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.

Mapping Air Quality Using Remote Sensing Technology: A Case Study of Nairobi County

Nairobi County experiences rapid industrialization and urbanization that contributes to the deteriorating state of air quality, posing a potential health risk to its growing population. Currently, in Nairobi County, most air quality monitoring stations use low-cost, inaccurate monitors prone to defects. The study’s objective was to map Nairobi County’s air quality using freely available remotely sensed imagery. The Air Pollution Index (API) formula was used to characterize the air quality from cloud-free Landsat satellite images i.e., Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+, and Landsat 8 OLI from Google Earth Engine. The API values were computed based on vegetation indices namely NDVI, TVI, DVI, and the SWIR1 and NIR bands on the QGIS platform. Qualitative accuracy assessment was done using sample points drawn from residential, industrial, green spaces, and traffic hotspot categories, based on a passive-random sampling technique. In this study, Landsat 5 API imagery for 2010 provided a reliable representation of local conditions but indicated significant pollution in green spaces, with recorded values ranging from -143 to 334. The study found that Landsat 7 API imagery in 2002 showed expected results with the range of values being -55 to 287, while Landsat 8 indicated high pollution levels in Nairobi. The results emphasized the importance of air quality factors in API calibration and the unmatched spatial coverage of satellite observations over ground-based monitoring techniques. The study recommends the recalibration of the API formula for characteristic regions, exploring newer satellite sensors like those onboard Landsat 9 and Sentinel 2, and involving key stakeholders in a discourse to develop a suitable Kenyan air quality index.

Combined Pollution and Pollution Index of Heavy Metals in Red Soil

A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and As coexisting in red soilon growth of rice (Oryza sativa L.), mung bean (Vigna rabiata (Linn.) Wilczek), alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.), slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) and aspen (Populus L.). Results showed that rice, mung bean andalfalfa were significantly innuenced by combined pollution of the heavy metals. The contents of Pb, cd andAs in rice grains greatly exceeded the National Standards for Food Hygiene of China. Heavy metals at ahigh concentration seriously retarded growth of mung bean and alfalfa, but not so obviously with slash pineand aspen. The composite index is suggested for evaluating the relativity of combined pollution witll heavymetals in soil.

Evaluation of groundwater quality using pollution index of groundwater(PIG) and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment in part of the Gangetic Basin

The aim of this study was to evaluate groundwater fitness for domestic and irrigational use in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh,India.For this study,block wise(n=16)groundwater samples were collected,and measured parameters were analyzed using the pollution index of groundwater(PIG),various irrigational indices,and graphical techniques.The results of this study suggested that most of the parameters were within the prescribed limits of WHO and BIS,excluding F-(0.4 to 2.6 mg L^(-1))and Fe^(2+)(0.1 to 1.7 mg L^(-1)).Concentrations of total dissolved solids(TDS)were exceeded the desirable limit(>500 mg L^(-1))in 43.75%of samples at some sites.The Gibbs plot revealed that groundwater chemistry was governed by rock-water interaction in the region,especially silicate weathering.The Piper plot suggested that Ca^(2+)-HCO3-is dominant hydrochemical facies in the area followed by mixed Ca^(2+)-Na^(+)-HCO_(3)^(-)type,Na^(+)-Cl^(-)type,and Na^(+)-HCO_(3)^(-)type.PIG evaluation revealed that the contribution of F-and Fe2+in groundwater degradation is high in comparison to other elements in the region,about 18.75%samples showed low pollution,while about 6.25%samples shows moderate pollution,and 6.25%samples reflected high pollution.The human health risk(HHR)assessment finding suggested that children(mean:1.36)are more vulnerable than adults(mean:1.01).Sodium absorption ration(SAR),Residual sodium carbonate(RSC),and Permeability index(PI)indicated that most of the groundwater was suitable for irrigation,whereas,Magnesium hazard ration(MHR)and Potential salinity(PS)indices suggested that only 37.5%and 56.25%of the samples were suitable for irrigational use,respectively.This regional study would help in decision making for stakeholders and relevant authorities in the execution of groundwater management and remediation plans in the area.

Changes in Water Quality of Origin Flows of Hotan River Based on Nemorow Pollution Index

[Objective] The study aimed to analyze water quality of origin flows of Hctan River using Nemorow pollution index method. [Method] Based on data monitored at four monitoring sections of Yorungkash River and Karakash River dudng 2001 -2005, water quality of Hotan River was assessed by using Nemorow pollution index method. [ Result] During 2001 -2005, Yorungkash River and Karakash River had clean water reaching the first standard. Nemorow pollution index was 0.15 -0.69 at the first section of Yorungkash River, and it was 0.23 -0.46 at its last section; there were few changes in water quality at the last section, while Nemorow pollution index showed a downward trend at the first section. Nemorow pollu- tion index was 0.23 -0.65 at the first section of Karakash River, and it was 0.23 -0.47 at its last section, showing a downward trend at its last section. [Condusion] Water quality of Hotan River belonged to first-class clean water.

Application of Principal Component Analysis, Cluster Analysis, Pollution Index and Geoaccumulation Index in Pollution Assessment with Heavy Metals from Gold Mining Operations, Tanzania

Gold mining is now widely acknowledged as one of the significant sources of soil pollution in developed countries. In developing countries, the sources and levels of soil contamination have not been thoroughly addressed. Thus, this study was intended to determine the source of soil pollution and the level of contamination in the active and closed gold mining areas. The research paper presents the pollution load of heavy metals (lead-Pb, chromium-Cr, cadmium-Cd, copper-Cu, arsenic-As, manganese-Mn, and nickel-Ni) in 90 soil samples collected from the studied sites. Multivariate statistical analysis, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA), coupled with correlation coefficient analysis, was performed to determine the possible sources of pollution in the study areas. The results indicated that Pb, Cr, Cu and Mn come from different sources than Cd, As and Ni. The results obtained from the metal pollution assessment using the Pollution Index (PI) and the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) confirmed that soils in the mining areas were contaminated in the range from moderately through strongly to highly contaminated soils. This study verified that soil contamination in the gold mining areas results from natural and anthropogenic processes. The current study findings would enhance our knowledge regarding the soil contamination level in the mining areas and the source of contamination. It is recommended to use PCA, CA, PI and Igeo to assess and monitor the heavy metal contaminated soil in gold mining areas.

Spatio-Temporal Air Pollutant Characterization for Urban Areas

Urban pollution has now become increasingly recognized as an important determinant of air pollution in developed countries. The effect of urban air pollution in developing countries, on the other hand, has not been adequately addressed in the data Spatio-temporal time series. Thus, this study was intended to characterize the effect of urbanization on air pollution for an urbanized Klang Valley, Malaysia using Spatio-temporal data from 2008 to 2017. The Air Pollution Index (API) data and local pollutant concentration were employed to establish the links between urban air pollution. The analysis will be supported by determining the source of pollutants during the study period using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The study identified that Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Ozone (O3) are the major air pollution that has contributed to degrading air quality in the Klang Valley due to the vehicles, combustion process, and industries.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Sea Bed Sediment of the Bight of Bonny, Southern Atlantic Coast of Nigeria Using Index Model Analysis

The heavy metal contamination status of Bight of Bonny sea bed sediment was investigated. Sediment samples were collected from eleven locations grouped into three stations. The samples were analyzed to determine the heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Ni, Zn, Mn, Co, Cd, Cu, Cr) concentration using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Index model analyses, such as geo-accumulation index (I-geo), Enrichment factor (EF), and Pollution load index (PLI) were used for pollution assessment of sea bed sediment. The most predominant heavy metals in the upstream sediment were Fe;13.57 ± 1.838 mg/kg, cobalt;7.987 ± 3.550 mg/kg, and Ni;1.020 ± 0.802 mg/kg, midstream sediment were Fe;8.554 ± 3.010 mg/kg, Co;8.520 ± 4.00 mg/kg, and Ni;1.140 ± 0.879 mg/kg, while the downstream sediment result had Fe;11.12 ± 3.825 mg/kg, Co;7.275 ± 1.700 mg/kg, and Cd;1.025 ± 0.159 /kg. The I-geo results indicate that Cu, Mn, Pb, Cr, Fe, Zn, Ni, and Co were in their background concentrations while Cd had I-geo > 3 which implies a moderately or heavily polluted environment. The EF indicates metal enrichment from anthropogenic sources for Co, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Cr while Fe and Mn predicate biogenic origin. The PLI of the heavy metals in the three sample stations of sea bed sediment was found to be generally low (<1). The Enrichment Factor and geo-accumulation index strongly suggest the Bight of Bonny sea bed sediment contamination by Cd from anthropogenic sources.

Relationship between Air Pollution Index (API) and Crowd Health in Nanchang City

Objective: To explore the effect of Air Pollution Index (API) on people’s health. Methods: The data on air pollution index (API), NO2, SO2 and PM10 were based on the everyday monitoring information from environmental monitoring station of Nanchang City. The everyday outpatient service diseases information of 2005 related to air pollution from some First Level Hospitals in Nanchang city was collected, and was summarized and analyzed by statistics software of Excel 2003 and SPSS11.5. Results: The average concentrations of NO2, SO2 and PM10 in the air of Nanchang city from 2006-2009 were 19.70 ± 8.56 μg/m3, 44.60 ± 10.45 μg/m3, 62.30 ± 19.76 μg/m3 respectively. Tight relationship was detected between NO2, SO2 and PM10. Air pollution index (API) can better reflect the air pollution status of Nanchang city. There were positive correlations between API and number of outpatient service diseases, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, ophthalmology disease and ear-nose-throat (ENT) disease in Nanchang city. Conclusion API was related to the number of outpatient service relative diseases.

Combined pollution of Cd and Zn in soil-rice systems and its indexes

Due to the mining,smelting,sewage irriga-tion,agricultural runoff,and development ofrural enterprises,combined pollution of Cd andZn in soil-rice systems has frequently oc-curred.This problem was studied by using thepot-culture imitative method combined withhemical analysis and mathematical models.

Investigation of Pollution Level of Traces Metals Elements in Agricultural Soil of Oubritenga Province of Burkina Faso

The purpose of this study was to investigate the pollution level of trace metals As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se and Zn in agricultural soil around the water reservoir. A total of 36 soil samples were collected both during off-season agriculture and pluvial agriculture from April to October 2022. The samples were analyzed for trace metals according to the standard methods of the US EPA 2007 with a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer (MP-AES), Agilent Model 4210. The pollution level was assessed using contamination factor (Cf) and modified contamination degree (mCd). During the off-season, the concentration of trace metals followed in descending order as Mn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Zn. As, Cd, Co, Hg, Ni, Sb and Se were below the detectable limits. In pluvial season, the concentration of traces of metal follows the order Mn > Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Hg > As. Cd, Co, Sb and Se remain below the detectable limits. The concentrations of Cr, Mn and Zn were lower in the off-season agriculture than in pluvial agriculture. For Cu and Pb, the concentrations were higher in the off-season than in pluvial agriculture. The Cf ranges from 0.24 to 11.70 depending on the considered trace metal. The Cf values of As, Ni, Pb, Zn and Mn indicated that the agricultural study soil was lowery contaminated by these trace metals. The agricultural study soil was moderately contaminated by Cr and Cu, and highly contaminated by Hg. Globally the agricultural study soil presents a moderate degree of contamination (mCd 2.25) by the eight trace metals studied. This result provides information on understanding the risks of trace metal contamination of agricultural soil. It is important to anticipate the control of soil contamination through regular monitoring of toxic metals in agricultural soils, control the quality of chemicals used in agriculture and regulate their use.

Spatial distribution and ecological risk of heavy metals and their source apportionment in soils from a typical mining area, Inner Mongolia, China

Determining the distributions and sources of heavy metals in soils and assessing ecological risks are fundamental tasks in the control and management of pollution in mining areas.In this study,we selected 244 sampling sites around a typical lead(Pb)and zinc(Zn)mining area in eastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China and measured the content of six heavy metals,including cuprum(Cu),Zn,Pb,arsenic(As),cadmium(Cd),and chromium(Cr).The ecological risk of heavy metals was comprehensively evaluated using the Geo-accumulation index,Nemerow general pollution index,and potential ecological risk index.The heavy metals were traced using correlation analysis and principal component analysis.The results showed that the highest content of heavy metals was found in 0–5 cm soil layer in the study area.The average content of Zn,As,Pb,Cu,Cr,and Cd was 670,424,235,162,94,and 4 mg/kg,respectively,all exceeding the risk screening value of agricultural soil in China.The areas with high content of soil heavy metals were mainly distributed near the tailings pond.The study area was affected by a combination of multiple heavy metals,with Cd and As reaching severe pollution levels.The three pathways of exposure for carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks were ranked as inhalation>oral ingestion>dermal absorption.The heavy metals in the study area posed certain hazards to human health.Specifically,oral ingestion of these heavy metals carried carcinogenic risks for both children and adults,as well as noncarcinogenic risks for children.There were differences in the sources of different heavy metals.The tailings pond had a large impact on the accumulation of Cd,Zn,and Pb.The source of Cr was the soil parent material,the source of As was mainly the soil matrix,and the source of Cu was mainly the nearby Cu ore.The purpose of this study is to more accurately understand the extent,scope,and source of heavy metals pollution near a typical mining area,providing effective help to solve the problem of heavy metals pollution.

Heavy Metals in Soils Associated with Fertilizers in Trinidad

Heavy metals in agricultural soil pose human health risks through food consumption. In a novel study for Trinidad, concentration and pollution index levels of heavy metals were assessed from 18 agricultural farms using the X-Ray fluorescence technique, then to evaluate the Geo-accumulation and Nemerow’s Integrated Pollution indexes. Toxic elements Pb and As were present but soil quality due to anthropogenic input was found as unpolluted. Overall heavy metal pollution was classified at a precautionary level for 33% of farms, slightly polluted for 61% and moderately polluted for 6% of the farms assessed, thus, regular monitoring and mitigation measures are important for food safety and human health in Trinidad.

Level of Bacteriological and Physicochemical Pollution of Surface Waters in Rural Area: The Case of Mbankomo Municipality (Center Region, Cameroon)

A study aimed at evaluating the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of surface water was therefore carried out in a few watercourses in the municipality of Mbankomo, located in the Center Region (Cameroon). The physico-chemical parameters were measured according to the standard method. The organic pollution index (OPI) was determined from the contents of nitrates, phosphates, and ammoniacal nitrogen to characterize the level of organic pollution of the water. The microorganisms sought were total flora, indicators of faecal contamination like total coliforms, faecal coliforms, feacal streptococci and Escherichia coli, as well as the species Clostridium perfringens. The organic pollution index indicates a high-level organic pollution level during the small rainy season and high to moderate during the small dry season. High concentrations of the total and fecal coliforms, streptococci fecal, Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens respectively of 1712 × 105 CFU/100mL;82 × 105 CFU/100mL;10 × 105 CFU/100mL;27 × 105 and 40 × 103 CFU/100mL, all higher than WHO standards, indicate that the waterways of Mbankomo are subject to feacal pollution and harbor pathogenic microflora. The cell densities of main bacteria were significantly correlated with main abiotic parameters, such as Escherichia coli, which was significantly correlated with the pH of the water (r = 0.35;p < 0.05). The variation of organic pollution index category means correspond to a high level of organic pollution during the small rainy season and a high to moderate level during the small dry season. The deterioration of the quality of these waters is favored by their proximity to sources of pollution (toilets, plantation), the runoff of the waters contaminated, the use of detergents and wrong maintenance. These waters without any treatment are not recommendable for human consumption according to standards of the World Health Organization.

Assessment and mapping of environmental quality in agricultural soils of Zhejiang Province, China

Heavy metal concentrations in agricultural soils of Zhejiang Province were monitored to indicate the status of heavy metal contamination and assess environmental quality of agricultural soils. A total of 908 soil samples were collected from 38 counties in Zbejiang Province and eight heavy metal （Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, Ni and As） concentrations had been evaluated in agricultural soil. It was found 775 samples were unpolluted and 133 samples were slightly polluted and more respectively, that is approximately 14.65% agricultural soil samples had the heavy metal concentration above the threshold level in this province by means of Nemerow＇s synthetical pollution index method according to the second grade of Standards for Soil Environmental Quality of China （GB15618- 1995）. Contamination of Cd was the highest, followed by Ni, As and Zn were lower correspondingly. Moreover, Inverse Distance Weighted （IDW） interpolation method was used to make an assessment map of soil environmental quality based on the Nemerow＇s pollution index and the soil environmental quality was categorized into five grades. Moreover, ten indices were calculated as input parameters for principal component analysis （PCA） and the principal components （PCs） were created to compare environmental quality of different soils and regions. The results revealed that environmental quality of tea soils was better than that of paddy soils, vegetable soils and fruit soils. This study indicated that GIS combined with multivariate statistical approaches proved to be effective and powerful tool in the mapping of soil contamination distribution and the assessment of soil environmental quality on provincial scale, which is beneficial to environmental protection and management decision-making by local government.

Study on the Genetic and Physiological Toxicity of Wastewater from a Pharmaceutical Factory Using Root Tip Micronucleus Technology of Vicia faba

ObjectiveThe aim was to assess genetic and physiological toxicity of wastewater from a pharmaceutical factory using root tip micronucleus technology of Vicia faba. MethodThe pollution of wastewater from a pharmaceutical factory was detected by using root tip micronucleus technology of Vicia faba, and the genetic and physiological toxicity of the wastewater to Vicia faba was assessed. ResultNon-processed wastewater had an extremely high level of biological toxicity; the cells were unable to live with the wastewater at a high concentration; the cells were able to grow with the wastewater at a low concentration, though the micronucleus ratio was extremely high. The processed wastewater had no significant impact on cell growth, but the micronucleus ratio was extremely high, showing that the processed water also had a high pollution index. ConclusionThe research could provide scientific references for the national treatment of wastewater from a pharmaceutical factory.

Soil Heavy Metal Pollution Around the Dabaoshan Mine,Guangdong Province,China

Soil contamination in the vicinity of the Dabaoshan Mine, Guangdong Province, China, was studied through determi- nation of total concentrations and chemical speciation of the toxic metals, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results showed that over the past decades, the environmental pollution was caused by a combination of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb, with tailings and acid mine drainage being the main pollution sources affecting soils. Significantly higher levels （P ≤ 0.05） of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were found in the tailings as compared with paddy, garden, and control soils, with averages of 1486, 2516, 6.42, and 429 mg kg^-1, respectively. These metals were continuously dispersed downstream from the tallings and waste waters, and therefore their concentrations in the paddy soils were as high as 567, 1 140, 2.48, and 191 mg kg^-1, respectively, being significantly higher （P ≤ 0.05） as compared with those in the garden soils. The results of sequential extraction of the above metals from all the soil types showed that the residual fraction was the dominant form. However, the amounts of metals that were bound to Fe-Mn oxides and organic matter were relatively higher than those bound to carbonates or those that existed in exchangeable forms. As metals could be transformed from an inert state to an active state, the potential environmental risk due to these metals would increase with time.

A Comparative Analysis of Environmental Quality Assessment Methods for Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils

Four assessment methods （two pollution indexes and two fuzzy mathematical models） were employed to investigate the environmental quality of four soils around a ferroalloy plant in Nanjing City. Environmental quality was assessed as class Ⅳ （moderately polluted） for each soil with single-factor index method, and was identified to be classes Ⅳ, Ⅲ （slightly polluted）, Ⅲ, and Ⅲ for soils A, B, C, and D, respectively, with the comprehensive index model. In comparison with the single-factor index method, the comprehensive index model concerned both dominant parameter and average contribution of all factors to the integrated environmental quality. Using the two fuzzy mathematical methods （single-factor deciding and weighted average models）, the environmental risks were determined to be classes Ⅳ, Ⅲ, Ⅱ （clean）, and Ⅱ for soils A, B, C, and D, respectively. However, divergence of the membership degree to each pollution class still occurred between the two methods. In fuzzy mathematical methods, membership functions were used to describe the limits between different pollution degrees, and different weights were allocated for the factors according to pollution contribution. Introduction of membership degree and weight of each factor to fuzzy mathematical models made the methods more reasonable in the field of environmental risk assessment.

Evaluation of ambient air quality in Guangzhou, China

On the basis of the reported air quality index （API） and air pollutant monitoring data provided by the Guangzhou Environment Monitoring Stations over the last twenty-five years, the characteristics of air quality, prominent pollutants, and variation of the average annual concentrations of SOE, NOE, total suspended particulate （TSP）, fine particulates （PM10）, CO and dustfall in Guangzhou City were analyzed. Results showed that TSP was the prominent pollutant in the ambient air environment of Guangzhou City. Of the prominent pollutants, TSP accounted for nearly 62%, SOE 12.3%, and NOx 6.4%, respectively. The average API of Guangzhou over 6 years was higher than that of Beijing, Tianjin, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai, and lower than that of Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Shantou. Concentrations of air pollutants have shown a downward trend in recent years, but they are generally worse than ambient air quality standards for USA, Hong Kong and EU. SOE and NOx pollution were still serious, impling that waste gas pollution from all kinds of vehicles had become a significant problem for environmental protection in Guangzhou. The possible causes of worsening air quality were also discussed in this paper.