Suitability for human consumption and agriculture purposes of Sminja aquifer groundwater in Zaghouan (north-east of Tunisia) using GIS and geochemistry techniques

In Tunisia, the water resources are limited, partially renewable and unequally distributed between the wet north and the dry south of the country. The Sminja aquifer in Zaghouan city is located in north-east of Tunisia, between latitudes 36°38′ and 36°47′ and longitudes 9°95′ and 10°12′. This aquifer is used to satisfy the population needs for their domestic purposes and agricultural activities. Water analyses results are expressed by many methods, among which are geochemical methods combined with the geographic information system (GIS) (all schematic presentations of the diagram software (Piper, Riverside, Wilcox…), which can be used to assess the suitability of the Sminja aquifer groundwater for human consumption and irrigation purposes. A total of 23 wells were sampled in January 2013, and the concentrations of major cations (Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺), major anions (Cl^?, SO₄ ^2? and HCO₃ ^?), electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were analysed. In the Sminja groundwater, the order of the cations dominance was Na > Ca > Mg > K and that of the anions was Cl > HCO₃ > SO₄. All of the analysed samples of the study area exceed chemical values recommended by the World Health Organisation guidelines and Tunisian Standards (NT.09.14) for potability but with different percentages. The aquifer spatial distribution of saturation indices reveals that all groundwater samples are under-saturated with gypsum, halite and anhydrite and are over-saturated with respect to calcite and dolomite based on water quality evaluation parameters for irrigation purposes; here, 87 % of samples in Sminja aquifer groundwater are suitable, whereas 13 % are unsuitable for irrigation uses.     

Geoenvironmental factors related to high incidence of human urinary calculi (kidney stones) in Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

An area with extremely high incidence of urinary calculi was investigated in the view of identifying the relationship between the disease prevalence and the drinking water geochemistry. The prevalence of the kidney stone disease in the selected Padiyapelella–Hanguranketa area in Central Highlands of Sri Lanka is significantly higher compared with neighboring regions. Drinking water samples were collected from water sources that used by clinically identified kidney stone patients and healthy people. A total of 83 samples were collected and analyzed for major anions and cations. The anions in the area varied in the order HCO₃ ^? > Cl^? > SO₄ ^2? > NO₃ ^? and cations varied in the order Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ > Fe²⁺. The dissolved silica that occurs as silicic acid (H₄SiO₄) in natural waters varied from 8.8 to 84 mg/L in prevalence samples, while it was between 9.7 and 65 mg/L for samples from non-prevalence locations. Hydrogeochemical data obtained from the two groups were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. It showed that pH, total hardness, Na⁺, Ca²⁺ and Fe²⁺ had significant difference (p < 0.005) between water sources used by patients and non-patients. Elemental ratio plots, Gibbs’ plot and factor analysis indicated that the chemical composition of water sources in this area is strongly influenced by rock–water interactions, particularly the weathering of carbonate and silicate minerals. This study reveals a kind of association between stone formation and drinking water geochemistry as evident by the high hardness/calcium contents in spring water used by patients.     

Assessment of sulfurous springs in the west of Iraq for balneotherapy,drinking, irrigation and aquaculture purposes

This research deals with the sulfurous spring waters flow along the course of the Euphrates River in western Iraq in the area extended between Haqlaniya and Hit within the Al-Anbar governorate. Eleven springs (3 in Haqlanya, 4 in Kubaysa and 4 in Hit) have been addressed for the purpose of water evaluation for balneology, drinking, irrigation and aquaculture (fish farming). In order to meet the objectives of this research, all springs were sampled and analyzed for the total dissolved solid, electrical conductivity, pH, temperature, major cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺), major anions (SO₄ ^2?, Cl^?, HCO₃ ^? and CO₃ ^2?), minor anions (PO₄ ^3?and NO₃ ^?) as well as the trace elements that included Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu, Br, F, Ba, B, Sr, Al, As, Cr, Hg and Se. The International Standards of World Health Organization are used for assessing the water quality. The results revealed that the springs belong to the tepid springs of 27–30 °C and classified as hypothermal to the thermal springs. Lithochemistry and geochemical processes clearly affected the water chemistry. The hydrogeochemical processes are responsible for the element enrichment in water by the chemical dissolution of carbonate and gypsum and evaporation as well. The results of the study indicate the possibility of using spring water for therapeutic purposes, but not allowed for drinking and aquaculture (fish farming), except those free of H₂S gas. On the other hand, it can be used for irrigation with risk. However, soil type as well as proper selection of plants should be taken into consideration.     

Effect of temperature on seawater desalination-water quality analyses for desalinated seawater for its use as drinking and irrigation water

The effect of feed seawater temperature on the quality of product water in a reverse osmosis process was investigated using typical seawater at Urla Bay, Izmir region, Turkey. The tests were carried out at different feed seawater temperatures (11–23°C) using two RO modules with one membrane element each. A number of variables, including pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, salinity, rejection percentage of a number of ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, HCO₃ ⁻, and SO₄ ²⁻), and the levels of boron and turbidities in collected permeates, were measured. The suitability of these permeates as irrigation and drinking water was checked by comparison with water quality standards.     

Alterations in plasma electrolyte levels of a freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio exposed to acidic pH

The impact of acidification (Low pH 5.0) on plasma electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^?, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺) in a freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio was studied for a 35 day (long term) exposure period, while control groups were maintained at neutral pH (7.3). During long-term (35 days) exposure periods, plasma K⁺ and Mg²⁺ levels were increased (77.8% and 16.0%) in the low pH (5.0) treated fish. On the other hand, plasma Na⁺, Cl^?, and Ca²⁺ levels were decreased (12.4%, 18.4% and 31.3%, respectively). The loss of plasma Na⁺, Cl^?, and Ca²⁺ indicates the displacement of Ca²⁺ from tight junctions. The increased plasma K⁺ ion might have resulted from acidosis, because intracellular K⁺ is released from muscle as H⁺ enters. The elevated level of plasma Mg²⁺ might be due to inhibition of active transport of magnesium across the kidneys resulting in the accumulation of this ion in the plasma. Ionic alteration takes place upon exposure to acidic pH and can be considered as a potential tool for detecting environmental stresses caused by acidification.     

The effects on human health and hydrogeochemical characteristics of the Kirkgeçit and Ozancik Hot Springs,Canakkale, Turkey

This investigation was carried out to determine the hydrogeochemical characteristics of the Kirkgeçit and Ozancik hot springs. The study areas are located northeast and southwest of the town of Çan, Çanakkale. During the investigation, geological maps of the hot springs and its surroundings were prepared, and hot waters and rock samples were collected from the study sites. The Paleogene–Neogene aged andesite, trachyandesite, andesitic tuff, silicified tuff and tuffites form the basement rocks in the Ozancik hot spring area. In the Kirkgeçit hot spring area, there are Lower Triassic aged mica and quartz schists at the basement rocks. The unit is covered by limestones and marbles of the same age. They are overlain by Quaternary alluvial deposits. A chemical analysis of the Kirkgeçit hot water indicates that it is rich in SO₄ ^2– (1200.2 mg L^–1), Cl^– (121.7 mg L^–1), HCO₃ ^– (32.5 mg L^–1), Na⁺ (494 mg L^–1), K⁺ (30.2 mg L^–1), Ca²⁺ (102 mg L^–1), Mg²⁺ (15.2 mg L^–1), and SiO₂ (65.22 mg L^–1). Chemical analysis of the Ozancik hot water indicates that it is rich in SO₄ ^2– (575 mg L^–1), Cl^– (193.2 mg L^–1), HCO₃ ^– (98.5 mg L^–1), Na⁺ (315 mg L^–1), K⁺(7.248 mg L^–1), Ca²⁺ (103 mg L^–1), Mg²⁺ (0.274 mg L^–1), and SiO₂(43.20 mg L^–1). The distribution of ions in the hot waters on the Schoeller diagram has an arrangement of r(Na⁺+K⁺)>rCa²⁺>rMg²⁺ and r(SO₄ ^2–)>rCl^–>r(HCO₃ ^–). In addition, the inclusion of Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Hg²⁺ in the hot water samples indicates potential natural inorganic contamination. The water analysis carried out following the ICPMS-200 technique was evaluated according to the World Health Organisation and Turkish Standards. The use and the effects of the hot water on human health are also discussed in the paper.     

Evaluation of porous cup soil‐water samplers under laboratory conditions: Comparison of ceramic and PTFE cups

Three different types of soil solution samplers (two ceramic cups and PTFE) were tested in the laboratory to validate their use for collecting soil‐water samples and for monitoring the chemical composition of soil solutions. Interactions between porous materials and chemical solutions were examined under different experimental conditions for several major cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺) and anions (HCO^‐ ₃, NO^‐ ₃, SO₄ ^2‐ and Cl^‐) and for several minor ions (NH⁺ ₄, NO^‐ ₄, PO₄ ^3‐and B).

The results show that ceramic cups are not inert for bicarbonate, calcium and phosphate ions. Their use is only valid for a limited number of ions such as chloride and nitrate which, however, are the most studied ions in field experiments. PTFE cups have less restrictions although their use in measuring sulphates, phosphates and ammonium presents some problems.

Choosing the appropriate type of cup depends on the objectives. In any case, laboratory experiments must be performed before installation.     

Acid–base regulation in the Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister)

Homeostatic regulation allows organisms to secure basic physiological processes in a varying environment. To counteract fluctuations in ambient carbonate system speciation due to elevated seawater pCO₂ (hypercapnia), many aquatic crustaceans excrete/accumulate acid–base equivalents through their gills; however, not much is known about the role of ammonia in this response. The present study investigated the effects of hypercapnia on acid–base and ammonia regulation in the Dungeness crab, Metacarcinus magister on the whole animal and isolated gill levels. Hemolymph pCO₂ and [HCO₃ ^?] increased in M. magister acclimated to elevated pCO₂ (330 Pa), while pH remained stable. Additionally, hemolymph [Na⁺], [Ca²⁺], and [SO₄ ^2?] were significantly increased. When challenged with varying pH during gill perfusion, the pH of the artificial hemolymph remained relatively unchanged. Overall, ammonia production and excretion, as well as oxygen consumption, were reduced in crabs acclimated to elevated pCO₂, demonstrating that either (amino acid) oxidation is reduced in response to this particular stress, or nitrogenous wastes are excreted in an alternative form.     

Hydrogeochemistry of the Coxilha das Lombas Aquifer, Brazil

The hydrogeochemical characterization of Coxilha das Lombas Aquifer, Brazil, was studied. Chemical characteristics from 23 groundwater samples and meteoric waters data from public registers were used. The ionic speciation and mineral dissolution/precipitation was calculated by EQ3/6 package software. The results showed low total dissolved solids (TDS) values and slightly acidic pH. The concentration of most abundant ions usually followed this trend Cl⁻>HCO₃ ⁺>SO₄ ²⁻>Na⁺. The characteristics of groundwaters and the chemistry similarity with the meteoric waters reflect their short residence time, due to high hydraulic conductivity, and low degree of water/rock interactions, due to sands composed mainly of quartz.     

Assessment of the chemical components of Famenin groundwater,western Iran

The Faminin area in the semi-arid Hamadan state, western Iran is facing a serious deficiency in groundwater resources due to an increasing demand associated with rapid population growth and agricultural development. The chemical composition of 78 well samples throughout the Faminin area was determined with the aim of evaluating the concentration of the background ions and identifying the major hydrogeochemical processes that control the groundwater chemistry. The similarity between rock and groundwater chemistries in the recharge area indicates a significant rock-water interaction. The hydrochemical types Na–HCO₃ and Na–SO₄ are the predominate forms in the groundwater, followed by water types Ca–HCO₃ and Na–Cl. The high values of electrical conductivity and high concentrations of Na⁺, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻ and NO₃⁻ in the groundwater appeared to be caused by the dissolution of mineral phases and would appeared to be caused by anthropogenic activities, such as intense agricultural practices (application of fertilizers, irrigation practice), urban and industrial waste discharge, among others.     

Bestimmung von Redoxzonen in einem mineralölbelasteten Grundwasserleiter

Goal and Scope

The goal of this study is the investigation and the grafic presentation of the characteristic redox zonation in a mineral oil contaminated aquifer which will be formed in the plume downstream of the contamination source. Methanogenic conditions, sulfate-reduction, Fe(III)-reduction, Mn(IV)-reduction, nitrate-reduction, aerobic conditions. By that indications type and degree of microbial degradation which is the most important part in Natural Attenuation (NA) processes can be obtained easily.

Methods

Changes of the groundwater parameters Eh, O₂, NO ₃ ^? , SO₄ ^2?, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, HCO₃ ^?, Ca²⁺ will be measured upstream, downstream and also in the centre of the plume. The results will be presented in a sequence of special diagrams.

Results and Conclusion

When microbial degradation of hydrocarbons takes place, a microbial community will always use that electron acceptor from which it will gain a maximum of energy by the corresponding redox-reactions. This means as long as oxygen is available this will be used. After its depletion nitrate serves as electron acceptor leading via nitrite to the formation of nitrogen or ammonia. Manganese (IV) and Iron (III) species which are rather insoluble are mainly available from the soil-phase, can act as electron acceptor as next, leading to soluble Manganese (II) and Iron (II) compounds in groundwater. Finally before methanogenic conditions occur sulphate will become a suitable electron acceptor leading to the formation of hydrogen sulphide. All these processes of mineralization of the hydrocarbons will lead to the production of CO₂ and as consequence to an increase of HCO₃ ^? in groundwater changing the calcareous/carbonic acid-equilibrium. By that more soluble Ca(HCO₃)₂ is formed from insoluble CaCO₃, so the concentration from Ca²⁺ will also inerease. Thus, by the action of microorganisms, a typical redox-zonation and changes of other parameters will occur.

Recommendations and Perspective

To follow the changes in time and space of some characteristic groundwater parameters is a simple way to estimate the potential of microbial degradation in a contaminated aquifer considering Natural Attenuation (NA)-processes.     

Ecophysiology of Limonium axillare and Avicennia marina from the coastline of Arabian Gulf-Qatar

Attention is being focused on the coastline from Doha to Ras Laffan in Qatar since higher activities in the development of land and establishment of roads, highways and new buildings and houses is not coupled by serious studies on habitat destruction, fragmentation or disturbances. Ecophysiological study was carried out to investigate the adaptation of two halophytes (Limonium axillare and Avicennia marina) in this area, with special emphasis on the ultrastructure of salt glands found in the leaves. Soils in these locations accumulated much Na⁺ and Cl^? as compared to other cations like K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. Both plants accumulated higher concentrations of Na⁺ , Cl^?, and Ca²⁺ and lower concentrations of K⁺ and Mg²⁺. Organic compounds found in leaves of these plants under their natural habitats including proline, soluble sugars and nitrogen, and photosynthetic pigments were determined. Scanning electron micrographs of the surface of leaves showed that salt glands of these plants are well developed. It is urgently required that exact vegetation maps, and monitoring exercises will be conducted, in order to document exactly the state of the vegetation in Qatar. Only this will allow the environment authorities to bring forward suggestions for vegetation and ecosystem management to the decision makers.     

Gas–liquid chromatography for fenvalerate residue analysis: alterations in the ionic concentration and associated adinosine triphosphatases in fish,Cirrhinus mrigala (hamilton)

In the present study, an attempt has been made to quantify the fenvalerate accumulated in different tissues (gill, muscle and liver) and observe changes involved in the levels of sodium, potassium and calcium ions and Na⁺–K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activities in the freshwater fish, Cirrhinus mrigala on short-term and long-term exposure to the median lethal and sublethal concentration of fenvalerate. Residue analysis using gas–liquid chromatography (GLC) technique revealed that fenvalerate accumulated in highest quantity in gill followed by liver and muscle under median lethal concentration (6?µg?L^?1). Whereas in sublethal concentration (0.6?µg?L^?1), muscle accumulated highest quantity followed by gill and liver, which might be due to the fact that fenvalerate is highly lyphophilic. The ion concentration and ATPase activity were found effected in fish exposed to lethal and sublethal concentrations of fenvalerate. Concentration of Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions decreased in gill, muscle and liver on being exposed to median lethal concentration to a significant level. Whereas the changes were not highly pronounced at sub lethal level indicating low concentration of fenvalerate and its non-toxic effect at chronic exposure. Na⁺–K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ ATPases activity were also found decreased in correspondence to the ionic change under median lethal and sub lethal concentrations in target tissues. This might have lead to behavioural changes and create wide-spread disturbance in the normal physiology, ultimately causing the death of the fish. The results suggest that in biomonitoring programmes, ions and associated ATPases can be a good diagnostic tool for fenvalerate toxicity.     

Assessment of groundwater contamination using geographic information systems

In this study two sites were selected in order to investigate groundwater contamination and spatial relationships among groundwater quality, topography, geology, landuse and pollution sources. One site is the Asan area, an agricultural district where pollution sources are scattered and which is mainly underlain by granite of Cretaceous age. The other site is the Gurogu area of Seoul city, an industrial district where an industrial complex and residential areas are located and which is mainly underlain by gneiss of Precambrian age. Groundwater samples collected from these districts were analysed for chemical constituents. An attribute value files of chemical constituents of groundwater and the spatial data layers were constructed and pollution properties were investigated to establish out spatial relationships between the groundwater constituents and pollution sources using geographic information systems (GIS).Relatively high contents of Si and HCO₃ ^– in the groundwater from the Asan area reflect the effect of water–rock interaction whereas high contents of Cl^–, NO₃ ^– and Ca²⁺ in the groundwater from the Gurogu area are due to the pollution of various sources. The significant seasonal variation of SiO₂, HCO₂ ^– and Ca²⁺ contents, and that of Ca²⁺ content were observed in the Asan and the Gurogu areas, respectively. Seasonal variation of pollutants such as Cl^–, NO₃ ^– and SO₄ ^2– was not observed in either area. Pollution over the critical level of the Korean drinking water standard has been investigated from 15 sampling sites out of 40 in the Asan area, and 33 sampling sites out of 51 in the Gurogu area. Pollution by NO₃ ^–, Cl^–, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, SO₄ ^2– and Zn²⁺ in the groundwater from the industrial district (Gurogu area) and that of NO₃ , SO₄ ^2– and Zn²⁺ in the groundwater from the agricultural district (Asan area) were observed. The principal pollutant in both areas is NO₃ ^–. Deep groundwater from the Asan area is not yet contaminated with NO₃ ^– except for one site, but most of the shallow groundwater site occurring near the potential point sources is seriously contaminated. From the result of buffering analysis, it seems clear that factories and stock farms are the principal pollution sources in the Asan area. The groundwater from the Gurogu area has already been seriously polluted considering the fact of NO₃ ^– contamination of deep groundwater. Chlorine pollution of shallow groundwater in the Gurogu area was also observed. Spatial relationship between pollution level and its source was clarified in this study by using GIS, which will be applicable to the effective management of groundwater quality.     

Water geochemistry and dissolution rates of the karst-dominated Houzhai River basin,China

ABSTRACT

Houzhai (Guizhou Province, Southwest China) is a typical karstification area, with dolomite and limestone constituting the major rock types. The aim of this study was to utilize major element mass-balance and multivariate statistical methods to analyze the chemical composition of water in the Houzhai River catchment area with regard to seasonal variations in ion content, dissolution reactions, and rates. Data demonstrated that the Houzhai's hydrochemical composition is dominated by calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), bicarbonate (HCO₃^?), and sulfate (SO₄^2?) which predominantly originated from chemical weathering of carbonate rocks like limestone and dolomite. Carbonate weathering contributes 83% of the dissolved Ca²⁺. Sulfuric acid also plays an important role in rock weathering. Our analysis identified three principal sources of hydrochemical variation in the study area, including dolomite dissolution, limestone dissolution, and anthropogenic activities. In addition, the identified two main hydrochemical facies were characterized by the predominance of Ca-Mg-HCO₃ and Ca-Mg-HCO₃-SO₄. In terms of temporal variation, all of the examined parameters showed strong inter-annual and seasonal variations of concentration distribution, except pH levels and potassium and sodium (K⁺+Na⁺). The dissolution rate of carbonate was estimated using the concentration of Ca²⁺ and discharge rate, which constitutes a simple, practical, and innovative method. Compared with other research methods, our strategy was found to be simple, feasible, readily adaptable, and less demanding of data inputs.     

Elemental Contamination of Rainwater by Airborne Dust in Tamale Township Area of the Northern Region of Ghana

Rainwater samples were collected from Tamale town in the 1997 and 1998 rainy seasons. During this period road construction in the Tamale area resulted in the generation of suspended dust in the atmosphere. Analysis of the samples for major ions showed elevated levels of Cl^–. Ion ratios with Cl^– (Na⁺/Cl^–, K⁺/Cl^–, Ca²⁺/Cl^–/Cl^– Mg²⁺/Cl^– and SO₄ ^2–/Cl^–) in rainwater samples were higher than the corresponding ratios in seawater. Some samples also showed elevated concentrations of Fe, Mn, Al and Zn, all of which except Zn showed a correlation with the dry periods between rainfall events. Consequently, it was concluded that dust generated from lateritic soils was probably the major cause of the increase in concentration of these metals. Aluminium and Fe concentrations were observed to be higher than the World Health Organization drinking water guide limits.     

Arsenic (V) removal from groundwater by GE-HL nanofiltration membrane: effects of arsenic concentration, pH, and co-existing ions

A laboratory-scale investigation was performed to study arsenic (As (V)) removal by negatively charged GE-HL nanofiltration (NF) membrane in simulated drinking water. Effects of As (V) concentration (0–200 μg·L^?1), pH, and co-ions and counter-ions were investigated. The NF membrane presented good stability, and the rejection rates exceeded 90%. The rejection rates of As (V) decreased with the increase of As (V) concentration, while it increased with the increase of pH (reached 96% at pH 6.75). Moreover, a negative relationship was observed between the co-existing ions of Cl^?, Na⁺, SO ₄ ^2? , and Ca²⁺ and the removal of As (V), in which bivalent ions presented more significant effects than monovalent ions.