Effect of Zob-Ahan effluent water on ground water quality

Even though, application of industrial effluent water may alleviate the irrigation water shortage in dry regions such as Iran, but uncontrolled discharge into environment and agricultural land may cause unirreversible harmful damage to environments. Therefore, application of industrial effluent water should consider the environmental consequences such as soil, ground water and food contamination. In this study the effect application of Zob-Ahan effluent water for irrigation water and seepage from evaporation ponds on the chemical composition of surrounding well-water were seasonally investigated from April to March in 2003. The water from the selected well was sampled and analyzed for pH, EC, nitrate, hardness, TSS, TDS, and cations including Na^＋, Ca^2＋, Mg^2＋, anions including SO4^2-, CO3^2-, HCO3^-, Cl^-, and heavy metals including Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, and Zn . The results were compared with standard levels for ground water resources, irrigation water, and direct human consumption. The result shows that the ground water in the vicinity of effluent water application fields and evaporation ponds is contaminated and the concentrations of NO3, Cl and Fe are higher than standard permissible levels for ground water resources. For irrigation or discharge into absorption well the heavy metal concentrations of Cu, Cr, Co, and Fe are limiting.     

Impact assessment of textile effluent on groundwater quality in the vicinity of Tirupur industrial area, southern India

Adverse effect of rapid industrialization on groundwater quality and quantity is widely known problem especially in developing countries. Tirupur, which is situated on the bank of Noyyal River in India, is known for intensive textile processing activities. As groundwater is the main water source for drinking water, there is an urgency to assess the groundwater quality. Twenty groundwater samples were collected for each post and pre-monsoon sampling during August 2009 and March 2010, respectively. Chemical and statistical analysis along with numerical modelling has been performed to assess the current status. The hydro-geochemical study revealed that the dominance of Mg–Cl and Na–HCO₃ groundwater type in the upstream region Tirupur industrial hub of Noyyal River basin. Na–Cl groundwater type was found increasing in industrial hub (Kasipalayam) and downstream of the industrial hub (Anaipalayam) sites. The dominance of Na–Cl type of water is mainly due to the impact of salts like NaCl, Na₂SO₄, etc. used in textile processing, which after discharge, percolate and accumulate in the aquifers. Seasonal groundwater quality of Tirupur region as a whole showed the dominance of Ca–HCO₃ ^?, Na–HCO₃ ^? and Na–Cl water types. PHREEQC model output indicates that nearly all the groundwater samples were oversaturated with respect to calcite and dolomite and undersaturated with respect to gypsum and halite. The results obtained in this study were then compared with groundwater quality of the Noyyal River basin for the year 2008–2009. Among the two sites, Kasipalayam was found to be most contaminated due to incessant industrial discharge. But with the advent of new treatment technologies like CETPs having zero liquid discharge system and MBR, there has been slight decline in the concentration of different physicochemical parameters from 2002–2003 to 2008–2009. This study not only makes situation alarming but also calls for immediate attention for sustainable management of water resources.     

The effect of low-rate sand filtration and modified feed management on effluent quality,pond water quality and production of intensive shrimp ponds

Pond water in intensive shrimp ponds is typically high in nutrients, solids, and BOD and may have an adverse environmental impact when discharged to natural waters. As part of ongoing research to develop intensive production technologies that minimize the potential for environmental impact, a study investigated the effect of lowrate, coarse-grain sand filtration on the quality of effluent being discharged from an intensive shrimp pond receiving 5% d^?1 water exchange. The effect of sand filtration on a recirculating no-exchange pond was also examined. For comparison, a third pond received no water exchange and no filtration. Sand filtration removed some particulate matter, but levels of dissolved and particulate organic and inorganic nutrients were changed little and were sometimes higher as the result of in situ decomposition. Low-rate sand filtration is not seen as a cost-effective method of increasing the carrying capacity of no-exchange shrimp ponds or drastically improving the effluent quality of ponds with water exchange. Compared to previous studies with decreased or no water exchange, the application of feed in these ponds was more stable with small portions fed at frequent intervals with a constant rate of 80 kg ha^?1 d^?1. These ponds, stocked with 40 m^?2 juvenilePenaeus vannamei, had excellent survival and normal growth, resulting in productions levels approaching 7,000 kg ha^?1 crop^?1 without water exchange. This indicates that intensive shrimp farming may be possible in static no-exchange systems, thereby minimizing the potential impact of effluent as long as feed inputs do not overwhelm the assimilative capacity of the pond ecosystem. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01BY069 00011     

Impact of storm runoff from tropical watersheds on coastal water quality and productivity

Storm runoff in the steep watersheds in Hawaii leads to sediment and freshwater pulses to coastal waters that quickly affect nearshore water quality. This is particularly true in semi-enclosed embayments, such as Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, where water has a relatively long residence time compared to more open coastal areas of the islands. In this paper the authors discuss water quality and productivity in Kaneohe Bay after back-to-back rain events in late November and early December 2003, following a particularly dry summer. The short-term biogeochemical response of coastal waters and the ecosystem to runoff and physical forcing was evaluated through a combination of continuous in situ measurements and adaptive synoptic sampling carried out on a variety of temporal and spatial scales.     

Impact of transferred water on the hydrochemistry and water quality of surface water and groundwater in Baiyangdian Lake,North China

The hydrochemical composition of surface water and groundwater is a key parameter for understanding the evolution of water and its quality.In particular, little is known about the impact of transferred water on surface water and groundwater.In this study, Baiyangdian Lake was selected as a typical area for extensive groundwater exploration and surface water transfer in the North China Plain.Surface water and groundwater samples were sampled in dry/wet seasons and then analyzed before/after the water transfer, respectively.Generally, surface water and groundwater are extensively hydrologically connected based on hydrochemical evidence.It was found that the hydrochemical composition of the shallow groundwater is affected by the surface water and that the water quality of the deep groundwater is stable.However, inter-aquifer recharge processes from the shallow groundwater to the deep groundwater existed in the anthropogenic region impacted with high nitrate-ion concentrations.Also, the hydrochemical composition of the surface water and groundwater was dominated by rock-weathering and evaporation-precipitation processes.Due to the existence of the deep vadose zone in the alluvial fan, Na~+was exchanged into soil matrices during the leakage of the surface water.In addition, the transferred water resulted in surface water with good quality, and it also played as an important recharge source to groundwater.As the most important water resource for irrigation and drinking, deep groundwater should be paid more attention in the alluvial fan with frequent water transfer and extensive groundwater exploration.     

Impact of fertilizer application and urban wastes on the quality of groundwater in the Cambrai Chalk aquifer,Northern France

Since 1975, Europe sets up its policy to limit the degradation and the pollution of the aquatic environments through 30 directives and regulations. In the north of France, the nitrate concentrations measured in the groundwater exceed the water drinking limit fixed at 50 mg/L by the European framework directive in the field of water (2000/60/EC). This high concentration is due to intensive agriculture, industrialization and demographic growth. Several programs were launched in order to resolve this situation: “Ferti-better” or the use of fertilizer in moderation and installation and amelioration of wastewater collect and treatment systems. In order to estimate the influence of the anthropic activities on the quality of groundwater in the “Artois-Picardy” basin, a preliminary validation on parcel and district scale were necessary. The impact of these programs in the “Cambrai district” was evaluated using an integrated approach, which is based on the use of four numerical models: AgriFlux, VS2DT, Modflow and MT3D. The results illustrate an improvement due to the “Ferti-Better” program initiated in 1990 and punctual degradation under urbanized areas. Predictions (2015) show a spatial evolution of nitrates concentration varying with the thickness of unsaturated layer. The integrated model constitutes an efficient tool for predicting the evolution of the groundwater quality. This approach is important to control the application of the new European laws in the water field.     

Initial stages of effluent plume development, Kinloch water treatment plant (WTP), Kinloch, Taupo, New Zealand

Studies of groundwater following changes to the wastewater treatment plant and disposal field at Kinloch (Taupo area, New Zealand) showed increases in chloride (Cl) after 5 months, followed by increased calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations arising as a result of cation exchange with sodium (Na) and potassium (K). Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) showed only small increases after 12 months of initial discharge, while phosphorus (P) was still being totally adsorbed by ion exchange in the aquifer.     

Efficiency assessment of aerobic biological effluent treatment plant treating pharmaceutical effluents

The present paper undertakes a study of the physico-chemical properties and toxic heavy metals content in the untreated and treated pharmaceutical effluents in order to evaluate the working efficiency of industrial effluent treatment plants. The treatment efficiency achieved for various parameters was conductivity (79.94%), alkalinity (93.91%), hardness (87.70%), chloride (89.24%), cyanide (79.66%), phosphate (99.19%), total dissolved solids (85.89%), total suspended solids (96.87%), salinity (52.41%), dissolved oxygen (27.32%), biochemical oxygen demand (83.39%) and chemical oxygen demand (72.21%). The removal efficiency achieved for different heavy metals was Cu²⁺ (79.66%), Ni²⁺ (69.22%), Cr⁶⁺ (80.15%), Pb²⁺ (72.14%), Fe³⁺ (92.59%) and Zn²⁺ (90.61%). The level of biochemical oxygen demand (64 mg L^?1) in the treated effluents was above the limit of 30.0 mg L^?1, chemical oxygen demand level (208 mg L^?1) was close to a limit of 250 mg L^?1, while average Pb²⁺ concentration (0.10 mg L^?1) was on the borderline of maximum permissible limit of 0.10 mg L^?1 set by Central Pollution Control Board for safe discharge of industrial effluent in inland surface water. The average concentration of cyanide (0.01 mg L^?1) in the treated industrial effluent of our study is of great concern to the fisheries of freshwater ecosystem in which the effluents finally get discharged. Based on the results of the present study, it is concluded that the pollution level in the discharged pharmaceutical effluent is of the great concern requiring proper treatment and regular scientific monitoring so as to protect the environmental degradation of water resources and facilitate the propagation of the aquatic life.     

Impact of rock-water interactions and recharge on water resources quality of the Agadir-Essaouira basin,southwestern Morocco

The Agadir-Essaouira area in the occidental High Atlas Mountains of Morocco is characterized by a semi-arid climate. The scarcity and quality of water resources, exacerbated by long drought periods, constitute a major problem for a sustainable development of this region. Groundwater resources of carbonate units within Jurassic and Cretaceous aquifers are requested for drinking and irrigation purposes. In this study, we collected 84 samples from wells, boreholes, springs, and rivers. Hydrochemical and isotopic data were used to examine the mineralization and origin of water, which control groundwater quality. The chemical composition of water seems to be controlled by water-rock interactions, such as dissolution of carbonates (calcite and dolomite), weathering of gypsum, as well as ion exchange processes, which explain the observed variability. Stable isotopes results show that groundwater from the mainly marly Cretaceous aquifer are submitted to an evaporation effect, while samples from the chiefly calcareous Jurassic aquifer indicate a meteoric origin, due to a rapid infiltration of recharge runoff through the karstic outcrops. The low values of δ¹⁸O and δ²H suggest a local recharge from areas with elevations ranging from 400 to 1200 m for the Cretaceous aquifer and from 800 to 1500 m for the Jurassic units.     

Paper plant effluent revisited-southern Lake Champlain, Vermont and New York

We used geologic and geochemical techniques to document the change with time of the distribution and concentration of contaminated bottom sediments in southern Lake Champlain near an International Paper Company plant. Our work, initiated in 1972, was expanded on behalf of Vermont citizens in a class-action suit against the International Paper Company. To update our 1972–1973 results, we collected nine cores in 1988 upstream and downstream from the paper plant effluent diffuser. Water content, volatile solids, organic carbon, and three ratios, Al/Si, Cl/Si, and S/Si, in addition to megascopic and microscopic observations, were evaluated to identify and trace the distribution of effluent and to measure the thickness of sediment affected by or containing components of effluent. Analyses were carried out on samples from the cores as well as from effluent collected directly from the plant's waste treatment facility. In 1973, two years after the plant opened, we cored near the diffuser; sediment contaminated with effluent was 4.5 cm thick. In 1988, in the same area, sediment contaminated with effluent was 17 cm thick. In 15 years, water content increased from 72 to 85 percent, volatile solids from 7 to 20 percent, and organic carbon from 2 to 12 percent. Cl/Si and S/Si were high only near the diffuser and were zero elsewhere. In the area of the diffuser, contaminated sediment appears to be accumulating at a rate of about 1 cm/yr. At a control location 22 km upstream (south) from the plant, the top, poorly consoli-dated layer was only 1 cm or less thick both in 1973 and in 1988. The class-action suit was settled in favor of the plaintiffs for $5 million.     

Impact of natural water chemistry on public drinking water in Japan

Drinking water from Japan (Toyama, Kumamoto, Osaka, and Tokyo Prefecture) and France (Volvic water) was evaluated for taste and health properties using an index based on major and trace mineral content and organoleptic components. Although various reports point to calcium (Ca²⁺) as a key ingredient imparting good taste and magnesium (Mg²⁺) and sulfate (SO₄ ^2?) as causing unpleasant taste in drinking water, recent sensory threshold experiments have indicated that other major ions and minerals directly or indirectly contribute to good taste, including potassium (K), silica (SiO₂), and phosphorous (P). The present study examined major and trace constituents in water to accurately quantify water taste, flavor, and health effects in good-tasting (Volvic, Toyama, and Kumamoto water) and average-tasting water (Osaka and Tokyo water). Trace metal, volatile organic carbon, non-purgeable organic carbon and total inorganic carbon levels were evaluated as parameters influencing the sensory properties of the drinking water. All of the representative good-tasting water contained higher amounts of tasty minerals (Ca²⁺, K⁺, SiO₂) and lower amounts of unsavory, rough (Mg²⁺ and SO₄ ^2?), and bitter (Cl^?) minerals. Stiff diagrams of the water samples indicated that good-tasting water was generally bicarbonate (HCO₃ ^?) type. Seasonal variations in physicochemical parameters did not change the order of abundance of cations and anions but did affect the concentration of various ions present in the water. Trace metals also affected water flavor. Mn facilitates acetaldehyde formation and Fe is associated with polyphenolic oxidation and formation of organoleptic flavor constituents. Trihalomethanes (THMs) may also cause unpleasant drinking water flavors or odors. THMs concentrations for all samples were below 5.7 μg/L, meeting the safety and taste requirements for good drinking water. The Japanese samples were compared against Volvic water, which was used as a standard for good-tasting water. Total dissolved solids concentrations were below 300 mg/L for all specimens, in compliance with World Health Organization guidelines. The results are discussed on the basis of the balance between inorganic major ions and trace minerals and THMs concentration thresholds.     

Impact of fertilizer phosphorus application on phosphorus release kinetics in some calcareous soils

Phosphate reactions and retention in the soil are of paramount importance from the perspective of plant nutrition and fertilizer use efficiency. The objective of this work was to study the kinetics of phosphorus (P) desorption in different soils of Hamadan in fertilized and unfertilized soils. Soils were fertilized with 200 mg P kg⁻¹. Fertilized and unfertilized soils were incubated at 25 ± 1°C for 6 months. After that, release of P was studied by successive extraction with 0.5 M NaHCO₃ over a period of 1,752 h. The results showed that phosphorus desorption from the fertilized and unfertilized soils began with a fast initial reaction, followed by a slow secondary reaction. The amount of P released after 1,752 h in fertilized and unfertilized soils ranged from 457 to 762.4 and 309.6 to 586.7 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The kinetics of cumulative P release was evaluated using the five kinetic equations. Phosphorus desorption kinetics were best described by parabolic diffusion law, first order, and power function equations. Rate constants of these equations were higher in fertilized than unfertilized soils. Results from this study indicate that release rate of P plays a significant role in supplying available P and released P in runoff.     

Assessing water quality using water quality index and multivariate analysis

Groundwater is increasingly gaining significance as the main solution to the water supply problems in Ghana, especially in the rural areas. This study was conducted to determine which factors play significant roles in the hydrochemistry of groundwater from the southern Voltaian formation. Conventional graphical and multivariate statistical methods were used. The study reveals three main factors controlling the hydrochemistry. Silicate mineral weathering and reverse cation exchange are the most important processes affecting the hydrochemistry of groundwater at this part of the formation. Interpolation maps created from factor scores suggest that these processes are the most pervasive, recording high scores almost everywhere in the study area. Carbonate mineral weathering is the second most important process in the hydrochemistry. This study finds that carbonate mineral weathering in the area is probably facilitated by carbonic acid rather than sulfuric acid. Chemicals from agricultural activities constitute the third most important process influencing groundwater quality in the area. Eighty samples were used to calculate water quality indices, WQI, which were in turn used to classify groundwater from the study area. Over 98% of the samples fall within the “Excellent” and “Good” categories, suggesting that groundwater from the southern Voltaian formation is generally acceptable for drinking purposes.     

Impact of co-combustion of petroleum coke and coal on fly ash quality: Case study of a Western Kentucky power plant

Petroleum coke has been used as a supplement or replacement for coal in pulverized-fuel combustion. At a 444-MW western Kentucky power station, the combustion of nearly 60% petroleum coke with moderate- to high-sulfur Illinois Basin coal produces fly ash with nearly 50% uncombusted petroleum coke and large amounts of V and Ni when compared to fly ash from strictly pulverized coal burns. Partitioning of the V and Ni, known from other studies to be concentrated in petroleum coke, was noted. However, the distribution of V and Ni does not directly correspond to the amount of uncombusted petroleum coke in the fly ash. Vanadium and Ni are preferentially associated with the finer, higher surface area fly ash fractions captured at lower flue gas temperatures. The presence of uncombusted petroleum coke in the fly ash doubles the amount of ash to be disposed, makes the fly ash unmarketable because of the high C content, and would lead to higher than typical (compared to other fly ashes in the region) concentrations of V and Ni in the fly ash even if the petroleum coke C could be beneficiated from the fly ash. Further studies of co-combustion ashes are necessary in order to understand their behavior in disposal.     

Impact of recharge variations on water quality as indicated by excess air in groundwater of the Kalahari, Botswana

Groundwater is an important and often exclusive water resource in arid and semi-arid regions. The aim of the present paper was to gain insight into the processes and conditions that control the deterioration of groundwater quality in the semi-arid Kalahari of Botswana. Measurements of ³He, ⁴He, ²⁰Ne, ²²Ne, and of ¹⁴C of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) were combined with existing isotopic and hydrochemical data to investigate groundwater from the Ntane Sandstone Aquifer, which is affected by high nitrate concentrations of non-anthropogenic origin. All groundwater samples revealed neon concentrations in excess to air-saturated water, which we attributed to the addition of excess air during recharge. Neon concentrations ranged from values close to air saturation for ¹⁴C DIC rich samples (up to 80.5%MC) up to values of 90% in excess to air-saturated water for lower ¹⁴C DIC contents (2.6-61.3%MC). A strong linear correlation of excess Ne with nitrate concentrations suggests an intimate connection between groundwater quality and the processes and conditions during groundwater recharge. Low groundwater recharge rates under present-day semi-arid conditions are associated with low amounts of excess Ne and elevated nitrate concentrations. In contrast to this, higher excess Ne values in groundwater of lower ¹⁴C DIC and nitrate contents indicate that the high quality groundwater end-member presumably is related to higher groundwater table fluctuations during wetter climatic conditions in the past. We attribute the decline in groundwater quality with respect to nitrate to a decreasing rate and temporal variability of groundwater recharge, and to concurrent changes in biogeochemical activities following a transition to a drier climate during the Holocene. Under such conditions, a much stronger decrease in groundwater recharge compared to the release of nitrate from soil organic matter may result in elevated nitrate concentrations in the vadose zone and groundwater. This implies a strong impact of climate change on the transport of solutes like nitrate through the vadose zone which needs to be considered in predictions of future groundwater quality.     

Influence of copper mine on surface water quality

Aras water basin is located in northwest of Iran. Sungun mine which is the largest open-cast copper mine of Iran is located in this region and is in the primary stages of extraction. The influence of mining activity on the quality of regional surface water has been taken in to consideration in this study. Accordingly, sampling was done from 5 local streams in the study area. In order to consider the effect of flow quantity on the amount of different parameters, sampling was done in July and November 2005 when the local streams had the minimum and maximum flow rate respectively. The concentrations of major anions and cations as well as As, Mo, Al, Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn and Zn were determined. The results showed that the concentrations of metallic ions like aluminum, chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum and iron in samples collected in July are above USEPA (Environmental Protection Agency) limits; however, mentioned concentrations are lessened remarkably in the samples collected in November. This fact is justified considering dilution of ions concentration via more amount of water in November. The chemical characteristics of water compositions on the basis of major ion concentrations were evaluated on a Schoeller and Piper diagram. Accordingly, the dominant type of water in July and November is considered to be Ca-HCO₃ (calcium-bicarbonate type). Regarding Schoeller diagram, despite relatively high concentration of calcium, the current status of local surface water is acceptable for drinking purposes. By commencing mining excavation with designed capacity in near future, the minerals will come in to contact with air and water resulting in dissolution, especially in ponds, which, in turn, increases the concentration of heavy metals in surface water. Considering consequent uses of this water including drinking, irrigation, industrial, etc. precautions must be taken in to consideration.     

随机扩散水质模型研究

考虑湖泊中影响总磷沉积过程的众多生态因子的变化过程,假定湖泊中总磷沉积过程由标准布朗运动驱动,建立了一个总磷浓度的随机扩散方程,推广确定性富营养化Vollenweider水质模型为随机扩散模型,获得了总磷浓度过程的解析解,进而求出了总磷浓度过程的均值和方差,指出了一种依据沉积系数调控湖泊中总磷浓度的方法。模型被应用于巢湖总磷浓度过程的模拟。     

水分迁移对冻土细观结构的影响

冻结作用导致土体中产生了水分迁移,从而改变了土体密度,进而改变了土体结构性及其物理力学性质。利用CT设备,对冻融前后的土样进行CT细观试验,通过CT数变化定量分析土样的损伤程度,反映冻土结构的变化。结果表明：冻结过程中同时发生了裂纹的张开与闭合,冰透镜体位置裂纹数量在冻结后明显增加。冻结区土样在水分迁移并结晶的作用下被切割成多个多边形,造成土样孔隙增大,导致CT数减小,损伤量增大。融土区土体在冻胀力作用下产生了一定的固结,使得其密度增大,CT数增大,损伤量表现为负值。上部荷载对土体损伤有抑制作用,而冻融作用却加剧了土体损伤。     

Comparison of different models of water quality index in the assessment of surface water quality

The method of water quality index is widely used in evaluation of the surface water quality because of its capability to summarize a number of water quality parameters into one numeric value, along with defined scale of water quality range. The current investigation includes application of modified model for calculating water quality index values, generated using experimental data and literary models. Software was created using modular design. Fourteen physical, chemical and biological parameters representing water quality state along with the assigned weights were elected. Comparison between models generated based on Serbian and American models of water quality index was done. Selected parameters differ mutually in number of parameters used in calculation of index, as well as in values of the weighting factors. In order to enable an efficient water quality analysis and to reconcile the requirements of both Serbian and American model, two software solutions were generated and processed on the example of the water quality of the Danube River in Serbia. Danube water quality was assessed at seventeen measuring locations along the river flow. Index values obtained from the two generated software applications were compared with the results of the official Serbian online calculator. Water quality determined using new generated models shows stricter approach and one class lower water quality compared to the existing Serbian model. Therefore, modular and open-generated simulation software is of great significance for the comparison and testing of different water quality models, not just those two shown in this study.