Papers by Keyword: Water Quality

Abstract: In this paper, starting from the principles of sustainable development, and from the importance of preserving the quality of water for future generations, we propose some indices which can be used to study the evolution of surface water quality in a region. The indices are built using data offered by national institutions which are concerned with monitoring water quality, considering the classes established by the legislation in use or values of the most important factors which influence water quality, and the magnitude of the bodies of water analyzed. Using these indicators, a study of water quality evolution in the hydrological basin of the Danube in Romania (HBDR) is conducted. The results show that some of these indicators have decreasing values, which demonstrates a deterioration in the quality of the surface waters in this basin. These indices can be useful tools for studies regarding water quality evolution and they can be used by those who work in the environmental management area or sustainable development field or by policy makers who adopt or harmonize laws in this sector.

Abstract: Environmental sanitation is a key determinant of public health. Poor water quality often indicates inadequate sanitation conditions, thereby increasing the risk of waterborne and environmentally influenced diseases. In Indonesia, water quality standards for hygiene and sanitation purposes are outlined in the 2017 Minister of Health Regulation No. 32. The goal of this study is to describe and compare the water quality in areas with different population densities in the Sukun District of Malang City and to evaluate its compliance with national quality standards. A comparative descriptive study was conducted on two groups of areas: densely populated and less densely populated. A total of 80 water samples (40 per group) were randomly collected. The following parameters were measured using a multiparameter water quality meter: dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and temperature. Descriptive analyses and independent t-tests were performed to evaluate differences between regions. Levels of DO in densely populated areas (7.20 ± 0.40 mg/L) were found to be significantly higher than in less densely populated areas (5.18 ± 1.45 mg/L; p = 1.71 × 10⁻¹⁰). The pH value was also higher in densely populated areas (7.32 ± 0.36) compared to less densely populated areas (6.82 ± 0.39; p = 5.33 × 10⁻⁸). Water temperature in less densely populated areas was higher (26.96 ± 1.28 °C) than in densely populated areas (26.44 ± 0.34 °C; p = 0.025). Densely populated areas met all quality standards, whereas less densely populated areas did not meet the minimum DO standard. Significant differences in dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH levels suggest that these two parameters are sensitive indicators of environmental sanitation. Therefore, water quality—particularly DO and pH—can serve as a reliable indicator of environmental sanitation differences between densely and less densely populated areas, aligning with the objective of this study.

Abstract: This scientific work conducted a hydroecological analysis of water bodies in the Yavoriv National Nature Park territory. The methodology for assessing the hydroecological state of the Yavorivsky National Nature Park territory is presented. The leading hydrochemical indicators, such as total water mineralisation, biogenic substances, organic substances, dissolved gases, trace elements and pH level, were analysed. Modern analysis methods were used, including spectrophotometry, titration, gas chromatography and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results allow us to determine the quality of the park's water resources and develop recommendations for their protection. The leading physicochemical indicators of water were studied, including organoleptic properties, gas composition, mineralisation and content of biogenic substances. It was established that the park's waters are characterised by a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction, low gas saturation and the absence of hydrogen sulfide sources. The main hydrochemical types of water are calcium bicarbonate and sodium-calcium bicarbonate. Concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals do not exceed permissible standards, which indicates a satisfactory sanitary and chemical condition of water bodies.

Abstract: Nigeria's growing aquaculture sector faces critical water quality challenges that threaten fish health and food safety, yet limited systematic assessment exists for urban fish farming environments. This study comparatively assessed physicochemical, bacteriological, and heavy metal quality of water in three selected fish farms in Abuja, Nigeria. The study was conducted over five weeks (November 2024–January 2025), with water samples collected in triplicates from inlet and outlet points and analyzed using standard APHA methods for physicochemical parameters, culture and molecular techniques for bacterial identification, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy for heavy metals. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results revealed that all farms exhibited suboptimal water quality with dissolved oxygen levels critically below standards (0.18 ± 0.07 mg/L vs. recommended >5 mg/L), acidic pH (6.4 ± 0.41), and elevated chemical oxygen demand (98.72 ± 19.90 mg/L). Nine bacterial species were identified from thirty isolates, with Escherichia coli being predominant (60%), followed by Staphylococcus sp. and Shigella sp. (10% each), while Campylobacter, Proteus, Enterococcus, Salmonella, Enterobacter, and Bacillus species were each detected at 3.3%. Heavy metal concentrations varied significantly across farms with manganese concentrations ranging from 0.18 ± 0.12 mg/L in Farm A to 0.24 ± 0.25 mg/L in Farm C. Zinc (Zn) levels were highest in Farm V at 0.28 ± 0.21 mg/L and lowest in Farm A at 0.20 ± 0.11 mg/L. Nickel (Ni) concentrations remained relatively consistent across all farms. The study concludes that critical water quality deficiencies across all examined fish farms pose significant risks to fish health and public safety, necessitating urgent implementation of water quality management interventions and strengthened regulatory oversight for sustainable urban aquaculture development.

Abstract: Water quality monitoring is crucial in various fields, including environmental protection, aquaculture, and industrial processes. One of the most critical parameters in water quality assessment is pH, which indicates the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Traditional pH monitoring methods, such as colorimetric techniques, are often subjective and unsuitable for continuous measurement. Meanwhile, while accurate, commercial electronic pH meters are expensive and inaccessible for small-scale applications. This study presents the design and implementation of a cost-effective, real-time pH monitoring device using Arduino technology. The device integrates a pH sensor probe, an Arduino Uno microcontroller, and an LCD display to provide accurate and immediate pH readings. The system was calibrated using standard buffer solutions (pH 4.0 and pH 7.0) and tested against a standard laboratory pH meter. Experimental results demonstrated that the constructed device had an average error margin of ±0.04 and ±0.02 for the standard buffer solutions, respectively, making it a viable alternative for small-scale and field applications. Additionally, the system exhibited a fast response time of 3–5 seconds, ensuring real-time monitoring capability. The total project cost was approximately ₦136,400, significantly lower than commercial pH meters, which range between ₦3,000,000 and ₦5,000,000. The study highlights the feasibility of using open-source electronics for cost-effective environmental monitoring. Future improvements, such as wireless connectivity, temperature compensation, and multi-parameter sensing, could further enhance its functionality. This research contributes to the development of affordable and reliable pH monitoring solutions, particularly in resource-limited settings, making it a valuable tool for water quality management.

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: The main objective of this study is to optimize the reverse osmosis process in order to ensure the potabilization of water from the Oued Oum Er-Rbia, by determining the most influential parameters. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to apply daily PCA-based monitoring on Oued Oum Er-Rbia’s raw water to optimize membrane operation under Moroccan field conditions.To better understand the interactions between quality and hydraulic parameters influencing membrane performance, data were collected from Oued Oum Er-Rbia over multiple seasons. The parameters monitored included turbidity, salinity, temperature, and Silt Density Index (SDI), all known to affect fouling and pretreatment requirements.

Abstract: Continuous water quality monitoring remains a potential concern because of its connection to human wellbeing and aquatic ecosystem. This study examines seasonal variation of TSS concentration in Lagos Lagoon surface water. The Lagoon is located in South-west coastal region in Nigeria known to be extremely contaminated because of its vulnerable location, increasing human activities and infestation from nearby creeks. The investigation utilized Landsat 8-9 multispectral spatial bands (OLI & TIR) while band combination indices, such as WRI (Water Ratio Index) and NSMI, (Normalized Sediment Material Index) that used blue, red, green, NIR and SWIR Band was utilized respectively. Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEI) was employed for further confirmation of sediment concentration. Linear and nonlinear regression testing was used to analyse the correlation between the remotely sensed data and the in-suit data. Result revealed modest undesirable correlation between the employed indices and the real time in suit data reflecting non alignment relationship. Nonlinear equation testing reported highest = (0.42) which is slightly stronger than the linear case with highest (0.27). The dry season equally reports considerably more total suspended solids and turbid particles than the wet season. The final outcome effectively proved the capability of Landsat improved sensor bands in retrieving TSS in Lagoon surface water.

Abstract: In arid and semi-arid ecological areas of Southern Africa, water resources face pressure due to low rainfall, droughts, high population growth, and inadequate infrastructure. The inhabitants of the Iishana system in Namibia depend on various traditional water sources to respond to water scarcity and droughts. With the anticipated new water infrastructural development and rehabilitation of existing ones, it is crucial to assess the quality of collected and stored water in the Iishana to manage water demand effectively. This study collected ten (10) water samples from the surface water bodies enclosed within the Iishana system for analysis during the drought period. Physico-chemical parameters such as electrical conductivity, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen content were measured on-site, while elemental and biological compositions were measured at the Namibia Water Corporation Ltd (NamWater). The test results were compared with the Namibian standard guidelines to determine compliance. To assess the water quality of the Iishana system, the cluster, correlation matrix, and factor analysis were used to examine the level of correlation among parameters using Minitab (21.2) and Grapher (20.2.321) software. The Water Quality Index (WQI) results in the 10 sampled pans range from 81.30 to 320.65, hence, classified as unsuitable for drinking. The abundance of cations is in the order: Na⁺> Ca²⁺>, Mg²⁺> K⁺ >Fe²⁺, whereas for anions is Cl^->SO₄^2->NO₃^->NO₂^-. The high level of Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ are due to the presence of inorganic salts of calcium and sodium compound in high quantity. The multivariate statistical analysis indicated that natural factors of soil weathering, mineral dissolution, and anthropogenic activities such as agriculture influence the sampled water in the Iishana. Therefore, the water cannot be used for human consumption without necessary treatment. This study presents the water quality and the most important pollution parameters of the water supply in the Iishana system.

Abstract: This research aims to investigate the potential effect on the performance of Al-Al electrodes in the electrocoagulation method. The influence of this potential can be observed through microplastic removal and turbidity levels. The research was conducted in situ using a chemical beaker, employing Al-Al electrodes at various different potentials (5, 10, 15, and 20 V) that were systematically investigated. The results of this research indicate that an increase in potential has a positive impact on the efficiency of microplastic removal and turbidity levels. Efficiency removal of microplastic and turbidity levels increase with an increase in potential until optimum condition. The microplastic removal efficiency was found to be 100% ± 0 at a potential of 10 V after 60 minutes of electrolysis, with a plate spacing of 2.5 cm and an electrolyte concentration of 0.01 mol/L. At a potential of 10 V, the value of NTU changed from >200 NTU to 30 NTU. This research showed that the effectiveness of the Al-Al electrodes performance is influenced by the potential.