Assessment of Young Dong tributary and Imgok Creek impacted by Young Dong coal mine,South Korea

An initial reclamation of the Young Dong coal mine site, located in northeastern South Korea, was completed in 1995. Despite the filling of the adit with limestone, acid rock drainage (ARD) enters Young Dong tributary and is then discharged to Imgok Creek. This ARD carries an average of 500 mg CaCO₃/l of mineral acidity, primarily as Fe(II) and Al. Before spring runoff, the flow of Imgok Creek is 3.3–4 times greater than that of the tributary and has an alkalinity of 100 mg CaCO₃/l, which is sufficient to eliminate the mineral acidity and raise the pH to about 6.5. From April through September 2008, there were at least two periods of high surface flow that affects the flow of ARD from the adit. Flow of ARD reaches 2.8 m³/min during spring runoff. This raised the concentrations of Fe and Al in the confluence with Imgok Creek. However, by 2 km downstream the pH of the Imgok Creek is 6.5 and only dissolved Fe is above the Korean drinking water criteria (0.30 mg/l). This suggests only a minor impact of Young Dong Creek water on Imgok Creek. Acid digestion of the sediments in Imgok Creek and Young Dong Tributary reveals considerable abundances of heavy metals, which could have a long-term impact on water quality. However, several water-based leaching tests, which better simulate the bioavailable metals pool, released only Al, Fe, Mn, and Zn at concentrations exceeding the criteria for drinking water or aquatic life.

     

Assessment of Young Dong tributary and Imgok Creek impacted by Young Dong coal mine,South Korea

An initial reclamation of the Young Dong coal mine site, located in northeastern South Korea, was completed in 1995. Despite the filling of the adit with limestone, acid rock drainage (ARD) enters Young Dong tributary and is then discharged to Imgok Creek. This ARD carries an average of 500 mg CaCO₃/l of mineral acidity, primarily as Fe(II) and Al. Before spring runoff, the flow of Imgok Creek is 3.3–4 times greater than that of the tributary and has an alkalinity of 100 mg CaCO₃/l, which is sufficient to eliminate the mineral acidity and raise the pH to about 6.5. From April through September 2008, there were at least two periods of high surface flow that affects the flow of ARD from the adit. Flow of ARD reaches 2.8 m³/min during spring runoff. This raised the concentrations of Fe and Al in the confluence with Imgok Creek. However, by 2 km downstream the pH of the Imgok Creek is 6.5 and only dissolved Fe is above the Korean drinking water criteria (0.30 mg/l). This suggests only a minor impact of Young Dong Creek water on Imgok Creek. Acid digestion of the sediments in Imgok Creek and Young Dong Tributary reveals considerable abundances of heavy metals, which could have a long-term impact on water quality. However, several water-based leaching tests, which better simulate the bioavailable metals pool, released only Al, Fe, Mn, and Zn at concentrations exceeding the criteria for drinking water or aquatic life.     

Geochemical Characteristics of the Acid Mine Drainage in the Water System in the Vicinity of the Dogye Coal Mine in Korea

This study investigated geochemical characteristics of the acid mine drainage (AMD) discharged from the abandoned mine adits in the vicinity of the Dogye coal mine in Korea. Acid mine drainage discharged from Jeoncha pit adit of the Dogye coal mine, which is the main source of the AMD in the study area, had a pH value of 3.0 and concentrations of 2148mg SO₄ ^2– L^–1, 229mg Fe L^–1, 71mg A1 L^–1 and 11mg Mn L^–1. The reduction of some metal concentrations downstream from the discharge point could be explained on the basis of dilution and precipitation. The order of removal of metal ions downstream from the discharge point was Fe>A1, Cu>Zn, Mn. Acidity could be used as a good determining factor offering comprehensive and quantitative values for the polluting extent of acid mine drainage. The acidities existing in all acidic water samples in the Gunahan district originated primarily from mineral acidity, especially in the upper Nahan Creek from dissolved Fe and Al and in the middle and down Nahan Creek from dissolved Al. From the application of the WATEQ4F program, it was determined that predominant species of dissolved Fe in all water samples was Fe²⁺, and those of dissolved Al were AlSO₄ ⁺ and Al³⁺ except for IW2 sample which was associated with white precipitates. The species of dissolved Al in IW2 sample include also AlOH²⁺ and Al(OH)₂ ⁺. The saturation indices of goethite and haematite were positive in the water samples associated with ochrous precipitates (usually called Yellow Boy), therefore these solids might be precipitated. For the IW2 sample, the saturation indices of amorphous Al(OH)₃ and gibbsite were positive, so theoretically these solids might also be precipitated. By XRD analysis, it was found that goethite occurs in ochrous precipitates, and gibbsite in white precipitates.     

Dental fluorosis associated with drinking water from hot springs in Choma district in southern province,Zambia

This study was conducted to investigate the high incidence of mottled teeth among residents of an area with hot springs in the Choma District of the Southern Province of Zambia. A survey involving 128 pupils was conducted at a Basic School to collect data on pupil’s backgrounds and their main sources of drinking water between birth and age 7. A dental specialist examined the pupils’ teeth and samples of drinking water were collected from locations where the majority of the pupils lived. It was analysed for fluorides and other drinking water quality parameters. Results of the survey showed a highly significant (P < 0.001) association between pupils’ main sources of drinking water between birth and age 7 and the incidence of discoloured teeth. All (100%) pupils who drank water from hot springs before age 7 had moderate to severe fluorosis, while the majority (96.7%) of the pupils who drank water from other sources had no dental fluorosis. Fluoride concentrations ranged from 5.95 to 10.09 mg/l in water from hot springs, and from 0.03 to 0.6 mg/l in water from other sources. Fluoride levels in water from hot spring water samples exceeded the 1.5 mg/l WHO guideline value for drinking water, while those in water from other sources were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than this. We conclude that the high prevalence of mottled teeth among residents of the study area is a case of endemic dental fluorosis associated with drinking water from hot springs containing high concentrations of fluoride.     

Simultaneous removal of arsenate and fluoride from water by AI-Fe （hydr）oxides

A1-Fe （hydr）oxides with different A1/Fe molar ratios （4：1, 1：1, 1：4, 0：1） were prepared using a co- precipitation method and were then employed for simultaneous removal of arsenate and fluoride. The 4A1 ： Fe was superior to other adsorbents for removal of arsenate and fluoride in the pH range of 5.0-9.0. The adsorption capacity of the A1-Fe （hydr）oxides for arsenate and fluoride at pH 6.50.3 increased with increasing A1 content in the adsorbents. The linear relationship between the amount of OH released from the adsorbent and the amount of arsenate or fluoride adsorbent by 4A1 ： Fe indicated that the adsorption of arsenate and fluoride by A1- Fe （hydr）oxides was realized primarily through quantita- tive ligand exchange. Moreover, there was a very good correlation between the surface hydroxyl group densities of A1-Fe （hydr）oxides and their adsorption capacities for arsenate or fluoride. The highest adsorption capacity for arsenate and fluoride by 4A1 ： Fe is mainly ascribed to its highest surface hydroxyl group density besides its largest pHpzc. The dosage of adsorbent necessary to remove arsenate and fluoride to meet the drinking water standard was mainly determined by the presence of fluoride since fluoride was generally present in groundwater at much higher concentration than arsenate.     

大骨节病区硒元素分布的调控机理研究——以四川省阿坝地区为例

分析了阿坝地区的岩石、饮用水、农作物及其根系土中硒的不同存在形态的分布,并结合生物有效性深入研究了硒元素分布与大骨节病病因的联系和调控机理.阿坝地区的环境(岩石、土壤、水)中全硒浓度、农作物中硒的富集系数和水溶性硒占总硒的含量均远低于非病区;硒在氧化还原条件(Eh平均值143.27 mV)和酸碱度(pH 6.51—8.48)的控制下主要以亚硒酸态的稳定形式存在.元素铝、铁等的富集可能会促进硒的沉淀和络合,制约硒的生物有效利用率,进而导致人体硒摄入不足,最终激发人类微小病毒B19(HPV B19)的毒性,引发大骨节病.通过采取土壤增施硒肥、改善水质、改变膳食结构等方法可以有效地提高环境中硒的水平及其生物有效性,以缓解大骨节病的病情及发病率.     

Correlation between levels of some heavy metals in plants and sediments from a segment of Calabar River and associated creeks in Cross River state of Nigeria

Plants and sediments were collected at three sites along Calabar River (CR), Upper Town Creek (UCC) and Lower Town Creek (LCC). The CR is a major tributary of Cross River, Nigeria. The concentrations of 10 heavy metals were determined and results for Fe, Mn and Zn at almost all the sites showed that the levels of these metals exceeded the amounts present in non-polluted areas. Fe was found in the highest concentration at all three sites in both plants and sediments. Correlation analysis between levels of heavy metals in plants and sediments were also determined. The occurrence of higher concentrations of heavy metals in plants and coastal sediments at CR, UCC and LCC is an indication of anthropogenically induced pollution rather than contributions from natural sources.     

西安市不同下垫面路面径流雨水中重金属的四季污染特征

重金属是雨水径流中的重要污染物质。为探究雨水径流中重金属的季节变化规律。地理位置因素和人为因素对重金属含量的影响。根据西安市城区内道路类型、路面材质、交通量、人流量等因素选择5个采样点,以2013年全年的降雨样品作为研究对象,利用电感耦合等离子质谱仪（ICP-MS）测定雨水径流中重金属Cd、Zn、Fe、Mn、Al、Pb的质量浓度。研究结果表明：Cd的质量浓度正常,低于地表水环境质量Ⅰ类标准,受地理位置、人为活动以及季节变化的影响极小。Zn的质量浓度正常,在地表水环境质量标准第Ⅰ类和第Ⅱ类标准之间;与地理位置、人为活动以及季节变化没有明显关系。Fe的含量因地理位置不同而异,交通繁忙、商业活动较多的小寨四季雨水径流中的Fe均较高,均为城市供水水质标准的3倍,商业活动的影响大于车辆交通的影响,校园秋季雨水中Fe为水质标准的2倍,其它3个季节水质正常,浓度的影响较小,人为因素对雨水中Fe含量的有一定的影响,人流量大的区域雨水中Fe的含量相对较高。冬季燃煤对雨水中Mn的含量影响较为明显。Mn 只在冬季雨水中的含量略高于城市供水水质标准,对环境影响很小;地理位置,人为活动,区域职能对 Mn的含量均没有明显的影响。Al 的含量在城市供水水质标准限值内,受人流量、区域职能、季节变化影响较小,受地理位置影响较大。Pb的含量受路面交通环境和冬季煤炭燃烧的影响较大,在车辆交通繁忙的地点,Pb的含量明显增高;Pb的含量受季节变化影响较为明显,冬季＞春季＞夏季＞秋季;人流量对 Pb 的含量影响不大;下垫面对 Pb 的含量影响明显,柏油路面上的雨水径流中Pb含量最高,石板路面上Pb的含量在其次,塑胶路面上Pb的含量最少。     

Influences of suspended particles on the runoff of pesticides from an agricultural field at Askim, SE-Norway

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to study the loss of particles from agricultural fields, and the role of suspended particles in carrying pesticides in surface runoff and drainage water. Propiconazole, a widely used fungicide was applied to experimental fields located at Askim, SE-Norway. Samples from surface runoff and drainage water were collected and analyzed for sediment mass, pesticides, particulate and dissolved organic carbon through a whole year. The surface soil and the runoff material were characterized by its particle size distribution, organic carbon content in size fractions and its ability to bind propiconazole. The results show that (1) particle runoff mostly occurred during the rainfall event shortly after harrowing in autumn. The highest particle concentration observed in the surface runoff water was 4600 mg l(-1), and in the drainage water 1130 mg l(-1); (2) the erosion of surface soil is size selective. The runoff sediment contained finer particle/aggregates rich in organic matter compared to its original surface soil; (3) the distribution coefficient (Kd) of propiconazole was significantly higher in the runoff sediment than in the parent soil. According to our calculation, particle-bound propiconazole can represent up to 23% of the total amount of propiconazole in a water sample with a sediment concentration of 7600 mg l(-1), which will significantly influence the transport behavior of the pesticide.     

渭河流域关中段地表水重金属的污染特征与健康风险评价

由于重金属的毒理性及其对水生生态系统的重要影响,水生环境的重金属污染已成为全世界关注的问题.渭河是黄河的第一大支流,近年来随着沿岸社会经济的发展,渭河的水质受到严重的威胁,但是对渭河流域地表水重金属的污染状况缺乏全面评估.以渭河流域关中段为研究区域,采集了该流域35个地表水样品,检测了12种重金属元素(Cr、Mn、Fe...     

Assessment of physico-chemical properties and metal contents of water and sediments of Bodo Creek,Niger Delta,Nigeria

Some physico-chemical properties and the concentrations of the metals Fe, Mn, Ni, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn in water and sediments were examined from September 2011 to January 2012 in Bodo Creek, where oil spills have been recurrent. Temperature, pH, total dissolved solid, conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total hardness, sulfate, nitrate, and phosphate were determined in surface water. Particle size, total organic matter (TOM), and pH were also determined in the sediments. The parameters were within permissible limits except the mean values of BOD, COD, total hardness, and sulfate that exceeded levels permissible for domestic use. The sediments consisted mainly of sand, with TOM ranging from 0.2% to 5.5%. With the exception of cadmium that was below detection limit, metal levels (mg kg^?1) in the sediments were 12 (Mn), 1070 (Fe), 10 (Cu), 10 (Zn), 5.3 (Cr), 1.1 (Pb), 1.0 (Ni), and 0.5 (Co) while in water they were 24, 98, 21, 6.9, 4.0, 0.6, 0.18, and 0.16, respectively. The latter were higher than World Health Organization recommended permissible levels for both surface and drinking water.     

Pollution of River Mahaweli and farmlands under irrigation by cadmium from agricultural inputs leading to a chronic renal failure epidemic among farmers in NCP, Sri Lanka

Chronic renal failure (CRF) associated with elevated dietary cadmium (Cd) among farming communities in the irrigated agricultural area under the River Mahaweli diversion scheme has reached a significantly higher level of 9,000 patients. Cadmium, derived from contaminated phosphate fertilizer, in irrigation water finds its way into reservoirs, and finally to food, causing chronic renal failure among consumers. Water samples of River Mahaweli and its tributaries in the upper catchment were analyzed to assess the total cadmium contamination of river water and the possible source of cadmium. Except a single tributary (Ulapane Stream, 3.9?μg?Cd/l), all other tested tributaries carried more than 5?μg?Cd/l, the maximum concentration level accepted to be safe in drinking water. Seven medium-sized streams carrying surface runoff from tea estates had 5.1-10?μg?Cd/l. Twenty larger tributaries (Oya), where the catchment is under vegetable and home garden cultivation, carried 10.1-15?μg?Cd/l. Nine other major tributaries had extremely high levels of Cd, reaching 20?μg?Cd/l. Using geographic information system (GIS), the area in the catchment of each tributary was studied. The specific cropping system in each watershed was determined. The total cadmium loading from each crop area was estimated using the rates and types of phosphate fertilizer used by the respective farmers and the amount of cadmium contained in each type of fertilizer used. Eppawala rock phosphate (ERP), which is mostly used in tea estates, caused least pollution. The amount of cadmium in tributaries had a significant positive correlation with the cadmium loading of the cropping system. Dimbula Tea Estate Stream had the lowest Cd loading (495.9?g/ha/year), compared with vegetable-growing areas in Uma Oya catchment with 50,852.5?g?Cd/ha/year. Kendall's τ rank correlation value of total Cd loading from the catchment by phosphate fertilizer used in all crops in the catchment to the Cd content in the tributaries was +0.48. This indicated a major contribution by the cropping system in the upper catchment area of River Mahaweli to the eventual Cd pollution of river water. Low soil pH (4.5-5.2), higher organic matter content (2-3%), and 18-20?cmol/kg cation exchange capacity (CEC) in upcountry soil have a cumulative effect in the easy release of Cd from soil with the heavy surface runoff in the upcountry wet zone. In view of the existing water conveyance system from upcountry to reservoirs in North Central Province (NCP) through diversion of River Mahaweli, in addition to their own nonpoint pollution by triple superphosphate fertilizer (TSP), this demands a change in overall upper catchment management to minimize Cd pollution through agriculture inputs to prevent CRF due to elevated dietary cadmium among NCP farmers.     

Environmental impact of nitrogen fertilization in tea eco-system

To quantify the nitrogen losses through runoff and leaching under a tea plantation in hilly soil, a field experiment was conducted from October 2001 to October 2002 at United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI), Coonoorin Nilgiri district. Runoff water was collected in the collection tub on most rainy days but the leachate was collected in the soil water sampler when the rainfall exceeded 150 mm. Higher nitrogen fertilization levels significantly influenced the NO3-N concentration in both the runoff and leachate and it was likely to cause adverse environmental impact at the delivery end. The NH4-N and NO3-N concentrations in runoff decreased with the days after fertilizer application. NH4-N concentration reduced from 10.27 mg/l on the 9th day to 1.72 mg/l on the 34th day after fertilizer application. NO3-N concentration reduced from 23.5 mg/l on the 9th day to 4.32 mg/l on the 34th day after fertilizer application. Nitrogen loss varied depending on the quantity of rainfall and runoff. The NO3-N concentration in the leachate increased with increase in depth (18.06 mg/l at 22.5 cm depth to 20.98 mg/l at 45 cm depth) whereas NH4-N concentration decreased with increase in depth (6.32 mg/l at 22.5 cm depth to 5.79 mg/l at 45 cm depth.     

Inorganic chemicals in domestic water of the United Arab Emirates

The concentration of selected inorganic chemicals was determined for 396 samples of bottled water, desalinated water, and groundwater used for drinking and domestic purposes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The objective of this study was to compare the concentrations of inorganic chemicals in different domestic water types used in the UAE with the World Health Organization (WHO) limits for drinking water. Results of the present study revealed a wide variation in the concentrations of major, minor, and trace inorganic chemicals in domestic water of the UAE. For example, the bottled water sold for drinking is depleted in major ions and the total dissolved solids (TDS) in some brands do not exceed 100 mg/l. On the other hand, some of the domestic water used may contain as much as 3,000 mg/l TDS, which is above the WHO recommended limit for drinking water (500–1,500 mg/l TDS). Similarly, while bottled water is almost free of trace ions and minor constituents, some natural groundwater may have concentrations higher than the WHO recommended limits for drinking water. The cause of this variation is related to the different water sources and the large number of companies producing and distributing drinking and domestic water. Moreover, it is clear that the current controls on domestic water quality in some areas, namely conformance of pH and electrical conductivity measurements with prescribed ranges of values, are currently inadequate. These two parameters are not enough to judge if water is suitable for drinking or not and some consumers may receive domestic water of uncertain quality.     

Arsenic speciation and mobility in surface water at Lucky Shot Gold Mine, Alaska

Historical mining in Alaska has created a legacy of approximately 6,830 abandoned mine sites which include adits, tailing piles and contaminated land that continue to impact surface and groundwater quality through run-off and leaching of potentially toxic metals, especially arsenic (As). One such site is the Lucky Shot Gold Mine in Hatcher Pass, south-central Alaska, which operated from 1920 until 1942, mining gold-bearing quartz veins hosted in a Cretaceous tonalite intrusion. Arsenopyrite (FeAsS) and pyrite (FeS₂) present in the quartz veins contribute to elevated As levels in water draining, abandoned mine adits. As future underground mining at Lucky Shot may further adversely impact water quality, baseline geochemical studies were undertaken to assess As mobility in the vicinity of the mine adits. Water samples were collected from streams, adits and boreholes around the mine and analysed for major and minor elements using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and for anions by ion chromatography (IC). Arsenic species separation was performed in the field to determine the ratio of inorganic As(III)/As(V) using anion-exchange chromatography, following established methods. It was determined that water draining the adits had elevated levels of As roughly seventy times the United States Environmental Protection Agency Drinking Water Standard of 10?μg?L^?1, although this was rapidly diluted downstream in Craigie Creek to <2?μg?L^?1. Adit and surface water pH was circum-neutral and displayed no characteristics of acid mine drainage. Despite being well oxygenated, As(III) is the dominant As species in adit water, accounting for close to 100?% of total As. The proportion of As(V) increases downstream of the adits, as some As(III) is oxidized, but the speciation enhances arsenic mobility at the site. The δ¹⁸O measurements indicate that the water in the system has a short residence time as it is very similar to meteoric water, supporting the observation that the predominance of As(III) in adit water results from the lack of thermodynamical equilibrium being attained and preferential absorbance of As(V).     

复合磷酸盐水氟吸附特性及其影响因素

采用静态吸附法研究了不同比例钙铝、铁铝、锰铝的磷酸盐共沉物的除氟性能,比较发现,铝与铁的磷酸盐共沉物除氟效果最好,锰离子对磷酸铝的除氟效果则有明显的抑制作用。以吸附性能较好的1∶100铁铝比例的磷酸盐共沉物为吸附剂,研究了接触时间、pH值、吸附剂量等对其除氟效果的影响,结果表明,在25℃、氟离子初始质量浓度为10 mg.L-1、pH值为6~8、振荡时间为90 m in、投加量为2.5 g.L-1条件下,1∶100铁铝比例的磷酸盐共沉物对氟的吸附量可达2.7 mg.g-1。     

Effects of humic acid on residual Al control in drinking water treatment plants with orthophosphate addition

This study aimed to investigate the effects of humic acid (HA) on residual Al control in drinking water facilities that used orthophosphate addition. The results showed that adding orthophosphate was an effective method for residual Al control for the raw water without HA. When orthophosphate was added at 1.0 min before the addition of poly aluminum chloride (PACl), the concentrations of soluble aluminum (Sol-Al) and total aluminum (Tot-Al) residue were 0.08 and 0.086 mg·L^-1, respectively; both were reduced by 46% compared with the control experiment. The presence of HA would notably increase the residual Al concentration. For the raw water with 5 mg·L^-1 of HA, the concentrations of Sol-Al and Tot-Al increased from 0.136 and 0.174 mg·L^-1 to 0.172 and 0.272 mg·L^-1, respectively. For water with a HA concentration above 5 mg·L^-1, orthophosphate was ineffective in the control of residual Al, though there were still parts of orthophosphate were removed in coagulation. The amounts of Al removal were positively correlated with the solids freshly formed in coagulation. Similar to the raw water without HA, the best Al control was obtained with orthophosphate salt added at 1.0 min before PACl. HA concentrations in the raw water, solution pH, and the orthophosphate dosage suitable for residual Al control by orthophosphate precipitation were also investigated.     

大宝山矿水外排的环境影响:Ⅰ.下游水生生态系统

通过水质生物检测、理化分析及野外水生大型无脊椎动物多样性实地调查等综合方法，就广东大宝山矿区南侧拦泥库溢出的酸性矿水对下游横石水河生态系统的影响进行了系统研究。结果表明，大宝山矿区拦泥库溢出的酸性矿水对隆线溞具有较强的急性生物毒性，酸性矿水24h，48h及96h对水溞的半致死体积分数LC50分别为13．55%、10．30％、6．20％；安全体积分数为0．06％。通过在暴雨期间对拦泥库上游洪水的各项指标的分析结果表明，拦泥库溢出的酸性矿水pH值可低至2．15，其中铁及重金属的质量浓度分别为：铁216．79mg/L、锌73．23mg/L、铜32．63mg/L、铅1．82mg/L、镉0．87mg/L。在尾矿坝下游3．5km处，重金属质量浓度分别为：铁51．63mg／L、锌2．83mg/L；铜1．64mg／L、铅2．67mg／L、镉0．1mg／L，和锰20．50mg／L。从矿水排放口到受矿水影响的下游50km范围内，河水pH的变化幅度为3．36-7．42。大型无脊椎动物多样性的调查显示，从尾矿坝到受矿水影响的下游25km范围内，未发现任何底栖动物，而在横石水河上游未受矿水影响的对照点中至少有36利底栖动物存在。可见由大宝山矿区排出的酸性矿水对下游溪流的水生生物多样性和河流生态系统造成了严重的破坏。     

Fluorides in groundwater and its impact on health

Fluoride is a naturally occurring toxic mineral present in drinking water and causes yellowing of teeth, tooth problems etc. Fluorspar, Cryolite and Fluorapatite are the naturally occurring minerals, from which fluoride finds its path to groundwater through infiltration. In the present study two groundwater samples, Station I and Station II at Hyderabad megacity, the capital of Andhra Pradesh were investigated for one year from January 2001 to December 2001. The average fluoride values were 1.37 mg/l at Station I and 0.91 mg/l at Station II. The permissible limit given by BIS (1983) 0.6-1.2 mg/l and WHO (1984) 1.5 mg/l for fluoride in drinking water. The groundwaters at Station I exceeded the limit while at Station II it was within the limits. The study indicated that fluoride content of 0.5 mg/l is sufficient to cause yellowing of teeth and dental problems.     

Water quality assessment of Fort lake of Belgaum (Karnataka) with special reference to zooplankton

Study on limnobiotic status of the Fort lake water was made to assess the potability of water from Feb 1998 to Jan 1999. Fort lake exhibits high alkalinity with pH ranging from 8.36 (June) to 10.6 (Feb and March), total alkalinity (TA) from 88 to 188 mg/l, total hardness (TH) from 59.8-217 mg/l, PO4 (7.2 to 13.6 mg/l and BOD (42.6-60.6 mg/l). From the observations it can be known that the Fort lake water is inferior and not suitable for drinking purposes. The possible factors for its poor quality have been discussed.