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Access to safe drinking water sources and appropriate sanitation facilities remains a dream in low and middle-income countries including South Africa. This study identified the origin of faecal pollution by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting host-specific Bacteroidales genetic markers to track the distribution of human-specific (BacHum) and animal-specific (cattle—BacCow, chicken—Cytb, pig—Pig-2-Bac, dog—BacCan) markers in water sources used by rural communities of the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM). Results revealed the prevalence of BacHum, BacCow, and BacCan in all surface water sources in Thulamela Local Municipality (TLM) and Collins Chabane Local Municipality (CLM) during wet (100%) and dry seasons (50–75%). Cytb was not detected in untreated spring water in TLM and CLM, and Pig-2-Bac was not detected in untreated hand-dug well water in TLM during both seasons. Household-level analysis detected Cytb (28.8% wet, 17.5% dry), BacHum (34.4% wet, 25% dry for Pig-2-Bac) in stored untreated spring water in CLM, and Cytb (42.9% wet, 28.5% dry) in untreated hand-dug well water in TLM. Despite differences in detection frequencies of host-specific Bacteroidales, the study highlights the public health concern of faecal pollution in rural VDM households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization changes wildlife habitats and affects the reproduction and survival of animal populations. Investigating the breeding habitat selection of species in highly urbanized areas is essential for understanding the impact of urbanization on biodiversity. Common Magpie (Pica pica) is a common bird species in both urban and rural areas. Furthermore, it is an ideal candidate for studying the ecological effects of urbanization on the nest habitat selection of birds, because of its large quantity and easily observable nests. In this study, Hefei city was divided into peripheral rural area, edge region of urban expansion, slightly urbanized area, and highly urbanized area according to the coverage rate of buildings within kilometer grid units, comprising a total of 240 sample plots. A total of 60 sample plots were randomly selected in each of the four types of urbanization grades to investigate the number of Common Magpie nests, nest species, and nest sites. The Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test method was used to analyze the habitat characteristics of 692 Common Magpie nests, and the differences in the main habitat factors of Common Magpie nest sites in different urbanization levels were obtained by multiple Wilcoxon tests. The results showed that the number of Common Magpie nests in highly urbanized areas (16.33%) was lower than that in other areas, whereas the number of nests edge region of urban expansion was relatively high (37.14%). Tree species of Common Magpie nests were diverse (25 species), and Salicaceae trees accounted for a certain proportion. Except for tree coverage (χ² =5.069, P=0.167), there were significant differences in nest site and habitat factors among the four types of plots with different urbanization levels. Common Magpie nests in highly urbanized areas with higher human disturbance intensity were closer to food sources and farther from water sources, while the nests in rural area outside cities with lower level of urbanization were the opposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to safe drinking water sources and appropriate sanitation facilities remains a dream in low and middle-income countries including South Africa. This study identified the origin of faecal pollution by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting host-specific Bacteroidales genetic markers to track the distribution of human-specific (BacHum) and animal-specific (cattle—BacCow, chicken—Cytb, pig—Pig-2-Bac, dog—BacCan) markers in water sources used by rural communities of the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM). Results revealed the prevalence of BacHum, BacCow, and BacCan in all surface water sources in Thulamela Local Municipality (TLM) and Collins Chabane Local Municipality (CLM) during wet (100%) and dry seasons (50–75%). Cytb was not detected in untreated spring water in TLM and CLM, and Pig-2-Bac was not detected in untreated hand-dug well water in TLM during both seasons. Household-level analysis detected Cytb (28.8% wet, 17.5% dry), BacHum (34.4% wet, 25% dry for Pig-2-Bac) in stored untreated spring water in CLM, and Cytb (42.9% wet, 28.5% dry) in untreated hand-dug well water in TLM. Despite differences in detection frequencies of host-specific Bacteroidales, the study highlights the public health concern of faecal pollution in rural VDM households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The summer of 2019 is particularly well known for the famous heatwaves that swept across the European continent, with its associated drought and record-breaking air temperatures. This was followed by powerful thunderstorms, characterised by hail and heavy rain that damaged the crops on a regional scale. Here, we investigated one of the largest storm cells, lasting more than 6 h, which struck southwestern Romania. High-temporal resolution sampling of storm precipitation was performed for stable isotope measurements, rainfall and air temperature, to follow the storm dynamics. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope measurements show an abrupt decreasing temporal trend followed by superimposed V-shaped patterns interpreted as reflecting moisture replenishment by successive rain bands. To model the stable isotope values of precipitation in relation to the general trend of decreasing air temperatures, we applied a numerical Rayleigh condensation model for a non-constant α isotopic fractionation factor between liquid water and water vapour. The storm is powered by four consecutive moisture fronts, each following a Rayleigh distribution. About 40 % of the water vapour condenses during the sampled storm due to adiabatic expansion and cooling, which lowers saturation. Condensation ceases when cooling and absolute humidity can no longer sustain the dew point, stopping the rain. The timing of the event, occurring late at night and early in the morning, its duration of over 6 h as well as its synoptic scale may indicate a mesoscale convective complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luan River is the main water source in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, northern China, where the groundwater system is vulnerable and pollution issue is serious. It is significant for regional groundwater resources protection to identify the hydrogeochemistry evolution and affecting factors along flow direction occurred in the upper reaches, especially the surface water-groundwater (SW-GW) conversion relationship. In this study, recharge, conversion and geochemistry evolution of SW and GW were elucidated based on physical-hydrochemical indicators and stable isotopes in 36 GW samples and 20 SW samples, which were collected in July 2019 and July 2020. The factor analysis was further utilized to determine the main factors responsible for regional hydrogeochemical evolution. Results indicate that GW recharged SW in plateau area, and SW and GW recharged each other in typical Alpine valley area. The hydrochemical types are HCO3−Ca·Mg and HCO3-Ca, and the hydrochemical evolution is dominated by weathering of silicate and carbonate minerals. The cation exchange adsorption has minor impact on groundwater hydrochemistry. The rise of SO42− and NO3− contents in groundwater is related to industrial and agricultural activities. The main controlling factors of SW hydrochemical components included recharge from groundwater, industrial and mining activities, explaining 90.04% of data variance. However, water-rock interaction, agricultural and domestic sewage are responsible for GW quality, accounting for 83.38%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization changes wildlife habitats and affects the reproduction and survival of animal populations. Investigating the breeding habitat selection of species in highly urbanized areas is essential for understanding the impact of urbanization on biodiversity. Common Magpie (Pica pica) is a common bird species in both urban and rural areas. Furthermore, it is an ideal candidate for studying the ecological effects of urbanization on the nest habitat selection of birds, because of its large quantity and easily observable nests. In this study, Hefei city was divided into peripheral rural area, edge region of urban expansion, slightly urbanized area, and highly urbanized area according to the coverage rate of buildings within kilometer grid units, comprising a total of 240 sample plots. A total of 60 sample plots were randomly selected in each of the four types of urbanization grades to investigate the number of Common Magpie nests, nest species, and nest sites. The Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test method was used to analyze the habitat characteristics of 692 Common Magpie nests, and the differences in the main habitat factors of Common Magpie nest sites in different urbanization levels were obtained by multiple Wilcoxon tests. The results showed that the number of Common Magpie nests in highly urbanized areas (16.33%) was lower than that in other areas, whereas the number of nests edge region of urban expansion was relatively high (37.14%). Tree species of Common Magpie nests were diverse (25 species), and Salicaceae trees accounted for a certain proportion. Except for tree coverage (χ² =5.069, P=0.167), there were significant differences in nest site and habitat factors among the four types of plots with different urbanization levels. Common Magpie nests in highly urbanized areas with higher human disturbance intensity were closer to food sources and farther from water sources, while the nests in rural area outside cities with lower level of urbanization were the opposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health authorities are particularly concerned about water security in Enugu, southeast Nigeria and heavy metal (HM) pollution. The HM profiles of 51 samples collected from 17 different commercial bottled water brands in Enugu were examined using an flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn had mean values of 0.15+0.03, 0.03+0.02, 0.16+0.03, 0.13+0.02, and 0.02+0.01 mg/L, respectively. The highest levels of Pb2+ were 0.27 mg/L in Exalté, Ni2+ 0.26 mg/L in Jasmine, Cd2+ 0.36 mg/L in Ezbon, Cr3+ 0.07 mg/L in Trinity, Cu2+ 0.04 mg/L in Bigi, and Zn2+ 0.02 mg/L in Aquarapha. The amounts of Cr, Cu, and Zn were below the allowable limits; nevertheless, the Pb content in eight bottled water samples exceeded both the Nigerian and World Health Organization (WHO)/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) permissible limits. The Cd2+ and Ni2+ levels in the 11th and 4th bottled water samples were above the WHO/USEPAapproved limits. Statistical evaluation revealed significant differences in the amounts of HM ions in the samples (p,0.05). The findings indicated that concentration levels of Cd2+ Ni2+, and Pb2+ pose a public health concern that needs to be addressed due to potential risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the stable isotope hydrology of Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada over a five year period from September, 2017 to August, 2022. The δ2H and δ18O values of integrated monthly precipitation were weakly seasonal and ranged from –66 to –15 ‰ and from –9.7 to –1.9 ‰, respectively. Fitting these monthly precipitation data resulted in a local meteoric water line (LMWL) defined by: δ2H = 7.22 ± 0.21 · δ18O + 7.50 ± 1.22 ‰. Amount-weighted annual precipitation had δ2H and δ18O values of –36 ± 11 ‰ and –6.1 ± 1.4 ‰, respectively. Deep groundwater had more negative δ2H and δ18O values than mean annual precipitation, suggesting recharge occurs mainly in the winter, while shallow groundwater had δ2H and δ18O values more consistent with mean annual precipitation or mixing of freshwater with local seawater. Surface waters had more positive values and showed evidence of isolation from the groundwater system. The stable isotopic compositions of plant (leaf) water, on the other hand, indicate plants use groundwater as their source. Fog had δ2H and δ18O values that were significantly more positive than those of local precipitation, yet had similar 17O-excess values. δ2H values of horsehair from 4 individuals lacked seasonality, but had variations typical to those of precipitation on the island. Differences in mean δ2H values of horsehair were statistically significant and suggest variations in water use may exist between spatially disparate horse communities. Our results establish an important initial framework for ongoing isotope studies of feral horses and other wildlife on Sable Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drinking water contaminated by pathogenic micro-organisms increases the risk of infectious gastrointestinal disease which could potentially lead to acute kidney injury and even death, particularly amongst the young and the elderly. Earlier studies have shown a substantial reduction in the incidence of diarrheal disease over a period of one year using a polysulfone membrane water gravity-powered water filtration device. The current report is a continuation of these studies to assess the long-term effects of the innovative method on diarrheal incidence rates over a 4-year follow-up period. This follow-up study monitored the trend of self-reported diarrheal events in all households in the previously studied villages for 5 months, in the last half of each study year, using the same questionnaire utilized in the earlier study. Three villages that had no device yet installed served as controls. We computed monthly diarrheal incidence rates for all study years (standardized to per 100 person-months) and compared these to the pre-device incidence rate in 2018 and in the control group, using the Wilcoxon rank sum exact test. The average diarrheal incidence rates of 1.5 p100pm in 2019, 2.19 p100pm in 2021, and 0.54p100pm in 2022 were significantly different from an earlier study that reported 17.8 p100pm rates before the devices were installed in 2018, (all p-values < 0.05). Concomitantly, self-reported diarrheal infections were substantially higher in the “control villages” not yet having the filtration device installed (80.9, 77.6, and 21.5 per 100 pm). The consistent and large reduction in diarrhea incidence documents the long-term efficacy of the use of the membrane filtration device. This simple water purification method using gravity flow improves public health in remote regions with limited resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have always represented a key element in landscape delineation. Indeed, plant diversity, whose distribution is influenced by geographic/climatic variability, has affected both environmental and human ecology. The present contribution represents a multi‐proxy study focused on the detection of starch, pollen and non‐pollen palynomorphs in ancient dental calculus collected from pre‐historical individuals buried at La Sassa and Pila archaeological sites (Central Italy). The collected record suggested the potential use of plant taxa by the people living in Central Italy during the Copper‐Middle Bronze Age and expanded the body of evidence reported by previous palynological and palaeoecological studies. The application of a microscopic approach provided information about domesticated crops and/or gathered wild plants and inferred considerations on ancient environments, water sources, and past health and diseases. Moreover, the research supplied data to define the natural resources (e.g., C4‐plant intake) and the social use of the space during that period. Another important aspect was the finding of plant clues referable to woody habitats, characterised by broad‐leaved deciduous taxa and generally indicative of a warm‐temperate climate and grassy vegetation. Other unusual records (e.g., diatoms, brachysclereids) participated in defining the prehistoric ecological framework. Thus, this work provides an overview on the potential of the human dental calculus analysis to delineate some features of the ancient plant ecology and biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the contribution of moisture from different straw-treated and irrigated soil layers to the water consumption of winter wheat in dry farming, a 2-year straw treatment and regulated deficit irrigation experiment was implemented. The field experiment was carried out with 0% (S0), 1% (S1), and 2% (S2) straw returning amounts, and 75 mm (V3), 60 mm (V2), and 45 mm (V1) irrigation volumes. This experiment involved nine treatments, used to quantitatively analyze the ratio and variation of soil water use from different soil layers via the direct contrast method (DCM) and the multiple linear mixed model (MLMM). The results show the following: (1) The distribution of precipitation isotope compositions displayed a repeated trend of first decreasing and then increasing during the study period. Regression analysis showed that the local meteoric water line (LMWL): δD = 6.37δ18O − 3.77 (R2 = 0.832). (2) With increasing soil depth, the δ18O value decreased gradually, and the maximum δ18O value of the soil water within each growth period was distributed at 10 cm. (3) Under the same irrigation amount, δ 18O increased with increasing straw return at 0–20 cm and decreased with increasing straw return at 20–80 cm. (4) The comparison results of the DCM and MLMM were consistent. During the jointing and flowering stages, 0–30 cm soil water was the main source of water for winter wheat. The contribution of soil water below 30 cm had a decreasing trend from the jointing stage to the flowering stage. The average contribution rates of the 0–30 cm soil layer during the jointing and flowering stages were 23.07% and 23.15%, respectively. These findings have important implications for studying the soil water cycle in the context of farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Carbapenem resistance among Enterobacteriaceae is a serious threat to humans worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) retrieved from water sources in the central part of Thailand. Methods and results: Samples were collected from water bodies surrounding farms and communities in central Thailand. The species were identified by using MALDI-TOF MS. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and antibiotic susceptibility were determined. The carbapenemase-producing genes were detected by PCR and whole genome sequencing (WGS). ECC with chromosome-encoded blaIMI-1 carbapenemase were detected. These isolates were resistant to last-resort antibiotics such as carbapenems and colistin as well as penicillin. In addition, all blaIMI-1 genes isolated from this study were found to be associated with chromosomally integrated Xer-dependent integrative mobile elements (IMEXs). Conclusion: These findings highlight the diversity and dissemination of carbapenemases-producing Enterobacterales in environmental sources. With the increasing detection of carbapenemase genes worldwide, we should be aware of the blaIMI-producing E. cloacae complex with a high resistance profile and the ability to mobilize within the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of irrigation water quality on the synthesis of secondary metabolites and the chemical composition of Mentha piperita essential oil (MPEO). Three essential oils from Mentha piperita plants, irrigated with different water sources commonly used for mint irrigation in Morocco's Oriental region, were analyzed. The water sources were characterized based on various parameters, such as nitrites, nitrates, orthophosphates, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), pH, and electrical conductivity. The essential oils were extracted using hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), revealing notable variations among the compositions of the three essential oils. In this study, in silico tests using the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) algorithm; the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) model; and Pro-Tox II were conducted to evaluate the drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic properties, expected safety profile upon ingestion, and potential pharmacological activity of the identified compounds in MPEO. The antioxidant activity of the MPEOs was assessed through a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and the total antioxidant activity (TAC) method. Additionally, the antimicrobial effectiveness of the essential oils was tested against four bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and four fungal strains (Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula glutinis, Penicillium digitatum, Aspergillus niger), demonstrating moderate to strong activities against the tested strains. This study concludes that regulating irrigation water quality can enhance the production of specific metabolites, making them potentially valuable as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION The pathogenic Escherichia coli bacterium that cause diseases within the intestine is called diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) and is responsible for E. coli gastroenteritis. The present study aimed to identify the occurrence and antibiotic resistance profile of STEC/ EHEC and EPEC from water sources in the Adamawa-north Senatorial zone, Nigeria. METHODS Water samples from hand-dug wells and rivers/ streams from the study area were screened for the presence of E. coli, and diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) by polymerase chain reactions. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the DEC pathotypes was determined by Kirby-Bauer method. RESULTS Of the 256 water samples analyzed, 63 (24.6%) E. coli were isolated. Of these, 44 (69.8%) and 19 (30.2%) were isolated from river and well water sources, respectively. Of the 63 E. coli isolates recovered from the water sources, 27 (42.9%) were non-sorbitol fermenting E. coli. Of these, 24 (88.9%) isolates were of STEC/EHEC pathotypes, 2 (7.4%) were of EPEC pathotype, while shiga toxins and intimin genes were not amplified in 1 (3.7%) isolate. All the STEC and EPEC exhibited complete resistance (100%) to cotrimoxazole, ampicillin, nalidixic acid, augmentin, and ceftriaxone. However, while 13 (54.2%) out of the 24 STEC isolates demonstrated resistance to imipenem, all the EPEC isolates remained susceptible to imipenem. The resistant profile showed that the DEC pathotypes were resistant to 7-12 antibiotics with 8 (30.8%) of the 26 DEC resistant to 12 antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study contribute to a better knowledge of the occurrence of STEC/EHEC and EPEC in the major water sources of the study area and may serve as reference point data for future use and epidemiological surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negative environmental situation in the foothills or slopes, the deterioration of water sources due to deforestation, to make way for livestock production systems is considered one of the main environmental problems related to global climate change; loss of biodiversity and land degradation. The absence of environmental conservation measures, the excessive loads on slopes not recommended for grazing, the inadequate design of the pastoral systems and the management system that is practiced, are the main environmental risk factors that are observed in the mountains, which have their expression in the extension of erosion, the presence of weeds in these systems. A bibliographic systematic review was carried out, which implied an exhaustive search of relevant bibliographic sources in specialized databases, where inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select the pertinent studies, this allowed us to conclude that it is important to mitigate environmental degradation in these areas using semi-stalled feeding systems, although this as an ecologically solvent alternative, defining an endogenous process of change that leads to economic dynamism and improvement of the quality of life of the population and interrelation of economic systems., highly dynamic and ecological systems, less changing, in which human life can continue indefinitely, and establish a chain approach, considering the productive chain as the set of agents and economic activities that intervene in a productive process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) among Enterobacterales in water sources has raised a major public health concern and constitute critical threat to human health as these organisms exhibits high level of resistance to available potent antibiotics. The aim of this study is to detect the presence of NDM1 gene among carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) isolates from water sources. Methodology: A total of 256 water samples were collected from randomly selected hand-dug wells (128 samples) and river/stream (128 samples) for each of dry and rainy seasons in four out of the five local government areas (LGAs) of Adamawa-north senatorial zone, Nigeria. The water samples were filtered using membrane filtration technique and the filters introduced into appropriate bacteriologic media for bacterial growth. The bacterial isolates recovered were identified by both phenotypic and molecular protocols. Phenotypic carbapenem (imipenem) resistance was determined by disc diffusion test, blaNDM-1 gene was detected by specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and plasmid DNA was extracted and electrophoresed by standard procedure. Results: Of the 256 water samples analyzed for bacteria growth, 300 bacterial isolates of the order Enterobacterales were recovered. Of these, only 45 (12.6%) isolates were phenotypically resistant to carbapenem (imipenem) antibiotic and blaNDM-1 gene was detected in 30 (66.7%) of these. While blaNDM-1 gene was detected in all the isolates of Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella variicola, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter hormaechei, Enterobacter asburiae, Citrobacter freundii, and Morganella morganii that were resistant to imipenem, other isolates harbored blaNDM-1 gene in varying proportion. Most of the isolates positive for blaNDM-1 also harbored R-plasmids. Conclusion: Emergence of carbapenem resistance mediated by NDM-1 gene in Enterobacterales isolated from water sources constitutes an emerging public health challenge with potential transmission to humans, thereby complicating the treatment of infections caused by these resistant pathogens in man. As such, the urgent need for antimicrobial surveillance and stewardship is of utmost importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water habitats provide essential ecosystems to humankind, but their health is under threat from an array of human activities. Examples of these threats range from climate change, overfishing and destructive fishing, marine pollution, ocean acidification, under water noise, habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, and invasive species. Science has been responsible for both acknowledging the critical importance of the ocean and other water habitats' sustainability as well as identifying their multiple stressors and delicate ecological limits. With the increasing significance of environmental and water-related discussions in international fora, scientists are asked to provide evidence on life-threatening challenges associated to the current industrialized development model, particularly human-induced hazards like intensive food production and pollution drivers (plastic, pesticides, fuels, etc.). More recently, science has been pushed in the ocean international arena to play a more relevant diplomatic role in both unveiling the water unknowns and using the water's physical disregard for boundaries as a good excuse to overcome uncertainties in international diplomatic relations. Could such integration of water science and diplomatic principles lead to shaping a better multilateral landscape and impose a new economic paradigm for the world? We have tackled these issues with Dr. Mounir Ghribi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to highlight the phenotypic variability of Scutellaria brevibracteata subsp. icarica on the Aegean Island of Ikaria. While studying the various subpopulations of S. brevibracteata subsp. icarica found on the Island at different altitudes and in different locations, it has been found that the phenotypic expression of this species is strongly linked to the type of substrate and to terrestrial and atmospheric water sources. In particular, the subpopulation from the southwestern part of the Island that grows on granite soil has manifested several unique features that clearly distinguish it from the other Ikarian subpopulations, and which could justify assigning it to a particular ecotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Forests with various mixed patterns often show large differences in water use strategies. However, mixed planting may enhance the drought resistance of the whole forest community. We evaluated whether mixed planting could enhance the drought resistance of Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus acutissima under different seasons in the warm temperate zone of North China. Methods: Shallow-rooted R. pseudoacacia and deep-rooted Q. acutissima were studied to determine plant water use strategies under different seasons and planting methods. We measured hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios of two species grown under pure and mixed planting methods, as well as those of the environment, including rainwater, soil water, and groundwater in spring, summer, and autumn. Results: Hydrogen and oxygen isotopic contents of soil water were significantly less than groundwater and significantly more than rainwater irrespective of the season. However, season was the key factor influencing the plant water use strategies. In spring and autumn, Q. acutissima used more groundwater while R. pseudoacacia used more soil water; in summer, both of the two species took more use of rainwater and soil water. Mixed planting significantly increased the proportion of groundwater use and the diversity of plant water use strategies of two species. Conclusion: Diversity of plant water use strategies facilitate the coexistence of two species with the same ecosystem irrespective of the changes in water availability in their respective root zones. Besides, mixed planting can enhance the drought resistance of the whole forest community via reducing competition for the seasonal changes in water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water samples collected from water resources in Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan were processed radiochemically to evaluate uranium concentration along with associated geochemical parameters. LED fluorimetry was used to measure uranium concentration, while multi-parameter kits were used to evaluate the geochemical parameters. The mean uranium concentration was 14.0 ± 11.4 μgL−1 in the premonsoon period and 16.3 ± 13.2 μgL−1 in the postmonsoon period, which was found to be within the limit of 30 μgL−1, as recommended by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS, 2021). Geochemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, total dissolved solid (TDS), oxidation reduction potential, dissolved oxygen, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, hardness, and alkalinity ranged from 7.1–9.4, 226–4540 μScm−1, 125–2630 ppm, 149–287 mV, 9.1–11.4 ppm, 14–690 ppm, 0.1–2.2 ppm, 12–181 ppm, 135–990 ppm, and 129–1266 ppm, respectively. TDS, hardness, alkalinity, and nitrate were observed to be higher than the BIS limit at some locations. Maximum geochemical parameters were within the guidance limit for drinking water (BIS, 2012) excluding nitrate. The distribution of geochemical parameters and uranium content were vastly heterogeneous, signifying the influence of regional lithology and geochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean water is an essential necessity for every living thing. This is because water plays a role in the metabolism of every living thing such as humans, animals and plants. In 2019, when the dry season came, the Sampang Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) released about drought disasters in the area. BPBD has received reports from sub-districts regarding areas potentially affected by drought. The provisional data totaled 64 villages. The purpose of this community service activity is to overcome the problem of annual drought that has hit Sampang residents, especially the community at the As-Salamah Islamic Boarding School Foundation, West Tajjan Hamlet, Pancor Village, Ketapang District, Sampang Madura Regency. With the annual drought disaster that occurs, the Universitas Airlangga community service team plans to make an artesian drilled well that will work together with a team from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology. The making of this Drilled Well is expected to be useful for the community in the foundation area of the As-Salamah Sampang Islamic Boarding School as well as for the surrounding residents. In addition to the manufacture of drilled wells, a program will also be created to collect ablution water and rainwater (during the rainy season). This water reservoir can be used to irrigate plants so that plants can grow well even in the dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is crucial for birds, especially during hot weather. However, the availability of water, and its use by birds in modern anthropogenic habitats, is far from understood, especially outside arid regions. Here, we analyze a large nationwide dataset collected in the temperate zone and present an overview of small water resources used by birds in urban and rural habitats in Poland. We investigated the proportion of birds using free-standing water, preferences for various water sources, and factors and threats influencing drinking and bathing behaviour. Birds using water resources are represented by various taxonomic and ecological groups. Species composition differed slightly due to environmental conditions in the vicinity of the water resource and the background species composition. In total 51 species were observed using water, representing 64% of the 80 species recorded in the vicinity. The probability of water usage was positively related to temperature, which further emphasizes the importance of water under future climate-warming scenarios. We show that small water resources, including those provided by people, were less likely to be used by birds than resources resembling natural waters (puddles, ponds, fountains). This novel finding may have particular importance for avian conservation planning, including appropriate behaviour for nature lovers (providing water sources and reducing stress to birds due to predation risk). Finally, we assessed potential threats to bathing and drinking birds, such as moving cars, risk of drowning, and the presence of predators. Any kind of surface water is currently beneficial for wild birds inhabiting human modified landscapes. During heatwaves and droughts access to water can be crucial for many birds. Unfortunately, such extreme events are predicted to become more frequent and more severe under climate change. Therefore, we would encourage further research in the use by birds of free-standing water, similar to the many studies of birdfeeders in winter, and to consider the maintenance of diverse sources of accessible water in environmental management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable isotopes in atmospheric water vapour are important tracers for investigating water vapour transport, mixing and phase transition. In recent years, with the rapid development of analytical techniques, research on water vapour stable isotopes has been widely conducted worldwide. In this review, we summarize basic theory and examine various methodologies employed to study stable isotopes in atmospheric water vapour, ranging from traditional collection methods to more recent advancements in laser absorption spectroscopy, satellite remote sensing, and isotope general circulation models (iGCMs). We pointed out the critical role played by isotopes in tracing moisture sources, understanding precipitation patterns, and reconstructing past climates. We identify gaps in knowledge, particularly in the representation of isotopic processes in climate models. Furthermore, we highlighted future research should focus on enhancing isotopic measurement technologies, integrating isotopic data with climatic indicators to improve model accuracy, and expanding isotopic studies to underserved water cycle dynamics. This review aims to provide suggestions for future investigations to deepen our understanding of atmospheric water vapour stable isotopes and their significance in climatology and hydrology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical products such as antibiotics, analgesics, steroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are new emerging pollutants, often present in wastewater, potentially able to contaminate drinking water resources. Adsorption is considered the cheapest and most effective technique for the removal of pollutants from water, and, recently, membranes obtained by wet filtration method of SWCNT aqueous solutions (SWCNT buckypapers, SWCNT BPs) have been proposed as self-standing porous adsorbents. In this paper, the ability of graphene oxide/single-walled carbon nanotube composite membranes (GO-SWCNT BPs) to remove some important NSAIDs, namely Diclofenac, Ketoprofen, and Naproxen, was investigated at different pH conditions (pH 4, 6, and 8), graphene oxide amount (0, 20, 40, 60, and 75 wt.%), and initial NSAIDs concentration (1, 10, and 50 ppm). For the same experimental conditions, the adsorption capacities were found to strongly depend on the graphene oxide content. The best results were obtained for 75 wt.% graphene oxide with an adsorption capacity of 118 ± 2 mg g−1 for Diclofenac, 116 ± 2 mg g−1 for Ketoprofen, and 126 ± 3 mg g−1 for Naproxen at pH 4. Overall, the reported data suggest that GO-SWCNT BPs can represent a promising tool for a cheap and fast removal of NSAIDs from drinking water resources, with easy recovery and reusability features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This paper examines the water dynamics of a coastal dune plant community, addressing spatial and seasonal variations. We aimed to detect the patterns of water use by plants at the community level according to their distribution across a coastal dune gradient from beach to inland. Methods: Five sites were established: upper beach, embryo-dune, slack, foredune, and inland. Eight perennial species were collected seasonally to analyse the isotopic composition and water potential. Soil water samples at 3 depths, groundwater, and atmosphere, were obtained to determine plant water sources. Results: The species from Inland and foredune plant communities, Retama, Juniperus, and Helichrysum, showed the most stable isotopic signal throughout the year. On the contrary, the species most abundant on the upper beach, embryo-dune, and slack (Ammophila, Achillea, and Polygonum) showed the highest variability. Water deficit decreased the dependence on shallow and mid-soil layers along the beach-inland gradient. Beach and embryo-dune sites showed less negative leaf water potential values than the other positions in the dune gradient. Conclusions: Three factors mark the proportion of water sources used for vegetation in coastal vegetation: community composition, distance to the sea, and seasonality. Coastal dune vegetation exhibited a species-specific response in water uptake that was modified by its location on the gradient. From upper beach to inland, the plant communities showed a slight progressive increase in the use of water from deeper layers. This pattern was similar and overlapped with the wet to dry seasonal pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-living amoebas (FLAs) can cause neurological and ocular complications in humans. Water supplies play a critical role in transmitting FLAs to humans. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of FLAs in various aquatic sources including drinking water, stagnant water, and surface water in Alborz province, northern Iran, using morphological and molecular techniques. A total of 70 water samples were collected from 34 drinking waters, 23 surface waters, and 13 stagnant waters. Filtration and cultivation were employed to isolate FLAs. PCR assay was applied by using the genus-specific primers on positive samples. Pathogenicity tests (osmo-and thermo-tolerance properties) were performed for Acanthamoeba spp., positive sample. Considering the morphological criteria, four positive samples of Acanthamoeba sp., three Vermamoeba sp., two mixed Vermamoeba sp. with Vahlkamfiids, and one mixed Acanthamoeba sp. with Vahlkamfiids were isolated. Five Acanthamoeba sp. isolates were amplified using the JDP primer pairs. Among them, two genotypes, T4 (three isolates) and T5 (two isolates) corresponding to A. lenticulata, were identified. Four V. vermiformis samples were confirmed using the sequencing. This study highlighted the occurrence of potentially pathogenic waterborne FLAs in water habitats associated with high human activity. The results of such research on the prevalence of FLAs, as a human hazard, should be communicated to health policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa ubiquitously found in nature. In addition to their natural distribution, some species have been documented as pathogenic to humans. The main aim of the current study was the molecular identification, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of morphologically detected FLA in water sources in El-Qalyubia, Egypt. A total of 96 water samples were collected from different water sources. Each water sample was filtrated and cultured on non-nutrient agar (NNA). Morphologically positive FLA were subjected to PCR, PCR products were sequenced and the obtained sequences were phylogenetically analysed. FLA were found in 41 water samples examined (42.7%). Nile water and groundwater were the sources with the highest prevalence rates (83.3 and 62.5%, respectively). Naegleria italica was first identified in Egypt from the waters of the Nile. In addition, Vahlkampfia spp. and Hartmannella spp. were also detected. However, other FLA species, including Acanthamoeba spp. and the pathogenic Naegleria fowleri, previously reported in Egypt, were not included in this study. The recent identification of these FLA in the Egyptian waters related to human populations indicates the need for more phylogenetic studies using larger sample sizes to investigate their potential threat to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Nature conservation in both theory and practice is increasingly looking to understand different knowledge systems, including Indigenous worldviews, to achieve complementary conservation and socio‐cultural goals. Here, we share stories from one of the longest running Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs), Walalkara IPA, by Langaliki Robin, daughter of the founders of the IPA, who reflected on her parents' lessons about how Tjukurpa (Dreaming Law) is essential for conservation. Grounded theory analysis of her interview identified the importance of Tjukurpa and the role of Langaliki's parents, particularly her father Tjilpi Robin Kankapankatja in the establishment of the IPA. Tjukurpa was asserted as a core cultural knowledge system that provides Indigenous people with motivation, strength and well‐being, allowing them to maintain access to Country and work cross‐culturally. Tjukurpa influenced the initial declaration, roads and physical layout of the protected area and continues to guide the daily work activities of IPA rangers. According to Langaliki, the key to maintaining strong people and Country is to pass on cultural knowledge and Tjukurpa from generation to generation, especially to younger people. This research suggested that by knowing who the key knowledge holders are, respecting that Tjukurpa exists without being privy to the details, and continuing multi‐generational access to Country, conservation programmes that embrace Indigenous ways of knowing and doing can achieve successful outcomes for nature conservation and Indigenous well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an attempt to assess the heavy metal contamination in the water sources of Thaliparamaba Municipality, Kannur district, Kerala. The concentration of heavy metals, namely As, Cr, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Hg, and Pb in water samples was measured using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The physicochemical parameters, namely pH, electrical conductivity, and salinity of the water samples were also measured. The results indicate that the concentration of most of the heavy metals in water samples collected from the study area is much higher than the permissible limits. The anthropogenic activities may influence the enhanced level of heavy metal concentration in the study area. The results of these systematic investigations are presented and discussed in detail in the manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the difficulty and low efficiency of models established with big data, a deep feedforward network-based mine water inrush discriminant model is established. The stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithm is employed to optimize model parameter training. The cross-entropy loss and accuracy of the training and test samples are considered to characterize the model training effect. To prevent overfitting during model training, the dropout optimization method is incorporated into the hidden layers of the model. The four main water-filled aquifers in the Huainan Panxie mining area are chosen as discrimination objects, 1952 sets of water samples are applied as modeling data, and a total of nine indicators, including K+ + Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42−, HCO3−, CO32−, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS), are selected as discriminating factors. Through model training, the dropout rate, epoch number, batch size, and learning rate are set as 0.1, 90, 25, and 10−2, respectively, and the discriminant accuracy rates for the training and test samples are 93.34% and 96.68%, respectively. The trained model is applied to discriminate 30 groups of water samples, and the discrimination results for 28 groups of water samples are consistent with observations. The results indicate that the deep learning discriminant model based on big data achieves high accuracy, good applicability, and a suitable discrimination ability, and provides a certain guiding significance in the prevention and control of water inrush hazards and related field work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Gypsum drylands are widespread worldwide. In these arid ecosystems, the ability of different species to access different water sources during drought is a key determining factor of the composition of plant communities. Gypsum crystallization water could be a relevant source of water for shallow-rooted plants, but the segregation in the use of this source of water among plants remains unexplored. We analysed the principal water sources used by 20 species living in a gypsum hilltop, the effect of rooting depth and gypsum affinity, and the interaction of the plants with the soil beneath them. Methods We characterized the water stable isotope composition, δ 2H and δ 18O, of plant xylem water and related it to the free and gypsum crystallization water extracted from different depths throughout the soil profile and the groundwater, in both spring and summer. Bayesian isotope mixing models were used to estimate the contribution of water sources to plant xylem sap. Key Results In spring, all species used free water from the top soil as the main source. In summer, there was segregation in water sources used by different species depending on their rooting depth, but not on their gypsum affinity. Gypsum crystallization water was the main source for most shallow-rooted species, whereas free water from 50 to 100 cm depth was the main source for deep-rooted species. We detected plant–soil interactions in spring, and indirect evidence of possible hydraulic lift by deep-rooted species in summer. Conclusions Plants coexisting in gypsum communities segregate their hydrological niches according to their rooting depth. Crystallization water of gypsum represents an unaccounted for, vital source for most of the shallow-rooted species growing on gypsum drylands. Thus, crystallization water helps shallow-rooted species to endure arid conditions, which eventually accounts for the maintenance of high biodiversity in these specialized ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Estuarine and marine water quality has remarkable importance because these water resources are used for multiple reasons for instance: transportation, tourism, recreation, and other human or economic ways to use water. The objective of the study was to assess the water quality of the coastal and estuaries of the Rambungan, Sibu, Salak, and Santubong rivers in Sarawak, Malaysia. Water samples were collected from 10 locations and analyzed by employing standard techniques. A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, grey clustering evaluation methods, Thailand Marine Water Classification System, and the Malaysian Marine Water Quality Index (MMWQI) and its classification system were applied to compute the index of each water quality parameter. Results: The results showed that all the analyzed water quality parameters were within the allowable threshold levels. The results obtained by the application of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and grey clustering evaluation methods proved that the coastal and the estuaries waters were clean with exception of coastal location CZ9 and the estuary of Salak river which showed slight pollution. Based on the Malaysian Marine Water Quality Index, it was observed that all the locations were in the classification group of moderate (i.e. 50–79%). This suggests that the estuaries of selected rivers can be used for natural resource conservation, while the coastal regions are good for fish farming. Conclusion: It can be deduced that the suggested techniques were workable and logical. The method developed and the information in this study can serve as a reference and decision support for scientists and policymakers of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal protozoan infection is a public health problem in Indonesia, particularly in regions lacking clean water sources such as Perokonda and Perobatang villages, Southwest Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The residents of Perokonda and Perobatang villages use wells and unprotected open springs respectively. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections in these two villages. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, carried out in Perokonda and Perobatang from August 2016 to August 2017. A total of 291 children aged 6 months to 18 years were used as subjects. Furthermore, fecal examinations were carried out by preparing smears, which were stained with lugol solution and examined under the microscopes by four experienced technicians. The data were processed using SPSS version 20 and analyzed by chi-square test. Results: Among the 291 samples, the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was 20%, with 23.4% in Perokonda and 17.2% in Perobatang. The predominant species found were Blastocystis hominis (34.5%), Giardia lamblia (19.0%), and Entamoeba coli (15.5%). Moreover, approximately 69.0% of single infections were found while 31.0% were mixed and associated with 2 to 3 protozoan species. There were no significant differences between the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections and the children in Perokonda and Perobatang villages (confidence interval 0.83 - 2.62, P = 0.19). Conclusion: The type of water sources has no relationship with the species of intestinal protozoan infecting children in Perokonda and Perobatang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, several activities were replanned for the remote format, including extension actions. Digital platforms of social interaction can be used as essential inclusion, teaching, and information dissemination tools. This study aimed to verify the influence and reach of social media as tools for scientific dissemination by extension actions in sustainability and the environment, with fishing as background. Concerning social interaction media, an increase concerning the followers was observed in Instagram (64%) compared to Facebook (10%) of the extension project. In general, Instagram has proven to be a platform that allows more significant interaction between the target audience and extension workers. The remote event "Fish on the Net: Fishing, Tour and Landscape to Water sources Protection" made it possible to establish a discussion on fishing activity and the conservation of water sources, with a focus on the Billings Reservoir (SP, Brazil). On the other hand, it was found that the public was mostly made up of academics. Although a leader from the Fisheries Colony of the Billings was one of the panelists, the fishers' participation in the event, a noteworthy audience to be reached, was not significant. Although social networks allow a prominent contact and reach of information, the applied strategies need changes for the subsequent extension actions to the main target audience of the project - the community in general and fishers - has access to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feral horse (Equus ferus caballus) populations on public rangelands in the western United States threaten forage production for livestock and wildlife habitat. Interference competition between feral horses and heterospecifics at watering sources can have negative effects on livestock and wildlife. Researchers have documented altered timing and behavior of wild ungulates at water sources when horses were present. The few studies examining these interactions have infrequently occurred within areas specifically managed for feral equids and have not occurred in sites with cattle. We used motion‐sensitive cameras at 8 watering sources to document watering activity patterns and construct indices of temporal overlap among feral horses, cattle, elk (Cervus canadensis), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) within the Adobe Town Herd Management Area in southern Wyoming, USA, between June and September 2018 and 2019. Feral horses, cattle, and pronghorn exhibited a high degree of temporal overlap (>79%) in water use, with feral horses and pronghorn exhibiting the highest estimated percent overlap (88.1%, 95% CI = 86.5–89.6%). Mule deer and elk watering activity also overlapped with horses and cattle but to a lesser degree (<55%). Feral horses spent a mean of 16.7 ± 30.5 (SD) minutes during a watering event and were present at a given water source on average 4.5 ± 6.3% and up to 34.9% of the day, which is less than reported in previous studies. Cattle spent on average 23.5 ± 44.9 minutes during a watering event, and were present on average 4.2 ± 7.7% and up to 42.4% of the day at a single water source. Results of generalized linear mixed‐effects models indicated that number of conspecifics was the strongest predictor of visit duration for pronghorn and horses; hour of the day and group size of heterospecifics were informative, but less important, variables. There was no difference in peak visitation time for any species between sites of high versus low horse or cattle use. Despite temporal overlap, we did not find evidence of interference competition between feral horses, cattle, and pronghorn. We recommend future examination of interference competition and its biological consequences between introduced and native ungulates at water sources of varying size across sites, equid population levels, and livestock stocking rates. © 2020 The Wildlife Society. Feral horses in the Adobe Town Management Area, Wyoming, USA, spent less time at water than reported in previous studies and strongly overlapped in watering activity with pronghorn and cattle, but not elk or mule deer. Despite temporal overlap, we did not find any evidence of interference competition between feral horses, cattle, and pronghorn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Monthly water isotope assessment for tracing the contribution of various water sources to drinking water supply. • We identify the contributions of local precipitation and surface water to the groundwater of two aquifers. • Stable water isotope data reviled longer MRT than previously reported. In cities experiencing rapid urbanization, we must continually update our understanding of the partitioning of drinking water sources concerning its supply if it is to be managed sustainably. This need is especially crucial given the pressure on water resources arising from evolving land use patterns and climate change. For this reason, a city-wide study of stable water isotopes (δ 2H and δ 18O) in precipitation, surface water and groundwater across Ljubljana, Slovenia, was undertaken. The goal was to characterise the temporal dynamics of urban water cycling and trace the various sources contributing to the city's drinking water supply. Monthly water sampling, combined with hydrogeochemical and in-situ data, permitted the identification of local precipitation and surface water contributions to its two groundwater supply aquifers. In addition, a re-examination of the mean residence times (MRT) of surface waters revealed an MRT of 3–4 years, which is much longer than previously reported. Also, changes in the contributions of surface water and precipitation to groundwater were observed compared to previous studies. These findings improve our understanding of local water partitioning and provide valuable insights for water managers addressing future urban water resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 165 million children aged <5 years are at risk of low height-for-age. This study explored whether water quality and distance to water source affected short- and long-term growth, and the critical time windows of such effects. This study used data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), which was a cohort study performed in 15 Chinese provinces. Data from the CHNS between 1989 and 2011 were examined. Three cohorts of children who were enrolled at 0–2 years of age in 1989, 1993, and 2000 provided sufficient data for this study. Child height was measured by physicians, and household water supply, including the water quality (safe or unsafe) and distance to the source (in-yard or out-yard), was assessed using a questionnaire when the children were 0–2, 4–6, and 11–13 years of age. Multiple regressions were performed to analyse the associations between water quality and distance to the source at various ages, and height at that age and older ages, with and without adjusting for the household water supply at previous ages. Multiple informant models were created using a generalised estimating equation and these were used to assess whether the exposure coefficients were equal across the three age periods. A total of 1192 children were included. Water quality was not significantly associated with height over the three age periods. An out-yard water source at the age of 0–2 years was not associated with child height at that age, but it was inversely associated with child height at ages 4–6 and 11–13 years (β = −1.605, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.490 to −0.720, and β = −2.817, 95% CI: −4.411 to −1.224, respectively), after adjusting for sociodemographic and economic covariates and baseline child height. Distance to the water source at age 4–6 and 11–13 years was not significantly associated with height. However, significant differences were observed in the associations between distance to water source across the three age periods and height at age 4–6 and 11–13 years (p int = 0.064 and 0.069, respectively). Distance to the water source in early, but not later, childhood exerted a long-term effect on child height. When the water quality is good, efforts should be made to shorten the distance to the source to improve child health and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Labeo rohita was sampled to determine the contamination levels of chromium, lead, nickel, copper and manganese from wild (Trimmu and Balloki Headworks) and controlled fish ponds at Ravi Campus (UVAS) from September to December, 2013. Sampled fish were blotted dry, weighed and liver and intestine were removed to study histology and metals concentration. Chromium seems ubiquitous and was detected in all the water samples as well as liver and intestinal tissues of experimental fish. Its level was lowest in water samples and fish organs in samples collected from UVAS fish ponds while the highest in samples collected from Balloki Headworks, the main recipients of waste from Lahore city. Fish liver depicted Chromium (Cr) only but the intestine revealed the presence of Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) too. Cadmium was below the detectable limit in all water and tissues (liver, intestine) of sampled fish. Heavy metals load and their range induced pathological alterations, infiltration and necrosis in liver and intestinal tissues. Canonical discriminate analysis of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Cd and the extent of histopathological changes differed significantly among localities establishing an appropriate link with living media and their vertical flow in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater and surface water‐fed systems act as biodiversity hotspots and ecological refuges and evolutionary refugia in arid regions. Groundwater‐dominated systems are sustained by underground aquifers that are recharged by rain that has fallen in the distant past, while surface water‐dominated systems are fed by recent local rain or floods. Some waterbodies are fed by a mixture of these sources. Perennial, groundwater‐dominated systems will act as refuges and refugia under future rainfall declines associated with global warming. We sought to identify climate refugia, based on groundwater dominance, by using isotope hydrology to characterise water samples collected by citizen scientists across arid central Australia.There is a linear relationship between hydrogen isotopes (2H/1H, δ2H) and oxygen isotopes (18O/16O, δ18O) in rainfall. This relationship is known as the meteoric water line (MWL). By comparing our samples with the Australian MWL, and developing a local evaporation line, we were able to test the hypotheses that groundwater‐dominated systems will follow the Australian MWL while temporary systems follow the local evaporation line, and, accordingly, distinguish between groundwater and surface water‐dominated systems. The isotopic composition of samples collected over a 36‐month period was determined using isotope ratio infrared spectrometry. The electrical conductivity of each sample was recorded to determine where freshwater is available for biota within this arid region.Over 240 water samples were collected from 62 waterbodies and seven bores (groundwater wells) spanning an area of more than 250,000 km2. Approximately 75% of the samples were collected by citizen scientists and 25% by research scientists.Twenty groundwater‐dominated waterbodies, characterised by a small range of δ2H and δ18O values (c. −55 to −20‰ and c. −9 to −3‰, respectively) clustered around the long‐term mean composition of rainfall (δ2H = −37.5‰, δ18O = −6.4‰), were identified as future evolutionary refugia. These sites are likely to contain water through the most severe of droughts and will be critically important for the persistence of water‐dependent species.Based on their isotopic composition, we identified 45 waterbodies (rockholes/waterholes) as temporary or ephemeral (δ2H c. −40 to −100‰ and δ18O c. −4 to +25‰), that is, with no evidence of groundwater inflow. These, together with waterbodies supported by a mix of groundwater and surface water, can act as stepping stones and form part of the aquatic mosaic that is critical to supporting species in arid regions. Over two‐thirds of the waterholes sampled were very fresh (electrical conductivity <0.8 mS/cm), indicating that they provide the freshwater needed to support much of the regional aquatic and terrestrial fauna.All evolutionary refugia are located within protected areas (i.e. national parks or Indigenous Protected Areas), but some are subject to the impacts of feral animal species and invasive plants. Our findings indicate where control programmes and restoration actions can be prioritised to support biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. Our approach, combining citizen science and isotope hydrology, can be used to identify future refugia in other remote and arid regions where water scarcity is likely to increase under global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mendoza River streamflow, South America (∼32 °S), derives almost exclusively from winter snow precipitation falling in the Andes. Almost 70% of the water feeding the river originates in the Cordillera Principal geological province. In addition to the snow that precipitates in this area, there are 951 cryoforms providing meltwater to the upper catchment. Given the high inter-annual variability of snowfall and the megadrought affecting the region since 2010, it is crucial to quantify the contribution from different water sources buffering the Mendoza River runoff. Combining instrumental records of streamflow from glaciers and rivers, meteorological data, remote sensing of snow-covered areas and ionic and stable isotope analysis of different water sources, this study attempts to understand the hydrological contribution of different water sources to the basin. We demonstrated for the first time the relevance of different water sources in addition to snow in a dry period. During the melting season, 65% of the streamwaters originated from the glaciers (i.e. 50 and 15% from glaciers and rock glaciers, respectively), representing a higher proportion compared to snowmelt (17%). Groundwater input showed relatively large contributions, averaging 18%. This work offers information to develop adaptation strategies for future climate change scenarios in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with the plethora studies of microplastics in the marine environment, fewer studies have been conducted in drinking water. This study investigated the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in tap water and two major water sources in Qingdao, China. The results showed that the microplastic abundance in tap water and water sources was from 0.3 to 1.6 items/L and 0.2 to 0.7 items/L, respectively. The microplastic size ranged from 10 to 5000 μm and were black, gray, blue, and transparent. Fiber, as the dominant shape, contributed up to 99.2% of the identified microplastics. The most common polymers were rayon (48.9%) followed by polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (29.6%). Microplastics in tap water and water sources differed in size and polymer types but showed specific correlations. The analysis of Laoshan Reservoir and Jihongtan Reservoir indicated that human activities and atmospheric deposition contributed to the microplastics in the water sources. The potential risk of the microplastics was assessed by the potential risk index of the polymers. The results showed that water treatment reduced the potential risks of microplastics in tap water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current industrial production systems nowadays use heavy metals for the extraction of a material or as an element in the refining of a particular product which in principle results in obtaining the desired product with relatively low production cost. However, using these metals presents a serious environmental problem due to their high levels of toxicity for the organisms which they interact once they are discharged. Therefore, various methods have been developed to deal with these metals once they are in the water and the methods to analyze them. A comprehensive and update search was made of the sources, effects and toxicity in the living beings, analysis methods and the various techniques of heavy metal treatment. As a result, the researcher will be more prepared to have current information on the treatments to be taken into account in the handling of heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics as environmental pollutants affect surface water and groundwater. Surface water, groundwater and branded drinking water bottles were analysed in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The total count of microplastics was found to be 66 particles with fibrous and fragmented shape, colours such as white, blue, green, yellow, pink and black under optical microscope. SEM-EDX-used to study morphology and elemental analysis of microplastics confirmed the presence of heavy metals such as Cr, Ti, Mo, Ba and Ru adhered to their surface. Polyethylene terephthalate and polyamide were confirmed by the presence of functional groups of the polymers by FTIR equipped with attenuated total reflectance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide use is essential for sufficient quality and quantity production in modern agriculture. Uncontrolled and excessive pesticide use poses serious danger for human health, other living things and natural resources. It is necessary to keep track of pesticide sale and consumption data, to determine pesticide fate and transport mechanisms in the environment after application and monitoring pesticides in water sources for sustain efficient pesticide pollution control. Mathematical models are useful for the pesticide pollution control by time and money saving. It will also possible to investigate the applicability of natural treatment and alternative control methods in the basins such as Best Management Practices (BMP). As mentioned in this study, vegetated filter strip application as BMP reduces pesticide load over 40% in water sources. Decision Support Systems (DSS) are promising tool for assess the efficiency of BMPs. DSS are able to predict pesticide concentrations in the watershed that depends on pesticide types and watershed properties. In a DSS study, 1 meter vegetated filter strip application in tomato fields removes 40-60% pesticide concentration in receiving water bodies while reduces 15-20% pesticide pollution in the wheat fields in Oregon. With the increase of such studies at the national level, the control of pesticide pollution in agricultural basins with intensive pesticide use will be easier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water contamination by pathogenic bacteria is a global public health problem. Contamination of surface water utilized to irrigate food products, or for human consumption, causes outbreaks of foodborne and waterborne disease. Of these, those caused by diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) strains present substantial morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the microbiological quality of surface water and the presence of DEC strains in different water bodies. A total of 472 water samples were collected from irrigation canal, dam, river, and dike water bodies from January through December 2015 in Sinaloa, a State located in Northwestern Mexico. Our studies demonstrated that 47.0% (222/472) of samples contained thermotolerant coliforms above permissive levels whereas E. coli strains were isolated from 43.6% (206/472). Among these E. coli isolates, DEC strains were identified in 14% (29/206) of samples including in irrigation canal (26/29) and river water (3/29) collected from the northern (83%) and central area (17%). Isolated DEC strains were classified as enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) 34.4% (10/29), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) 31.0% (9/29), diffuse adherent E. coli (DAEC) 27.5% (8/29), and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) 6.8% (2/29). Moreover, 90% of isolated DEC strains exhibited resistance to at least one commonly prescribed antibiotic in Mexico whereas 17% were multi-drug resistant. In conclusion, the presence of DEC strains in surface water represents a potential source for human infection, and thus routine monitoring of DEC in surface water and other indirect affected areas should be considered at northwestern Mexico. • This detected non-permissive levels of E. coli in >33% of surface water used for the irrigation of food products. • We identified DEC strains in 14% of those water samples containing E. coli. • Irrigation canal was the most frequently contaminated with DEC strains. • EAEC was the most frequently pathotype isolated, followed by EPEC, DAEC and ETEC in irrigation canal. • Typical variants of EAEC and EPEC were most prevalent than atypical ones. • Ninety percentage of isolated DEC strain exhibited resistance to at least one commonly prescribed antibiotic in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The closure of many coal mines has resulted in many being used as massive underground mine water storage systems in urban areas. We used a comprehensive fuzzy method to assess the suitability of abandoned coal mines as underground reservoirs. Five first-level and four second-level indices were chosen based on the hydrogeological conditions. The degree of membership of each index was determined and quantitatively graded into suitability grades of I–V using a trapezoidal fuzzy number membership function. The weight of each index was determined in accordance with information entropy. Abandoned mines in Xuzhou city were examined as a case study. The degree of suitability of the water in 14 abandoned mines was assessed. Six of the abandoned mines earned a suitability grade of I and II and should be given priority. The evaluation of abandoned mines as underground reservoirs provides a new means to potentially secure an emergency water supply in urban settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the quality and pollution status of source surface waters in Segou, Mali. The nature, sources, and extent of pollution of Comatex Stream, Cerfitex Pond, and Sonikoura River were studied for a period of twelve months (July 2016-June 2017). Analysis included 209 water samples collected from eleven different locations in the study area. Laboratory and field analysis were realized using the standard methods and concerned eleven parameters including four physicals, six chemicals and one bacteriological. Also, organoleptic parameters were observed. Most of the average values of parameters addressing the quality of water were significantly higher (P< 0.05) in both the stream and river compared to the pond. Fecal coliform counts (FCC) were not in significant correlation with the temperature; pH and turbidity; but had a significant and positive correlation (P<0.05) with conductivity: total dissolved solids (TDS); total suspended solids (TSS); Cl-; PO4 -P; NO3 -N and 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). Analysis of samples revealed a level of FCC that is above the permissible limit for both drinking water and of fresh vegetable irrigation water. In all, there is a pressing need to inform the public about the state of water bodies and the application of relevant laws regarding the proper treatment of sewage before it is discharged into surface water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]