Water-related Activities Research Articles

Potential associations between Schistosoma mansoni infection and physico-chemical characteristics and water-related human activities in Côte d'Ivoire: a cross-sectional study.

Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is intimately connected to poverty and environmental factors. Our research was readily embedded into a multi-country schistosomiasis oversampling study. The aim of the study presented here was to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and to investigate the role of water body characteristics and water-related human activities in disease transmission. In August and September 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the western part of Côte d'Ivoire. Stool and urine samples were collected from 1602 and 1729 children aged 5-14years, respectively, in 65 villages in the health districts of Biankouma, Ouaninou and Touba. Additionally, data were collected from direct observation of water-related activities at water bodies and interviews conducted with community leaders and health workers. The prevalence and risk factors for Schistosoma infection were assessed using generalised estimating equation models. The prevalence ofS.mansoni and S.haematobium were 27.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.5-34.3%) and 0.1% (95% CI 0.03-0.5%), respectively. Low prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was observed with 2.4%, 0.4% and 0.2% for hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides, respectively. At the health district level, we found S.mansoni prevalence of 34.4% (95% CI 25.0-45.3%), 34.3% (95% CI 24.0-46.2%) and 16.3% (95% CI 9.5-26.6%) for Biankouma, Ouaninou and Touba, respectively. Female and male participants were at a similar risk of infection (29.0% vs. 26.0%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.18, 95% CI 0.92-1.50). Children aged 9-14years showed a higher prevalence than their younger counterparts aged 5-8years (34.5% vs. 22.7%, OR: 1.80, 95% CI 1.42-2.27). High infection prevalence was observed in villages where children were washing clothes and dishes at open surface water sites and pursued recreational activities (e.g. swimming and playing in the water). The temperature, total dissolved solids and pH of water samples showed no significant association with S.mansoni infection at the village unit. Human water-related activities such as washing clothes and playing in the water are risk factors for S.mansoni transmission. Hence, preventive chemotherapy should be combined with information, education and communication to avoid or reduce the frequency of water exposure in children as part of a comprehensive package of interventions towards elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem.

Mapping a sustainable water future: Private sector opportunities for global water security and resilience

Water security remains a critical global development challenge, compounded by persistent public funding shortfalls. Society urgently needs to identify opportunities for innovative private sector engagement in water security solutions. To identify feasible and impactful solutions, quantitative tools are needed to delineate complex environmental and socioeconomic water challenges and prioritize private sector investment opportunity spaces to address these challenges. We introduce the first global and regional-scale maps showing where threats to water security coincide with private sector opportunities to address them. The successful deployment of water solutions is contingent upon the societal and governance landscape that underpins a nation’s capacity to support sustainable water threat interventions and water-related business activities. By delineating areas with substantial pressures on water resources and assessing nations’ enabling environments to support private sector investments, we find nearly two-thirds of the world’s population could benefit from private sector interventions today, with middle income countries realizing the greatest benefits. In the face of global economic development and climate change, such solutions will become increasingly essential in future decades.

Naegleria fowleri 98 Percent Fatal a Comprehensive Survey

Naegleria fowleri, colloquially termed the "brain-eating amoeba," presents a formidable public health concern due to its astonishingly high fatality rate of 98%. This abstract provides a thorough examination of the various aspects surrounding Naegleria fowleri, encompassing its morphology, life cycle, transmission routes, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and preventive measures. Naegleria fowleri, an amoeboid protist, thrives in warm freshwater environments, predominantly in regions with elevated temperatures. Infections occur when contaminated water enters the nasal passages, leading to primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), an acute and often fatal condition affecting the central nervous system. The clinical course of PAM is rapid, with symptoms escalating from initial flu-like manifestations to severe neurological impairment within days. Diagnosis of PAM remains challenging, relying on specialized laboratory techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunofluorescence assays. Despite efforts to develop effective treatments, mortality rates remain alarmingly high, emphasizing the critical importance of preventive measures. Avoiding freshwater activities in warm, stagnant water bodies, utilizing nose clips or plugs during water-related activities, and ensuring proper disinfection of recreational water sources are key strategies in mitigating the risk of the risk of Naegleria fowleri infections and reducing its devastating impact on public health.

Examining the relationship between the economic growth, energy use, CO2 emissions, and water resources: Evidence from selected MENA countries

Water shortage and food security concerns are amplified by the spread of irrigated cultures within the context of climatic unpredictability. In the hot, arid MENA area, the frequent drought periods and the continuous deterioration of water resources limits the ecological system's functioning and the sustainable agricultural productivity. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the potential impacts of the evolution of water resources management on the environmental components, using Westerlund’s (2007) panel cointegration and the Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCE-MG) estimator for a sample of six MENA economies over 35 years ((1990–2015). In the short run, there is unidirectional causality from agricultureadded value to CO2 and from water productivity to CO2 without any feedback. while, a bidirectional causality nexus was detected between energy consumption and CO2 emission In the long run, however, a feedback causality has been obtained between CO2 emissions, agriculture added value, water productivity, and energy consumption.Sustainable water management, smart water systems, and energy transition in the water related activities are highly recommended as priorities towards a NetZero carbon global economic trend.

Assessment of Climate Change-Induced Water Scarcity Risk by Using a Coupled System Dynamics and Bayesian Network Modeling Approaches

The water scarcity risk induced by climate change is contributing to a sequence of hydrological and socioeconomic impacts. Certain numbers of related impacts are locked in already and are expected to be much greater in the future. So, there is still a lack of understanding of its dynamics, origin, propagation, and the mutual interaction of its drivers. In recent years, several model-based approaches have been introduced to tackle the complexity, dynamics, and uncertainty of water scarcity specifically. However, the coupled modeling while addressing different aspects of the risk of water scarcity under the climate change scenarios has been rarely done. For bridging this gap, in this research, the combination of complementary System Dynamics modeling and Bayesian Network was applied to Qazvin Plain in Iran with five AOGCM models under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) scenarios (126 and 585). Key findings of this research show: 1) Baseline risk assessment indicates a low probability of water scarcity; however, in the future 30-year time horizon with continuous change in hazard, vulnerability, and exposure for SSP126, the risk fell in the extreme category with an average probability of 41%. Under SSP585, the risk varies between extreme and high categories with an average probability of 47%. 2) Economic development, particularly regional gross domestic product (RGDP) in 2045–2054 in SSP585 can diminish the negative projected consequences of climate change and therefore investments in adaptation policies could offset negative consequences, highlighting the role of economic growth in climate resilience. 3) It is projected that crop yield and income will receive the largest negative effects due to cutting back the agriculture area. 4) Considering the interplay of climate change, economic development, and water extraction policies is essential for the design, operation, and management of water-related activities. The proposed integrated methodology provides a comprehensive framework for understanding climate change-induced water scarcity risks, their drivers, and potential consequences. This approach facilitates adaptive decision-making to address the evolving challenges posed by climate change.

A quantile regression approach to assess the impact of water-related environmental innovations on water stress

This paper examines the further question of whether water-related environmental innovations affect water stress in three main sectors such as agriculture, industry and services. The sample consists of 30 OECD countries for the period 2000–2019. This paper employs the method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) with fixed effects to analyze the effects of water-related innovative activities across different quantiles of water stress for all three sectors separately. The empirical results indicate that water-related innovations positively affect water stress in the agricultural sector in the lower and middle quantiles, while it has a negative effect in the middle and higher quantiles for the services sector and the higher quantiles for the industrial sector. These findings reveal nuanced effects of water-related innovations on water stress across sectors. Furthermore, the study suggests that while innovations in the industrial and services sectors can mitigate water stress beyond a certain threshold level, the agricultural sector appears to benefit comparatively less from such innovations. These findings underscore the importance of complementing water-related innovations with appropriate regulatory measures, to address informal practices such as losses and leakages in agricultural irrigation. Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights for policy makers to formulate targeted environmental policies and strategies, especially in the context of climate change adaptation, thereby enabling a more effective allocation of resources to mitigate water stress within each sector.

Factors influencing outdoor thermal comfort in a coastal park during the transition seasons in cold regions of China

Coastal outdoor spaces serve as public venues where individuals engage in water-related activities, admire scenic views, embark on tourist excursions, and partake in social gatherings. Enhancing thermal comfort is a crucial prerequisite for increasing the attractiveness of these spaces. This study investigated the outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) in a coastal park called Xinghai Park located in a cold region of China over a period of five days during the spring and autumn seasons. The universal thermal climate index (UTCI) was employed to establish the thermal benchmark. Through on-site measurements and questionnaire surveys, both single-factor and multi-factor analyses were conducted to assess the microclimate and thermal perception in four representative coastal spaces, thereby identifying the thermal benchmark and factors influencing thermal perception in the Coastal Park. The findings indicated that: (1) during the transition seasons, the neutral UTCI (NUTCI) of the Coastal Park was 15.3 °C, with neutral UTCI range (NUTCIR) ranging from 9.3 °C to 21.4 °C, and there were significant variations in the thermal benchmarks among different types of spaces; (2) the primary factors influencing thermal perception during the transition seasons in the Coastal Park were physical factors (Ta, Tg, RH, Va, G), while individual, social, and psychological factors also exerted varying degrees of influence on respondents' thermal perception; (3) there were substantial spatial differences in the factors influencing respondents' thermal perception. The findings of this study provide valuable references for determining thermal environmental design strategies for transitional season coastal outdoor recreational spaces and enhancing the quality of urban life.

Craniofacial Injuries in Swimming and Water Sports: Implications for Prevention.

Water-related recreational activities, including swimming and diving, are widespread. However, they carry a significant risk of craniofacial injuries. Despite the popularity of these activities, comprehensive data on injuries beyond drowning remain scant. This study addresses this gap by providing valuable epidemiological insight into the nature, prevalence, and demographic patterns of craniofacial injuries related to water sports activities. The authors queried the NEISS database for craniofacial injuries related to swimming, diving, and water sports from 2013 to 2022. Data were analyzed for demographics, anatomic locations of injuries, and the activities leading to these injuries. Between 2013 and 2022, a total of 952,111 craniofacial injuries were associated with swimming and water sports. Of these, 510,706 (53.6%) were male patients, and 441,405 (46.4%) were female. This indicates that males were 1.16 times more likely to sustain such injuries. The age groups most affected were 0 to 9 and 10 to 19 years. Anatomic locations impacted were as follows: ears (58.1%), head (16.8%), face (13.9%), neck (4.8%), eyeballs (4.4%), and mouth (2%). Leading causes were identified as swimming and water sports activities (66.5%), swimming pools and equipment (28.2%), diving or diving boards (4.7%), and scuba diving (0.5%). Notably, 89.2% of patients with diving-related injuries and 99.1% with swimming-related injuries were not admitted to the hospital. This study offers critical epidemiological data to supplement targeted prevention strategies and resource allocation in managing craniofacial injuries associated with water activities. The findings highlight the urgent need for specialized care and serve as a foundation for future preventive initiatives.

The "DrownSafe" Project: Assessing the Feasibility of a Puppet Show in Teaching Drowning Prevention to Children and Parents.

Drowning remains a prominent global pediatric health concern, necessitating preventive measures such as educational initiatives for children and caregivers. In this study, we aimed to assess the feasibility and educational effectiveness of an interactive puppet show centered on teaching water safety to children and parents. A 30 min original theater performance, featuring two actors and three puppets (a girl, a crab, and a lifeguard), was conducted. Subsequently, 185 children (aged 4 to 8) and their 160 parents (134 mothers and 26 fathers) participated in this quasi-experimental study. Pre- and post-show tests were administered to evaluate knowledge and behaviors regarding aquatic environments. Prior to the puppet show, 78% of the children exhibited basic aquatic competency. Only 33% considered swimming alone risky. Following the intervention, 81.6% of the children changed their perception of the risks of solo beach activities, showing improved knowledge regarding contacting an emergency number (from 63.2% to 98.9%, p < 0.001). The intervention increased parents' intention to visit lifeguard-patrolled beaches and improved their CPR knowledge with regard to drowning victims by 58.8%. In conclusion, a drowning prevention puppet show positively impacted children and parents, potentially enhancing safety behaviors during water-related leisure activities, warranting its consideration part of comprehensive drowning prevention strategies.

Unexpected trends of amoebic encephalitis in Pakistan.

Annual reported cases of Naegleria fowleri (NF), popularly known as brain eating amoeba, are becoming a huge challenge for Pakistani health authorities. Karachi has seen cases regularly up till the present but Lahore has not. The spread of this amoeba in non-chlorinated water is a major concern for the authorities. NF is an amoeba commonly found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, hot springs and poorly chlorinated swimming pools. It poses a significant risk during hot weather when water-related recreational activities are popular. Where there is a non-chlorinated water supply, its spread is aggravated.

Environmental and Occupational Factors Associated with Leptospirosis: A Systematic Review

BackgroundLeptospirosis is a neglected emerging zoonotic disease with a profound public health impact worldwide with higher burden of disease in resource-poor countries. The environmental and occupational exposures contribute to human and animal transmission, but the interaction was less explored. A deeper understanding of the critical environmental and occupational drivers in different contexts will provide useful information for disease control and prevention measures. ObjectiveThis review aimed to summarize the potential environmental and occupational risk factors associated with leptospirosis infection. MethodsFour databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, EBSCOhost) were searched for articles published from 2012 to 2021. Eligible articles were assessed using a checklist for assessing the quality of the studies. The quality of the articles was assessed based on the laboratory diagnosis approach and statistical analysis method. ResultsA total of 32 studies were included in this systematic review. Water-related risk factors such as natural water as the primary water source (AOR 1.8–18.28), water-related recreational activities (AOR 2.36–10.45), flood exposure (AOR 1.54–6.04), contact with mud (AOR 1.57–4.58) and stagnant water (AOR 2.79–6.42) were associated with increased risk of leptospirosis. Infrastructural deficiencies such as un-plastered house walls and thatched houses presented a higher risk (AOR 2.71–5.17). Living in low-lying areas (AOR 1.58–3.74), on clay loam soil (OR 2.72), agricultural land (OR 2.09), and near rubber tree plantations (AOR 11.65) is associated with higher risk of leptospirosis. Contact with rats (AOR 1.4–3.5), livestock (AOR 1.3–10.4), and pigs (AOR 1.54–7.9) is associated with an increased risk of leptospirosis. Outdoor workers (AOR 1.95–3.95) and slaughterhouse workers (AOR 5.1–7.5) have higher risk of leptospirosis. ConclusionThe environmental and occupational components related to water, infrastructure, landscape, agriculture, and exposed animals play an essential role in leptospirosis transmission. The magnitude of those risk factors differs with geographical region, climate factor, urbanization and population growth, and the country’s socioeconomic status.

Water usage pattern of peri-urban community in the river basin: analyzing crucial variables for human exposure model

The human exposure model (HEM) is an important tool to predict the amount of contaminants carried by water to the community. Proper input variables play a crucial role in running the HEM, which is often scarce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Indonesia. To overcome that problem, we conducted a water demand survey of 10 water-related activities in a peri-urban community of the Upper Citarum River Basin. The survey resulted in three main variables of the exposure model from those activities, i.e. frequency, volume, and duration. This study aims to analyze if the contaminant uptakes from the HEM output were significantly different between groups (i.e.: male and female groups, 18 – 65 y.o. and ≥ 65 y.o. groups) and which exposure routes and water-related activities contribute the most to the contaminant’s total uptake by using statistical and proportional analysis. The output of carbofuran deterministic modelling showed the average total uptake was 1.06.E+00 ng/kg/day. The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between oral and dermal uptake, but there was no significant difference in total uptake between gender and age groups. After conducting the proportional analysis, it was found that oral uptake contributed almost 99% to the total uptake of carbofuran. The analysis also showed that drinking and cooking were two activities contributing the most to the total uptake. This study’s results are necessary for health risk assessment and HEM development, especially in the field of river basin management.

Naegleria Fowleri - Prevention is the best cure

Respected Editor, With the temperatures rising every summer and the quality of water deteriorating in Pakistan and specially Karachi the ‘brain-eating amoeba’ Naegleria fowleri was on rise during this summer too. 6 cases of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by N. fowleri were reported which took at least 5 lives in 2022.1 Naegleria fowleri is a non-parasitic, thermophilic, disease-causing flagellate amoeba. N. fowleri can tolerate high temperatures (up to 45%) and mainly consumes bacteria due to which it is usually found in warm freshwater bodies.2 The stage in which it is considered most infective is the trophozoite stage which is also its reproductive stage and it requires favourable conditions for this stage to be exhibited.2 The main route of entry for N. Fowleri is the olfactory route when water contaminated with this pathogen is forcefully inhaled during water-related activities like swimming and ablution etc.2 Signs and symptoms of PAM are similar to those of viral or bacterial meningitis including fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, anorexia, and seizures. This is the reason Naegleria fowleri is also commonly known as “brain-eating amoeba”. This similarity makes it difficult for physicians to diagnose it early. PAM can cause death within 3 to 7 days after the symptoms appear.3 After the first case of PAM which was reported in 2008, approximately 150 cases have been reported from Karachi alone. In only a decade, the number of PAM cases in Pakistan exceeded those reported in the USA in half a century (i.e. 142 cases between 1968 and 2019)4. Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan has observed a death rate of approximately 20 deaths per year due to PAM in Pakistan.5 Naegleria fowleri can be killed by chlorinating water and the ensuing disease and deaths can be eliminated but due to the failure of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board before supplying it to houses and then the use of that water for bathing and ablution, this pathogen continues to cause deaths every year.6 According to the WHO, free chlorine having residual concentration equal to or more than 0.5 mg/L, at pH less than 8.0 and 20°C, after a contact time of at least 30 minutes is effective for chlorine disinfection. The government should make sure that this level of chlorine is maintained throughout the distribution system.2 ---Continue

A novel approach to recognize the long-term spatial-temporal pattern of dry and wet years over Iran

More studies in estimating rainfall variations have focused on examining the change in the series' mean/median, which does not lead to the analysis of wet and dry conditions. Variations in wet and dry years, equivalent to changes in the upper and lower quantiles, have critical effects on human, environmental, and ecological activities. This study investigated variations in wet and dry years compared to the normal years in Iran using long-term data (1966–2019) from 41 synoptic stations. The Bayesian quantile regression model was used to study variations in annual rainfall quantiles. In addition, the spatial-temporal distribution of variations was analyzed. The results reveal that the intensities of wet years (Q90) variations are significantly higher than dry years (Q10) and normal years (Q50). In addition, wet and dry years show decreasing and increasing behaviors in most parts of Iran. Wet and dry years variations in the western, north-western, and northern regions of Iran have been more severe than the rest of the country. Moreover, the results reveal that disregarding variations in wet and dry years can lead to inappropriate inferences about water-related activities.

Studi Kualitas Air Krueng Brayeun di Kabupaten Aceh Besar sebagai Air Baku Air Minum

This study aims to identify the water quality of the Krueng Brayeun River as one of the potential surface waters to meet the needs for the development of a Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM) in Banda Aceh City and Aceh Besar District. Water samples were taken at five locations around the planned intake, namely two points before the planned intake and three points after the planned intake. Laboratory tests were carried out on physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Based on the test results, it is possible to use the proposed intake location as a source of raw water for PP RI No. 22 of 2021 class I. There is no possibility of pollution at the site of the proposed intake, and water-related activities that are carried out close to bends do not have an impact on the river of quality Kr. Brayeun. Recommendations for securing raw water sources are needed so that the utilization of Krueng Brayeun River water does not interfere with the PDAM's processing process.

In situ analysis of surface composition and meteorology at the Zhurong landing site on Mars.

The Zhurong rover of the Tianwen-1 mission landed in southern Utopia Planitia, providing a unique window into the evolutionary history of the Martian lowlands. During its first 110 sols, Zhurong investigated and categorized surface targets into igneous rocks, lithified duricrusts, cemented duricrusts, soils and sands. The lithified duricrusts, analysed by using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy onboard Zhurong, show elevated water contents and distinct compositions from those of igneous rocks. The cemented duricrusts are likely formed via water vapor-frost cycling at the atmosphere-soil interface, as supported by the local meteorological conditions. Soils and sands contain elevated magnesium and water, attributed to both hydrated magnesium salts and adsorbed water. The compositional and meteorological evidence indicates potential Amazonian brine activities and present-day water vapor cycling at the soil-atmosphere interface. Searching for further clues to water-related activities and determining the water source by Zhurong are critical to constrain the volatile evolution history at the landing site.

Ground water resources of Azerbaijan and their efficient use

The paper is dedicated to the surface water resources of Azerbaijan and their efficient use. Azerbaijan is in the list of the countries with small water supply. Compared to the other countries of the South Caucasus, the water resources of Azerbaijan are limited and comprise only 15 % of water resources of the whole region. The water percent per head of the population in Azerbaijan is on the lowest level compared to the other Republics. The main reason for this is various locations of water sources. The estimated reserves of water in our country are equal to 30.9 bln. m3, of which 33 % is local, and 66 % - the water formed due to the transborder rivers. The contamination of Araz and Kur rivers, the major water sources, by the neighboring states worsens the situation. To meet the demand of the crop plants in irrigation water, the amount of the agricultural water should be increased. Therefore, the supply of farm lands with water is directed to the implementation of the different water-related activities, as well as to the engineering-melioration and other organizational issues with the purpose of rational use of the water.

Perceived water-related risk factors of Buruli ulcer in two villages of south-central Côte d'Ivoire.

Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is a neglected tropical skin disease that is primarily endemic in West and Central Africa, including Côte d'Ivoire. Studies indicate that M. ulcerans infections are caused by contact with an environmental reservoir of the bacteria, governed by specific human biological conditions. Yet, the nature of this reservoir and the exact mode of transmission remain unknown. To identify ecologic risk factors of Buruli ulcer in south-central Côte d'Ivoire, we pursued a qualitative study matched with geo-referencing inquiry. Embedded in a broader integrated wound management research project, we (i) mapped households and water sources of laboratory confirmed Buruli ulcer cases and (ii) interviewed 12 patients and four health care workers to assess exposure to surface water and to deepen the understanding of perceived transmission pathways. Water availability, accessibility, and affordability were reported as key determinants for choosing water resources. Furthermore, perceived risks were related to environmental, structural, and individual factors. Despite the presence of improved water sources (e.g., drilled wells), communities heavily relied on unprotected surface water for a multitude of activities. The nearby Bandama River and seasonal waterbodies were frequently used for washing, bathing, and collection of water for drinking and cooking. Many residents also reported to cross the river on a daily basis for agricultural chores, and hence, are exposed to stagnant water during farming activities. Our study in two Buruli ulcer endemic villages in south-central Côte d'Ivoire revealed a wide range of water-related domestic activities that might expose people to an increased risk of contracting the disease. Environmental, biological, social, and cultural risk factors are closely interlinked and should be considered in future investigations of Buruli ulcer transmission. Active participation of the communities is key to better understand their circumstances to advance research and fight against Buruli ulcer and other neglected tropical diseases.

Inter ocean basin moisture fluxes and the onset of the summer rainy season over southern Mexico

The onset of the rainy season in monsoonal climates is a key element for the development of water related activities. In southern Mexico, it starts in late May or early June, while in western and northwestern part of the country in begins between early and mid-July. Previous studies indicate that it depends on the meridional position of the eastern Pacific Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). By mean of analyses of the Vertically Integrated Moisture Flux, the low level atmospheric dynamics in the tropical Americas is analyzed to establish the temporal evolution of inter ocean moisture fluxes that lead to the onset of the summer rainy season in southern Mexico. The onset of the rainy season depends on the longitudinal position of the center of maximum convective activity in the ITCZ, which induces a quasi-stationary low-level cyclonic circulation that results in moisture fluxes to the Mexican Pacific coast and rains. The Caribbean Low-Level Jet (CLLJ) is a mechanism that modulates inter ocean basin moisture fluxes into the eastern Pacific ITCZ and the location of the maximum convective activity in this system. We propose that the sequence of events that leads to the onset of the rainy season in southern Mexico is: (i) an episode of strong moisture flux from the Caribbean Sea into the eastern Pacific ITCZ, (ii) a region of intense convective activity in the ITCZ that triggers a quasi-stationary low-level cyclonic circulation which in turn, induces moisture flux into southern Mexico, and (iii) the development of convective activity in southern Mexico that determines the onset of the rainy season. The intensification of the CLLJ from June to July also results in a westward displacement of the region of maximum convection within the ITCZ that leads to changes in the atmospheric circulations and moisture fluxes that determine the onset of the rainy season at higher latitudes in the Mexican Pacific coast.

INFLUENCE GROUNDWATER PRODUCTION AND EXPLOITATION ON ECOSYSTEM CHANGING IN AZERBAIJAN

The Azerbaijan Republic is located in the arid climatic zone and due to this feels deficit of general water balance. The production and utilization of the groundwater caused negative consequences that affected on natural conditions of different regions. For example, in Qanikh-Ayrichay fields we can notice abnormally high hydraulic interrelation between ground and surface waters, and underground component of the river drain in the natural conditions forms approximately 55-65%. When infringing given conditions by production the groundwater the decrease of their average level forms approximately 50-60 meters. The appeared depression funnels cause tightening of the additional volume of river run-off to the groundwater intake wells, that is damage river run-off. Given volume of the river run-off must not be calculated twice when assessing the common water balance of the region. And another fact, the decrease of the groundwater level in a part of Gusar region has created some ecological problems. In the region of development of the relict forests the dynamic levels of the groundwater decreased on 25-30 meters. This affected root-inhabitable stratum and as a result led to abrupt aggravation of the ecological situation of the regions. It was required to optimize the production of the groundwater. Opposite situation is observed in the Absheron Peninsula where there are almost no fresh water resources. The water demands are met by surface water resources of Samur river and groundwater transfer from Guba-Gusar region of the Republic (more than 200 km from the demand areas). These sources are augmented with water from Kura river in the Ali-Bayramli region (more than 180 km from the demand area), at rates of up to 30 m'/sec. Due to the specific hydrogeological conditions, absence of sewerage system and etc., it leads to land subsidence, landslide processes, flooding, and other environmental and social phenomena and abrupt aggravation of the geoecological situation of the peninsula, in the whole. As it has already been mentioned a big part of groundwater in Azerbaijan is utilized for irrigation of agricultural crop. Mostly we notice fresh (up to1.0 g/l) or weakly saltish (up to 3.0 g/l) hydrocarbonate-sulphate and sulphate - hydrocarbonate waters with different cationic composition. The combination of cations form irrigation factors of the groundwater and as a result forms opportunity to utilize it for irrigation of concrete soils. Incorrect calculation of given qualitative parameters in the "water-rock" system has led to salinization of the soils of irrigated areas of Mil and Mugan-Salyan plains and accordingly led them to exit from the crop rotation. At present time, melioration of these areas is realizing. Thus, we can certify that production and utilization of the groundwater is essential anthropogenic factor, which influence on geoeco-logical situation of the republic. This factor must be taken into account when forecasting water-related activities in the whole and concerning exploitation of the groundwater, in particular. Keywords: water-bearing horizons, aquifer, water-saturated series, water-economy balance, gravel-pebble sedimentation, depression funnel, Mil and Mugan-Salyan plains, exploitative reserves.