Underground Water Samples Research Articles

Hydrochemical Characteristics, Controlling Factors and Groundwater Sources of Zaozigou Gold Mine

The Zaozigou gold deposit is recognized as one of the largest and most significant independent gold deposits in northwest China, representing a colossal orogenic gold-antimony deposit. It is imperative to delve into the hydrochemical characteristics and controlling factors within the mining area to unveil the groundwater circulation evolution process and enhance water resource management. In 2018, a comprehensive collection of 50 groups of groundwater samples was conducted, alongside 17 groups of surface water and underground mine water samples in 2023. Compositional descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, Piper three-plot, Gibbs map, ion ratio method, hydrogeochemical simulation and PCA methods were employed to reveal the chemical characteristics and evolution process of groundwater in the Zaozigou gold mine. Furthermore, employing water isotopes theory allowed for the identification of recharge sources and circulation conditions within the Zaozigou Gold Mine. The findings indicated a transition from HCO3-Na·Ca type polluted water in 2018 to primarily the SO4-Ca·Mg type and HCO3·SO4-Na·Ca·Mg type groundwater hydrochemistry types by 2023. The hydrochemical characteristics of the study area are closely related to the mining depth and time. The chemical characteristics are influenced by various factors such as rock weathering, mineral dissolution, cation exchange processes, atmospheric precipitation as well as human activities related to pollution from industrial mining activities.

Assessment of potential health impact of volatile organic compounds of underground water samples around fuel station in Okinni area Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

Levels and potential toxicity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed in underground water from six locations near a fuel station in Okinni, Osun State, Nigeria. Samples were collected and analyzed using standard procedures. A total number of seven VOCs were detected with varying concentrations, they were: benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, m, p-xylene, o-xylene, and dichloromethane. One-way ANOVA results showed a significant difference (p < 0.5) in VOC concentrations across locations. Most VOCs exceeded USEPA and WHO threshold values, indicating contamination likely from fuel station leachates, as suggested by the low toluene to benzene ratio (T/B < 2). Odour Hazard Index (OHI) values were below 1 in all but location 3, where m,p-xylene, and o-xylene levels were 0.921 and 1.105, respectively, implying that the water from location 3 was not safe given the odour risk assessment.. Carcinogenic risks were more significant through ingestion than dermal contact. Non-carcinogenic risk values were within safe limits except in location 3. Consequently, using the borehole water from location 3 for domestic activities could expose the people of these communities to serious health issues. Therefore, there is a need for urgent attention from the relevant authorities to safeguard the health of this populace.

Interpretation of subsurface layers using the Wenner configuration geoelectric method and geochemical tests: Case study at Muara Fajar landfill – Rumbai, Pekanbaru

The need for water daily is a big problem for people living around Muara Fajar landfill – Rumbai, Pekanbaru. This study aims to identify the depth of subsurface structures around the Muara Fajar landfill area using the Wenner configuration dielectric method and determine the water quality in the community wells around the landfill site. The data obtained in the acquisition process are used to calculate the apparent resistivity value at each measurement point and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Then proceed with the inversion process using the progress program so that obtained resistivity value and layer thickness at each point of measurement. The results of measurement in track-1 get a range of resistivity values ranging from 62.9 – 171 ohm-meters and track-2 from 32.4 – 70.6 ohm-meters. Underground water taken is residents' well water in the research area as many as 5 sample points using GPS. This underground water sample will be tested with parameters such as pH, TDS, BOD, COD, NH3, and turbidity. Underground water cannot be consumed from the results of the water quality test with the parameters mentioned at the beginning if referring to the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia because the pH obtained in all underground water samples is &lt; 6.5 or acidic, the value of the BOD, COD, NH3, and turbidity parameters, the values are by the quality standard.

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.

Radiation protection for Gabes phosphate area residents: Assessing natural radioactivity in soil and potable water samples

Phosphate mining activities are recognized to be one of various industrial processes generating enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) by introducing natural radionuclides into the surrounding soils and water bodies, posing a risk to human health.This study was carried out to assess the level of natural radionuclides in soils and potable waters collected from the phosphate area of Gabes city, located in southeastern Tunisia, and to evaluate radiation protection measures by estimating radiological health hazard parameters. Gamma spectrometry system employing an HPGe detector was used in this study to assess 40K, 232Th and 226Ra activity concentration in soils. The average values were found to be 163.7, 14.5, and 7.7 Bq kg−1, respectively, which were lower than worldwide average values. The radiological hazard parameters assessed in this study were radium equivalent activity (Ra-eq), external hazard index (Hex), external gamma absorbed rate (GDR), external annual effective dose (Deff) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). The calculated average values of the above-mentioned parameters were of 41 Bq kg−1, 0.1, 20.2 nGy h−1, 24.8 μSv y−1 and 8.7 × 10−5 all of which were found to be below their permissible standards.For potable water samples, the activity concentrations of radium were analyzed using an HPGe detector and those of uranium were determined by alpha spectrometry. The average activity concentrations of uranium and radium isotopes in underground water samples were found to be higher than those obtained in tap water samples. For both types of water, the average values for all radionuclides were found to be below their respective reference limits.The annual ingestion effective doses were also estimated in this study. The estimated average values for infant and children for underground water samples were higher than the permissible limit of 100 μSv y−1 set by WHO. The 226Ra was the main contributor to the effective doses for different age categories, followed by 228Ra.

Novel benzothiazole-pyrazoline-styrene hybrid for ultrasensitive detection of Hg(II) ions: Synthesis and chemosensor evaluation.

Water pollution has become a serious issue, and mercury(II) ion (Hg(II)) is highly toxic even at low concentrations. Therefore, Hg(II) concentration should be strictly monitored. This study evaluated pyrazoline compounds as fluorescence chemosensor agents for Hg(II) detection. These compounds were prepared from vanillin via etherification, Claisen-Schmidt, and cyclocondensation reactions, to yield benzothiazole-pyrazoline-styrene hybrid compounds. The hybrid compound without styrene was successfully synthesized in 97.70% yield with limit of detection (LoD) and limit of quantification (LoQ) values of 323.5 and 1078 μM, respectively. Conversely, the hybrid compound was produced in 97.29% yield with the LoD and LoQ values of 8.94 and 29.79 nM, respectively. Further spectroscopic investigations revealed that Hg(II) ions can either chelate with three nitrogen of pyridine, pyrazoline, and benzothiazole structures or two oxygen of vanillin and styrene. Furthermore, the hybrid compound was successfully applied in the direct quantification of Hg(II) ions in tap and underground water samples with a validity of 91.63% and 86.08%, respectively, compared with mercury analyzer measurement. The regeneration of pyrazoline was also easily achieved via the addition of an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution. These findings show the promising application of the benzothiazole-pyrazoline-styrene hybrid compound for Hg(II) monitoring in real environmental samples.

Assessment of the Microbial and Physicochemical Quality of Water: Evidence from Selected Groundwater Sources from The Coastal Region of Ondo State, Nigeria

The coastal area of Nigeria frequently experiences pollution of water due to various human activities that may compromise the quality of underground water. This study evaluated the microbial contamination and quality indicators of groundwater in the coastal environment of Ondo State, Nigeria. Nine underground water samples were collected from the study area and assayed using conventional microbiological techniques coupled with standard physical and chemical analytical procedures. Results revealed that all the samples had total viable bacterial counts, fungal counts and coliform counts which ranged from 61.25 to 85.32 CFU/100 mL, 10.00 to 35.32 SFU/100 mL and 6 – 24 MPN/100 mL respectively, which were higher than the set WHO limit. Results also revealed that the samples from Irele and Ese- Odo Local Governments Areas had acidic pH in the range of 4.20 -5.21 considered to be below the WHO permissible limit whereas only one of three samples from Ilaje Local Government had acidic pH of 5.23. The concentrations of the heavy metals varied among the samples with manganese (0.183-0.311) mg/L exceeding the 0.08 mg/L prescribed by the WHO. The high microbial load, acidic pH of 4.20 -5.23 in 77.78 % of samples and elevated amount of certain metals suggest the need for water quality monitoring and intervention by government and oil multinationals operating in the area noting that adequate supply of safe - drinking water will improve human health and reduce the burden of waterborne diseases.

Graphical, statistical and index-based techniques integrated for identifying the hydrochemical fingerprints and groundwater quality of In Salah, Algerian Sahara.

Groundwater, a predominant reservoir of freshwater, plays a critical role in providing a sustainable potable water and water for agricultural and industry uses in the In Salah desert region of Algeria. This research collected 82 underground water samples from Albian aquifers to assess water quality and identify hydrogeochemical processes influencing mineralization. To achieve this objective, various methods were employed to evaluate water quality based on its intended uses. The drinking water quality index utilized revealed the water potability status, while the indicators of irrigation potability were employed to evaluate its quality for agricultural purposes. Additionally, an assessment of groundwater susceptibility to corrosion and scaling in an industrial context was conducted using several indices, e.g., Langelier index, Larson-Skold index, Ryznar index, chloride-sulfate mass ratio, Puckorius index, aggressiveness index, and the Revelle index. The findings of this study revealed thatthe groundwater quality for consumption fell into four categories: good (2.44%), fair (29.27%), poor (65.85%), and non-potable (2.44%). Concerning agricultural irrigation, the indexical results indicated that 15.85% of the waters exhibited adequate quality, while 84.15% were questionable for irrigation. Calculations based on various corrosion and scaling evaluation indices showed that most wells were prone to corrosion, with a tendency for calcium bicarbonate deposit formation. Furthermore, the hydrochemical study identified three water types: Na-Cl (53.66%), Ca-Mg-Cl (37.80%), and Ca-Cl (8.54%) waters. Analyses of correlation matrices, R-type clustering, factor loadings, Gibbs diagrams, scatterplots, and chloro-alkaline indices highlighted that the chemistry of the Albian groundwater is fundamentally impacted by a number of processes such as silicate weathering, evaporite dissolution, ionic exchange, and anthropogenic inputs, that played impactful role in the aquifer's water chemistry.

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Suitability Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Irrigation

The hydrochemical properties of groundwater play a crucial role in crop growth and soil health, as well as the maintenance of irrigation equipment. To ensure suitable water quality for irrigation, the present study was conducted to evaluate the hydrochemical properties of irrigation groundwater in a typical agricultural region of Serbia. Groundwater was sampled at three monitoring locations in the Srem region in Republic of Serbia between 2011 and 2020. Examined parameters included electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved salts (TDS), pH values, and the concentrations of cations (sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and potassium (K+)) and anions (bicarbonate (HCO3−), chloride (Cl−), sulfate (SO42−), and nitrate (NO3−)). Further assessment was done using three classification systems; Nejgebauer’s, the US USSL, and the FAO classification. To obtain a more detailed assessment, additional indices were included, such as Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Permeability Index (PI), Kelly’s Ratio (KR), Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR), and Total Hardness (TH). The PCA analysis detected that the concentration of K+, Ca2+, and Na+ in the irrigation water were lower in recent years, while the concentration of Cl− was higher. The cluster analysis grouped the parameters into three clusters; I—electroconductivity, II—dry residue and HCO3−, and III—other water parameters for all three monitoring localities. According to the applied classifications, the majority of underground water samples were suitable for irrigation. However, some samples fell out of the range of the first class, indicating the need for regular water quality monitoring. In light of climate changes that influence water deficiency, the urgent need for wise and sustainable water use implies the application of a comprehensive approach to irrigation water quality assessment, as shown in this study.

Microbiological insight into various underground gas storages in Vienna Basin focusing on methanogenic Archaea.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in extending the potential of underground gas storage (UGS) facilities to hydrogen and carbon dioxide storage. However, this transition to hydrogen storage raises concerns regarding potential microbial reactions, which could convert hydrogen into methane. It is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the microbial communities within any UGS facilities designated for hydrogen storage. In this study, underground water samples and water samples from surface technologies from 7 different UGS objects located in the Vienna Basin were studied using both molecular biology methods and cultivation methods. Results from 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the proportion of archaea in the groundwater samples ranged from 20 to 58%, with methanogens being the predominant. Some water samples collected from surface technologies contained up to 87% of methanogens. Various species of methanogens were isolated from individual wells, including Methanobacterium sp., Methanocalculus sp., Methanolobus sp. or Methanosarcina sp. We also examined water samples for the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria known to be involved in microbially induced corrosion and identified species of the genus Desulfovibrio in the samples. In the second part of our study, we contextualized our data by comparing it to available sequencing data from terrestrial subsurface environments worldwide. This allowed us to discern patterns and correlations between different types of underground samples based on environmental conditions. Our findings reveal presence of methanogens in all analyzed groups of underground samples, which suggests the possibility of unintended microbial hydrogen-to-methane conversion and the associated financial losses. Nevertheless, the prevalence of methanogens in our results also highlights the potential of the UGS environment, which can be effectively leveraged as a bioreactor for the conversion of hydrogen into methane, particularly in the context of Power-to-Methane technology.

Heavy metals high-sensitive detection by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy based on radial electroosmotic flow-driven enrichment

Heavy metal detection is imperative for human health and environmental sustainability. However, the commonly used liquid sample pretreatment, drying liquid droplet to solid, encounters solute diffusion and nonuniform distribution, thus causing unpromising detection results. Here, we developed a radial electroosmotic flow-driven (REOF) platform to enrich heavy metals in water for high-sensitive detection using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Firstly, the electrodes in the substate for REOF were designed and produced by the printed circuit board manufacturer. Different particle deposition patterns were observed by modifying the direction and magnitude of voltage in the evaporated droplets of Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2) on the substrate. Then, the two-dimensional model of the evaporating droplets with REOF was established to verify the experimental phenomenon. The CdCl2 (10–50 mg/L) and Manganese Chloride (MnCl2, 1–8 mg/L) solutions were quantitatively analyzed with the optimized parameter on the substrate by LIBS. The detection limits of Ca and Mn can be reduced by approximately 42 times with REOF substrates by LIBS. Finally, the Mn in the real underground water sample was tested with the REOF substrate by LIBS, and the relative error was 5.5% compared with the results of ICP-MS. The results demonstrated that the REOF can enrich and uniformly distribute the solute on the substrate, and be helpful for the analysis of heavy metals in solution with LIBS.

A comparative study of underground water arsenic contamination and suffering of people in Flood Plain with Deltaic reason of Bangladesh

The people were drinking arsenic-contaminated underground water in Bangladesh. We had analyzed 33,092 hand tube-well water samples, collected from all four geomorphological areas (i.e., from all 64 districts) in Bangladesh and found arsenic in 60 districts that were above the WHO recommended value in drinking water (10 μg/L) and in 50 districts that were above maximum permissible limit, 50 μg/L. In this paper, I have reported the magnitude of arsenic contamination in the tubewell water samples that were collected from two districts of Bangladesh, one from Flood Plain, named Chandpur, and another one from Deltaic region, named Madaripur. It describes the analytical report of arsenic concentrations in underground drinking water and biological samples, and people suffering from arsenic toxicity in these two districts. In the Madaripur district, 19.62% of the total tubewell water samples (n=2,309) contained arsenic concentrations that were below WHO recommended value (10 μg/L) and safe to drink, and 80.38% and 59.59% of the tubewells contained levels arsenic that were above 10 μg/L and 50 μg/L, respectively. In Chandpur district (n=1,165 tubewell water samples), these values are 4.12, 95.88, and 92.79%, respectively. Of the samples in Madaripur, the percentage of water samples with arsenic are 26.94, 12.68, 3.29. 0.91, and 0.22% in the ranges 100-299, 300-499, 500-699, 700-1,000, and above 1,000 μg As/L, respectively. In Chandpur district, these values are 57.86, 25.15, 4.81, 1.80, and 0.43%, respectively.

Highly intensive and long-lasting chemiluminescence “Three-in-One” Hemin/Fe3O4@MoS2 hybrid nanozyme powered lab-on-fiber device for Ochratoxin A immunoassay

A novel long-lasting chemiluminescent (CL) “Three-in-One” Hemin/Fe3O4 @MoS2 hybrid nanozyme powered lab-on-fiber (CN-LOF) device was developed for Ochratoxin A (OTA) detection. The “Three-in-One” nanozymes could catalyze luminol-H2O2 system to produce robust and long-lasting CL under pH range of 6.5–9.0 and temperature range of 0–70 ℃, such excellent catalytic activity was mainly originated from the synergistic effect of MoS2, Fe3O4 and hemin and the nanozyme’s elegant 2D/3D structure. In the reaction system, the nanozymes could continuously catalyze H2O2 to generate O2•− and 1O2 species, which was the main reason for the production of persistent CL. Using OTA antibodies labeled nanozyme for CL signal amplification while a reusable functionalized optical fiber as a biorecognition and separation element and also as a CL transducer, the CN-LOF could quantify OTA with high sensitivity and stability within 20 min. The obtained linear detection range for OTA was 0.69–65.85 ng/mL and the LOD was 0.16 ng/mL under optimal conditions. The proposed CN-LOF method had been successfully applied to the detection of OTA in underground water and milk samples, and the detection results were highly consistent with those of LC-MS, demonstrated the CN-LOF method had great application potential in the analysis of environmental samples and the detection of foodborne biotoxins.

Antimicrobial and Metal Tolerance of Bacteria Isolated from Underground Water Sample of Aged Crude Oil Contaminated Site

The study was aimed at evaluating metal tolerant and antibiotic resistant bacteria isolated from underground water around aged crude oil polluted site. Samples were collected from different locations around aged crude oil polluted site and control sample from an uncontaminated site of Bodo community, Gokana Local Government, Rivers state, Nigeria. The samples were cultured on nutrient agar, Bushnell Hass and MacConkay agar using standard microbial technique. Antibiogram of the isolated and identified bacteria were determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The bacterial tolerance of different concentrations of the heavy metals, Chromium, Vanadium, Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead was determined. The total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) of the samples ranged from 1.26×104 CFU/ml to 3.6×105 CFU/ml. Count of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) ranged from 1.02×103 to 3.2×103 CFU/ml and the coliform count of the sample ranged from 4.2×103 CFU/ml to 4.0×103ml. The predominant bacteria identified were Bacillus sp, Micrococcus sp, and Staphylococcus sp, Enterobacter sp and Proteus sp. All (100%) the Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to the antibiotic, Ceftazidime, Cefprozil and Cloxacin, 92% were resistant to Gentamycin and Erythromycin while 80% were resistant to Augmentin. All (100%) of the Gram-negative bacteria isolates were resistant to cefluroxime, 66% were resistant to Augmentin and Ceftazidim, and 33% were observed to be resistant to Nitrofurantin and Gentamicin. It was observed that all the isolates were tolerant to 50 µg/ml concentration, 70 to 100% of the isolates were tolerant to 100 µg/ml concentration, 17 to 100% were tolerant to 200 µg/ml concentration while 11 to 41% were tolerant to 300 µg/ml concentration of all the heavy metals studied. From this study, it was revealed that petroleum aged contamination could be a source of heavy-metal tolerance and antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Physico-Chemical and Trace Metal Analysis in Groundwater of Nagapattinam Region in Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu State

The aim of the present work is to find the quality of water in and around the Nagapattinam region and geochemical study of water and its chemical composition with qualitative and quantitatively assessed from the period of post monsoon ( January) in the year 2020. Therefore, ten underground water sample were taken from different areas in Nagapattinam region and analysed for the following qualities such as Color, odour, temperature, Electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, Hydrogen ion Concentration, calcium, magnesium, chloride, potassium, sodium, nitrate, and sulphate and trace metals like manganese, lead, chromium, copper, iron, arsenic, cadmium and zinc. The physico chemical parameters indicate the quality of ground water varies from bore well to bore well. Higher values of any parameter in a borehole indicate that the water is not fit for drinking. Therefore, the public is advised that the groundwater source in the study area should be monitored before it is used for domestic and drinking water purposes and that the government should adopt some treatment technology in the current study regions to minimize the hardness and salinity for provide safe water to the public.

Investigating underground water salinity in east coastline of Tamil Nadu, India and improving its quality through solar assisted desalination

The gradual infiltration of sea water into the ground near coastal regions causes severe damage to the quality of underground water. It will end up with a high level of salinity in the bore wells near the coastal areas. In this study, an assessment has been conducted systematically to analyse the water quality parameters and level of salinity in underground water samples, which were collected from the sub-urban area near the coastal line of Chennai, a metropolitan city in Tamil Nadu. The various factors pertaining to the water quality were examined with the water samples collected from eight arbitrary locations, and the results show that the intrusion of seawater is predominant for the salinity of the underground water in this zone. In order to provide a low-cost solution for producing potable water, an effective solar assisted desalination method using a solar desalting still (SDS) has been proposed. The improvement in the water quality parameters of the samples after the solar distillation process was critically investigated. The outcomes evidenced that the treatment of salty underground water with the aid of SDS has been effectively enhanced its quality for the domestic uses.

Assessment of underground water quality and water quality index across the Noyyal River basin of Tirupur District in South India

The quality of underground water is essential for ensuring the long-term, secure use of this resource for any activity, especially drinking, irrigation, and so on. However, the country's rapid urbanization and industrialization have frequently resulted in groundwater contamination as a result of the discharge of unprocessed industrial effluents and municipal wastewater into the river. Tirupur is an important city in south India, known for its textile industries and diverse culture. It is rich in textile processing mills and located on the bank of the Noyyal River. The underground water quality across the Noyyal basin was assessed in this study by taking underground water samples from fifteen arbitrary locations in Tirupur along the Noyyal River's downstream. Several indicators of water quality have been taken into account in this analysis, including hydrogen potential (pH), total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, chlorides, nitrates, bicarbonates, and sulfates. The underground water quality index (UWQI) has also been computed based on the test results. The outcomes indicate that underground water quality has been significantly affected due to the contaminated Noyyal River. To conserve the quality of the underground water, an appropriate action plan needs to be executed.

Estimation of Inhalation and Ingestion Dose Due to Radon Concentration in Drinking Water Samples of Shankaraghatta Forest Environment, Karnataka, India

Objectives: To estimate inhalation and ingestion doses due to radon concentration in rural areas of Shankaraghatta forest environment, India. Methods: In this study, the risk due to radon concentration in underground drinking water samples of the Shankaraghatta region has been estimated using emanometry technique. The 44 drinking water samples were collected from different water sources in sample bottles (500 ml) and were carefully sealed to ensure there is no air gap and were analysed within 24 hours by radon bubbler technique using a Lucas cell. Findings: The radon (222Rn) concentration in underground and surface water samples of the entire region varies from 1.10  0.25 Bq l􀀀1 to 30.67  5.10 Bq l􀀀1 with an average value of 13.10  2.2 Bq l􀀀1, is higher than the USEPA proposed maximum contamination threshold of 11Bql􀀀1.The Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE) ranges from 3.86 mSv y􀀀1 to 83.80 mSv y􀀀1 with an average value of 36.35mSv y􀀀1, which is slightly higher than the global average value. Novelty: The present work focuses on the public health of the study area where such estimation was not carried out. The estimated annual effective, inhalation and ingestion doses due to radon in underground drinking water samples are found to be substantially below the 100 mSvy􀀀1recommended by WHO and EC. Hence, public of the study area won’t receive any serious health hazard due to radon in drinking water and the water is fit for drinking without any additional treatment. Keywords: Radon Concentration; Underground and Surface water; Emanometry Technique

EFFECT OF ABATTOIR WASTE ON THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND FAECAL COLIFORM LOAD OF SURFACE AND UNDERGROUND WATER BODIES IN UGHELLI, DELTA STATE

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of effluent from the Ogheneweta abattoir on the physico-chemical and faecal coliform load of surface and underground water surrounding the abattoir. The study compared the water quality parameters with the guidelines provided by the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The research involved the determination of various factors, including physico-chemical characteristics, microbial activity, and spatial and seasonal variations of water. Four sampling stations were selected for the study, with two focusing on groundwater impact and the other two on surface water impact. Differences between the two types of stations were also analyzed. Field sampling was conducted over a nine-month period, and water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand, and faecal coliform load were measured. Standard methods and instruments were utilized for sample collection and analysis, following established water analysis procedures. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired sample T-test (P&lt;0.05). The results indicated that water temperature ranged from 25.56oC to 27.78oC, pH from 6.52 to 7.11, total dissolved solids (TDS) from 10.67mg/l to 210.78mg/l, electrical conductivity (EC) from 20.95mg/l to 426.05mg/l, dissolved oxygen (DO) from 4.17mg/l to 4.72mg/l, turbidity from 1.95mg/l to 9.67mg/l, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from 1.33mg/l to 1.74mg/l. Faecal coliform counts in underground and surface water samples ranged from 2.00 to 2.22MPN/100L and 2.67 to 7.33MPN/100L, respectively. The study findings revealed that the abattoir activities had a negative impact on the quality of both surface and underground water within the Ogheneweta abattoir area. While most physico-chemical and microbial parameters adhered to FMENV and WHO guidelines, the concentrations of turbidity in surface water and faecal coliform in both surface and underground water exceeded the acceptable limits. Moreover, the study showed distinct seasonal variations in physico-chemical parameters, with higher values recorded for pH, TDS, and turbidity during the rainy season, and lower values observed for conductivity. Based on the results, it is recommended that a groundwater monitoring program be implemented to assess the water quality status of wells near abattoirs, ensuring the protection of local residents’ health. Prompt intervention measures, including the establishment of effluent treatment facilities, are essential for effective waste management at abattoirs in Ughelli.

Identification of Heavy Metals and Organic Micropollutants in Drinking Water Sources in Typical Villages and Towns in Northeast China.

This study identified and detected the existence of major pollutants in northeast China. As an alpine region and an agricultural base, this region has representative significance in pollution research. We selected 56 samples from drinking water sources of typical villages and towns, focusing on the analysis of heavy metals and organic micropollutants in northeast China. The analysis results showed that Fe and Mn were the main metal elements exceeding the standard. The exceeding rates were 17.9% and 19.6%. Experiments showed that there were 19 kinds of pesticides, 6 kinds of OPEs, 2 kinds of PAEs, 22 kinds of PPCPs. The detection rate of these 49 kinds of organic micro-pollutants were 1.79~82.14%. The characteristics of organic pollution were extensive and varied. Many underground water samples had high level of micropollutants. The water quality parameters of drinking water sources in villages and towns showed close relation to local geological conditions and agricultural activities. Actions must be taken to control these parameters from the source of pollution.