Underground Water Sources Research Articles

The impact of dairy effluent on water quality and ecotoxicological effects on amphibian larvae

ABSTRACT Agricultural industries contribute to water pollution, releasing agrochemicals, organic matter, nutrients and veterinary drugs. Our study aimed to evaluate water quality and ecotoxicological effects of a stream that receives agro-industrial effluents from dairy production at industrial scales and pluvial runoff of agricultural activities. The present study addresses a comprehensive analysis of physicochemical parameters, metals, pesticides, veterinary drugs and microbiological aspects at three sampling sites located upstream, near a dairy drainage discharge and downstream. Lethal chronic ecotoxicity bioassays and biomarkers on Rhinella arenarum larvae were evaluated. Poor water quality near the industrial discharge points was found, characterised by elevated ammonium, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and high concentrations of metals that exceeded environmental guidelines. In all sites, microbial aspects, total coliforms and fecal coliforms were detected, along with detergents, pesticide residues and ivermectin in high concentrations, exhibiting diverse profiles. Chronic toxicity bioassays showed mortality on amphibian larvae. The antioxidant defence system and the cholinergic pathways were altered in exposed larvae. The study highlights the urgent need to improve effluent management and regulations in the region to protect freshwater and underground water sources, aquatic fauna and human health.

Effects of contaminated irrigation water on green lettuce growth on Wick Hydroponic System

Abstract Well water around the Air Dingin Landfill has a high potential to be contaminated by various types of waste, both organic and inorganic, which can seep into the soil and contaminate underground water sources. This condition raises questions about the suitability of such well water for use in agricultural practices, particularly hydroponic systems, which are becoming increasingly popular with urban farmers and hobbyists. This study aims to prove that plant quality is also influenced by the water quality of the growing medium. There are 2 water source treatments, well water taken before the rainy day (SBH) and well water taken after the rainy day (STH) with distilled water as a control. Observations were made on leaf length and chlorophyll of green lettuce. From these 2 treatments, the average growth of green lettuce leaf length resulting from the use of well water before rain (SBH) is 7.87 cm, while the average growth of green lettuce leaf length resulting from the use of well water after rain (STH) is 8.22 cm. Chlorophyll observations on green lettuce SBH worth an average of 12.19 (μg) while on green lettuce STH worth 12.98 (μg). The conclusion of this study is that the concentration of contaminants found is very low to affect the growth of lettuce plants. This can be seen from the values of leaf chlorophyll and leaf length of lettuce, which did not decrease despite the use of Pb-contaminated water for the growing medium.

Vertical transport of HDPE microplastics through sandy and silty soil

Microplastic pollution is an emerging concern and poses a potential risk to soil ecosystems and subsequently can lead to groundwater contamination. The sandy and silty soils are the major soil types covering more than 31 % of the land area globally. The vertical transport of microplastic in sandy and silty soil and further possible groundwater contamination is still unclear and not fully understood in the literature. The present study focuses on the movement of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) microplastics in quartz sand and silty soil using column experiments. Detailed flow through laboratory experiments are performed to understand the effect of varying the critical parameters in contaminant transport such as pore volumes (1PV,2PV,3PV,4PV,5PV,6PV,7PV,8PV,9PV,10PV) and flow rates (20,40,60,80,100,120 ml/min) on HDPE microplastic movement in sandy and silty soil separately. The maximum depth of microplastic transport in sandy soil was 20-22 cm for a flow rate of 120 ml/min, and 10-12 cm for 20 ml/min. In silty soil, the maximum depth of microplastic transport was 12-14 cm for 120 ml/min and 6-8 cm for 20 ml/min. The study also estimates the number of years required for microplastic contamination to reach groundwater under field conditions by considering the L/S ratio. The study estimated that it could take 144 years for microplastics to penetrate sandy soil and 356 years for silty soil, under the study conditions. The study highlights the significant threat posed by microplastics to groundwater contamination. The results suggest that soils may serve as both a sink for microplastics and a potential pathway for their entry into subsurface environments, such as underground habitats and water sources.

Nitrate source analysis of underground drinking water sources in Zhangjiakou main urban area and its health risk assessment

<p style="line-height:200%;text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US">In order to investigate the main pollution factors of underground drinking water sources in semi-arid agricultural areas in China, and to reveal the threatening influence of pollutants on the normal water security of local society. Single-factor evaluation index, principal component analysis, basic data statistics are used to clarify the main pollution indicators of underground drinking water sources in Zhangjiakou main city and discuss the main influencing factors of the change of their pollution concentration, and evaluate the degree of health threat of its pollution to the drinking water of local residents. The results show that: the water sources of Taobeiying and Gushi are deeply affected by human activities, and nitrate, as the only exceeding substance under drinking water standards, is the most important indicator of groundwater pollution; and the nitrate con-centration of groundwater is higher in the pasture and nearby agricultural activities; nitrate contamination levels in groundwater are within the health acceptability range for the vast majority of the population, with only newborns in the Taobeiying drinking water source being exposed to a non-carcinogenic risk of nitrate. The results of the study will help to maintain a stable groundwater environment.</span></p>

Tritium content in water bodies in regions of peaceful nuclear explosions

Sites of peaceful nuclear explosions pose a potential radiation hazard to the territories of the Russian Federation, primarily due to the possible release of radioactivity from the explosion cavity into aquifers and onto the earth's surface. Therefore, it is essential to conduct regular monitoring of anthropogenic radionuclides in drinking water sources in settlements located near the sites of peaceful nuclear explosions. Tritium serves as an indicator of the potential release of other anthropogenic radionuclides. Monitoring its levels in water bodies in regions where peaceful nuclear explosions were perfomed, and comparing this data with that from Roshydromet across the Russian Federation, allows for an assessment of the reliability of the engineering barriers between the central explosion zone and the environment with respect to preventing radionuclide migration into aquifers. One method for evaluating the reliability of these barriers is the assessment of tritium specific activity in drinking water sources. This article presents results of the study involving 220 water samples collected from drinking water sources (wells, boreholes, springs, central water supply systems) and surface waters within 167 settlements across 17 subjects of the Russian Federation, where 50 peaceful nuclear explosions were conducted between 1965 and 1988. The samples were collected between May and September 2024 in the settlements within a 30 km radius of a peaceful nuclear explosion site. Measurements of tritium specific activity were performed using the Quantulus 1220-003 alpha-beta spectrometric radiometer. The research revealed that the specific activity of tritium in underground water sources is significantly lower (Student's test p<0,05) than in surface waters. The average specific activity levels of tritium in boreholes, rivers, and lakes were 3.0, 3.45, and 4.31 Bq/kg, respectively. The specific activity of tritium in drinking water sources within the regions of peaceful nuclear explosions was found to be at the background levels recorded by Roshydromet, ranging from 1.1 to 5 Bq/kg.

Continuous beta monitoring technology for uncontrolled radiological release in underwater using integrated beta and gamma detection system

A monitoring system capable of in-situ beta detection has been developed to address the potential risks associated with radioactive releases from nuclear sites. Although releases are controlled within permissible limits and follow strict protocols to minimize environmental and public health impacts, incidents of uncontrolled releases due to human or mechanical failures have occurred, resulting in contamination of underground water sources. To improve response capabilities, transitioning from traditional sample-based monitoring to real-time monitoring of underground water is crucial. The system utilized an NaI(Tl) detector for gamma nuclides and two plastic scintillation detectors for beta nuclides. Beta detection was facilitated through a coincidence method involving the two plastic scintillators, with any influence from gamma radiation effectively mitigated using data from the NaI(Tl) detector. This configuration ensured accurate measurement of beta radiation by removing gamma contributions from the coincidence counts. The system, which was evaluated using detection experiments for beta nuclides 3H and 90Sr, achieved a minimum detectable activity that satisfied the criteria for restricting the intake, distribution, or consumption of 90Sr and 3H to 0.1 and 100 Bq/g, respectively, within 20 min.

Peculiarities of the existence of a focus cyatocephalosis among wild and cultivated salmon fishes in the reservoirs of the Izhora upland of the Leningrad region

One of the conditions for maintaining fish health in aquaculture is to control and prevent the presence of disease agents in the water supply sources of fish farms. The main advantages of industrial aquaculture to prevent the spread of parasites can be considered the use of groundwater and pellet feed. The use of an underground water source completely eliminates the possibility of the spread of parasites. In the case of using river, lakes or pounds water the consumption of pellets feed by fish should exclude their eating of invertebrates — intermediate hosts of parasites with a complex life cycle. However, we have found singles Cyathocephalus truncatus (Pallas, 1781) cestodes in juvenile rainbow trout in industrial conditions. This served as the basis for research on the spread of this parasite both in natural reservoirs and fish farms of various types located within the Izhora upland. Cyathocephalus truncatus cestode is a dangerous parasite with a complex life cycle that is widespread mainly in salmon fish. The paper presents experimental data highlighting the impact of fish farming factors and nutritional selectivity on the spread of the parasite. Special attention was paid to the infestation of Salvelinus lepecheni grown in the FSGCR in order to replenish the natural population. As a result of our research conducted over three years, fish of this species have not been invaded by the parasite in both industrial and experimental conditions. This indicates the safety of juveniles reproduced in the FSGCR for settlement in natural reservoirs. In order to determine the boundaries of the natural focus of cyatocephalosis, 106 specimens of salmon fish from 8 reservoirs were tested for infection. Methods of preventing disease in flowing pools are proposed. It has been suggested that the preservation of the focus is ensured by the progenis of the cestode procercoids, excluding the need for a definitive host (fish) to maintain the helminth population in isolated hydraulic water sources.

Bio-fertilizer as a pathway to minimize nitrate leaching from chemical fertilizer in high yield peppermint production

The contamination of Iran's underground water sources with nitrate from chemical fertilizers poses a significant health risk to communities reliant on this essential water source. This study investigates the benefits of organic alternatives, such as vermicompost and bio-fertilizers, in sustainable peppermint production. The aim is to foster environmentally friendly agricultural practices and enhance soil health. Multiple fertilizer treatments were examined for their impact on peppermint growth, essential oil (EO) content, and bioactive properties. Results show that incorporating vermicompost with chemical or bio-fertilizers significantly improves plant height, dry leaf weight, leaf number, and drug fraction by 18.6%, 82%, 27.5%, and 25%, respectively. Vermicompost application leads to a remarkable 100% increase in EO content and a substantial 31.5% rise in menthol percentage compared to other treatments. Furthermore, the study reveals that enhanced menthol production coincides with improved antibacterial and antifungal properties of the plant extract and EO. Treatments with bio-fertilizers demonstrate a significant 23.4% increase in menthol percentage compared to the control group. Vermicompost usage also boosts the total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content, along with the antioxidant capacity by 5%–17%. Replacing chemical fertilizers with vermicompost and bio-fertilizers shows notable improvements in peppermint production. These findings underscore the significance of employing organic fertilizers as a means to advance sustainable agricultural practices, mitigate health hazards linked to water contamination, and optimize the cultivation of peppermint as a globally valuable medicinal plant.

Hydrogeological modeling for safeguarding underground water sources during energy extraction

Hydrogeological modeling for safeguarding underground water sources during energy extraction

Spatio-temporal dynamics of fairy circles in Namibia are driven by rainfall and soil infiltrability

ContextNamibia’s fairy circles (FCs) form an extraordinary vegetation pattern along the Namib Desert. Recent evidence from multiple fieldwork activities is increasingly supporting the view that FCs result from biomass-water feedbacks and plant self-organization.ObjectivesTo shed light on these biomass-water feedbacks, we focused here on a temporal analysis of the spatial FC patterns with regard to vegetation response after rainfall events.MethodsWe analyzed the distribution of FCs in 10 drone-mapped study plots of the Namib and related their spatial patterns to the soil infiltrability. Additionally, we mapped three plots repeatedly during the rainfall seasons 2020–2023 to assess how the emerging grasses within FCs changed the FC patterns after rainfall.ResultsWe found that the most regular, spatially periodic, FCs occurred in areas with deep aeolian sands where rain water infiltrates very quickly and homogenously across the study plot, which enables the most symmetric competitive interactions between the grasses. After ample rainfall following a drought period, between 58 and 34% of all mature FCs revegetated. These 1092 closing FCs were 73 times more than the 15 new FCs that formed during the same time. The closing FCs occurred in areas where there was locally a higher density of FCs, which act as underground water sources for the surrounding grasses.ConclusionsOur study shows that the dynamic vegetation response to rainfall and soil water is the key driver of the FC patterns. Overall, the research underlines that Namibia’s fairy circles are a self-organized emergent vegetation pattern that is driven by biomass-water feedbacks and the competition of grasses for limiting water resources.

Evaluating the seasonal variations of risks associated with potentially toxic elements in underground water sources near a dumpsite in Awka, Nigeria

Contamination of borehole water by leachates from dumpsites has significantly affected the health of those who use polluted water for domestic activities. This study evaluated the seasonal variations of risks associated with potentially toxic elements in underground water sources near a dumpsite in Awka, Nigeria. The levels of the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian standard for drinking water quality (NSDWQ) standard limits. The, sources of PTEs, metal pollution index, water quality index, ecological risk, and health-related risks of using the underground water were evaluated. The chemical results indicated that levels of Cd and Pb were above the WHO and NSDWQ threshold limits for potable water. The Mn and Ni values were above the NSDWQ limits for potable water. The study borehole samples had PTE levels higher than the control samples due to their proximity to the landfill. The water quality index ranged from 1290.29 to 2243.04, showing that the water is unsuitable for drinking and other domestic uses. The metal pollution indices of the underground water samples were above 1, indicating that the water needs treatment before use. The health risk examination highlighted that children are more disposed to non-cancer risk than adults based on the hazard indices obtained. Also, the probability of cancer risks was high, showing that both children and adults are likely to be in danger of cancer risks. However, the ecological risk indices ranged from 11.187 to 51.581, indicating a low ecological risk. Pearson's correlation and principal component analysis revealed that the sources of pollution are from similar origins/sources linked to anthropogenic activities. Awareness programs are necessary to educate the populace about the dangers of using contaminated water. Effective waste management strategies and water treatment techniques should be implemented.

Дослідження міграції сучасних пестицидів амікарбазону, біциклопірону та підіфлуметофену з ґрунту до ґрунтових вод (результати експериментальних досліджень)

ABSTRACT. The expansion of the range and volume of application of plant protection products in agriculture increases the risk of contamination of soil, and subsequently of underground and surface water sources, especially with highly persistent pesticides in the soil. Аim. Establishing and comparative assessment of migration characteristics of new pesticides — representatives of different chemical classes, from soil to groundwater when modelling different initial concentrations and irrigation regimes. Materials and Мethods. In a laboratory experiment, the migration of the investigated substances in the soil – ground water system was studied with the help of filtration columns designed by the Academician E.H. Honcharuk. Soil Standard Model no 1 (SSM no 1) and leached chernozem were used as arable soil layers. Three hydraulic regimes were simulated: annual, three-month, or monthly precipitation rates were supplied to the column for 30 days. The initial concentrations of amicarbazone, bicyclopyrone, and pydiflumetofen corresponded to both one maximum consumption rate (m.c.r.) and 0.5, 0.2 and 5 m.c.r. respectively. Quantitative determination of the studied substances in the filtrate was carried out by the method of high-performance liquid chromatography. The results. It was established that with higher initial concentrations of all three substances in the topsoil and greater hydraulic load on the filtration column in the case of both herbicides, the concentrations of compounds in the filtrate were higher. At the same time, with the same arable soil layer (SSM no 1) and hydraulic load (maximum) and almost the same initial concentration in the soil (0.05 and 0.06 mg/kg), bicyclopyrone appeared in the filtrate much earlier and in in larger quantities, its maximum concentration in the filtrate was reached much faster, it was 17 times higher. It took much more time to detect pydiflumetofen than bicyclopyrone. The migration levels of bicyclopyrone were almost independent of the type of arable soil layer, while pydiflumetofen in leached chernozem retained longer and migrated more slowly than in SSM no 1. Conclusions. Both general regularities and significant differences in the migration of the studied substances to the ground water depending on the soil profile were revealed. It has been proven that, compared to bicyclopyrone, pydiflumetofen is less mobile, appears in the filtrate much later and migrates from SSM no 1 more slowly. Compared to bicyclopyrone, amicarbazone is more mobile, migrates from leached chernozem longer and more intensively. The highest potential danger of groundwater contamination due to vertical migration from chernozem, the most common soil type in Ukraine, is inherent to amicarbazone, the lowest — to pydiflumetofen. Keywords: plant protection products, herbicide, fungicide, soil, groundwater, migration, pollution, threshold limit value.

Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease Among Patients Attending at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Dessie, Amhara Region, Northeastern Ethiopia: Unmatched Case–Control Study

Introduction: The incidence of chronic kidney disease is rising, primarily due to its asymptomatic nature of the disease and poor access to early detection and management services. In Ethiopia, little is known about the context-specific risk factors. This study aimed to identify the risk factors of chronic kidney diseases in Northeast Ethiopia, focusing on patients attending Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, in 2022. Methods: A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was employed among chronic kidney disease patients at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, from May 10 to July 15/2022. Cases were all patients who were diagnosed with chronic kidney diseases at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital while controls were patients without chronic kidney diseases. For each case, two controls were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire with the support of a document review was used to collect the data. The data were entered into Epi data version 4.6 and exported to Stata version 14 software for analysis. During bivariable logistic regression analysis, variables having p-value <0.2 were entered and analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors associated with chronic kidney diseases. Statistical differences were considered at P < 0.05, and the strength of association was assessed by adjusted odds ratio and respective confidence intervals. Results: A total of 78 cases and 156 controls were included in this study. This study revealed that factors such as being male [AOR: 2.54, 95%CI (1.125- 5.754)], the presence of hypertension [AOR: 5.33, 95%CI (2.107-13.489)], diabetic-mellitus [AOR: 3.64,95%CI (1.530- 8.671)], kidney stone [AOR: 3.91,95%CI (1.492- 10.257)], and underground water source usage [AOR: 2.63,95%CI (1.108-6.262] were statistically significantly associated factors with chronic kidney diseases. Conclusion: In our study, being male, the presence of hypertension, diabetic mellitus, diagnosis of a kidney stone, and underground water usage were independent risk factors for chronic kidney diseases. Therefore, policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders should emphasize the aforementioned factors to forestall the development and progression of the disease. Furthermore, routine urinalysis and glomerular filtration rates for all hospitalized patients with hypertension and diabetes-mellitus could help to detect chronic kidney diseases at an early stage.

Water, energy and environment nexus: Quantitative assessment for integrated power plants with renewable energy

The population increase and the demand for water and energy, accompanied by the implications of environment pollution for natural and human resources, indicate the critical necessity for a coherent movement towards nexus between water, energy, and environment. Due to the fact that power generation industry is responsible for a significant proportion of water and fuel consumption and Carbon dioxide emissions within the world, in this research, the application of the hybrid renewable system in a thermal power plant has been assessed based on the approach of analyzing the link between energy, water and environment. The design of the solar system and the assessment of carbon balance during the power plant lifetime have been conducted in PVsyst application in 2022. Moreover, ReCipe environmental model has been used for assessing the effect of decrease in carbon emission on the ecosystem. The findings of the research indicate that the replacement of at least 2 % of the nominal capacity of the fossil fuel power plant with the renewable one, prevents the emission of 1431.28 tons of carbon dioxide yearly. This amount equals to 380.34 cubic meters of reserve in fossil fuel consumption and 391.73 tons of crude oil. The results also showed that in addition to preserving natural resources, the hybrid cycle design leads to significant water demand reduction which equals to 3842 cubic meters with the capacity to supply underground water sources. Due to the interests of preserving water and energy resources and decreasing carbon emission in power plant industry, within the framework of nexus approach, management of energy supply by replacing resources and using water and heat recovery technologies and application of energy demand management policies based on energy efficiency and environmental implications is recommended.

The Diversity of Freshwater Stygobiotic Crustaceans in the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania Provides New Evidence for the Existence of an Ancient Glacial Refugium in the North Caucasus Region

A review and partial revision of the diversity of freshwater stygobiotic crustaceans in the territory of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, in the North Caucasus, is presented here. Previously, two species of the genus Proasellus Dudich, 1925 (Isopoda, Asellidae), P. uallagirus Palatov & Sokolova, 2020 and P. irystonicus Palatov & Sokolova, 2020, and one species of the genus Niphargus Schiödte, 1849 (Amphipoda, Niphargidae), N. alanicus Marin & Palatov, 2021, were described from the hyporhean/underground habitats (hyporhea) in the area. However, further research using an integrative approach has revealed that only a single species of the genus Proasellus (P. uallagirus) is actually widely distributed in the hyporhean riverbed habitats in the area, while the diversity of the genus Niphargus is higher than previously known. Six more new Niphargus species— namely, N. ardonicus sp. nov., N. sadonicus sp. nov., N. fiagdonicus sp. nov., N. tschertschesovae sp. nov., N. osseticus sp. nov. and N. zeyensis sp. nov., were discovered from the various hypogean underground water sources (i.e., springs and seeps) and are described in this article. Their phylogenetic relationships with their congeners, as well as their ecology and known distribution, are discussed. Furthermore, molecular genetic analysis, with an interpretation of the estimated divergence time, suggests that the studied hyporheic/stygobiotic crustaceans started to diverge from related European and Balkan sister species during the Late Miocene, approximately 8–5.8 Mya, with the reduction in the Paratethys and the uplifting of the Caucasus Mountains. Local speciation was led by local geological processes and karst fragmentation during the Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene periods, starting around 5.3 Mya. The obtained data suggest that the mountainous area of the North Ossetia–Alania could be considered as a post-Pliocene glacial refugium for subterranean and stygobiotic fauna—the first known for the North Caucasus region.

Approaches for the Efficient Removal of Fluoride from Groundwater: A Comprehensive Review.

Contamination of groundwater with fluoride represents a significant global issue, with high concentrations posing serious public health threats. While fluoride is a critical element in water, excessive levels can be detrimental to human health and potentially life-threatening. Addressing the challenge of removing fluoride from underground water sources via nanotechnological approaches is a pressing concern in environmental science. To collate relevant information, extensive literature searches were conducted across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the American Chemical Society, Elsevier, Springer, and the Royal Society of Chemistry. VOS Viewer software version 1.6.20 was employed for a systematic review. This article delivers an exhaustive evaluation of various groundwater fluoride removal techniques, such as adsorption, membrane filtration, electrocoagulation, photocatalysis, and ion exchange. Among these, the application of nanoparticles emerges as a notable method. The article delves into nano-compounds, optimizing conditions for the fluoride removal process and benchmarking their efficacy against other techniques. Studies demonstrate that advanced nanotechnologies-owing to their rapid reaction times and potent oxidation capabilities-can remove fluoride effectively. The implementation of nanotechnologies in fluoride removal not only enhances water quality but also contributes to the safeguarding of human health.

Water Resources, Pollution, Integrated Management and Practices in Nigeria – An Overview

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s water landscape, focusing on its abundant surface and underground water sources and the agencies responsible for water resources development and management. Findings reveals that the country boasts vast freshwater reserves, encompassing surface and groundwater, intricate river drainage systems, numerous dams, and managed aquifer formations, primarily overseen by River Basin Development Authorities. Despite these resources, Nigeria faces severe pollution challenges, especially in the Niger Delta, resulting from oil-related activities and causing environmental degradation, health crises, and enduring ecosystem consequences. Approximately 13 million barrels of oil spills have adversely impacted coastal wetlands, mangroves, and agricultural lands. Elevated levels of heavy metal pollution, exceeding recommended guidelines, pose significant threats to public health, emphasizing the lasting impact of persistent oil spillage on fishery production and aquatic organisms. River Basin Development Authorities have made substantial contributions, challenges persist in catchment management and the indiscriminate disposal of hazardous substances. The absence of effective environmental policies necessitates urgent, coordinated action from federal and state governments. Nigeria must prioritize integrated water management practices to strike a delicate balance between resource utilization and preservation for the benefit of current and future generations. This manuscript relies on secondary sources, utilizing key search terms such as “water resources in Nigeria,” “water pollution in Nigeria,” “water supply and demand in Nigeria,” “water management in Nigeria,” and “integrated water practices in Nigeria.” Data were sourced from reputable institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, The World Bank, United Nations Environmental Protection (UNEP), USAID’s Sustainable Water Partnership, and various scientific publications, ensuring the reliability of the presented data.

Urban Sanitation in al-Andalus: The Case of Qurṭuba (Tenth to Thirteenth Century)

ABSTRACT This article presents a comprehensive examination of sanitation practices in Islamic Cordoba and al-Andalus; it highlights the importance of hygiene at both the domestic and the community level. The focus is on waste disposal methods, particularly the use of cesspits and the implementation of sewer systems. The article explores sanitation practices in intramural areas, where a sanitary network was constructed, as well as in extramural areas, where cesspits were used, and sometimes older hydraulic structures were repurposed for waste management. The role of professional cleaners in these cities is also investigated, along with the mechanisms used to preserve water quality and prevent contamination of underground water sources.

Spatial assessment of groundwater quality for drinking In Souk El Arbaa, Morocco

ABSTRACT Morocco is facing challenges with its water resources due to population growth, industrial expansion, agriculture, urban development, tourism, climate change, overuse of underground water sources, and pollution from inadequate sanitation and chemical fertilizers. The Gharb aquifer is significant for supplying drinking water and irrigation in the country. Souk El Arbaa is a Moroccan city located in the northwestern part of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Kenitra Province. Its economic activities depend mainly on agriculture and livestock raising. This study aims to assess the groundwater status of a basin in a semi-arid climate in the Souk El Arbaa for drinking purposes by collecting 14 samples in 2022 from different locations and analyzing their physicochemical characteristics. The quality assessment was made by estimating electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonates, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium. The results showed that most of the groundwater in the study area is very hard, and all groundwater in the study area, according to the Moroccan Standards for drinking purposes, exceeds the permissible limits for nitrate and ammonium.

Numerical analysis of water, energy, and environment nexus in the hybrid thermal and solar multigeneration power plants

AbstractThe challenge of providing water, energy, and managing the environment is widely recognized as a significant barrier to global advancement in light of the increasing population. Based on projections, it is anticipated that the global community will encounter crises pertaining to water, energy and the environment in the foreseeable future. In this research, the application of the hybrid renewable system in a thermal power plant has been assessed based on the approach of analyzing the link between energy, water, and environment. The design of the solar system and the assessment of carbon balance during the power plant lifetime have been conducted in PVsyst application in 2022. Moreover, ReCipe environmental model has been used for assessing the effect of decrease in carbon emission on the ecosystem. The findings of the research indicate that the replacement of at least 2% of the nominal capacity of the fossil fuel power plant with the renewable one, prevents the emission of 1340.37 tons of carbon dioxide yearly. This amount equals to 371.25 m3 of reserve in fossil fuel consumption and 382.64 tons of crude oil. The results also showed that in addition to preserving natural resources, the hybrid cycle design leads to significant water demand reduction which equals to 3751 m3 with the capacity to supply underground water sources. Due to the interests of preserving water and energy resources and decreasing carbon emission in power plant industry, within the framework of nexus approach, management of energy supply by replacing resources and using water and heat recovery technologies and application of energy demand management policies based on energy efficiency and environmental implications is recommended.