Papers by Keyword: Pollution

Abstract: The danger to environmental productivity posed by many human activities is making water contamination an essential problem. Assessing oxidative stress biomarkers as markers of environmental contamination in water hyacinth and Nile tilapia from the Wupa River in Abuja that is damaged by effluent is the goal of this study. Samples were gathered and examined according to established protocols. Biomarker result shows hydrogen peroxide activities in the leaves of water Hyacinth (101.76 ±11.70-104.17 ± 17.78 mol/L) stem (81.22 ± 9.86-87.68 ± 10.31 mol/L). Superoxide anion of the leaves (25.33 ± 3.56-28.06 ± 6.09 mol/m³), stem (24.51 ± 2.99 - 26.16 ±1.84 mol/m³). Catalase enzymatic activities (43.57±2.12 - 48.23 ± 19.06), stem (39.73±4.95-47.12 ± 5.00). The Malondialdehyde of the leaves (348.04 ± 220.43-455.08 ± 137.99 g/mol) and the stem (180.08 ± 151.08-252.04 ±147.67 g/mol). In the Fish, Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels were highest in the liver, ranging from 363.62 ± 46.16 mol/L (upstream) to 362.81 ± 225.78 mol/L (downstream), significantly exceeding those in the heart and gills. Superoxide anion concentrations followed a similar pattern, with liver values ranging from 41.03 ± 8.75 mol/m³ (downstream) to 82.61 ± 64.88 mol/m³ (upstream), again surpassing levels in the heart and gills. Catalase activity was relatively stable across tissues, with values in the liver ranging from 33.75 ± 5.49 (upstream) to 38.51 ± 2.04 (downstream). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, were significantly elevated in the gills, particularly upstream (30.89 ± 10.87 g/mol), when compared to liver and heart values. The Biomarker results demonstrate that water hyacinth and Nile Tilapia can be effectively used to assess the pollution status of the Wupa River, with the biomarkers such hydrogen peroxide, catalase and superoxide anion levels reflecting the organism’s response to environmental stressors.

Abstract: Contamination of water by heavy metals is a major environmental problem in modern world as pollutants enter aquatic systems through various means such as effluent discharge, industrial, urban and agricultural run-off. This study is evaluated the bioaccumulation potentials of Eichornia crassipe (Water hyacinth) on some selected heavy metals in effluent impacted Wupa River. The result shows Water Cadmium (0.10 ± 0.01-0.12 ± 0.00 mg/L), Copper (0.01 ± 0.01-0.04 ± 0.02 mg/L), Iron (0.57 ± 0.23-0.83 ± 0.26mg/L), Nickel (0.11± 0.01-0.15±0.10 mg/L), Lead (0.98 ± 0.86-1.04 ± 0.64 mg/L), Zinc (0.02 ± 0.00-0.03 ± 0.00 mg/L). Sediment heavy metal Copper mean (0.13 ± 0.03-0.28 ± 0.06mg/L), Nickel (0.02 ± 0.02-0.18 ± 0.12mg/L), Zinc (0.03 ± 0.04-0.05 ± 0.04mg/L), Cadmium (0.004 ± 0.05-0.01 ± 0.01mg/L), Lead (5.09 ± 5.38-5.69 ± 1.61mg/L), Iron (2.00 ± 1.77 to 5.65 ± 2.03 mg/L). Molecular identification reveals high percentage identities ranging from 88.69% to 98.74% with known chloroplast sequences of E. crassipes. Water hyacinth root had high bioconcentration factor metals such as iron and copper while the leaves had highest BCF in Lead. The heavy metal removal efficiency of iron and copper was significantly low (p<0.05) in the root of water hyacinth when compared to the leave and stem of same plant. While the lead heavy metal removal was significantly (p<0.05) low in the stem when compared to the root and leaves of water hyacinth.

Abstract: Source fondamentale d'eau potable et d'irrigation agricole, les eaux souterraines sont indispensables, notamment dans les régions où les eaux de surface restent rares. L'aquifère du Saïss, situé dans le bassin du Sebou au nord du Maroc, joue un rôle crucial dans le maintien des communautés locales et des activités économiques. Cependant, les pressions anthropiques croissantes et les conditions environnementales changeantes menacent sa qualité et sa disponibilité. Cette étude examine l'impact des activités humaines, des conditions géochimiques et des fluctuations saisonnières sur la composition des eaux souterraines. Des analyses physico-chimiques approfondies ont été menées sur des échantillons d'eau prélevés sur plusieurs saisons afin d'évaluer les concentrations d'éléments indicateurs de qualité tels que les nitrates, les sulfates, les chlorures et les ammoniums. Des approches statistiques descriptives ont été utilisées pour l'analyse des données, complétées par une analyse en composantes principales (ACP) afin de déterminer les relations entre les caractéristiques et de différencier les effets des causes géologiques et anthropiques. Les résultats indiquent une baisse significative de la qualité des eaux souterraines, principalement due aux pratiques agricoles intensives, à l'infiltration d'engrais et de pesticides, et aux effluents d'origine domestique et industrielle. En saison sèche, la pollution est plus marquée, caractérisée par des concentrations élevées de chlorures (850 mg/L), de sulfates (440 mg/L) et de sodium (320 mg/L). À l'inverse, pendant la saison des pluies, l'infiltration due aux précipitations intensifie la contamination, notamment en raison des niveaux élevés de nitrate et d'ammonium. Les résultats soulignent la vulnérabilité de l'aquifère du Saïss aux pressions anthropiques et aux fluctuations climatiques, soulignant la nécessité immédiate de stratégies de gestion durable pour réduire les risques de contamination et garantir la préservation à long terme de cette ressource en eau essentielle pour les besoins, tant pour l'eau potable que pour l'agriculture.

Abstract: Groundwater is a vital resource for the economy of the Taza region. A 12-month prospective study was carried out from March 2023 to April 2024, with the aim of assessing the hygienic quality (physico-chemical and bacteriological), using a geographic information system or GIS, of well and spring water used as drinking water and for domestic activities by the population of certain communes in the Taza region. A total of 11 water samples were taken at 11 points likely to pose a health risk to their users. These points were identified by data sheets indicating their topographical coordinates. The results revealed various types of contamination, mainly expressed by two types of pollution: significant microbial pollution in 100% of the waters, originating from percolating runoff and domestic and industrial wastewater; low to significant chemical pollution in all the waters studied. The results obtained show that the various parameters: dissolved oxygen, nitrate and nitrite concentrations are too high in relation to national standards in several of the samples analyzed.

Abstract: The chemical characterization of the Ghis-Nekor aquifer has attracted significant attention from researchers in Morocco. It is a crucial indicator of the environmental situation and the socio-economic development of this Moroccan region. Indeed, it helps decision makers to conduct a conscious and sustainable management. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the origin of salinity using isopoly elements such as Stronstium and Bromide and to evaluate the physicochemical quality of groundwater in the Ghis-Nekor aquifer region and to determine the sources of pollution in order to establish maps of the qualities of the Ghis-Nekor water table. For this reason, of Ghis-Nekor aquifer 19 samples were examined during the month of July 2023, in terms of isotopic elements such as bromine (Br) and strontium (Sr) et tantalum (Ta) (03 samples), and in terms of physico-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), Chlorides, Nitrates, Ammonium, Nitrite, Sulfates, Sodium, Potassium, Bicarbonates, Calcium, orthophosphates and Magnesium . The spatial distribution of the results was visualized through thematic maps generated using a Geographic Information System (GIS), offering crucial insights for decision-making processes related to water resource management in the region.The water temperature varies between 15.1 and 49°C. The pH is close to neutral, varying between 6.65 and 7.86. The waters are classified into three distinct chemical facies: chlorinated and sulfated calcic-magnesium facies, bicarbonated calcic-magnesium facies, and chlorinated sodium-potassium facies.The degradation of water quality in the aquifer of the basin of Ghis-Nkour could have geological and anthropogenic origins. The analysis of bromide and strontium contents allows to discriminate the origin of salinity anomalies. Molar ratios such as Cl/Br, Br/Cl, and Sr/Ca are employed to distinguish areas influenced by geological factors, such as the leaching of salt formations and facies, from those impacted by anthropogenic activities.

Abstract: The paper presents statistics of navigation events occurring on the Romanian sector of the Danube, in general and focused on those whose consequences represented a potential danger of pollution of the Danube water.The information presented and analysed shall be based on publicly available information provided and made available by the relevant competent authorities.The large amount of cargo transported per transport unit (approximately 1000 tons) can cause pollution with the most adverse consequences for the marine environment, but also for live animals and vegetation in the event of a navigation accident. Improper handling of cargo in oil terminals can also lead to accidental pollution with major consequences for the environment, for live animals and vegetation.Thus, involuntary stranding, collision between two ships, fire on board are direct sources of pollution when the integrity of the hull is affected, and fuels, lubricants, greases on board, and or cargo end up in the marine environment.The actions carried out to eliminate the consequences of pollution on the Danube from ships have different aspects and methods of intervention depending on the area where the pollution occurred, the polluting.

Abstract: This paper aims discuss the concept of clean mobility, the energy requirements of clean mobility, challenges caused by unclean mobility as well as looking forward to the attainment of clean mobility system. The urban transport situation is as precarious as in the rural transport. Due to population growth and urban sprawl, there is rural-urban drift which has brough about an increase in the number of urban centres across the globe and coupled with the high dependence on fossil fuel, this has led to the continuous growth of air pollution and Green House Gas (GHG) emission level. Such pollution level has serious health effects and sometimes led to several death and contributes to climate change. Vehicular emissions are one of the major pollutant’s sources today with road transport as the key source of the PM2.5 pollution in large cities across the globe. This is due to several reasons including high vehicle density, old emission control technologies, fuels’ high Sulphur content, and limited public transportation options.Clean mobility will help to cut down on health cost and premature death due to air pollution, mitigate climate change actions and economic impacts of mobility. This paper will discuss issues such as stakeholder analysis on existing mobility systems and how to make it clean, policy framework and guidelines and public private partnership in the mobility sector. Therefore, the government in partnership with the private sector and multilateral agencies would have to invest in sustainable modern electric trains, Electric Mobility systems, build ports near deep rivers and create more local and international airports, and ensure people can afford to use them as well as explore the use of alternative fuel with less pollutants and reduced impact on the climate such as natural gas and hydrogen (green, blue, grey) as the case may be.

Abstract: Rapid technological developments have the impact of increasing electromagnetic wave pollution. To reduce this pollution, nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) nanoparticles are made by using mechanical alloying method with high energy milling in a wet state. X-ray diffractometer was used to characterize the crystal structure and the formed phase; scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize surface morphology; and for magnetization, a vibrating sample of magnetometer was used. Meanwhile, the capability to absorb electromagnetic waves in the 2-18 GHz interval was using a vector network analyzer. NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles have a cubic structure, space group Fd-3m, and a crystal size of 127 nm. The shape of the particles resembles a block and is spherical, measuring about 250-300 nm. At room temperature, NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles are soft magnetic materials with a magnetic saturation (Ms) of 41.61 emu/g and a coercivity (Hc) of 0.24 kOe. The ability to absorb microwaves, is expressed by reflection loss (RL) ~ -25.81 dB at a frequency (f) 5.16 GHz with a bandwidth (BW) 1.62 GHz, while RL ~ - 18.64 dB at f = 10, 98 GHz with BW = 1.42 GHz.

Abstract: Red mud (RM) is an industrial waste obtained from the Bayer process which is usually discharged into marine or disposed into a landfill causing pollution for the surrounding water, air, and soils. Thus, disposal of RM is an environmental concern, and it should be recycled effectively. Because RM consists of iron- and aluminum-rich phases, it is possible to be processed into cementitious material and utilized for construction purposes. This research fabricated a type of cement from the mixture of RM and limestone. The mixture was sintered at temperature of 1180 °C to obtain the clinker of the novel hydraulic cement with C₂S, C₃A, and C₄AF minerals. In which, C₂S, C₃A, and C₄AF are respectively belite, alite, and tetra-calcium aluminoferrite compounds that are characteristic hydraulic minerals of Portland cement clinker. The specifications of this cement were tested and evaluated in this study such as chemical and mineralogical compositions, fineness, specific surface area, mechanical strength after 3, 7, and 28 days.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential impacts of 8.5 MW thermal power plant on soil and water quality within its location, Lekki area, Lagos State. The study area was geo-referenced using the existing map and Geographical Positioning System. Auger was used to sample soil at three different locations within the power plant. The soil samples were prepared and analyzed for the following parameters using standard analytical methods. The parameters include soil texture, Exchangeable cations and anions (H⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^- and SO₄^2-) Nutrients compounds (NO₃-, Total Nitrogen (TN), Organic Carbon (OC) and heavy metals (Fe, Cd, As, and Mn). Surface and groundwater samples were collected within the power plant in triplicate and analyzed for true colour, turbidity, conductivity, salinity, THC and Coliform. Dissolved Oxygen (DO), BOD₅, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Organic Matter (OM) and heavy metals (As, Ag, Fe and Mn) of water samples were also analyzed. The soil from the study area is loamy-sand in texture. The average As, Ag, Fe and Mn in surface and groundwater samples were 0.055, 0.025, 3.150, 0.735 and 0.12, 0.080, 6.440 and 0.180 mg/L, respectively. The gas-fired power plant has contaminated the soil and water within its premises with petroleum and heavy metals. The engine stack should be modified to minimize the pollution effects of the power plant on the environment.