Research

13 pages, 1719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simultaneous Synthesis of Single- and Multiple-Contaminant Water Networks Using LINGO and Excel Software

by Abeer M. Shoaib, Amr A. Atawia, Mohamed H. Hassanean, Abdelrahman G. Gadallah and Ahmed A. Bhran

Water 2024, 16(9), 1244; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w16091244 - 26 Apr 2024

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Controlling the distribution of water and wastewater between industrial processes is vital to rationalize water usage and preserve the environment. In this paper, a mathematical technique is proposed to optimize water–wastewater networks, and a nonlinear program is introduced to minimize the consumption of [...] Read more.

Controlling the distribution of water and wastewater between industrial processes is vital to rationalize water usage and preserve the environment. In this paper, a mathematical technique is proposed to optimize water–wastewater networks, and a nonlinear program is introduced to minimize the consumption of freshwater and, consequently, the flowrate of wastewater discharge. A general mathematical model, able to handle industrial plants containing up to eight sources and eight sinks, is developed using LINGO optimization software to facilitate dealing with complex case studies. The introduced model can handle single-contaminant networks as well as multiple-contaminant ones. The optimal water network is synthesized through two steps; the first step involves the introduction of the case study data into the developed mathematical model. The second step considers using the optimal solution produced after running the developed LINGO model as feed data for a pre-designed Excel sheet able to deal with these results and simultaneously draw the optimal water–wastewater network. The proposed mathematical model is applied to two case studies. The first case study includes actual data from four fertilizer plants located in Egypt; the water resources and requirements are simultaneously integrated to obtain a sensible cutting in both freshwater consumption (lowered by 52.2%) and wastewater discharge (zero wastewater discharge). The second case study regards a Brazilian petrochemical plant; the obtained results show noticeable reductions in freshwater consumption by 12.3%, while the reduction percentage of wastewater discharge is 4.5%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contaminants in the Water Environment)

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16 pages, 4463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transport of Floating Plastics through the Fluvial Vector: The Impact of Riparian Zones

by Manousos Valyrakis, Gordon Gilja, Da Liu and Gaston Latessa

Water 2024, 16(8), 1098; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w16081098 - 11 Apr 2024

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Abstract

This study presents results from an experimental campaign to explore how different riparian zone characteristics may facilitate the transport or capturing of plastics floating through the fluvial system. Specifically, following field observations for the transport of plastics through fluvial vectors, a substantial number [...] Read more.

This study presents results from an experimental campaign to explore how different riparian zone characteristics may facilitate the transport or capturing of plastics floating through the fluvial system. Specifically, following field observations for the transport of plastics through fluvial vectors, a substantial number of flume experiments has been designed to assess the effect of floating macro-plastics and riparian zone characteristics. The results from flume experiments were analyzed using particle tracking velocimetry techniques to derive transport metrics (such as transport velocities) of macro-plastics of different sizes and shapes, released at five locations across a wide channel with distinct distance from the vegetated riverbank. The findings are discussed while considering the trapping mechanisms along the vegetated riverbank, which include a range of vegetation densities and arrangements, aiming to identify and quantify the degree of impact of each of the control parameters on the transport of floating plastics. The flow velocimetry records obtained at locations near and within the riverbank correlate well with the transport velocities of the floating plastics. Macro-plastic litter carried downstream away from the riverbank can have up to nine times the transport velocity, compared to those found within the riverbank. The change from a low to a high average density can result in about three times decrease in the transport velocity of floating macro-plastic litter within the riparian zone. These outcomes can help inform better practices for the management of riparian vegetation to maximize the trapping efficiency of macro-plastics, adapted to different flow conditions and river morphologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contaminants in the Water Environment)

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13 pages, 3336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Variations in Microplastics in the Largest Shallow Lake of Central Europe and Its Protecting Wetland Area

by Bence Prikler, Réka Svigruha, Judit Háhn, Péter Harkai, István Fodor, Edit Kaszab, Balázs Kriszt, Gergő Tóth, István Szabó, Zsolt Csenki, Gábor Bordós, Adrienn Micsinai, Brigitta Nyírő-Fekete, Zoltán Palotai, Zsófia Lovász, Zsolt Pirger and Sándor Szoboszlay

Water 2024, 16(7), 1014; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w16071014 - 31 Mar 2024

Viewed by 674

Abstract

The concentration of microplastics (MPs) in two important Hungarian freshwater habitats was determined in the size range of 50 μm–1 mm. Lake Balaton (LB) is the largest shallow lake in Central Europe, with a significant role in recreation and tourism. Its main inflow, [...] Read more.

The concentration of microplastics (MPs) in two important Hungarian freshwater habitats was determined in the size range of 50 μm–1 mm. Lake Balaton (LB) is the largest shallow lake in Central Europe, with a significant role in recreation and tourism. Its main inflow, the Zala River, enters the lake through an artificially constructed wetland, the Kis-Balaton Water Protection System and its catchment area (KB), which helps preserve the water quality of the lake. From these two areas, 15 samples were taken with an in situ filtration sampling method. After preparation, the samples were analyzed automatically by FT-IR microscopy. All samples, from both areas, contained MPs; the dominant microplastic (MP) shape was the fragment, while the most frequently polymer types were polyethylene, polypropylene and alkyd. Small MPs were dominant in both areas; around 90% of the MPs were smaller than 500 μm. On average, LB contained more MPs (21.0 ± 12.5 MPs/m³) compared to the KB, which presented an average concentration of MPs of 7.8 ± 5.9 MPs/m³. In the examined areas, two potential MP sources were determined, i.e., treated wastewater and road traffic. The importance of tourism should also be further investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contaminants in the Water Environment)

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23 pages, 8342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Pollution Loads of the Cikembar Sub-Watershed to the Cicatih River, West Java, Indonesia

by Iwan Juwana, Ahyahudin Sodri, Nitin Muttil, Rafid Risandri Hikmat, Adryan Lukman Indira and Arief Dhany Sutadian

Water 2024, 16(2), 256; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w16020256 - 11 Jan 2024

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Abstract

The Cicatih River in the Cikembar sub-watershed, located in Sukabumi Regency, flows along the upstream of the Cikembar sub-watershed and Palabuhan Ratu Bay. For decades, the river has served as a vital water resource, catering to various needs such as domestic use, agriculture, [...] Read more.

The Cicatih River in the Cikembar sub-watershed, located in Sukabumi Regency, flows along the upstream of the Cikembar sub-watershed and Palabuhan Ratu Bay. For decades, the river has served as a vital water resource, catering to various needs such as domestic use, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, industry, mining, tourism, and hydroelectric power. Recently, the Sukabumi Regency Government made the pollution of coastal and river areas one of the priority issues on sustainable development initiatives for the Sukabumi Regency. This highlights the importance of managing the Cicatih River, one of the main rivers in the regency. This research aims to analyze the potential pollution loads in the Cikembar sub-watershed to the Cicatih River by assessing its water quality status and potential pollution loads from four main sectors: domestic, agricultural, livestock, and industrial. The water quality was calculated based on the Pollution Index method. The potential pollution load from different sources was analyzed using various emission factor calculations. For each pollutant source, the following parameters were analyzed: total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), Total-N (nitrogen), and Total-P (phosphorus). Results showed that the condition of the Cicatih River is slightly polluted. The parameter exceeding its maximum threshold is BOD. The largest contributor to the potential pollution load of BOD is the domestic sector (53%), while the agricultural sector is the least (2%). In the domestic sector, Bojongkembar Village is the largest contributor to the potential pollution load. The results of this analysis can be used to develop strategies for managing the overall Cikembar sub-watershed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contaminants in the Water Environment)

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18 pages, 11094 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics and Changes in Water Quality Based on Climate and Hydrology Effects in the Cirata Reservoir

by Panjie Wiranegara, Sunardi Sunardi, Dadan Sumiarsa and Hafizan Juahir

Water 2023, 15(17), 3132; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w15173132 - 31 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 976

Abstract

This research aimed to identify water quality changes in the Cirata Reservoir and the factors affecting them in terms of hydrology and climate. The sampling was carried out in both the rainy and dry seasons at 12 locations in the Cirata Reservoir. The [...] Read more.

This research aimed to identify water quality changes in the Cirata Reservoir and the factors affecting them in terms of hydrology and climate. The sampling was carried out in both the rainy and dry seasons at 12 locations in the Cirata Reservoir. The Mann–Whitney U-test (different test) results showed that salinity, total suspended solids (TSS), the potential of hydrogen (pH), nitrate (NO₃-N), phosphate (PO₄), nitrate and phosphate content in the sediment were significantly different (α < 0.05) between the rainy and dry seasons. The principal component analysis (PCA) results showed that the water quality characteristics in the Cirata Reservoir in the dry season were influenced by environmental conditions in the reservoir, especially by the floating cage aquaculture and climate conditions. The high solar radiation, low rainfall, and floating cage aquaculture increased the pH and amounts of dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonia (NH₃-N), PO₄, nitrate and phosphate in the sediment while decreasing transparency, salinity, TSS, and NH₃-N. During the rainy season, the high runoff from Citarum Watershed controlled the water quality characteristics of the Cirata Reservoir. In this season, transparency, salinity, pH, DO, NH₃-N, PO₄, nitrate and phosphate in the sediment increased, while TSS tended to be low. In general, the water volume addition decreased the nutrition and salinity concentration in the water body. However, a distinct phenomenon occurred in the Cirata Reservoir. The runoff from agriculture, settlement, livestock, and the Citatah Karst in the Upper Citarum Watershed increased nutrition and salinity in the reservoir. Land use in the Citarum Watershed and floating cage aquaculture had an important role in the reservoir water quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contaminants in the Water Environment)

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13 pages, 266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance in Hospital Wastewater: CLEIA vs. RT-qPCR

by Supranee Thongpradit, Suwannee Chanprasertyothin, Ekawat Pasomsub, Boonsong Ongphiphadhanakul and Somsak Prasongtanakij

Water 2023, 15(13), 2495; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w15132495 - 07 Jul 2023

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Abstract

The utilization of wastewater as a community surveillance method grew during the COVID-19 epidemic. COVID-19 hospitalizations are closely connected with wastewater viral signals, and increases in wastewater viral signals can serve as an early warning indication for rising hospital admissions. While reverse transcriptase [...] Read more.

The utilization of wastewater as a community surveillance method grew during the COVID-19 epidemic. COVID-19 hospitalizations are closely connected with wastewater viral signals, and increases in wastewater viral signals can serve as an early warning indication for rising hospital admissions. While reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the most often used approach for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) is an alternative automated method. In two assays, 92 wastewater grab samples from a hospital were investigated for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, expected for continuous and monitoring SARS-CoV-2 surveillance. One was in the RT-qPCR nucleic acid test, and another was in the CLEIA assay quantitative antigen test. In 24/92 (26.09%) of the wastewater samples, RT-qPCR identified at least two SARS-CoV-2 genes (ORF1ab, N, or S genes). CLEIA, on the other hand, detected SARS-CoV-2 antigen in 39/92 (42.39%) of the samples. CLEIA demonstrated a low sensitivity and specificity of sensitivity of 54.2% (95% CI: 44.0–64.3%) and 61.8% (95% CI: 51.8–71.7%), respectively, as compared to RT-qPCR. The κ coefficient indicated slight agreement between assay. Then, the CLEIA assay cannot replace molecular-based testing like RT PCR for determining SARS-CoV-2 in hospital wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contaminants in the Water Environment)

14 pages, 1817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Toxicity of Glyphosate (Faena^®) and Copper to the American Cladoceran Daphnia exilis—A Two-Generation Analysis

by Miriam Hernández-Zamora, Alma Rodríguez-Miguel, Laura Martínez-Jerónimo and Fernando Martínez-Jerónimo

Water 2023, 15(11), 2018; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w15112018 - 26 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1311

Abstract

Glyphosate and copper are common pollutants in water and soil. Glyphosate is the most used herbicide worldwide; despite being claimed to be a low-toxicity pesticide and easily degraded, several studies have demonstrated glyphosate’s occurrence and toxicity in freshwater ecosystems. Copper is an essential [...] Read more.

Glyphosate and copper are common pollutants in water and soil. Glyphosate is the most used herbicide worldwide; despite being claimed to be a low-toxicity pesticide and easily degraded, several studies have demonstrated glyphosate’s occurrence and toxicity in freshwater ecosystems. Copper is an essential micronutrient; however, at high concentrations, it becomes toxic, and it is a persistent contaminant discharged from agricultural and industrial activities. Both glyphosate and Cu are agrochemicals that can occur in aquatic environments and produce stress in aquatic biota. Cladocerans are important zooplankters, and their sensitivity to chemical stressors has been widely documented. In this study, the North American cladoceran Daphnia exilis was exposed to glyphosate (Faena^®) and Cu mixtures. The effects were assessed in two generations to determine toxicity impairment in the parental (P₁) and filial (F₁) generations. The 48 h median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of both chemicals was determined. After this, the generations P₁ and F₁ were exposed for 21 days to three concentrations of glyphosate and Cu mixtures (1.04 mg L⁻¹ + 2.45 μg L⁻¹, 1.24 mg L⁻¹ + 3.09 μg L⁻¹, and 1.57 mg L⁻¹ + 4.31 μg L⁻¹), starting from neonates. Survival and reproduction were recorded, and macromolecule content and the size of neonates were measured in the progeny. The LC₅₀ was 4.22 mg L⁻¹ for Faena^® and 13.45 μg L⁻¹ for copper. Exposure to glyphosate and copper reduced fecundity and the number of clutches per female, delayed age at first reproduction, and increased the number of aborted eggs; these effects were more evident in the F₁ than in the P₁. In both generations, the concentration of carbohydrates and lipids was significantly reduced. The treatment and the brood number influenced the total length of neonates, but the total length did not differ significantly, whereas body length and body width decreased in F_1. Glyphosate and copper mixtures significantly increased toxicity in D. exilis in the F₁ generation, probably because the parents produced impaired progenies. Results warn about transgenerational effects in planktonic species chronically exposed to pollutants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contaminants in the Water Environment)

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19 pages, 2666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multivariate Analysis of Heavy Metals and Human Health Risk Implications Associated with Fish Consumption from the Yangtze River in Zhenjiang City, China

by Peter Kaba, Sato Shushi, Eric Gyimah, Mansuur Husein and Abdelfatah Abomohra

Water 2023, 15(11), 1999; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w15111999 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1744

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze levels of heavy metals and human health risk implications associated with fish consumption from the Yangtze River. A total of 60 fish muscles were taken from six different fish species—Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ctenopharyngodon idellus [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to analyze levels of heavy metals and human health risk implications associated with fish consumption from the Yangtze River. A total of 60 fish muscles were taken from six different fish species—Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Blicca bjoerkna, Mylopharyngodon piceus, Carassius carassius and Pelteobagrus fulvidraco—and digested using standard protocols. Contents of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al) cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu), were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectroscophotometer ((ZEEnit 700 P Zeeman)). Based on consumer health risk indicators, the health implications to children and adults upon consuming the analyzed fish species were assessed. Findings revealed that Zn recorded the highest mean concentration of 9.87 µg/g in Carassius carassius followed by Mn (7.97 µg/g) in Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, Cu (2.07 µg/g) in Mylopharyngodon piceus, Pb (1.04 µg/g) in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Cr (0.63 µg/g) in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Cd (0.19 µg/g) in Blicca bjoerkna and Ni (0.16 µg/g) (w/w) in Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. In addition, the health risk assessments revealed that children are at heightened non-carcinogenic risk for Pb, Cd, and Co upon consuming the examined fish species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contaminants in the Water Environment)

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