Water Quality Degradation Research Articles

Response of particle-attached and free-living bacterial communities to Microcystis blooms.

The massive proliferation of Microcystis threatens freshwater ecosystems and degrades water quality globally. Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to Microcystis growth is crucial for managing Microcystis blooms. The lifestyles of bacteria can be classified generally into two groups: particle-attached (PA; > 3µm) and free-living (FL; 0.2-3.0µm). However, little is known about the response of PA and FL bacteria to Microcystis blooms. Using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing, we investigated the stability, assembly process, and co-occurrence patterns of PA and FL bacterial communities during distinct bloom stages. PA bacteria were phylogenetically different from their FL counterparts. Microcystis blooms substantially influenced bacterial communities. The time decay relationship model revealed that Microcystis blooms might increase the stability of both PA and FL bacterial communities. A contrasting community assembly mechanism was observed between the PA and FL bacterial communities. Throughout Microcystis blooms, homogeneous selection was the major assembly process that impacted the PA bacterial community, whereas drift explained much of the turnover of the FL bacterial community. Both PA and FL bacterial communities could be separated into modules related to different phases of Microcystis blooms. Microcystis blooms altered the assembly process of PA and FL bacterial communities. PA bacterial community appeared to be more responsive to Microcystis blooms than FL bacteria. Decomposition of Microcystis blooms may enhance cooperation among bacteria. Our findings highlight the importance of studying bacterial lifestyles to understand their functions in regulating Microcystis blooms. KEY POINTS: • Microcystis blooms alter the assembly process of PA and FL bacterial communities • Microcystis blooms increase the stability of both PA and FL bacterial communities • PA bacteria seem to be more responsive to Microcystis blooms than FL bacteria.

Entendendo o risco de descoloração como consequência de transientes hidráulicos

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the challenges associated with discoloration risk management and the impact of hydraulic transients on water quality within distribution systems. Focusing on the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, the study employs a comprehensive methodology that combines the Characteristic Method for simulating hydraulic transients and real-time monitoring of water quality parameters, such as turbidity and chlorine levels. A framework for managing discoloration risk is proposed, highlighting strategies for identifying potential causes, assessing risk severity, developing prevention and mitigation strategies, and implementing continuous improvement processes. The experimental section details the impact of hydraulic transient events on water quality, with significant findings indicating a direct correlation between flow dynamics and water quality degradation, particularly in terms of increased turbidity and decreased chlorine levels during pump deactivation. The study contributes valuable insights into effective water distribution system management, emphasizing the importance of advanced monitoring and risk management techniques to maintain high-quality water standards.

Efficient detection of p-nitrophenol via a polypyrrole flower-decorated nickel foam-based electrochemical sensor.

p-Nitrophenol (p-NP) is known as a common contaminant found in wastewater, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents which can degrade water quality and cause potential carcinogenic and toxic effects on the human body. Its detection is essential for public health, industrial safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance, underscoring its broad applicability. In this study, a novel electrochemical sensor based on polypyrrole (PPy) flowers assembled via nanotubes was developed for the sensitive determination of p-NP. The nickel (Ni) foam modified with PPy flowers functioned as the working electrode and showed selectivity toward p-NP in a phosphate buffer medium at pH 7.0. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques were utilized for the sensitive determination of p-NP. Under the optimum conditions, the peak currents of DPV versus the concentrations of p-NP in the range of 0.01-20 nM showed a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9943), and the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 7.18 pM (signal-to-noise ratio of 3, S/N = 3). The fabricated electrochemical p-NP sensor exhibited high sensitivity, a low detection limit, and a low response time. The recoveries of p-NP in real samples of groundwater and tap water using the PPy Fls/Ni foam electrode were in the range of 91.0-108.4% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) in the range of 6.65%. Consequently, the PPy Fls/Ni foam electrode could be applied as a rapid, precise, and sensitive electrochemical sensor platform for aqueous p-NP quantification and determination.

Multilayer immobilizing of denitrifying Bacillus sp. and TiO2-AgNPs on floating expanded clay carrier for co-treatment of nitrite and pathogens in aquaculture.

Nitrite contamination and the spread of pathogens can seriously degrade water quality. To simultaneously control these factors, an innovative approach of fabricating a remediation agent that contained denitrifying bacteria and TiO2-AgNPs co-immobilized on floating expanded clay (EC) was proposed in this study. The EC was fabricated from a mixture of clay and rice husk through pyrolysis at a high temperature of 1200 °C, followed by a rapid cooling step to create a porous structure for the material. TiO2NPs were modified with Ag to shift the absorbance threshold of TiO2-AgNPs into the visible region of 700-800 nm. The experimental results showed that the stirring speed of 250 rpm was suitable for immobilizing TiO2-AgNPs on EC and achieved the highest Ti and Ag content of 639.38 ± 3.04 and 200.51 ± 3.71 ppm, respectively. Coating TiO2-Ag/EC with chitosan (0.5%) significantly reduced the detachment level of immobilized TiO2-AgNPs compared to that of the material with no coating. In particular, this functionalized material inhibited 99.93 ± 0.1% of Vibrio parahaemolyticus pathogen but did not adversely affect the denitrifying bacteria after 2 h of visible light irradiation. Based on the electrostatic bond between oppositely charged polymers, the denitrifying bacteria, Bacillus sp., in alginate solution was successfully immobilized on the chitosan-coated TiO2-Ag/EC with a bacteria density of (76.67 ± 9.43) × 107 CFU g-1, retaining its nitrite removal efficiency at 99.0 ± 0.27% through six treatment cycles. These findings provide solid evidence for further investigating the combination of biodegradation and photodegradation in wastewater treatment.

THERMAL POLLUTION AND ITS IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH: A REVIEW

Thermal pollution, primarily caused by industrial discharges and power plants, significantly impacts both environmental and human health. This review explores the sources, ecological consequences, and emerging concerns regarding human health linked to thermal pollution. Power plants, particularly nuclear and coal-fired, release heated water into natural bodies, disrupting aquatic ecosystems by altering species composition, increasing metabolic rates, and reducing dissolved oxygen levels, which are vital for aquatic life. Urbanization, stormwater runoff, and deforestation exacerbate this issue by increasing surface temperatures and contributing to the degradation of aquatic habitats. Furthermore, climate change intensifies thermal pollution, compounding its environmental effects. This review also investigates the lesser-explored human health implications of thermal pollution, particularly through the contamination of water supplies and disruption of aquatic resources. While much research focuses on ecological impacts, there is a growing need for studies addressing how thermal pollution indirectly affects human populations, such as through compromised food chains and degraded water quality. Mitigation strategies, including cooling towers, green infrastructure, and riparian buffer restoration, offer potential solutions. However, the review highlights significant gaps in understanding the full scope of thermal pollution’s effects on human health and emphasizes the need for future interdisciplinary research to bridge these gaps.

Conservation implications of isotopic variation in nails and blood with wetland quality in three species of Australian freshwater turtle

Abstract Australian freshwater turtles are declining, reflecting global turtle trends. Understanding variation in turtle diets and habitat requirements can guide protection and restoration of ecosystems. Diet and niche overlap were investigated in three co‐existing species of turtle—the broad‐shelled turtle Chelodina expansa, the eastern long‐necked turtle C. longicollis and the Macquarie turtle Emydura macquarii, in three rivers in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia, in relation to environmental variables. Dietary variation in relation to water quality (salinity) and macrophyte cover was investigated using stable isotope analyses (δ15N and δ13C) of turtle tissues (plasma, red blood cell, whole blood and nail) representing food assimilation over different antecedent periods. These stable isotope results were consistent with current dietary understanding based on stomach flushing, indicating that isotope analyses are a non‐invasive method for obtaining dietary information. There were temporal dietary differences, with strong shifts between spring and summer sampling periods, particularly in the blood plasma. Intraspecific variation in diets reflected in δ15N and δ13C related to body size. There was evidence of high dietary overlap among the three species, potentially creating competition, particularly when they co‐occur or resources might be limited. Continued degradation of turtle habitats and water quality affects turtle diet and reduces habitat availability, forcing the three species of turtle to co‐exist in diminishing refugia, increasing interspecific competition for food. Protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems, including maintaining freshwater refugia, is essential to conserve already declining populations of the three Australian freshwater turtle species.

Responses of the macroinvertebrate community to urban wastewater pollution in the upper Ouémé Basin in Benin

In Benin, most of urban wastewaters are discharged into rivers without any prior treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of urban wastewater on the macroinvertebrate communities of the upper Ouémé River in Benin. To address this question, 30 stations located on five rivers were monitored in the dry and the wet seasons. For each station and each season, 12 samples of macroinvertebrates following standardized French multi-habitat sampling protocol were collected and physico-chemical parameters were recorded. Three types of stations were chosen on each river: two control stations located upstream of the wastewater discharge points, two stations impacted in the urban area and receiving urban wastewaters, and two stations downstream of the wastewater discharge points to measure the resilience of a set of river characteristics. Urban wastewater impacted the water quality by mainly increasing electrical conductivity and the nutrient concentrations. Wastewaters also deeply impacted the diversity and the composition of the invertebrate community. The Indval index highlighted three indicator taxa for the control stations (Caenidae, Baetidae and Ephemerellidae), one for the impacted stations (Chironomidae), and two for the downstream stations (Libellulidae and Lestidae). We also observed ecosystem resilience a few hundred meters downstream of the discharge points. These results challenge managers on the degradation of river water quality in the upper Ouémé River, but also reveal good self-purification capacities of the watercourses likely to promote the resilience of these ecosystems.

Evaluation of Water Quality of the Surface Water Bodies in Gorakhpur City

Growing population, intensive agriculture, climate change, water pollution and depleting natural water resources are the main factors of water scarcity in India. More than 80 percent of sewage water generated by human activities is discharged into rivers and oceans without any control, resulting in environmental pollution and greatly affecting human health. Eighty percent of diseases and 50 percent of child deaths worldwide are related to polluted water. Water plays an important role for living beings and humans. Therefore, regular water quality monitoring is considered a top priority for all countries in the world. Water quality monitoring not only helps countries assess and predict pollution, but also provides information for planning the sustainable use of water resources. Rivers are an important component of both urban and rural aquatic ecosystems, and rapidly increasing pollution in rivers seriously threatens the safety of these ecosystems. The degradation of surface water quality due to increasing pollution and climate change has become a serious concern worldwide. Such degradation threatens the use of water resources, especially drinking water supplies, and economic development.

Prediction of River Water Treatment Plant Operational Performances using Optimization Approach in Artificial Neural Network Model

Uncontrolled development at the upstream of the river catchment have led to detrimental effect to the environment, including degradation of river water quality. River Water Treatment Plant (RWTP) technology was introduced to reduce the contamination loading into the river water system, worldwide. The technology offers the best biological treatment process including simplicity and stable removal efficiency. However, the plant performance plan is difficult task to predict, thus might have influence the operational control. Recently, artificial neural network (ANN) models have been widely applied in environmental engineering area due to the ability to skip the complexity process to assume of the unknown variables compare to conventional physical based model. In this study, the results of 3-yrs performance using ANN of RWTP were developed. Feed-forward back-propagation using Levenberg–Marquardt (trainlm) used as for this predictive approach. The ideal configuration involves utilizing the tangent sigmoid transfer function (Tansig) in the hidden layer and a linear transfer function (Purelin) in the output layer, with 25 neurons. This configuration yields an R2 value of 0.963 and the most least mean square error (MSE) of 30.39. From the comparison between two model (bio-kinetic and ANN), performance indicator for ANN model shows the best and the most optimum model. Ultimately, RWTP optimization using black-box model ANN is more reliable and timesaving as compared to conventional bio-kinetic model. The development of the proposed model can be implemented and used for various water quality improvement facilities and predict the effluent target parameter in RWTP with higher degree of accuracy.

Anticipating Soil Erosivity of Kulfo Watershed in the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift in Response to Changes in Land Use and Land Cover

This study evaluates the land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics that play an indispensable role in the degradation and deterioration of soil and water quality affecting the natural resources throughout the Kulfo watershed in Ethiopia. Directed image classification is initiated for satellite images to study the watershed. The image classification is categorized into ten different LULC classes with validation of ground control points. A Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model was used to generate the average soil loss of the watershed. The model involves the Rainfall Erosivity factor (R), Soil Erodibility factor (K), Length and Slope factor (LS), Cover Management factor (C), and Support Practice factor (P). The dynamics of LULC change and rainfall erosivity over the past 30 years have been interpreted using maps from 1990, 2005, and 2020 using the C-factor and R-factor. The remaining factors, like K-factor, LS-factor, and P-factor, were kept constant over the period. The results reveal that the average annual soil loss rate (A) of the watershed is estimated to be 138.8 t ha-1, 161.2 t ha-1, and 173.25 t ha-1 per year, for the selected period intervals. During the past three decades, the soil loss rate in the watershed has increased by 34.4 t ha-1 per year. The watershed and sustainable soil and water conservation practices need special attention to mitigate the severity of soil erosion risks to avoid disaster.

A sustainable green solution to domestic sewage pollution: Optimizing floating wetland treatment with different plant combinations and growth media

Water quality degradation poses a global threat, with surface water resources bearing the brunt of pollution from various sources, including inadequately treated wastewater discharged from industrial and commercial processes. This discharge introduces a wide range of pollutants, compromising surface water quality and potentially contaminating groundwater. Floating Wetland Treatment (FWT) systems, particularly utilizing affordable and easy-to-construct bamboo rafts, emerge as a promising eco-technology offering a sustainable solution for rehabilitating water bodies polluted with inadequately treated domestic sewage. Research exploring the combined remediation potential of different plant combinations remains limited, although several studies demonstrate the efficacy of individual plant species in FWT systems. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of three terrestrial plant combinations (Canna indica, Chrysopogon zizanioides, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) supported by bamboo rafts in treating domestic wastewater. Among FWT methods, systems utilizing bamboo as floating rafts stand out due to their affordability, ease of construction, and adaptability to diverse plant species. FWT systems were meticulously designed with three plant combinations, utilizing soil and coco peat as growth media. Different FWT systems exhibited variations in their ability to remove several key water quality indicators. These variations were influenced by operational conditions, system design, plant selection, and growth media. Notably, the peat-based FWT system (FWT-BPCV) combining Canna indica and Chrysopogon zizanioides consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in reducing various pollutants, including total nitrogen (78.9 %), ammonia (90.2 %), total phosphorus (86.9 %), COD (92.8 %), BOD5 (94.8 %), TDS (70.7 %), TSS (93.6 %), turbidity (93.3 %), phosphate (73.2 %), electrical conductivity (62.5 %), and E. coli (78 %). This research suggests that FWT-BPCV is an eco-friendly wastewater treatment solution and an effective option for domestic wastewater treatment practices.

Assessing Hydrology, Biogeochemistry, and Organic Micropollutants in an Urban Stream‐Aquifer System: An Interdisciplinary Data Set

AbstractUrban expansion leads to increasing water pollution, impacting both human health and ecosystems. This decline in water quality often stems from insufficient wastewater treatment, along with runoff from both urban and agricultural areas. Water quality degradation challenges our efforts for sustainable water management and hinders progress toward the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG6. Within aquatic environments, the hyporheic zone—the subsurface area where surface water and groundwater mix—plays a crucial role in facilitating pollutant turnover and overall aquatic health. Mixing between surface water and groundwater generates diverse microhabitats in the streambed with varying levels of oxygen, temperature, and chemical composition, which in turn allows diverse microbial communities to strive. The complexity of exchange flows within the hyporheic zone and associated turnover processes of pollutants and nutrients can only be assessed with detailed, cross‐disciplinary data sets including data about hydrology, climatology, biogeochemistry, and the subsurface composition. However, integrated data sets of this kind are seldom available. As a result, the drivers behind pollutant dynamics in stream‐aquifer systems are still not fully understood. Addressing this knowledge deficit, we present a comprehensive unique data set from an urban stream‐aquifer system in Switzerland spanning over 6 months. Incorporating hydrometric, tracer, nutrient, microbial and organic micropollutant data, our data set can help to shed light on the intricate mechanisms governing hyporheic exchange flows, as well as nutrient and organic micropollutant cycling in urban environments.

Assessment of Selected Physicochemical Parameters of Selected Rivers around Umudim Nnewi, Anambra State Nigeria and its Environs in 2024

Background: Water pollution poses a significant threat to public health globally, with negligent disposal of industrial effluents and waste contributing to water quality degradation, particularly in metropolitan regions like Umudim Nnewi, Nigeria. Aim: To evaluate the physicochemical parameters (Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity) of rivers surrounding the industrial estate in Umudim Nnewi. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study employed convenience sampling, collecting water samples from five rivers. Measurements were taken using a Four Parameter water quality analyzer to determine Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and paired sample t-tests analyzed the results (α = 0.05). Results: Total Dissolved Solids ranged from 9.50-59.50 mg/L, pH from 4.10-5.65, Temperature from 27.45°C-28.70°C, and Electrical Conductivity from 51.67 µS/cm. Physicochemical parameters significantly deviated from World Health Organization standards (p < 0.05), with pH showing the most significant variation. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant variation in physicochemical parameters, emphasizing the need for effective wastewater management and pollution control measures to protect public health and the environment.

Water Quality Trade-offs for Risk Management Interventions in a Green Building.

Premise plumbing water quality degradation has led to negative health impacts from pathogen outbreaks (e.g., Legionella pneumophila and non-tuberculous mycobacteria), as well as chronic effects from exposure to heavy metals or disinfection by-products (DBP). Common water quality management interventions include flushing, heat shock (thermal disinfection), supplemental disinfection (shock or super chlorination), and water heater temperature setpoint change. In this study, a Legionella pneumophila- colonized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building was monitored to study health-relevant water quality changes before and after three controlled management interventions: (1) flushing at several points throughout the building; (2) changing the water heater set point; and (3) a combination of interventions (1) and (2) by flushing during a period of elevated water heater set point (incompletely performed due to operational issues). Microbial (culturable L. pneumophila, the L. pneumophila mip gene, and cATP) and physico-chemical (pH, temperature, conductivity, disinfectant residual, disinfection by-products (DBPs; total trihalomethanes, TTHM), and heavy metals) water quality were monitored alongside building occupancy as approximated using Wi-Fi logins. Flushing alone resulted in a significant decrease in cATP and L. pneumophila concentrations (p = 0.018 and 0.019, respectively) and a significant increase in chlorine concentrations (p = 0.002) as well as iron and DBP levels (p = 0.002). Copper concentrations increased during the water heater temperature setpoint increase alone to 140°F during December 2022 (p = 0.01). During the flushing and elevated temperature in parts of the building in February 2023, there was a significant increase in chlorine concentrations (p = 0.002) and iron (p = 0.002) but no significant decrease in L. pneumophila concentrations in the drinking water samples (p = 0.27). This study demonstrated the potential impacts of short term or incompletely implemented interventions which in this case were not sufficient to holistically improve water quality. As implementing interventions is logistically- and time-intensive, more effective and holistic approaches are needed for informing preventative and corrective actions that are beneficial for multiple water quality and sustainability goals.

Water quality and the presence of metals in crustaceans (Sartoriana spinigera) and mollusks (Pila globosa) close to an urban waste landfill in Kodda at Gazipur

Degradation of water and sediment quality along with other aquatic ecosystem components, due to urban waste is a significant concern that demands attention. Despite of the multifaceted use of the Konabari area within the Gazipur City Corporation of Bangladesh, limited studies have assessed the health of the floodplain ecosystem adjacent to urban waste landfills in Kodda. This research focuses on evaluating water quality parameters and the presence of metals and metalloids in water, sediment, and biota (invertebrates) in the lowland floodplain near the Kodda municipal landfill in Gazipur district. In December 2022, thirteen composite samples, including water, sediment, crustaceans (Sartoriana spinigera), and mollusks (Pila globosa), were collected from the designated sampling site. Surface and sub-surface (0–15 cm depth) water were collected using a water sampler for water quality analysis, and the presence of heavy metal and metalloid content of the water, sediment, crabs, and mollusks were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The results indicated dissolved oxygen concentrations ranging from 0.30 to 5.81 mg/l (mean 3.1±2.37 mg/l). Certain locations directly affected by waste discharge exhibited alarmingly low dissolved oxygen levels (~0.71 mg/l), coupled with elevated temperatures and phosphate (PO43−) content (2–7.4 mg/l). The scarcity of heavy metal concentrations (<0.0677 mg/l) in water may be attributed to the constant flow of water preventing metal accumulation in the flowing water. However, sediment analysis revealed significantly higher concentrations (mean±Sd) of Fe (15240±1211 mg/kg), Mn (1122±180 mg/kg), Cu (44±5.5 mg/kg), Cr (28±3.2 mg/kg), Ni (39±2.4 mg/kg), As (3.7±0.89 mg/kg), and Zn (72±3.95 mg/kg) compared to other studies in various locations. Crustacean (Crab) samples showed concentrations of Cr, As, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu exceeding recommended permissible limits. Pila globosa emerged as an effective ecological bioindicator of aquatic pollution, with concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pd exceeding recommended limits. Despite eco-environmental indices suggesting low to moderate contamination, the heavy metals and metalloids study indicated degradation of ecosystem health triggered by urban waste discharge. Consequently, the study recommends proper waste treatment in landfills and their transformation from open dumps to scientifically managed controlled waste landfills. Ann. Bangaldesh Agric. 27(2):175-189

Toward the autonomous flushing of building plumbing: Characterizing oxidation-reduction potential and temperature sensor dynamics

Manual flushing of building plumbing is commonly used to address water quality issues that arise from water stagnation. Autonomous flushing informed by sensors has the potential to aid in the management of building plumbing, but a number of knowledge gaps hinder its application. This study evaluates autonomous flushing of building plumbing with online sensor and actuator nodes deployed under kitchen sinks in five residential houses. Online oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) and temperature data were collected for nine weeks during the winter and summer in houses with both free chlorine and chloramine. ORP levels in houses with free chlorine residuals decreased after overnight stagnation. The overnight decrease in ORP was not observed when tap water was automatically flushed for five minutes at 6:00 h every morning. ORP levels in houses with chloramine residuals did not decrease consistently after overnight stagnation, and daily automated flushes did not have an observable effect on the ORP signals. Additional laboratory experiments were carried out to evaluate ORP signals during chlorine decay and after incremental changes in chlorine, as would be expected in building plumbing conditions. Results from the lab and field deployments suggest on-line ORP sensors may be used to detect free chlorine decay due to stagnating water, but are not as effective in detecting chloramine decay. However, field results also suggest ORP may not respond as expected on a timely manner after free chlorine or chloramine have been restored, hindering their applicability in developing control algorithms. In this paper we tested twice-daily five-minute automatic flushing and found that it counteracts water quality degradation associated with overnight stagnation in free chlorine systems. An automatic sensor-based flushing is proposed using online temperature sensor data to determine when flushing has reached water from the main. The results suggest that flushing informed by temperature sensors can reduce the flushing time by 46 % compared to the preset five-minute static flush.

Enhancement of Phosphorus Sorption onto Peanut shell by Means of Aluminum and Iron Oxide Coatings

Phosphorus serves as a crucial nutrient for the organisms. Still, the discharge of high levels of phosphate concentrations into limited aquatic environments leads to the phenomenon known as eutrophication, which subsequently leads to the degradation of the overall water quality. In this study the capacity of the peanut shell, Al-coated and Fe-coated is determined in relating by adding 10, 20, and 30, 40 mg P L-1 as (KH2PO4) to 1.0 g of each sample and shaking for 2, 6, 12, and 24 h and at pH ranged between 4.6, 5.2, 6.3 and 7.8. At the end of each period, the suspension was filtered and analyzed which presents the concentration of equilibrium P. The maximum P adsorption of 28.9±0.07 and 50.6±0.49% was recorded for 24 h of incubation and at pH (4.6) with an Al-coated peanut shell respectively. The findings of this study demonstrated that the adsorption of phosphorus (P) increased as the duration of incubation increased. At the same time, it decreased with a decrease in the pH of the solution. Furthermore, the outcomes indicated that the Freundlich model provided the best fit for the data, based on higher R2 values ranging from 0.9867 to 0.9938, in comparison to the range of 0.9659 to 0.9904 observed for the Longmuir model. These results suggested that peanut shells coated with Al can be used to remove high amounts of P in the solution. Also, the removal resulted from the physical adsorption of P rather than a chemical reaction.

Water and Sanitation Services Have a Profound Effect on the Life of Metropolis

The critical global issue of inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for a significant portion of the world's population, amounting to approximately 40%. In India, disparities exist in water and sanitation access between urban and rural areas. While 97% of urban regions have upgraded water supplies and 58% improved sanitation, rural areas show lower access rates at 90% for water and a mere 23% for sanitation. India's rivers suffer from severe water quality degradation due to untreated sewage, with inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure, particularly in swiftly growing urban areas like Delhi. Despite initiatives like the Ganga and Yamuna Action Plans, major rivers remain highly polluted. The flush toilet system further exacerbates the water crisis by consuming significant volumes of fresh water for waste disposal. This paper also underscores the link between water supplies, sanitation, and health, citing classifications of water-related infections and the pressing need to bridge the disparities in access. However, reports note progress in drinking water and sanitation coverage globally since 1990. The analysis concludes that India's cities struggle to meet basic living standards amidst rapid urbanization, emphasizing the profound impact of education, awareness, and service availability on residents' lives. Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Population, Access, Rural, Urban Rivers, Sewage, Pollution, Infrastructure, Health, Flush toilets, Disparities Key Words: Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Population, Access, Rural, Urban Rivers, Sewage, Pollution, Infrastructure, Health, Flush toilets, Disparities

Performance Evaluation of Various Filter Media for Multi-Functional Purposes to Urban Constructed Wetlands

The escalating demand for innovative solutions is driven by the challenges posed by water quality degradation and the pervasive impacts of climate change. As such, this study evaluated the performance of filter media to mitigate these challenges through multi-functional applications in urban constructed wetlands (UCWs). Column testing of organic filter media, including biochar (BC), woodchip (WC), anthracite (AT), and activated carbon (AC), as well as inorganic filter media, such as ceramic balls (CB), basalt (BS), and porous sand (PS), with synthetic stormwater runoff influent was conducted to assess their performance through water quality parameters and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis for carbon storage potential. Among the media tested, AC exhibited high pollutant removal efficiencies amounting to 84%, 54%, 56%, and 44% for total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP), respectively. For inorganic media, PS had the highest TSS and TN removal, whereas BS exhibited the highest COD and TP removal. Overall performance rating revealed that AC and BS, despite their efficient pollutant removal, are associated with higher costs, resulting in a lower ranking compared to AT and PS. SEM-EDX analysis identified PS and AC as standout media for potential carbon storage, attributed to their extensive surface areas and pore structures providing abundant adsorption sites. The results from this study highlighted the potential applications of various filter media in UCW designs with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable urban development.

The Effects of Cobalt Mining on Water Quality and the Dispersion of Contaminants in the Environment

Cobalt mining, essential for various technological advancements including battery production and electronics, has raised significant environmental concerns due to its potential impact on water quality and the release of contaminants into the surrounding ecosystems. This study aims to assess the repercussions of cobalt mining activities on water bodies and the fate of associated contaminants within the environment.Through a comprehensive literature review and field investigations, this research examines the mechanisms by which cobalt extraction processes, including open-pit mining and leaching techniques, contribute to water contamination. The study evaluates the release of heavy metals such as cobalt, nickel, copper, and arsenic, along with the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD), resulting from sulfide mineral exposure during mining operations. Furthermore, this investigation delves into the persistence and behavior of contaminants released during cobalt mining. It explores the long-term implications of heavy metal accumulation in sediments, soils, and biota, emphasizing the potential for biomagnification and ecological disruption within aquatic ecosystems.Human health concerns related to waterborne contaminants originating from cobalt mining activities are also addressed in this study, highlighting the risks associated with the consumption of contaminated water by local communities.The research findings underscore the necessity for robust environmental regulations, sustainable mining practices, effective waste management strategies, and remediation efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of cobalt mining on water quality and environmental health. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of continued monitoring and research to better understand the full extent of the problem and develop targeted solutions to safeguard water resources and ecosystems affected by cobalt mining. Keywords: Cobalt mining, Water contamination, Heavy metals, Acid mine drainage (AMD), Environmental impacts, Water quality degradation, Contaminants in mining, Aquatic ecosystems