Water Samples Research Articles

Ichthyobodo necator infection as a first record in cultured Dicentrarchus labrax: morphomolecular characterization and infestation patterns in correlation to water quality parameters

Abstract Ichthyobodo necator is a damaging and economically important protozoan parasite; however, its clinical patterns and incidence, correlated to environmental factors, are still poorly understood. This study provides the first report of Ichthyobodo necator infestation among Dicentrarchus labrax. We recorded significant mortalities in the cultured D. labrax of average size (5.92 g weight, and 11.55 cm length) in El-Max Station, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt, during the period extending from early summer to early fall (June to October) 2023. Behavioral and gross lesions of the infested fish were recorded; besides, dead and moribund fish were collected. Wet smears of the skin and gill of the affected fish were examined by compound light microscopy. Moreover, water samples from the affected ponds were collected and examined for their physicochemical parameters. The bodonid biflagellated Ichthyobodo necator (Henneguy) C. Pinto, 1928 was isolated from the skin and gills and identified based on specific morphological characteristics. DNA sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis confirmed identification, with clustering of the current isolates with I. necator isolates from different fish species. The multivariate analysis revealed a positive correlation between the prevalence and infestation intensity of Ichthyobodo, increased temperature levels, decreased dissolved oxygen DO, and also correlated with higher ammonia, and pH values. Additionally, the elevated concentrations of iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper in pond water were positively correlated with infestation and mortalities. These water parameter levels promote respiratory distress, accelerated prevalence, and infestation intensities of I. necator, particularly during the infestation peak in August and September. This study bridges the knowledge gap regarding I. necator parasite infestations and their correlation with water quality parameters.

The efficacy of wastewater treatment plant on removal of perfluoroalkyl substances and their impacts on the coastal environment of False Bay, South Africa

AbstractPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which have their origins in both industrial processes and consumer products, can be detected at all treatment stages in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Quantifying the emissions of PFAS from WWTPs into the marine environment is crucial because of their potential impacts on receiving aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the levels of five PFAS were measured in both influent and effluent sewage water samples obtained from a municipal WWTP, the discharges of which flow into False Bay, on the Indian Ocean coast of Cape Town, South Africa. Additionally, seawater, sediment, and biota samples from eight sites along the False Bay coast were also analysed. Results showed high prevalence of PFAS in the different environmental matrices. Perfluorononanoic acid was most dominant in all these matrices with maximum concentration in wastewater, 10.50 ng/L; seawater, 18.76 ng/L; marine sediment, 239.65 ng/g dry weight (dw); invertebrates, 0.72–2.45 µg/g dw; seaweed, 0.36–2.01 µg/g dw. The study used the chemical fingerprint of five PFASs detected in WWTP effluents to track their dispersion across a large, previously pristine marine environment and examined how each chemical accumulated in different marine organisms. The study also demonstrates that primary and secondary wastewater treatment processes cannot fully remove such compounds. There is thus a need to improve effluent quality before its release into the environment and promote continuous monitoring focusing on the sources of PFAS, including their potential transformation products, their environmental fate and ecological risks, particularly in areas receiving effluents from WWTP.

Pollution Monitoring via Potentiometric Membrane Sensors for the Determination of Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride in the Presence of Its Main Photo-Degradation Products in River Water

The utilization of membrane sensors for the monitoring and determination of pharmaceutical environmental pollutants has emerged as a crucial objective in recent years. Given the extensive use of chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPZ) in medicine, its presence in the environment, particularly in surface water such as rivers, is highly probable. Prolonged exposure of river water to sunlight and the photo-degradability of CPZ may enhance its photo-degradation. For the purpose of measuring CPZ in the presence of its primary photo-degradants, two sensitive and selective membrane electrodes were developed. These were synthesized utilizing two ion-pairing agents: sodium tetraphenylborate (TPB) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA). The electrodes exhibited a linear range that extended from 1 × 10−6 M to 1 × 10−2 M. The membrane electrodes of CPZ-TPB and CPZ-PTA exhibited slopes of 59.90 ± 0.60 mV/decade and 58.90 ± 0.80 mV/decade, respectively. The sensors mentioned above showed acceptable performance in a pH range of 2.0 to 6.0. All test parameters were optimized to provide superior electrochemical performance. The fabricated membranes were effectively employed to sensitively quantify CPZ in the presence of its principal photodegradants. The developed sensors were successfully employed to quantify CPZ in river water samples without necessitating pre-treatment procedures.

Validation of water quality parameters using ion balancing and electrochemical approaches: a case study

ABSTRACT The present study validates the accuracy of water quality analysis for twenty geo-referenced water samples from a watershed of Gaya district, Bihar, using ion balancing and electrochemical approaches. Analytical data were presented using box plots, Gibbs diagram and descriptive statistics. Regression equations of various chemical parameters and ionic strength with electrical conductivity (EC) are reported for routine conversion and outlined mathematical equations for data validation. The pH and EC of the water samples varying from 4.9 to 8.7 and 190 to 800 µS cm−1, respectively. Calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) varied from 0.88 to 2.53, 0.4 to 1.6, 0.8 to 3.75, and 0.01 to 0.22 meq L−1 whereas, bicarbonate (HCO3 –), chloride (Cl–) and sulphate (SO4 2–) ranged from 1.3 to 6.0, 0.25 to 1.5 and 0.01 to 0.6 meq L−1, respectively. Consistency between calculated and measured values judged the correctness based upon relative error (RE %) of the water analysis data. Overall RE on an average of ca. 6% and 5% is reported regarding consistency between the calculated and measured specific conductivity ( calc. and .) and ionic strength ( calc. and .), respectively and difference was statistically non-significant. The ion balancing method showed very good to good analytical data quality for 80% of water samples, while electrochemical approaches (EC and ionic strength) indicated good to moderately good analytical data quality for 85% of the investigated samples. Taking cognisance of the outcome of all validation approaches, an overall 20% rechecking of water samples including (sample ID S3, S8, S13 and S14) is proposed for better analytical data quality for further data mining operations.

To the Studies on Pollution of Under Ground Water Mau City

The study focuses on the environmental evaluation and classification of the Mau City area, located in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, India. The investigation covers an area of approximately 20 km2 and includes a diverse population in terms of socio- economic, cultural, and geographical characteristics. The population data reveals significant growth, with a population increase from 168,716 in 1991 to 2,205,968 in 2011. Animal populations, including cattle and poultry, have also shown an increasing trend from 2018 to 2020. Fertilizer usage data between 2017 and 2020 indicates fluctuations in the consumption of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, demonstrating potential agricultural impacts on the environment. Water quality analysis is a major part of this study, employing various methods to determine salinity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Salinity was measured through titration with silver nitrate, while oxygen levels were analyzed using different methods, including dissolved oxygen (DO) analysis. Results indicate variations in water quality across different sampling sites (S1-S6), with key parameters such as pH, turbidity, temperature, and bacterial contamination being recorded monthly for the years 2019 and 2020.The research also involves the collection and analysis of water samples using various devices, including water samplers, bottom samplers, and biological samplers. Methods such as the EDTA method for water hardness, the gravimetric method for sulfate determination, and the colorimetric analysis for iron and chromium concentrations were utilized to evaluate the pollutants in the water. The study provides critical insights into water quality degradation, highlighting the presence of various pollutants, including nitrates, sulfates, and heavy metals like chromium, copper, and iron.

Detection of Ferric Ion by Fluorescent Carbon Nano Dots Synthesized from Forsythia Residue.

To fully utilize the wastes of the traditional Chinese herbs, a highly functionalized fluorescent carbon nano dots (CDs) based ferric ion sensor was prepared from forsythia residue via a one-step hydrothermal method. Under transmission electron microscope (TEM), the CDs were observed to be spherical with the diameter in the range of 5-20nm. Comprehensive analyses documented the CDs' favorable morphology, diverse functional groups, high water solubility, remarkable optical properties, and exceptional stability under various environmental conditions. Moreover, the CDs exhibited good optical properties with vivid green photoluminescence (PL) when they were exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Furthermore, the prepared CDs demonstrated selective fluorescence quenching behavior towards ferric ions with satisfactory sensitivity and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 4.3 µM. Additionally, the CDs displayed good selectivity towards Fe3+ and the least interference with several other metal ions. Consequently, this strategy could be effectively applied to real water samples, demonstrating its potential for broader applications.

Assessing the impact of human activities on the health condition of the Lukosi River catchment using selected physico-chemical parameters as indicators of water quality

The Lukosi River catchment plays a crucial role in the economic and ecological framework of the country, serving as a major contributor to the Great Ruaha River (GRR). This study aimed to assess the impact of human activities on the health of the Lukosi River by analyzing key water parameters. Three sampling sites across the catchment were selected, and water samples were collected and analyzed using the American Public Health Association technique. A one-sample t-test was used to measure the significance of the difference between the measured water quality parameters and the water quality criteria established by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The results revealed mean values for various parameters: pH (8.67 ± 0.57), temperature (24.803 ± 1.361°C), EC (93.30 ± 3.34 mgL−1), BOD (14.85 ± 1.49 mgL−1), TDS (46.95 ± 1.55 mgL−1), total hardness (27.53 ± 1.28 mgL−1), DO (3.4 ± 0.53 mgL−1), turbidity (109.83 ± 40.99 mgL−1), NO2 (79.04 ± 0.73 mgL−1), Cu (6.07 ± 0.60 mgL−1), Ca (7.88 ± 0.36 mgL−1), Mn (0.16 ± 0.07 mgL−1), Cl (7.58 ± 3.97 mgL−1), F (0.12 ± 0.0008 mgL−1), SO4 (20.42 ± 4.12 mgL−1), Mg (1.92 ± 0.13 mgL−1), Zn (0.14 ± 0.11 mgL−1), Fe (3.56 ± 0.15 mgL−1), and NH3 (4.67 ± 0.51 mgL−1). Parameters such as DO, turbidity, NH3, NO3, and BOD significantly (p = 0.05) exceeded the permissible limits set by the TBS and the WHO. Furthermore, elements including Fe and Cu exceeded allowable limits. Moreover, the WQI was used to indicate that the water in the catchment is unsuitable for sustaining aquatic organisms and is unfit for domestic use. Household questionnaires and direct observations identified key human activities in the catchment: gardening (78.3%), agriculture (68%), livestock keeping (50%), sand mining (21%), and brick-making (21%). Less prevalent were car washing (7%) and fishing (4%). These findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts and sustainable management practices to safeguard the Lukosi River catchment (LRC).

Assessment of radiological hazards in terms of gross α -β activities in groundwater in and around Beldih mine region of eastern India.

In the present study, liquid scintillation counting triple to double coincidence ratio technique is used to ascertain the gross α and β activity in groundwater samples collected from the Beldih mine region in the vicinity of the South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ) of Chota Nagpur Plateau in eastern India. A total of sixty samples were collected from deep tube wells located in the study area to assess the potential health threats caused by α and β emitting radionuclides present in these water samples. Average gross α activity in the region of study is 0.09 ± 0.05Bq/L, with a maximum of 3.22 ± 0.07Bq/L. On the other hand, the average gross β activity is found to be 0.13 ± 0.02Bq/L, with a maximum of 0.29 ± 0.02Bq/L. It was observed that gross α activity level in three samples exceeds the safety limit of 0.5Bq/L recommended by the World Health Organization. No significant gross β activity was observed. However, the radiological parameters for assessment of potential health threats due to ionizing radiation have been observed to be significantly high for adults. The results of this study indicate that the radiological assessment of groundwater in the Beldih mine region may be extended in future.

Determinant Factors of Microbial Drinking Water Quality at the Point of Use in Rural Ethiopia: A Case Study of the South Gondar Zone

Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human need for health and well-being implemented globally by the United Nations under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. Storing drinking water is common in rural areas of Ethiopia due to off-premises water sources and intermittent piped water supply. However, this practice can lead to further contamination during collection, transport, and storage, posing a risk to public health. The objective of this study was to identify the determinant factors of drinking water quality at the point of use in the rural setting of northwestern Ethiopia, South Gondar zone. A questionnaire survey was conducted, and water samples from 720 households were collected during the wet and dry seasons. The determinant factors were identified using the multivariable logistic regression model. About 39.2% of the surveyed households had basic water supply services, 41.9% were using unimproved sources, and 8.3% were using surface water. Only 9.4% were using basic sanitation services, and 57.2% were practicing open defecation. Safe water storage was practiced by 84.3% of households, while only 2% engaged in household water treatment. About 14% of dry and 8% of wet season samples from the storage were free from fecal coliform bacteria. Furthermore, 52.9% of dry and 62.2% of wet season samples fell under the high microbial health risk category. The season of the year, the water source type, storage washing methods, and the socioeconomic status of the household were identified as key predictors of household drinking water fecal contamination using the multivariable logistic regression model. It was observed that the drinking water in households had a high load of fecal contamination, posing health risks to consumers. To tackle these problems, our study recommends that stakeholders should enhance access to improved water sources, implement source-level water treatment, increase access to improved sanitation facilities, advocate for safe household water management practices, and endorse household water treatment methods.

Occurrence and assemblage distribution of Giardia Duodenalis in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in southeastern Iran (2019-2022).

The ubiquitous protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis is a major contributor to the global burden of diarrhoea, particularly in young children living in poor-resource regions. Although rarely mortal, giardiasis is associated with growth retardation and cognitive impairment in early childhood. Here we investigate the epidemiology of human giardiasis in Iranshahr (south-eastern Iran), a region where this information was previously lacking. Stool samples were collected from 17,455 outpatients and inpatients attended at three major hospital settings during April 2020 and March 2022. Microscopy was used as a screening method for the presence of Giardia cysts, and the identification of G. duodenalis assemblages was carried out using PCR and Sanger sequencing. The overall prevalence of giardiasis was 1.87 (326/17,455; 95% CI: 1.7-2.1). Being female was positively associated with higher odds of giardiasis (p = 0.014). Individuals without diarrhoea were less likely to have giardiasis (p = 0.022). Individuals attending the Iran Hospital were more likely to harbour G. duodenalis infections compared to those attending at the Khatam Hospital and the Clinical Reference Laboratory (p = 0.001). Our sequence analyses revealed the presence of assemblages A (56.5%, 13/23), B (39.1%, 9/23), and A + B (4.4%, 1/23). No association was observed between the occurrence of a given assemblage and the occurrence of diarhroea. Giardia infections were found at relatively low prevalence rates in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals seeking medical attention. Being female, having diarrhoea, and being sampled during 2020-21 were predictors of giardiasis. Although limited, our molecular data indicate that some Giardia infections may be zoonotic in nature. These data should be corroborated and expanded in future epidemiological studies targeting simultaneously human, animal, and environmental (water) samples to improve our understanding of the epidemiology of giardiasis in Iran.

Trace Element Composition of Surface Water in Almaty City and Human Health Risk Assessment

This investigation meticulously examined the elemental composition of 64 water samples collected during the seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter of the year 2023. The average seasonal concentrations of arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lithium (Li), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), uranium (U), mercury (Hg), aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), strontium (Sr), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and chlorine (Cl) as well as SO4 and dry residue were computed at 16 strategically selected sites along the Bolshaya and Malaya Almatinka, Esentai, and Kargalinka rivers situated in Almaty. The sampling locations were categorized into three distinct sectors: upper (adjacent to mountainous regions), middle (urban zone), and lower (exceeding city limits), thereby facilitating the examination of discrepancies in water quality and elemental concentrations. The results reveal that surface water resources in Almaty, particularly concerning As, Ni, Cr, U, and Pb, may present a considerable carcinogenic risk if utilized for consumption purposes. This is especially alarming given that these rivers constitute a vital source of drinking water for the inhabitants of the city. Specifically, at two sampling locations along the Bolshaya and Malaya Almatinka rivers in proximity to significant urban thoroughfares, untreated river water displayed an elevated carcinogenic risk (CR ~ 10−2). These results highlight the urgent necessity for enhanced water treatment and ongoing monitoring to safeguard public health.

An Update on Taste, Odor, and Appearance Methods for Water Analysis

Key TakeawaysMany sensory methods are standardized, and new ones are being developed, to assess the aesthetic quality of source water and treated drinking water.In Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, sections 2110 and 2150 have been updated, and section 2150D, “Attribute Rating Test” (ART), has been added.ART is a technique for numerically rating water samples by sensory evaluation for the presence of taste and odor compounds.Sensory tests—screening panelists for their ability to smell compounds—should be part of a utility's sensory program.

Risk assessment of uranium in water sources near coal mines and in human organs of Shahdol District, Madhya Pradesh, using biokinetic modelling.

This study concentrated on determining the levels of uranium present in drinking water samples obtained from various locations throughout the Shahdol district in Madhya Pradesh, India. In this assessment a LED fluorimeter Quantalase (LF-2a) was utilized. Uranium, being a radioactive substance, can be hazardous to health when consumed in significant quantities over extended durations. The study found that the average uranium concentration was 167.91µg/L. 82% of samples exceeded recommended limits, emphasizing the essential aspect of this study. The study utilizes the age-specific biokinetic model developed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection to examine uranium distribution across various organs. Using dosimetric model, the study provides a comprehensive health risk analysis by assessing the chemical toxicity and the radiation dosages received by particular organs. Longitudinal studies on uranium distribution across different organs and tissues showed that the kidneys, liver, non-exchangeable bone volume, and soft tissues are the primary locations where uranium accumulates.

Morphodynamics drive the transport and accumulation of anthropogenic microparticles in tropical coastal depositional systems in southeastern Brazil.

A significant limitation in current coastal pollution research is that microplastics (<5 mm) comprise only a fraction of all anthropogenic microparticles (AMP, <5 mm) scale residues. Comprehensive AMP assessments, including those comprising semisynthetic, and modified natural compositions, are lacking. For instance, the accumulation of AMP in different coastal morphological features within a depositional system remains poorly known, fueling long-lasting debates about the distribution process of microparticles. Using a multi-proxy approach, we address mutual interactions between distinct surface morphologies (tidal flats, beaches, and foredunes) and transport and deposition dynamics of AMP. This issue was addressed by analyzing sediment and water samples collected at a marine protected area in the south coastal of São Paulo (Brazil). Here, we showed that AMP abundance in the tidal mudflat (18,500-20,500 particles/kg) was four times higher than in beach sands (4700-5900 particles/kg), while the lowest abundance was observed in foredune sands (4350 particles/kg). This can be attributed to the low-energy hydrodynamics of tidal flats associated with the cohesive behavior of muddy sediments, which consequently favor trapping and act as the main sink for AMP. Further, coastal processes (waves and currents) drive AMP onshore through sediment transport from the surfzone to the beach, from where the AMP becomes available for onshore eolian transport. Higher AMP abundance (85 particles/L) was observed in the marine water samples compared to the estuarine water samples (35 particles/L). Fibers <1 mm appeared as the predominant AMP in the sediment (99-100 %) and water (80-95 %) samples, primarily consisting of modified cellulose (73 %), dye signature only (16 %), and microplastics (11 %). Consequently, we argue that to fully comprehend the spatial distribution of AMP in coastal sediments and waters, it is crucial to analyze these microparticles from an integrated perspective, primarily considering the hydro-wind dynamics of different coastal morpho-sedimentary compartments combined with sediment grain size.

A Ratiometric Fluorescence Probe for Visualized Detection of Heavy Metal Cadmium and Application in Water Samples and Living Cells

Heavy metal cadmium (II) residuals have inflicted severe damage to human health and ecosystems. It has become imperative to devise straightforward and highly selective sensing methods for the detection of Cd2+. In this work, a ratiometric benzothiazole-based fluorescence probe (BQFA) was effortlessly synthesized and characterized using standard optical techniques for the visual detection of Cd2+ with a change in color from blue to green, exhibiting a significant Stokes shift. Moreover, the binding ratio of BQFA to Cd2+ was established as 1:1 by the Job’s plot and was further confirmed by FT-IR and 1HNMR titrations. The ratiometric fluorescence response via the ICT mechanism was confirmed by DFT calculations. Furthermore, the limit of detection for detecting Cd2+ was determined to be 68 nM. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that BQFA showed good performance in real water samples, paper strips, smartphone colorimetric identification, and cell imaging.

Tritium determination in natural water samples in Fukushima from 2022 to 2023 using an ultra-low-level tritium counting system.

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident created large stockpiles of tritium containing cooling water, which is to be gradually released into the Pacific Ocean, gaining attention from surrounding countries, environmental groups, and local residents concerned with the possibility of increasing tritium concentrations in the water and food cycle. Establishing baseline concentration levels and monitoring tritium immission values are important for assuring public safety, providing data for scientific research and risk communication. Tritium concentrations in the environment are very low; therefore, tritium measurements require enrichment in order to estimate the radiation exposure from drinking water intake and provide information on the water cycle. Natural water samples were collected at Tomioka Town located south of the FDNPP. Samples were distilled, enriched by electrolysis, and re-distilled using an improved SPE method to preconcentrate tritium to measureable levels. Tritium concentrations were determined by a low-background liquid scintillation counter. The observed tritium concentrations were relatively low, rainwater had a mean and SD value of 0.40±0.13Bq/L, and freshwater samples showed similar concentrations, while brackish coastal water samples were below 0.13±0.02Bq/L. The observed tritium concentrations in this study are considered safe as effective doses based on annual drinking water intake; however, continous monitoring is necessary to assure public safety.

Microplastic in Abiotic and Biotic Parts of the Mesha Bay of the Kuibyshev Reservoir (Republic of Tatarstan)

The study of microplastic content in water, sediments, gills and gastrointestinal tract of bream (Abramis brama) at the mouth of the Mesha River, the right tributary of the Kama River, was conducted. The content of microplastics in water was found at the level of 20.5 ± 22.3 units/m3, in bottom sediments 44.7 ± 41.8 units/kg, in fish gills 12.3 ± 8.4 units/example, in the gastrointestinal tract 14.5 ± 11.5 units/example. Fibers dominated in water samples, in the gills and gastrointestinal tract of fish, fragments dominated in the sediment. Correlation analysis showed the presence of a negative relationship between the content of microplastics in the gills, gastrointestinal tract and biologic indicators of studied fish. In terms of the frequency of occurrence and content of microplastics in the gills and gastrointestinal tract, the contamination of the studied fish is at a high level compared to literature data, which is associated with the feeding behavior of bream.

Investigation of short-term chemical changes in stable ruthenium added to soil by using X-ray absorption fine-structure analysis.

Radioactive ruthenium may be accidentally released from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plants to the surrounding environment. However, research on the chemical behavior of radioactive Ru in the environment is limited, and the complex chemical properties of this element complicate the application of extraction methods for the analyses of its chemical forms. To obtain basic information regarding the outcome of radioactive Ru in the environment, we investigated the changes in the form of stable Ru added to soil through X-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) analysis. This study uses ruthenium tetroxide (RuO4), ruthenium dioxide (RuO2), ruthenium nitrosyl nitrate (Ru(NO)(NO3)3) and ruthenium chloride (RuCl3) as test sources. These are added to ultrapure water, soil solution or fresh soil samples, which are analyzed using XAFS immediately or 5 days after Ru addition. The Ru K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure spectra acquired immediately after Ru addition differed with respect to the source. The XAFS results suggest that RuO4 immediately changes to tetravalent form after deposition from air to soil. For RuCl3, the ionic structure in the vicinity of Ru is affected by the soil even if the valence does not change immediately. By contrast, RuO2 and Ru(NO)(NO3)3 are highly stable in soil. The results show that the chemical forms of RuO2 and Ru(NO)(NO3)3 added to the soil solution and soil are retained for 5 days, whereas those of RuCl3 and RuO4 are affected by the soil solution and soil within a short period. These results emphasize the need to focus on the chemical form of Ru deposits and the form change after Ru addition when investigating the environmental fate of radioactive Ru.

Monitoring of tritium concentrations in tap water and rainwater collected in Thailand.

This study aimed to measure tritium (3H) concentrations in Thailand. Nationwide tap water samples were collected in July 2021. Rainwater samples were collected monthly during May-October 2020, April-October 2021, and February-March 2022 in Chonburi province and in Chiang Mai province during July-November 2021, January 2022, and March-June 2022. The measurements of 3H activity concentrations were conducted by Osaka Sangyo University (OSU) and were compared with measurements by the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT). The results from OSU and TINT showed that 3H concentrations in tap water were matched in the ranged from 0.08±0.03 to 0.28±0.04BqL-1, while those in rainwater samples collected from Chonburi province and Chiang Mai province are also matched in the ranged from 0.11±0.02 to 0.21±0.03BqL-1 and 0.19±0.02 to 0.57±0.04BqL-1, respectively. Our measured result suggests that 3H concentration in tap water and rainwater shows a similar relation depending on latitude.

Monitoring soil salinization and waterlogging in the northeastern Nile Delta linked to shallow saline groundwater and irrigation water quality.

Soil salinization and waterlogging are critical environmental issues affecting agricultural productivity and cultural heritage preservation, particularly in arid regions. This study investigated soil degradation processes in the archaeologically and agriculturally significant northeastern Nile Delta of Egypt. The objective was to assess the severity of soil degradation and identify key drivers related to water resources and soil characteristics to aid in the development of management strategies. The research employed a multi-faceted approach, including hydrochemical analyses (of groundwater, irrigation water, and soil), water quality indices calculations, statistical analyses, and satellite data. The results revealed high levels of soil salinization in the northern and central areas, with 64% of soil samples classified as strongly and very strongly saline. Soil chemistry indicated salinization sources linked to sodium chloride dominance. Satellite data from Sentinel-2 images and SRTM digital elevation data showed widespread severe waterlogging in the northern lowlands. The Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) values indicated that 87.5% of irrigation water samples posed severe restrictions due to high salinity and sodium hazards, which were mismatched with the low soil permeability observed in 81% of the collected samples exhibiting clay texture and covering most of the study area. Furthermore, shallow groundwater at depths of 0.5-3m with high salinity was detected, where total dissolved solids exceeded 20,000mg/L, and Na-Cl water types prevailed, indicating saltwater intrusion. A strong positive correlation (r > 0.83) was found between shallow saline groundwater and soil salinity. The combination of poor irrigation water quality, shallow saline groundwater tables, and low-permeability soils created a synergistic effect that severely compromised soil health and agricultural productivity. It also posed severe risks to the structural integrity of archaeological sites and buried artifacts through accelerated physical and chemical weathering processes. This necessitates an urgent mitigation strategy to combat soil degradation in this critical area.