Phytosynthetic bacteria (PSB) as a water quality improvement mechanism in saline-alkali wetland ponds

The efficiency of phytosynthetic bacteria (PSB) to improve the water quality in saline alkali ponds was studied, the result showed that (1) PSB application could increase the content of DO, NO\+-\-3\|N and effective phosphorus (EP) in ponds; (2) the changes of COD were not evident, just effective in later period after PSB application; (3) PSB application could decrease the contents of NH\+-\-4\|N (NH\-3\|N), NO\+-\-2\|N ; (4) PSB application could improve the structure of the effective nitrogen (EN) and EP, stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, and increase primary productivity, and finally increase the commercial profits of ponds because of the increase of EP and the decrease of EN contents; (5) the effect exerting speed of PSB was slower, but the effect sustaining time was longer; (6) the appropriate concentration of PSB application in saline alkali wetland ponds was 10×10 -6 mg/L, one time effective period was more than 15 days. So PSB was an efficient water quality improver in saline alkali ponds.

Monitoring and evaluation of the water quality of the Lower Neches River, Texas, USA

Increasing bacteria levels in the Lower Neches River caused by Hurricane Harvey has been of a serious concern.This study is to analyze the historical water sampling measurements and real-time water quality data collected with wireless sensors to monitor and evaluate water quality under different hydrological and hydraulic conditions.The statistical and Pearson correlation analysis on historical water samples determines that alkalinity,chloride,hardness,conductivity,and pH are highly correlated,and they decrease with increasing flow rate due to dilution.The flow rate has positive correlations with Escherichia coli,total suspended solids,and turbidity,which demonstrates that runoff is one of the causes of the elevated bacteria and sediment loadings in the river.The correlation between E.coli and turbidity indicates that turbidity greater than 45 nephelometric turbidity units in the Neches River can serve as a proxy for E.coli to indicate the bacterial outbreak.A series of statistical tools and an innovative two-layer data smoothing filter are developed to detect outliers,fill missing values,and filter spikes of the sensor measurements.The correlation analysis on the sensor data illustrates that the elevated sediment/bacteria/algae in the river is either caused by the first flush rain and heavy rain events in December to March or practices of land use and land cover.Therefore,utilizing sensor measurements along with rainfall and discharge data is recommended to monitor and evaluate water quality,then in turn to provide early alerts on water resources management decisions.

Post-operative morbidity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and resection for gallbladder cancer: A national surgical quality improvement program analysis

BACKGROUND Gallbladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract.Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy(NACT)has improved overall survival by enabling R0 resection.Currently,there is no consensus of guidelines for neoadjuvant therapy in gallbladder cancer.As investigations continue to analyze the regimen and benefit of NACT for ongoing care of gallbladder cancer patients,we examined American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program(NSQIP)database to determine if there was higher morbidity among the neo-adjuvant group within the 30-day post-operative period.We hypothesized patients who underwent NACT were more likely to have higher post-operative morbidity.AIM To investigate the 30-day post-operative morbidity outcomes between patients who received NACT and underwent surgery and patients who only had surgery.METHODS A retrospective analysis of the targeted hepatectomy NSQIP data between 2015 and 2019 was performed to determine if NACT in gallbladder cancer increased the risk for post-operative morbidity(bile leak,infection rate,rate of converting to open surgery,etc.)compared to the group who only had surgery.To calculate the odds ratio for the primary and secondary outcomes,a crude logistic regression was performed.RESULTS Of the 452 patients,52 patients received NACT prior to surgery.There were no statistically significant differences in the odds of morbidity between the two groups,including bile leak[odds ratio(OR),0.69;95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.16-2.10;P=0.55],superficial wound infection(OR,0.58;95%CI:0.03-3.02;P=0.61),and organ space wound infection(OR,0.63;95%CI:0.18-1.63;P=0.61).CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in the risk of 30-day post-operative morbidity between the NACT and surgery group and the surgery only group.

Exploring groundwater quality in semi-arid areas of Algeria:Impacts on potable water supply and agricultural sustainability

Groundwater quality assessment is important to assure safe and durable water use.In semi-arid areas of Algeria,groundwater represents the main water resource for drinking water supply of the rural population as well as for irrigation of agricultural lands.Groundwater samples from wells and springs were collected from the Gargaat Tarf and Annk Djemel sub-watersheds of the Oum El Bouaghi,Algeria,and were analyzed and compared with the World Health Organization(WHO)standards.Results showed that most of the measured physical and chemical parameters exceeded the quality limits according to the WHO standards.Groundwater had a slightly alkaline water pH(7.00-7.79),electrical conductivity>1500μS/cm,chloride>500 mg/L,calcium>250 mg/L,and magnesium>155 mg/L.Water quality index(WQI)results showed that 68%of the area had excellent water quality,24%of the samples fell into good category,and only 8%were of poor quality and unsuitable for human consumption.Six wells in the area showed bacterial contamination.Total coliforms(453.9(±180.3)CFU(colony-forming units)/100 mL),fecal coliforms(243.2(±99.2)CFU/100 mL),and fecal streptococci(77.9(±32.0)CFU/100 mL)loads were above the standard limits set by the WHO.These results confirmed that water resources in the study area were strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities and were not recommended for consumption as drinking water.

Riparian habitat quality as an indicator of land use/land cover effects on riverine water quality

Riparian land use/land cover(LULC)plays a crucial role in maintaining riverine water quality by altering the transport of pollutants and nutrients.Nevertheless,establishing a direct relationship between water quality and LULC is challenging due to the multi-indicator nature of both factors.Water quality encompasses a multitude of physical,chemical,and biological parameters,while LULC represents a diverse array of land use types.Riparian habitat quality(RHQ)serves as an indicator of LULC.Yet,it remains to be seen whether RHQ can act as a proxy of LULC for assessing the impact of LULC on riverine water quality.This study examines the interplay between RHQ,LULC and water quality,and develops a comprehensive indicator to predict water quality.We measured several water quality parameters,including pH(potential of hydrogen),TN(total nitrogen),TP(total phosphorus),T_(water)(water temperature),DO(dissolved oxygen),and EC(electrical conductivity)of the Yue and Jinshui Rivers draining to the Han River during 2016,2017 and 2018.The water quality index(WQI)was further calculated.RHQ is assessed by the InVEST(Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs)model.Our study found noticeable seasonal differences in water quality,with a higher WQI observed in the dry season.The RHQ was strongly correlated with LULC compositions.RHQ positively correlated with WQI,and DO concentration and vegetation land were negatively correlated with T_(water),TN,TP,EC,cropland,and construction land.These correlations were stronger in the rainy season.Human-dominated land,such as construction land and cropland,significantly contributed to water quality degradation,whereas vegetation promoted water quality.Regression models showed that the RHQ explained variations in WQI better than LULC types.Our study concludes that RHQ is a new and comprehensive indicator for predicting the dynamics of riverine water quality.

Assessing the Impact of Gold Mining on the Quality of Water Resources in the Commune of Meguet, Burkina Faso

Despite its often illegal nature, artisanal gold mining in Burkina Faso contributes to the economic and social development of the country. However, the rudimentary techniques used in gold panning have a significant impact on the environment due to inappropriate practices and the use of various chemical substances. This study aims to assess the impact of artisanal gold mining on the quality of water resources in a rural community at Méguet, Burkina Faso. To this end, surface and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed at the BUMIGEB laboratory. Field results show that the waters are slightly alkaline (6.97 < pH < 8.1), weakly mineralized and conductive (124 < EC < 543 μS/cm), with temperatures ranging from 24.6˚C to 31.6˚C. In addition, trace metals (TMEs) analyzed from surface and subsurface waters show very high levels, generally deviating from the levels recommended by WHO guidelines for Burkina Faso. Trace metals contamination of water resources in the commune of Méguet is mainly due to Fe (3.78 - 11.12 mg/kg), Hg (0.03 - 0.29 mg/kg), As (0.01- 6.31 mg/kg) and Pb (0.01 - 3.8 mg/kg). This study can serve as a basis for guiding national environmental policies to protect the water resources of the Méguet mine.

In situ digital testing method for quality assessment of soft soil improvement with polyurethane

This study purposes an in situ testing method on quality assessment of soil improvement.Factual drilling data includes the spatial distribution and in situ strength of untreated and treated soil along three different drillholes measured by on-site drilling monitoring method.These factual drilling data can characterize the degree of soil improvement by penetration injection with permeable polyurethane.Result from on-site drilling monitoring shows that the linear zones represent constant drilling speeds shown in the plot of drill bit advancement vs.net drilling time,which indicates the spatial distributions of soil profile.The soil profile at the study site is composed of four layers,which includes fill,untreated silty clay,treated silty clay,and mucky soil.The results of soil profile are verified by the parallel site loggings.The constant drilling speeds profile the coring-resistant strength of drilled soils.By comparing with the untreated silty clay,the constant drilling speeds of the treated silty clay have been decreased by 13.0-62.8%.Two drilling-speed-based indices of 61.2%and 65.6%are proposed to assess the decreased average drilling speed and the increased in situ strength of treated silty clay.Laboratory tests,i.e.uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)test,have been performed with core sample to investigate and characterize in situ strength by comparing that with drilling speeds.Results show that the average predicted strengths of treated silty clay are 2.4-6.9 times higher than the average measured strength of untreated silty clay.The UCS-based indices of 374.5%and 344.2%verified the quality assessment(QA)results by this new in situ method.This method provides a cost-effective tool for quality assessment of soil improvement by utilizing the digital drilling data.

Formation of Water Quality of Surface Water Bodies Used in the Material Processing

In the process of production or processing of materials by various methods,there is a need for a large volume of water of the required quality.Today in many regions of the world,there is an acute problem of providing industry with water of a required quality.Its solution is an urgent and difficult task.The water quality of surface water bodies is formed by a combination of a large number of both natural and anthropogenic factors,and is often significantly heterogeneous not only in the water area,but also in depth.As a rule,the water supply of large industrial enterprises is located along the river network.Mergers are the most important nodes of river systems.Understanding the mechanism of transport of pollutants at the confluence of rivers is critical for assessing water quality.In recent years,thanks to the data of satellite images,the interest of researchers in the phenomenon of mixing the waters of merging rivers has increased.The nature of the merger is influenced by the formation of transverse circulation.Within the framework of this work,a study of vorticity,as well as the width of the mixing zone,depending on the distance from the confluence,the speeds of the merging rivers and the angle of confluence was carried out.Since the consumer properties of water are largely determined by its chemical and physical indicators,the intensity of mixing,determined largely by the nature of the secondary circulation,is of fundamental importance for assessing the distribution of hydrochemical indicators of water quality in the mixing zone.These characteristics are important not only for organizing water intake for drinking and technical purposes with the best consumer properties,but also for organizing an effective monitoring system for confluence zones.

Enhancing Private Healthcare Effectiveness in Lagos State, Nigeria: An Overview of the Effect of Quality Improvement Initiatives and Implications for Sustainable Healthcare Delivery

Background: Nigeria, a nation grappling with rapid population growth, economic intricacies, and complex healthcare challenges, particularly in Lagos State, the economic hub and most populous state, faces the challenge of ensuring quality healthcare access. The overview of the effect of quality improvement initiatives in this paper focuses on private healthcare providers in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study assesses the impact of donor-funded quality improvement projects on these private healthcare facilities. It explores the level of participation, perceived support, and tangible effects of the initiatives on healthcare delivery within private healthcare facilities. It also examines how these initiatives influence patient inflow and facility ratings, and bring about additional benefits and improvements, provides insights into the challenges faced by private healthcare providers in implementing quality improvement projects and elicits recommendations for improving the effectiveness of such initiatives. Methods: Qualitative research design was employed for in-depth exploration, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Private healthcare providers in Lagos involved in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project were purposively sampled for diversity. Face-to-face interviews elicited insights into participation, perceived support, and project effects. Questions covered participation levels, support perception, changes observed, challenges faced, and recommendations. Thematic analysis identified recurring themes from interview transcripts. Adherence to ethical guidelines ensured participant confidentiality and informed consent. Results: Respondents affirmed active involvement in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project, echoing literature emphasizing private-sector collaboration with the public sector. While acknowledging positive influences on facility ratings, respondents highlighted challenges within the broader Nigerian healthcare landscape affecting patient numbers. Respondents cited tangible improvements, particularly in staff management and patient care processes, validating the positive influence of quality improvement projects. Financial constraints emerged as a significant challenge, aligning with existing literature emphasizing the pragmatic difficulties faced by private healthcare providers. Conclusions: This study illuminates the complex landscape of private healthcare provision in Lagos State, emphasizing the positive impact of donor-funded quality improvement projects. The findings provide nuanced insights, guiding policymakers, healthcare managers, and practitioners toward collaborative, sustainable improvements. As Nigeria progresses, these lessons will be crucial in shaping healthcare policies prioritizing population well-being.

Empowerment Mechanisms and Empirical Evidence of Payment Technology in Capacity Expansion and Quality Improvement of Residents’Consumption

The time-varying difference-in-difference model is used to identify the impact of payment technology on residents’consumption,and the moderation effect analysis method is used to identify its mechanism.It is found that payment technology promotes consumption capacity expansion and quality improvement(CEQI)through three pathways of alleviating liquidity constraints,reducing transaction costs and weakening the payment of pain.The parallel and serial mechanisms of the three are further explored.The effect of payment technology on the CEQI of residents’consumption shows obvious heterogeneity due to differences in urban and rural household registration and financial literacy.Based on the empirical research results and the national conditions of China,targeted policy recommendations are proposed from the demand side,the supply side and the technological side.

Effects of water and fertilizer deficit regulation with drip irrigation at different growth stages on fruit quality improvement of kiwifruit in seasonal arid areas of Southwest China

For a long time,seasonal drought occurs frequently in Southwest China,and the management of water and fertilizer in kiwifruit orchards has no quantitative standards,which seriously affects the yield and quality of kiwifruit.Therefore,the effects of water and fertilizer deficit regulation with drip irrigation(WFDRDI)on the quality of kiwifruit at different growth stages were explored to achieve water and fertilizer saving,and green and efficient production of kiwifruit.We select‘Jin Yan'kiwifruit and set two water deficit levels(W_(D20%)and W_(D40%))and three fertilizer deficit levels(F_(D15%),F_(D30%)and F_(D45%))at bud burst to leafing stage(stageⅠ),flowering to fruit set stage(stageⅡ),fruit expansion stage(stageⅢ)and fruit maturation stage(stageⅣ),respectively,with a full irrigation and fertilization as the control treatment(CK)in 2017and 2018.Results showed that the WFDRDI at stageⅡandⅢhad significant effect on fruit physical quality of kiwifruit,specifically,theⅢ-WD40%F_(D30%)andⅢ-W_(D20%)F_(D45%)treatments significantly increased fruit firmness by 13.62 and 15.59%(P<0.05),respectively;theⅡ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)andⅢ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)treatments significantly increased dry matter by 8.19 and 6.47%(P<0.05),respectively;theⅢ-W_(D20%)F_(D15%)treatment significantly increased single fruit weight and fruit volume by 9.33 and 12.65%(P<0.05),respectively;theⅡ-W_(D20%)F_(D15%)treatment significantly increased fruit water content by 1.99%(P<0.05).The WFDRDI had an obvious effect on fruit chemical quality of kiwifruit.TheⅢ-W_(D20%)F_(D45%),Ⅳ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)andⅣ-W_(D20%)F_(D30%)treatments significantly increased vitamin C(Vc)content by 69.96,36.96 and 34.31%(P<0.05),respectively;theⅢ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)andⅣ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)treatments significantly increased total soluble solid(TSS)content by 3.79 and 17.05%(P<0.05),respectively,and significantly increased soluble sugar content by 28.61 and 34.79%(P<0.05),respectively;the contents of fructose,glucose and sucrose also had a significantly increasing trend,which was increased significantly by 5.58–19.63%,40.55–60.36%and 54.03–54.92%in theⅢ-WD40%F_(D15%)andⅣ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)treatments(P<0.05),respectively;sugar–acid ratio was increased significantly in theⅣ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)treatment by 64.65%(P<0.05).The degree and duration of water and fertilizer deficit had a comprehensive effect on fruit quality of kiwifruit.The WFDRDI at stageⅡandⅢcontribute to improving fruit physical quality,and the threshold of water and fertilizer deficit were 20 and 15%,respectively;stageⅢandⅣare the critical periods for improving fruit chemical quality by water and fertilizer coupling effect,and the threshold of water and fertilizer deficit were 40 and 15%,respectively.Therefore,aiming at precise water and fertilizer saving,theⅠ-W_(D20%)F_(D30%),Ⅱ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%),Ⅲ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)andⅣ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)treatments under WFDRDI during the whole growth period of kiwifruit were the best mode to improve quality and production of kiwifruit.

Surface Water Quality Profiling Using Physicochemical Parameters in Open Defecation Free and Non-Open Defecation Free Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria

Physicochemical parameters of surface water sources in the study of local government areas (LGAs) were assessed using standard procedures. The mean physicochemical parameters for pH (5.49), NO2 (0.23 mg/L), SO4 (0.77 mg/L), Na (28.72 mg/L), Ca (28.94 mg/L), Mg (17.50 mg/L), Cl (11.65 mg/L), TSS (6.27 mg/L), TDS (104.23 mg/L), BOD (2.83 mg/L) and F (0.87 mg/L) were below WHO standards irrespective of their defecation status. The values for electrical conductivity (EC) (2770.50 µs/cm, turbidity (481.24 NTU), dissolved oxygen (DO) (5.32 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (445.50 mg/L), K (125.06 mg/L), PO4 (0.78 mg/L) and Fe (0.57 mg/L) were above the WHO limits for safe water. Higher EC and COD values obtained in the study is evidence of pollution of the water sources by organic matter.

Comparative Study of the Physicochemical Quality of the Waters of the Méné River (Sassandra Watershed, Ivory Coast) in the Dry Season and in the Rainy Season

The study carried out on the waters of the Méné River led to an overall assessment of its water quality during the dry season and the rainy season. The analysis focused on eight (8) water samples taken from the river during a period of dry season (January-February) and a period of rainy season (June and September). The various physicochemical parameters were measured according to Afnor standardized methods. The readings of temperature, turbidity, pH and conductivity made it possible to account for the disturbances occurring in water quality. A temporal variation correlated with the seasons (dry or rainy) is noted. Turbidity depends on the concentration of suspended solids (SS) in the water and drained particles and therefore on the seasons. Just like the temperature, the conductivity changes with the season. The waters of the Méné River are generally acidic. The results obtained show that there is a low level of pollution by chlorides, phosphates, nitrites and nitrates. A slight pollution of the waters of Méné in organic matter (chemical oxygen demand values are less than 25 mg∙L−1 during dry season and 32.33 ± 4.73 mg∙L−1 during rainy season) was observed. The concentrations of metallic trace elements such as iron, manganese and aluminum indicate significant pollution of these waters by these elements. Overall, the waters of the Méné River are of satisfactory quality because all the physicochemical parameters analyzed have values below standards during the dry season as well as during the rainy season with the exception of COD and a few metallic trace elements.

Formation mechanism of hydrochemical and quality evaluation of shallow groundwater in the Upper Kebir sub-basin,Northeast Algeria

This study investigates the hydrochemical formation mechanism of shallow groundwater in the Upper Kebir upstream sub-basin(Northeastern Algeria).The objective is to evaluate water quality suitability for domestic purposes through the application of water quality index(WQI).A total of 24 water points(wells and borewells)evenly distributed in the basin were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for determining the major ions and other geochemical parameters in the groundwater.The groundwater hydrochemical types were identified as Cl–Na and Cl–HCO_(3)^(–)Na,with the dominant major ions were found in the order of Na^(+)>Ca^(2+)>Mg^(2+)for cations,and Cl^(−)>SO_(4)^(2−)>HCO_(3)^(–)>NO_(3)^(−)for anions.Results suggest that weathering,dissolution of carbonate,sulfate,salt rocks,and anthropogenic activities were the major contributors to ion content in the groundwater.The Water Quality Index(WQI)was calculated to assess the water quality of potable water.Approximately 50%of the sampled sites exhibited good water quality.However,the study highlights significant NO_(3)contamination in the study area,with 50%of samples exceeding permissible limits.Therefore,effective treatment measures are crucial for the safe consumption of groundwater.

Water Management for Improvement of Rice Yield,Appearance Quality and Palatability with High Temperature During Ripening Period

To clarify the optimal water management in large-scale fields under high temperatures at the ripening period,effective water managements during this period for improvement of yield,appearance quality and palatability were investigated.Compared with intermittent irrigation and flooded irrigation,the soil temperature with saturated irrigation remained low throughout the day,and the decrease rate of the bleeding rate of hills was the lowest.These results suggested that the saturated irrigation maintained root activity.For the three irrigation types,the number of spikelets per m2 and 1000-grain weight were similar,however,saturated irrigation resulted in significantly higher rice yield due to improvement in the percentage of ripened grains.The saturated irrigation produced a high percentage of perfect rice grains and thicker brown rice grain,furthermore,the palatability of cooked rice was excellent because protein content and hardness/adhesion ratio were both low.Thus,under high-temperature ripening conditions,soil temperature was lowered and root activity was maintained when applying saturated irrigation after heading time.The results indicated that saturated irrigation is an effective countermeasure against high-temperature ripening damage.

Quieting the neonatal intensive care unit:A quality improvement initiative

BACKGROUND The neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)is vital for preterm infants but is often plagued by harmful noise levels.Excessive noise,ranging from medical equipment to conversations,poses significant health risks,including hearing impairment and neurodevelopmental issues.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends strict sound limits to safeguard neonatal well-being.Strategies such as education,environmental modifications,and quiet hours have shown to reduce noise levels.However,up to 60%of the noises remain avoidable.High noise exposure exacerbates physiological disturbances,impacting vital functions and long-term neurological outcomes.Effective noise reduction in the NICU is crucial for promoting optimal neonatal development.AIM To measure the sound levels in a NICU and reduce ambient sound levels by at least 10%from baseline.METHODS A quasi-experimental quality improvement project was conducted over 4 mo in a 20-bed level 3 NICU in a tertiary care medical college.Baseline noise levels were recorded continuously using a sound level meter.The interventions included targeted education,environmental modifications,and organizational changes,and were implemented through three rapid Plan-Do-Study-Act(PDSA)cycles.Weekly feedback and monitoring were conducted,and statistical process control charts were used for analysis.The mean noise values were compared using the paired t-test.RESULTS The baseline mean ambient noise level in the NICU was 67.8 dB,which decreased to 50.5 dB after the first cycle,and further decreased to 47.4 dB and 51.2 dB after subsequent cycles.The reduction in noise levels was 21%during the day and 28%PDSA cycle(mean difference of−17.3 dB,P<0.01).Peak noise levels decreased from 110 dB to 88.24 dB after the intervention.CONCLUSION A multifaceted intervention strategy reduced noise in the NICU by 25%over 4 months.The success of this initiative emphasizes the significance of comprehensive interventions for noise reduction.

Implications of Dynamic Interactions between Meteorological Patterns and Surface Water Quality on Environmental Health—A Case Study of the Nairobi River

Urban areas face significant challenges in maintaining water quality amidst increasing urbanization and changing climatic patterns. This study investigates the complex interplay between meteorological variables and water quality parameters in Nairobi City, focusing on the impacts of rainfall and temperature on surface water quality. Data from multiple sources, including the Water Resources Authority, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, and the World Bank’s Climate Change Knowledge Portal, were analyzed to assess the relationships between meteorological variables (rainfall and temperature) and water quality parameters (such as electroconductivity, biochemical oxygen demand, chloride, and pH). The analysis reveals varying impacts of rainfall and temperature on different water quality parameters. While parameters like iron and pH show strong relationships with both rainfall and temperature, others such as ammonia and nitrate exhibit moderate relationships. Additionally, the study highlights the influence of runoff, urbanization, and industrial activities on water quality, emphasizing the need for holistic management approaches. Recommendations encompass the establishment of annual publications on Nairobi River water quality, online accessibility of water quality data, development of hydrological models, spatial analysis, and fostering cross-disciplinary research collaborations. Implementing these recommendations can enhance water quality management practices, mitigate risks, and safeguard environmental integrity in Nairobi City.

Spatial-temporal Variation Characteristics of Water Quality in the Lower Reaches of the Nenjiang River

As an important river in the western part of Jilin Province,the lower reach of the Nenjiang River is an important wetland water source conservation area in Jilin Province.Within the watershed,it governs the Momoge Wetland,the Xianghai Wetland,and the Danjiang Wetland in Jilin Province.The main problem in the lower reaches of the Nenjiang River is the uneven distribution of water resources in time and space,and the intensification of land salinization.Zhenlai County and Da an City in the Nenjiang River Basin have sufficient surface water resources,with surface water as the drinking water source.Baicheng City and Tongyu County have scarce surface water resources,and both use groundwater as their domestic water source.The main polluted section in the basin is the Xianghai Reservoir,and the annual water quality evaluation is Class V.However,the water quality of the Tao er River,the main stream of the Nenjiang River,is significantly better than that of the Xianghai Reservoir.In order to better study the water environmental pollution situation in the Nenjiang River basin,monitoring data from five sections of non seasonal rivers in the basin from 2012 to 2021 were selected for studying water quality.This in-depth exploration of the water pollution status and river water quality change trends in the Nenjiang River basin is of great significance for future rural development,agricultural pattern transformation,and the promotion of water ecological civilization construction.

Assessment of water quality suitability for agriculture in a potentially leachate-contaminated region

Dump sites pose a significant threat to groundwater resources due to the possibility of leachate leakage into the aquifer.This study investigated the impact of leachate on groundwater quality in the southwest region of Zanjan City,Iran,where groundwater is utilized for drinking,agricultural,and industrial purposes.We analyzed 18 parameters of dump site leachate,including physicochemical,heavy metals,and bacterial properties,alongside 13 groundwater samples.Sampling was conducted twice,in November 2020 and June 2021,within a five-kilometer radius of the Zanjan dump site.We utilized the Leachate Pollution Index(LPI)to evaluate potential groundwater contamination by leachate leakage from nearby dumpsite.Additionally,due to the predominant agricultural activities in the study area,various indices were employed to assess groundwater quality for agricultural purposes,such as Sodium Adsorption Ratio(SAR),Soluble Sodium Index(SSI),Kelly Ratio(KR),and Permeability Index(PI).Our analysis revealed no observed contamination related to leachate in the study area according to the LPI results.However,with the persistent pollution threat,implementing sanitary measures at the dump site is crucial to prevent potential impacts on groundwater quality.Moreover,the assessment of groundwater quality adequacy for irrigation yielded satisfactory results for SAR,KR,and PI indices.However,during both the dry(November 2020)and wet seasons(June 2021),the SSP index indicated that 80%of the samples were not classified as excellent,suggesting groundwater may not be suitable for agriculture.Overal,our qualitative study highlights the significant impact of the dry season on groundwater quality in the study area,attributed to elevated concentration levels of the investigated parameters within groundwater sources during the dry season.

Assessment of Water Quality in High-Pressure Peruvian Anthropic Sectors of Lake Titicaca Using a Calibrated Index

The world’s lakes are in the process of degradation, with loss of water quality as a result of anthropic influences. This research aimed to evaluate water quality in high-pressure Peruvian anthropic sectors of Lake Titicaca using a calibrated index. The study considered ten important bays with influence from urban sectors. In each bay, surface waters were monitored for six years, considering physical, chemical and microbiological parameters. Water quality was assessed using the NSF Water Quality Index (NSF-WQI) and the one calibrated for Lake Titicaca (WQIT). Comparing the efficiency of these two indices, the WQIT showed a variation from moderately polluted bays to bad quality bays, such as Desaguadero and Yunguyo. These two bays were classified as hypereutrophic, therefore, the uses attributable to this condition are only irrigation and energy production. Applying the NSF-WQI, the results were not able to identify this significative difference, as all bays were classified as moderate quality waters. This result indicates that the WQIT calibration was adequate, as it allows inferring and estimating the water quality of Lake Titicaca with greater precision. According to Peru’s water quality standard for category 4, established for the conservation of the country’s lakes, the parameters that exceeded the standard values were PO4-P (0.035 mg∙L−1) and BOD5 (5 mg∙L−1) in all bays, and TC (1000 MPN mL−1) in Yunguyo bay. These high values indicate eutrophication processes, one of the main problems in the study area. The WQIT calibrated for Lake Titicaca can be used as an efficient tool to assess water quality in high Andean lentic waterbodies in South America.