The impact of farming on river banks on water quality of the rivers

A study was carried out in a strip of a river in the dry and rainy seasons to assess the effect of farming along river banks on the quality of water in rivers. The results showed that there was an increase in the concentration of nitrate in the water downstream in both the rainy and dry seasons. In both rainy and dry seasons, the total nitrogen in the soil was highest (p<0.01) in the middle section. Significant seasonal differences (p<0.01) were observed for phosphate in water, being higher in the dry season. In the soil, the concentration of phosphate showed significant sectional differences (p<0.01) in the rainy season with the highest concentration observed in the lower section (1.74±0.01mg/l) and the least in the upper section (1.02±0.01g/l). However, in the dry season, the highest concentration was obtained in the middle section (1.69±0.01mg/l) and the least in the upper section (1.15±0.02 mg/l). The results suggest that the farms along the riverbanks have an impact on the water quality of the water in the river. It is therefore recommended that there should be close monitoring of the activities of the farms on riverbanks to minimise their impacts on the natural ecosystems that they interact with. Frequent monitoring of the water quality in the rivers relative to the farming estates should be done.     

Monitoring the seasonal dynamics of physicochemical parameters from Atoyac River basin (Puebla), Central Mexico: multivariate approach

Spatiotemporal variations of ten physicochemical parameters in the water quality of Atoyac River basin, Central Mexico, were obtained from 22 sampling sites (66 samples in total) located all along the basin for three different seasons (dry, rainy and winter). Multivariate statistical techniques such as correlation matrix, factor analysis (FA) and cluster analysis (CA) were used as a tool to understand the process. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature (T), pH, conductivity (λ), dissolved oxygen (DO), spectral absorption coefficient (SAC), oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), turbidity, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspended solids (TSS) were analyzed. Extremely high values of pH (10.24), conductivity (1870 µS/cm) and reduced redox potential (?370.1 mV) were observed in the dry season, whereas elevated TSS of 2996 mg/L was detected during the rainy season. The results elucidated high influence from the adjoining industrial, agricultural and urban zones, making the river unsuitable for life. FA generated varifactors, which accounted for cumulative % of 75.04 (dry), 76.22 (rainy) and 79.96 (winter) clearly grouping the external factors responsible for these significant values indicating the source of contamination. Cluster analysis facilitated the ease of classifying the sampling sites based on the similarities of physicochemical parameters. This study carried out in different seasons using multivariate statistical techniques would definitely prove to be an efficient tool for the restoration and establishing the real-time monitoring stations along this important river basin of Mexico.     

Fate and transport of pollutants through a municipal solid waste landfill leachate in Sri Lanka

This study focuses on the characterization of leachate generated from Gohagoda dumpsite in Kandy, Sri Lanka, assessment of its spatial and temporal variations, and identification of subsurface canals and perched water bodies in the wetland system affected by the leachate flow. Leachate samples were collected monthly throughout dry and rainy seasons from different points of the leachate drainage channel over a period of 1 year and they were tested for quality parameters: pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved soils, alkalinity, hardness, total solids, volatile solids, total suspended solids, volatile suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), chemical oxygen demand, nitrate-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, phosphates, ammonium-nitrogen, chloride, dissolved organic carbon, total organic carbon and heavy metals. Sequential soil extraction procedures were performed for the characterization of leachate-affected local soil. A geophysical survey using direct current resistivity technique was conducted at locations downstream of the dumpsite. Leachate characteristics indicated that the leachate is in the methanogenic phase and the results strongly suggest that the leachate may be polluting the river where the leachate is discharged directly. Leachate exceeds the allowable limits of Sri Lankan wastewater discharge standards for many of the parameters. Significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed for most of organic and inorganic parameters among all sampling locations. Many parameters showed a negative correlation with pH. The affected soils showed high heavy metal concentrations. Resistivity study confirmed a confined leachate flow at the near surface with few subsurface canals. However, no separate subsurface plume movement was observed. The results of this research can effectively be used for the establishment of an efficient and effective treatment method for the Gohagoda landfill leachate.     

Chemistry and discharge characteristics of Odukpani junction springs, Calabar Flank, south-eastern Nigeria

A 6-month study spanning the rainy and dry seasons was conducted on Odukpani Junction springs (Nigeria) to assess the variation in discharge and physico-chemical parameters. The study also evaluated the impact of geology and indiscriminate disposal of wastes on spring water quality. The results indicate a poor correlation between discharge (Q) and amount of rainfall (R). This is attributed to the distance of the meteorological station and the sampled localities, thus eliminating micro rainfall data. However, Q increased with an increase in R. The variation of ions with time was not large; however, concentrations were higher during the rainy season in most cases. Three major chemical facies (Ca-HCO₃, Ca-SO₄, K-HCO₃) identified show major relationship with lithology. Multiple regression equations have been developed to predict the total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and discharge (Q). The level of nitrate is high (9-43 mg/l) compared with the World Health Organisation (WHO) limits of 10.0 mg/l. This is attributed to the indiscriminate dumping of domestic, human and animal wastes. Other parameters determined are within the limits acceptable for potable water by the Nigerian Federal Environmental Protection Agency (NFEPA) and WHO.     

Water quality index of the ground water of bitumen deposit impacted farm settlements using entropy weighted method

Ground water of the farm settlements in the bitumen deposit area of Western Nigeria were tested for pH, conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solid, sulphate, phosphate, nitrogen nitrate, chloride, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and total coliform in the dry season (March) and rainy season (August) of years 2008 and 2009 using atomic absorption spectrometer and standard analytical methods. Conductivity, pH, turbidity, phosphate ions and total coliform values obtained in some of the wells were out of the recommended range for drinking water. Water quality index analysis was carried out using information entropy method. Water quality index of the wells when compared with the permissible limits of international standards, ranked the bore hole as ‘excellent’ in the dry season of year 2009 and just ‘good’ in the rainy season of the same year. Ground water sampling stations were ranked extremely poor at least once out of the four seasons considered. Water quality index ranking also showed that the quality of the wells declined over the years. The correlation coefficient matrix (p < 0.05) of water quality index and the parameters showed significant relationships between water quality index and total coliform (0.99), total dissolved solids and conductivity (0.96), hardness and Ca²⁺ (0.68), hardness and Mg²⁺ (0.75). Water quality index also showed moderate significant relationship with total dissolved solid, conductivity and N–NO₃ ^?. High concentration of total coliform in most of the shallow wells in the environment, due to bitumen deposit, renders them unfit for human consumption unless properly treated.     

鄱阳湖水系重金属元素地球化学特征及入湖通量

江西省多目标区域地球化学调查显示,鄱阳湖流域河流两岸土壤(河漫滩沉积物)中存在明显的重金属异常带。为揭示河流两岸河漫滩沉积物(土壤)中重金属元素的来源、输送通量及其沉积历史,分别于丰水期和枯水期系统采集了鄱阳湖流域赣江、信江、饶河、抚河、修水及鄱阳湖湖水、悬浮物等样品,分析As、Cd、Pb等元素含量。研究表明：As、Pb、Cu、Zn等元素在研究区河流中的含量普遍较高,不同时期河水中的元素含量有较大的差异;各重金属元素在研究区河流迁移形式有很大的差别,As和Cd主要以离子态形式迁移,但Cd悬浮态迁移形式所占比例也很大;Pb、Zn、Cu和Ni主要以悬浮态形式迁移;重金属在河流水体和悬浮物两相中的分配受水体pH值、温度和悬浮物浓度等因素影响,不同的元素受这些因素的影响程度有很大的差别;按各支流输送通量,赣江和信江对湖区重金属元素输入通量的贡献最大,是鄱阳湖Cd等重金属元素的最主要来源。     

Using total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity as proxies for evaluation of metal transport in river water

The present study was carried out in Haraz basin (Iran) that is located in south of the Caspian Sea. The goal of this study was to establish correlations amongst total suspended solids concentration (TSS) and turbidity with total pollutant concentrations to evaluate the dissolved and particle-bound concentrations of major toxic metals. It also aimed to validate TSS and/or turbidity measurements as proxies to monitor pollutant fluxes. Eight metals, namely nickel, lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, cobalt, arsenic and strontium were analyzed for dissolved and total concentrations in water at ten locations within the catchment. TSS and turbidity were also measured. Sampling campaigns were designed to cover both the rainy (December) and the dry (May) season within the basin. The robust relationship between TSS (202–1212 mg/l) and turbidity (63–501 NTUs) in both seasons warranted their interchangeable potential as proxies within the observed ranges. Total element concentrations were plotted in separate attempts versus TSS and turbidity for all locations and both events. Very good linear correlations were attained where the slopes represent the metals concentration on suspended solids and the intercept the dissolved concentration in water. The results achieved by these linear regressions were in very good agreement with independently measured values for dissolved concentration and concentrations on river bed sediments taken at the same locations. This demonstrates that turbidity and/or TSS measurements may be used for monitoring of metal loads if once calibrated against total concentration of metals. The results also revealed that in the lower Haraz catchment metal concentrations on suspended and river bed sediment were homogeneously distributed along the investigated river stretch. This is assumed to be due to intensive gravel and sand mining activities in the upper and middle part of the catchment.     

Water quality index and fractal dimension analysis of water parameters

Statistical analysis of water quality parameters were analyzed at Harike Lake on the confluence of Beas and Sutlej rivers of Punjab (India). Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, kurtosis, skewness, coefficient of variation, regression lines, correlation coefficient, Hurst exponent, fractal dimension and predictability index were estimated for each water parameter. Monthly variation of water quality index using month-wise and parameter-wise value of quality rating and actual value present in water sample was calculated and compared with World Health Organization/Environmental Protection Agency standard value of these parameters. It was observed that Brownian time series behavior exists of potential of hydrogen with total dissolved solids, hardness, alkalinity, sulfate, chloride and conductance parameters; biochemical oxygen demand with total dissolved solids, hardness, alkalinity, sulfate, chloride, conductance and calcium parameters; dissolved oxygen with total dissolved solids, hardness, alkalinity, sulfate, chloride, conductance and calcium parameters; ferrous with total dissolved solids, hardness, alkalinity, sulfate, conductance and calcium parameters; chromium with total dissolved solids, hardness, alkalinity, sulfate, chloride, conductance and zinc parameters; zinc with total dissolved solids, hardness, sulfate, chloride, conductance and calcium parameters; fluoride with total dissolved solids, hardness, alkalinity, sulfate, chloride and conductance parameters; nitrate with total dissolved solids, sulfate and conductance parameters; nitrite with potential of hydrogen, total dissolved solids, hardness, alkalinity, sulfate, chloride, conductance and calcium parameters. Also, using water quality index, it was observed that water of the lake was severely contaminated and became unfit for drinking and industrial use.     

Statistical evaluation of fluoride contamination in groundwater resources of Santiago del Estero Province,Argentina

This study investigates the suitability of statistical techniques for evaluating the fluoride content and the groundwater quality from Robles Department (RD) and Banda Department (BD) in Santiago del Estero (Argentina). For the original statistical study, evaluation of nine parameters (fluoride, pH, conductivity, atmospheric and water temperature, total dissolved solids, chloride, hardness, and alkalinity) of 110 collected underground water samples from 23 dispersed rural areas was proposed. Groundwater samples were obtained by sampling taken from wells at different depths. Fluoride levels were determined by a standard colorimetric method in two seasonal periods, the dry (from April to September) and rainy (from October to March) period. The analytical results obtained for physicochemical parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and temperature does not reveal any notable difference between the rainy and dry seasons studied. In both seasons, the atmospheric temperature average was 22 ​°C. With respect to fluoride content, approximately 50% of the analysed groundwater samples exceeded the limit established by current legislation (1.0 ​mg/L), obtaining concentration levels in the range of 0.01–2.80 ​mg/L. This study demonstrates the usefulness of the univariate statistical method (quartiles calculation, interquartile range IQR), multivariate principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis to establish a better understanding of the state of the contamination of the waters in the region studied.     

Seasonality of materials transport through a coastal freshwater marsh: Riverine versus tidal forcing

Transports of nitrate and suspended solids were measured six times from January 1984 until January 1985 in a small freshwater tidal bayou in south-central Louisiana. The bayou and adjacent marshes are influenced by Atchafalaya River discharges, tides, and coastal weather patterns. Large net ebb-directed water transports occurred in winter, spring, and summer, coincident with high river discharges, indicating riverine dominance. A very small net flood-directed water transport occurred in fall, indicating tidally dominated hydrology. Nitrate and suspended solids transports were net ebb-directed in all seasons, but were two orders of magnitude higher during high river flow. Exports changed as hydrology switched from river dominated to tidally dominated, and as concentrations of materials changed. Comparison of suspended solids and nitrate concentrations in the river and bayou shows that these materials were usually lower in the bayou, indicating retention by the marsh/aquatic system.     

Ecological characteristics of Vrishabhavathy River in Bangalore (India)

River Vrishabhavathy, a tributary of Cauvery River was studied for 12 physico-chemical parameters at four sites over a distance of 50 km for a period of 2 years (1999–2001) at monthly intervals. Water was faintly alkaline, with pH showing negative correlation with temperature. The dissolved oxygen content increased downstream with negative correlation to biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and turbidity. Bicarbonate alkalinity was very low compared with carbonate alkalinity. Carbonate alkalinity, total hardness, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, electrical conductivity, BOD and COD decreased downstream, with an upward trend in the middle reaches due to the introduction of raw sewage. The seasonal and yearly trends are also discussed. The river is a sewer collector undergoing self-purification.     

水位变化影响下的河水-地下水侧向交互带地球化学动态

为了解不同水位变化影响下的河水与地下水侧向交互带地球化学特征动态,以重庆市马鞍溪为研究对象,选取丰水期向枯水期过渡的10-12月为研究期,对河水、地下水及交互带的水位、水温、溶解氧（DO）、pH值、电导率（EC）进行监测,结合对水体主要离子浓度的分析。结果表明,随枯水期到来,侧向交互带水位发生较大变化,交互带与河水间的水位梯度缩小,河水入渗动力逐渐减弱。水位的变化及入渗水温的降低,使交互带微生物活动减弱,pH值上升且变幅减小,DO上升。在其影响下,交互带EC下降,变幅减小,交互带对NO₃-、SO₄2-的净化能力降低,对Mn、Zn等重金属固定能力增强。通过分析交互带地球化学特征的变化,可推断出随马鞍溪枯水期的到来,侧向交互带边界由距河岸30~50 cm移动至距河岸30 cm以内。     

Spatial and temporal dynamics of suspended particles and E. coli in a complex surface-water and karst groundwater system as a basis for an adapted water protection scheme,northern Vietnam

Karst aquifers in subtropical regions are characterized by high variability of water availability and quality due to changes associated with rainy and dry seasons. An additional challenge for water management is the combination of surface-water and karst groundwater systems since high spatiotemporal dynamics cause high variability of water quality. In these cases, adapted protection strategies are required. In this study, a protection approach for the catchment of a river-water diversion point in a rural area in northern Vietnam is developed. The variability of water quality was evaluated by rainy and dry season synoptic surveys of suspended particles and microbial contamination at 49 sites and time series at three sets of paired sites under constant hydraulic conditions. The anthropogenic land-use activities in the catchment were mapped to identify potential contamination sources and to highlight the challenging combination of surface-water and karst groundwater management. The analyzed data indicate differences in water quality between the dry and rainy seasons and a higher influence on water quality from land use than from hydrologic conditions. Furthermore, the results suggest a high risk of contamination resulting from residential areas, agriculture, and livestock farming, and reveal the necessity of implementation of appropriate measures such as restricted farming and the hook-up of buildings to municipal sewage disposal. Finally, the data show that water quality can be improved by adjusting water withdrawals by the time of day. The applied methods can be transferred to other surface-water and karst groundwater systems in similar subtropical environments.

     

Chemical variability in the Sacramento River and in Northern San Francisco Bay

Specific conductance and concentrations of alkalinity, dissolved silica, nitrate, and ammonium were measured daily in the Sacramento River flow to northern San Francisco Bay during the rainfall seasons of 1983 and 1984 (high flow) and during late summer and early fall of 1984 (low flow). Flow and concentrations of chemical species varied in response to storm events during high flow, but flow was more variable than concentrations of chemical species. Runoff from agriculturally developed areas appeared to increase specific conductance and concentrations of alkalinity during high flow. During low flow, inputs of agricultural tailwaters caused variations in concentrations of alkalinity and dissolved silica. Dilution of municipal waste by river flow caused variability in concentrations of ammonium during both high flow and low flow. Distributions of alkalinity, dissolved silica, nitrate, and ammonium were measured in northern San Francisco Bay during late summer and fall of 1984. Changes in distributions of alkalinity in the estuary were caused by variations in alkalinity in the Sacramento River. Changes in distributions of dissolved silica, nitrate, and ammonium appeared to be primarily related to variations in supply by the river and removal by phytoplankton. Effects of removal by phytoplankton were large for ammonium and dissolved silica, but appeared relatively small for nitrate.     

Evaluation of spatial and seasonal variations in surface water quality using multivariate statistical techniques

In this study, spatial and seasonal variations of water quality in Haraz River Basin were evaluated using multivariate statistical techniques, such as cluster analysis, principal component analysis and factor analysis. Water quality data collected from 8 sampling stations in river during 4 seasons (Summer and Autumn of 2007, Winter and Spring of 2008) were analyzed for 10 parameters (dissolved oxygen, Fecal Coliform, pH, water temperature, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, total phosphate, turbidity, total solid and discharge). Cluster analysis grouped eight sampling stations into three clusters of similar water quality features and thereupon the whole river basin may be categorized into three zones, i.e. low, moderate and high pollution. The principle component analysis/factor analysis assisted to extract and recognize the factors or origins responsible for water quality variations in four seasons of the year. The natural parameters (temperature and discharge), the inorganic parameter (total solid) and the organic nutrients (nitrate) were the most significant parameters contributing to water quality variations for all seasons. Result of principal component analysis and factor analysis evinced that, a parameter that can be significant in contribution to water quality variations in river for one season, may less or not be significant for another one.     

Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and hydrologic mixing in a subtropical riverine estuary,southwest Florida,USA

Physical and chemical parameters were measured in a subtropical estuary with a blind river source in southwest Florida, United States, to assess seasonal discharge of overland flow and groundwater in hydrologic mixing. Water temperature, pH, salinity, alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), δ¹⁸O, and δ¹³C_DIC varied significantly due to seasonal rainfall and climate. Axial distribution of the physical and chemical parameters constrained by tidal conditions during sampling showed that river water at low tide was a mixture of freshwater from overland flow and saline ground-water in the wet season and mostly saline groundwater in the dry season. Relationships between salinity and temperature, δ¹⁸O, and DIC for both the dry and wet seasons showed that DIC was most sensitive to seawater mixing in the estuary as DIC changed in concentration between values measured in river water at the tidal front to the most seaward station. A salinity-δ¹³C_DIC model was able to describe seawater mixing in the estuary for the wet season but not for the dry season because river water salinity was higher than that of seawater and the salinity gradient between seawater and river water was small. A DIC-δ¹³C_DIC mixing model was able to describe mixing of carbon from sheet flow and river water at low tide, and river water and seawater at high tide for both wet and dry seasons. The DIC-δ¹³C_DIC model was able to predict the seawater end member DIC for the wet season. The model was not able to predict the seawater end member DIC for the dry season data due to secondary physical and biogeochemical processes that altered estuarine DIC prior to mixing with seawater. The results of this study suggest that DIC and δ¹³C_DIC can provide additional insights into mixing of river water and seawater in estuaries during periods where small salinity gradients between river water and seawater and higher river water salinities preclude the use of salinity-carbon models.     

珠江马口站,河口站断面水体有机碳含量的季节变化

１９９７年７月份和１１月份对北河口站和西江马口站水体有机碳含量进行了两次采样分析。结果表明;两江水体的颗粒有机碳含量在不同 均高于溶解有机碳含量,这与全球河流以溶解有机碳为主的平均格局显著不同。溶解有机碳,颗粒有机碳含量以及总有机碳含量均不文季节的变化而变化,汛期含量高于平水期。悬浮物中有机碳的含量的随悬浮物含量的增加,也即流域土壤机械侵蚀强度的加强而降低,这种现象与全球河流的总体趋势一致。汛期水     

Two-dimensional modelling of hydrodynamics and water quality of a stratified dam reservoir in the southern side of the Mediterranean Sea

A vertical two-dimensional, laterally averaged hydrodynamic and water quality model CE-QUAL-W2 was used to simulate water temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, chlorophyll a, total suspended solids, alkalinity, ammonium, phosphate, and total iron in the Sejnane Dam (North Tunisia) in response to external forcings that characterize main features of climate in the southern side of the Mediterranean Sea. The hydrodynamic modelling results show that the model is able to reproduce accurately the measured water surface elevation, spatio-temporal patterns of temperature, dissolved oxygen and other state of variables and to capture most of the seasonal changes in the reservoir. Three scenarios involving the impacts of severe drought season, summer rainfall and total suspended solids load on hydrodynamics and water quality are analyzed. Severe drought reduces the thickness of hypoxic waters from 10 to 2–4 m and shifts the temperature of the entire water column up to 5 °C during summer and about 1.2 °C in winter. The thermocline takes place 1 month before that of the reference and sinks to the bottom faster by 1–2 m per month. Summer rainfall dilutes the first waves of the autumn rains and disrupts the thermal gradient in the water column, which may show complex thermal structures. TSS load has the most negative effects on water quality in that it shifts the phosphorus concentration by 1–3 mg/l and promotes an early warming of surface water in spring and an early cooling since late summer by up to 1 °C. During summer stratification, it contributes to the cooling of the metalimnion by 2 °C on average, which may alter its structure and dynamics as an aquatic biotope.     

Variations of Pb in a mine-impacted tropical river,Taxco, Mexico: Use of geochemical,isotopic and statistical tools

The potential environmental threat from Pb in Mexican rivers impacted by historic mining activities was studied using geochemical, isotopic and statistical methods. Lead geochemical fractionation and factor analysis of fractionated and total Pb indicate that anthropogenic sources have contributed significantly to Pb concentrations, while natural sources have contributed only small amounts. The analyses also indicate that two main processes are controlling the total Pb variation throughout the year in both rivers: erosion with discharge processes, and proportional dilution related to differences in grain-size distribution processes. Bio-available Pb in riverbed sediments was greater than 50% in 80% of the sampling stations indicating a high potential environmental risk, according to the risk assessment criteria (RAC). Nevertheless, based on the environmental chemistry of Pb and on multivariate statistical analysis, these criteria did not apply in this particular case. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in total Pb concentrations (from 50 to 5820 mg kg⁻¹) and in the geochemical fractionation were observed as a function of seasonality and location along the river flow path. In the Cacalotenango and Taxco rivers, the highest concentrations of total Pb were found at stations close to tailings during the rainy and post-rainy seasons. The geochemistry of Pb was mainly controlled, during the dry and post-rainy seasons by the organic matter and carbonate content, and in the rainy season by hydrological conditions (e.g., the increase in river flux), hydrological basin erosion, and the suspended solids concentration. Isotopic analyses of the ²¹⁰Pb/²¹⁴Pb ratio showed three processes in the Cacalotenango and Taxco rivers. First, the accumulation of atmospheric excess ²¹⁰Pb, favoured during calmer hydrodynamic conditions in the river basin commonly during dry periods, is recorded by a ²¹⁰Pb/²¹⁴Pb ratio of >1. In the case of the Cacalotenango river, ²¹⁰Pb did show preferential accumulation in sediments. Second, a ²¹⁰Pb/²¹⁴Pb ratio of <1 in some samples might be indicating (a) the presence of eroded material from weathered tailings with similar ²¹⁰Pb depletion (probably by secular disequilibrium caused by weathering or mining processes, which was observed in both rivers), or (b) preferential transport of Pb and sediments during high energy events (e.g., flow increase, as is the case of Taxco river). Third, no significant changes in the ²¹⁰Pb/²¹⁴Pb ratio might be reflecting a situation where mining material is not entering the system, or where hydrodynamic changes throughout the year of equal magnitude allow the system to reach a new equilibrium for the ²¹⁰Pb/²¹⁴Pb ratio. Finally, based on these results it is recommended that inhabitants of the studied area avoid using water from the Cacalotenango river in the rainy and post-rainy seasons, and to take precautions for its use in the dry season, such as allowing suspended material to settle before use, and that they should avoid use of Taxco river water at all times.     

Dissolved Boron in the Tapi,Narmada and the Mandovi Estuaries,the Western Coast of India: Evidence for Conservative Behavior

The concentrations of dissolved boron have been measured during different seasons in three estuaries, the Tapi, Narmada and the Mandovi situated on the western coast of India, to investigate its geochemical behavior and inputs from the localized anthropogenic pressures of industrial effluents and sewage discharge. The measured boron concentrations in these estuaries (except the Tapi during non-monsoon) at salinity ≤0.1 fall in a narrow range?～?2–4 μmol/kg (average B?～?2.4?±?0.8 μmol/kg) within the reported wide range?～?0.1–18.6 μmol/kg for global rivers. The much higher estimate of boron concentration in the Tapi River during non-monsoon is attributed to its possible additional supply from the sewage and/or industrial effluents discharged along the river course. During monsoon, the rains seem to be a significant source of dissolved boron to all the three rivers. The distribution of dissolved boron in each estuary exhibits a conservative behavior during the seasons sampled suggestive of no measurable addition or removal of boron in the estuarine region. The orders of magnitude differences in boron concentration between the river waters and seawater, and the conservative behavior of dissolved boron indicate that its major contributor to the estuaries sampled is seawater.