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Covatti G, Li KY, Podgorski J, Winkel LHE, Berg M. Nitrate contamination in groundwater across Switzerland: Spatial prediction and data-driven assessment of anthropogenic and environmental drivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2025; 973:179121. [PMID: 40120406 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2025] [Accepted: 03/11/2025] [Indexed: 03/25/2025]
Abstract
Excessive nitrate in groundwater, which is primarily caused by anthropogenic activities, is a worldwide problem. Consequently, Goal 6 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals lists nitrate as one of the key indicators of groundwater quality. However, in most countries, the nationwide occurrence of nitrate is unknown, as the monitoring networks only represent small points in space. To bridge this gap, machine learning modelling that predicts nitrate concentrations at a high spatial resolution is a promising tool to identify high-risk areas. Here, we use random forest machine learning to predict nitrate concentrations across Switzerland based on 1336 monitoring sites. The model revealed that approximately 35 % of the Swiss Plateau, Switzerland's most populous region, has a high probability of exceeding the Swiss guideline value of 25 mg/l for groundwater nitrate. We also investigated the individual importance and influence of anthropogenic and environmental variables associated with high nitrate concentrations by combining SHapley Additive exPlanations with expert knowledge of physical and geochemical processes. In addition to well-known influences of anthropogenic features (e.g. land use), we found that other environmental features including high springtime precipitation, low summertime precipitation, low soil organic carbon content, low river density and greater distance to large rivers, were indicative of high nitrate concentrations. These features directly relate to large-scale nitrate transport and attenuation processes (denitrification and dilution), but have received sparse attention in nitrate risk assessment and mitigation measures. Therefore, the approach and results of our study can be useful for nitrate studies around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Covatti
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Department Water Resources and Drinking Water, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Kai-Yun Li
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Department Water Resources and Drinking Water, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Joel Podgorski
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Department Water Resources and Drinking Water, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Lenny H E Winkel
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Department Water Resources and Drinking Water, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Berg
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Department Water Resources and Drinking Water, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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Jia H, Qian H. Groundwater nitrate response to hydrogeological conditions and socioeconomic load in an agriculture dominated area. Sci Rep 2025; 15:1315. [PMID: 39779893 PMCID: PMC11711380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-84318-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Nitrate pollution is widespread environmental concern in most shallow groundwater systems. This study conducts a comprehensive investigation of shallow groundwater, deep groundwater, and surface water in a region of the Chinese Loess Plateau. Nitrate pollution in this area is severe with more than half of the shallow groundwater samples exceeding the limit of nitrate for drinking water (50 mg/L). Temporal variation of nitrate reveals a continued increase of nitrate in shallow groundwater, although the fertilizer use has been reduced, recently. Spatially, deep groundwater nitrate is much lower than that in shallow groundwater, supporting the anthropogenic origin of nitrate from surface. The intrinsic vulnerability index indicates less susceptibility of loess aquifer to pollution in comparison to alluvial aquifer. However, high levels of nitrate are observed in both alluvial and loess aquifers. The pollution risk assessment combined with anthropogenic loads explains the occurrence of nitrate more precisely. Agricultural inputs and release of sewage-effluents are the major contributions of nitrate from hydrogeochemical evidence. The high nitrate in loess aquifer, which is supposed to be less susceptible to contamination, indicates anthropogenic loads to be a non-negligible factor. Control of nitrate pollution in loess area is long-standing issue and will require sustained monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jia
- College of Geographical and Remote Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830017, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830017, China
| | - Hui Qian
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No.126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No.126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China.
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3
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Wang Z, Xiong H, Zhang F, Ma C. Integrated assessment of groundwater vulnerability in arid areas combining classical vulnerability index and AHP model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:43822-43834. [PMID: 38907822 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34031-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Groundwater is the main source of water for agriculture, industry, and families in arid areas. At present, there is an urgent need to protect groundwater due to human activities. In this study, the Qingshui River Basin was selected as the study area. Based on the DRASTIC model, the DRASTIC-Land use type (DRASTICL) model and the analytic hierarchy process-DRASTICL (AHP-DRASTICL) model were constructed by optimizing the indicators and weights. And the three models were applied to calculate the groundwater vulnerability index (GVI), and the groundwater vulnerability map (GVM) was drawn. The validation results of Spearman correlation coefficient show that the DRASTICL model and the AHP-DRASTICL model have higher correlation, which indicates that the optimized model is more accurate. Among them, the AHP-DRASTICL model has the highest correlation coefficient (ρ = 0.92), which is more in line with the actual situation. The results of this study can provide scientific guidance for the protection and utilization of groundwater in the Qingshui River Basin. And it is of guiding significance for the study of groundwater vulnerability, especially for groundwater management in arid and semi-arid areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiye Wang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Hanxiang Xiong
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Fawang Zhang
- Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Baoding, 071051, China
| | - Chuanming Ma
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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4
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Serra J, Marques-Dos-Santos C, Marinheiro J, Cruz S, Cameira MR, de Vries W, Dalgaard T, Hutchings NJ, Graversgaard M, Giannini-Kurina F, Lassaletta L, Sanz-Cobeña A, Quemada M, Aguilera E, Medinets S, Einarsson R, Garnier J. Assessing nitrate groundwater hotspots in Europe reveals an inadequate designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141830. [PMID: 38552801 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring networks show that the European Union Nitrates Directive (ND) has had mixed success in reducing nitrate concentrations in groundwater. By combining machine learning and monitored nitrate concentrations (1992-2019), we estimate the total area of nitrate hotspots in Europe to be 401,000 km2, with 47% occurring outside of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). We also found contrasting increasing or decreasing trends, varying per country and time periods. We estimate that only 5% of the 122,000 km2 of hotspots in 2019 will meet nitrate quality standards by 2040 and that these may be offset by the appearance of new hotspots. Our results reveal that the effectiveness of the ND is limited by both time-lags between the implementation of good practices and pollution reduction and an inadequate designation of NVZs. Substantial improvements in the designation and regulation of NVZs are necessary, as well as in the quality of monitoring stations in terms of spatial density and information available concerning sampling depth, if the objectives of EU legislation to protect groundwater are to be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Serra
- Forest Research Centre CEF, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomía, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - C Marques-Dos-Santos
- Forest Research Centre CEF, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomía, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J Marinheiro
- Forest Research Centre CEF, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomía, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - S Cruz
- Forest Research Centre CEF, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomía, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M R Cameira
- LEAF-Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food-Research Center, Associated Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - W de Vries
- Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - T Dalgaard
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830, Tjele, Denmark
| | - N J Hutchings
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830, Tjele, Denmark
| | - M Graversgaard
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830, Tjele, Denmark
| | - F Giannini-Kurina
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830, Tjele, Denmark
| | - L Lassaletta
- CEIGRAM/ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Sanz-Cobeña
- CEIGRAM/ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Quemada
- CEIGRAM/ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Aguilera
- CEIGRAM/ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Medinets
- Odesa National I. I. Mechnikov University, 7 Mayakovskogo lane, 65082, Odesa, Ukraine; UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (Edinburgh), Bush Estate, EH26 0QB, Penicuik, UK
| | - R Einarsson
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J Garnier
- SU CNRS EPHE, UMR Metis, 7619, Paris, France
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Tokatlı C, Varol M, Uğurluoğlu A. Ecological risk assessment, source identification and spatial distribution of organic contaminants in terms of mucilage threat in streams of Çanakkale Strait Basin (Türkiye). CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141546. [PMID: 38432463 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the spatial distributions of organic contamination stressors in water of fluvial habitats in the Çanakkale Strait (ÇS) watershed were investigated and the data were assessed in terms of human health and mucilage threat. Seven significant riverine ecosystems flowing into the ÇS were defined in the basin. Water samples were taken in the spring season (2023), when the phytoplankton communities reach their highest densities. Then they were tested for a total of 8 limnological parameters. The Nutrient Pollution Index (NPI) and Water Quality Index (WQI) were applied to assess the comprehensive quality characteristics of waters. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) were applied to indicate the prospective non-carcinogenic human health risks of organic stressors. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were applied to categorize the investigated habitats and define the sources of investigated contamination parameters. Also, Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to make an effective assessment through visualization. The determined spatial mean values of the measured variables in ÇS watershed as follows: 18.21 °C for temperature, 8.51 mg/L for DO, 4.57 NTU for turbidity, 3.95 mg/L for suspended solids, 1.11 mg/L for NO3-N, 0.012 mg/L for NO2-N; 0.173 mg/L for PO4-P and 2.32 mg/L for BOD. It has been determined that the organic pollution loads and water temperature values of the investigated sub-basins increase from the upstream to the downstream locations and Çanakkale Stream was recorded as the riskiest fluvial habitat for the ÇS watershed. According to the results of health risk assessment indices, non-carcinogenic risks of organic pollutants would not be expected for all age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Memet Varol
- Malatya Turgut Özal University, Malatya, Turkiye.
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Tokatlı C, Islam ARMT, Muhammad S. Temporal variation of water quality parameters in the lacustrine of the Thrace Region, Northwest Türkiye. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11832-11841. [PMID: 38224436 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31912-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Thrace is a part of the Marmara Region northwest of Türkiye. This region hosts several lentic ecosystems used for irrigation and drinking water supply. The present study was conducted to analyze the temporal distributions of water quality parameters (WQPs) of lentic ecosystems (lacustrine habitats), including lakes (L1-L2), reservoirs (R1-R12), and ponds (P1-P19) of the Thrace Region. Thirty-three lacustrine habitats were identified in the region. Freshwaters were collected in the wet (end of winter) and dry (end of summer) seasons of 2021-2022 and tested for 12 WQPs. Data was evaluated for the water quality index (WQI) and nutrient pollution index (NPI) and their overall quality level. For the evaluation of non-carcinogenic health risk indices of WQPs, the chronic daily index (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) were applied. Cluster analysis (CA), Pearson correlation index (PCI), and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to classify the lacustrine habitats and identify the source of WQPs. The average values were as follows: 9.28 mg/L for dissolved oxygen (DO), 94.6% for oxygen (O2) saturation, 9.29 for pH, 613 μS/cm for electrical conductivity (EC), 3.96 NTU for turbidity, 358 mg/L for total dissolved solids (TDS), 3.17 mg/L for nitrate (NO3), 0.05 mg/L for nitrite (NO2), 1.01 mg/L for phosphate (PO4), 78.5 mg/L for sulfate (SO4), and 102 mg/L for chloride (Cl). Results showed a significant increase in WQPs, including NO3, NO2, and PO4, in the wet season, while the salinity decreased from the dry to wet season. Results revealed that HI values of water contaminants in lacustrine habitats were noted to be less than one. Based on determined WQPs, the present study recommends using lacustrine water habitats for irrigation, drinking, and other domestic and industrial purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cem Tokatlı
- Laboratory Technology Program, Trakya University, İpsala, Edirne, Türkiye
| | | | - Said Muhammad
- National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.
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7
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Jiang Z, Huang X, Wang S, Xiong J, Xie C, Chen Y. Divalent manganese stimulates the removal of nitrate by anaerobic sludge. RSC Adv 2024; 14:2447-2452. [PMID: 38223698 PMCID: PMC10784783 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07088c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of Mn2+ on the removal of nitrate by anaerobic sludge and changes in the microbial communities through batch experiments. The results showed that the addition of Mn2+ promoted nitrate removal by anaerobic sludge; the nitrate was completely removed within 6 d in the treatment group with >5 mM Mn2+. With the increase in Mn2+, the concentration of nitrite and nitrous oxide increased in the first 4 d and then decreased to 0 μM after 8 d of incubation. The increasing tendency of ammonium increased firstly and then decreased with the addition of Mn2+ compared to A. Moreover, the Mn2+ removal efficiency gradually decreased with the increase of Mn2+ concentration. The changes of microflora structure in sludge before and after adding Mn2+ were analyzed, and the results revealed that the microbial communities in the sludge may have evolved towards an energy-efficient association of short-cut nitrification, denitrification, and anaerobic ammonia oxidation after adding Mn2+. Mn2+ stimulated the removal of nitrate by anaerobic sludge mainly by promoting the growth of PHOS-HE36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaojie Jiang
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University Nanning 530004 China
| | - Xuejiao Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University Nanning Guangxi 530004 +86 18577976592
- Guangxi Bossco Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. Nanning 530007 Guangxi China
| | - Shuangfei Wang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University Nanning Guangxi 530004 China
| | - Jianhua Xiong
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University Nanning 530004 China
- Guangxi Bossco Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. Nanning 530007 Guangxi China
| | - Chunmin Xie
- Guangxi Bossco Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. Nanning 530007 Guangxi China
| | - Yongli Chen
- Guangxi Bossco Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. Nanning 530007 Guangxi China
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Shamsuddin AS, Syed Ismail SN, Othman NMI, Zakaria NH, Abd Manan TS, Ibrahim MA, Abdul Mutalib M. Human health risk assessment of nitrate in private well waters of shallow quaternary alluvial aquifer. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:7741-7757. [PMID: 37428425 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01671-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Excessive nitrate intake via ingestion pathway and dermal absorption exposures has adverse health impacts on human health. This study evaluated groundwater (GW) nitrate concentrations and health risks which focused on ingestion and dermal exposures to residents in Bachok District, Kelantan, Malaysia. Three hundred (300) samples of private wells were collected and it is found that the nitrate concentrations ranging between 0.11 and 64.01 mg/L NO3-N with a mean value of 10.45 ± 12.67 mg/L NO3-N. The possible health hazards of nitrate by ingestion and dermal contact were assessed using USEPA human health risk assessment model for adult males and females. It is observed that the mean Hazard Quotient (HQ) values of adult males and females were 0.305 ± 0.364 and 0.261 ± 0.330, respectively. About 7.3% (n = 10) and 4.9% (n = 8) of adult males and females had HQ values more than 1, respectively. It was also observed that the mean of HQderm was lesser than HQoral for males and females. The spatial distribution of HQ by interpolation method showed high nitrate concentrations (> 10 mg/L NO3-N) were distributed from the centre to the southern part of the study location, which identified as an agricultural area, indicating the used of nitrogenous fertilizers as the main source of GW nitrate contamination in this area. The findings of this study are valuable for establishing private well water protection measures to stop further deterioration of GW quality caused by nitrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Soraya Shamsuddin
- Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Maizatul Idayu Othman
- Faculty of Plantation and Agriculture, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), 77300, Merlimau, Melaka, Malaysia
- Soil Conservation and Management Research Interest Group (RIG), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Nor Hafizah Zakaria
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Teh Sabariah Abd Manan
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Ariff Ibrahim
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Maisarah Abdul Mutalib
- School of Graduate Studies, Management and Science University (MSU), Off Persiaran Olahraga, Section 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
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Ma Y, Wang Z, Xiong Y, Yuan W, Wang Y, Tang H, Zheng J, Liu Z. A critical application of different methods for the vulnerability assessment of shallow aquifers in Zhengzhou City. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:97078-97091. [PMID: 37584794 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29282-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater vulnerability can partially reflect the possibility of groundwater contamination, which is crucial for ensuring human health and a good ecological environment. The current study seeks to assess the groundwater vulnerability of Zhengzhou City by adopting an amended version of the traditional DRASTIC model, i.e., the DRASTICL model, which incorporates land use type indicators. More specifically, the AHP-DRASTICL, entropy-DRASTICL, and AE-DRASTICL models were established by optimizing weights using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method. The evaluation results for these five models were divided into five levels: very low, low, medium, high, and very high. Using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, the nitrate concentration was used to verify the groundwater vulnerability assessment results. The AE-DRASTICL model was found to perform the best, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.78. However, the AHP and entropy weight method effectively improved the accuracy of vulnerability assessment results, making it more suitable for the study area. This study provides important insights to inform the design of strategies to protect groundwater in Zhengzhou.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ma
- School of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhiyu Wang
- School of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yanna Xiong
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Wenchao Yuan
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Yanwei Wang
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Henan Academy of Geology, Henan, 450016, China
| | - Jingwei Zheng
- School of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zelong Liu
- School of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
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10
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Azad N, Behmanesh J, Rezaverdinejad V. Long-term numerical modeling of nitrate leaching into groundwater under surface drip irrigation of corn. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:6245-6266. [PMID: 37285003 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01629-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Proper management of fertigation is necessary to deal with the harmful impacts of fertilizers. This research aimed to investigate the nitrate leaching rate into groundwater in different fertigation management under the climate change impact in drip irrigation of corn. For this purpose, HYDRUS-2D was calibrated by performing field experiments. Plant water requirement and rainfall were projected until 2050 using LARS-WG6 under the RCP85 scenario. Then, nitrate leaching up to groundwater at the depth of 5 m was simulated in the growing season of corn and the like until 2050 in three fertigation scenarios, including S1 (three regional fertigation splits with irrigation efficiency of 85%), S2 (weekly fertigation with irrigation efficiency of 85%), and S3 (optimum fertigation with irrigation efficiency of 100%). Finally, the annual nitrate leaching rate to groundwater and leached amount were compared in the studied scenarios. The results demonstrated that nitrate penetrated to the depth of 117 and 105 cm at the end of the first year in S1 and S2 scenarios, respectively. In these scenarios, nitrate will reach groundwater in 2031, but nitrate concentrations will not be the same. In the S3 scenario, the nitrate will reach a depth of 180 cm by 2050. Total leached nitrate to groundwater up to 2050 will be 1740, 1200, and zero kg/ha in S1, S2, and S3 scenarios, respectively. Based on the approach of this study, the vulnerability of groundwater to nitrate contamination in different agricultural areas can be evaluated, and appropriate strategies with minimum environmental impacts of fertilizer abuse can be selected accordingly.
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Tokatlı C, Islam ARMT. Spatial-temporal distributions, probable health risks, and source identification of organic pollutants in surface waters of an extremely hypoxic river basin in Türkiye. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:435. [PMID: 36856891 PMCID: PMC9975878 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11042-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the spatiotemporal distributions of organic pollution parameters in the Meriç-Ergene River Basin subjected to intensive agricultural and industrial pressure. A total of 5 basin components, including Anadere (A), Çorlu (Ç), Tunca (T), Meriç (M), and Ergene (E) rivers, and 9 stations (A1, Ç1, T1, M1-M2, and E1-E4) were identified in the watershed, and surface water samples were collected in the dry (end of summer) and wet (end of winter) seasons of 2021-2022. The Water Quality Index (WQI) and Nutrient Pollution Index (NPI) were applied to the data to evaluate the overall water quality characteristics. The Chronic Daily Index (CDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI) were applied to the data to reveal the probable noncarcinogenic health risks of organic contaminants. Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were applied to the data to classify the sampling sites and identify the source apportionment of organic pollution parameters. The recorded spatiotemporal averages of the investigated parameters in the basin are as follows: 6.26 mg/L for DO, 9 for pH, 1626 μS/cm for EC, 985 mg/L for TDS, 1 ‰ for salinity, 6.88 mg/L for nitrate, 0.1 mg/L for nitrite, 1.8 mg/L for phosphate, 81 mg/L for sulfate, and 473 mg/L for chloride. The results indicate that the most contaminated components of the basin are Çorlu Stream and Ergene River, and in addition to their quite high salt and nutrient content, they have extreme hypoxic conditions to the extent that it is impossible for many aquatic organisms to live. The contamination degrees of the investigated basin components were determined using the organic pollution risk assessment indices as follows: Çorlu Stream > Ergene River > Anadere Stream > Tunca River > Meriç River.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cem Tokatlı
- İpsala Vocational School, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
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12
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Tong H, Duan Z, Yang X, Li E, Liu Y, Zhou H, Zhang X, Yang X, Xu W. Characteristics of sludge-based pyrolysis biochar and its application of enhancing denitrification. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136813. [PMID: 36216110 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A modified biochar for enhanced denitrification was developed through a facile pyrolysis method using sewage sludge as raw material and melamine as nitrogen source. Through electrochemical analysis, sludge-based pyrolysis biochar (SPBC) has superior electrical conductivity and poor redox activity. SPBC can increase the electron transfer through the geoconductor mechanism. The effect and the mechanism of SPBC on denitrification were studied. The nitrate treatment efficiency increased with the increase of SPBC dosage. From the perspective of molecular biology, the activities of NAR and NIR enzymes, the degradation efficiency of glucose and the ETSA of bacteria were all promoted with the increase of SPBC, thereby promoting the removal of NO3-. In addition, SPBC had a certain screening effect on microbial communities, and biodiversity decreased with the increase of SPBC dosage. Although the biodiversity decreased, the relative abundance of microorganisms conducive to denitrification increased with the increase of SPBC dosage. The transformation strategy of SPBC proposed in this paper provides a technical solution for sludge recycling and application for strengthening denitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyan Tong
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, NO.2 Dagong Road, New District of Liaodong Bay, Panjin City, Liaoning Province, 124221, China.
| | - Zhenghang Duan
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, NO.2 Dagong Road, New District of Liaodong Bay, Panjin City, Liaoning Province, 124221, China
| | - Xin Yang
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, NO.2 Dagong Road, New District of Liaodong Bay, Panjin City, Liaoning Province, 124221, China
| | - E Li
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, NO.2 Dagong Road, New District of Liaodong Bay, Panjin City, Liaoning Province, 124221, China
| | - Yiding Liu
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, NO.2 Dagong Road, New District of Liaodong Bay, Panjin City, Liaoning Province, 124221, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, NO.2 Dagong Road, New District of Liaodong Bay, Panjin City, Liaoning Province, 124221, China
| | - Xuwang Zhang
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, NO.2 Dagong Road, New District of Liaodong Bay, Panjin City, Liaoning Province, 124221, China
| | - Xiaojing Yang
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, NO.2 Dagong Road, New District of Liaodong Bay, Panjin City, Liaoning Province, 124221, China
| | - Weiping Xu
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, NO.2 Dagong Road, New District of Liaodong Bay, Panjin City, Liaoning Province, 124221, China
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13
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Saranya T, Saravanan S. A comparative analysis on groundwater vulnerability models-fuzzy DRASTIC and fuzzy DRASTIC-L. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:86005-86019. [PMID: 34482480 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16195-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater vulnerability assessment using the fuzzy logic technique is attempted in this study. A hierarchical fuzzy inference system is created to serve the selected objective. The parameters considered in this study are similar to the seven parameters used in conventional DRASTIC methods; however, the effect of land use and land cover is studied by including it as an additional parameter in a model. A hierarchy is created by comparing two input parameters, say (D and R), and the output of the same is paired as an input with the third parameter (A) and so on using the fuzzy toolbox in MATLAB. Thus, the final output of fuzzy inference systems six and seven (FI6 and FI7) is defuzzified and mapped using ArcGIS to obtain the groundwater vulnerability zones by fuzzy DRASTIC and fuzzy DRASTIC-L. Each map is grouped into five vulnerability classes: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low. Further, the results were validated using the observed nitrate concentration from 51 groundwater sampling points. The receiver operating curve (ROC) technique is adopted to determine the best suitable model for the selected study. From this, area under the curve is estimated and found to be 0.83 for fuzzy DRASTIC and 0.90 for fuzzy DRASTIC-L; the study concludes that fuzzy DRASTIC-L has a better value of AUC suits best for assessing the groundwater vulnerability in Thoothukudi District.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiyagarajan Saranya
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Civil Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, India
| | - Subbarayan Saravanan
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Sehlaoui H, Hassikou R, Dakak H, Zouahri A, El Hasini S, Iaaich H, Ghanimi A, Douaik A. Nitrate contamination and associated health risks of the Benslimane groundwater, Morocco. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2022; 44:4343-4358. [PMID: 35032290 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01186-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Consumption of polluted water has harmful impacts on human health. This study examined the quality of groundwater in the Benslimane area for drinking purposes based on the Water quality index (WQI), Nitrate pollution index (NPI), and Total risk quotient (THQ) for different age groups. A total of 120 groundwater samples were collected for physicochemical analyses. The results showed WQI values ranging from 157.7 to 472.7 and an average of 279.4, with a total absence of water of excellent or good quality, and about 62.5% of the groundwater samples were of very poor quality for consumption. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 1 to 270 mg/L with an average of 64 mg/L, and 56.7% had values above the World Health Organization safety level of 50 mg/L. The NPI showed that 78.3% of the sampled sites showed very high pollution as a result of intense anthropogenic activities. High contamination is observed in the north and east of the region for arboriculture, grapes, maize, and vegetables as opposed to cereals. The health risk associated with nitrates, based on oral exposure, was much higher than dermal contact. The total risk quotient for both pathways was 0.02 to 6.58, 0.02 to 6.12, 0.06 to 17.06, and 0.05 to 13.35 for women, men, children, and infants, respectively. A total of 65, 63.3, 82.0, and 78.3% of groundwater samples presented a non-cancer health risk for women, men, children, and infants, respectively. Therefore, this study can help identify contaminated areas in order to track corrective safety measures to control groundwater quality in the region and improve sanitary conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habiba Sehlaoui
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology Team, Center of Plant and Microbial Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University of Rabat, 4 Avenue Ibn Battouta, P. O. Box 1014, Rabat, Morocco.
- National Institute of Agricultural Research, Regional Center of Rabat, Research Unit On the Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, P. O. Box 6356 - Institutes, 10101, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Rachida Hassikou
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology Team, Center of Plant and Microbial Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University of Rabat, 4 Avenue Ibn Battouta, P. O. Box 1014, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Houria Dakak
- National Institute of Agricultural Research, Regional Center of Rabat, Research Unit On the Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, P. O. Box 6356 - Institutes, 10101, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Abdelmjid Zouahri
- National Institute of Agricultural Research, Regional Center of Rabat, Research Unit On the Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, P. O. Box 6356 - Institutes, 10101, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Soukaina El Hasini
- National Institute of Agricultural Research, Regional Center of Rabat, Research Unit On the Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, P. O. Box 6356 - Institutes, 10101, Rabat, Morocco
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University of Rabat, 4 Avenue Ibn Battouta, P. O. Box 1014, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Hamza Iaaich
- National Institute of Agricultural Research, Regional Center of Rabat, Research Unit On the Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, P. O. Box 6356 - Institutes, 10101, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Ghanimi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University of Rabat, 4 Avenue Ibn Battouta, P. O. Box 1014, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Douaik
- National Institute of Agricultural Research, Regional Center of Rabat, Research Unit On the Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, P. O. Box 6356 - Institutes, 10101, Rabat, Morocco
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Abu A, Carrey R, Valhondo C, Domènech C, Soler A, Martínez-Landa L, Diaz-Cruz S, Carrera J, Otero N. Pathways and efficiency of nitrogen attenuation in wastewater effluent through soil aquifer treatment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 321:115927. [PMID: 35994957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Soil Aquifer Treatment (SAT) is used to increase groundwater resources and enhance the water quality of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents. The resulting water quality needs to be assessed. In this study, we investigate attenuation pathways of nitrogen (N) compounds (predominantly NH4+) from a secondary treatment effluent in pilot SAT systems: both a conventional one (SAT-Control system) and one operating with a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) to provide extra dissolved organic carbon to the recharged water. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of the two systems regarding N compounds by means of chemical and isotopic tools. Water chemistry (NO3-, NH4+, Non-Purgeable Dissolved Organic Carbon (NPDOC), and O2) and isotopic composition of NO3- (ẟ15N-NO3- and ẟ18O-NO3-) and NH4+ (ẟ15N-NH4+) were monitored in the inflow and at three different sections and depths along the aquifer flow path. Chemical and isotopic results suggest that coupled nitrification-denitrification were the principal mechanisms responsible for the migration and distribution of inorganic N in the systems and that nitrification rate decreased with depth. At the end of the study period, 66% of the total N in the solution was removed in the SAT-PRB system and 69% in the SAT-Control system, measured at the outlet of the systems. The residual N in solution in the SAT-PRB system had an approximately equal proportion of N-NH4+ and N-NO3- while in the SAT-Control system, the residual N in solution was primarily N-NO3-. Isotopic data also confirmed complete NO3- degradation in the systems from July to September with the possibility of mixing newly generated NO3- with the residual NO3- in the substrate pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Abu
- Grup MAiMA, SGR Mineralogia Aplicada, Geoquímica I Geomicrobiologia, Departament de Mineralogia, Petrologia I Geologia Aplicada, Facultat de Ciències de La Terra, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca de L'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08001, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Raúl Carrey
- Grup MAiMA, SGR Mineralogia Aplicada, Geoquímica I Geomicrobiologia, Departament de Mineralogia, Petrologia I Geologia Aplicada, Facultat de Ciències de La Terra, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca de L'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08001, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Cristina Valhondo
- Université de Montpellier. UMR 5243 Géosciences Montpellier. 300 Avenue Emile Jeanbrau CC MSE. 34095, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier. UMR 5569 HydroSciences Montpellier. 15 Avenue Charles Flahault-BP 14491. 34093, Montpellier. France; Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA). Severo Ochoa Excellence Center. Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-24, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Domènech
- Grup MAiMA, SGR Mineralogia Aplicada, Geoquímica I Geomicrobiologia, Departament de Mineralogia, Petrologia I Geologia Aplicada, Facultat de Ciències de La Terra, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca de L'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08001, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Albert Soler
- Grup MAiMA, SGR Mineralogia Aplicada, Geoquímica I Geomicrobiologia, Departament de Mineralogia, Petrologia I Geologia Aplicada, Facultat de Ciències de La Terra, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca de L'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08001, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lurdes Martínez-Landa
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC), Jordi Girona 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Hydrogeology Group (UPC-CSIC), Associate Unit, Jordi Girona, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Diaz-Cruz
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA). Severo Ochoa Excellence Center. Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-24, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Carrera
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA). Severo Ochoa Excellence Center. Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-24, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Hydrogeology Group (UPC-CSIC), Associate Unit, Jordi Girona, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Otero
- Grup MAiMA, SGR Mineralogia Aplicada, Geoquímica I Geomicrobiologia, Departament de Mineralogia, Petrologia I Geologia Aplicada, Facultat de Ciències de La Terra, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca de L'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08001, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Serra Húnter Fellowship. Generalitat de Catalunya, Catalonia, Spain
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16
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Arauzo M, Valladolid M, Andries DM. Would delineation of nitrate vulnerable zones be improved by introducing a new parameter representing the risk associated with soil permeability in the Land Use-Intrinsic Vulnerability Procedure? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 840:156654. [PMID: 35700776 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Most methods for mapping groundwater vulnerability are based on the excessively simplistic approach that aquifer recharge is produced by vertical infiltration. The novel Land Use-Intrinsic Vulnerability (LU-IV) procedure assesses groundwater vulnerability to nitrate pollution over the entire territory, including aquifers catchment areas. In this research, it was analysed if the delineation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs) would be improved by introducing a new parameter representing the risk associated with soil permeability (parameter S) in the procedure. Different versions of parameter S were tested: S_HC (risk associated with soil hydraulic conductivity), S_St+G+S (risk associated with the stone, gravel and sand fraction of the soil) and S_C (risk associated with the clay fraction). The study was undertaken in the catchment areas of the Oja and Tirón alluvial aquifers (Spain). The efficacy of the following six models was compared: Model 1 (original LU-IV procedure), Model 2 (LU-IV' procedure using parameter S_HC), Model 3 (LU-IV' procedure using parameter S_St+G+S), Model 4 (LU-IV' procedure using parameter S_C), Model 5 (LU-DRASTIC-COP procedure, based on DRASTIC-COP method), and Model 6 (designated NVZ). Catchment scale validations of the six models showed similar, highly significant correlations between the percent coverages of the estimated NVZs and those of the alluvial areas polluted by nitrate for Models 1 to 4. Models 5 and 6 did not show any significant results. In light of these results, Models 1 to 4 were considered the best predictors of nitrate pollution and the best methods for NVZ delineation. Results support the idea that including a parameter S in the LU-IV' procedure is not essential since equivalent results were obtained from the original LU-IV procedure. So, the LU-IV procedure should be considered the best and simplest method of those tested for accurately delineating NVZs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Arauzo
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias (ICA), CSIC, Serrano 115 dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Valladolid
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN), CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Delia M Andries
- Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, José Antonio Novais 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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17
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Assessment of the Validity of Introducing Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in Large Areas. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14116585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The rivers of agricultural catchment areas are particularly vulnerable to eutrophication, which causes nitrate nitrogen (N-NO3) that can be easily leached from the cropland. In 1991, the EU implemented the Nitrates Directive (ND) to identify and reduce the negative effects of nitrates in water. According to this regulation, in 2018, the whole territory of Poland was classified as Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). The aim of the study was to assess the validity of the introduction of NVZs in large areas of the river catchment level. Statistical data on agricultural changes for individual provinces of Poland and for the whole country were analyzed. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the N-NO3 content in the water at different locations along the river within four rivers in the Odra basin. The results indicated that higher concentrations are observed in the upper part of the studied catchments, which reached a maximum of 25.0 mg N-NO3·dm−3. However, average values rarely exceeded 11.3 mg N-NO3·dm−3, the limit according to the Nitrates Directive. The large variability in N-NO3 content suggests the need to redefine the actual NVZs since it is essential for the appropriate implementation of programs aimed at restoring water quality according to ND.
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18
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Sathishkumar K, Li Y, Alsalhi MS, Muthukumar B, Gaurav GK, Devanesan S, Rajasekar A, Manikandan R. Enhanced biological nitrate removal by gC 3N 4/TiO 2 composite and role of extracellular polymeric substances. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112158. [PMID: 34606840 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The biological denitrification in the presence of gC3N4 doped TiO2 composite was investigated through series of batch experiment. gC3N4 doped TiO2 was synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM-EDAX and the prepared composite used as electron donor for the enhancement biological denitrification. The role of extracellular polymeric substances in the biological nitrate reduction and electron transfer process has been elucidated. The XRD result confirms that TiO2 nanoparticle has 80% anatase and 20% rutile phase. The gC3N4 shows the diffraction peaks at 27.57°, corresponds to the diffraction planes of (002) the hexagonal graphitic carbon nitride. The SEM image of modified gC3N4/TiO2 nanocomposites showed agglomerated small spherical TiO2 nanoparticles attached on the surface of gC3N4. The highest level of nitrate removal was 90% (from 100 mg/L to 10 mg/L nitrate) in gC3N4/TiO2 nanocomposite in the 15% wt TiO2 doped gC3N4. The nitrate reduction in the biofilm with gC3N4 doped TiO2 composite have significantly enhanced the nitrate reduction than the control. Photoexcited electrons were generated from gC3N4 doped TiO2 photocatalyst act as excellent electron donor to the microbial communities. Extracellular polymeric substances acted as a passing media for microbial extracellular electron transfer and protective barrier for microbes. The electroactive microbes were harvested electrons from the gC3N4 doped TiO2 composite under irradiation and enhancing the biological nitrate reduction. Overall, the present study suggests that insight into the mechanism of photoexcited electron facilitated biological nitrate reduction and role of extracellular polymeric substances. The successful integration of gC3N4 doped TiO2 photocatalyst and biofilm is a promising technology for nitrate removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuppusamy Sathishkumar
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China.
| | - Mohamad S Alsalhi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Balakrishnan Muthukumar
- Environmental Molecular Microbiology Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, 632 115, India
| | - Gajendra Kumar Gaurav
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes and College of Civil, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Sandhanasamy Devanesan
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aruliah Rajasekar
- Environmental Molecular Microbiology Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, 632 115, India
| | - Ramalingam Manikandan
- Department of Energy & Materials Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, South Korea
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Dhaoui O, Antunes I, Agoubi B, Kharroubi A. Integration of water contamination indicators and vulnerability indices on groundwater management in Menzel Habib area, south-eastern Tunisia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 205:112491. [PMID: 34902384 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater salinization is a major problem throughout arid and semi-arid areas due to different natural processes and anthropogenic activities and has caused irreparable environmental and economic effects. The objective of this study is to evaluate groundwater vulnerability of Menzel Habib which has been firstly assessed using multiple methods such as DRASTIC, DRASTIC pesticide, SINTACS and SI models. These indices are based on combination of intrinsic and specific characteristics of the aquifer. Almost the area presents a low to moderate vulnerability with the highest vulnerability on the western region, associated to lower deep of groundwater and evaporation processes, with consequent salinity increase. Total Dissolved solids, chloride, sodium, sulfate, calcium, and magnesium water contents were determined in a total of twenty-five groundwater samples from Menzel Habib aquifer. The accuracy of the best robust model was evaluated by the correlation between the different vulnerability indices and contamination water indicators. The main aim of this study is the development of a modified vulnerability index, DRASTIC_Sal, which includes the contribution of total dissolved solids from Menzel Habib groundwater. DRASTIC_Sal index is a simple approach for aquifer salinization vulnerability assessment, particularly for inland aquifers from arid and semi-arid regions with associated agricultural activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oussama Dhaoui
- Higher Institute of Water Sciences and Techniques, University of Gabes, University Campus, 6033 Gabes Applied - Hydrosciences Laboratory, Tunisia.
| | - Imhr Antunes
- Institute of Earth Sciences, Pole of University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Belgacem Agoubi
- Higher Institute of Water Sciences and Techniques, University of Gabes, University Campus, 6033 Gabes Applied - Hydrosciences Laboratory, Tunisia.
| | - Adel Kharroubi
- Higher Institute of Water Sciences and Techniques, University of Gabes, University Campus, 6033 Gabes Applied - Hydrosciences Laboratory, Tunisia.
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20
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Bai Y, Su J, Ali A, Chang Q, Gao Z, Wang Y, Liu Y. Insights into the mechanism of Mn(II)-based autotrophic denitrification: Performance, genomic, and metabonomics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 810:151185. [PMID: 34699810 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The technologies for groundwater nitrate pollution treatment have drawn increasing global attention. As for autotrophic denitrification (AD), most researches aimed to the mixed microbial culture bioreactors, the mechanism of AD by purely cultured bacteria has not been fully investigated yet. Here, denitrification ability, bacterial activity, and dissolved organic matter evolution of Cupriavidus sp. HY129 in both AD and heterotrophic denitrification (HD) were studied. Genomic analysis and microbial metabolomic analysis were applied to explore the mechanism of AD and the difference and intrinsic factors in AD and HD. The results revealed that HD resulted in higher denitrification efficiency and biomass compared to AD and the bacteria preferred to synthesize humic-like proteins to maintain the progress of AD. Bacteria carry out Mn oxidation outside the bacteria cell and transfer electrons into the cell for AD. Cupriavidus sp. HY129 genome has critical metabolic pathways in both autotrophic and heterotrophic conditions, as well as the MCO gene for mediating the Mn oxidation. Energy metabolism pathways were the most significantly differences between AD and HD. Moreover, sphingolipid metabolism and mineral absorption metabolism were the most essential pathways in the autotrophic process to maintain the normal physiological activities and Mn transfer. The results explored the differences between AD and HD pathways in the same bacteria for the first time and provided new insight into understanding the metabolic characteristics of different denitrification, which provide useful information to the global nitrogen cycle and nitrate pollution treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Bai
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Junfeng Su
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
| | - Amjad Ali
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Qiao Chang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Zhihong Gao
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Yu Liu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
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21
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Korbel KL, Greenfield P, Hose GC. Agricultural practices linked to shifts in groundwater microbial structure and denitrifying bacteria. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 807:150870. [PMID: 34627912 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Irrigation enhances the connectivity between the surface and groundwater by facilitating the transport of energy sources and oxygen. When combined with fertilisers, the impact on groundwater microbial communities and their interactions with nitrogen cycling in aquifers is poorly understood. This study examines the impact of different landuses (irrigated and non-irrigated) on groundwater microbial communities. A total of 38 wells accessing shallow aquifers in three sub-catchments of the Murray Darling Basin, Australia, were sampled for water chemistry and microbial community structure using environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques. All sub-catchments showed evidence of intense irrigation and groundwater contamination with total nitrogen, nitrates and phosphorus concentrations often well above background, with total nitrogen concentrations up to 70 mg/L and nitrate concentration up to 18 mg/L. Across sub-catchments there was high microbial diversity, with differences in community structure and function between catchments and landuses. Of the 1100 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) recorded, 47 OTUs were common across catchments with species from Woesearchaeota, Nitrospirales, Nitrosopumilales and Acidobacter taxonomic groups contributing greatly to groundwater microbial communities. Within non-irrigated sites, groundwaters contained similar proportions of nitrifying and denitrifying capable taxa, whereas irrigated sites had significantly higher abundances of microbes with nitrifying rather than denitrifying capabilities. Microbial diversity was lower in irrigated sites in the Macquarie catchment. These results indicate that irrigated landuses impact microbial community structure and diversity within groundwaters and suggest that the ratios of denitrifying to nitrifying capable microbes as well as specific orders (e.g., Nitrososphaerales) may be useful to indicate long-term nitrogen contamination of groundwaters. Such research is important for understanding the biogeochemical processes that are key predictors of redox state and contamination of groundwater by N species and other compounds. This will help to predict human impacts on groundwater microbial structure, diversity, and ecosystem functions, aiding the long-term management groundwater resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Korbel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia.
| | | | - G C Hose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
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22
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Arauzo M, Valladolid M, García G, Andries DM. N and P behaviour in alluvial aquifers and in the soil solution of their catchment areas: How land use and the physical environment contribute to diffuse pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 804:150056. [PMID: 34798720 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The role of land use and the physical environment in N and P pollution of alluvial aquifers was analysed at three levels of information: (1) aquifer (N and P in groundwater), (2) soil transect (potentially leachable N and P in the soil solution) and (3) aquifer's catchment area. The study was carried out in the Oja and Tirón alluvial aquifers and their catchment areas (northern Spain). Nitrate was the dominant N form, both in groundwater and the soil solution of aquifers' catchment areas. Orthophosphate and organic-P were the codominant P forms in the aquifers. Orthophosphate was the main form in the soil solution. During the period 2005-2017 no significant decrease in nitrate pollution was observed, suggesting the need to review current Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) designations. Since nitrate is highly mobile, it tended to accumulate in stagnation zones at the lower reaches of the aquifers. P did not accumulate in the same zones due to its low solubility. Principal component analyses (PCAs) of the aquifers, soil transects and aquifers' catchment areas revealed that the observation scale influences the environmental factors that can be detected as intervening in groundwater pollution. At the aquifer scale, links were found between nitrates and land use, topographic, hydrogeological and climatic factors. The protective effect of natural areas against nitrate pollution was noteworthy, while agriculture was associated with pollution. At the soil transect scale, an altitudinal gradient governed soil particle size distribution and land use, separating mountain forest soils from agricultural soils. The negative relationship between clay contents vs. nitrate and orthophosphate in the soil solution pointed to a regulatory role of clay. At the catchment scale, the size and physical characteristics of the catchments and land use distribution determined macronutrient availability in the soil solution and, in turn, N and P groundwater distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Arauzo
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Serrano 115 dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Valladolid
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema García
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Serrano 115 dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Delia M Andries
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Serrano 115 dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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23
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Assessment of Risk and Social Impact on Groundwater Pollution by Nitrates. Implementation in the Gallocanta Groundwater Body (NE Spain). WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Groundwater is an essential resource for humans concerning freshwater supply; therefore, preserving and protecting its quality is necessary. Risk assessment, based on hazard, intrinsic vulnerability information and mapping, may be considered as a key aspect of sustainable groundwater management. An approach has been made by combining the Nitrogen Input Hazard Index and the hydrogeological parameters considered in a modified DRASTIC method. A three-level classification has been used to determine the degree of risk, and the thresholds have been established following measurable criteria related to the potential nitrate concentration in groundwater. The second part of the study focused on estimating the socioeconomic impact of groundwater pollution by relating the degree of risk and social vulnerability to groundwater pollution. The method has been tested in the Gallocanta Groundwater Body (Spain). As a result, a risk map and an impact map are provided. The risk map shows that 67% of the study area can be classified as moderate and high-risk areas, corresponding to high hazard sources located in moderate and high vulnerability zones, whereas the impact of groundwater pollution is classified as moderate in the whole groundwater body. The proposed analysis allows comparison between aquifers in different areas and the results required by water authorities to implement control and mitigation measures.
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24
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Serra J, Cameira MDR, Cordovil CMDS, Hutchings NJ. Development of a groundwater contamination index based on the agricultural hazard and aquifer vulnerability: Application to Portugal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 772:145032. [PMID: 33581543 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Reducing nitrate leaching may not result in a significant improvement of groundwater quality. The amount of nitrate reaching groundwater depends not only on the hazard related to agricultural activities but also on-site specific groundwater vulnerability. Using national databases and other compiled datasets, the agricultural hazard was calculated as the ratio of (i) the nitrate leached estimated from the N surplus, and (ii) the water surplus, a proxy of the percolating water below the root zone. By combining the hazard with a multi-parameter groundwater vulnerability, a spatially explicit groundwater contamination risk, developed for mainland Portugal, was computed for 1999 and 2009. Results show an increase from 8,800 to 82,679 ha of the territory rated with a very high contamination risk. The priority areas were successfully screened by the Index, coinciding with the current Vulnerable Zones, although additional hotspots were detected in southern Portugal. Percolation, including both irrigation activity and precipitation, was found to be a key driver for the groundwater contamination risk due to its opposite effects in the hazard and in the vulnerability. Reducing nitrogen leaching may be insufficient to reduce the risk of nitrate contamination if there is a relatively larger reduction in precipitation. This index is particularly useful when applied to contrasting situations of vulnerability and hazard, which require distinct mitigation measures to mitigate groundwater contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Serra
- Instituto Superior de Agronomia, DCEB, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal; CEF, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria do Rosário Cameira
- Instituto Superior de Agronomia, DCEB, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal; LEAF- Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia M D S Cordovil
- Instituto Superior de Agronomia, DCEB, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal; CEF, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nicholas J Hutchings
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
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25
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Khosravi K, Bordbar M, Paryani S, Saco PM, Kazakis N. New hybrid-based approach for improving the accuracy of coastal aquifer vulnerability assessment maps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 767:145416. [PMID: 33636786 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Due to excessive exploitation, groundwater resources of coastal regions are exposed to seawater intrusion. Therefore, vulnerability assessments are essential for the quantitative and qualitative management of these resources. The GALDIT model is the most widely used approach for coastal aquifer vulnerability assessment, but suffers from subjectivity of the identification of rates and weights. This study aimes at developing a new hybrid framework for improving the accuracy of coastal aquifer vulnerability assessment using various statistical, metaheuristic, and Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) methods to improve the GALDIT model. The Gharesoo-Gorgan Rood coastal aquifer in northern Iran is used as study site. In order to meet this aim, the Differential Evolution (DE) and Biogeography-Based Optimization (BBO) metaheuristic algorithms were employed to optimize the GALDIT weights. In addition, a novel MADM method, named Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA), and the bivariate statistical method called statistical index (SI) were used to modify the GALDIT ratings. Finally, correlation coefficients between the maps obtained from each method and Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) as an indicator of seawater intrusion were computed to evaluate the models' prediction power. Correlation coefficients of 0.72, 0.75, 0.76 and 0.78 were obtained for the GALDITSWARA-BBO, GALDITSI-BBO, GALDITSWARA-DE and GALDITSI-DE models, respectively. The results from the GALDITSI-DE model outperformed all other models at improving the accuracy of the vulnerability assessment. Moreover, the statistical-metaheuristic method yielded more accurate results than SWARA-metaheuristic hybrid models. The vulnerability map of the studied region indicates that the northwestern and western areas are very highly vulnerable. According to GALDITSI-DE model, 42%, 17%, 18% and 22% of the aquifer areas respectively have a low, medium, high and very high vulnerability to seawater intrusion. The research findings could be applied by regional authorities to manage and protect groundwater resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khabat Khosravi
- Department of Watershed Management Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojgan Bordbar
- Department of GIS/RS, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran
| | - Sina Paryani
- Department of GIS/RS, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran
| | - Patricia M Saco
- Civil, Surveying and Environmental Engineering and Centre for Water Security and Environmental Sustainability, The University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Nerantzis Kazakis
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Geology, Lab. of Engineering Geology & Hydrogeology, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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26
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Kumar R, Heße F, Rao PSC, Musolff A, Jawitz JW, Sarrazin F, Samaniego L, Fleckenstein JH, Rakovec O, Thober S, Attinger S. Strong hydroclimatic controls on vulnerability to subsurface nitrate contamination across Europe. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6302. [PMID: 33298943 PMCID: PMC7725821 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19955-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Subsurface contamination due to excessive nutrient surpluses is a persistent and widespread problem in agricultural areas across Europe. The vulnerability of a particular location to pollution from reactive solutes, such as nitrate, is determined by the interplay between hydrologic transport and biogeochemical transformations. Current studies on the controls of subsurface vulnerability do not consider the transient behaviour of transport dynamics in the root zone. Here, using state-of-the-art hydrologic simulations driven by observed hydroclimatic forcing, we demonstrate the strong spatiotemporal heterogeneity of hydrologic transport dynamics and reveal that these dynamics are primarily controlled by the hydroclimatic gradient of the aridity index across Europe. Contrasting the space-time dynamics of transport times with reactive timescales of denitrification in soil indicate that ~75% of the cultivated areas across Europe are potentially vulnerable to nitrate leaching for at least one-third of the year. We find that neglecting the transient nature of transport and reaction timescale results in a great underestimation of the extent of vulnerable regions by almost 50%. Therefore, future vulnerability and risk assessment studies must account for the transient behaviour of transport and biogeochemical transformation processes. Excess fertilizer use causes subsurface contamination. Here, the authors conduct an assessment of water quality vulnerability across Europe, finding that 75% of agricultural regions are susceptible to nitrate contamination for least one-third of the year, two times more than using standard estimation procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kumar
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - F Heße
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - P S C Rao
- Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.,Agronomy Department, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - A Musolff
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - J W Jawitz
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - F Sarrazin
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - L Samaniego
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - J H Fleckenstein
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany.,Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research, University of Bayreuth, Leipzig, Germany
| | - O Rakovec
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany.,Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - S Thober
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - S Attinger
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany.,University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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27
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Li X, Wu H, Qian H. Groundwater contamination risk assessment using intrinsic vulnerability, pollution loading and groundwater value: a case study in Yinchuan plain, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:45591-45604. [PMID: 32803582 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10221-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater contamination risk assessment is a useful tool for groundwater pollution prevention and control. Previous study has evaluated groundwater contamination risk at Yinchuan Plain, China, according to aquifer vulnerability. The present study enriches the assessment of contamination risk by adding pollution loading, which represents the hazard from human activities, and groundwater value, which represents the economic loss as a result of groundwater pollution. An approach that combines toxicity, release possibility, and the potential release quantity of pollutants on the ground surface was used to estimate the pollution loading. An integrated approach that considered both the in situ and extractive values was used to estimate groundwater value. In addition, a basic risk map was constructed by overlying the vulnerability and pollution loading maps showing the potential probability of pollution, while a value-weighted risk map was produced by overlying the basic risk and value map indicating the urgency of protection. The validation by specific contaminants shows the reliability of the basic risk assessment. Both the basic and value-weighted risk maps indicate a very high groundwater contamination risk in Yinchuan City, and the southern part of Yinchuan Plain exhibited a relatively high contamination risk. As a result of not only high vulnerability but also very high pollution loading and groundwater value, Yinchuan City is the most urgent area requiring groundwater protection. The produced maps provide effective information for decision-making regarding the optimization of monitoring network, preferential treatment, and allocating future potentially hazardous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Li
- School of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Hui Qian
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, Xi'an,, 710054, Shaanxi, China
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28
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Assessment of the Vulnerability to Agricultural Nitrate in Two Highly Diversified Environmental Settings. ENVIRONMENTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/environments7100080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A significant rise of groundwater pollution has been registered worldwide, where nitrate has been recognized as the most widespread pollutant. In this context, the groundwater vulnerability assessment and more specifically the delineation of “Nitrate Vulnerable Zones” represents a reliable cost-effective tool for groundwater management. In this study, the Agricultural Nitrate Hazard Index (ANHI) method was applied to two case histories in southern Italy: the Lete River catchment and the eastern sector of the Campania Plain. The first area is characterized by agricultural activities and a low anthropic influence while the eastern part of the Campania Plain, around Caserta city, is strongly urbanized and developed on an extensive alluvial plain filled with volcaniclastic deposits. The parametric method applied suggests moderate hazard for the more natural setting highlighting how the intensive crop farming and livestock activities that characterized the area negatively influenced the results. For the eastern part of the Campania Plain, where a strong urbanization and widespread industrial crops are dominant, a low to very low hazard has been identified. The groundwater quality value, in contrast with the methodology results underlines the importance of further risk evaluations based on accurate aquifer characterization. A multiple year assessment based on land use change and climate variation could further highlights the difference between the study areas.
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29
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Groundwater Vulnerability and Nitrate Contamination Assessment and Mapping Using DRASTIC and Geostatistical Analysis. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12072022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Gaza Strip is in a chronic state of water shortage and the coastal aquifer as the only freshwater source is increasingly depleted and polluted, especially by nitrate. Assessment of groundwater vulnerability to pollution is essential for adequate protection and management. In this study, the assessment of the aquifer vulnerability to contamination is derived by applying the DRASTIC procedure, firstly with original default weights and ratings and, secondly, improved by estimating rating values by multiple linear regression of observed log-transformed nitrate concentration in groundwater, with DRASTIC factors extended to land-use. The results are very different because high and low vulnerability areas shift considerably. Subsequently, a geostatistical analysis of the spatial distribution of the nitrate concentration is performed, firstly by ordinary kriging interpolation of the observed nitrate concentration and secondly by regression kriging using DRASTIC factors and land-use as indicators of the spatial variation in nitrate occurrence. These maps differ because the map obtained by regression kriging interpolation shows much more details of environmental factors such as dunes, ridges, soil types and built-up areas that affect the presence of nitrate in groundwater. The results of this study can be used by the Palestinian authorities concerned with sustainable groundwater management in the Gaza Strip.
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30
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Abstract
The assurance of drinking water supply is one of the biggest emerging global challenges, especially in urban areas. In this respect, groundwater and its management in the urban environment are gaining importance. This paper presents the modeling of nitrogen load from the leaky sewer system and from agriculture and the impact of this pressure on the groundwater quality (nitrate concentration) in the urban aquifer located beneath the City of Ljubljana. The estimated total nitrogen load in the model area of 58 km2 is 334 ton/year, 38% arising from the leaky sewer system and 62% from agriculture. This load was used as input into the groundwater solute transport model to simulate the distribution of nitrate concentration in the aquifer. The modeled nitrate concentrations at the observation locations were found to be on average slightly lower (2.7 mg/L) than observed, and in general reflected the observed contamination pattern. The ability of the presented model to relate and quantify the impact of pressures from different contamination sources on groundwater quality can be beneficially used for the planning and optimization of groundwater management measures for the improvement of groundwater quality.
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31
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Busico G, Kazakis N, Cuoco E, Colombani N, Tedesco D, Voudouris K, Mastrocicco M. A novel hybrid method of specific vulnerability to anthropogenic pollution using multivariate statistical and regression analyses. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 171:115386. [PMID: 31865127 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater resources are the main supply of freshwater for human activities. However, in the last fifty years aquifers have become more susceptible to chemical pollution due to human activities. The concept of groundwater vulnerability constitutes a worldwide accepted tool for water protection and planning. However, the existing methods and modified versions do not account for all the hydrogeochemical processes that drive anthropogenic pollution. The hydrogeochemical processes occurring within an aquifer can be determined using multivariate statistical analysis. In this study a specific vulnerability method named SVAP (Specific Vulnerability to Anthropogenic Pollution) is proposed. The index is based on seven quantitative parameters: depth to groundwater, recharge, nitrate losses, hydraulic resistance of the vadose zone, aquifer thickness, hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer, and slope. Weights of anthropogenic factors were determined by factor analysis and used to validate the SVAP methodology. The parameters' classification was selected according to the highest Pearson's correlation coefficient with factor weights and then grouped via a linear combination. The new index was applied in two watersheds: the Florina basin (Greece) and the Garigliano River basin (Italy), both of which possess complex hydrogeochemical regimes. The main hydrogeochemical processes acting in the study areas were identified via factor analysis, which revealed that the anthropogenic pollution in both sites was due mainly to chemical fertilizers and manure. Verification of the SVAP method produced correlation coefficients with nitrate concentrations of 0.75 and 0.62 in Florina and Garigliano, respectively. The proposed SVAP method is more reliable and flexible than standard vulnerability assessment methods and can be easily adapted for complex aquifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Busico
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Nerantzis Kazakis
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Geology, Lab. of Engineering Geology & Hydrogeology, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Emilio Cuoco
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicolò Colombani
- Polytechnic University of Marche, Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Via Brecce Bianche 12, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Dario Tedesco
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, sezione di Napoli - Osservatorio Vesuvuviano, Via Diocleziano 328 - Napoli, Italy
| | - Konstantinos Voudouris
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Geology, Lab. of Engineering Geology & Hydrogeology, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Micòl Mastrocicco
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
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32
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The Potentiality of Rice Husk-Derived Activated Carbon: From Synthesis to Application. Processes (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/pr8020203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated carbon (AC) has been extensively utilized as an adsorbent over the past few decades. AC has widespread applications, including the removal of different contaminants from water and wastewater, and it is also being used in capacitors, battery electrodes, catalytic supports, and gas storage materials because of its specific characteristics e.g., high surface area with electrical properties. The production of AC from naturally occurring precursors (e.g., coal, biomass, coconut shell, sugarcane bagasse, and so on) is highly interesting in terms of the material applications in chemistry; however, recently much focus has been placed on the use of agricultural wastes (e.g., rice husk) to produce AC. Rice husk (RH) is an abundant as well as cheap material which can be converted into AC for various applications. Various pollutants such as textile dyes, organic contaminants, inorganic anions, pesticides, and heavy metals can be effectively removed by RH-derived AC. In addition, RH-derived AC has been applied in supercapacitors, electrodes for Li-ion batteries, catalytic support, and energy storage, among other uses. Cost-effective synthesis of AC can be an alternative for AC production. Therefore, this review mainly covers different synthetic routes and applications of AC produced from RH precursors. Different environmental, catalytic, and energy applications have been pinpointed. Furthermore, AC regeneration, desorption, and relevant environmental concerns have also been covered. Future scopes for further research and development activities are also discussed. Overall, it was found that RH-derived AC has great potential for different applications which can be further explored at real scales, i.e., for industrial applications in the future.
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33
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Arauzo M, García G, Valladolid M. Assessment of the risks of N-loss to groundwater from data on N-balance surplus in Spanish crops: An empirical basis to identify Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 696:133713. [PMID: 31461691 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this research was to conduct an empirical assessment of the risks of N-loss to groundwater associated with land use (LU), based on annual data on the net N-balance surplus in Spanish crops. These data were used to generate a detailed risk rating system reflecting the potential risks of N-loss from agriculture. The new LU ratings were used to assess the specific vulnerability of groundwater to nitrate pollution, by using the LU-IV procedure (Arauzo 2017). The study area included the catchment areas of 12 alluvial aquifers associated to tributaries of the Ebro River (Spain). Most of the alluvial aquifers were chronically polluted by nitrate, with only a few remaining unaffected by pollution. The LU maps from two different base maps (MCAE 2000-09; SIOSE 2011) were used to generate the respective versions of the map of vulnerability to nitrate pollution using the LU-IV procedure. Potential nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZ) were extracted from different models of vulnerability for comparison with the map of groundwater nitrate content. The models compared were the following: model A (LU-IV procedure, based on MCAE 2000-09 and using LU ratings from N-surpluses in Spanish crops), model B (LU-IV procedure, based on SIOSE 2011 and using LU ratings from N-surpluses in Spanish crops), model C (LU-IV procedure, based on MCAE 2000-09 and using LU ratings from bibliographical references; Arauzo, 2017), model D (IV index), model E (DRASTIC index), and model F (GOD index). Results confirmed, as expected, that models A and B proved to be the best risk predictors, both for polluted groundwater areas and for areas at risk of being polluted. These results support the high level of reliability of the LU-IV procedure, when applying the LU ratings obtained empirically from the N-surpluses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Arauzo
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Serrano 115 dpdo., 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gema García
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Serrano 115 dpdo., 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Valladolid
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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Rufino F, Busico G, Cuoco E, Darrah TH, Tedesco D. Evaluating the suitability of urban groundwater resources for drinking water and irrigation purposes: an integrated approach in the Agro-Aversano area of Southern Italy. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:768. [PMID: 31761967 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7978-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Deterioration of groundwater quality due to the introduction of pollutants from natural and anthropic sources has become a major environmental issue. We tested three methodologies in assessing groundwater quality and intrinsic aquifer vulnerability in the Agro-Aversano area (Southern Italy). A geographic information system (GIS)-based groundwater quality index (GQI) was realized to assess groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation use and, in parallel, standard SINTACS was applied to evaluate the intrinsic vulnerability of the aquifer. Nitrate concentrations and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) in groundwater samples were used to verify the reliability of vulnerability data. GQI analysis pointed to a general poor quality of groundwater both for drinking and irrigation use, especially in sub-urban areas. The spatial pattern of water quality from GQI analysis was positively related to nitrate and fluoride concentrations for drinking use and to bicarbonate and sodium concentrations for irrigation use, whose levels exceeded the WHO and FAO recommended thresholds, respectively. Standard SINTACS was found to be inadequate for describing the aquifer state, its results showing no correlation with nitrate concentration or SAR. Because of this inconsistency, we tested a novel approach combining GQI with SINTACS analysis. Results showed positive correlation with nitrate (r = 0.63) and SAR (r = 0.64) contents, thus pointing to combined SINTACS-GQI as a more reliable approach than standard methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Rufino
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Busico
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy.
| | - Emilio Cuoco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Thomas H Darrah
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, 275 Mendenhall Laboratory, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Dario Tedesco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
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He B, He J, Wang L, Zhang X, Bi E. Effect of hydrogeological conditions and surface loads on shallow groundwater nitrate pollution in the Shaying River Basin: Based on least squares surface fitting model. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 163:114880. [PMID: 31344507 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.114880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate pollution in groundwater has become a widespread problem worldwide, but understanding of the factors influencing groundwater nitrate pollution remains limited. Numerous studies have attributed nitrate pollution mostly to surface conditions and have neglected the role of hydrogeology. Therefore, this study used the Shaying River Basin as the study area and developed a least squares surface fitting (LSSF) model to systematically analyze the effect of hydrogeological conditions and surface pollution loads on groundwater nitrate pollution. Intrinsic vulnerability and total soil nitrogen (TSN) were used to represent hydrogeological conditions and surface pollution loads, respectively. The results showed that the concentrations of NO3-N in shallow groundwater ranged from 0.002 to 256.29 mg/L (with an average of 14.38 mg/L). The concentration had an overall decreasing trend along the flow path. The water chemistry tended to change from HCO3-Ca to HCO3·Cl-Ca as the NO3-N concentration increased. Groundwater nitrate pollution was simultaneously controlled by intrinsic vulnerability and TSN, and the LSSF model explained 83.5% of the result within a 95% confidence interval. These findings explained the phenomenon by which some areas had high surface loads but no serious groundwater nitrate pollution and some areas had nitrate pollution but no high surface loads. Nitrate accumulated in high levels in areas with a high intrinsic vulnerability due to hydrogeological conditions. TSN, which was the main source of NO3-N in groundwater, came mainly from agricultural nitrogen fertilizer inputs and livestock manure. These findings provide helpful information for those tasked with managing and controlling groundwater quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baonan He
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Jiangtao He
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, PR China.
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Xiaowen Zhang
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Erping Bi
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, PR China
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Bordbar M, Neshat A, Javadi S. A new hybrid framework for optimization and modification of groundwater vulnerability in coastal aquifer. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:21808-21827. [PMID: 31134540 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04853-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Effects of pollution caused by seawater intrusion into groundwater in coastal aquifers cannot be ignored. Identification of areas exposed to this pollution by preparing vulnerability maps is one way of preventing aquifer pollution. In its primary section, the present study compared three different index ranking methods of DRASTIC, GALDIT, and SINTACS to select an optimal model for determining vulnerability of the Gharesoo-Gorgan Rood coastal aquifer. Initial results led to selection of the GALDIT model for vulnerability assessment of the selected coastal aquifer. Since this type of models use a rating system, the model must be modified and optimized in various regions to show the vulnerable areas more accurately. In the next step, and for the first time, the ratings in this index were modified using the Wilcoxon nonparametric statistical method and its weights were optimized employing particle swarm optimization (PSO) and single-parameter sensitivity analysis (SPSA) methods. Finally, in order to select the best hybrid model, the total dissolved solids (TDS) parameter was used to determine correlation coefficients. Results indicated that the GALDT model modified by the Wilcoxon-PSO method has the strongest correlation (0.77) with the TDS parameter. Moreover, the correlations of the Wilcoxon-GALDIT and Wilcoxon-SPSA models were 0.66 and 0.73, respectively. Final results of the Wilcoxon-PSO model revealed that the northwestern and western areas of the study region needed considerable protection against pollution. In general, we can conclude that by combining statistical, mathematical, and metaheuristic methods, we can obtain more accurate results for preparing vulnerability maps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Bordbar
- Department of GIS/RS, Faculty of Natural resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aminreza Neshat
- Department of GIS/RS, Faculty of Natural resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saman Javadi
- Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Abouraihan Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Zhu N, Wu Y, Tang J, Duan P, Yao L, Rene ER, Wong PK, An T, Dionysiou DD. A New Concept of Promoting Nitrate Reduction in Surface Waters: Simultaneous Supplement of Denitrifiers, Electron Donor Pool, and Electron Mediators. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:8617-8626. [PMID: 29966090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b01605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The efficiency of biological nitrate reduction depends on the community composition of microorganisms, the electron donor pool, and the electron mediators participating in the biological reduction process. This study aims at creating an in situ system comprising of denitrifiers, electron donors, and electron mediators to reduce nitrate in surface waters. The ubiquitous periphytic biofilm in waters was employed to promote in situ nitrate reduction in the presence of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs). The nitrate removal rate in the periphytic biofilm and TiO2 NPs system was significantly higher than the control (only periphytic biofilm or TiO2 NPs). TiO2 NPs optimized the community composition of periphytic biofilm for nitrate reduction by increasing the relative abundance of four dominant denitrifying bacteria. Periphytic biofilm showed a substantial increase in extracellular polymeric substance, especially the humic acid and protein content, due to the presence of TiO2 NPs. The synergistic action of humic acid, protein, denitrifying bacteria of the periphytic biofilm, and TiO2 NPs contributed to 80% of the nitrate reduction. The protein and humic acid, acting as electron mediators, facilitated the transfer of exogenous electrons from photoexcited TiO2 NPs to periphytic biofilm containing denitrifiers, which enhanced nitrate reduction in surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningyuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Sciences , Chinese Academy of Sciences , 71 East Beijing Road , Nanjing 210008 , China
- College of Resource and Environment , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Yonghong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Sciences , Chinese Academy of Sciences , 71 East Beijing Road , Nanjing 210008 , China
| | - Jun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Sciences , Chinese Academy of Sciences , 71 East Beijing Road , Nanjing 210008 , China
- College of Resource and Environment , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Pengfei Duan
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source, Region of Mid-line of South-to-North Diversion Project , Nanyang Normal University , Nanyang 473061 , Henan , China
| | - Lunguang Yao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source, Region of Mid-line of South-to-North Diversion Project , Nanyang Normal University , Nanyang 473061 , Henan , China
| | - Eldon R Rene
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Water Technology , IHE Delft Institute for Water Education , Westvest 7 , 2611 AX Delft , The Netherlands
| | - Po Keung Wong
- School of Life Sciences , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin, NT, Hong Kong , SAR , China
| | - Taicheng An
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control , Guangdong University of Technology , Guangzhou , 510006 , China
| | - Dionysios D Dionysiou
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (ChEE), 705 Engineering Research Center , University of Cincinnati , Cincinnati , Ohio 45221-0012 , United States
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Satayeva AR, Howell CA, Korobeinyk AV, Jandosov J, Inglezakis VJ, Mansurov ZA, Mikhalovsky SV. Investigation of rice husk derived activated carbon for removal of nitrate contamination from water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 630:1237-1245. [PMID: 29554745 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.02.329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Development of porous carbons with high specific surface area (>1200mg-1) targeted at nitrate removal from aqueous solutions is investigated by chemical activation of carbonized rice husk. Potassium carbonate is used as activating and desilicating agent. The effect of post-synthetic treatment by gas phase ammoxidation with ozone/ammonia or oxidation with concentrated nitric acid followed by nitrification with urea on main physicochemical properties and on the effectiveness of the activated carbons in nitrate removal is compared with those determined for a pristine activated carbonized rice husk sample. The two-fold enhancement of nitrate removal by the urea-modified activated carbon in comparison with pristine and ammoxidated sample is in direct correlation with the development of surface basic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya R Satayeva
- Environmental Science & Technology Group (ESTg), Chemical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Carol A Howell
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, UK
| | - Alina V Korobeinyk
- Environmental Science & Technology Group (ESTg), Chemical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan; O.O. Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Vassilis J Inglezakis
- Environmental Science & Technology Group (ESTg), Chemical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
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