In order to analyze the distribution and evolution of the aquatic vegetation and ecological status of the Semois-Chiers basin (Semois sub-basin and Chiers sub-basin), macrophyte surveys were conducted at 48 sites in 2...In order to analyze the distribution and evolution of the aquatic vegetation and ecological status of the Semois-Chiers basin (Semois sub-basin and Chiers sub-basin), macrophyte surveys were conducted at 48 sites in 2007 and 2013. Environmental parameters were also measured in order to characterize the waterbodies in terms of physico-chemical properties and anthropogenic pressure. The two-way clustering and indicator value (INDVAL) methods were used to assess groups of sites according to their macrophytic composition and species communities. The results showed a clear difference between streams in the Lorraine area (calcareous watercourses) and in the Ardennes (siliceous). Within each natural region, those with natural vegetation of high ecological status were separated from those dominated by resistant species. The Macrophytical Biological Index for Rivers (IBMR) was calculated for the sites visited in 2010 and 2013 and the results show a trend towards an increase of IBMR values of polluted sites. For the latter, the Wilcoxon test was performed to assess the significance of the difference in quality between 2010 and 2013. This showed a statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.035). Our results showed similarities with previous data, as well as some differences. The differences observed might indicate a gradual change in the composition of the vegetation in the study area, which was caused by changes in environmental conditions. They could also reflect a lack of information about the ecology of certain groups of plants, mainly bryophytes and macroalgae that were not considered in previous studies. Despite the measures implemented under the EU’s Water Framework Directive (WFD), the current vegetation of the Semois river differs little from that observed in 1996. The headwaters of a Semois river, described in previous studies as polytrophic and devoid of vegetation, show a slight improvement, with the appearance of macrophytic species. In some parts of the Chiers sub-basin, however, resistant species observed in 1999 persist.展开更多
Safe drinking water access for rural populations in developing countries remains a challenge for a sustainable development. The study aims to investigate the drinking water quality and the factors affecting this quali...Safe drinking water access for rural populations in developing countries remains a challenge for a sustainable development. The study aims to investigate the drinking water quality and the factors affecting this quality in the Sourou valley in Burkina Faso. A total of 135 water samples were collected in sterile glass bottles during the dry seasons 2007, 2008, and 2012 from 10 drillings and 5 wells. Fifteen physicochemical parameters and two fecal pollution indicators (Escherichia coli and fecal Coliforms) were monitored based on laboratory standard methods. Datas were analyzed, using the Student t’ test and XLSTAT 7.5.2 statistical software. From results obtained, water quality was related to water source and sampling period as well (p 0.0001). 30% of drillings provided water with nitrates concentration over the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value. High turbidity was also observed for some drillings. Moreover, 90% of drillings showed water total hardness largely over the WHO threshold value. Water from drillings were exempt of fecal pollution, contrasting with the wells one which appeared uniformly polluted with concentrations exceeding sometimes 103 and 104 CFU/100 ml for E. coli and fecal Coliforms, respectively. Field investigations showed a preference of wells as drinking water source, and that appeared related to the lack of self-management of drillings and to cultural considerations. Overall, this study highlighted that a regular survey of water quality, management of protection zones around drinking water sources, sensitization on water resources self-management, hygiene and health issues, and providing appropriate household disinfection methods could help advancing to reach an effective safe drinking water access for rural populations in the country.展开更多
文摘In order to analyze the distribution and evolution of the aquatic vegetation and ecological status of the Semois-Chiers basin (Semois sub-basin and Chiers sub-basin), macrophyte surveys were conducted at 48 sites in 2007 and 2013. Environmental parameters were also measured in order to characterize the waterbodies in terms of physico-chemical properties and anthropogenic pressure. The two-way clustering and indicator value (INDVAL) methods were used to assess groups of sites according to their macrophytic composition and species communities. The results showed a clear difference between streams in the Lorraine area (calcareous watercourses) and in the Ardennes (siliceous). Within each natural region, those with natural vegetation of high ecological status were separated from those dominated by resistant species. The Macrophytical Biological Index for Rivers (IBMR) was calculated for the sites visited in 2010 and 2013 and the results show a trend towards an increase of IBMR values of polluted sites. For the latter, the Wilcoxon test was performed to assess the significance of the difference in quality between 2010 and 2013. This showed a statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.035). Our results showed similarities with previous data, as well as some differences. The differences observed might indicate a gradual change in the composition of the vegetation in the study area, which was caused by changes in environmental conditions. They could also reflect a lack of information about the ecology of certain groups of plants, mainly bryophytes and macroalgae that were not considered in previous studies. Despite the measures implemented under the EU’s Water Framework Directive (WFD), the current vegetation of the Semois river differs little from that observed in 1996. The headwaters of a Semois river, described in previous studies as polytrophic and devoid of vegetation, show a slight improvement, with the appearance of macrophytic species. In some parts of the Chiers sub-basin, however, resistant species observed in 1999 persist.
文摘Safe drinking water access for rural populations in developing countries remains a challenge for a sustainable development. The study aims to investigate the drinking water quality and the factors affecting this quality in the Sourou valley in Burkina Faso. A total of 135 water samples were collected in sterile glass bottles during the dry seasons 2007, 2008, and 2012 from 10 drillings and 5 wells. Fifteen physicochemical parameters and two fecal pollution indicators (Escherichia coli and fecal Coliforms) were monitored based on laboratory standard methods. Datas were analyzed, using the Student t’ test and XLSTAT 7.5.2 statistical software. From results obtained, water quality was related to water source and sampling period as well (p 0.0001). 30% of drillings provided water with nitrates concentration over the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value. High turbidity was also observed for some drillings. Moreover, 90% of drillings showed water total hardness largely over the WHO threshold value. Water from drillings were exempt of fecal pollution, contrasting with the wells one which appeared uniformly polluted with concentrations exceeding sometimes 103 and 104 CFU/100 ml for E. coli and fecal Coliforms, respectively. Field investigations showed a preference of wells as drinking water source, and that appeared related to the lack of self-management of drillings and to cultural considerations. Overall, this study highlighted that a regular survey of water quality, management of protection zones around drinking water sources, sensitization on water resources self-management, hygiene and health issues, and providing appropriate household disinfection methods could help advancing to reach an effective safe drinking water access for rural populations in the country.
