Declining Water Quality Research Articles

Locking in hydro-engineered pathways: the lower river Murray, Australia, 1880–1940

Abstract Located downstream from substantial irrigation extraction at the “end” of the Murray–Darling River system, South Australia (SA) struggles to maintain flows and the health of the rivers within its borders. Analysis of early twentieth century engineering reports reveals that this problem is not new, beginning in the 1880s with the growth of irrigation in Australia and the riparian demands of the eastern, upstream states. I use the theory of path dependency to analyse the history of the Murray–Darling Basin from a South Australian perspective to argue that the state’s current water issues stem from cultural, institutional, and technological lock-ins shaped by its geo-political position that made it vulnerable to upstream demands for water. As SA’s negotiations for a larger water allocation failed, it turned to construction of an enviro-technical network of weirs, locks and barrages designed to assist navigation, regulate the river’s flow, keep water fresh for landholders and towns, prevent the ingress of salty sea water, and mitigate the consequences of upstream irrigation. With construction of each component the state’s hydro-engineering scheme engineers warned that with increasing extraction these strategies would only buy time and bigger-scale structures would be essential in the future to alleviate accelerating problems. Within decades SA experienced the foretold problems of diminishing flows, increasing salinity, environmental degradation and declining water quality, problems that continue and with climate change are likely to grow worse. Only a fundamental shift in cultural, institutional, and technological lock-ins can change a future trajectory that could improve the health of the river.

Water Diplomacy and Non-Traditional Security

The water scarcity crisis in Iraq has become a non-traditional security issue that threatens the country's social, political and economic stability. According to international data, water scarcity is predicted to worsen by 2030, affecting more than 700 million people worldwide. Iraq, which depends on the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is experiencing a decline in water quality and quantity that is worsening agricultural conditions, increasing social tensions and causing internal migration. This article analyzes the Iraqi government's efforts to address the water crisis through diplomacy by joining the Paris Agreement and the UN Water Convention, as well as organizing the Baghdad International Water Conference. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach to explore the impact of water scarcity in Iraq and the diplomatic responses undertaken for mitigation. Although formal diplomacy has resulted in international aid and mitigation projects, climate change impacts and domestic governance issues, such as corruption, hamper the effectiveness of such efforts. This article also suggests the need for non-formal diplomacy involving non-state actors to improve the effectiveness of solving the water crisis in Iraq.

Epilithic algal composition and the functioning of Anthropocene coral reefs.

Epilithic algae dominate cover on coral reefs globally, forming a critical ecological interface between the benthos and reef organisms. Yet, the drivers of epilithic algal composition, and how composition relates to the distribution of key taxa, remain unclear. We develop a novel metric, the Epilithic Algal Ratio, based on turf cover relative to total epilithic algae cover, and use this metric to assess cross-scale patterns. We reveal water quality and hydrodynamics as the key environmental drivers of the Epilithic Algal Ratio across the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), and reefs globally. On the GBR, the abundance of herbivorous fishes and juvenile corals were also related to the Epilithic Algal Ratio, suggesting that reefs with long-dense turfs support fewer herbivores and corals. Ultimately, epilithic algae represent the interface through which the effects of declining water quality, which impacts a third of reefs globally, can reverberate up through coral reefs, compromising their functioning.

ANALISIS KUALITAS AIR TELUK PEGAMETAN BALI BERDASARKAN METODE INDEKS PENCEMARAN

The assessment of water quality holds immense significance, especially in areas with high levels of activity such as fisheries cultivation zones. The introduction of waste from Floating Net Cage vessels and ponds could lead to a decline in water quality within Pegametan Bay. The health and survival of the varied species inhabiting the bay heavily rely on maintaining optimal water quality. This research aims to assess the existing water quality and create pollution indices by analyzing both physical and chemical parameters within Pegametan Bay.Employing a quantitative methodology, water samples were obtained from 6 distinct stations and assessed against the seawater quality standards specified in Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021. Subsequently, pollution index methodologies were applied to analyze these findings.The analyzed water quality indicators are temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), nitrate, ammonia, and salinity. Measurements were carried out directly on the water surface (temperature, pH, DO, turbidity, and salinity) as well as in samples taken to the Kerthi Bali Sadhajiwa Provincial Health Laboratory (TSS, BOD, nitrate, and ammonia). Measurement results indicate that temperature varied from 29.9 to 31.5°C; pH varied from 8.4 to 8.5; DO varied from 5 to 6.5 mg/L; turbidity varied from 0.35 to 0.70 NTU; TSS varied from 1 to 3 mg/L; BOD ranged from 0.60 to 1.01 mg/L; nitrate ranged from 0.394 to 0.4 mg/L; ammonia ranged from 0.001 to 0.038 mg/L; and salinity ranged from 30 to 33 ppt. Most of the measurements show good water quality, meeting the standards necessary to support marine life. According to the Minister of Environment Decree No. 115, year 2003, on Determination of Water Quality Status, pollution index values at all research stations were found in the range between 2.62 and 2.91. Based on the average score, all research stations were categorized as lightly polluted, with station 5 having the highest pollution index (2.91) and station 4 having the lowest (2.62). Keywords: Fishing Activities; Pegametan Bay; Pollution Index; Water Quality

A Preliminary Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Chembarambakkam Lake, Tamil Nadu, South India

Chembarambakkam Lake, an important freshwater reservoir in Chennai that provides drinking water to the city, has noticed a decline in water quality as a result of heavy metal pollution. This study aimed to evaluate the heavy metal contamination in the environment of Chembarambakkam Lake with a health risk assessment. This study involved a comprehensive analysis of toxic heavy metal levels in five waters, sediments, and commercially available freshwater fish samples, considering their bioaccumulation and potential risks to human health. We observed lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) concentrations in water, sediments, and various fish species, including tilapia (Mozambique Tilapia), wild carp (Hemiculter leucisulus), pearl-spot (Etroplus maculatus), spotted barb (Barbodes binotatus), and snakehead murrel (Channa Striate). The results indicated that, in order of prominence, the metals in the water were Cu > Zn > Pb > Cd, whereas those found in sediments were Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. The metal concentration in the sediments varied between Cd (0.52–0.82 µg/g), Cu (13.75–38.07 µg/g), Pb (1.30–3.74 µg/g), and Zn (12.60–61.12 µg/g). Similarly, the metal concentrations in the water varied between Cd (0.63–0.72 µg/L), Cu (5.35–55.17 µg/L), Pb (BDL–12.39 µg/L), and Zn (0.62–1.49 µg/L). The order of metals in the fish was Zn > Cd > Cu > Pb. The Cd concentration ranged from 0.3 to 0.60 µg/g, Cu was from BDL to 0.72 µg/g, Pb was from BDL–0.68 µg/g, and Zn was from 13.32–48.48 µg/g. The Cd and Zn concentrations were consistently the highest across the fish, sediment, and water samples. These findings shed light on the health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in Chembarambakkam Lake and suggest the need for potential bioremediation approaches.

Optimization Model for Climatic Change Impact on the Water Quality of Al-Hilla River, Iraq

This study presents an advanced optimization model to assess the impacts of climate change on water quality in the Al-Hilla River. To reduce uncertainties associated with climate change projections and quantify the river's water quality response, a novel model of the river system is developed, with the objective function integrated into optimization theory. Water quality simulations for different regions of the river system are performed using the QUAL2K model, while the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) method is applied to optimize the model. Additionally, the study investigates the effects of temperature and DO variations on microbial populations and the self-purification capacity of the water body. The results indicate that all climate change scenarios lead to a decline in water quality, with significant reductions in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, even under safe discharge conditions. The study demonstrates that the proposed technique can identify optimal solutions more efficiently, contributing to faster and more reliable decision-making in water quality management. Also, the findings reveal that both temperature and DO significantly influence microbial composition and self-purification processes, with higher temperatures and DO levels improving self-purification efficiency. These insights enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between environmental factors and water quality, offering a valuable foundation for future water management strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

Spatial variation in water quality of the Burhi Gandak River: a multi-location assessment

The Burhi Gandak River, a significant tributary of the Ganga River and a vital water source in Bihar, India, is facing critical water quality degradation due to rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrial activities. This study conducts a detailed water quality assessment of the river, focusing on the effects of these anthropogenic factors across different locations, seasons, and industrial zones. Water samples were collected and analyzed for key parameters, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDSs), total hardness (TH), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and dissolved oxygen (DO). The results indicate significant spatial and temporal variations, with water quality deteriorating notably in areas like Samastipur and Khagaria, where industrial and urban activities are more concentrated. For instance, BOD levels increased from 7.5 mg/L to 9.5 mg/l as the river flows through urban Samastipur, signaling a decline in water quality. Additionally, sugar mills located along the river contribute to higher pollution levels during operational months, especially in Lauria and Sugauli. Seasonal analysis shows that the lean season experiences the highest levels of degradation, while monsoon floods increase suspended solids due to sediment inflow. These findings emphasize the urgent need for improved regulation of industrial discharge and urban waste management to protect the water quality of the Burhi Gandak River and the livelihoods dependent on it.

Unveiling the potential of parasites as proxy bioindicators for water quality assessment in river Jhelum Kashmir, India.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of deteriorated physicochemical conditions in the river Jhelum on parasitic infestations and to investigate the potential of fish parasites as bioindicators of water quality. All the physicochemical parameters exhibited statistically significant differences based on both site and season (p < 0.01).The interaction term (Site × Season) was also kept in the model since it was statistically significant (p < 0.01). A parasitological survey of 360 schizothoracine fish revealed a 30.3% prevalence (109/360) of endohelminth infection. The study identified four predominant parasitic taxa across two distinct classes: Cestoda, including Adenoscolex oreini and Schyzocotyle acheilognathi, and Acanthocephala, comprising Pomphorhynchus kashmirensis and Neoechinorhynchus manasbalensis. For the assessment of parasitic load, we calculated the prevalence, mean intensity, mean abundance, and index ofinfection for each sampling period. Correspondence analysis identified associations between parasite occurrence and specific water quality parameters. Regression analysis, including R2 and p values, demonstrated a positive correlation between the number of parasites and both the proportion of infected fish and the ratio of infected to examined fish. Given that parasitic load is significantly influenced by a range of water quality parameters, fish parasites can serve as a robust indicator of declining water quality. Fish parasites are highly sensitive to water quality changes such as pollutants, toxins, and fluctuations in pH, temperature, and oxygen levels. Deteriorating water quality can stress fish, compromising their immune systems and increasing their susceptibility to parasitic infections. Additionally, complex life cycles of parasites can be disrupted by poor water conditions, making them indicators of water quality issues.

Evaluating the potability of domestic water supply sources using water quality index in Kilombero district, Tanzania

ABSTRACT The decline in water quality in various bodies of water has led to significant health risks for individuals relying on these sources for drinking and domestic use. The prevalence of waterborne diseases in some areas is attributed by inadequate water quality assessments of supply sources. This study focused on evaluating the potability of domestic water sources in the Kilombero district of Tanzania, where approximately 70% of the population depends on untreated natural sources. Two models were utilized: the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI) and the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI), analysing 15 water quality parameters. The WAWQI identified three groundwater sources as poor quality for consumption, while indicating seasonal improvements in water quality – from 12 in the wet season to 13 in the dry season. Conversely, the CCME WQI classified all 15 sources as potable, with an increase in ‘Excellent’ ratings from 9 to 13 between seasons. The findings showed that all surface water sources were deemed potable, while 67% of groundwater sources met quality standards. The remaining 33% of boreholes were categorized as having poor quality. Overall, both models indicated better water quality during the dry season, with surface water generally exhibiting higher quality than groundwater.

Investigating dominant factors of coliform contamination in shallow groundwater: A logistic regression and AHP approach

Shallow groundwater is a crucial source of clean water in developing countries like Indonesia. However, population growth has led to declining water quality due to inadequate infrastructure. This study aimed to identify dominant factors contributing to coliform contamination in shallow groundwater, addressing the lack of detailed statistical and multicriteria analyses in previous large-scale studies. The study was conducted in a densely populated urban area in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and total coliform measurements from 42 groundwater samples were used as the independent variable. There are 14 dependent variables, categorized into three aspects: infrastructure (e.g., well type, well depth, wall of well, DEWATS type, well distance to the septic tank, latrine, and other contaminant sources); specific (e.g., population density and land use); and intrinsic (e.g., groundwater level, rainfall, soil type, and slope). Those parameters were statistically analyzed using logistic regression with IBM SPSS 26 software, and supported by the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) that was employed using Expert Choice software to prioritize the factors. The results showed that 83.3% of the shallow groundwater samples exceeded the acceptable limits for total coliform, with key factors including well's proximity to other contamination sources, slope, distance from septic tanks, groundwater level, and population density. These findings highlight the importance of considering complex environmental factors in managing groundwater quality, particularly in developing countries. It is recommended that local authorities implement stricter regulations and infrastructure improvements to mitigate contamination risks.

Effects of climate warming and declining water quality on the eco-environmental evolution of Jinmucuo Lake: Evidence from sedimentary diatom assemblages

The problem of lake pollution on the Tibetan Plateau has become prominent in recent years because of the warming climate and increased human activity. However, it is difficult to obtain effective indicators to explain the long-term eco-environmental changes in plateau lakes. In this study, a sediment core from Jinmucuo Lake was taken as the research object, and the 210Pb and 137Cs isotopes, diatom assemblages, and climatic and environmental factors were analyzed. The results revealed that the lake had a sedimentation rate of 0.47 cm/a, and the age of the 30-cm sediment core was approximately 1876 AD. Diatom abundances at different ages tend to decrease. During 1876–1999, abundant diatom species, such as Cymbella lanceolata, Navicula sp., Surirella ovalis, Synedra sp., Epithemia adnata, Cymbella pusilla, Amphora ovalis and Tabularia tabulata, which included oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and eutrophic indicator species were detected, and the dominant species were Cymbella lanceolata, Navicula sp., Surirella ovalis and Synedra sp. After 2000, diatoms declined dramatically, and were undetected in most samples. Similarly, the species richness and Shannon‒Wiener index plummeted to 0 in approximately 2002. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that total nitrogen and organic matter were the main influencing factors of diatom assemblages before 2000, whereas As and mean annual temperature were the main influencing factors after 2000. These findings indicate that diatom habitats have been rapidly destroyed by increasing temperatures and As inputs, even in the presence of abundant nutrients in the lake.

Analysis of groundwater and surface water quality using modelled water index and multivariate statistics in Kampala and Mbarara Districts, Uganda

The demand for domestic, public and industrial use of water increases with population growth. However, activities from humans and natural environment have resulted into decline in water quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of groundwater and surface water collected from Kampala and Mbarara districts of Uganda using water quality index and multivariate statistics. A total of 10 physicochemical parameters (pH, water temperature, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total solids, and phosphate) were measured monthly to evaluate the quality of water in the study districts. Results showed that sulphate, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were observed with significantly high values in surface water than the groundwater for both seasons. Among all the parameters measured, electrical conductivity was observed with the highest value (2129.67 ± 1.41 µS/cm) while nitrate concentration (0.57 ± 0.02 mg/L) was observed with the lowest during the wet season in surface water. In addition, the mean values of nitrate, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and sulphate detected in the groundwater and surface water were within the recommended limits, while phosphate and chloride were observed with mean concentrations above the regulatory limits in 50% of the samples. The correlation analysis revealed strong and positive association between electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids in groundwater and surface water for both seasons. Also, the chemical make-up of groundwater and surface water within the study districts revealed that the determination of water quality rests on two major indices (conductivity and anthropogenic-pollutants) based on the factor analysis. The two indices accounted for 0.619% in groundwater and over 0.70% in surface water, indicating more pollution in surface water. Moreover, the water quality index (WQI) values obtained ranged from 14.81 to 115.73 in dry season and 7.77 to 108.24 during the wet season. According to WQI classification, 42% of the samples collected fell within the “excellent” and “good” categories while others fell within “poor” and “unfit” categories (58%) during the dry season. Based on these findings, appropriate treatment methods, proper sanitation and waste management should be implemented in locations with critical water conditions. Also, frequent monitoring of groundwater and surface water quality by environmental protection agency is highly recommended.

Hydro-chemical characterization of groundwater using multivariate statistics in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This study characterized the hydro-chemical characteristics of groundwater for assessing the possibility of managed aquifer recharge in Hawassa City. A total of 48 water samples were taken from hand-dug wells and boreholes and examined to determine the water type, critical metrics, and key determinants of water quality. Multivariate statistical techniques such as hierarchical cluster, principal component, and linear discriminant analysis were used. The samples were divided into four variable groups and four case cluster groups. The results depicted the water hardness group (C1), soil salinity group (C2), weak and strong acids forming group (C3), and pollution indicator group (C4). Four water types were identified, Na–HCO3 and Ca–Na–HCO3 (87.5%), Ca–HCO3, and Na–Cl. Na–HCO3 was the dominant in hand-dug wells than in deep boreholes, which may account for evaporation or contaminations. Seven principal components with a cumulative variance of 78.58% were also formed. The first two, hardness and salinity, contributed 25.4 and 11.4% variance, respectively. In linear discriminate analysis, three discriminate functions with eight variables were generated, namely pH, K+, Na+, Ca2+, HCO3−, Cl−, BOD5, and COD. Thus, it is revealed that the decline in water quality attributed to natural and anthropogenic causes.

Exploring Spatial Dynamics of Water Quality in a Tropical Lake Affected by Aquaculture

Lake Maninjau, like many surface water bodies worldwide, faces significant water pollution challenges due to extensive aquaculture activities, making it an ideal site to study the impact of fish farming on water quality, which has contributed to eutrophication and declining water quality. This study investigates the physicochemical parameters and pollution levels in the lake, aiming to provide insights into its environmental health. In August 2022, a comprehensive sampling campaign was undertaken at nine stations within the upper layers of open water and littoral zones of Lake Maninjau. In situ measurements, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH, were conducted, accompanied by water sample collection for laboratory analysis of trace elements and heavy metals. Our study revealed notable variability in water parameters across different sites, with surface water layers exhibiting the greatest differences. While certain parameters such as temperature and conductivity remain relatively stable, pH levels show a decreasing trend with increasing water depth. Dissolved oxygen levels vary widely, while oxidation–reduction potential indicates water pollution, particularly in littoral zones. Potassium dominance within cations likely suggests anthropogenic influences, notably from aquaculture activities, that may also contribute to nutrient enrichment and heavy metal pollution. Elevated levels of total nitrogen and ammonia underscore the lake’s moderate pollution levels, with heavy metals such as mercury exceeding permissible limits, posing risks to aquatic life and human health.

A temperature tipping point in hypoxic zone size

AbstractTemperature increases will have ubiquitous effects on aquatic food webs, from microbes to consumers, and affect the quality and quantity of carbon flows within and between water layers. A decline in the biological pump moving carbon from surface to lower layers is anticipated. We reviewed 37 years of data on hypoxic zone size and water quality in the northern Gulf of Mexico to determine if air and bottom water temperature increases (0.5°C decade−1) are significantly related to variations in its areal size. There was no significant decline in important river water quality in the 24 years since the national Hypoxia Action Plan was developed to reduce its size. Changes in the ratio of km2 hypoxia per 1000 mt nitrate loading from the Mississippi River from 2000 to 2023 reveals a tipping point in the hypoxic zone size that is driven by ocean warming. Biological factors varying with temperature such as ectotherm growth rates, zooplankton grazing, cell sinking rates, and diatom sequestration of Si or N are apparently more important influences on recent hypoxic zone size than variations in physical factors. This tipping point may be common to similarly warmed and eutrophic coastal waters where warming will likely result in diminished oxygen deficiency (&lt; 2 mgO2 L−1). Hypoxia and food web models assuming a stationary equipoise of nutrient loadings, ratios and food webs will be deficient as coastal waters warm further, coastal storm and hurricane frequency increase and land uses in the watershed are altered with climate change.

Comparative analysis of biofilm bacterial communities developed on different artificial reef materials.

Artificial reefs play a vital role in restoring and creating new habitats for marine species by providing suitable substrates, especially in areas where natural substrates have been degraded or lost due to declining water quality, destructive fishing practices, and coral diseases. Artificial reef restoration aimed at coral larval settlement is gaining prominence and initially depends on the development of biofilms on reef surfaces. In this study, we hypothesized that different artificial reef materials selectively influence the composition of biofilm bacterial communities, which in turn affected coral larval settlement and the overall success of coral rehabilitation efforts. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the impact of six different reef-made materials (porcelain, granite, coral skeleton, calcium carbonate, shell cement, and cement) on the development of biofilm bacterial communities and their potential to support coral larval settlement. The biofilm bacterial communities were developed on different artificial reef materials and studied using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and analysis. The bacterial species richness and evenness were significantly (P<0.05) low in the seawater, while these values were high in the reef materials. At the phylum level, the biofilm bacterial composition of all materials and seawater was majorly composed of Pseudomonadota, Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes; however, significantly (P<0.05) low Bacteroidetes were found in the seawater. At the genus level, Thalassomonas, Glaciecola, Halomicronema, Lewinella, Hyphomonas, Thalassospira, Polaribacter, and Tenacibaculum were significantly (P<0.05) low in the coral skeleton and seawater, compared to the other reef materials. The genera Pseudoaltermonas and Thalassomonas (considered potential inducers of coral larval settlement) were highly abundant in the shell-cement biofilm, while low values were found in the biofilm of the other materials. The biofilm bacterial community composition can be selective for different substrate materials, such as shell cement exhibited higher abundances of bacteria known to facilitate coral larval settlement, highlighting their potential in enhancing restoration outcomes.

Assessing the Potential Impacts of Contaminants on the Water Quality of Lake Victoria: Two Case Studies in Uganda

Nutrients are essential for the growth of aquatic life; however, in excess, they can result in a decline in water quality, posing serious risks to both human and aquatic organisms. Human activities, such as urbanisation, industry, and farming, can increase the amount of nutrients and other elements that reach receiving waterbodies like Lake Victoria in Uganda, which can be problematic at elevated levels. There is therefore a strong need to evaluate recent changes in pollutant concentrations and their potential negative effects. To contribute to this gap and to explore the pollutant changes in Lake Victoria, a series of water chemistry data (phosphate, nitrate, potassium, ammonium, sodium, sulphate, silica and chlorine) was collected between 2016 and 2023 in Uganda’s Napoleon Gulf (NG) and Murchison Bay (MB), primarily by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE). These locations were chosen based on their vicinity to expanding urban centres and agriculture, and they are also areas where fishing frequently occurs. The datasets were collected at different water depths (0.5–24 m). Data were analysed with the use of IBM’s Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 28.0) software and confirmed the excessive concentrations of pollutants within MB compared to NG. The analysis identified the different nutrient types that exceeded internationally recognised thresholds relating to acceptable water quality during the data collection period. Seasonal variations were observed, during the dry season; nutrient levels, however, in NG showed higher nutrient concentrations during the wet season. The study’s capacity to inform local authorities and policymakers about such potential major sources of pollution is of crucial importance for beginning to address the potential impacts on human health and aquatic life.

Environmental Degradation Analysis of Former Bengawan Solo River Lake Ecosystem

The ecosystem of the former river section lake in the research area formed by the straightening of the river and located in the Sub-Urban area, faces significant environmental degradation such as pollution, erosion, and water shrinkage that threaten its sustainability. The magnitude of environmental degradation that occurs needs to be studied because it can result in a reduction in clean water and shallowing of the lake. Compared with lakes such as Poyang Lake in China, which has experienced a decline in water quantity and quality due to seasonal fluctuations, climate change and waste, this study offers a similar perspective by highlighting the interaction of natural and human factors, and adds a new dimension related to degradation caused by erosion. This study uses a comprehensive approach, namely by combining image analysis, field measurements using measuring sticks, USV, geodetic GPS, laboratory analysis, and interviews. The results of the study indicate that the lake water quality status ranges from "moderately polluted" to "heavily polluted," while the groundwater quality varies from "meets quality standards" to "lightly polluted." The high water quality status is caused by human activities and land conditions, as well as the high rate of erosion around the lake reaching 289.63 tons/ha/year, with an average soil loss of 0.11 tons/year. In addition, the lake in the study area has shrunk by up to 72% due to seasonal fluctuations and climate change. Based on this, effective management is needed to maintain the ecological balance and environmental health of the former river section lake.

Penambahan Media Kapas Dan Kerikil Pada Multi Tray Aerator Untuk Pengolahan Air Daerah Rususnawa Untan Dalam Mengurangi Kandungan Logam Sebagai Pre-treatment Pada Sistem Membran RO

Rivers are surface water used for public purposes. Rivers are used for water storage, transportation, irrigation, livestock, industry, housing, water availability, fish rearing and recreation. Various activities carried out in the river cause pollution and have an impact on the decline in water quality, such as in Sepakat 2 river water which is used by the surrounding community for daily needs. The purpose of this study was to determine the Fe contained in Sepakat 2 river water and the effectiveness of using multi tray aerators with the addition of cotton and gravel media in reducing iron levels. Processing of Sepakat 2 river water through a pretreatment process using a 5-level multi tray aerator method and 6 perforated trays to drop water to the bottom of the container, then the water that has been aerated is collected in a box and deposited for 1 and 2 hours after which the water is taken and stored using a bottle container to be analyzed by the Pontianak Industrial Standardization and Services Center Laboratory. The results of this study are the quality of river water Sepakat 2 iron levels 6.37 mg / L before processing, after aeration 4.99 mg / L, after settling 1 and 2 hours with the same value of 5.09 mg / L. The efficiency of the multi tray aerator tool to reduce iron parameters from iron by 20.09%, TDS 52.1%, mercury (Hg) 43.08% and salinity is 63.3%.

Spatial variation in physicochemical water quality parameters associated with Rice farming in the Dakalt Branch Canal, Kafrelsheikh governorate, Egypt

AbstractThe inappropriate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in rice farming has been identified as a significant source of pollution in the aquatic environments. The declining water quality has been a cause of concern for the riparian communities owing to ill health associated with the usage of contaminated water from lotic systems draining such rice‐growing areas and its potential to cause lethal and sublethal effects on aquatic organisms. The spatial variation of selected water quality parameters was assessed using multivariate techniques. Data from three sampling stations, collected in triplicates, were analyzed to understand the effects of rice farming practices on the Dakalt Branch Canal's water quality. Eleven physicochemical parameters were measured in situ with a portable multimeter, while nutrients and other chemical parameters were determined following the standard procedures outlined in the American Public Health Association using the UV/Visible spectrophotometer. One‐way ANOVA was used to establish whether or not there were significant differences among means of various parameters. The findings revealed considerable spatial variability in the means for nearly all water quality parameters (p &lt; 0.05). The Water Quality Index revealed that all the sampling stations were polluted with indices of more than 100. We conclude that poor rice management practices are responsible for the observed pollution of the River Nile and potentially lethal and sublethal effects on aquatic organisms and human health. We therefore recommend regular monitoring of the water quality of the Dakalt Branch Canal and that the relevant stakeholders, including farmers, embrace Best Management Practices, especially when applying pesticides and fertilizers.