH. As the temperature rises, molecular vibrations increase which results in the ability of water to ionize and form hydrogen ions and resulted into pH drop. The trend of heavy metal concentrations in the entire study area during the wet and dry season were in the order: Pb&gt;Cu&gt;Zn=Cr&gt;Cd and Cu&gt;Cr&gt;Zn=Cd&gt;Pb respectively. Nemerow’s Pollution Index (NPI) and Contamination Index (CI) were further used to evaluate pollution status of each metal in each sample station and contamination status of the entire sample stations respectively. The CI of the study area showed a decreasing order: Apapa &gt; Iddo &gt; Makoko &gt; Ibeshe &gt; Egbin and Ibeshe &gt; Makoko &gt; Iddo &gt; Apapa &gt; Egbin for wet and dry seasons respectively. Keyword: tropical Lagoon, Gulf of Guinea, Physicochemical, heavy metal, Nemerow’s Pollution Index, Contamination Index

Determination of Heavy Metal Contamination in Ground and Surface Water Sources in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia

The quality of ground and surface water sources are contaminated by heavy metal discharged from industries, transport, municipal wastes, and hazardous waste sites as well as from fertilizers applied for agricultural intensification purposes and accidental oil spillages from tankers can result in a steady rise in contamination of both ground and surface water. Objective: To determine the level of heavy metal contamination in ground and surface water sources in Jimma town, Southwest Ethiopia. Method: The study was conducted in Jimma town in 2019 by applying a cross-sectional study design. A total of 20 samples were collected from Ground and surface water samples and stored in a clean polythene bottle that had been prewashed with 10% nitric acid and thoroughly rinsed with deionized water using standard methods of American Public Health Association (APHA), 2012. Heavy metal in water samples was analyzed by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. SPSS version 23 and excel software were employed for statistical analysis. A comparison of the results with the accepted international standard was carried out. Results: results for physicochemical parameters were in the range of: pH (5.9-8.71), Electrical Conductivity (83-1212 𝜇S/cm), Turbidity (0.67-5.4 NTU), and water temperature (21.9-29.8°C) and some selected heavy metals in water samples analyzed were found in the range of Pb (0.0174-0.183 mg/L), Cd (0.0029-0.031 mg/L), Cu (0.0495-0.581 mg/L), Fe (0.03-0.95 mg/L), Mn (0.00-0.55 mg/L), and Zn (0.0345-3.45 mg/L) for water sample. Conclusion: the concentrations of Pb and Cd in surface and groundwater sources were above the maximum limits recommended by WHO, USEPA, and EU. Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn in ground and surface water were below the limits recommended by WHO, USEPA, and EU.

DESMIDS BIODIVERSITY IN FRESHWATER PONDS OF DISTRICT NAGAUR, WESTERN RAJASTHAN INDIA: A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

The present study was carried out to investigate the desmids biodiversity in traditional freshwater reservoirs of Nagaur district, Western Rajasthan, India. The samples were collected in January 2021 from the freshwater small ponds which harvests rainwater located in and around Nagaur city. These samples were analyzed by following the standard method prescribed by A.P.H.A for assessing the various physicochemical parameters such as pH, TDS, Fluoride, Nitrate, Chloride, total alkalinity, and total hardness to check drinking water quality and for ecological assessment. Furthermore desmids species-level identification and description have been done with the help of standard literatures and monographs. Results of physicochemical parameters indicate the deteriorating drinking water quality of all four sampling sites. In the present study total of 16 species belong to 5 genera i.e. Netrium, Closterium, Cosmerium, Staurastrum, and Eustrum of desmids have been recorded for the first time from the freshwater ponds located in or around the Nagaur city. The higher biodiversity of Closterium and Cosmarium species at Jhada talab confirm its significant relationship with high calcium and nutrient-rich water quality. While low biodiversity of desmids at remaining all village ponds indicates that high pH and oligotrophic quality decreases the desmids biodiversity. Results of this study might be helpful to assess the geographic distribution of desmids flora of Nagaur district and establish water quality of protected freshwater habitats as well as in updating the list of current species of desmids in this sub-region.

Bacterial pollution indicators associated in the tissues of an estuarine fish Mugil cephalus from Ashtamudi lake, a Ramsar site of Kerala, India

Fishes are continuously exposed to the microorganisms present in water and in the sediment. The present study was attempted to screen the pollution indicator bacteria in the tissues of an estuarine fish Mugil cephalus from Kureepuzha Backwater, a part of Ashtamudi Lake. Total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli and fecal streptococci were enumerated from the fish tissues using standard microbiological procedures. Comparison of bacterial count in the skin, gill and gut of Mugil cephalus revealed that highest count of indicator microbes were found in the skin followed by the gill and gut of fish from all sites except site 4. Fishes from site 4, they show bacteria predominantly in the gut. Two way Anova showed a significant difference in microbial count between sites and between tissues except Total heterotrophic bacteria and fecal streptococci between sites. Results of physico chemical parameters also supports that the anthropogenic activities accumulated in the study area, causing the disruption of hydrological quality of Lake and thus increases the load of detrimental microorganisms. Hence it is recommended that good processing of fish such as washing, scraping scales, removal of gills and gut contents and proper cooking help to reduce microbial pathogen in fish body and make it safe for consumption.

Assessment of Some Aspects of the Physicochemical Parameters of Surface Water in Kurudu Reservoir, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Nigeria

Assessment of some aspects of the physicochemical parameters of surface water in Kurudu Reservoir in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria was assessed from January 2018 to December 2019. The aim of this study was to determine some aspect of physicochemical parameter to determine water quality condition of the reservoirs for conservation, management and sustainable use of the reservoirs. Water Samples were collected from three sampling stations and analyzed using standard methods, procedures and instruments. The results of physico-chemical parameters in Kurudu reservoir had a range as shown; The temperature ranged from 23.8-32.3°C with a mean value of 26.0±1.9°C, the pH ranged from 6.3-7.9 with a mean value of 7.1±0.3, and the Secchi depth (transparency) ranged from 0.4-1.8m with a mean value of 1.2±0.4m. Turbidity ranged from 10.5-85.0 NTU with a mean value of 26.0±13.4 NTU. The electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 59.8-257.0 S/cm with a mean of 105.4±31.9 S/cm, the dissolved oxygen ranged from 4.9-7.1 mg/l with a mean of 6.2±0.4 mg/l, and the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) ranged from 5.0-8.0 mg/l with a mean of 5.7±0.6 mg/l. Nitrate levels ranged from 3.9-8.5 mg/l with a mean of 6.7±0.9 mg/l, Phosphate levels ranged from 0.0-0.2 mg/l with a mean of 0.1±0.0 mg/l, iron levels ranged from 0.0-1.6 mg/l with a mean of 0.1±0.0 mg/l, and lead (0.0-bdl). Mean values of physicochemical parameters were within the recommended WHO limits except for Turbidity and Nitrate. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of mean physicochemical parameters between stations and months were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) as shown by the p-value in Table 2. However, ANOVA of seasonal mean values of turbidity, transparency, EC, Phosphate and Iron values were significantly different (P&gt;0.05). Pearson’s correlation analysis is shown in Table 5. Temperature-transparency (r = 0.592), temperature-EC (r = 0.652), transparencyEC (r = 0.789), turbidity-BOD (r = 0.835) and turbidity- Fe2+ (r = 0.665) had a positive significant relationship whereas temperature-turbidity (r = -0.659), temperature-Fe2+(r = -0.758), temperature-PO4 (r = -0.537) transparency-turbidity (r = -0.938), transparency-BOD (r = -0.880), turbidity- Fe2+ (r = -0.513), turbidity-EC (r = -0.728), EC-Fe2+ (r = -0.547), DO-BOD (r = -0.547) and nitrate-phosphate (r = -0.804) had a negative significant relationship. Calculated water quality index using Horton’s method was 62.35, this study has shown that the reservoirs falls within “good/average” water quality, with class II level of pollution which is indicative of moderate pollution especially during the rainy season. Effective monitoring of reservoir and regulation of activities in and around the reservoir are recommended, also water from the reservoir should be treatment before consumption.

The acceptance of zinc biofortified rice in Latin America: A consumer sensory study and grain quality characterization.

Zinc deficiency is a major public health problem in vulnerable populations of Latin America and the Caribbean. Biofortification of rice (Oryza sativa L.) with zinc has the potential to alleviate zinc deficiencies. However, as plant breeding processes can alter grain culinary quality and favorable sensory attributes, grain quality and consumer acceptability need to be assessed prior to releasing a variety to the public. A grain quality characterization and a sensory acceptability analysis were carried out with two varieties of zinc biofortified rice and a local control both in Bolivia and Colombia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical parameters that are significant in consumer acceptance and to determine the acceptability of zinc biofortified rice by consumers. Results of physicochemical parameters were analyzed using ANOVA. The sensory acceptability was evaluated in 243 adults utilizing a 7-point hedonic scale and a Wilcoxon’s signed rank test was used to determine the overall acceptability of the varieties. Biofortified rice variety T2-11 and MAC-18 -control 1- were equally accepted by consumers in Bolivia with no significant differences (p<0.05). The grain quality analysis reported that both presented long and slender rice grains (L>7.5 mm and L/B>3), an intermediate to high amylose content (>25%) and a similar level of chalkiness. In Colombia, the biofortified variety 035 presented a higher score in overall acceptance in comparison to biofortified variety 021 and the local variety CICA4 -control 2-. However, no significant differences were observed (p<0.05). Conversely to the other two varieties, the biofortified variety 035 presented the largest size grain (L/B = 2.97), a lower chalkiness and an amylose content above 25%. This study shows that the grain quality properties of rice have an influence on acceptability and that zinc biofortified rice varieties are accepted by consumers.

Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation uses in taluka Ratodero, district Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan

ABSTRACT The study was carried out to examine the different water quality parameters for groundwater of taluka Ratodero, district Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan. The samples from hand pumps were collected from 25 different locations during October 2019. The parameters like Electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, total hardness, Cl, alkalinity, SO4, Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Cu, Mn, Co, As and fluoride were examined. The groundwater was also tested for suitability for irrigation based on sodium adsorption ratio, Kelly's index, permeability index, sodium percentage (Na%), salinity hazard and Wilcox diagram. The samples were also examined for water quality index (WQI) and contamination index. The statistical analyses were carried out by calculating cluster analysis, correlation coefficient and hydrochemical facies between different parameters to evaluate the water quality. The results of physico-chemical parameters were compared with World Health Organization guideline. Twelve samples (48%) were not suitable for drinking on the basis of EC and TDS, and results of chloride and fluoride of 36% samples were not fit for drinking purposes and 9 (36%) samples were of poor quality based on WQI, contaminated index (Cd), Pb, Ni and Cd. The chronic daily intake indices and hazard quotient indices were calculated, and results showed that Ratodero city groundwater was of concern for human health. The treatment methods are recommended for unsuitable groundwater samples for drinking purpose. The results of water quality for irrigation indicated that 60–80% of the samples were suitable for irrigation.

Laboratory Microbiological and Chemical Analysis for Detection of Water Pollution in Fresh Water Fish Farms

This work carried out to analyze the microbiology and physicochemical parameters of water in some Nile Tilapia fish farms in Kafrelsheikh Governorate. Total bacterial and total Coliforms count were analyzed, as well as the presence of E.faecalis, E.coli, and E.coli O157 in both fish and farms water. The level of total bacterial count in water varied between 4.3x104 and 1.3x106 CFU/ml. The (MPN) of total Coliforms ranged between 1100/ml between different sampling sites. E.faecalis was verified in 28% and 38% of fish and water samples respectively E.coli was isolated in 18% and 34% from fish water samples. E.coli O157 verified in 2% of fish samples and does not present in water samples. Sero-grouping of E.coli isolates revealed that E.coli belongs to five serogroups (O6, O27, O125, O126, and O157). Results of microbiology were confirmed by results of physicochemical parameters of the water samples where values of PH, conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, chlorine, chloride, total solids, total suspended solids, and total dissolved solids were significantly (P

Impact of the eleme petrochemicals company on the levels of some physicochemical parameters and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in the soil from eleme

This study investigated the level of some physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, % TOM, % TOC, % total nitrogen, % available phosphorous and particle size distribution) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in Eleme soil. Samples were collected from six different locations. The physicochemical parameters were determined using standard analytical methods and the total petroleum hydrocarbons was done using gas chromatography equipped with FID. The results of physicochemical parameters were higher than the ones obtained by Eleme petrochemicals company EIA. The pH values of soils from the study area were moderately acidic; the electrical conductivity indicates a non-saline soil in the various locations. All the %TOC values were within the limit recommended by Brady for agricultural soils except in location 5 where a slightly higher value was obtained. The total nitrogen values varied from very low to high. The soils across the six locations showed a coarse textured soil. The value for available phosphorous varied from 0.119 – 0.200%. The levels of total petroleum hydrocarbon in some locations were within the DPR recommended limit of 50mg/kg while others were higher than the DPR limit.