WHO Standards Research Articles

Expanding Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra® and LF-LAM testing for diagnosis of tuberculosis among HIV-positive adults admitted to hospitals in Tanzania and Mozambique: a randomized controlled trial (the EXULTANT trial)

IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Current WHO-recommended strategies for diagnosing TB among hospitalized PLHIV rely on symptom screening and disease severity to assess eligibility for urine lipoarabinomannan lateral flow (LF-LAM) and molecular testing. Despite these recommendations, autopsy studies show a large burden of undiagnosed TB among admitted PLHIV. The EXULTANT trial aims to assess the impact of an expanded screening strategy using three specimens (sputum, stool, and urine) for TB diagnosis among PLHIV admitted to hospitals in two high HIV and TB burden African countries.MethodsThis is a multicenter, pragmatic, individually randomized controlled trial conducted across eleven hospitals in Tanzania and Mozambique. Participants in the intervention arm will be tested with Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra® from expectorated sputum, stool, and urine samples, with additional urine LF-LAM testing in the first 24 h after hospital admission, irrespective of the presence of the symptoms. The control arm will implement the WHO standard of care recommendations. Hospitalized adults (≥ 18 years) with a confirmed HIV-diagnosis, irrespective of antiretroviral (ART) therapy status or presence of TB symptoms will be assessed for eligibility at admission. Patients with a pre-existing TB diagnosis, those receiving anti-tuberculosis therapy or tuberculosis preventive treatment in the 6 months prior to enrolment, and those transferred from other hospitals will not be eligible. Also, participants admitted for traumatic reasons such as acute abdomen, maternal conditions, scheduled surgery, having a positive SARS-CoV2 test will be ineligible. The primary endpoint is the proportion of participants with microbiologically confirmed TB starting treatment within 3 days of enrolment.DiscussionThe EXULTANT trial investigates rapid implementation after admission of a new diagnostic algorithm using Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra® in several non-invasive specimens, in addition to LF-LAM, in hospitalized PLHIV regardless of TB symptoms. This enhanced strategy is anticipated to detect frequently missed TB cases in this population and is being evaluated as an implementable and scalable intervention.Trial registrationTrial reference number: NCT04568967 (ClinicalTrials.gov) registered on 2020–09-29.

Implication of heavy metal(loid)s contamination for human health and preliminary application of water treatment in floodplain area along Mekong River, Lao PDR

Groundwater is widely used for domestic purposes, especially as a reliable source of drinking water in rural areas of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This preliminary study aims to examine heavy metal(loid)s contamination leading to human health risks while also focusing on a method that can improve drinking water quality in floodplain areas along the Mekong River in Lao PDR. Groundwater and surface water samples were collected during the monsoon season in 2022 in Attapeu and Champasak provinces. Heavy metal(loid)s concentrations and human health risks were investigated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the USEPA method, respectively. A nanofiltration membrane technique was introduced to optimize the quality of groundwater. Results showed that groundwater quality was significantly poor (p < 0.05), particularly in Attapeu province, with high levels of electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and manganese, exceeding WHO standards of 400 µS cm−1, 300 mg L−1, and 80 µg L−1, respectively. With the groundwater ingestion pathway, children were found to be more vulnerable to non-carcinogenic risk than adults (Hazard Quotient, Hazard Index >1), but adults had a higher carcinogenic risk (Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk >1E-04). The removal of fecal bacteria and heavy metal(loid)s was achieved using the nanofiltration membrane, demonstrating its potential as a practical point-of-use technology to provide cleaner water sources and enhance the health status of Lao residents.

A Novel AIE-Active Salicylaldehyde-Schiff Base Probe with Carbazole Group for Al3+ Detection in Aqueous Solution.

A donor-acceptor Schiff-base fluorescent probe BKS with chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) mechanism was designed and synthesized via benzophenone(Acceptor), salicylaldehyde and carbazole(Donor) for Al3+ detection, which exhibited typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristic. BKS probe could provide outstanding selectivity to Al3+ with a prominent fluorescence "turn-on" at 545nm in a wide pH range from 2 to 11. By the Job's plot, the binding stoichiometry ratio of probe BKS to Al3+ was determined 1:1. The proposed strategy offered a very low limit of detection at 1.486 µM in THF/H2O(V/V = 1:4, HEPBS = 10 mM, pH = 7.40),which was significantly lower than the standard of WHO (Huang et al., Microchem J 151:104195, 2019)-(Yongjie Ding et al., Spectrochim Acta Mol Biomol Spectrosc 167:59-65, 2021) guidelines for drinking water. BKS probe could provide a wider linear detection range of 50 to 500 µM. Furthermore, the probe could hardly be interfered by other examined metal ions. The analysis of Al3+ in real water samples with appropriate recovery (100.72 to 102.85) with a relative standard deviation less than 2.82% indicated the accuracy and precision of BKS probe and the great potential in the environmental monitoring of Al3+.

WHO/INRUD Drug Prescribing Indicators in the Emergency Ward of a Teaching Hospital, South East of Iran

Background: Rational drug use is an important issue in all healthcare settings. Core drug use indicators have been developed by World Health Organization/ International Network for Rational Use of Drugs (WHO/INRUD). The prescribing indicators measure healthcare providers’ performance in five key areas of drug usage. The aim of this study was to evaluate WHO/INRUD indicators of prescribing in emergency ward of a teaching hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Emergency Ward of teaching hospital from March 2022 – March 2023. A standard prescribing indicators form was utilized to collect the required data using WHO drug prescribing indicators. Besides the rate of intravenous fluids and narcotic analgesics administration was evaluated. Index of rational drug prescribing (IRDP) was also calculated for each month and the mean of 12 IRDPs represent the emergency ward IRDP. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: Antibiotics were prescribed in 34% of studied prescriptions and ceftriaxone was the most widely used antibiotic (33.8%). Index of rational drug prescribing (IRDP) was 0.73 for polypharmacy, 0.93 for generic name prescribing, 0.88 for antibiotic prescribing, 0.1 for injectable drug use and 1 for formulary-based drug prescription. Total IRDP for the emergency ward was 3.64 (from optimal value of 5). IV fluids and narcotics were prescribed in 61.1% and 8.3% of studied prescription respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that although our overall IRDP value is below the WHO standard but it is about other neighbor countries. Our condition regarding IV drug administration showed a huge difference with WHO standards. It shows we need more input and regulations in this regard.

Comparison of in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and six commercial ELISAs for Detection of antibodies to Bordetella pertussis

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) are currently the method of choice for the serodiagnosis of pertussis and play a key role in the diagnosis of pertussis in adolescents and adults, as well as in epidemiological studies. In the present study, the in-house developed indirect ELISA was comparatively evaluated with six commercial kits from various manufacturers. Antipertussis antibodies were measured in 40 serum samples from patients with clinical symptoms of respiratory tract infection, in two WHO standards, and in seven human ECDC control sera. IgA and IgG antibodies were detected at a diagnostically significant level by different ELISA kits of 5.0% to 27.0% and 12.0% to 70.0% of patients' sera, appropriately. The analysis of results carried out with six commercial kits showed only 17.5% consistent results in class IgG (either clearly positive or negative). The average percentage of errors in the level of antibodies determined in the control samples, reference serum samples, differed quite significantly and ranged from 9.5% to 35.4% depending on the kit. This poor correlation of the results obtained on various serological tests intended for the serodiagnosis of pertussis may cause very serious diagnostic problems, especially when examining a serum sample obtained once during the course of the disease.

Correlation of Cause of Death Issued in Medico Legal Deaths in Hospitals and Cause of Death Found at Autopsy

Background:The death certificate is essential for legal investigations and public health planning. This study examines theaccuracy of causes of death reported by hospitals versus post-mortem findings and evaluates the completeness of deathcertificates.Method: A prospective, descriptive study was conducted in 99 cases, with hospital-issued death certificates, broughtfor medico-legal autopsy to the Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus.Cases which were brought dead to the hospital but still were issued with death certificates and cases where the cause ofdeath remained undetermined even after autopsy were excluded. Data was recorded in a pro-forma and analyzed using theSPSS software Version 20.Result: The study involved individuals aged 13 to 30 years, mostly male. Private hospitals issued 66.7% of death certificates,with 55.6% by house officers. Only 62.6% met WHO standards. Autopsies were performed within 24 hours in 67.7% ofcases, revealing blunt force head injury as the leading cause of death (26.3%). There was a 67.7% discrepancy betweenhospital and autopsy causes of death, with house officers and government hospitals showing notable inconsistencies.Conclusion: Factors like the use of standard or non-standard death certificates, the designation of doctors, and the typeof hospital issuing the certificates influence the discrepancies between the causes of death listed by hospitals and thosedetermined after autopsies. This study aims to enhance the existing knowledge on the accuracy of death certificates and islikely the first systematic study of its kind in Nepal, laying the groundwork for future research.

How Safe Are Nepal’s Roads? A Study of Road Safety Legislation and WHO Standards

Around the world, traffic accidents result in significant catastrophes. The consequences of traffic accidents go far beyond the immediate suffering of the individuals involved. This paper aims to examine the road safety legislation and WHO standards adopted in Nepal. The paper is based on secondary data and policy documents related to road safety and WHO standards in the context of Nepal. It presents Nepal’s road network, significant improvements in road safety indicators, and encouraging advancements in road safety. The study finds five major areas for improvement in road safety laws in Nepal: seat-belt regulations, helmet laws, speed laws, child restraint laws, and drinking and driving laws. The study also reveals that Nepal’s current regulatory framework needs to be improved by monitoring actual appropriate helmet fastening and standardization. There is a lack of precise BAC restrictions for drivers and insufficient speed limits under WHO recommendations. Nepal’s child restraint rules also need to be expanded to include seat belt usage in all cars and forbid children from sitting in the front seats. To close those regulatory gaps and protect Nepalese citizens’ safety on the roads, it ends by providing a strict set of recommendations, such as increased enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and changes to road design and concrete making plans. Policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders working to promote street safety measures in Nepal and abroad would find great assistance from this article, which offers a detailed examination and smart recommendations.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Groundwater in Rural Areas of Duhok City, Iraq

This study investigates the quality of groundwater sources in the rural areas of Duhok City, Iraq, with a particular focus on heavy metal contamination, chemical composition, and properties of water. Water samples from 14 wells, serving as the main water source for the surrounding areas, were collected and analyzed. Water quality parameters including calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), potassium (K⁺), and sulfate (SO₄²⁻) values ranged from 24 to 105.6 mg/L, 6.832 to 50.752 mg/L, 18 to 34 mg/L, 1 to 7 mg/L, and 3.4 to 38 mg/L respectively. Common heavy metals like manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and cobalt (Co) exhibited varying concentrations. Most parameters meet the WHO standards, except for the elevated potassium in one sample, requiring attention. Additionally, 50% of the sampled wells showed elevated cadmium (Cd) levels. Possible sources of contamination include industrial activities, agricultural runoff, and geological factors, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions to ensure access to clean and safe water.

Assessment of raw and produced water quality at Al-Doura water treatment plant

Abstract The population growth rate has increased rapidly in recent years so there is an obligation to evaluate the productivity of produced water (PW) by investigating the operation of the Water treatment plant (WTP). WTP’s primary goal is to remove and destroy harmful organisms from contaminated water to make it safe for human consumption. The quality of PW depends on the performance of WTP. This study aims to assess the removal efficiency of Al-Doura WTP in Baghdad City/Iraq and ensure that the drinking water quality meets the drinking water standards. Twenty-two water quality parameters are analysed over four years (from January 2020 to December 2023). The samples of raw water are collected from the Tigris River at the intake of the WTP, while the PW samples are collected at the final stage where the water undergoes treatment before being distributed to the consumers through the network. The measured parameters are Temperature, Turbidity, Alkalinity as CaCO3, Total Hardness as CaCO3, Calcium as Ca, Chloride as Cl, Magnesium as Mg, pH, Colour, Electrical Conductivity EC, Free chlorine (Residual chlorine), Sulphate as SO4, Total dissolved solids, Suspended solids, Iron as Fe, Fluoride as F, Aluminium as AL, Nitrite as NO2, Nitrate as NO3, Ammonia as NH3, Silica as Sio2, and Orthophosphate as PO4. In this study, special focus is concerned with some of these water quality parameters, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity EC, and Turbidity. The analysis is sub-categorized into winter and summer seasons. The SPSS software is used to analyse the data. The results indicate that there is no significant difference between the temperature of raw water and that of the produced water, and the pH values indicate slight alkalinity for raw water in both seasons. Electrical conductivity Ec values for both raw and produced water are found always greater in winter than in summer. The turbidity is found to satisfy the permissible limits for both the Iraqi and World Health Organisation standards (Turbidity &lt; 5 NTU). The drinking water produced from the Al-Doura water treatment plant is found to be within Iraqi and WHO standards, The high difference in turbidity concentration before and after treatment and the removal efficiency excellent value of close to 98% indicates that the plant is highly effective and reflects the effective process of Al-Doura WTP in removing particulate matter and improving water clarity. The Pearson, correlation analysis results indicate a strong (positive, and negative) correlation in the relationship among some parameters reported in this article.

Evaluation of drinking water quality and associated health risks in Adama City, Ethiopia

Drinking water deterioration causes to risk of public health which is essential to supply safe water to the public. This study assessed groundwater quality and health risks in Adama City by analyzing groundwater and chlorine samples. Ion photometry techniques detected anions and cations, ensuring accuracy with quality control protocols. Water Quality Index (WQI) and chlorine decay modeling via WaterGEMs assessed water quality. Hazard index (HI) calculations evaluated exposure risks; Pearson correlation analyzed physicochemical relationships. Findings highlighted water quality and hazards. Aquachem software analyzed Adama's groundwater, revealing high total alkalinity and potassium exceeding WHO limits. Other parameters (nitrate, nitrite, chloride, fluoride, and sulfate) met WHO standards. Sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and boron also complied. Multivariate analysis showed significant parameter associations. Water types included Ca–Na–HCO3 (27.27 %), Na–Ca–HCO3 (36.36 %), Na–Ca–Mg–HCO3, Na–HCO3 (9.09 % each), and Na–Mg–HCO3 (18.18 %). Drinking Water Quality Index rated boreholes as "Good." Health risk assessments found no significant fluoride, iron, or manganese risks across ages. Chlorine residual analysis indicated 74 % had levels below WHO recommendations, prompting chlorine dosing adjustments. Findings inform groundwater management in Adama City.

Airborne particulate matter integral assessment in Magdalena department, Colombia: Patterns, health impact, and policy management

The relevance of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) to health and the environment is widely known. Long-term studies are necessary for understanding current and future trends in air quality management. This study aimed to assess the long-term PM concentration in the Magdalena department (Colombia). It focused on the following aspects: i) spatiotemporal patterns, ii) correlation with meteorology, iii) compliance with standards, iv) temporal trends over time, v) impact on health, and vi) impact of policy management. Fifteen stations from 2003 to 2021 were analyzed. Spearman-Rho and Mann-Kendall methods were used to correlate concentration with meteorology. The temporal and five-year moving trends were determined, and the trend magnitude was calculated using Teil-Sen. Acute respiratory infection odd ratios and risk of cancer associated with PM concentration were used to assess the impact on health. The study found that the maximum PM10 concentration was 194.5 μg/m3, and the minimum was 3 μg/m3. In all stations, a negative correlation was observed between PM10 and atmospheric water content, while the wind speed and temperature showed a positive correlation. The global trends indicated an increasing value, with five fluctuations in five-year moving trends, consistent with PM sources and socio-economic behavior. PM concentrations were found to comply with national standard; however, the results showed a potential impact on population health. The management regulation had a limited impact on increasing concentration. Considering that national regulations tend to converge towards WHO standards, the study area must create a management program to ensure compliance.

Seasonal variation and human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in pharmaceutical effluents around Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are widely released into the environment as a result of increased urban and industrial development in recent years. The bulk of PTEs are cancer-causing and harm human health by producing free radicals. As a result, it is crucial to monitor, evaluate, and limit the effects of the elements on human health. In this study, levels of PTEs (As, Cr, Cd, Ni, Co, and Pb) in pharmaceutical effluents discharged along the Asa River around the Ilorin metropolis and their seasonal variations were evaluated. Water samples were collected from eight different locations over a two-season period along the river and analyzed for PTEs using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Co had mean PTE values in the effluents (both seasons) of 0.0258, 0.0233, 0.00193, 0.0176, and 0.0164mg/L, respectively, with As and Pb surpassing the WHO standard. Maximum temperature and pH were measured for the physicochemical parameters in the wet season, whereas electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were seen in the dry season. The average values of the metals in the human risk assessment for carcinogenicity were As > Cd > Pb > Cr > Ni > Co, with As above the recommended threshold in several locations. However, all of the metal hazard indices were < 1, indicating that the waters were suitable for domestic purposes. Nonetheless, the relevant authorities should mandate that pharmaceutical effluents be treated before being released into bodies of water.

Mapping air quality variations in industrial and agricultural zones: Understanding spatial and temporal patterns of selected air pollutants

With the escalating threat of air pollution on the biota, the need for research on pollutants has become imperative in industrial, urbanized and heavily populated cities. This study aimed to determine the level of major outdoor atmospheric pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, TVOCs, and HCHO) in specific locations including industrial and agricultural zones. Field measurements for this research, spanning 52 locations, were collected in the spring season using a portable instrument, and spatial variation maps were developed using ArcGIS software. The study measured PM10 concentrations ranging from 31 μg/m3 to 267 μg/m3 and PM2.5 concentrations ranging from 27 μg/m3 to 253 μg/m3. PM2.5 levels at most sites exceeded USEPA, WHO, and PEQS standards, while PM10 levels generally met these standards. The highest values of coarse and fine particulate matter were observed in areas dominated by emissions from the textile industry. Furthermore, particulate matter concentrations showed spatial variations, increasing towards the North and East directions. The Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) concentrations, ranging from 0 mg/m3 to 4.019 mg/m3, exceeded Hong Kong SAR standards at five locations, thereby elevating health risks for residents in these areas. Similarly, formaldehyde levels, ranging from 0 mg/m3 to 0.754 mg/m3, surpassed the Hong Kong SAR standard at seven locations, indicating a substantial threat of exposure for the local population. In general, air quality at most field sampling sites was registered as UNQUALIFIED but was also observed to be FRESH at a few locations. This research is significant for understanding the levels of major pollutants so that the concerned authorities can take appropriate measures to tackle air pollution by introducing pollution control technologies in industries, switching to renewable energy options, and managing road dust.

How do maternal socioeconomic and behavioral patterns affect oral health in early childhood?

A prospective longitudinal observational cohort study. The data analyzed were derived from a comprehensive observational study on BRISA prenatal cohort conducted in São Luís City, Brazil, between 2010 and 2013. A convenience sample included pregnant women recruited from both public and private prenatal health services in the city. To participate in the study, women needed to have undergone an obstetric ultrasound before the 20th week of pregnancy to estimate gestational age. Multiple pregnancies were excluded. Initially, the pregnant women were interviewed and assessed for oral health indicators between the 22nd and 25th weeks of pregnancy. A follow-up interview was conducted within 48 h after delivery. In the child's second year, the mothers were re-interviewed, and the children were examined for the second follow-up. The study received approval from the local ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The research followed the STROBE guidelines for reporting observational studies. At baseline, a structured questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic and lifestyle information like maternal age, family income, education level, occupation of the family head, pre-gestational BMI, alcohol and soft drink consumption, and smoking status during pregnancy. Dental examinations were conducted by 6 trained and calibrated dentists who assessed DMFT index and periodontal health indicators. In the second follow-up, children's oral health was evaluated using visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding, and the modified dmft index. Children's weight and height were measured by a digital scale, and BMI z-scores were calculated based on WHO standards. Sugar-sweetened beverage intake was categorized by terciles based on the percentage of total daily energy from these beverages. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze multiple pathways among a set of latent and observed variables. Three latent variables were proposed and measured: Socioeconomic Status and Periodontal Maternal Status in the mothers, and Chronic Oral Disease Burden (CODB) in the children. CODB was inferred from 3 observed indicators: VPI, gingival bleeding, and tooth decay. Total, direct, and indirect effects were calculated for variables from the gestational period and the child's second year of life. In total, 1141 mother-child dyads were included. Periodontal Maternal Status correlated with more decayed teeth in pregnant women (standardized coefficient (SC) = 0.089; p = 0.008). Addictive risk behaviors were highly correlated, with SCs of 0.679 (p < 0.001) for alcohol and smoking, and 0.262 (p < 0.001) for soft drink and alcohol consumption. Obesity (SC = 0.081; p = 0.048) and added sugar consumption (SC = 0.142; p = 0.040) were interconnected across generations from pregnant women to their offspring. Children's consumption of sugar was strongly associated with CODB (SC = 0.357; p = 0.005). Caries and periodontitis were correlated in pregnant women. Obesity and sugar consumption have intergenerational impacts. Early sugar intake relates to CODB in early childhood. Intergenerational behavioral risks affect oral health in the first 1000 days of life, influencing long-term health outcomes.

Assessing female anopheles mosquito susceptibility to three insecticide classes in Ilorin metropolis Nigeria: Implications for environmental management and effective vector control

This study investigates the environmental factors affecting the susceptibility of Female Anopheles mosquitoes to three classes of insecticides in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, following WHO standards. The analyzed breeding sites showed severe water pollution, with low dissolved oxygen, high conductivity, and heavy metal contamination. Anopheles mosquito populations at two of the five breeding sites, Akanlanbi and Aminlengbe, were resistant to all three insecticide types tested. The mosquitoes in Aminlengbe exhibited higher resistance to organochlorine (71% mortality), organophosphate (73%), pirimiphos methyl (73%), and carbamates (83%) and bendiocarb (88%) compared to those in Akanlanbi, which had lower resistance to pirimiphos methyl (94%) and carbamates (67%) and bendiocarb (86%). In contrast, mosquitoes from the other three sites (Edun, Niger, Shao-garage) were mostly susceptible (98%-100%) to the organophosphate insecticide pirimiphos methyl but showed varying susceptibility to the two carbamate insecticides tested (propoxur and bendiocarb). Mosquitoes at these sites were 98.4%-99.5% susceptible to bendiocarb, yet resistant to propoxur (88.7%-94.6%). The study attributes environmental pollution at these breeding sites to historical agricultural practices, industrial activities, and improper waste disposal, contributing to insecticide resistance among mosquito populations. This resistance poses significant challenges to malaria vector control efforts in Ilorin. The study emphasizes the urgent need for integrated vector management (IVM) strategies that incorporate environmental management into vector control plans. This study therefore recommends adopting pesticide and fertilizer degradation strategies, improving waste management practices, implementing comprehensive IVM approaches, developing supportive policies, and enhancing community awareness and participation to mitigate mosquito-borne diseases and ensure effective malaria control amidst rising insecticide resistance.

Assessment of water supply to the east European arctic agglomeration from groundwater, taking into account their quality and health risks

The purpose of the study is to assess the possibilities of using groundwater for water supply in the East European Arctic agglomeration based on an assessment of their quality and health risks. For this purpose, high-precision determinations of the complete macro- and microcomponent composition were carried out in sixty-six water samples taken from wells up to 180 m deep. It was found that in some samples the concentrations of Na+, Fe, B, Ba, Mn and U exceeded WHO standards. The least mineralized young waters are characterized by the processes of dissolution of carbonates with the transition of Ca, Mg, Ba, Sr into water, and the processes of leaching of Fe and Mn by acidic swamp waters from near-surface sediments. Waters of high mineralization, enriched in Na+, Cl-, B, Mo, Cd, Pb, were formed as a result of the dissolution of aluminosilicate rocks over thousands of years and mixing with relics of ancient and modern marine transgressions. An assessment of the average Water Quality Index value of the studied aquifer showed that, in general, the water is of excellent quality. Non-carcinogenic risks were determined primarily by uranium concentrations. The average danger index values for this element for children were 1.22. In adults it was slightly lower and amounted to 0.83. Carcinogenic risks are associated primarily with arsenic concentrations. The average total carcinogenic risk associated with this element was 3.8.10−5, which is acceptable, but samples from two wells showed total carcinogenic risk values above 10−4, which is in the high-risk area. For drinking purposes, it is preferable to use low-mineralized water with a minimum content of toxic elements. If necessary, preliminary aeration of the water is possible, during which precipitation of iron, arsenic and uranium occurs. Due to the typical nature of the problem under consideration for the Arctic regions, the results obtained can be used at other sites in the Subpolar zone.

Tracing groundwater nitrate sources in an intensive agricultural region integrated of a self-organizing map and end-member mixing model tool

The traceability of groundwater nitrate pollution is crucial for controlling and managing polluted groundwater. This study integrates hydrochemistry, nitrate isotope (δ15N-NO3− and δ18O-NO3−), and self-organizing map (SOM) and end-member mixing (EMMTE) models to identify the sources and quantify the contributions of nitrate pollution to groundwater in an intensive agricultural region in the Sha River Basin in southwestern Henan Province. The results indicate that the NO3−-N concentration in 74% (n = 39) of the groundwater samples exceeded the WHO standard of 10 mg/L. According to the results of EMMTE modeling, soil nitrogen (68.4%) was the main source of nitrate in Cluster-1, followed by manure and sewage (16.5%), chemical fertilizer (11.9%) and atmospheric deposition (3.3%). In Cluster-2, soil nitrogen (60.1%) was the main source of nitrate, with a significant increase in the contribution of manure and sewage (35.5%). The considerable contributions of soil nitrogen may be attributed to the high nitrogen fertilizer usage that accumulated in the soil in this traditional agricultural area. Moreover, it is apparent that most Cluster-2 sampling sites with high contributions of manure and sewage are located around residential land. Therefore, the arbitrary discharge and leaching of domestic sewage may be responsible for these results. Therefore, this study provides useful assistance for the continuous management and pollution control of groundwater in the Sha River Basin.

Evaluation of Water Quality Indexes and Heavy Metal Pollution Indexes of Different Industrial Effluents and Karnaphuli River Water in Chattogram, Bangladesh

ABSTRACTThe study evaluated the water quality index (WQI) and heavy metal pollution index (HPI) of different industrial effluent and surface water from various sites of the Karnaphuli River, based on the weighted arithmetic index method. The samples were collected from 20 different industries, including textile dyeing, textile washing, oil processing, chemicals, and tannery, and 17 stations of the Karnaphuli River, from the Kalurghat Bridge to the estuary where the river meets with the Bay of Bengal. This study was carried out in the dry season of the 2021–2022 fiscal year. Six physicochemical parameters, namely pH, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, and hardness, were taken for the determination of the WQI, and concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr, Mn, and Ni) were considered for the calculation of the HPI. Both indexes were calculated against the Bangladesh Standard (denoted by subscript a) and WHO standards (denoted by subscript b). The water quality indexes WQIa and WQIb for industrial effluent ranged from 11.66 to 176.77 and 44.45 to 9703.99, respectively. Samples namely TD‐5, TD‐7, TD‐8, TD‐9, TD‐10, OS‐1, and C‐1 showed excessively high WQI value. On the other hand, the HPIa and HPIb of industrial effluent varied from 43.6 to 167,785.3 and 0.34 to 18,412.3, respectively. Furthermore, oil processing and chemical effluents showed noticeably higher HPI values than other industrial samples. Both WQI and HPI values indicated a serious pollution load in most experimental samples. No river water sample showed a WQI value below 100, denoting it was unfit for consumption. The water quality indexes WQIa and WQIb for river water samples ranged from 1275.40 to 29,405.77 and 131.20 to 5860.99, respectively. According to the Bangladesh Standard, the river water samples were moderately to highly polluted by metal. The highest HPI value for the river water sample was 7965, denoting extreme metal pollution. The investigation revealed that most industrial effluents and Karnaphuli River water samples contained significant pollution load. Therefore, effective measures must be adopted immediately for future sustainability to cope with this contamination. The results emphasize the immediate requirement for strict regulations and advanced water treatment technologies to reduce contamination risks in the Karnaphuli River. Prompt action by authorities is essential to safeguard the river, prevent ongoing ecological damage, and address metal accumulation in fish affecting the food chain. Public awareness and legislative measures are vital for ecosystem preservation.

Highly efficient uranium uptake by the eco-designed cocamidopropyl betaine-decorated Na-P1 coal fly-ash zeolite

In some locations around the globe, the U concentrations may exceed WHO standards by 2-folds therefore, effective yet environmentally wise solutions to purify radioactive waters are of significant importance. Here, the optimized and fully controlled coal-fly-ash based Na-P1 zeolite functionalization by employing novel, biodegradable biosurfactant molecule - cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is showcased. The zeolite’s surface decoration renders three composites with varying amounts of introduced CAPB molecule (Na-P1 @ CAPB), with 0.44, 0.88, and 1.59-times External Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC). Wet-chemistry experiments revealed extremely high U adsorption capacity (qmax = 137.1 mg U/g) unveiling preferential interactions of uranyl dimers with CAPB molecules coupled with ion-exchange between Na+ ions. Multimodal spectroscopic analyses, including Fourier-Transformed Infra-Red (FT-IR), X-ray Photoelectron (XPS), and X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS), showed the hexavalent oxidation state of U, and no secondary release of the CAPB molecule from the composite. The EXAFS signals fingerprint changes in the interatomic distances of adsorbed U, showing the impact of the O and N, heteroatoms present in the CAPB molecule on U binding mechanism. The presented research outcomes showcase the easy, scalable, optimized, and environmentally friendly synthesis of biofunctional zeolite effectively purifying the real-life U-bearing wastewaters from the vicinity of the Pribram deposit (Czech Republic).

Assessment of radiation dose due to 238U, 226Ra, 222Rn and 210Po in groundwater of Kodagu district, India.

Natural radionuclides are universally spread and can be found in varying levels in rock, soil and water depending on the geology. A potential health threat may be caused by them to humans on consumption of water, food and inhalation of air due to the presence of radionuclides. In the present study, an attempt has been made to study the distribution of 238U, 226Ra, 222Rn and 210Po in groundwater samples of Kodagu district, India. The activity concentrations of 238U, 226Ra, 222Rn and 210Po were found to vary from 0.44 to 8.81μgL-1, 0.71 to 7.66 mBqL-1, 1.54 to 9.61BqL-1 and 0.47 to 4.35 mBqL-1, respectively. The associated dose due to radiation was assessed and was observed to be below the recommended standards. The total effective dose to the population was calculated and was found to be less than the recommended WHO standard of 100mSv.