Evaluation of Bioavailability and Partitioning of Aluminum in Sediment Samples of Different Ecosystems by Modified Sequential Extraction Methods

Sequential extraction procedures are widely used to characterize the different operational fractions with different potential toxicity of metals in environmental solid samples. The present work describes the application of different analytical approaches for sequential extraction of aluminum to evaluate its mobility, availability, and persistent chemical forms in sediment samples of different fresh water ecosystems (lake, canal, and river). The conventional BCR three‐stage sequential extraction procedure (C‐BCR) was modified at each stage, by applying ultrasonic device (U‐BCR), in order to shorten the required shaking time of 16 h for each three steps (excluding the hydrogen peroxide digestion in step 3, which was not performed with ultrasonic bath), could be completed in 40, 50, and 45 min, respectively. The aluminum in all extracts were determination by atomic absorption spectrometry using nitrous oxide – acetylene flame. The accuracy of results obtained from C‐BCR and proposed U‐BCR was verified with literature reported values of certified sediment sample (BCR 701). The overall recoveries of aluminum obtained by proposed U‐BCR were found in the range of 96.7–113% of those values obtained with C‐BCR for all fractions. Use of ultrasonic device, provided a large saving in extraction time relative to conventional shaking. It was observed that major part of Al in real sediment samples (80–83% of total Al) were bound to residual fraction. The acid soluble fraction of aluminum extracted by 0.11 mol/L CH₃COOH has good correlation with aluminum content in corresponding water samples of each ecosystem.     

The Impact of Geology of Recharge Areas on Groundwater Quality: A Case Study of Zhob River Basin,Pakistan

Groundwater is a major source of water supply for domestic and irrigation uses in semiarid, remote but rapidly developing Kilasaifullah district part of Zhob River Basin, located at Pakistan–Afghanistan Border. Zhob River is among few major rivers of perennial nature in Balochistan, which flows from WSW to ENE and falls in Gomal River, a tributary of Indus River. Keeping in view the important geopolitical position and rapid development of the region, this study is primarily focused on groundwater chemistry for contamination sources as well as agriculture development. Water samples from open and tube wells are analyzed and calculated for electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, pH, K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO, Cl^?, NO, SO, PO, sodium percent (Na%), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Kelly's index (KI), and heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, and Mn). On the basis of the chemical constituents two zones within the study area are identified and possible causes of the contaminants are pointed out. Two recharge areas were responsible for the different chemical results in groundwater, e.g., zone A was recharged from NNW saline geological formations (Nisai, Khojak, Multana, Bostan formations, and Muslim Bagh ophiolites), which are concentrated with high sodium and chloride. On the other hand Zone B was sourced from SSW from carbonate rich rocks (Alozai, Loralai, Parh formations, and Muslim Bagh ophiolites). The groundwater is classified as C2–S1, C3–S1, C3–S2, C4–S2 on the basis of EC and SAR values which indicate that most of the water of both zones can be used for irrigation safely except the samples plotted in C3–S2 and C4–S2 categories which could be dangerous for soil and crops. Groundwater samples are plotted in good to permissible limits with some samples excellent to good and few samples belong to doubtful category based on sodium percent. Groundwater of zone A is unsuitable for irrigation use due to higher values of KI (more than one) but water of zone B are good for irrigation based on KI. In general, water of both zones is suitable for irrigation but care should be taken during the selection of crops which are sensitive to alkalinity or sodium hazards particularly in zone A.     

Prediction criteria for groundwater potential zones in Kemuning District,Indonesia using the integration of geoelectrical and physical parameters

The presence of groundwater is strongly related to its geological and geohydrological conditions.It is,however,important to study the groundwater potential in an area before it is utilized to provide clean water.Werner-Schlumberger’s method was used to analyze the groundwater potential while hydraulic properties such as soil porosity and hydraulic conductivity were used to determine the quality and ability of the soil to allow water’s movement in the aquifer.The results show that the aquifer in the Sekara and Kemuning Muda is at a depth of more than 6 meters below the ground level with moderate groundwater potential.It is also found that the aquifer at depths of over 60 m have high groundwater potential.Moreover,soil porosity in Kemuning is found to be average while the ability to conduct water was moderate.This makes it possible for some surface water to seep into the soil while the remaining flows to the rivers and ditches.     

Identifying the determinants of access to agricultural credit in Southern Punjab of Pakistan

Based on the survey data of 250 farmers from the Multan district of Southern region of Punjab, Pakistan this study aims to empirically examine the determinants of access to agricultural credit. This study used the probit model to analyze the data. The results revealed that formal education, farm size, level of farm mechanization, farm revenue and landholding size positively and significantly influenced access to agricultural credit while the age of the farmer’s, distance, and off- farm income negatively and insignificantly influenced farmer’s accessibility to agricultural credit. The findings of the current study offer a policy guideline to streamline national policy on agricultural finance. This study also recommends that ZaraiTaraqiati Bank (ZTBL) and other Commercial Banks should improve their agricultural credit schemes to fulfil the diversified needs of small farm holders.

     

The effect of discontinuity frequency on ground vibrations produced from bench blasting: A case study

A good number of empirical formulae and methods dealing with the analysis of the effects of blast-induced ground vibrations have been developed. The most common approach suggested for estimating the attenuation of particle velocity on the ground is to scale the distance (scaled distance, SD). This approach makes it possible to estimate the peak particle velocity when the amount of explosive charge or the distance or both are altered.Many parameters known to have an influence on particle velocity have been used for particle velocity prediction equations. Some of these parameters are maximum charge per delay, the distance between the station and shot location, burden, inelastic attenuation factor and site factors. However, the impacts of the discontinuities existing on the benches where blasts are detonated on the propagation velocity of seismic waves have not been taken into consideration in these equations.This study aims to examine the impacts of the discontinuity frequency parameter derived through geological measurements carried out on the blasting benches or nearby in a quarry mine (Supren, Eskisehir) in Turkey on the propagation of blast-induced ground vibrations. Developed based on the geological observations carried out on the benches, the model was formed by adding discontinuity frequency parameter to the particle velocity prediction model suggested by Nicholls et al. [Nicholls HR, Johnson CF, Duvall WI. Blasting vibrations and their effects on structures. Bulletin no. 656. Washington, DC: US Bureau of Mines; 1971]. In order to research the effect of the discontinuity frequency in the bench on the blast-induced ground vibrations, the relationship between the recorded peak particle velocity, scaled distance and discontinuity frequency was statistically evaluated for the site. The established relationship and the results of the study are presented.     

Palaeocurrents in Mesopotamian geosyncline

Terrigenous sandstone formations of Mesopotamian geosyncline were investigated in order to reconstruct the palaeocurrents in the basin and to compare ancient and recent drainage systems. Direct and indirect methods were used; direct ones, as investigation of the dipping of cross bedding revealing directly the axis or direction of the currents, and indirect ones, as heavy mineral analyses, revealing the possible source areas.All the formations distributed in the southwestern flank of the geosyncline exhibit the palaeocurrents flowing from the southwest towards the northeast, i. e. towards the axis of the geosyncline. By contrast, all the formations distributed in the opposite flank of the geosyncline, exhibit also opposite current directions, i. e. from the northeast towards the southwest. This ancient current system resembles the recent situation; transversal basin filling from both sides towards the geosynclinal axis. In recent times oblong basin filling, executed by Twin rivers, Euphrates and Tigris, also takes place. They transport the material along the geosynclinal axis towards the remaining marine parts of the Mesopotamian geosyncline, represented by Persian Gulf.

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Zusammenfassung Terrigene sandige Ablagerungen der mesopotamischen Geosynklinale wurden untersucht, um die Paläoströmungen in den Sedimentationsbecken zu rekonstruieren. Es wurden direkte (Untersuchung der Strömungsschichtung) und indirekte Methoden (Schwermineral- und Geröllanalysen) angewendet.Alle Formationen, welche am südwestlichen Rand der Geosynklinale liegen, zeigen Paläoströmungsrichtungen von Südwesten nach Nordosten. Dagegen zeigen die nordöstlichen Formationen umgekehrte Richtungen von Nordosten nach Südwesten, senkrecht zur Geosynklinalachse. Beide Paläoströmungen sind sehr ähnlich dem heutigen Bild. So können wir auch heute eine Querfüllung des Geosynklinalbeckens beobachten. Außerdem tritt heute auch eine Längsfüllung der Geosynklinale durch Euphrat und Tigris auf. Diese Flüsse transportieren das Material entlang der Geosynklinalachse zur rezenten marinen Restgeosynklinale, die heute den Persischen Golf bildet.

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Résumé Les formations détritiques du géosynclinal Mésopotamique ont été étudiées en vue d'une réconstruction des paléocourants et d'une comparaison de la situation présente et ancienne. Des méthodes directes (études de la stratification croisée) et indirectes (études de minéraux lourds) ont été employées.Toutes les formations situées au bord sud-ouest du géosynclinal montrent des paléocourants dirigés du sud-ouest au nord-est. Au contraire, les formations du bord nord-est présentent la direction inverse. Les paléocourants ont toujours été dirigés perpendiculairement à l'axe du géosynclinal. Le système des paléocourants anciens ressemble au système contemporain. Le remplissage du bassin a toujours été transversal. Mais aujourd'hui le remplissage longitudinal existe aussi. Ce remplissage est effectué par les fleuves Euphrate et Tigre, qui transportent des matériaux détritiques dans le reste marin du géosynclinal Mésopotamique.

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Petrology and geochemistry of Jura granite and granite gneiss in the Neelum Valley,Lesser Himalayas (Kashmir,Pakistan)

Late Proterozoic rocks of Tanol Formation in the Lesser Himalayas of Neelum Valley area are largely green schist to amphibolite facies rocks intruded by early Cambrian Jura granite gneiss and Jura granite representing Pan-African orogeny event in the area. These rocks are further intruded by pegmatites of acidic composition, aplites, and dolerite dykes. Based on field observations, texture, and petrographic character, three different categories of granite gneiss (i.e., highly porphyritic, coarse-grained two micas granite gneiss, medium-grained two micas granite gneiss, and leucocratic tourmaline-bearing muscovite granite gneiss), and granites (i.e., highly porphyritic coarse-grained two micas granite, medium-grained two micas granite, and leucocratic tourmaline-bearing coarse-grained muscovite granite) were classified. Thin section studies show that granite gneiss and granite are formed due to fractional crystallization, as revealed by zoning in plagioclase. The Al saturation index indicates that granite gneiss and granite are strongly peraluminous and S-type. Geochemical analysis shows that all granite gneisses are magnesian except one which is ferroan whereas all granites are ferroan except one which is magnesian. The CaO/Na₂O ratio (>0.3) indicates that granitic melt of Jura granite gneiss and granite is pelite-psammite derived peraluminous granitic melt formed due to partial melting of Tanol Formation. The rare earth element (REE) patterns of the Jura granite and Jura granite gneiss indicate that granitic magma of Jura granite and Jura granite gneiss is formed due to partial melting of rocks that are similar in composition to that of upper continental crust.     

Comparative analysis of bacterial contamination in tap and groundwater: A case study on water quality of Quetta City,an arid zone in Pakistan

Water is an essential element on earth, which provides human a variety of services in domestic use, agriculture, or industries. However, some serious health risks of drinking water are associated with microbial contamination, particularly with fecal matter. Therefore, microbial quality assessment is considered to be a necessary component of water quality assessment. This study investigates microbial contamination of water distributary system around the city by comparing groundwater (GW) and tap water (TW) quality in Quetta city. 31 GW samples and 31 TW samples were collected in the study area during the months of September, October, and November. Fecal coliform test was carried out in laboratory and their average total coliform contamination was computed. Results showed that the TW sample were all contaminated by coliform except for Chiltan town, hence are not considered suitable for drinking without any treatment according to WHO drinking water quality standards. The average coliform concentrations were 12 in Quetta main city, 11.6 in Jinnah town, 5.3 in Satallite town, 10 in Shahbaz town and 5 in Brewery town (0/100 mL CFU) and the TW samples from the three towns were even more contaminated with E.coli. Whereas among the GW, average microbial concentrations were 1.8 in Quetta main city, 2 in Satallite town, 1.4 in Shahbaz town, and 0.4 in Chiltan town (0/100 mL CFU), respectively, which shows that the contamination is occurring within the water distributary pipeline system when the water flows through the pipelines. Moreover, this research will be valuable for researchers and administrative authorities to conduct elaborative studies, and develop new policies to prevent further deterioration of drinking water in the water distribution system by pathogenic microorganisms and ensure safe drinking water to the public of Quetta city.     

Hydrogeological aspects of groundwater drainage of the urban areas in Kuwait City

Residential areas in Kuwait City have witnessed a dramatic rise in subsurface water tables over the last three decades. This water rise phenomenon is attributed mainly to over irrigation practices of private gardens along with leakage from domestic and sewage networks. This paper presents a comprehensive study for urban drainage in two selected areas representing the two hydrogeological settings encountered in Kuwait City. In the first area, a vertical drainage scheme was applied successfully over an area of 1 km². The system has been under continuous operation and monitoring for more than 4 years without problems, providing a permanent solution for the water rise problem in this area. The hydrogeological system has approached steady state conditions and the water levels have dropped to about 3·5 m below the ground surface. In the second area a dual drainage scheme, composing of horizontal and vertical elements, is proposed. Horizontal elements are suggested in the areas where the deep groundwater contains hazardous gases that may pose environmental problems. The proposed drainage scheme in the second area has not yet been implemented. Field tests were conducted to assess the aquifer parameters in both areas and a numerical model has been developed to predict the long‐term response of the hydrogeological system in the two areas under consideration. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.