Total Dissolved Solids Research Articles

Arowana cultivation water quality monitoring and prediction using autoregressive integrated moving average

<p class="western" align="justify"><span>Decorative fish is a fish that humans keep for amusement. There are many decorative fish that exist in this world, one of them is known as the Arowana fish (Scleropages Formosus). This fish is known around Asia including in Indonesia. However, to ensure the Arowana is living well is not easy. The water quality inside a farm must follow a strict balance. The pH of the water must not exceed or below 7 pH. Meanwhile, the total dissolved solid (TDS) salt must not exceed 1000 parts per million. If the balance collapsed, the Arowana fish will not grow. Thus, the owner must monitor the water to make sure that the water is ideal. There were many approaches including internet of things (IoT) solutions. However, they have weaknesses with prediction. Because of this reason, this study designed pH and TDS monitoring with autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) as the algorithm. To achieve the solution, this study used experiment methodology as the research fundamental from top to bottom. According to the evaluation, this study found that the accuracy of ARIMA model is 98.12% for pH and 98.86% for TDS. On the contrary, the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model has an accuracy of 98.52% for pH and 99.89% for TDS.</span></p>

Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization of Multi-Stage Equilibrium Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Grape Pomace

The seasonal nature of wine production results in the accumulation of significant quantities of grape pomace (GP) during harvest, presenting management challenges for wineries that traditionally regard this solid byproduct as low-value waste. However, extracting phenolic compounds (PCs) from GP offers a promising avenue for creating bioactive extracts for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This study develops a mathematical model for predicting the total phenolic content (TPC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) in liquids obtained from multi-equilibrium-stage extraction processes using a 50% aqueous ethanol solution to recover PCs from Tannat GP. The model is applicable across a wide range of TPC and TDS concentrations in the liquid (0.2-45.4 gGAE/L for TPC and 1 to 118 g/L for TDS) and extraction temperatures between 30 and 70 °C. It is used to determine the optimal operational conditions of a Shanks extraction system, either to minimize fresh solvent consumption or to maximize selectivity for PCs extraction, achieving a desired extraction yield with a specified number of extraction vessels.

Mitigating pollutants in textile dye wastewater with Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench: A study on treatment efficacy

Textile wastewater, particularly those containing dyes, presents significant threats to environmental quality and human health. This study assessed the efficacy of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (Okra) in removing pollutants from textile dye effluent collected in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. The effluent samples were treated with varying doses of phyto-coagulants (0.02g, 0.04g, 0.06g, 0.08g, 0.10g, and 0.12g), as well as isolated polysaccharides from Aloe vera and Okra, to identify optimal strategies for reducing color, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). The findings revealed that the phyto-coagulants, particularly Okra polysaccharides, significantly reduced pollution levels, achieving a 90% reduction in color, 96% reduction in TDS, and 82% reduction in COD. To further understand the mechanism of pollutant removal, GC-MS, FTIR, and Zeta potential analyses were conducted. This study highlights the effectiveness of natural coagulants in mitigating environmental pollution and preventing the entry of harmful chemical contaminants into the food chain. The study supports the potential of Aloe vera and Okra as sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for addressing the environmental challenges posed by textile wastewater pollution.

Physicochemical properties and antimicrobial efficacy of argon cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet activated liquids – a comparative study

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet activated liquids (CAPJALs) have attracted considerable scientific attention due to their peculiar antimicrobial characteristics. In the current context, there is a need to compare the bactericidal activity of CAPJALs and demonstrate the specific parameters necessary to obtain greater effectiveness. This in-vitro research examines the antimicrobial activity of liquids, such as deionized water (DI-W), drinking water (DW), tap water (TW), and normal saline (NS) activated by Ar cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (CAPJ) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli and S. aureus. The computed D- value showed that CAPJALs' bacterial inactivation efficacy followed the trend – DI-W ≈ NS > DW > TW for both the isolates. To obtain greater bactericidal effectiveness, an optimum combination of liquid activation time by CAPJ and CAPJAL – bacteria interaction time was noticed. In addition, the rate at which the physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and concentration of reactive species (H2O2, NO3-, and NO2-)) changed within the liquid varied in different ways. It was observed that the identified gas-phase species (Ar I, Ar+, N2, N2+, O I, OH•, OH+, NO+, O2+, N2O3-, NO3-, N2O2-, etc.) would contribute to modification of liquid physicochemical property by generating liquid phase reactive species (NO3-, NO2-, H+, H2O2, ONOOH, Cl2, HOCl, etc.) via reaction cascades. These reactive species in the liquid phase, together with other physicochemical characteristics, were found to play a part in the process of bacterial inactivation. This study into the underlying mechanism of CAPJ – liquid and CAPJAL – bacteria interaction would help to determine its potential use as a disinfectant in healthcare settings. List of microorganismsE. coli: Escherichia coli; S. aureus: Staphylococcus aureus

The impact of temperature on the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mineral waters originated from different wells: A predictive approach

This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) in natural mineral water sourced from three different extraction wells and stored at various temperatures (10, 12, 20, 23, and 30 °C) to calculate the kinetic growth parameters of this microorganism through predictive modeling. The physicochemical characterization of waters was also evaluated at the time of collection, and included the analysis of 40 different minerals, and quality parameters such as pH, conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity (PSU), and temperature (T). PSA survived in raw mineral water incubated at 12, 20, 23, and 30 °C; however, no growth was observed at 10 °C. Growth curves started with an initial population of ~ 2.5–3 log CFU/mL, and final PSA populations ranged from 3.5 to 4.9 log CFU/mL. The maximum specific growth rate (μmax) at 30 °C varied among the wells, with Well P-07 showing the highest growth rate (0.2 h−1), followed by Well P-08 (0.195 h−1) and well P-01 (0.133 h−1). At 12 °C, well P-01 exhibited the highest growth rate (μmax = 0.22 h−1), indicating a influence of mineral composition in the growth of PSA. The lag time (λ) also varied, with minimum values of 2.4 ± 0.1 h at 30 °C and maximum values of 41.6 ± 0.2 h at 12 °C. From these primary estimated parameters, it was possible to obtain five robust secondary models to describe the influence of temperature on the maximum growth rates and lag phase of PSA in the well. The estimated PSA growth parameters at 20 and 23 °C were subjected to a hierarchical cluster analysis and correlation plots to verify the influence of the physicochemical composition of the waters on the PSA behavior at each well's specific annual average temperature. This analysis confirmed a positive relationship (p < 0.05) between the presence of minerals (Ca, Fe, Sr, Mn, Na) and ions (SO4−3, Cl−) and the PSA lag phase time. These results underscore the need for tailored water quality management strategies that consider chemical composition and temperature to address specific microbial contamination risks.

Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Plague Ecosystems: Threatening the Emergence of Resistant Plague

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within the ecosystem of natural plague foci, assessing their potential impact on the efficacy of plague treatments. Employing 16S rRNA gene sequencing and high-throughput quantitative PCR, microbial communities and ARGs were detected, with subsequent analysis of interactions among ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), environmental factors, and microbial species. Tetracycline resistance genes were found to be dominant, with multidrug and tetracycline resistance ARGs primarily associated with marmots and ecological soil, while pikas predominantly harbored β-lactam resistance ARGs. High detection rates were observed for resistance genes rpsl and sul1, which are relevant to streptomycin and sulfonamides, antibiotics commonly used in plague treatment. The total dissolved solids (TDS) in soil significantly promoted the presence of tetR-02, and Ni was found to inhibit vanHB. The tnpA-03 MGE was identified as a significant contributor to the dissemination of the aadE gene. The high prevalence of ARGs, particularly rpsl and sul1, poses a potential risk to the efficacy of main antibiotic treatments for plague. The study suggests that environmental microbiomes may be the greatest risk factor for the emergence of drug-resistant Yersinia pestis, given the low misuse of antibiotics in animals within natural plague foci. Monitoring the risk of drug-resistant strain emergence and preparing alternative antibiotic or combination therapy strategies based on ARG pollution levels in plague-affected areas is deemed necessary.

Determination of the Quality of Groundwater in Mankweng, Limpopo Province, South Africa, Using the Water Quality Index

There is a lack of groundwater quality monitoring, especially in developing countries like South Africa. This study aimed to evaluate borehole water quality. Groundwater was analysed for pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDSs), turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen (N), sulphate (SO42−), fluoride (F−), chloride (Cl−), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), and sodium (Na+) using a multi-parameter device, spectrophotometer, turbidity meter, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were quantified using the Colilert system. The water quality index (WQI) was calculated using the arithmetic weighting method. The parameters ranged as follows: pH (6.71–7.94), DO (2.19–7.79 mg/L), EC (379.67–1317.33 µS/cm), TDSs (190–659 mg/L), temperature (16.75–22.31 °C), turbidity (0.17–3.21 NTU), COD (9–50 mg/L), F− (0.17–2.09 mg/L), Cl− (36.1–184.55 mg/L), N (0.64–28.56 mg/L), SO42− (27.18–112.13 mg/L), K+ (1.71–21.77 mg/L), Ca2+ (29.59–134.59 mg/L), Mg2+ (16.72–110.78 mg/L), and Na+ (38.52–170.63 mg/L). One borehole was polluted with E. coli (9 MPN/100 mL) and 25% were contaminated with coliforms beyond 10 MPN/100 mL. The WQI ranged from 50.430 to 190.220. The results underscore the importance of regular monitoring of groundwater.

An Analysis of Springwater Parameter Status for Different Locations in the Rural Hilly Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand boasts significant spring, groundwater, and surface water resources, particularly in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, where year-round waterfalls and springs are abundant. However, efficient utilization of these resources remains limited. Reports from the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board and Water Commission highlight that many remote villages face issues with high mineral content, particularly calcium hardness, in their water. Nine samples revealed total dissolved solids (TDS) above 500 mg/l and hardness exceeding 300 mg/l, with some containing coliform bacteria. Water quality index (WQI) values showed four samples in the ‘Good’ category, while two indicated poor quality.

Physio-chemical and microbial assessment of the source of drinking water and the prevailing waterborne diseases in Gwagwalada Municipal Area Council of Abuja, Nigeria

Water contamination poses a serious threat to the wellbeing of people globally. In Nigeria, there have been increasing cases of waterborne diseases owing to water contamination, thus becoming public health concerns. This study investigated the physio-chemical properties, microbial loads of borehole water samples from Gwagwalada area council of Abuja and its prevailing waterborne diseases. Borehole water samples were collected from five wards of the council area (Gwagwalada central (YZTM), University of Abuja Staff quarters (YZTMB), Dobi (SBWTM), Tunga Maje (TMCBW), and Ikwa (YZBTM) in triplicate and analyzed for physiochemical properties (temperature, conductivity, pH, turbidity, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and heavy metals) and microbial contamination using standard methods. Surveillance to determine the prevalence of waterborne diseases was also carried out in the health facilities of the area council. All samples showed variable concentrations in most of the physiochemical parameters and were within the recommended thresholds except for conductivity (596.01 ± 0.00 μS/cm) and chlorine (254.18 ± 0.00 mg/l) in TMCBW sample and total dissolved solids in TMCBW (948.01 ± 14.14 mg/l) and YZTM (GC) (1871.00 ± 55.15 mg/l) water samples. E. coli, Enterobacter spp., Shigella spp., Lactobacillus spp., Pseudomonas ssp., and Proteus ssp. were bacteria isolates of the samples. Principal component analysis of interrelationship showed a strong positive relationship between some physio-chemical parameters and sampling locations. Also, there was heavy burden of gastrointestinal (waterborne) diseases. The study concludes that the borehole samples from the area were contaminated and maybe unfit for consumption. Thus, call for interventions that provide safer portable water or treat existing water sources towards achieving SDG No. 6 and to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases that could emanate from the consumption of unsafe water.

Comparative Analysis of Using Water Quality in Urban Areas of Duhok City, Iraq

Water is sourced from various locations, including lakes, wells, artificial reservoirs, and rivers. Contamination of these sources poses a significant threat to human health, highlighting the need to monitor water quality. This study focuses on evaluating the water quality in the Duhok governorate of the Kurdistan region, Iraq, by analyzing several key physicochemical parameters: turbidity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), total alkalinity (TAL), total hardness (TH), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), sulfate (SO₄²⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻), sodium (Na⁺), and potassium (K⁺). Over a period spanning from January 2019 to December 2021, a total of 1,374 water samples were collected from different sources, including reservoirs, deep wells, springs, the Duhok dam, and the water supply network within the Duhok governorate. The analysis revealed that parameters such as turbidity, pH, TH, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, and Na⁺ varied significantly across the three years studied. In contrast, other parameters like TDS, EC, TAL, Cl⁻, and K⁺ showed no significant fluctuations. The results also indicated a decrease in most physicochemical parameter values in 2021 compared to 2019 and 2020, with the exception of turbidity. Overall, the majority of water samples were found to be within safe drinking limits. Ongoing monitoring of these water sources is essential to detect any variations in water quality promptly.

Evaluation of stormwater runoff pollutant distributions combined with land-use information in a regional karst aquifer in Texas, USA.

Fast urbanization can result in significant stormwater runoff pollution due to changes in land use. A 3-year study on the distribution and temporal variations of urban water pollutants in stormwater runoff was conducted, with a specific focus on the influence of land-use patterns in the recharge zone of a regional karst aquifer in Texas (Edwards Aquifer). The presence and concentration of various water pollutants including total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and phosphate), total carbon (TC) and total organic carbon (TOC), oil and grease (O&G), and eight heavy metals (Fe, Mg, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd) were measured in stormwater samples collected from three bioswales. Results show that average TSS in site S1 (598.87mg/L) and S2 (628.69mg/L), COD in site S1 (103.97mg/L), phosphate in sites S1 (1.44mg/L) and S3 (0.65mg/L), and O&G (ranging from 50.63 to 84.32mg/L) in all three sites surpassed the national average (NSQD). While residential areas were identified as the main sources of nutrients, roads and parking lots were associated with heavy metals. Temporal variations indicated the effect of antecedent dry days on the concentrations of TSS and phosphate. Growing seasons as well as pet feces were associated with elevated nitrate concentrations in residential areas. Organic carbon was found overall higher during warmer months, while heavy metals during cooler months. The study also identified specific land-use practices that can be enhanced to mitigate stormwater pollution, such as the implementation of permeable pavements, rain gardens, and stricter waste disposal regulations. The results of this study offer valuable insights for enhancing stormwater management strategies to better mitigate stormwater pollution in urban regions.

Improving Nutrient Uptake Efficiency in Hydroponic Systems With Phytoremediation of Nitrate‐Nitrogen Contaminated Wastewater

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates the efficacy of a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system in phytoremediation of nitrate‐nitrogen contaminated wastewater using six plant species: vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides), golden pothos (Epiprennum aureum), crotons (Codiaeum variegatum), arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), and brinjal (Solanum melongena). This study examines how well different plant species remove nitrate‐nitrogen from wastewater in an NFT hydroponic system. It finds that all plants, but especially money plant and arrowhead plant, successfully lower nitrate levels at influent concentrations of 30 and 90 mg/L. The wastewater had average pH values of 5–6.5, temperature values of 24°C–25°C, electrical conductivity values (EC) of 1.5–2 mS/cm, and total dissolved solids (TDS) between 1062 ± 199.3 and 1400 ± 124.16 mg/L. The system for golden pothos (70.94%–90.3%), crotons (62.5%–83.1%), arrowhead plant (67.25%–90.03%), vetiver grass (45.42%–83.1%), spinach (47.15%–81.71%), and brinjal (59.52%–83.38%) has shown excellent biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) elimination efficiency. These results suggest that nitrate‐nitrogen contaminated wastewater can be effectively cleaned up by NFT hydroponic systems, which employ certain plant species.

Comparative examination of leaching kinetics of soluble solids and effluent characteristics in different soaking processes of paddy parboiling

ABSTRACT Paddy was soaked with up to 30% moisture, and hot water soaking (35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 °C) was compared to cold soaking (CS) and submerged aerated soaking (SAS) in terms of the parameters of the paddy grain and the effluent. The investigation demonstrated that hot water soaking yielded the highest total solids (TS) (1.946 ± 0.045 g/L), total dissolved solids (TDS) (1.724 ± 0.013 g/L), and electrical conductivity (EC) (2.651 ± 0.039 mS/cm) values. Elevated dissolved oxygen (DO) (3.72 ± 0.04 mg/L) was observed in the hot water soaking (60 °C) due to the reduction of soaking duration of up to 2 h. By contrast, the SAS maintained a nearly neutral pH (7.35 ± 0.01) and lower turbidity (510.0 ± 1.4 NTU) level compared to the hot water soaking process. The leaching rates and moisture absorption were computed using pseudo-second-order leaching kinetics and Peleg model absorption kinetics, and a higher leaching rate (0.081 g/L min) was detected at 60 °C. The SAS produced higher efficiency with less resource consumption and an environmentally advantageous approach by reducing effluent strength and maintaining total solids in paddy grains. The new knowledge created by the comprehensive evaluation CS, SAS, and hot water soaking of paddy parboiling using leaching models and paddy hydration adds new insights to the development of efficient paddy parboiling methods.

Investigation of the formation and variability of dissolved inorganic carbon and dissolved organic carbon in the water of a small river (on the example of the Styr River, Ukraine).

This paper presents the results of a study on the dynamics in the concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in water samples collected from the Styr River between 2019 and 2022. The concentrations of DIC and DOC were measured using an Elementar liqui TOC II analyzer. The study methodology involved analyzing the changes in DIC and DOC concentrations and their relationship with flow rates, temperature, seasonality, and other indicators such as hydrogen pH levels, total alkalinity (TA), and total dissolved solids (TDS). The purpose of this article is to identify patterns in the formation and changes of DIC and DOC concentrations in the Styr River. The concentrations of DIC and DOC in the samples ranged from 1.55 to 4.93mM and 0.49 to 1.43mM, respectively, with DOC accounting for an average of 22% of the total dissolved carbon content. The highest DOC concentrations were observed in summer, while the highest DIC concentrations were observed in winter. Based on the results, it can be concluded that water flow and temperature have an impact on DOC concentration, while flow, temperature, and pH affect DIC concentration. There was no correlation between DIC and DOC concentrations, but a strong positive relationship (r = 0.9056, p < 0.001) was found between DIC and TA concentrations. Therefore, the main factors influencing DIC in the Styr River are those that affect the carbonate equilibrium, such as leaching of carbonate and silicate rocks, CO2 absorption from the atmosphere, and changes in pH. Additionally, the concentration of DOC is influenced by biological activity and is higher during the warm season. These findings can be used to develop a strategy for managing water resources in the Styr River basin and to assess and predict the ecological state of the river.

Optimization of Steaming Conditions for Bellflower Root (Platycodon grandiflorus) Using K-Means Clustering-Based Morphological Grading System

Bellflower roots were categorized into three clusters (class 0, class 1, and class 2) using K-means clustering based on their morphological factors: length (282.8 ± 29.53, 138.75 ± 26.8, and 209.89 ± 20.49 mm), thickness (16.25 ± 2.82, 16.77 ± 3.35, and 16.52 ± 3.05 mm), and body shape coefficient (5.80 ± 1.15, 12.73 ± 4.82, and 7.95 ± 1.71). Internal void formation, a key quality factor for bellflower root, was analyzed under pre-steaming conditions, identifying temperatures between 20 and 25 °C as optimal for storage. Within the clustered class, steaming for a prolonged duration increased the formation of internal voids and caused a decrease in normal stress values, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pectin content. Class 0, with larger and thicker roots, exhibited higher internal voids (57% void rate) due to uneven heat distribution and incomplete starch gelatinization. Class 2 roots demonstrated better structural integrity, with a void rate of 26% and a stress value of 48 kN/m2. These findings highlight the importance of morphological classification and optimal storage temperatures to improve the quality of steamed bellflower roots.

Hydrogeochemical Insights into the Sustainable Prospects of Groundwater Resources in an Alpine Irrigation Area on Tibetan Plateau

The Tibetan Plateau is the “Asia Water Tower” and is pivotal for Asia and the whole world. Groundwater is essential for sustainable development in its alpine regions, yet its chemical quality increasingly limits its usability. The present research examines the hydrochemical characteristics and origins of phreatic groundwater in alpine irrigation areas. The study probes the chemical signatures, quality, and regulatory mechanisms of phreatic groundwater in a representative alpine irrigation area of the Tibetan Plateau. The findings indicate that the phreatic groundwater maintains a slightly alkaline and fresh status, with pH values ranging from 7.07 to 8.06 and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) between 300.25 and 638.38 mg/L. The hydrochemical composition of phreatic groundwater is mainly HCO3-Ca type, with a minority of HCO3-Na·Ca types, closely mirroring the profile of river water. Nitrogen contaminants, including NO3−, NO2−, and NH4+, exhibit considerable concentration fluctuations within the phreatic aquifer. Approximately 9.09% of the sampled groundwaters exceed the NO2− threshold of 0.02 mg/L, and 28.57% surpass the NH4+ limit of 0.2 mg/L for potable water standards. All sampled groundwaters are below the permissible limit of NO3− (50 mg/L). Phreatic groundwater exhibits relatively good potability, as assessed by the entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI), with 95.24% of groundwaters having an EWQI value below 100. However, the potential health risks associated with elevated NO3− levels, rather than NO2− and NH4+, merit attention when such water is consumed by minors at certain sporadic sampling locations. Phreatic groundwater does not present sodium hazards or soil permeability damage, yet salinity hazards require attention. The hydrochemical makeup of phreatic groundwater is primarily dictated by rock–water interactions, such as silicate weathering and cation exchange reactions, with occasional influences from the dissolution of evaporites and carbonates, as well as reverse cation-exchange processes. While agricultural activities have not caused a notable rise in salinity, they are the main contributors to nitrogen pollution in the study area’s phreatic groundwater. Agricultural-derived nitrogen pollutants require vigilant monitoring to avert extensive deterioration of groundwater quality and to ensure the sustainable management of groundwater resources in alpine areas.

Application of GIS for Monitoring Firefly Population Abundance (Pteroptyx tener) and the Influence of Abiotic Factors

This study focuses on the &lt;i&gt;Pteroptyx tener&lt;/i&gt; species in the Sepetang River, Malaysia, aiming to evaluate the firefly’s abundance and explore its correlation with various biotic and abiotic parameters. The study was conducted over six months, from November 2021 to April 2022, utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) software to apply hotspot mapping and Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) analysis to elucidate the spatial distribution of firefly populations. A total of 111,615 individuals were recorded, with a particular focus on this firefly species’ presence on their display trees. Hotspot analysis showed that Station 6, located at the mouth of a river with dense mangroves, hosted 55,723 fireflies (50.01%). In contrast, Stations 9 and 10, near ponds and shrimp settlements, recorded 517–723 fireflies (0.65% and 0.46%). Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) unveiled a statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.88, p &lt; 0.05) between wind speed and the abundance of firefly populations within the Sepetang River. However, no statistically significant correlation (p &gt; 0.05) was found between firefly abundance and various other abiotic parameters, including relative humidity (RH), air temperature, tide level, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and water clarity. Thus, the results revealed the preference for fireflies due to the availability of vegetation, wind speed and minimal disturbance in this area. In conclusion, this study’s information significantly adds to our understanding of these interesting insects and their complicated relationships in nature. It underscores the importance of preserving their habitats and ecosystems.

Wireless Dynamic Sensor Network for Water Quality Monitoring Based on the IoT

Water is a critical resource for human survival worldwide, and its availability and quality in natural reservoirs such as lakes and rivers must be monitored. In that way, wireless dynamic sensor networks can help monitor water quality. These networks have significantly advanced across various sectors, including industrial automation and environmental monitoring. Moreover, the Internet of Things has emerged as a global technological marvel, garnering interest for its ability to facilitate information visualization and ease of deployment—the combination of wireless dynamic sensor networks and the Internet of Things improves water monitoring and helps to care for this vital resource. This article presents the design and deployment of a wireless dynamic sensor network comprising a mobile node outfitted with multiple sensors for remote aquatic navigation and a stationary node similarly equipped and linked to a server via the IoT. Both nodes can measure parameters like pH, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS), enabling real-time data monitoring through a user interface and generating a database for future reference. The integrated control system within the developed interface enhances the mobile node’s ability to survey various points of interest. The developed project enabled real-time monitoring of the aforementioned parameters, with the recorded data being stored in a database for subsequent graphing and analysis using the IoT. The system facilitated data collection at various points of interest, allowing for a graphical representation of parameter evolution. This included consistent temperature trends, neutral and alkaline zone data for pH levels, and variations in total dissolved solids (TDS) recorded by the mobile node, reaching up to 100 ppm.

Low-Energy Desalination Techniques, Development of Capacitive Deionization Systems, and Utilization of Activated Carbon

Water desalination technology has emerged as a critical area of research, particularly with the advent of more cost-effective alternatives to conventional methods, such as reverse osmosis and thermal evaporation. Given the vital importance of water for life and the scarcity of potable water for agriculture and livestock—especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—the capacitive deionization (CDI) method for removing salt from water has been highlighted as the most economical choice compared to other techniques. CDI applies a voltage difference across two porous electrodes to extract salt ions from saline water. This study will investigate water desalination using CDI, utilizing a compact DC power source under 5 volts and a standard current of 2 amperes. We will convert waste materials like sunflower seeds, peanut shells, and rice husks into activated carbon through carbonization and chemical activation to improve its pore structure. Critical parameters for desalination, including voltage, flow rate, and total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration, have been established. The initial TDS levels are set at 2000, 1500, 1000, and 500 ppm, with flow rates of 38.2, 16.8, and 9.5 mL/min across the different voltage settings of 2.5, 2, and 1.5 volts, applicable to both direct and inverse desalination methods. The efficiency at TDS concentrations of 2000, 1500, and 1000 ppm remains between 18% and 20% for up to 8 min. Our results indicate that the desalination process operates effectively at a TDS level of 750 ppm, achieving a maximum efficiency of 45% at a flow rate of 9.5 mL/min. At voltages of 2.5 V, 2 V, and 1.5 V, efficiencies at 3 min are attained with a constant flow rate of 9.5 mL/min and a TDS of 500 ppm, with the maximum desalination efficiency reaching 56%.

Greywater irrigation of pepper plants: Possible application and its impact on soil and plant growth

AbstractGreywater reuse may be considered a water source that can compensate for water scarcity. Reusing treated greywater on fields instead of disposing of it would be more environmentally friendly. The objective of this study was to investigate the physiological response of pepper plants to the application of both untreated and treated greywater. The greywater obtained from Al‐Huson University College was treated with zeolite filters before being used for plant irrigation in the experiments. The electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDSs) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of greywater were all higher than those of tap water by 44%, 68% and 509%, respectively. The results demonstrated that plants irrigated with tap water and treated with greywater presented greater fruit and biological productivity than did those irrigated with untreated greywater. The use of treated greywater led to a notable 8.3% increase in overall chlorophyll levels. Irrigation of pepper plants with untreated greywater led to a 33% increase in electrolyte leakage. The plants irrigated with greywater presented the highest levels of proline and total soluble sugars. Compared with those in all the other water treatments, the plants irrigated with greywater presented significantly greater magnesium and salt concentrations. Typically, treated greywater has the most significant impact on agricultural productivity.