Water quality in Lemoa, Guatemala

A variety of water supply sources are used in the rural Guatemalan Highlands. Formal municipal systems are rare, but villagers frequently form local water committees that construct spring-based supply systems. Recent work has indicated that groundwater may be a viable water supply source. The water quality from these two sources was characterized as well as water from other common sources including surface water and precipitation collection systems. Typically, all of the water sources contained unacceptable levels of coliform bacteria except for groundwater from a drilled well. Water monitoring indicated that not only did the water contain coliforms at the actual sources, but the infrastructure used to transmit the water to points of use may also be a source of coliforms. A cost comparison indicates that groundwater may be a cost-competitive, higher quality alternative to traditional spring-fed water systems.     

Relationships between benthic community condition, water quality, sediment quality, nutrient loads, and land use patterns in Chesapeake Bay

Associations between macrobenthic communities, measures of water column and sediment exposure, and measures of anthropogenic activities throughout the watershed were examined for the Chesapeake Bay, U.S. The condition of the macrobenthic communities was indicated by a multimetric benthic index of biotic integrity (B-IBI) that compares deviation of community metrics from values at reference sites assumed to be minimally altered by anthropogenic sources of stress. Correlation analysis was used to examine associations between sites with poor benthic condition and measures of pollution exposure in the water column and sediment. Low dissolved oxygen events were spatially extensive and strongly correlated with benthic community condition, explaining 42% of the variation in the B-IBI. Sediment contamination was spatially limited to a few specific locations including Baltimore Harbor and the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River and explained about 10% of the variation in the B-IBI. After removing the effects of low dissolved oxygen events, the residual variation in benthic community condition was weakly correlated with surrogates for eutrophication—water column concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophylla. Associations between benthic conditions and anthropogenic inputs and activities in the watershed were also studied by correlation analysis. Benthic condition was negatively correlated with measures of urbanization (i.e., population density, point source loadings, and total nitrogen loadings) and positively correlated with watershed forestation. Significant correlations were observed with population density and nitrogen loading below the fall line, but not above it, suggesting that near-field activities have a greater effect on benthic condition than activities in the upper watershed. At the tributary level, the frequency of low dissolved oxygen events and levels of sediment contaminants were positively correlated with population density and percent of urban land use. Sediment contaminants were also positively correlated with point source nutrient loadings. Water column total nitrogen concentrations were positively correlated with nonpoint nutrient loadings and agricultural land use while total phosphorus concentrations were not correlated with land use or nutrient loadings. Chlorophylla concentrations were positively correlated with nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the water column and with agricultural land use but were not correlated with nutrient loads.     

北京平谷大华山镇土壤质量地球化学评价

北京市平谷区大华山镇位于北京市的东北部,距离北京市区70 km,素有”大桃之乡”之称,是北京市的大桃重要生产基地,更是全国大桃生产的第一区。1997年被北京市政府命名为“京郊大桃第一镇”,大桃现已成为大华山镇的主要经济作物。通过对该地区土壤进行系统地采样分析,统计分析地土壤中肥力元素,环境元素的地球化学元素含量分布特征,综合评估研究区土壤肥力和土壤环境地球化学等级,进一步评估土壤质量地球化学等级,以挖掘研究区土地资源利用潜力,提高土地利用价值,为名特优农产品种植、土壤配方施肥、土壤污染治理提供地球化学依据（赵其国等,1997;张庆利等,2003）。     

Water quality evolvement from Huangpu River, Shanghai, China

The Huangpu River supplies eighty percent of daily water used for life and industry for about 20 million people in Shanghai, China. Industry and domestic sewerage from the metropolis is mainly released into the Huangpu River, which flows through the Shanghai City area. The pollution caused by city life and production in the Huangpu River has occurred for years. In this paper, the contents of heavy metals （Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Hg）, total organic carbon （TOC）, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） in the Huangpu River are studied. Data from environmental monitoring from 1991 to 2002 are compared to understand the variation and trends of the pollution. Results indicate that metals have been reduced efficiently, but organic pollutants develop in an aggravating trend as domestic sewage increases. The variation of the organic pollutant concentrations, which are lower than those of other similar rivers of China, US, and Canada,     

Water quality modeling of the Cahaba River,Alabama

The Cahaba River, a sixth-order stream, tributary to the Mobile-Alabama River, is one of the few free-flowing rivers in Alabama. The Cahaba River lies in north-central Alabama and its watershed includes a variety of land uses from forested and agricultural to urban. Water quantity and quality modeling of the Cahaba River using several modules of the hydrologic simulation program FORTRAN (HSPF) and the nonpoint source model (NPSM) using the GIS-based BASINS package showed good agreement with measured flow data for low- and high-flow years but poor agreement with total nitrogen concentrations in the water column. Disparities between modeling and measured water quality data are attributed to the limited point source data available for nitrogen inputs to the stream and the lack of nitrogen-transformation process modeling with the NPSM. Future simulations should include use of models with detailed nitrogen transformation modules.     

Biological indicators of air quality in Brisbane, Australia

During very considerable progress in industry and industrial centres development in late 20^th and early 21^st century, air pollution has become one of the most significant problems of mega cities. Thus, air pollution survey to exert abatement methods has a very important role. Various methods are available for air pollution monitoring which are very costly. Air pollution monitoring by susceptible plants as biological indicators are not only economic but also simple. In this paper, vast studies were done on the plants of around each Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (QEPA) monitoring sites. Around these sites susceptible plants to air pollution were neither available nor exist in all monitoring sites. Therefore, it seemed the best method is the portable exposure benches application with automatic watering system in five sites among all studied locations. In this research different varieties of tobacco like Weather fleck, Bel-B, Bel-W3, Dynes, ZZ100 were used to measure the impact of ozone as a pollutant on them. Parsley cv. Frizz and Leek cv. Vertina were selected as nitogen oxides indicators. In general, the above-mentioned plants were exposed to the ambient air in five sites around Brisbane from April 1997 to May 1998. The susceptible variety leaves of Bel-W3 showed injuries just in two sites. The reason for this is the high level of ozone and the effects of climatic factors in production and dispersion of it during the experiments. The survey results represent that ozone with elevated concentrations is available as far as 30km radius from Brisbane city centre. Within this area only the most susceptible plants’ leaves would be liable to suffer injury.     

加强勘测过程控制确保勘测产品质量

通过对勘测过程中影响质量的因素分析,找出勘测过程中存在的主要质量问题,通过分析原因,找出勘察工作过程中容易出质量问题的地方和质量控制的关键点,制定有针对性的勘测过程质量控制措施,从而有效的指导勘测质量管理工作。     

Evaluation of groundwater quality in the Cihanbeyli basin, Konya, Central Anatolia, Turkey

The Cihanbeyli basin is located in the northern part of Konya in the Central Anatolian region, Turkey and is characterized by semi-arid climatic conditions and scarcity in water resources. The suitability of groundwater quality for drinking and agricultural purposes in the Cihanbeyli basin was assessed by measuring physicochemical parameters, including major cation and anion compositions, pH, total dissolved solid, electrical conductivity, and total hardness. For this purpose, 54 samples were collected from different sources viz. deep wells, shallow wells, and springs. Results from hydrochemical analyses reveal that groundwater is mostly affected by salty and gypsiferous lithologies. Evaporite minerals such as gypsum, anhydrite, and chloride salts make high contributions from the recharge areas (west, northwest, and southwest parts) toward the discharge area (central and eastern parts). High values of total dissolved solids in groundwater are associated with high concentrations of all major ions. A comparison of groundwater quality in relation to drinking water standards showed that most of the water samples are not suitable for drinking. Based on sodium absorption ratio values and percent sodium, salinity appears to be responsible for the poor groundwater quality, rendering most of the samples unsuitable for irrigation usage. It is concluded that evaporation and mineral dissolution are the main processes that determine major ion compositions.     

Evaluation of hydrogeochemistry and water quality in Bist-Doab region,Punjab, India

Agricultural activities act as dominant polluter of groundwater due to increased fertilizers and pesticides usage. Bist-Doab region, Punjab, India, is one such region facing deterioration of groundwater quality due to usage of fertilizers. This study aims in delineating and evaluating the groundwater quality in the region. Water samples are collected from canals, reservoir, and shallow and deep groundwater. Water types in canal and reservoir in Kandi region are Mg²⁺HCO₃ ^? and Mg²⁺Ca²⁺Na⁺HCO₃ ^?, respectively. While water types of shallow and deep groundwaters are found to be of two types: Na⁺Mg²⁺Ca²⁺HCO₃ ^? and Ca²⁺Mg²⁺Na⁺HCO₃ ^?. Presence of Mg²⁺ in groundwater at locations adjoining canals indicates recharge due to canal. The major ion (Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, HCO₃ ^?) chemistry of the region is due to weathering of rocks that are rich in sodic minerals and kankar. Deep groundwater quality in the region meets BIS and WHO standards for drinking purpose, unlike shallow groundwater which is of poor quality at many locations. Both shallow and deep groundwater with high sodium concentration (>1.5 meq/l) affect cropping yield and permeability of soil matrix. High concentration of SO₄ ^2? and NO₃ ^2? (>1 meq/l) in shallow groundwater at few locations indicates influence of anthropogenic (fertilizer) activity. Factor analysis indicates that the major cations, bicarbonate and chloride are derived from weathering/dissolution of source rocks. Higher concentration of nitrate and presence of sulphate in shallow groundwater at few locations is due to usage of fertilizers and pesticides.     

Spatial evaluation of groundwater quality in Kazhakuttam block,Thiruvananthapuram district,Kerala

The groundwater in the study area generally shows an acidic trend as evidenced by the low pH values, particularly in lateritic aquifers. Spatial assessment indicates that the southern part of the coastal aquifers shows elevated pollution levels during post monsoon season. Most of the groundwater is of Na-Cl facies in post monsoon and which slightly changes to Na-Mg-Cl facies during pre monsoon. Inter relationship between chemical parameters were also studied to understand the groundwater facies. Salinity hazard, percentage of sodium, SAR, integrated SAR and EC and RSC, were considered for judging the usefulness of groundwater for irrigation. Landuse map was prepared and water sample locations were superimposed on it, in a GIS platform, to assess the variation in water quality in different landuse classes. The outcome of the present study indicates that the concentration of certain parameters exceeds the recommended limits and hence mitigation measures are needed to be adopted to ensure safe drinking water.     

Surface and groundwater quality characterization of Deoria District,Ganga Plain,India

A water quality investigation was carried out in the Deoria district, Ganga plain, to assess the suitability of surface and groundwaters for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. As much as 50 representative samples from river and groundwater were collected from various stations to monitor the water chemistry of various ions, comprising Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, NO₃ ⁻, Cl⁻, F⁻, and trace metals, such as Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd, and Pb. The results showed that electrical conductance (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), HCO₃ ⁻, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and total hardness (TH) are above the maximum desirable limit, and apart from Fe and Mn all other trace metals are within the maximum permissible limit for drinking water. The calculated values for sodium absorption ratio (SAR), salinity, residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and permeability index (PI) indicate well to permissible use of water for irrigation. High values of Na%, RSC, and Mg-hazard (MH) at some stations restrict its use for agricultural purpose. Anthropogenic activities affect the spatial variation of water quality. Economic and social developments of the study area is closely associated with the characteristics of the hydrological network.     

Composition and quality of coals in the Huaibei Coalfield, Anhui, China

The Huaibei Coalfield, Anhui Province, China, is one of the largest coalfields in China. The coals of Permian age are used mainly for power generation. Coal compositions and 47 trace elements of the No. 10 Coal of the Shanxi Formation, the No. 7, 5, and 4 Coals of the Lower Shihezi Formation, and the No. 3 Coal of the Upper Shihezi Formation from the Huaibei Coalfield were studied. The results indicate that the Huaibei coals have low ash, moisture, and sulfur contents, but high volatile matter and calorific value. The ash yield increases stratigraphically upwards, but the volatile matter and total sulfur contents show a slight decrease from the lower to upper seams. Magmatic intrusion into the No. 5 Coal resulted in high ash, volatile matter, and calorific value, but low moisture value in the coal. Among the studied 47 trace elements, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Th, U, V, and Zn are of environmental concerns. Four elements Hg, Mo, Zn, and Sb are clearly enriched in the coals as compared with the upper continental crust.     

Geochemistry and quality of groundwater of Gummanampadu sub-basin, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Groundwater survey has been carried out in the area of Gummanampadu sub-basin located in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India for assessing the factors that are responsible for changing of groundwater chemistry and consequent deterioration of groundwater quality, where the groundwater is a prime source for drinking and irrigation due to non-availability of surface water in time. The area is underlain by the Archaean Gneissic Complex, over which the Proterozoic Cumbhum rocks occur. The results of the plotting of Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ versus HCO₃ ^? + CO₃ ^2?, Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ versus total cations, Na⁺ + K⁺ versus total cations, Cl^? + SO₄ ^2? versus Na⁺ + K⁺, Na⁺ versus Cl^?, Na⁺ versus HCO₃ ^? + CO₃ ^2?, Na⁺ versus Ca²⁺ and Na⁺: Cl^? versus EC indicate that the rock–water interaction under alkaline condition is the main mechanism in activating mineral dissociation and dissolution, causing the release of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃ ^?, CO₃ ^2?, SO₄ ^2? and F^? ions into the groundwater. The ionic relations also suggest that the higher concentrations of Na⁺ and Cl^? ions are the results of ion exchange and evaporation. The influences of anthropogenic sources are the other cause for increasing of Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2? and NO₃ ^? ions. Further, the excess alkaline condition in water accelerates more effective dissolution of F^?-bearing minerals. Moreover, the chemical data plotted in the Piper’s, Gibbs’s and Langelier–Ludwig’s diagrams, computed for the chloro-alkaline and saturation indices, and analyzed in the principal component analysis, support the above hypothesis. The groundwater quality is, thus, characterized by Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺: HCO₃ ^? + CO₃ ^2? > Cl^? > SO₄ ^2? > NO₃ ^? > F^? facies. On the other hand, majority of groundwater samples are not suitable for drinking with reference to the concentrations of TDS, TH, Mg²⁺ and F^?, while those are not good for irrigation with respect to USSL’s and Wilcox’s diagrams, residual sodium carbonate, and magnesium hazard, but they are safe for irrigation with respect to permeability index. Thus, the study recommends suitable management measures to improve health conditions as well as to increase agricultural output.     

A survey of groundwater quality in Tulum region,Yucatan Peninsula,Mexico

The city of Tulum, in the state of Quintana Roo (Mexico) depends almost exclusively on groundwater for water supply. The groundwater is exploited from a coastal aquifer which contains a karst network that is considered as one of the largest ones on earth. Given the nature of karst aquifers, the whole area is very sensitive to contaminants and bacteria transport, because flow paths, residence time and degradation rates differ significantly from what can be observed in the porous aquifer. The present study focuses on isotopes (¹⁸O and ²H), dissolved ions’ concentration and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The result of our survey points out the anthropic impact on groundwater quality. Furthermore, the chloride concentrations illustrate the influence of seawater mixing and geological heterogeneity over the study area. Due to an exponential growth of the tourism industry, the needs in terms of water supply and water treatment increase significantly. Tulum is a coastal city, facing a coral reef and is bordered by the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve, therefore, an environmental issue is added to the sanitary issue, both being the basis of the local economic development. Our results show that E. coli remains a major issue, as several samples tested were contaminated, in particular those in the city center. Ions’ survey shows an anthropic impact through nitrate, phosphate and fluoride concentrations, but the obtained values are not alarming. Considering the saline intrusion, chloride concentrations indicate that the area below the Tulum city center seems to be less permeable (and maybe less karstified) than the surrounding areas, as groundwater is less subject to seawater mixing than other sampling sites at similar distance to the coast.     

和田玉的名称、文化、玉质和矿床类型之探讨

和田玉是我国的传统玉石,有悠久的历史.和田玉有丰富的玉文化内涵,开拓了玉石之路,是我国历代宫廷玉器的主要玉料,为中国玉器的辉煌做出了贡献.和田玉属于透闪石玉,其玉质有其特点.矿床属中酸性侵入岩与白云石大理岩的接触交代型,在国内外有典型意义."软玉"提出距今约一百多年历史,尚存在一定问题,建议采用透闪石玉取代"软玉".     

塔里木河水质盐化及改善途径

塔里木河在1958年前是一条淡水河,河水的矿化度在各段及不同季节均未超过1.0g/L,现全河段各月平均矿化度除8月洪水季节<1.0g/L,其余各月都在1.0g/L以上。上游阿拉尔水文站平均每年有5个月为1～3g/L,4个月为3～5g/L,2个月超过5g/L,最高5月份达到6.3g/L.阿拉尔的淡水所占比例不足年平均径流量的35%.下游卡拉全部为微咸水。造成塔里木河水矿化度升高的原因,除气候干旱、蒸发强烈、土壤含盐量高等自然因素外,主要是灌溉、排水不合理,上游三条主要支流灌溉引水增加,使补给干流的淡水资源量由1960年前的50.0亿m3减少到1990年后的42.0亿m3;与此同时大量农田排水泄入塔里木河,每年带入盐量达467.4万t.要改善塔里木河水质,必须减少农田排水泄入,实行咸、淡分流,退耕还林;并在源流区适度开发地下水,使三源流向塔里木河输水量每年不少于46.0亿m3。     

Groundwater quality assessment using entropy weighted water quality index (EWQI) in Lenjanat,Iran

Human health is strongly influenced by water quality which is threatened by the poor quality of polluted groundwater. In this study, the groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking have been studied in Lenjanat plain aquifer, Iran. Fifty-nine groundwater samples from study area were evaluated based on WHO and Iranian standards for drinking water. Groundwater samples from selected monitoring sources were sampled seasonally during 2009–2010. Physical and chemical parameters of groundwater such as electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?, Cl^?, F^? and NO₃ ^? were determined. During the water quality index calculating process, the weight of each parameter is usually given by experts according to their practical experience, which is subjective, so much useful and valuable information about the water quality gets lost. In order to avoid personal judgments about the weight of parameters, an information entropy method was used to assign weight to each parameter. Calculation of entropy weighted water quality index (EWQI) for groundwater samples showed that in the wet season, over 57 and 74 % of samples were in the range of “excellent” to “medium” quality based on WHO and Iranian standards, respectively. Due to groundwater quality reduction during dry season, 42 and 62 % of samples were in the range of “excellent” to “medium” quality based on WHO and Iranian standards, respectively. The results indicate that application of the EWQI is very useful to help the public and decision-makers will be able to identify and to evaluate groundwater quality in Lenjanat, Iran.     

Analysis of groundwater quality using water quality index and conventional graphical methods: the Volta region,Ghana

Conventional graphical and statistical methods were used with water quality indices to characterize the hydrochemistry of groundwater from the northern part of the Volta region of Ghana. The objective was to determine the processes that affect the hydrochemistry and the variation of these processes in space among the three main geological terrains: the Buem formation, Voltaian System and the Togo series that underlie the area, and to determine the suitability of groundwater from the area for drinking purposes. The Q-mode cluster analysis reveals three main water groups. The groups established from the Q-mode HCA appear to indicate different degrees of weathering which could further indicate varying levels of fracturing aquifer hydraulic properties. R-mode HCA and factor analysis (using varimax rotation and Kaiser Criterion) were then applied to determine the significant sources of variation in the hydrochemistry. This study finds that groundwater hydrochemistry in the area is controlled by the weathering of silicate and carbonate minerals, as well as the chemistry of infiltrating precipitation. Mineral activity diagrams for the CaO–Na₂O–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O and CaO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O systems plotted for the area indicate stability in the smectite field and attribute hydrochemistry to the weathering of silicate minerals. Silicate mineral weathering and the effects of precipitation appear to be pervasive among all the three main geological terrains, whereas carbonate weathering is localized among the Voltaian aquifers. Cation exchange does not appear to play a significant role in the hydrochemistry but mild Water quality indices (WQI) were calculated for the samples using the concentrations of Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃ ⁻, F⁻, and EC at the various sample locations. The WQI values indicate that groundwater from the study area is of excellent quality for drinking purposes. WQI values from groundwater samples are averagely higher than samples taken from surface water sources in the area. This implies that geology has had an impact on the WQI of groundwater in the area.