Assessment of shallow groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking purpose near the Béni-Mellal wastewater treatment lagoon (Morocco)

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the suitability for drinking purpose of shallow groundwater near the Béni-Mellal wastewater treatment lagoon based on various physicochemical, heavy metals, and bacteriological parameter analyses. The physicochemical results revealed that some of the samples do not comply with the Moroccan and/or WHO standards for drinking water. Parameters including turbidity, TH, Na⁺, Li⁺, Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺ (～47.1% of samples), Cd (～52.9% of samples), Fe (～82.4% of samples), Pb (～58.8% of samples), T. coliforms, and E. coli exceeded the drinking limits. The statistical analyses revealed that the shallow groundwater chemistry is mainly controlled by geogenic and anthropogenic sources. For quality assessment, using the Moroccan groundwater assessment grid, the values of EC and Cl^–, NO₃^–, NH₄⁺, oxidability, and E. coli, fixed as pollution indicators, showed that most of the wells showed medium-to-poor quality, 14% of them have a very poor water quality, and 20% of them belong to the bad water quality. According to geometric and arithmetic DWQI values, the groundwater quality was frequently fair to good, needing treatment or at least disinfection before public consumption. A sensitivity analysis results indicated that Fe, Cd, Cr, Pb, and E. coli have an important impact on the DWQI computing.     

Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment in drinking water of Sistan and Baluchistan,Southeastern Iran

Access to safe and clean drinking water is an essential element of healthy life also known as the primary human needs. The present study was conducted to investigate heavy metal (HM) concentrations of drinking water. Excess health risk of HM (Cr, Pb, and Cd) intake is related to the drinking water consumption in local population. HMs concentrations were analyzed by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer and were compared with permissible limits regulated by country and World Health Organization (WHO). The hazard quotient (HQ) and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) were determined to show the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of HMs, respectively. HQs were found in the order of Pb > Cd > Cr and subsequently HI index was also estimated for all HM in two age groups (children and adults). The comparisons indicate no possibility of non-carcinogenic effects to the local population. The values for ELCR were found in the order of Cr > Cd > Pb. The ELCR index was found above acceptable risk levels for chromium and cadmium in both children and adults groups. Furthermore, intermetal correlation results revealed that heavy metals have common sources resulting from geogenic and anthropogenic activities and these are major sources of water contamination in Sistan and Baluchestan province.     

A modified drinking water quality index (DWQI) for assessing drinking source water quality in rural communities of Khuzestan Province,Iran

We reconsidered the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI) to achieve an efficient drinking water quality index (DWQI) for assessment of drinking source water quality in rural communities of Khuzestan Province, Iran in 2009–2013. In contribution with a panel of water quality experts, the CCME WQI was mainly modified by four changes: (1 and 2) assigning weight factors for input parameters and index factors, (3) modifying excursion concept for carcinogens and bioaccumulative pollutants and (4) removing effect of unequal measurements of input parameters. The DWQI characterizes the drinking source water quality through comparing the measured values of input parameters with relevant benchmarks. The DWQI score (from 0 to 100) classifies the water quality in five categories as poor (0–54.9), marginal (55.0–69.9), fair (70.0–84.9), good (85.0–94.9) and excellent (95.0–100). Based on the DWQI, the temporal changes of the rural drinking source water quality were not significant; while the spatial variations of the water quality were considerable across the province, so the DWQI scores in the northern counties were higher than that in the southern ones. At the county level, the highest and lowest average scores of the DWQI (±standard deviation: SD) were observed in Izeh and Shadegan to be 90 ± 5 and 69 ± 10, respectively. Based on the DWQI, proportions of the drinking water sources with the excellent, good, fair, marginal and poor qualities were determined to be 6.7, 59.1, 26.2, 7.8 and 0.1%, respectively. Turbidity and Ryznar Index (RI) were introduced respectively as the health-based and esthetic parameters with the most violations (22.7 and 63.2%, respectively). The results of the case study and sensitivity analysis indicated that the DWQI is a simple, flexible, stable and reliable index and could be used as an effective tool to characterize drinking source water quality.     

Assessment of water quality in groundwater resources of Iran using a modified drinking water quality index (DWQI)

An innovative drinking water quality index (DWQI) based on the Canadian DWQI was developed as “modified DWQI” and applied for assessing the water quality in all of the groundwater resources that are used as the source of drinking water in urban areas of Iran in 2011. Assignment of weight factors for input parameters was the modification carried out in the DWQI. In development of the modified DWQI, twenty-three water quality parameters and relevant Iranian standards for drinking water quality were selected as input parameters and benchmarks, respectively. The modified DWQI is calculated for each sampling station over one year using three factors: the number of parameters that excurse benchmarks, the number of measurements in a dataset that excurse benchmarks and the magnitude of excursion from benchmarks in the violator measurements. The modified DWQI contains two sub-indices: health-based index as “modified HWQI” and acceptability index as “modified AWQI”. The modified DWQI and its sub-indices scores range from 0 to 100 and classify water quality in five categories as poor, marginal, fair, good and excellent, respectively. The results of the case study revealed that the nationwide average scores of the modified DWQI, HWQI and AWQI in the groundwater resources were 85, 79 and 91, respectively and overall situation of water quality in the groundwater resources was described as good. According to the modified DWQI value, about 95% of the groundwater flowrates were in the good condition, also in 3 and 2% of the groundwater flowrates, water quality was determined to be fair and marginal, respectively. This study indicated that the modified DWQI and its sub-indices could describe the overall water quality of water bodies easily, reliably and correctly and have the potential suitability for extensive application all over the world.     

Case study of complaints on drinking water quality

Several families of Talca city, Chile complained to health authorities for what they attributed to consumption of copper (Cu)-contaminated drinking water. We assessed the situation 6–12 mo after the initiation of complaints by characterizing the symptoms reported, the chemistry of drinking water, and the Cu concentration in stagnant drinking water. After completing a census, 1778 households accepted participation and were categorized as follows: category 1, Cu plumbing for tap water and dwellers reporting health complaints (HC); category 2, Cu plumbing for tap water and dwellers reporting no HC; category 3, plastic plumbing for tap water and dwellers reporting no HC. Questionnaires recorded characteristics of households and symptoms presented by each member of the family in the last 3 mo. The Cu concentration in drinking water was measured in a subsample of 80 homes with Cu pipes. In category 1, participants presented significantly more abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or vomiting (gastrointestinal [GI] symptoms) in comparison to category 3 and to categories 2 plus 3. The stagnant Cu concentrations measured in drinking water in all houses studied were below the US Environmental Protection Agency guideline value (<1.3 mg Cu/L). In summary, data obtained by interviews suggested that individuals in some areas of Talca city were suffering more GI symptoms potentially related to Cu excess, but measurement of Cu concentration in stagnant tap waters ruled out the association between Cu exposure and GI symptom reports at the time of this study. The dose-response curves for GI symptoms and Cu exposure now available were crucial in the analyses of results.     

大型无脊椎动物群落指数和群落数量指数在河流水质评价中的应用

本文介绍了新西兰常用的大型无脊椎动物群落指数(MCI)和大型无脊椎动物群落数量指数(QMCI)的原理及使用方法,并利用MCI和QMCI对新西兰惠灵顿地区40条河流53个监测点进行评价.结果表明:MCI和QMCI均与河流营养指标呈极显著相关关系,可用来监测和评价水体的营养污染状况;二者快速准确地监测出惠灵顿地区河流水质总体良好,但部分河流污染严重,并分析了污染的原因.MCI与QMCI存在极显著相关关系,但MCI与营养指标间的相关关系大于QMCI,可以准确地反映出水体中营养元素的富集状况.     

The role of biofilms and protozoa in Legionella pathogenesis: implications for drinking water

Current models to study Legionella pathogenesis include the use of primary macrophages and monocyte cell lines, various free-living protozoan species and murine models of pneumonia. However, there are very few studies of Legionella spp. pathogenesis aimed at associating the role of biofilm colonization and parasitization of biofilm microbiota and release of virulent bacterial cell/vacuoles in drinking water distribution systems. Moreover, the implications of these environmental niches for drinking water exposure to pathogenic legionellae are poorly understood. This review summarizes the known mechanisms of Legionella spp. proliferation within Acanthamoeba and mammalian cells and advocates the use of the amoeba model to study Legionella pathogenicity because of their close association with Legionella spp. in the aquatic environment. The putative role of biofilms and amoebae in the proliferation, development and dissemination of potentially pathogenic Legionella spp. is also discussed. Elucidating the mechanisms of Legionella pathogenicity development in our drinking water systems will aid in elimination strategies and procedural designs for drinking water systems and in controlling exposure to Legionella spp. and similar pathogens.     

Groundwater quality evaluation using the water quality index (WQI), the synthetic pollution index (SPI), and geospatial tools: a case study of Sujawal district,Pakistan

Abstract

Under changing climate scenario, groundwater aquifers in the coastal areas of Pakistan are under serious threat. Looking at the gravity of the problem, and concerns of the civil society, this study was conducted to evaluate and map the quality of groundwater in the Sujawal district, a coastal area of Pakistan based on the physicochemical analysis of 94 samples using two standard numerical models and geospatial techniques. The WQI model revealed that 2.13%, 6.38%, 55.32%, 22.34%, and 13.83% of water samples were excellent, good, poor, very poor, and unsuitable for drinking purposes. Also, the SPI model identified that 32%, 13.83%, 20.12%, 18.1%, and 15.95% of samples were slightly polluted, moderately polluted, highly polluted, suitable, and unsuitable. Though the model's input is different, the proportionate of ranking revealed a significant correlation (R²=0.78) between the outcomes of both models. Overall, the study revealed that groundwater in most of the areas does not meet WHO guidelines. The prevalence of water-related diseases in the area suggests that groundwater is contaminated and using that water is of high risk for human health. The study highlights the significance of using numerical models and geospatial techniques for water quality evaluation in the coastal areas of the world.     

Evaluation of methodology for detection of human adenoviruses in wastewater,drinking water,stream water and recreational waters

Aims: This study evaluates dialysis filtration and a range of PCR detection methods for identification and quantification of human adenoviruses in a range of environmental waters. Methods and Results: Adenovirus was concentrated from large volumes (50–200 l) of environmental and potable water by hollow fibre microfiltration using commercial dialysis filters. By this method, an acceptable recovery of a seeded control bacteriophage MS2 from seawater (median 95·5%, range 36–98%, n = 5), stream water (median 84·7%, range 23–94%, n = 5) and storm water (median 59·5%, range 6·3–112%, n = 5) was achieved. Adenovirus detection using integrated cell culture PCR (ICC‐PCR), direct PCR, nested PCR, real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and adenovirus group F‐specific direct PCR was tested with PCR products sequenced for confirmation. Adenovirus was routinely detected from all water types by most methods, with ICC‐PCR more sensitive than direct‐nested PCR or qPCR. Group F adenovirus dominated in wastewater samples but was detected very infrequently in environmental waters. Conclusions and Implications: Human adenoviruses (HAdv) proved relatively common in environmental and potable waters when assessed using an efficient concentration method and sensitive detection method. ICC‐PCR proved most sensitive, could be used semiquantitatively and demonstrated virus infectivity but was time consuming and expensive. qPCR provided quantitative results but was c. ten‐fold less sensitive than the best methods.     

再生水灌溉对苜蓿生长发育和品质的影响

通过盆栽试验,研究了再生水不同灌溉方式对苜蓿生长发育和品质的影响.结果表明：与清水灌溉相比,再生水能显著增加苜蓿的株高、侧枝数及产草量,但对苜蓿叶面积有一定的抑制作用;再生水灌溉、再生水与清水混灌和轮灌使苜蓿体内可溶性蛋白含量分别增加78.43%、83.68%、72.53%,但再生水灌溉不利于苜蓿可溶性糖的累积.再生水灌溉下,苜蓿植株体内的Ca、Mg含量较清水灌溉分别增加了27.78%、26.61%;再生水灌溉及混灌下,苜蓿体内的Fe含量较清水灌溉分别降低28.71%、10.09%;再生水灌溉、轮灌和混灌下苜蓿地上部Cd含量较清水灌溉分别增加98.6%、89.5%和59.0%,但苜蓿体内重金属Pb、Cd含量仍低于国家卫生标准（GB 13078—2001）规定限量值.说明再生水是苜蓿可利用的灌溉
资源,但其长期效应仍需进一步研究.        

Bacterial water quality and network hydraulic characteristics: a field study of a small, looped water distribution system using culture-independent molecular methods

Aims: To determine the spatial and temporal variability in the abundance, structure and composition of planktonic bacterial assemblages sampled from a small, looped water distribution system and to interpret results with respect to hydraulic conditions. Methods and Results: Water samples were collected from five sampling points, twice a day at 06:00 h and 09:00 h on a Monday (following low weekend demand) and a Wednesday (higher midweek demand). All samples were fully compliant with current regulated parameter standards. This study did not show obvious changes in bacterial abundance (DAPI count) or community structure Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis with respect to sample site and hence to water age; however, the study did show temporal variability with respect to both sampling day and sample times. Conclusions: Data suggests that variations in the bacterial assemblages may be associated with the local system hydraulics: the bacterial composition and numbers, over short durations, are governed by the interaction of the bulk water and the biofilm influenced by the hydraulic conditions. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study demonstrates general stability in bacterial abundance, community structure and composition within the system studied. Trends and patterns supporting the transfer of idealized understanding to the real world were evident. Ultimately, such work will help to safeguard potable water quality, fundamental to public health.     

Arsenic in groundwater and its health risk assessment in drinking water of Mailsi,Punjab, Pakistan

The present study was aimed at assessing drinking water quality regarding arsenic (As) and its impact on health from Mailsi (Punjab), Pakistan. Forty-four groundwater samples were collected from two sites, Sargana and Mailsi. Arsenic and other cations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer, whereas the anions were determined either through titration or spectrophotometer. The results revealed that dominant anions were HCO₃^? and Cl^?, Ca⁺² was the dominant cation, and overall water chemistry of the area was CaMgHCO₃^? type. Arsenic concentrations were high, ranging from 11 to 828 µg/L that crossed the World Health Organization permissible limits. Likewise, higher SO₄^?2 concentrations ranging from 247 to 1053 mg/L were observed. The health risk index was higher in the Sargana site, which employed the differences in terms of higher Average Daily Dose, Hazard Quotient, and Carcinogenic Risk of arsenic, which is unsuitable for drinking purposes. The area seems to be at high risk due to arsenic pollution and wells have never been tested for arsenic concentrations earlier; therefore, necessary measures should be taken to test the wells with respect to arsenic.     

Developing and testing a habitat suitability index model for Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) and its potential for landscape management decisions in Korea

Geographic information system (GIS) and landscape-level data offer a new opportunity for modeling and evaluating the quality of wildlife habitats. Models of habitat quality have not been developed for some species, and existing models could be improved by incorporating updated information on wildlife–habitat relationships and habitat variables. We developed a GIS-based habitat suitability index (HSI) model for the Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus), which often causes human–wildlife conflicts in the Chungnam Province of Korea because of industrialization and urbanization. The model is based on logistic regression analysis, which addresses the impact of multiple habitat variables, such as habitat components, topographic characteristics, and human disturbances. The model yielded a p-value of .289 (χ²?=?9.672) and 65.4% correct prediction level with the overall observation–prediction comparison data. The model demonstrated that a large portion of the province (61.6%) could be regarded as a poor habitat (mean HSI value of the province?=?0.22), while the current habitats of the province could be considered of moderate quality (mean HSI value?=?0.31). In addition, the chance of observation of the deer increases as the HSI level increases, which means that the model yields a good predictive power. Lastly, we used the model to produce a habitat suitability map. Our HSI model enabled us to quantify habitat preferences, which could be the basis for decision-making on habitat protection, mitigation, and enhancement of the Korean water deer. The proposed model is also applicable for improving and enhancing the existing management practices, as well as for establishing an effective wildlife protection policy.     

有机营养液灌溉频次和灌水量对设施甜瓜产量、品质及肥水利用效率的影响

为研究高产优质甜瓜的有机管理模式,以甜瓜为试材,采用基质盆栽方式,设3种有机营养液灌溉频次(施用8次,每次每株750 mL, F₁; 施用12次,每次每株500 mL, F₂; 施用16次,每次每株375 mL, F₃)与2种单株灌水量(果实膨大前按120%日蒸腾蒸发量(ET)灌溉,之后按140%ET灌溉, W₁; 果实膨大前按140%ET灌溉,之后按160%ET灌溉, W₂),共6个试验处理,随机区组试验设计,研究了不同处理对设施甜瓜光合特性、产量、品质及肥水利用效率的影响.结果表明: 少量多次施用有机营养液可以显著提高甜瓜叶片光合速率,低灌水量显著提高果实产量和水分利用效率;高灌水量和中等有机营养液灌溉频次可使肥料利用率达到最高;少量多次有机营养液施用且相对适宜的水分供给提高了果实品质.回归分析发现,甜瓜果实维生素C含量与有机营养液灌溉频次呈指数函数y=0.214e^0.18x (R²=0.851)相关.综合考虑产量、品质、水分利用效率等因素,F₃W₁处理可在保证产量的前提下,提高果实品质,且水分利用效率最大,可以实现设施有机甜瓜肥水高效管理.     

Evaluation of the water quality of future tributaries to the planned Dobczyce reservoir (Poland) using macroinvertebrates

The bottom fauna of 5 tributaries of the planned Dobczyce reservoir and the River Raba below the dam was investigated in the preimpoundment period (1983–84). The abundance of macrofauna varied between 46 taxa (Wolnica stream) and 66 taxa (Brzezówka stream). Each station showed individual taxa composition except for the RABA-u and RABA-d (84% similarity). On the basis of 7 different biological indices the stations were divided into 3 categories: unpolluted (Brzezówka), slightly polluted (Bulinka, Trzemésnia and both Raba stations), and moderately polluted (Wolnica). Most sensitive to chemical pollution was the BIOTIC-index. The combination of environmental variables was used to predict biological indices. The most significant relationship (P < 0.01, R ² = 0.71) was found between the BIOTIC-index and physico-chemical factors. Some problems in the application of indices (sampling, indicator organisms and interpretation of the results) are discussed and local adaptations of methods used are recommended.     

云南省烤烟需水量及灌溉需求指数的时空特征

基于云南省124个农业气象站点1977—2010年逐日气象数据,采用FAO推荐的Penman Monteith公式,计算不同时空条件下云南省烤烟生育期的需水量和灌溉需求指数,分析云南省烤烟需水量和灌溉需求指数的时空特征和变化规律.结果表明： 研究期间,云南省烤烟伸根期、旺长期、成熟期和大田生育期需水量分别为76.73～174.73、247.50～386.64、180.28～258.14和528.18～764.08 mm,以旺长期需水量最高;平均灌溉需求指数分别为-0.02、0.38、0.17和0.26,伸根期有效降雨量可以满足烤烟需求.云南省烤烟需水量呈逐年减少趋势,各生育期需水量气候变化趋势分别为-12.42、-21.46、-7.17和-47.15 mm·(10 a)^-1.各生育期及大田生育期灌溉需求指数最小的地区为德宏,最大的为迪庆;大田生育期灌溉需求指数是负值的3个地区为德宏、西双版纳和普洱.参考作物蒸散量、需水量和有效降水量随纬度的升高而减少,而灌溉需水量和灌溉需求指数却随纬度的升高而加强;有效降水量随海拔的升高而减少,灌溉需水量和灌溉需求指数随海拔的升高而增加.     

A combination method based on chitosan adsorption and duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) phytoremediation for boron (B) removal from drinking water

The metalloid boron (B) and its compounds widely exist in the environment, and boron can have hazardous effects on plants, animals, and human beings when it is found in high concentrations in water bodies. It is difficult and costly to remove B with conventional treatment methods from drinking water. Therefore, alternative and cost-effective treatment techniques are necessary. In this study, for the first time, a novel and environmentally friendly method based on the phytoremediation ability of chitosan and duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) combination was evaluated for B removal from drinking water. Our results from batch adsorption experiment indicated that the highest B uptake capacity of chitosan bead was found as 3.18 mg/g, and we determined the optimal B sorption occurs at pH value of 7. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model better fitted the equilibrium obtained for B removal. B in drinking water could be reduced to less than 2.4 mg L ^?1 when 0.05 g of plant-based chitosan beads and 12 L. gibba fronds were used in the 4-day treatment period.     

Metal pollution in water environment and the associated human health risk from drinking water: A case study of Sukinda chromite mine,India

Sukinda is one of the most polluted regions of the globe due to chromium pollution. The study sheds light into the heavy metal pollution around the mining area and its effect on the health of the resident populace. The Cr(VI) was in the range of 0.027–2.48 mg/L in surface water and BDL–1.35 mg/L in the groundwater. Multivariate analysis revealed that mining activity was the main source of TCr, Cr(VI), and Zn in the surface water that warrants attention. Heavy metal evaluation index showed high levels of Fe, Mn, and Cr in groundwater that can pose serious threat to the exposed population. Cancer and non-cancer risk of Cr(VI) was higher than other metals in groundwater. The results revealed that the total cancer risk was 1.21E-03 and 1.05E-03 in adults and children, respectively, which exceeded the USEPA acceptable cancer health risk. High health risk was observed through oral intake of water, while both cancer and non-cancer risks were negligible through dermal contact. This study strongly advocates proper periodic assessment of drinking as well as surface water in the area and regulation to restrict the use of contaminated water for daily use.     

Evaluation of habitat suitability index models by global sensitivity and uncertainty analyses: a case study for submerged aquatic vegetation

Habitat suitability index (HSI) models are commonly used to predict habitat quality and species distributions and are used to develop biological surveys, assess reserve and management priorities, and anticipate possible change under different management or climate change scenarios. Important management decisions may be based on model results, often without a clear understanding of the level of uncertainty associated with model outputs. We present an integrated methodology to assess the propagation of uncertainty from both inputs and structure of the HSI models on model outputs (uncertainty analysis: UA) and relative importance of uncertain model inputs and their interactions on the model output uncertainty (global sensitivity analysis: GSA). We illustrate the GSA/UA framework using simulated hydrology input data from a hydrodynamic model representing sea level changes and HSI models for two species of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in southwest Everglades National Park: Vallisneria americana (tape grass) and Halodule wrightii (shoal grass). We found considerable spatial variation in uncertainty for both species, but distributions of HSI scores still allowed discrimination of sites with good versus poor conditions. Ranking of input parameter sensitivities also varied spatially for both species, with high habitat quality sites showing higher sensitivity to different parameters than low‐quality sites. HSI models may be especially useful when species distribution data are unavailable, providing means of exploiting widely available environmental datasets to model past, current, and future habitat conditions. The GSA/UA approach provides a general method for better understanding HSI model dynamics, the spatial and temporal variation in uncertainties, and the parameters that contribute most to model uncertainty. Including an uncertainty and sensitivity analysis in modeling efforts as part of the decision‐making framework will result in better‐informed, more robust decisions.