Evaluation of sustainable development capacity of water sources: a case study of China

The issue of water scarcity has drawn attention from all over the world. The coordination of the interaction between ecological and environmental development of water sources and socio-economic development is currently an essential issue that needs to be solved in order to safeguard the water resources environment for human survival. In this essay, we suggest a paradigm for assessing the sustainable exploitation of water resources. First, three ecological, economic, and social factors are investigated. Twenty essential evaluation indexes are then constructed using the Delphi approach, along with an index system for assessing the potential of water sources for sustainable development. The weights of each evaluation index were then determined using the combination assignment approach, which was then suggested. The coupled degree evaluation model of the capability for sustainable development of water sources was then developed. In order to confirm the viability and validity of the suggested model, the model was used to assess the Liwu River water source's capacity for sustainable growth in the context of the South-North Water Transfer in Shandong, China. It is believed that the aforementioned study would serve as a helpful resource when evaluating the capacity of water sources for sustainable development.

[Soil Heavy Metal Contamination, Sources, and Health Risk of Typical Drinking Water Sources in the Suspended Reach of the Lower Yellow River]

With the implementation of ecological protection and a high-quality development strategy in the Yellow River Basin, the environmental conditions around the Yellow River have attracted wide attention from scholars. In this study, the soil of drinking water sources(Heichi and Liuchi) in the typical suspended reach of the lower reaches of the Yellow River was selected as the research object. The geo-accumulation index and pollution load index were used to analyze the pollution characteristics of seven heavy metals(Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and As), and correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and absolute factor score-multiple linear regression(APCS-MLR) were employed to reveal the sources of soil heavy metals from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The health risk assessment model recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency(USEPA) was used to analyze the impact of soil heavy metals on human health, and the contribution rate of pollution sources to health risks was analyzed by combining the APCS-MLR model. The results showed that the average values of ω(Cr), ω(Ni), ω(Cu), ω(Zn), ω(Cd), ω(Pb), and ω(As) in the soil around the water source were 60.27, 30.00, 35.14, 77.75, 0.38, 21.74, and 9.70 mg·kg-1, respectively. Except for As, the contents of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were higher than the background values of soil elements in the fluvo-aquic soil area of the lower Yellow River, whereas the contents of Cu and Zn in the soil around Liuchi were significantly higher than those in Heichi. Both the geo-accumulation index and the single-factor index showed that the black pond and the willow pond were slightly polluted by heavy metals, and Cd was the main pollution factor. The pollution load index model showed that the number of non-polluted and mildly polluted samples in the study area accounted for 5% and 95% of the total samples, respectively, indicating that the study area was at a mild pollution level. The source apportionment showed that Cr, Ni, Cu, and As were mainly affected by parent materials. The analysis results of the APCS-MLR model showed that the soil pollutants in the study area were mainly from natural sources, traffic sources, agricultural sources, and unknown sources, and their contribution rates were 42.95%, 23.39%, 16.95%, and 16.71%, respectively. The health risk assessment showed that As was the main non-carcinogenic factor, and Ni was the main carcinogenic factor. The non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metals to adults and children was negligible, and there was a tolerable carcinogenic risk to the human body. For both adults and children, the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk contribution rates of the four pollution sources were:natural sources>unknown sources>traffic sources>agricultural sources, among which natural sources contributed the most to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the characteristics, sources, and effects of soil pollution on human health around the water source area of the suspended reach of the lower reaches of the Yellow River, which is of great significance for the protection of water sources and provides theoretical support for the high-quality development of the ecological environment along the Yellow River.

Stable isotopic analysis of water utilization characteristics of four xerophytic shrubs in the Hobq Desert, Northern China

Quantitative identification of water utilization characteristics of xerophytic shrubs is an important prerequisite for the selection and optimization of a regional artificial sand-fixing vegetation system. In this study, a hydrogen (δD) stable isotope technique was used to study the changes in water use characteristics of four typical xerophytic shrubs, Caragana korshinskii, Salix psammophila, Artemisia ordosica, and Sabina vulgaris in the Hobq Desert under light (4.8 mm after 1 and 5 days) and heavy (22.4 mm after 1 and 8 days) rainfall events. Under light rainfall, C. korshinskii and S. psammophila primarily used the 80-140 cm layer of soil water (37-70%) and groundwater (13-29%), and the water use characteristics did not change significantly after the light rainfall event. However, the utilization ratio of A. ordosica to soil water in the 0-40 cm layer increased from less than 10% on the first day after rain to more than 97% on the fifth day after rain, whereas the utilization ratio of S. vulgaris to soil water in the 0-40 cm layer also increased from 43% to nearly 60%. Under heavy rainfall, C. korshinskii and S. psammophila still used the 60-140 cm layer (56-99%) and groundwater (~15%), while the main water utilization depth of A. ordosica and S. vulgaris expanded to 0-100 cm. Based on the above results, C. korshinskii and S. psammophila primarily use the soil moisture of the 80-140 cm layer and groundwater, while A. ordosica and S. vulgaris use the soil moisture of the 0-100 cm layer. Therefore, the co-existence of A. ordosica and S. vulgaris will increase the competition between artificial sand-fixing plants, while the combination of the two plants with C. korshinskii and S. psammophila will avoid competition between artificial sand-fixing plants to some extent. This study provides important guidance for regional vegetation construction and sustainable management of an artificial vegetation system.

[Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Antibiotics and Resistance Genes in Different Water Sources in the Wuhan Section of the Yangtze River]

The distribution characteristics, correlations, and potential ecological risks of 13 antibiotics and 10 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in 16 water sources in Wuhan were analyzed using solid-phase extraction-ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-UPLC-MS/MS) and real-time quantitative PCR technology. The distribution characteristics and correlations and potential ecological risks of antibiotics and resistance genes in this region were analyzed. The results showed that a total of nine antibiotics were detected in the 16 water source samples, and the concentration range was ND-177.36 ng·L^-1. The concentration distribution presented as follows:Tributary Jushui River<lower reaches of the main stream of the Yangtze River<upstream of the main stream of the Yangtze River<Tributary Hanjiang River<Tributary Sheshui River. The total absolute abundance of ARGs after the Yangtze River and Hanjiang River confluence was significantly higher than that before the confluence, and the average abundance of sulfa ARGs was significantly higher than that of the other three ARGs resistance genes (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between sul1 and sul2, ermB, qnrS, tetW, and intI1 in ARGs (P<0.01), and the correlation coefficients were 0.768, 0.648, 0.824, 0.678, and 0.790, respectively. The correlation within the sulfonamide ARGs group was weak. Correlation of ARGs between groups. Four antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole, aureomycin, roxithromycin, and enrofloxacin, had a medium risk to aquatic sensitive organisms, and the proportion of each risk area in the ecological risk map was 9.0% (medium risk), 30.6% (low risk), and 60.4% (no risk). The combined ecological risk assessment (RQ_sum) of the 16 water sources indicated medium risk, and the RQ_sum (mean) of the rivers involved was 0.222 (Tributary Hanjiang River)<0.267 (main stream of the Yangtze River)<0.299 (other tributaries).

[Water Quality Change Trend and Risk Analysis of Wuhan Hanjiang River Water Source]

Hanjiang River is closely related to the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, the Water Diversion Project from the Hanjiang River to the Wei River, and the Water Diversion Project in Northern Hubei. The Wuhan Hanjiang River water source is one of the important drinking water sources in China; its water quality safety is significant to living and production for millions of residents in Wuhan. Based on data from 2004 to 2021, the water quality variation trend and risk of Wuhan Hanjiang River water source were studied. The results showed that a certain gap existed between the concentrations of some pollutants such as total phosphorus, permanganate index, ammonia nitrogen, and correspondent water quality target, especially for the total phosphorus. The growth of algae in the water source was marginally limited by the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon. When other factors remained unchanged, diatoms tended to grow rapidly when the water temperature was appropriate (6-12℃). The quality of water upstream had a great impact on the water quality of the Hanjiang water source. There may have been pollutants entering into the reach during the West Lake Water Plant and Zongguan Water Plant. There were differences in the temporal and spatial variation trend of concentrations between permanganate index, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and ammonia nitrogen. Significant changes in the ratio of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water body will affect the population structure and quantity of planktonic algae and ultimately affect the safety of water quality. The water body in the water source area was generally in the state of medium nutrition to mild eutrophication, and middle eutrophication may have occurred in a few periods. In recent years, the nutritional level of the water source has been on the decline. It is necessary to make an in-depth investigation on the source, quantity, and change trend of pollutants in water sources in order to eliminate potential risks.

Water Environment Characteristics and Water Quality Assessment of Water Source of Diversion System of Project from Hanjiang to Weihe River

The water source of the water diversion project from the Hanjiang River to the Weihe River is one of the most important drinking water sources in China. Its water quality is related to the water safety of the long-distance water diversion system from the Hanjiang to Weihe Rivers. In order to explore the spatiotemporal change trend of the water environment characteristics of the water source area and analyze the key factors that have a greater impact on it, this study collected 9 types of water environment physical and chemical parameters from 10 water quality monitoring sections from 2017 to 2019; the water environment characteristics of the water source area of the water diversion system from the Hanjiang River to the Weihe River were analyzed and evaluated by using the variance analysis method, the hierarchical cluster analysis method and the water quality identification index evaluation method. The results were as follows. (1) There was spatiotemporal heterogeneity in a number of physical and chemical parameters in the water body of the water source. In terms of time, the concentrations of CODMn, COD, BOD5 and F- were higher in the flood season (July-October) than in the non-flood season (November-June). The concentrations of DO, TP and TN in the non-flood season were higher than those in the flood season. Spatially, the concentration of physical and chemical parameters of the water body in the Huangjinxia Reservoir area was higher than that in the Sanhekou Reservoir area. (2) The water quality of the water source area was good. The comprehensive water quality reached the Class II water quality standard of surface water environmental quality. Time showed that the comprehensive water quality in the non-flood season was better than that in the flood season. Spatially, the overall water quality of the tributaries was better than that of the mainstream. TN is a key indicator that affects water quality. (3) The spatial and temporal differences in water quality in water source areas are mainly affected by factors such as rainfall, temperature and human activities. This study can provide a scientific and data basis for related research on maintaining and improving the quality of the ecological environment of the water source areas of the Hanjiang to Weihe River Water Diversion System.

Conifer water-use patterns across temporal and topographic gradients in the southern Sierra Nevada

Climate change is increasing the severity and duration of drought events experienced by forest ecosystems. Because water is essential for tree physiological processes, the ability of trees to survive prolonged droughts will largely depend on whether they have access to reliable water sources. While many woody plant species exhibit the ability to shift water sources between different depths of soil and rock water in response to changes in climate and water availability, it is unclear if Sierra Nevada conifers exhibit this plasticity. Here we analysed the δ18O and δ13C values of annual tree rings to determine the water-use patterns of large Sierra Nevada conifers during the 2012-16 California drought and 4 years before this drought event (2004-07). We analysed four species (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf. (Jeffrey pine), Pinus lambertiana Dougl. (sugar pine), Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. Ex Hilderbr (white fir) and Calocedrus decurrens (Torr.) Florin (incense-cedar)) across a range of topographic positions to investigate differences in water-use patterns by species and position on the landscape. We found no significant differences in δ18O and δ13C values for the pre-drought and drought periods. This stability in δ18O values suggests that trees did not shift their water-use patterns in response to the 2012-16 drought. We did find species-specific differences in water-use patterns, with incense-cedar exhibiting more depleted δ18O values than all other species. We also found trends that suggest the water source used by a tree may depend on topographic and growing environment attributes such as topographic wetness and the surrounding basal area. Overall, our results suggest that the water source used by trees varies by the species and topographic position, but that Sierra Nevada conifers do not switch their water-use patterns in response to the drought. This lack of plasticity could make Sierra Nevada conifers particularly vulnerable to drought mortality as their historically reliable water sources begin to dry out with climate change.

Impact of Drinking Water Source and Sanitation Facility on Malnutrition Prevalence in Children under Three: A Gender-Disaggregated Analysis Using PDHS 2017-18

OBJECTIVES

The proposed research studied the determinants of male and female child malnutrition in Pakistan. More specifically, it observed the role of the sanitation facility and drinking water source as important determinants of malnutrition in a gender analysis.

METHODS

Novel data of 1010 children under three years of age from PDHS 2017-18 were used. A CIAF (Cumulative Index for Anthropometric Failure) was established to assess malnourishment in the children. Discrete-choice logistic methodology was applied in this empirical research to study the likelihood of malnourishment in children.

RESULTS

The logistic regression results depicted that factors such as a child belonging to a deprived area, the status of home wealth, and the education of the mother were common determinants of malnutrition in children. Factors such as a child having diarrhea (OR = 1.55, CI = 0.96-2.50) and the drinking water source (OR = 0.62, CI = 0.37-1.03) were separate prominent predictors of malnutrition in male children whereas the sanitation facility was the main determinant of malnutrition in female children (OR = 0.64, CI = 0.43-0.95).

CONCLUSION

This study concludes that important links exist between the drinking water source and male child malnutrition and between sanitation facilities and female child malnutrition.

Epidemiological Profile of a Human Hepatitis E Virus Outbreak in 2018, Chattogram, Bangladesh

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a waterborne zoonotic disease that can result in a high fatality rate in pregnant women and infants. In 2018, a large HEV outbreak emerged in Chattogram, Bangladesh, resulting in 2800 cases and a significant public health response to mitigate the transmission. While the source of the outbreak remained poorly understood, authorities suggested that possible risk factors for HEV infection included contamination of water supply, exacerbated by concurrent severe flooding events in the community. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the distribution and risk factors for HEV seroprevalence between January and December 2018 in the Chattogram city area. A total of 505 blood samples were collected from symptomatic patients of 10 hospitals who met the case definition for an HEV infection. Standard ELISA tests were performed in all patients to identify anti-HEV antibodies. The size and location of HEV seroprevalence clusters within Chattogram were investigated using SaTScan. We investigated the association between risk of HEV infection and individual and environmentally lagged risk factors using Bernoulli generalised linear regression models. Our results indicate an overall HEV seroprevalence of 35% with significant variation according to sex, source of drinking water, and boiling of drinking water. A positive cross-correlation was found between HEV exposure and precipitation, modified normalised difference water index (MNDWI), and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). Our model indicated that risk of infection was associated with sex, age, source of drinking water, boiling of water, increased precipitation, and increased MNDWI. The results from this study indicate that source and boiling of drinking water and increased precipitation were critical drivers of the 2018 HEV outbreak. The communities at highest risk identified in our analyses should be targeted for investments in safe water infrastructure to reduce the likelihood of future HEV outbreaks in Chattogram.

[Water sources of Picea schrenkiana and Berberis heteropoda in the Tianshan Mountains in summer]

Water use patterns of trees and shrubs in the Picea schrenkiana coniferous forest remain unclear, due to a lack of quantitative analysis on water use dynamics. In this study, the xylem water hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope compositions of P. schrenkiana and the companion shrub species Berberis heteropoda were measured to detect their water sources. The IsoSource model was used to analyze the relative contribution of each potential water source for both species during summer. The results showed that during July, P. schrenkiana and B. heterocarpa mainly extracted water from the 0-60 cm soil layer due to the relatively sufficient soil water content, with the relative contributions being 73.8% and 63.2% for the two species, respectively. In August, with the decreases in soil water content, water source of P. schrenkiana remained stable, and the relative contribution of soil water above 60 cm was 69.5%. In contrast, B. heterocarpa reverted to water source from deeper soil layer, with the relative contribution of shallow soil (0-20 cm) water decreasing to 14.3% and that of middle (20-60 cm) to deep (60-100 cm) soil water increased to 67.7%. In September, with the increases of water content in the shallow soil layer, both species extracted water from shallow soil layers, with the relative contribution reaching to 95.0%. In summary, P. schren-kiana exhibited typical shallow root characteristics, while B. heterocarpa extracted water from the 0-100 cm soil profile and could flexibly change its water source corresponding to changes in soil water content to cope with changing environmental water condition.

Water Uptake Tradeoffs of Dominant Shrub Species in the Coastal Wetlands of the Yellow River Delta, China

Tamarix chinensis and Ziziphus jujuba are two dominant shrub species on Chenier Island in the Yellow River Delta, China. Water is a restrictive factor determining the plant growth, vegetation composition, and community succession in this coastal zone. We investigated how water uptake tradeoffs of the two shrub species responded to soil water fluctuations caused by seasonal variations of precipitation. The soil water content, salinity and δ¹⁸O values of potential water sources (soil water in 0-20, 20-40, 40-60, and 60-100 cm soil layers, and groundwater) and plant xylem water were measured in wet (July 2013) and dry (July 2014) seasons. The IsoSource model was employed to calculate the contributions of different water sources to plant xylem water. The results showed that δ¹⁸O values of soil water decreased significantly with soil depth in the dry season, while increased significantly with soil depth in the wet season. In the wet season, when the soil water was abundant, Z. jujuba mostly used the soil water from the 60-100 cm layer, while T. chinensis took up a mixture of groundwater and soil water from the 60-100 cm layer. In the dry season, when the soil water was depleted because of low precipitation, Z. jujuba mainly took up a mixture of the soil water from 20 to 100 cm soil layers, while T. chinensis mainly used groundwater. T. chinensis and Z. jujuba showed different ecological amplitudes of water sources during dry and wet seasons. The niche differentiation of major water sources for T. chinensis and Z. jujuba demonstrated their adaptabilities to the fluctuations of soil moisture in water-limited ecosystems. Water niche differentiations of coexisting shrub species were expected to minimize their competition for limited water sources, contributing to successful coexistence and increasing the resilience of the coastal wetland ecosystem to drought.

Socio-Economic and Environmental Determinants of Malnutrition in under Three Children: Evidence from PDHS-2018

OBJECTIVES

This research investigates the association of malnutrition with social and economic factors in general and environmental factors in specific such as sanitation facilities and drinking water sources for Pakistan.

METHODS

Authors used the latest data of 1010 Under-Three children from Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-2018. Cumulative Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) was developed to measure the malnutrition status among children based on z-scores of WHZ, WAZ, and HAZ, respectively. The study has applied the discrete-choice logistic methodology to find the relationship of malnutrition with socio-economic characteristics. The interaction terms of drinking water source and sanitation facility have been measured to see the impact of environmental factors on child malnutrition.

RESULTS

The study results depict that the likelihood of malnutrition increases when the child had diarrhea recently and the child belongs to the deprived region such as KPK, Sind, and Baluchistan. However, the chances of child malnutrition drop with (1) an escalation of mothers' education, (2) a rise in wealth status of the household, and (3) the improved water source and sanitation facility in the household. The only water-improved sanitation category of the interaction term is significant in the model which depicts that households having both improved water and improved sanitation facilities had very fewer chances of malnutrition among their children.

CONCLUSION

Authors conclude that malnutrition in younger children is associated with improved water as well as sanitation facilities, maternal education, and household wealth in Pakistan.

[Water sources of Populus euphratica with different tree ages in the oasis of desert hinterland]

Understanding vegetation water utilization can provide scientific basis for vegetation protection and rational distribution of water resources in arid desert oasis area. In this study, sapling (DBH≤10 cm), mature (10 cm<DBH≤40 cm), and overmature (DBH>40 cm) Populus euphratica were chosen as sample trees in natural oasis of Dariaboui. We measured oxygen isotopes of xylem water and potential water sources (surface water, soil water in 0-3 m soil layer and groundwater) of P. euphratica with different tree ages. The IsoSource model was used to study water sources of P. euphratica. The results showed that soil water content increased with increasing soil depth, while the δ¹⁸O value of soil water decreased firstly and then stabilized. When groundwater depth was 2 m, the δ¹⁸O value of xylem water increased with increasing tree ages. When the depths of groundwater were 4.2 and 8 m, the δ¹⁸O values of xylem water decreased with increasing tree ages. Water sources of P. euphratica varied across tree age. When the depth of underground water was 2 m, the main water source for young trees was surface water, and the contribution proportion was 64.7%. For mature and overmature trees, it was deep soil water and ground-water, with a contribution of about 30%. When the depth of groundwater was 4.2 m, the main water sources of P. euphratica of different tree ages were deep soil water and groundwater, and the contribution proportion was about 30%. The lowest contribution of P. euphratica of different tree ages was shallow soil water, accounting for about 10%.

Drinking Water Source and Intake Are Associated with Distinct Gut Microbiota Signatures in US and UK Populations

BACKGROUND

The microbiome of the digestive tract exerts fundamental roles in host physiology. Extrinsic factors including lifestyle and diet are widely recognized as key drivers of gut and oral microbiome compositions. Although drinking water is among the food items consumed in the largest amount, little is known about its potential impact on the microbiome.

OBJECTIVES

We explored the associations of plain drinking water source and intake with gut and oral microbiota compositions in a population-based cohort.

METHODS

Microbiota, health, lifestyle, and food intake data were extracted from the American Gut Project public database. Associations of drinking water source (bottled, tap, filtered, or well water) and intake with global microbiota composition were evaluated using linear and logistic models adjusted for anthropometric, diet, and lifestyle factors in 3413 and 3794 individuals, respectively (fecal samples; 56% female, median [IQR] age: 48 [36-59] y; median [IQR] BMI: 23.3 [20.9-26.3] kg/m2), and in 283 and 309 individuals, respectively (oral samples).

RESULTS

Drinking water source ranked among the key contributing factors explaining the gut microbiota variation, accounting for 13% [Faith's phylogenetic diversity (Faith's PD)] and 47% (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity) of the age effect size. Drinking water source was associated with differences in gut microbiota signatures, as revealed by β diversity analyses (P < 0.05; Bray-Curtis dissimilarity, weighted UniFrac distance). Subjects drinking mostly well water had higher fecal α diversity (P < 0.05; Faith's PD, observed amplicon sequence variants), higher Dorea, and lower Bacteroides, Odoribacter, and Streptococcus than the other groups. Low water drinkers also exhibited gut microbiota differences compared with high water drinkers (P < 0.05; Bray-Curtis dissimilarity, unweighted UniFrac distance) and a higher abundance of Campylobacter. No associations were found between oral microbiota composition and drinking water consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that drinking water may be an important factor in shaping the human gut microbiome and that integrating drinking water source and intake as covariates in future microbiome analyses is warranted.

[Effects of precipitation on water use characteristics of Caragana intermedia plantations with different stand ages in alpine sandy land]

To clarify the changes of water sources for Caragana intermedia plantations at different ages (4, 9, 17 and 31 years) in response to rainfall in the Gonghe Basin of Qinghai Province, China, we used the stable isotope technique to identify δ²H and δ¹⁸O compositions of soil water, xylem water, groundwater, and rain water before and after rainfalls. The proportions of different water sources were calculated by the Iso-Source model. The results showed that the δ²H and δ¹⁸O compositions of the shallow soil layer (0-40 cm) of all plantations responded significantly to the precipitation. The isotopic values of plant xylem water, soil water, and groundwater of each plantation were spotted on the lower right of the local meteoric water line (LMWL) either before or after rainfall, with lower intercepts and slopes than LMWL and the global meteoric water line (GMWL). The isotopic compositions of xylem water and soil water of C. intermedia plantations were closer to LMWL after rainfall. The 4- and 9-year-old C. intermedia plantations mainly used shallow soil water, the 17-year-old plantation mainly used middle layer soil water (40-90 cm), and the 31-year-old plantation primarily use deep soil water before rainfall. After rainfall, the shallow soil layer became sources of water absorption for all plantations. The utilization proportions of groundwater for all plantations were only 1.8%-11.9%. In general, water sources of different aged C. intermedia plantations showed similar responses to rainfall, by primarily absorbing the shallow soil water supplied by rainfall and reducing the use of groundwater.

Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistant Escherichia coli in Sarawak Rivers and Aquaculture Farms, Northwest of Borneo

Background: The emergence of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli in water resources could pose a serious threat to public health. The study aims to investigate the dispersion of plasmid-mediated antibiotic-resistant E. coli from six rivers in Sarawak and two aquaculture farms in Borneo. Methods: A total of 74 water samples were collected for the determination of their bacteria colony count. An IMViC test identified 31 E. coli isolates and tested their susceptibility against twelve clinically important antibiotics. The extraction of plasmid DNA was done using alkali lysis SDS procedures. Characteristics, including plasmid copy number, molecular weight size, resistance rate and multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR), were assessed. Results: Our findings revealed that bacterial counts in rivers and aquaculture farms ranged from log 2.00 to 3.68 CFU/mL and log 1.70 to 5.48 cfu/mL, respectively. Resistance to piperacillin (100%) was observed in all E. coli; resistance to amoxicillin (100%) and ampicillin (100%) was observed in E. coli found in aquaculture farms; resistance to streptomycin (93%) was observed in E. coli found in rivers. All E. coli were resistant to ≥2 antibiotics and formed 26 MAR profiles, ranging from an index of 0.17 to 0.83, indicating that there are high risks of contamination. Some (48.4%) of the E. coli were detected with plasmids (1.2 to >10 kb), whereas 51.6% of the E. coli did not harbor any plasmids. The plasmid copy numbers reported were one plasmid (n = 7), two plasmids (n = 4), ≥ two plasmids (4). E. coli isolated from the Muara Tuang River showed the highest-molecular-weight plasmids. A statistical analysis revealed that there is no significant correlation (r = 0.21, p = 0.253) between the number of plasmids and the MAR index of the tested isolates. Conclusion: The distribution of MAR in E. coli from rivers is higher compared to the aquaculture environment. Our study suggests that MAR in isolates could be chromosome-mediated. Our results suggest that riverbed sediments could serve as reservoirs for MAR bacteria, including pathogens, under different climatic conditions, and their analysis could provide information for public health concerns.

[Water use characteristics of artificial sand-fixing vegetation on the southern edge of Hunshandake Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia, China]

We examined the characteristics of water use in typical tree species of arbor and shrub in Hunshandake Sandy Land, Populus cathayana and Salix gordejevii, in the different seasons, with the aim to provide theoretical basis for the structural optimization of the artificial shelterbelt. Samples of precipitation, soil water, groundwater and stem water of the two vegetation were collected, and their distribution characteristics of δD-δ¹⁸O were analyzed by hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope technology. The contribution rate of these potential water source to the arbor and shrub species were calculated using multi-source linear mixing model. The precipitation equation line in the study area was δD=7.84δ¹⁸O+9.12, while soil moisture lines in the dry and wet season were δD=3.56δ¹⁸O-41.28 and δD=4.30δ¹⁸O-42.02, respectively. The δD-δ¹⁸O of soil water and stem water in the two seasons were lower than the precipitation δD-δ¹⁸O, indicating that both of them were strongly affected by the evaporation. Soil water contents in the shallow layer were strongly affected by rainfall and evaporation, with substantial fluctuation. With the increases of soil depth, soil water content tended to be stable, and the hydrogen and oxygen isotope in each soil layer showed significant differences. In the dry season, P. cathayana mainly utilized soil water in 0-40 cm and 120-200 cm layers, with contribution rates of 50.2% and 31.5%, respectively. S. gordejevii mainly absorbed soil water in 20-40 cm and 60-100 cm layers, and the contribution rates were 53.2% and 22.9%, respectively. In the wet season, the greatest contribution of soil water to P. cathayana was mainly in the 0-40 cm soil layer, accounting for 72.8%. S. gordejevii was mainly in the 0-20 cm soil water, evenly utilized the deeper soil water and groundwater. Due to the differences in root depth and distribution of the arbor and shrub, their water use strategies differed in different seasons, which was conducive to the stability of the shelterbelt community and tree species coexistence in Hunshandake Sandy Land. We proposed that the mixed planting species with different root depth should be considered in the future planting of artificial shelterbelt, which would help rationally utilize water resources and maintain the stability of sandy land ecosystem.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of water sources in a mountain river basin inferred through δ2H and δ18O of water

In mountainous river basins of the Pacific Northwest, climate models predict that winter warming will result in increased precipitation falling as rain and decreased snowpack. A detailed understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of water sources across river networks will help illuminate climate change impacts on river flow regimes. Because the stable isotopic composition of precipitation varies geographically, variation in surface water isotope ratios indicates the volume-weighted integration of upstream source water. We measured the stable isotope ratios of surface water samples collected in the Snoqualmie River basin in western Washington over June and September 2017 and the 2018 water year. We used ordinary least squares regression and geostatistical Spatial Stream Network models to relate surface water isotope ratios to mean watershed elevation (MWE) across seasons. Geologic and discharge data was integrated with water isotopes to create a conceptual model of streamflow generation for the Snoqualmie River. We found that surface water stable isotope ratios were lowest in the spring and highest in the dry, Mediterranean summer, but related strongly to MWE throughout the year. Low isotope ratios in spring reflect the input of snowmelt into high elevation tributaries. High summer isotope ratios suggest that groundwater is sourced from low elevation areas and recharged by winter precipitation. Overall, our results suggest that baseflow in the Snoqualmie River may be resilient to predicted warming and subsequent changes to snowpack in the Pacific Northwest.

[Effects of water and nitrogen stress on water utilization of dominant species in broadleaved Korean pine forest in Changbai Mountain, China]

The aggravation of global nitrogen deposition may change plant water utilization and affect plant growth. Understanding the changes of vegetation water consumption under nitrogen deposition is of great significance for simulating and predicting the evolution of each component of forest hydrological cycle. We used the hydrogen and oxygen isotope tracer method to analyze water consumption source, quantity and law of Quercus mongolica (Qm), Fraxinus manshurica (Fm) and Tilia amurensis (Ta), the dominant species in broadleaved Korean pine forest of Changbai Mountain, under different add amounts of nitrogen [low nitrogen addition group (11.8 kg·hm^-2·a^-1), L_N; high nitrogen addition group (23.6 kg·hm^-2· a^-1), H_N] and different amounts of simulated precipitation (water addition amount were 0, 400, 800 and 1600 mL, equivalent to single rainfall amount were 0, 16, 32 and 64 mm, respectively). The results showed that under the condition of relative drought, soil water utilization ratio of Qm, Fm and Ta in the L_N group were 26%, 12% and 20%, higher than that in H_N group. When the amount of simulated precipitation was 16 mm, soil water utilization ratio of Qm, Fm and Ta in L_N group reached the highest, being 73%, 70% and 43%, respectively. This ratio also reached a high value in H_N group, but being less than the values in L_N group. When the amount of simulated precipitation was 32 mm, soil water content approximated the average value in broadleaved Korean pine forest in the growing season in Changbai Mountain. The average soil water utilization ratio of test tree species in H_N group was 39%, higher than that in L_N group (16%). When the amount of simulated precipitation reached 64 mm, the soil water was saturation. Soil water utilization ratio of Qm, Fm and Ta in L_N group was 14%, 5% and 1%, which was lower than that in H_N group, the corresponding ratio were 64%, 13% and 10%, respectively. In conclusion, under the condition of less precipitation and relatively dry soil, the soil water utilization ratio of those three tree species were lower, and the increases of nitrogen availability further reduced the ratio. When the amount of precipitation was high and soil moisture was higher than the average value of the growing season, soil water utilization ratio of those tree species was higher. With the increases of soil nitrogen availability, this ratio was further increased.

[Water utilization strategy of three soil and water conservation trees on Ordos Plateau, China]

To understand the adaptive strategies of three tree species used for soil and water conservation in the hilly area of eastern Ordos Plateau, Hippophae rhamnoides, Pinus tabuliformis and Armeniaca sibirica, we measured the δ¹⁸O value of xylem water of branch and potential water sources and the δ¹³C value of leaves, and analyzed the relative contribution of each potential water sources to different tree species by multiple linear mixing model. We further compared the seasonal dynamic and inter-specific variation of water source and water use efficiency (WUE). The results showed that H. rhamnoides, P. tabuliformis and A. sibirica mainly used soil water in 10 cm layer in May, accounting for 88.5%, 94.0% and 91.6% of their total water uptake, respectively. In July, H. rhamnoides mainly used soil water in 10-25 cm layer (44.6%) and rain water (35.4%), P. tabuli-formis mainly used rain water (93.7%), and A. sibirica mainly used soil water in 25-100 cm layer (55.9%) and rain water (36.8%). In September, H. rhamnoides mainly used soil water in 25 cm and 75-100 cm layers (88.9%), P. tabuliformis mainly used soil water in 10 cm and 50-75 cm layers (84.5%), and A. sibirica used that in 10-100 cm layer. WUE of H. rhamnoides in May was significantly higher than that in July and September. WUE of P. tabuliformis in July was significantly higher than that in September. WUE of H. rhamnoides was significantly higher than that of P. tabuliformis and A. sibirica in May and July. Three tree species use different depths of soil water or rainwater based on their availability in different seasons. H. rhamnoides and P. tabuliformis could improve their WUE to adapt to environmental change under drought, which might be more suitable for local semi-arid environment than A. sibirica.

Habitat requirements of the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and threat analysis in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan

Understanding the influence of anthropogenic disturbances on species' habitat use and distribution is critical to conservation managers in planning effective conservation strategies and mitigating the impact of development. Few studies have focused on the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Bhutan. This study aimed to assess the habitat requirements and threats to this endangered species in the Khamaed subdistrict of the Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan. We employed a transect walk and plot-sampling survey design across two seasons, that is, winter and spring. In total, we surveyed 84 × 50 m radius circular plots along 51 km of existing trails within a 25.4 km2 study area. At 500 m intervals, we established plots at random distances and direction from the trail. We recorded direct sightings (n = 2) and indirect signs (n = 14), such as droppings and footprints as evidence of red panda presence within an altitudinal range of 2,414-3,618 m. We also noted 21 tree and 12 understory species within plots with red panda evidence; the dominant tree species was the Himalayan hemlock (Tsuga dumosa) and the Asian barberry (Berberis asiatica) as an understory species. Red panda presence showed a significant positive association with distance to water sources and fir forests. Plant disturbance and infrastructure, such as power transmission lines, were identified as prominent anthropogenic threats in the study area. Based on our findings, we recommend the development and implementation of local forest management plans, livestock intensification programs, and strict application of environmental impact assessment regulations to promote the conservation of the red panda in the region.

Detection of herbicides in water bodies of the Samambaia River sub-basin in the Federal District and eastern Goiás

The objective of this study was to identify and quantify herbicide residues in water samples of rain, cisterns, streams, ponds, springs, semi-artesian wells, dams and a river in the Rio Samambaia sub-basin in the Federal District and eastern Goiás. A total of 287 samples were collected from 20 farms in the sub-basin in the rainy (February, summer) and dry (August, winter) seasons in 2016. Aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA, a glyphosate metabolite), clethodim, chlorimuron-ethyl, diuron, fluazifop acid (a fluazifop-p-butyl metabolite and the active ingredient), haloxyfop acid (a haloxyfop-methyl metabolite and the active ingredient), imazamox, mesotrione, metsulfuron, nicosulfuron and pendimethalin were not identified in any water sample. In the rainy season, approximately 99% of the samples contained residues at least one of the evaluated herbicides; in the dry season (, 100% of the samples contained residues of at least one of the evaluated herbicides. When considering only detection frequency, metribuzin, atrazine, clomazone and haloxyfop-methyl were the main herbicides found in the water of the Samambaia River sub-basin. In turn, based on levels higher than the limit of quantification, the main compounds detected were atrazine, clomazone, haloxyfop-methyl and glyphosate. In both seasons, the highest relative concentrations of herbicides for the rainy and dry seasons were found in spring water, 25% and 56%, respectively, and dam water, 23% and 16%, respectively.

Contrasting water sources and water-use efficiency in coexisting desert plants in two saline-sodic soils in northwest China

Soil degradation resulting from various types of salinity is a major environmental problem, especially in arid and semiarid regions. Exploring the water-related physiological traits of halophytes is useful for understanding the mechanisms of salt tolerance. This knowledge could be used to rehabilitate degraded arid lands. To investigate whether different types of salinity influence the water sources and water-use efficiency of desert plants (Karelinia caspia, Tamarix hohenackeri, Nitraria sibirica, Phragmites australis, Alhagi sparsifolia, Suaeda microphylla, Kalidium foliatum) in natural environments, we measured leaf gas exchange, leaf carbon and xylem oxygen isotope composition and soil oxygen isotope composition at neutral saline-sodic site (NSS) and alkaline saline-sodic site (ASS) in northwest China. The studied plants had different xylem water oxygen isotope compositions (δ¹⁸ O) and foliar carbon isotope compositions (δ¹³ C), indicating that desert plants coexist through differentiation in water use patterns. Compared to that at the NSS site, the stem water in K. caspia, A. sparsifolia and S. microphylla was depleted in ¹⁸ O at the ASS site, which indicates that plants can switch to obtain water from deeper soil layers when suffering environmental stress from both salinity and alkalinisation. Alhagi sparsifolia had higher δ¹³ C at the ASS site than at the NSS site, while K. caspia and S. microphylla had lower δ¹³ C, which may have resulted from interspecific differences in plant alkali and salt tolerance ability. Our results suggest that under severe salinity and alkalinity, plants may exploit deeper soil water to avoid ion toxicity resulting from high concentrations of soluble salts in the superficial soil layer. In managed lands, it is vital to select and cultivate different salt-tolerant or alkali-tolerant plant species in light of local conditions.

Access to clean water and urinary tract infections in Haitian women

OBJECTIVES

Access to clean water is a global concern. For women living in developing countries, the lack of clean water increases their risk of bacterial infections, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI). The purpose of this study was to examine if the location of water source has a relationship with the rate of UTIs in women who lived in the Léogâne area of Haiti.

DESIGN

Descriptive, correlational, retrospective chart review used de-identified data from medical intake flow sheets.

SAMPLE

A total of 311 medical intake flowsheets with 32.4% of the sample were treated for a UTI. The majority of women were between the ages of 20 and 44 years.

RESULTS

The youngest group, ages 10-14 years, were more likely (83.3%) to be diagnosed with a UTI (X²  = 7.956, df = 3, p < .05) when compared to the other age groups. The location of water source also had a relationship with UTI, with women who reported using pump water more likely to be treated for a UTI than those who reported using short-well water (X²  = 4.318, df = 1, p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the study only involved Haitian women, the concepts of access to clean water, reducing bacterial infections such as a UTI, and health promotion are useful for any provider practicing in or going to a developing country.

Water source identification for plants growing on karst rock outcrops based on rainfall-exclusion experiment

Although lack of soil coverage, rock outcrops with developed fractures in karst region can maintain water consumption of plants with different life forms. Water sources for plants on these habi-tats are unclear. Isolated rocky outcrop with relatively simple sources of water was selected for this study. We focused on typical plant species that still thrived after excluding rainfall (removing the water supply to the shallow water) over one year, compared with the same plant species living without rain shelter (always receiving rainfall supplies). Water sources of three representative tree species (Radermachera sinica, Celtis biondii, and Pittosporum tonkinense) were analyzed by using stable isotope techniques and combining with the measurement of plant water potential. The results showed that all the three species depended on deep water sources with similar isotopic values to spring water under rain-sheltered condition, during the rainy season, which explained why plants could still grow normally after rainfall-exclusion over one year. The predawn water potential of R. sinica and P. tonkinense under rain-sheltered condition was not significantly different from those living in natural conditions, which indicated both species were not under water stress. The predawn water potential of C. biondii under rain-sheltered condition was significantly lower than individuals living in natural conditions, which indicated it was under water stress. Under natural condition, water isotope values of stems of all the three species were significantly lower than that under rain-sheltered condition and were within the range of fluctuation of recent rainwater isotope values, indicating that these plants relied on shallow water sources that dominated by recent rainfall. Under both rain-sheltered and natural conditions, there was no obvious difference between the predawn water potential and the midday water potential of P. tonkinense, showing a conservative water use strategy. The midday water potential of other two species was significantly lower than the predawn water potential, showing a profligate/opportunistic water use strategy. Our results indicated that the ability to utilize shallow and deep water sources is key for the plants growing on the habitat of Karst rock outcrops where they could adapt different water environments and maintain diversified water use strategies under the condition with no soil coverage.

Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen in the Sediments of Six Water Sources in Taihu Lake, China

KCl-extractable sediment dissolved organic nitrogen (KS-DON) extracted from sediments near drinking water intakes of six drinking water sources in Taihu Lake in China was partitioned into hydrophobic and hydrophilic fractions and high/low molecular weight fractions. The results showed that the total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) contents of the extracts ranged from 67.78 to 128.27 mg/kg. KS-DON was the main TDN species, accounting for more than 50%, with NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N averaging 30% and 20%, respectively. The molecular weight fractions of <1 kDa accounted for almost half of KS-DON. Hydrophilic compounds accounted for more than 75% of KS-DON. Three fluorescence peaks were identified: soluble microbial byproducts (A); protein-like substances (B); and humic acid-like substances (C). It is concluded that the KS-DON in Taihu Lake sources has higher bioavailability and higher risk of endogenous release. Ecological dredging and establishment of constructed wetlands are possible measures to reduce the release of endogenous nitrogen.

[Water utilization characteristics of the degraded poplar shelterbelts in Zhangbei, Hebei, China.]

In Zhangbei County, Hebei Province, poplar-dominated shelterbelts are degraded to different extents. Water availability is the main limiting factor for plant survival in arid areas. The purpose of this study was to reveal the relationship between water availability and poplar degradation. Based on the hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope techniques, we explored the water sources of Populus simonii under different degradation degrees by comparing the isotopic values of P. simonii xylem water with that in potential water source, and calculated the utilization ratio of each water source. The results showed that the water sources of poplar trees varied with degradation degree. The water sources of P. simonii gradually transferred from the deep layer to the surface layer with the increases of degradation. P. simonii with no degradation mainly absorbed soil water in the range of 320-400 cm, with the utilization rate being 25.1%. P. simonii with slight degradation mainly used soil water at depth of 120-180, 180-240 and 240-320 cm. The total utilization rate of three layers was close to 50.0%, with less utilization of water from other layers. The moderately degraded P. simonii mainly used soil water at depth of 20-40, 40-60 and 60-80 cm. The utilization rate of each layer was 17.5%-20.9%, and the contribution rate of soil water under 120 cm was less than 10.0%. The severely degraded P. simonii mainly used water from surface soil layer (0-20 cm), with the utilization rate being 30.4%, which was significantly higher than that of other water sources. The water sources of poplar shelter forests were gradually shallower during the process of degradation. However, the low soil water content in the shallow layer could not meet the normal water demand of poplar, which would accelerate the degradation and even decline of poplar.

Development of a Quantitative PCR Assay for Arcobacter spp. and its Application to Environmental Water Samples

Arcobacter spp. are emerging pathogens associated with gastroenteritis in humans. The objective of this study was to develop a highly sensitive and broadly reactive quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for Arcobacter spp. and to apply the developed assay to different water sources in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Fifteen samples to be analyzed by next-generation sequencing were collected from 13 shallow dug wells, a deep tube well, and a river in the Kathmandu Valley in August 2015. Among the 86 potential pathogenic bacterial genera identified, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, and Arcobacter were detected with relatively high abundance in 15, 14, 12, and 8 samples, respectively. A primer pair was designed with maximal nucleotide homologies among Arcobacter spp. by comparing the sequences of 16S rRNA genes. These primers were highly specific to most of the known species of Arcobacter and quantified between 1.0×10¹ and 6.4×10⁶ copies reaction⁻¹ and sometimes detected as few as 3 copies reaction⁻¹. The qPCR assay was used to quantify Arcobacter spp. in bacterial DNA in not only the above 15 water samples, but also in 33 other samples collected from 15 shallow dug wells, 6 shallow tube wells, 5 stone spouts, 4 deep tube wells, and 3 springs. Thirteen (27%) out of 48 samples tested were positive for Arcobacter spp., with concentrations of 5.3–9.1 log copies 100 mL⁻¹. This qPCR assay represents a powerful new tool to assess the prevalence of Arcobacter spp. in environmental water samples.

[Water use strategy of Eucalyptus urophylla ×E. grandis on karst hillslope based on isotope analysis.]

Using stable isotope techniques, water sources and water use efficiencies of Eucalyptus urophylla ×E. grandis (exotic tree species) and Liquidambar formosana (native tree species, as a reference) were studied in a typical karst artificial forest, and the risk of drought stress of the plantation was discussed. The results showed that the isotope value of shallow soil water (0-50 cm) had obvious gradient features and was similar to the recent rain, while that of deep water was more stable and different from the shallow soil water. The soil water content in wet season (May and September) was higher than in dry season (October), and was higher in upslope than in downslope segment. The main water source of L. formosana was shallow soil water, which corresponded to high water use efficiency in different seasons. The main water sources for E. urophylla ×E. grandis on the upper slope and downslope segments were both shallow soil water in wet season, however, the sum of average water using the proportion of deep soil water increased for the downslope segment in the end of wet season. In dry season, E. urophylla ×E. grandis on the downslope segment mainly used shallow soil water, while it used deeper soil water on the upslope segment when soil water was relatively low. Meanwhile, the water use efficiency of E. urophylla ×E. grandis was lower compared with L. formosana, which revealed E. urophylla ×E. grandis did not get enough water supply under drought stress. The above results indicated that E. urophylla ×E. grandis would encounter high risk of water stress if extreme drought events happened in karst regions in the coming future.

[Response characteristics of soil water use patterns by different plants to precipitation in rocky mountainou areas.]

Water-use characteristics of plants are important for vegetation restoration in shallow earth-rock mountain area. In this study, soil and plant samples of Platycladus orientalis and corn were collected after rainfall events in Yingwugou watershed of Dan River to analyze the signatures of oxygen isotopes and the response of water use patterns to precipitation using stable isotope technology. The results showed that there were different response characteristics of the soil water utilization to precipitation between P. orientalis and corn. The root of P. orientalis mainly used the soil moisture from 10-30 cm layer, while corn mainly used that in the depth of 0-20 cm. The water absorption depth (WAP) of P. orientalis root decreased from 20-30 cm to 10-20 cm, while that of corn altered from 10-20 cm to 0-20 cm, when precipitation decreased from 29 mm to 8 mm. The WAP of P. orientalis gradually changed from deep to shallow soil, while the main WAP of corn increased from 10-20 cm to 0-20 cm, whenprecipitation decreased. The response of P. orientalis and corn to precipitation was very obvious.

[Response of water sources in Platycladus orientalis and Vitex negundo var heterophylla system to precipitation events in mountain area of Beijing, China]

This study aimed to qualify the potential water sources and their responses to seasonal precipitations for the system of Platycladus orientalis and Vitex negundo var. heterophylla by IsoSource model based on stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopic analysis in Jiufeng Mountain area of Beijing. The results showed that the ¹⁸O of water from 0-20 cm soil layer was enriched, whereas that was depleted as the soil layer deepened. P. orientalis used water mainly from 0-30 cm soil la-yer, being composed of rainwater 2-3 days before at the beginning of dry season. The water absorbed by P. orientalis and V. negundo sourced from 0-10 cm and 10-30 cm soil layer, which was fed on recent rainwater at the end of dry season. In wet season P. orientalis mainly accessed the soil water (from 0-40 cm layer, 59.3%) and recent rainwater (12.5%), while V. negundo drank the water from 0-30 cm soil layer derived from recent heavy rain. P. orientalis actively uptook the deeper soil water with time, until the end of growing season (November), its available water was from 60-80 cm soil layer and sourced from the rainwater happened 2-3 days before. Meanwhile, V. negundo completed its growing cycle and was on the brink of death. This system faced less competition for water use, stating its vertical water availability for climate adaptation in this region, which could reduce water and soil loss and minimize the instantaneous damage under heavy rainstorm attack.

[Water sources of dominant sand-binding plants in dry season in southern Horqin Sandy Land, China]

It's important to explore the water sources of sand-binding plants and their relationship to reveal the mechanism underling species coexistence and vegetation stability. In the present study, 12 sand-binding species in two typical habitats (fixed dune and dune slack) in southern Horqin Sandy Land were selected. The δD and δ¹⁸O values of plant water, rain water, ground water and soil water were determined, and the percentages of soil water at different depths used by plants were calculated with the IsoSource model. Our results showed that the δD and δ¹⁸O values of stem water were significantly different among various life forms in both habitats except for those of trees and shrubs in dune slack. From trees to grass, the depth of soil water contributed to main water source of plant became shallower in dune slack: trees and shrubs mainly used soil water in 50-150 cm or 30-50 cm layer, subshrubs mainly used soil water in 10-30 cm layer while grass relied on soil water of 0-10 cm layer. Shrubs mainly used soil water of 0-30 cm layer and subshrubs mainly used soil water around 50 cm at fixed dune. This study indicated that in dry season plants at fixed dune are more dependent on soil water of 0-50 cm layer compared with those in dune slack. The water sources of sand-binding plants are correlated with plant life form and root distribution range, and the later might play a more important role.

Practical Application of Aptamer-Based Biosensors in Detection of Low Molecular Weight Pollutants in Water Sources

Water pollution has become one of the leading causes of human health problems. Low molecular weight pollutants, even at trace concentrations in water sources, have aroused global attention due to their toxicity after long-time exposure. There is an increased demand for appropriate methods to detect these pollutants in aquatic systems. Aptamers, single-stranded DNA or RNA, have high affinity and specificity to each of their target molecule, similar to antigen-antibody interaction. Aptamers can be selected using a method called Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). Recent years we have witnessed great progress in developing aptamer selection and aptamer-based sensors for low molecular weight pollutants in water sources, such as tap water, seawater, lake water, river water, as well as wastewater and its effluents. This review provides an overview of aptamer-based methods as a novel approach for detecting low molecular weight pollutants in water sources.

Co-Occurrence of Microcystins and Taste-and-Odor Compounds in Drinking Water Source and Their Removal in a Full-Scale Drinking Water Treatment Plant

The co-occurrence of cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds are a growing concern for drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) suffering cyanobacteria in water resources. The dissolved and cell-bound forms of three microcystin (MC) congeners (MC-LR, MC-RR and MC-YR) and four taste-and-odor compounds (geosmin, 2-methyl isoborneol, β-cyclocitral and β-ionone) were investigated monthly from August 2011 to July 2012 in the eastern drinking water source of Lake Chaohu. The total concentrations of microcystins and taste-and-odor compounds reached 8.86 μg/L and 250.7 ng/L, respectively. The seasonal trends of microcystins were not consistent with those of the taste-and-odor compounds, which were accompanied by dominant species Microcystis and Dolichospermum. The fate of the cyanobacteria and metabolites were determined simultaneously after the processes of coagulation/flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and chlorination in the associated full-scale DWTP. The dissolved fractions with elevated concentrations were detected after some steps and the breakthrough of cyanobacteria and metabolites were even observed in finished water. Chlorophyll-a limits at intake were established for the drinking water source based on our investigation of multiple metabolites, seasonal variations and their elimination rates in the DWTP. Not only microcystins but also taste-and-odor compounds should be taken into account to guide the management in source water and in DWTPs.

[Water sources of Nitraria sibirica and response to precipitation in two desert habitats]

Nitraria sibirica usually exists in a form of nebkhas, and has strong ecological adaptability. The plant species has distinctive function for wind prevention and sand fixation, and resistance drought and salt. However, the water condition is still a limiting factor for the plant survival and development. In order to understand the water use strategy of the plant in different desert habitats, we selected the N. sibirica growing in sandy desert habitat and gravel desert habitat to study the seaso-nal variation of plant water sources and response to precipitation at the edge of the oasis of Linze in the Hexi Corridor. We measured the oxygen stable isotope of the plant stem water and the different potential water sources (precipitation, soil water and ground water), and used the IsoSource model to calculate the proportion of water sources from the potential water. The results showed that there were significant seasonal variation characteristics of δ¹⁸O value and water source of stem water for the plant in the two habitats. In the sandy habitat, the plant used more ground water in the less precipitation seasons including spring and fall, and more than 50% of the water sources absorbed from ground water. However, under the condition of gravel habitat, the plant could not achieve the ground water level depth of 11.5 m, and its water source was controlled by precipitation, which had large seasonal variability. The water sources of N. sibirica had significant responses to the change of precipitation in the two desert habitats. Following the rapid decrease of soil water content after the precipitation events, the plant in the sandy habitat turned to use the abundant ground water as the main sources of water, while the plant in the gravel habitat only used the less water from precipita-tion infiltration to the deep soil. Therefore, different water use strategies of the plant in the two habitats were the main reason for the difference in growth characteristics, and it had a strong ability of self-adjustment and adaptation.

[Water source of typical plants in rocky mountain area of Beijing, China]

Water is the key factor limiting plant growth in seasonal arid area. In order to analyze the water sources of community plant (Platycladus orientalis, Vitex negundo var. heterophylla, Broussonetia papyrifera and Lespedeza bicolor) in Beijing mountainous area, we measured hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope ratio (δD and δ¹⁸O) values of their xylem water and potential water sources. The results showed the four species had different water sources. P. orientalis mainly absorbed water from 40-60, 60-80 and 80-100 cm soil layers, and the utilization ratio of the three layers was 23.3%-25.9%. It still grabbed water from 0-20 and 20-40 cm soil layers with the utilization ratio of 12.3% and 13.0%, respectively. V. negundo var. heterophylla mainly absorbed 60-80 and 80-100 cm depth soil water, and the utilization rate was 51.9% and 25.2%, respectively, while it barely absorbed water in other soil layers. B. papyrifera mainly absorbed 0-20 and 20-40 cm depth soil water, and the utilization rate was 47.5% and 36.8%, respectively. L. bicolor used the water from five layers, and the utilization ratio of 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm layer was 21.4%-22.8%, and that of 60-80 and 80-100 cm layer was 15.2%-18.3%, respectively. The competition was higher in mixed forest of P. orientalis and L. bicolor because they had similar water sources. It was better to mix V. negundo var. heterophylla and B. papyrifera because their water sources were complementary. The results could provide reference for the best combination of plant species to restore the damaged ecological environment.

[Difference of water relationships of poplar trees in Zhangbei County, Hebei, China based on stable isotope and thermal dissipation method]

The water sources and transpiration of poplar trees in Zhangbei County were measured using stable hydrogen isotope and thermal dissipation method. The differences in water relationships between dieback and non-dieback poplar trees were analyzed. The results showed that the dieback trees mainly used shallow water from 0-30 cm soil layer during growing season while the non-dieback trees mainly used water from 30-80 cm soil layer. There was a significant difference in water source between them. The non-dieback trees used more water from middle and deep soil layers than that of the dieback trees during the dry season. The percentage of poplar trees using water from 0-30 cm soil layer increased in wet season, and the increase of dieback trees was higher than that of non-dieback trees. The contributions of water from 30-180 cm soil layer of dieback and non-dieback trees both decreased in wet season. The sap flow rate of non-dieback trees was higher than that of dieback trees. There was a similar variation tend of sap flow rate between dieback and non-dieback trees in different weather conditions, but the start time of sap flow of non-dieback trees was earlier than that of dieback trees. Correlation analysis showed that the sap flow rate of either dieback or non-dieback poplar trees strongly related to soil temperature, wind speed, photosynthetically active radiation, relative humidity and air temperature. The sap flow rate of die-back poplar trees strongly negatively related to soil temperature and relative humidity, and strongly positively related to the other factors. The sap flow rate of non-dieback poplar trees only strongly negatively related to relative humidity but positively related to the other factors. The results revealed transpiration of both poplar trees was easily affected by environmental factors. The water consumption of dieback trees was less than non-dieback trees because the cumulative sap flow amount of dieback trees was lower. Reduced transpiration of dieback trees couldn't help to prevent poplar forest declining due to shallow water source.

A City-wide Investigation of the Isotopic Distribution and Source of Tap Waters for Forensic Human Geolocation Ground-truthing

Human geolocation is prefaced on the accuracy of the geographic precision of mapped isotopic values for drinking water. As most people live in cities, it becomes important to understand city water supplies and how the isotopic values uniquely reflect that city. This study investigated the isotopic distribution of δ² H and δ¹⁸ O from sourced tap waters that were collected from across the Metro Vancouver (MV) area (n = 135). The results revealed that the isotopic values reflect their water sources with a range of 5.3‰ for δ¹⁸ O_tap and 29.3‰ for δ² H_tap for MV. The results indicate that individual cities need higher resolution studies to determine their tap water isotopic ranges, and a good understanding of the water supply network itself for human geolocation work. With an extended high-resolution understanding of each city, human tissue may be compared with more certainty for geolocation.

Significant Difference in Hydrogen Isotope Composition Between Xylem and Tissue Water in Populus Euphratica

Deuterium depletions between stem water and source water have been observed in coastal halophyte plants and in multiple species under greenhouse conditions. However, the location(s) of the isotope fractionation is not clear yet and it is uncertain whether deuterium fractionation appears in other natural environments. In this study, through two extensive field campaigns utilizing a common dryland riparian tree species Populus euphratica Oliv., we showed that no significant δ(18) O differences were found between water source and various plant components, in accord with previous studies. We also found that no deuterium fractionation occurred during P. euphratica water uptake by comparing the deuterium composition (δD) of groundwater and xylem sap. However, remarkable δD differences (up to 26.4‰) between xylem sap and twig water, root water and core water provided direct evidence that deuterium fractionation occurred between xylem sap and root or stem tissue water. This study indicates that deuterium fractionation could be a common phenomenon in drylands, which has important implications in plant water source identification, palaeoclimate reconstruction based on wood cellulose and evapotranspiration partitioning using δD of stem water.

Seasonal Shifts in Primary Water Source Type: A Comparison of Largely Pastoral Communities in Uganda and Tanzania

Many water-related illnesses show an increase during the wet season. This is often due to fecal contamination from runoff, yet, it is unknown whether seasonal changes in water availability may also play a role in increased illness via changes in the type of primary water source used by households. Very little is known about the dynamic aspects of access to water and changes in source type across seasons, particularly in semi-arid regions with annual water scarcity. The research questions in this study were: (1) To what degree do households in Uganda (UG) and Tanzania (TZ) change primary water source type between wet and dry seasons?; and (2) How might seasonal changes relate to water quality and health? Using spatial survey data from 92 households each in UG and TZ this study found that, from wet to dry season, 26% (UG) and 9% (TZ) of households switched from a source with higher risk of contamination to a source with lower risk. By comparison, only 20% (UG) and 0% (TZ) of households switched from a source with lower risk of contamination to a source with higher risk of contamination. This research suggests that one pathway through which water-related disease prevalence may differ across seasons is the use of water sources with higher risk contamination, and that households with access to sources with lower risks of contamination sometimes choose to use more contaminated sources.

Water-use advantage for lianas over trees in tropical seasonal forests

Lianas exhibit peak abundance in tropical forests with strong seasonal droughts, the eco-physiological mechanisms associated with lianas coping with water deficits are poorly understood. We examined soil water partitioning, sap flow, and canopy eco-physiological properties for 99 individuals of 15 liana and 34 co-occurring tree species in three tropical forests that differed in soil water availability. In the dry season, lianas used a higher proportion of deep soil water in the karst forest (KF; an area with severe seasonal soil water deficit (SSWD)) and in the tropical seasonal forest (TSF, moderate SSWD), permitting them to maintain a comparable leaf water status than trees in the TSF or a better status than trees in the KF. Lianas exhibited strong stomatal control to maximize carbon fixation while minimizing dry season water loss. During the dry period, lianas significantly decreased water consumption in the TSF and the KF. Additionally, lianas had a much higher maximum photosynthetic rates and sap flux density in the wet season and a lower proportional decline in photosynthesis in the dry season compared with those of trees. Our results indicated that access to deep soil water and strong physiological adjustments in the dry season together with active wet-season photosynthesis may explain the high abundance of lianas in seasonally dry forests.

DEWFALL AS A WATER SOURCE FREQUENTLY ACTIVATES THE ENDOLITHIC CYANOBACTERIAL COMMUNITIES IN THE GRANITES OF TAYLOR VALLEY, ANTARCTICA(1)

Endolithic photosynthetic microorganisms like cyanobacteria and algae are well known from savannas and deserts of the world, the high Arctic, and also Antarctic habitats like the Dry Valleys in the Ross Dependency. These endolithic microbial communities are thought to be at the limits of life with reported ages in the order of thousands of years. Here we report on an extensive chasmoendolithic cyanobacterial community inside granite rocks of Mt. Falconer in the lower Taylor Valley, Dry Valleys. On average, the cyanobacterial community was 4.49 ± 0.95 mm below the rock surface, where it formed a blue-green layer. The community was composed mainly of the cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp., with occasional Cyanothece cf. aeruginosa (Nägeli) Komárek and Nostoc sp. Mean biomass was 168 ± 44 g carbon · m(-2) , and the mean chl a content was 24.3 ± 34.2 mg · m(-2) . In situ chl fluorescence measurements-a relative measure of photosynthetic activity-showed that they were active over long periods each day and also showed activity the next day in the absence of any moisture. Radiocarbon dating gave a relatively young age (175-280 years) for the community. Calculations from microclimate data demonstrated that formation of dew or rime was possible and could frequently activate the cyanobacteria and may explain the younger age of microbial communities at Mt. Falconer compared to older and less active endolithic microorganisms reported earlier from Linnaeus Terrace, a higher altitude region that experiences colder, drier conditions.

The SEEDs of two gastrointestinal diseases: socioeconomic, environmental, and demographic factors related to cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in Massachusetts

OBJECTIVES

We assessed associations between community-level socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental characteristics, and the presence of two potentially waterborne infectious diseases, cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, as reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

METHODS

We created a series of maps showing the spatial distribution of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in Massachusetts (1993-2002) overall and by age, using logistic regression to analyze associations between community-level characteristics and the presence of at least one reported case of each disease. This analysis was repeated for communities with predominantly private water supplies.

RESULT

After adjusting for population size, higher population density and larger than average household sizes were associated with increased odds of reported cases of cryptosporidiosis. Giardiasis was also associated with high population density, but was not associated with household size. In the elderly, income was positively associated with the presence of giardiasis.

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest that greater population density and larger household sizes may increase the likelihood of protozoan gastrointestinal infection. The results emphasize the necessity to account for distal factors, such as demographic characteristics, that may ultimately play a role in the transmission or reporting of disease.