Identifying the Hydrochemical Characteristics,Genetic Mechanisms and Potential Human Health Risks of Fluoride and Nitrate Enriched Groundwater in the Tongzhou District,Beijing,North China

Fluoride and nitrate enriched groundwater are potential threats to the safety of the groundwater supply that may cause significant effects on human health and public safety,especially in aggregated population areas and economic hubs.This study focuses on the high F^(−)and NO_(3)^(−)concentration groundwater in Tongzhou District,Beijing,North China.A total of 36 groundwater samples were collected to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics,elucidate genetic mechanisms and evaluate the potential human health risks.The results of the analysis indicate:Firstly,most of the groundwater samples are characterized by Mg-HCO_(3) and Na-HCO_(3) with the pH ranging from 7.19 to 8.28 and TDS with a large variation across the range 471-2337 mg/L.The NO_(3)^(−)concentration in 38.89%groundwater samples and the F^(−)concentration in 66.67%groundwater samples exceed the permissible limited value.Secondly,F^(−)in groundwater originates predominantly from water-rock interactions and the fluorite dissolution,which is also regulated by cation exchange,competitive adsorption of HCO_(3)−and an alkaline environment.Thirdly,the effect of sewage disposal and agricultural activities have a significant effect on high NO3-concentration,while the high F^(−)concentration is less influenced by anthropogenic activity.The alkaline environment favors nitrification,thus being conducive to the production of NO_(3)^(−).Finally,the health risk assessment is evaluated for different population groups.The results indicate that high NO_(3)^(−)and F^(−)concentration in groundwater would have the largest threat to children’s health.The findings of this study could contribute to the provision of a scientific basis for groundwater supply policy formulation relating to public health in Tongzhou District.

Dependence of Nanotextured Titanium Orthopedic Surfaces on Electrolyte Condition

Electrochemical etching of titanium alloy in a fluoride-containing electrolyte results in ordered nanotextured surfaces. The reproducibility of nanotextured surfaces depends on several process parameters, most notably the fluoride ion concentration in the electrolyte. In the present work, electrochemical etching of Ti6Al4V alloy foils in ethylene glycol containing 0.66 wt% NH4F and 2% deionized water was carried out at 60 V for 45 minutes. This paper describes the depletion of fluoride ion concentration and contamination of electrolyte upon reuse. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy was used to measure the dissolution of metal oxides in the electrolyte during etching. We found increasing concentration of the alloy elements Ti, Al, V contaminated the electrolyte due to repeated reuse of the electrolyte. The results show an appreciable log-linear depletion of fluoride ion concentration resulting in a changed surface morphology, chemical composition and etched volume. This paper provides an important insight to changes in surface morphology and surface chemistry with extended reuse of the etching electrolyte, useful for regulatory approvals.