Physicochemical Parameters Of Water Research Articles

Inorganic Phosphorus Fractions and Sorption Capacity of Sediments Correlated with Physicochemical Parameters of Water in Langat River, Selangor Malaysia

This study investigates the physicochemical parameters of water, their association with inorganic phosphate fractions, and the sorption capacity of sediments. Water and sediment samples were collected from upstream, midstream, and downstream sections between November 2022 and June 2023. The water samples were analysed according to the American Public Health Association (APHA) guidelines for physicochemical parameters. Inorganic phosphate fractions in the sediments were quantified using the molybdenum blue colourimetric method. Sediment phosphate sorption capacity was assessed by measuring the resulting filtrate and applying regression correlation and Langmuir isotherm models to determine the relationships among the sediment samples. Sediment analysis of inorganic phosphorous fractions revealed varying percentages of Ca-P (32.6%), Rs-P (38.3%), and Fe-P (48.4%) dominating the upstream, midstream, and downstream sections, respectively. Sediment phosphate adsorption varied between sections (upstream: 4.00 to 18.21 mg/g vs. midstream: 4.36 to 21.10 mg/g vs downstream: 4.00 to 12.98 mg/g), with no significant differences between streams at specific phosphate concentrations. However, all the sections displayed a saturation point of approximately 20–25 mg/l. The Langmuir isotherm parameters accurately described P adsorption onto Langat River sediments, as indicated by the moderately high R2 values for Qmax and RL. The downstream section of the Langat River had elevated levels of EC, COD and SRP parameters and Ex-P, Al-P, Fe-P, and Ca-P fractions, except for the Rs-P fraction that dominated the midstream section, indicating collective effects of anthropogenic activities. Therefore, strict regulations to improve wastewater treatment and promote sustainable wastewater management are essential for reducing inorganic phosphorus pollution in the Langat River and protecting water quality.

Dynamics of inland saline ground water and associated growth potential of common carp Cyprinus carpio for a sustainable aquaculture

Natural and anthropogenic causes have led to soil degradation, salinisation of inland areas, and groundwater. The degraded soils are unsuitable for primary agriculture, but can be utilised for saline aquaculture. ICAR-CIFE has initiated a selective breeding program for faster growth in common carp cultured at low salinity (6–8 ppt). The present study demonstrates the dynamic nature of physico-chemical parameters of Inland Saline Ground Water (ISGW) and the growth potential of selectively bred F1 generation of common carp using ISGW. About 1560 common carp fingerlings were stocked in two ponds, each representing a unique size class (> 100 g and < 100 g). "The water quality parameters, viz., temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium recorded during the culture period had mean values of 30.27 ℃, 6.73 ppt, 8.48, 5.02 mg L−1, 1544.83 mg L−1, 217.29 mg L−1, 177.22 mg L−1 and 332.33 mg L−1, respectively". The average body weight of common carp at stocking in Pond 1 and Pond 2 was 42.43 g and 180.86 g, respectively. The average standard length at stocking for Pond 1 and Pond 2 was 10.57 cm and 16.57 cm, respectively. The overall means for harvest body weight and standard length at 200 days of culture in summer months were 432.48 ± 4.14 g and 22.72 ± 3.04 cm, respectively. The effects of standard length, sex of fish, and sex by pond interaction were found to be significant on the harvest body weight. The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE), and Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) obtained for Pond 1 and Pond 2 were 2.19, 45.8, 1.53; 2.25, 44.44, and 1.48, respectively. The daily weight gain for Pond 1 and Pond 2 was 1.58 g and 1.61 g, respectively. In conclusion, the common carp reared in an inland saline environment showed a similar growth pattern in both size classes as reported in freshwater culture. Thus, the present study recommends common carp as a potential candidate species for inland saline aquaculture in degraded soils and advocates its scientific propagation.

Evaluation of the Contamination of Four Metal Trace Elements (ETM) of Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis niloticus) from Two Types of Fish Ponds in an Aquaculture Production Center in Côte d’Ivoire

Trace Metal Element (ETMs) pollution in fish farming is becoming a concern due to difficult production conditions. This study investigated the level of contamination by four trace metals: lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd). ETM research focused on Oreochromis niloticus from two types of fish ponds in the Haut-Sassandra region of Côte d'Ivoire. The health risk associated with tilapia consumption in this major production area was assessed. The concentration of Trace Metal Elements in fish was measured using a Perkin Elmer argon plasma emission spectrometer, Optima 3000 DV model. The physicochemical parameters of pond water were taken in situ with a multi-parameter. The physicochemical characteristics show that the Haut-Sassandra region is an area favorable to fish farming activity with a neutral pH, an average temperature of 30°C and a conductivity less than 300. As for ETMs, Low concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.040 mg/kg for tilapia, from 0 to 3.0147 mg/kg for sediments and from 0 to 0.3262 mg/kg for ponds water were observed in the matrices studied. Mercury and arsenic were found to be absent in Tilapia. The statistical analyzes carried out showed that the average concentrations of these ETMs are lower than the standards recommended by FAO and European Union. However, bioconcentration factors between 2 and 6 indicate that chemical pollutants in pond water and sediments have a negative impact on Oreochromis niloticus production, As for dam ponds / retentions basins, values less than 1 were obtained. This study reveals that the consumption of Tilapia from fish ponds in the Haut-Sassandra region could presents a low risk. The work has also shown that tilapia from bypass ponds / diversion basin are the most vulnerable to the ETMs studied.

The Role of Hygiene in a Sustainable Approach to Managing Pool Water Quality

To achieve sustainable swimming pool water management, it is necessary to minimize the consumption of energy, water, and chemical agents to maintain the appropriate water quality. Some of the pollutants are introduced by swimmers and can be relatively easily removed if swimmers take a shower before entering a pool. Thus, this research questions how much of an impact this simple act could have on the water quality and generally on sustainable water management in swimming pools. To address this question, experiments were conducted at the AGH Swimming Pool in Kraków, in a real facility—a hot tub—with the participation of volunteers who took a shower in Variant 1 and did not in Variant 2. The assessment was made on the basis of selected microbiological and physicochemical parameters of swimming pool water, including disinfection by-products. The research results proved that taking a shower can significantly reduce the load of pollutants users introduce into swimming pool water and can contribute to more efficient and ecological treatment of swimming pool water and minimize the negative impact on the health of swimming pool users (microbiological contaminants and precursors of harmful chlorination by-products).

Influence of water chemistry and contaminant occurrence on the oxidative stress ecology of Cottus gobio in a high-mountain lake (Carnic Alps)

Understanding oxidative stress in high-mountain lake fish offers crucial insights into their health, resilience, and adaptation to extreme environmental changes. This study investigates the oxidative stress response of Cottus gobio in a high-mountain lake (Dimon Lake) located in the northeast Italy during the ice-free season, focusing on the relationship between oxidative stress biomarkers and physicochemical water parameters, as well as persistent and emerging contaminants. Significant seasonal variations were observed in water parameters, with lower oxygen, pH, conductivity, and phosphate levels in summer compared to autumn, while temperature, ammonium, and nitrate were higher in summer. Metal concentrations in C. gobio muscle were higher in autumn, with Zn showing the most significant increase. PAHs, NDL-PCBs, and pesticides were all below the limit of quantification in the fish muscle samples. No microplastics items were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of fish. Oxidative stress biomarkers revealed organ-specific and seasonal variations. The liver exhibited the highest activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-tranferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR), highlighting its central role in detoxification and metabolic processes. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was notably higher in muscle tissue during summer, suggesting increased metabolic activity. A strong correlation was found between pH and the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and metallothioneins (MTs), emphasizing the importance of water chemistry in influencing oxidative stress responses. This approach not only aids in understanding the local adaptations of these fish but also highlights the impacts of environmental stressors on high-mountain ecosystems. Continuous monitoring of water chemistry, particularly pH, is crucial for understanding and managing oxidative stress in aquatic organisms, especially in the context of global environmental changes.

Arsenic in water from the Bystre Thrust-Sheet (Outer Carpathians, Poland): Geological and environmental implications

The article focuses on the physicochemical parameters of water in streams, springs, boreholes, and intakes from the Bystre Thrust-Sheet (the Silesian Nappe, Fore-Dukla Zone), the only area in the Polish segment of the Outer Carpathians where arsenic minerals occur. These waters are characterized by the presence of arsenic, lithium, mercury, barium, strontium and usually high CO2 concentrations. The study aimed to determine the range of the geochemical anomaly of arsenic in water. An important aspect was to determine the origin of As and link its presence with the content of ions of other chemical elements dissolved in water. The sampling points were designated based on geological maps with a particular emphasis on the occurrence of tectonic dislocations and the configuration of the river network. In the selected places 47 samples of water were taken, and various elements were determined. Then, the range of occurrence of various types of water that differed from the average concentrations of selected ions was analysed. The potential relationship between the chemical composition of water and the geology of the Bystre Thrust-Sheet was also discussed. The high concentrations of arsenic were found only in springs and boreholes. In flowing waters, these concentrations quickly decreased due to dilution or precipitation and binding with the solid phase. Relatively high (max. 378.72 μg/L) arsenic concentration, which significantly exceeded the permissible value (50 μg/L), was detected in the Bystre 1 borehole. This water has a pH value of 7.85 indicating its alkaline nature. When considering water use for health purposes, it is necessary to monitor its arsenic content. The conditions prevailing in waters, mainly high pH, favour the immobilization of metals in sediments and suspended matter. The lower concentrations of arsenic in flowing waters may be attributed to the strongly calcareous nature of the Cieszyn beds which act as a natural barrier, limiting the migration of arsenic beyond the Bystre Thrust-Sheet.

Food Safety: Pathological and Biochemical Responses of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to Parasitological Infestation and Heavy Metals Pollution in Aquaculture System, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The study aims to assess the overall safety of cultured tilapias in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia by assessing the impact of infection and anthropogenic pollution on farmed tilapias based on fish sex, body weight, length, and heavy metals contamination. A total of 111 fish were collected from an aquaculture farm in Hada Al-Sham, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Physicochemical parameters of water from the culture system were evaluated. Both ecto- and endoparasites were checked. Haematological, biochemical and histopathological investigations were evaluated. In addition, heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were evaluated in different fish tissues and water samples from the aquaculture system. The study revealed stressed aquaculture system. Tilapias were infested by both ectoparasites including Trichodina, Icthyophthirius multifiliis, Dactylogrus, and Cichlidogyrus, and endoparasites as Icthyophonus hoferi, the nematode Capillaria and coccidian protozoa. The study showed that male tilapias had greater infestation rates than females and longer and heavier male fish tended to be more susceptible to Dactylogyrus infection. Infected fish showed altered biochemical markers with subsequent increases in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The post-mortem lesion in the skin, gill lamellae, intestine, spleen, and liver showed significant pathological remarks. All investigated fish tissues revealed higher rates of heavy metals bioaccumulation compared to the surrounding waters. On the other hand, infected Nile tilapia tissues showed higher rate of metals accumulation compared to non-infected ones. Metals accumulated at a higher rate in the liver followed by kidney, intestine, gills, and muscles, respectively. This study is recognized as the first to address the food safety of farmed tilapias in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The results emphasized a significant relation between parasites and heavy metal in disrupting fish defense systems and harming fish's physiological homeostasis and the histological state of tissues. The parasitized and polluted farmed fish pose health risk to humans due to possible zoonosis from parasitic infections and its subsequent bacterial infections with long-term exposure to toxic chemicals. Addressing the need for a combination of improved aquaculture practices, and stringent regulatory oversight.

Status of phytoplankton biomass and physico-chemical parameters of water during fish cage culture fallowing: a case study of Southeast Arm of Lake Malawi

Status of phytoplankton biomass and physico-chemical parameters of water during fish cage culture fallowing: a case study of Southeast Arm of Lake Malawi

Mosquito breeding water parameters are important determinants for Microsporidia MB in the aquatic stages of Anopheles species

BackgroundMicrosporidia MB disrupts Plasmodium development in Anopheles mosquitoes, making it a possible biocontrol tool for malaria. As a tool for vector/disease control, its ecological distribution and the factors that determine their occurrence must be defined. We investigated the frequency of Microsporidia MB in Anopheles mosquitoes across selected sites in northern and southern Ghana, as well as the physicochemical parameters of mosquito breeding water that are associated with the occurrence of the fungus, by fitting regression models.MethodsA non-column extraction method was used to extract DNA from the abdomens of 4255 adult Anopheles mosquitoes that emerged from larvae and pupae collected between August and October of 2021 and 2022. Detection of Microsporidia MB was achieved using quantitative PCR (qPCR), while mosquito species were molecularly identified using short interspersed nuclear elements (SINE), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods, and the ANOSPP algorithm.ResultsOverall Microsporidia MB distribution was 2.2% (92/4255). Male mosquitoes exhibited a higher frequency of infections and had a predicted probability of infection that was 85% higher than that of females. Sites in Ghana's Savannah zone had the highest Microsporidia MB distribution (68.5%). Biochemical oxygen demand in mosquito breeding water was estimated to be positively associated with and significantly predicts Microsporidia MB in mosquitoes with an accuracy of 94%. Increasing ammonium ion concentrations reduced the chances of finding Microsporidia MB-positive mosquitoes. According to our data, all Anopheles mosquitoes, including minor species such as An. squamosus, An. pretoriensis and An. rufipes, had equal probability of Microsporidia MB infection.ConclusionsThese results provide preliminary information on micro-ecological factors that potentially support the sustainability of Microsporidia MB infection in mosquitoes during their aquatic life stages. It will be important, therefore, to explore the impact of strategies for larval source management on these factors to ensure that the symbiont's persistence during the host's aquatic stages may not be adversely affected should it be used as an integrated approach for mosquito/disease control.Graphical abstract

Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Quality of the Surface Water of the Nostoc Commune of the Andean Communities of Huancavelica, Peru

Objective: The purpose was to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of surface water from the Nostoc commune of Andean communities in Huancavelica-Peru, and to compare its variation in relation to its distribution and environmental conditions. Theoretical Framework: Surface water quality depends on anthropogenic factors. The physico-chemical and microbiological surface water quality indicators of the Nostoc commune are important for environmental monitoring, biomass production and social economic livelihoods. Method: Samples of surface water from streams and ponds were considered as biological material. The physicochemical and microbiological analyses were determined according to the protocol and recommendations established in the Standard Methods for the Examination of Wastewater of APHA (2012) and ECA (2017). Results and Discussion: The results revealed that the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of surface waters of streams and ponds inhabited by Nostoc commune meet the guidelines established by ECA and APHA, with variations to their geographical distribution and environmental conditions. Meteorologically, Nostoc commune is common at altitudes between 4240 and 5877 masl, with temperatures of 4-14°C and relative humidity of 20-60% varying between January and April. Research Implications: The study shows the surface waters of the Nostoc commune to be unsuitable for agricultural and human use. It is crucial for public and environmental health as a balancer of surface water quality. Originality: It offers unprecedented contributions to the literature on the quality of the surface water of the Nostoc commune habitat. The relevance and value of this algae as a viable source of water utilization for agricultural and public health purposes is evident.

Chromium and lead bio-accumulation in relation to physico-chemical parameters in water and fish of Wasai Reservoir, Kano State

Chromium and lead bio-accumulation in relation to physico-chemical parameters in water and fish of Wasai Reservoir, Kano State

Schistosomiasis transmission: A machine learning analysis reveals the importance of agrochemicals on snail abundance in Rwanda.

Schistosomiasis is an important snail-borne parasitic disease whose transmission is exacerbated by water resource management activities. In Rwanda, meeting the growing population's demand for food has led to wetlands reclamation for cultivation and increased agrochemical enrichment for crop production. However, the ecological consequences of agrochemical enrichment on schistosomiasis transmission remain unexplored. A malacological survey was conducted in 71 villages selected from 15 schistosomiasis endemic districts. Snail sampling was done in wetlands used for agriculture, along lake Kivu and at constructed multipurpose water dams. Water physico-chemical parameters were collected at all snail sampling sites. Analysis of collected data was performed using Xgboost (gain) and Random Forest (mean decrease in accuracy), machine learning techniques, to construct models that evaluate and categorize the importance of all physico-chemical properties on the presence and abundance of intermediate host snails (IHS). Different sets of parameters were relevant for the presence and abundance of Biomphalaria spp. and/or Bulinus spp. snails. Electrical conductivity, elevation, magnesium and lead content were deemed to shape the presence and abundance of Bulinus spp. snails. The impact of phosphate ion concentration, ammonia ions, total nitrogen and total organic carbon levels mirrored their importance towards the presence and abundance of Biomphalaria spp. Factors such as pH, electric conductivity, total nitrogen content and total organic carbon influenced the coexistence of both species. Our study highlights the value of integrating a wide range of predictor variables, enabling effective variable selection to uncover important predictors of snail distribution. The results suggest that agrochemical compounds can enhance the abundance of IHS leading to an increased risk of Schistosoma transmission. Snail surveillance could therefore be integrated into agricultural expansion projects in our match towards schistosomiasis elimination. Recognizing the impact of agrochemicals on IHS is crucial for minimizing schistosomiasis transmission among those working in wetlands while meeting the growing need for food.

Global Trends in Research on Microplastic Contamination and River Water Quality: A Bibliometric Review

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyse global trends in research related to microplastic contamination and river water quality using a bibliometric approach. Microplastics have become one of the most pressing environmental issues in recent decades, mainly due to their significant impact on aquatic ecosystems and potential harm to human health. Along with the increasing attention to this issue, the scientific literature related to microplastics and river water quality has grown rapidly. However, a thorough understanding of the distribution of research, relationships between topics, as well as potential research gaps is still needed to direct future research more effectively. This study used a literature search method through the Publish or Perish app, with keywords including "microplastics," "water quality," "water pollution," "microplastic contamination," and "river." The search was conducted from 2014 to 2024, resulting in 50 relevant articles for further analysis. The data obtained was then processed using VOSviewer to map and visualise the bibliometric network, identify key clusters, and evaluate the temporal progression of these research topics. The resulting visualisations, including network visualisation, overlay visualisation, and density visualisation, provide deep insights into how key terms are connected and evolve in the literature. The analysis showed that research on microplastics in the context of rivers and water quality is heavily dominated by a few key terms such as "microplastic," "river," and "water," indicating the high level of scientific attention on this topic. In addition, it was found that research often focuses on the distribution of microplastics, physicochemical parameters of water, and sources of contamination. However, there are some significant research gaps, especially related to the effect of salinity on microplastic distribution, the accumulation of microplastics in river sediments, and the role of wastewater treatment plants in preventing the spread of microplastics to aquatic ecosystems. The conclusion of this study is that despite significant progress in understanding the distribution and impacts of microplastics, many aspects still require further research. In particular, research on the long-term impacts of microplastics and their interactions with other environmental components should be further enhanced. The findings are expected to provide guidance for future researchers to explore under-explored areas and contribute to better environmental management. Keywords: Microplastic, Water Quality, River Pollution, Bibliometric Analysis, Environmental Research

Ecology and diversity of zooplanktons in an aquaculture pond of Madhepura

Present study was conducted in an aquaculture pond of Madhepura town. Physicochemical parameters of water studied. Altogether, 11 genera of zooplanktons were identified belonging to 8 families. Rotifera was represented by 4 families and 4 genera, Cladocera with two families and 3 genera and Copepoda with two families and 4 genera. Rotifera dominated throughout the year. Maximum population of Rotifera were found in winter season and minimum in rainy season. Cladocera population was largest in summer season and lowest in winter. Copepoda population was maximum in rainy season and minimum in winter season. Seasonal variation in abundance of zooplanktons was maximum in summer (152 ind/l) and minimum in rainy season (116 ind/l). Percentage population of Rotifera was recorded as 54.63%, that of Cladocera 26.80% and that of Copepoda 18.55%.. KEYWORDS :Zooplanktons, Abundance, Diversity, Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda.

Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Water and Public Perceptions of Water Quality in Tasik Chini, Pahang, Malaysia

The study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of water and assess the public perception of the water quality status in the Tasik Chini watershed based on a community survey. The water sample was analyzed based on standard methods and categorized according to WQI (Water Quality Index). Multivariate statistical analysis was adopted to find spatial variations in water quality, determining the pollution level and sources of contamination. The study results were compared with NWQS (National Water Quality Standard for Malaysia). The results showed that the value of dissolved oxygen (DO) was low (4.68 mg.L-1), while the level of biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total dissolved solids (TDS) was found to be high, 2.92 mg.L-1, 26.10 mg.L-1 and 22.93 mg.L-1 respectively. High turbidity was recorded in a mining area in the rainy season (35.76 NTU). The DOE-WQI value categorized the lake under class II and class III. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the major sources of contamination were due to anthropogenic activities, especially settlement, mining, agriculture, and illegal activities. Overall, Tasik Chini’s water quality status was classified as slightly polluted to highly polluted based on hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) results. The survey showed that 55% of the local community reported that the water quality was poor. The knowledge and attitude level of the local people was medium category, while community practice was low. The Pearson correlation coefficient test showed a strong significant relationship at 0.01 level between knowledge and attitude and knowledge and practices. The scientific findings with public perceptions might be useful for policymakers and the general public to improve the management system for a desirable future.

Helminths Parasite Communities in Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) in the Sô River (Benin, West Africa) : A Prelimanary Study

Heterotis niloticus, the african bonytongue, is a fish species living in shallow waters. Its feeding ecology makes it an omnivorous species capable of reaching large sizes. It is a rare species in the catches except from well-known areas and seasons. A total of 39 H. niloticus individuals from Sô river were subjected to parasitological examination in order to identify the diversity of parasites. Physicochemical water parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (O2), Nitrite (NO2), Electrical Conductivity (EC), turbidity and total dissolved solids (TDS) were recorded. The sex and the size of any fish were reported. Indices characterizing the parasitic infracommunity and the component community were determined. Total prevalence was 97.43%, with five parasite species identified, comprising 3 heterogenous parasites and 2 monoxenous parasites and a community of 529 individuals. Male fish were more infested than females (P &lt; .05) while the mean abundance and intensity were largely in favor of acanthocephalans (P &lt; .05). There was no significant correlation (P &gt; .05) between the physicochemical parameters and the parasite prevalence. The physico-chemical profile revealed therefore an acceptable living ecosystem for fish. However, the high presence of heterogenous parasites suggests that further investigations over a longer sampling period could highlight the biotic or abiotic factors favorable to this multiplication of each recorded parasite group.

Study of Some Physico-chemical Parameters of Water Treated by Activated Carbon Based on Rhonier Fiber

Study of Some Physico-chemical Parameters of Water Treated by Activated Carbon Based on Rhonier Fiber

Comprehensive assessment of fish diversity and water health in river Indus, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Fish diversity and water quality are vital indicators of the health of freshwater ecosystems, however these systems are increasingly threatened by environmental changes and anthropogenic activities. This investigation aimed to assess the fish diversity and evaluate the physicochemical parameters of water at Ghazi Swabi near Tarbela Dam, River Indus, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, between March and June 2020. Monthly water samples were collected and analyzed for various physicochemical parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, turbidity, salinity, and concentrations of heavy metals including lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). Using various nets and traps the fish specimens were collected with the help of local fishermen. Morphometric and meristic analyses were conducted to identify the species, while systematic keys were used to remove misidentifications. A total of 110 fish specimens were collected, representing 7 species across 6 genera, 3 families, and 3 orders. The family Cyprinidae was the most abundant, with species including Puntius conchonius, Puntius waageni, Crossocheilus diplocheilus, Barilius modestus, and Aspidoparia morar. The Belonidae family was represented by Xenentodon cancila, and the Ambassidae family by Chanda nama. Physicochemical analysis showed that the water quality remained within permissible limits for aquatic life, however higher levels of certain heavy metals were detected, which may pose long-term risks. The study concluded that the fish diversity at Ghazi Swabi near Tarbela Dam reflects a moderately healthy ecosystem, the presence of heavy metals in the water raises concerns about future ecological health. Regular monitoring and mitigation efforts are recommended to preserve biodiversity and maintain water quality. The study suggests the need for sustainable management practices to protect freshwater ecosystems from anthropogenic impacts.

Low-cost filtering materials for domestic water treatment

The article investigates certain low-cost filtering materials and their filtration efficiency for open well sources in terms of economic access to clean water in Anakapalle, a suburb of Visa-khapatnam, India, during the pre-monsoon period of 2022. The corresponding research aimed to study a selection of filter materials including coconut shell activated carbon, rice husk ash, manganese modified sand, and graphene oxide, as well as assess their performance against selected physico-chemical parameters of water. Considering the basic idea of slow sand and gravity-based filtration, a setup was arranged with a cartridge filled with layers of filtering materials and a ceramic candle filter. Adsorption turned out the most pronounced removal mechanism that took place when utilizing the aforementioned filter materials. The main focus of the study was to reduce pH, TDS, hardness, alkalinity, chlorides and iron content by applying dif-ferent filtration removal mechanisms. The study results show a significant drop in turbidity, pH, TDS and chlorides, and small reduction in hardness when coconut shell activated carbon and rice husk ash were used as filtration media. Whereas the chemically coated medium – manga-nese modified sand – demonstrated a considerable fall in iron concentrations, graphene oxide sand was observed to reduce alkalinity for any sample source.

Genotoxic impact of agricultural insecticides as contaminants of river Teesta on the resident fish Pethia Conchonius.

Fish, being highly sensitive to changes in the physico-chemical parameters of water, are good indicators of contamination. Teesta, a prominent northern West Bengal River system, is increasingly contaminated due to anthropogenic activities. This study aims to determine agricultural pesticide contamination and its genotoxic impact on the resident fish, Pethia conchonius, as an experimental organism. Sample water analysis from three riverine sites I, II & III, showed the presence of the insecticides imidacloprid (IMI), chlorpyrifos (CPF), bifenethrin (BF), cypermethrin (CP), difenthiuron, acetamiprid (AC) in the sites II and III only with adjoining agricultural lands. Comet assay revealed a significantly lower % Head DNA (~ 1.2 times), higher %Tail DNA (~ 16 times), and %Tail length (~ 3.1 times) in the gills of Pethia conchonius from sites II and III. About 4 and 10 times increase of micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities were also noted in the erythrocytes of the fish from sites II and III than I, which was not contaminated. The antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GST activity and MDA levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the liver samples from sites II and III, while AChE activity was significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in the brain tissues. Moreover, the sod, cat, and gpx expression in the hepatic cells were significantly upregulated compared to the β actin mRNA indicating increased oxidative stress. Increased genomic damage, antioxidant enzyme activity, higher MDA levels, decreased AChE activity in the brain, and the upregulation of hepatic genes strongly suggested the genotoxic effects of the detected insecticides in combination with other contaminants.