The Bolivian Altiplano (BA) is a high plateau located in the western part of the country at an altitude of 3,600 to 3,900 meters above sea level and is bordered by the Eastern and Western Cordillera. Within the BA there is a large endorheic hydrologic system linking the Titicaca Lake in the north the Desaguadero River, lakes Uru-Uru and Poopó in the central part; and the Lacajahuira River and Coipasa and Uyuni salt pans in the south. Several mineralized areas, especially in the Eastern Cordillera, have been intensively exploited for centuries for the extraction of silver, gold, and tin from polymetallic sulfide ore deposits. Presently many urban centers are also contributing for an extensive contamination in localized areas; especially the Poopó Lake and some rivers are affected by high loads of wastewater and solid waste, in addition to the release of heavy metals and arsenic (As) due to acid mine drainage. The presence of As in the BA was known to be related to mining only, but recent studies revealed that As of geogenic origin also contributing to the elevated concentration of As in surface and groundwater. The Poopó Lake basin is characterized by a semiarid climate. Geologic formations predominantly are of volcanic origin and groundwater flow is sluggish in nature. These environmental settings have generated substantially elevated concen- trations of geogenic As and other trace elements in surface and groundwater. Both surface and groundwater used for drinking water have high concentrations of As that by far exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline. The overall objective of the present study has been focused on the determination of the sources and principal mechanisms for mobilization of geogenic As into surface and groundwater of the Poopó Lake basin area. More specifically, this study has determined the spatial distribution and the extent of As contamination in surface and groundwater; chemical composition of surface and groundwater, rock and sediment; major geochemical mechanisms for As mobilization from solid phase to aqueous phases. This study also made an assessment of drinking water quality in rural areas within the Poopó Lake basin. Arsenic concentration exceeded the WHO guideline and national regulations for drinking water of 10 µg/L in 85% of the samples collected from the area around the Poopó Lake (n=27) and 90% of the samples from the southern part of the lake basin (n=42). Groundwater samples collected from drinking water wells had As concentrations up to 623 µg/L, while samples collected from piezometers had even higher up to 3,497 µg/L. Highest concentration in river water samples was observed 117 µg/L. Alkaline nature of water (median pH 8.3 for groundwater and 9.0 for surface water), predominance of Na-Cl-HCO3 water type and elevated Eh reflecting oxidized character has been revealed by As(V) as the major species in As speciation. Different rock types were analyzed for their As content and the highest concentration of 27 mg/kg was found in a coral limestone sample. In evaporate it was 13 mg and 11 mg As/kg was measured in calcareous sandstone. Elevated concentration of As was also observed in sediment cores collected from two drilling sites; 51 mg/kg in Condo K and 36 mg/kg in Quillacas. Physical and chemical weathering of volcanic rocks, limestone, carbonates and plagioclase minerals enhance the supply of Na+ and HCO3- into solution and as a consequence pH and alkalinity increase, which in turn, favor As desorption from solid mineral surfaces (especially Fe(III) oxyhydr- oxides) and therefore dissolved As in water is increased. / <p>QC 20150529</p>

This study represents an integrated and holistic assessment of the eziMbokodweni Estuary’s water and sediment quality. The estuary was once relatively un-impacted but now flows through a highly anthropogenically-modified catchment, comprising industrial and residential developments (formal and informal), and the eziMbokodweni Wastewater Treatment Works, furthermore the floodplain has been completely transformed to accommodate the Amanzimtoti golf course. Flow from the highly degraded Isipingo River and Estuary is occasionally diverted into the eziMbokodweni and the Southern Sewage Works Outfall, one of the largest deep sea sewage outfalls in the eThekwini Municipality, is located at sea, approximately 1.5 km south of the estuary mouth. Estuarine health can be studied on various fronts, in this study, the following variables were monitored in the water and sediment columns, seasonally for spring and neap tides: heavy metals, nutrients, bacteria and selected physico-chemical parameters. The results demonstrated that the eziMbokodweni catchment was a major contributor of heavy metals and nutrients to the estuarine system. The quantity of the majority of heavy metals and nutrients transported by the river at the upper estuary exceeded the amount exported to sea at the estuary mouth-nearshore interface, resulting in the estuary accruing large quantities of material seasonality. It was noted that the nearshore waters are enriched, as a variety of heavy metals and nutrients entered the estuary mouth during flood tide episodes. A range of heavy metals were detected within the sediment profiles obtained from the estuary, with fine to medium grained sediment exhibiting greater heavy metal content, in some cases, multi-fold higher than that detected in medium to coarse grained sediment. Geochemical indices were employed to ascertain the extent to which these metals constituted a pollution threat to the environment. The contamination factor calculated for all sediment layers and sampling sites implied low contamination. The enrichment factor calculated for the majority of heavy metals alluded to natural causes while some heavy metals exhibited significant to extremely high levels of enrichment thus implicating anthropogenic causes as likely sources of these heavy metals. The degree of contamination of the estuary was classified as low. Overall, the heavy metal and nutrient content detected in the sediments were low as compared to the large quantities detected from the budget. This indicates that natural mechanisms exist which facilitate the utilization or removal of these heavy metals and nutrients from the estuary. It is proposed that the most significant manner by which these heavy metals and nutrients are eliminated from the estuary is through episodic flood events that scour and strip fine grained sediment from the estuary bed. The pH assessment of the estuary revealed that this environment was slightly basic through most of the year with mildly acidic conditions noted during winter. The average Dissolved Oxygen levels were within acceptable levels, with the exception of winter when levels were very close to hypoxic conditions. The average Total Dissolved Solid content indicated that the estuary was compliant with the target water quality range for domestic use on selected seasonal-tidal cycles, and the average Electrical Conductivity levels were compliant with the ideal target water quality range for aquatic ecosystems and domestic use as per the South African water quality guidelines (DWAF, 1996a-e). A salinity gradient was evident in the estuary, as salinity levels decreased with distance from the estuary mouth. The saline nature of the lower estuary provided for the flocculation of material, which was alarming as large quantities of heavy metals and nutrients were detected in the estuary. The lower estuary is therefore susceptible to contamination due to the salinity regime and the dominance of fine grained sediment. The demand for oxygen in the estuary was high during summer, autumn and spring, and within acceptable levels for natural waters during winter. Extremely high levels of Chemical Oxygen Demand were recorded in the estuary which provides prime growth and survival opportunities for bacteria. This correlated with the results from microbiological investigations as high levels of bacteria were noted within the estuary, in both the sediment and water columns. The detected quantities of Total Coliforms, Faecal Coliforms and Escherichia Coliforms exceeded the target water quality thresholds for domestic and full contact recreational use. While at selected sites, the recorded Faecal Coliforms and Escherichia Coliforms levels were deemed compliant for intermediate contact recreational use. However, these sites were not compliant throughout the sampling period. Overall, the upper and mid-estuary exhibited greater counts of bacteria, in both the sediment and water column, than the estuary mouth and was attributed to factors such as flushing, sediment particle size, salinity and the ‘dilution effect’. Furthermore, the sediment of the eziMbokodweni Estuary is serving as a reservoir for bacteria. A number of options have been proposed to improve the degraded state of the eziMbokodweni Estuary and are ultimately aimed at curbing the anthropogenic input of these contaminants. The insight gained from this study provides the database from which more integrated and holistic estuarine management strategies can stem, that are applicable not just to the eziMbokodweni Estuary but estuaries in general. / M.Sc. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.

Ziel des Projektes VODAMIN war eine effizientere Bewältigung der Hinterlassenschaften des sächsischen und tschechischen Kohlen- und Erzbergbaus. Dazu wurden Untersuchungen und Datenermittlungen vorgenommen, die zur Erarbeitung von Lösungsansätzen für die Behandlung von Grund- und Oberflächenwasser beitragen sollen. Als Bearbeitungsgebiet dienten hierfür die Braunkohlenreviere in der Lausitz und in Nordböhmen, das ehemalige Steinkohlenrevier in Oelsnitz/Erzgebirge und der untertägige Erzabbau in Cínovec/Zinnwald. Diese Broschüre fasst sämtliche Projektstudien und -berichte zusammen, die im Rahmen von VODAMIN entstanden sind.

Chloramine is a widely used alternative disinfectant for chlorine in potable distribution water. This alternative was investigated and employed to show its effect for suppressing coliforms, trihalomethanes(THMs), disinfection by-products (DBPs), and corrosivity.Coliform analyses were performed with m-Endo(total coliform) and m-T7 agar(injured coliform) by using a standard Membrane Filtration method. Heterotrophic bacteria were monitored with HPC agar(PCA) and R2A agar (nutrient limited agar). EPA methods 502.2, 524.2, and 504 were used to determine levels of Trihalomethanes(THMs) and Disinfection by-products(DBPs).In our study, we observed no significant differences in coliform counts, that could be attributed to the switch in disinfectant. The most common coliform identified was Enterobacter cloacae. We also noted that m-T7 performed better than m-Endo in the detection of coliforms. We also observed a low level of corrosion (0.4-3.8 mils/year) in the distribution system (DS). Higher counts of heterotrophic bacteria were enumerated on R2A when compared to HPC. DBP values decreased two fold when compared with DBP values for the two previous years during which chlorine was used as the disinfectant. / Department of Biology

Bacteriological data from 1980 to 1991 were reviewed to determine whether coliform bacteria occurred seasonally and spatially within a midwestern city's distribution system. Coliform bacteria are used as microbiological indicator organisms to determine if a public water supply is safe for consumption. The public water_ distribution system examined had at least a twelve year history of the presence of coliform bacteria. Previous investigations have described the occurrence of the coliform bacteria as sporadic because there were no apparent patterns to their presence. An analysis of bacteriological data has not previously been performed to specifically detect seasonal and spatial occurrences of coliform bacteria.This study attempted to determine if seasonal or spatial patterns of coliform occurrences exist within the in the dominant coliform species. Data indicate that the highest percentage of coliform positive samples occurred in the summer, followed by fall, then winter, with spring having the lowest percentage of coliform positive samples. While Enterobacter cloacae was the dominant coliform species during the spring, summer and fall, Klebsiella oxytoca was the dominant coliform during the winter. Coliform occurrence throughout the distribution system was variable among the 43 sample sites. The percentage of positive samples from the various sites ranged from 0% to 10.5%. The five sites with the highest percentage of coliform positive samples were at the extremities of the distribution system. E. cloacae was dominant at 88% of the sites. K. oxytoca was dominant at 9% sites, which typically had a low percentage of coliform positive samples. / Department of Biology

Macroinvertebrate assemblages were semi-quantitatively sampled from the Little Blue River and an isolated headwater stream in Wilbur Wright Fish and Wildlife Area from March through November of 2000. Physicochemical conditions and qualitative habitat characteristics were recorded at each site. Each stream contained unique community assemblages based on taxa richness, composition, functional feeding groups, behavioral groups, reproductive habits, and drought tolerance/avoidance. Collections from the first-order stream contained fewer taxa and a greater proportion of non-insects and tolerant taxa than those from the Little Blue River. Taxa from the Little Blue River were adapted for filtering/collecting and for swimming or clinging, while taxa from the first-order stream were primarily gathering/collecting and swimming or sprawling. The proportion of taxa with adaptations for drought resistance or avoidance was significantly higher in the first-order stream than in the Little Blue River (p<0.001). / Department of Biology

A water quality study was conducted on Big Duck Creek and Little Duck Creek near Elwood, Indiana during the summer, autumn and winter of 1978 - 1979 and compared to measurements made in 1938.Samples were analyzed for dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, ammonia, total coliform bacteria, hydrogen ion concentration and temperature. Significant differences in concentrations were observed for each environmental parameter measured in 1979 when evaluated on a basis of sampling location. With the exception of dissolved oxygen concentrations, the effect of stream volume on the concentration of environmental parameters was in most instances small.When the up and downstream stations were compared, a definite decrease in water quality was noted. The dissolved oxygen concentrations decreased as the water flowed through the city. Due to increased organic loading, the biochemical oxygen demand increased in the downstream area.Elwood increased the suspended solids level of Big Duck Creek. Agricultural and urban runoff together with untreated sewage discharges significantly increased the suspended solids level within the inner city region. Dilution by treated sewage as well as cleaner water from Little Duck Creek help reduce the suspended solids level in the downstream location. Relatively high ammonia concentrations were observed in the upstream portions of the creeks. This was apparently related to farm practices. The higher readings of ammonia were noted after animal manure was spread on the fields along the stream. The downstream levels were also high. This was probably due to ammonia in the effluents of the sewage treatment plant. In contrast, only small changes in the hydrogen ion concentration was observed throughout the creek.The number of total coliform bacteria increased in the center of town because of a sewer bypass into the creek. Below Elwood the concentration of bacteria decreased due to dilution with disinfected effluents from the sewage treatment plant.Except for a noticeable increase in biochemical oxygen demand and ammonia, the Elwood sewage treatment plant effluent together with flow from Little Duck Creek appears to improve Big Duck Creek's condition as it leaves the city to join White River.Significant differences were observed between measurements made in 1938 and 1978 - 79. Results of the study showed a significant improvement in water quality of Big Duck Creek since 1938. This was probably due to the construction of Elwood's wastewater collection system and sewage treatment plant in the 1940s.However, there was still degradation of water quality within the city due to untreated wastewater discharges. Consequently, emphasis should be focused on the inner city problem since Elwood residents would be in the proximity to this area. / Department of Natural Resources

The Prairie Creek Reservoir, located in east central Indiana in an agricultural watershed, serves as a secondary drinking water source as well as a recreational facility. Limited research of water quality performed at the reservoir has affected management decisions over the past years, threatening its future.. Consequently, additional investigation was necessary to examine the reservoir dynamics, and continue to provide data to determine long-term water quality trends. Basic water quality parameters were measured using a Hydrolab Sonde, nutrients were measured spectrophotometrically, and a Secchi disk was used to determine water transparency. The Prairie Creek Reservoir was categorized as an eutrophic water body. Concentrations of the measured nutrients were higher in the hypolimnion and increased as summer progressed. Concentration of ammonia and soluble reactive phosphorus exceeded the recommended water quality guidelines. Increased concentration of phosphorus has resulted in nitrogen limitation in the reservoir. Internal loading of nutrients, especially phosphorus, was found to deteriorate water quality. Dissolved oxygen concentrations varied vertically and anoxic conditions frequently reached 50% of the total reservoir depth. Reservoir restoration and watershed protection programs need to address internal P load and nitrogen limitation to prevent development of toxic algal blooms and eutrophication in the future. / Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

Darbo tema: Šiaulių miesto Vijolės ir Kelmės miesto Kražantės upių vandens kokybės nustatymas ir palyginimas pagal titnagdumblių rūšinę įvairovę nustatant saprobiškumo indeksus (SI). Tyrimo tikslas buvo atlikti epifitinių ir epilitinių titnagdumblių analizę ir pagal jos rezultatus, apibūdinti upių Vijolės ir Kražantės vandens kokybę. Tikslui pasiekti pasirinkti uždaviniai: nustatyti titnagdumblių rūšių įvairovę Vijolės ir Kražantės upėse; apskaičiuoti tiriamųjų upių saprobiškumo indeksus; palyginti tyrimo rezultatus su ankščiau atliktų vertinimų rezultatais. Darbo objektu pasirinkta Vijolės upė tekanti per Šiaulių miestą ir Kražantės upė tekanti per Kelmės miestą. Mėginiai buvo imami 2013 metų pavasario, vasaros ir rudens sezonu, fiksuojami lugol‘o tirpalu, nusodinami naudojant centrifūgą. Mėginiai buvo mikroskopuojami naudojant 600x didinantį mikroskopą. Titnagdumbliai atpažinti spausdintais ir internetiniais šaltiniais. Saprobiškumo indeksui apskaičiuoti buvo naudojama metodika pagal LR ministro įsakymą, paviršinio vandens telkinių tyrimo metodiką pagal fitoplanktoną. Tyrimo metu buvo aptiktos ir atpažintos 52 titnagdumblių rūšys priskiriamos 2 klasėms ir 4 eilėms. Kražantės upė pasižymėjo didesne rūšių įvairove negu Vijolės. Abejose upėse dažniausiai pasitaikančios mėginyje rūšys buvo Navicula pusilla W. Sm., Navicula lanceolata (Ag.) Kütz., taip pat didžiausią masę mėginyje sudarė Navicula Bory genties rūšys. Daugiausia titnagdumblių Vijolės upėje buvo aptikta pavasarį... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The main thesis: the quality of water determination and comparison, according to species variety of diatoms, setting the saprobic indexes (SI) at Vijolė river in Šiauliai and Kražantė river in Kelmė. The purpose of the work is to analyse the diatoms, also to describe the quality of water in Vijolė and Kražantė rivers, using the rezults of these analysis. To achieve the goal, these tasks have been chosen: to determine the variety of diatoms in Vijolė and Kražantė rivers; to calculate the saprobic indexes of the rivers explored; to compare the rezults of investigation with rezults of evaluation, made earlier at the areas of investigation. The object of this work is Vijolė river in Šiauliai town, also Kražantė river in Kelmė town. The samples have been taken at the 2013 year‘s spring, summer and autumn seasons. They have been located using the lugol soak, precipitated using the centrifuge. The samples have been explored using the 600x microscope. The diatoms have been recognized using the information of printed and online sourses. The saprobic index was calculated using the methodology in accordance with an order of the LR Minister. The method of surface water bodies – according to phytoplankton. 52 species of diatoms, assigned to 2 categories and 4 ranges, have been detected at the time of research. Kražantė river characterized with higher variety of species, than Vijolė river. In both rivers, the most common species in sample have been Navicula pusilla W. Sm., Navicula... [to full text]

This qualitative study described and compared the cognitive apprehensions regarding drinking water quality (DW) in Muncie, Indiana, USA. The comparison was between two different, culturally elite groups using constructive-grounded theory. Eighteen semistructured interviews were conducted with both Arab (n=9) and American (n=9) participants. Five essential themes emerged from the interview data: the sensory properties of drinking water, pollutants, health concerns, information sources, and experience. The data from this study is grounded to the epistemologies regarding drinking water. The epistemologies differ between the Arab and American groups due to social factors, such as ethnicity, culture, and past experiences. The study showed that the two groups in the study perceived knowledge regarding drinking water in different ways. The study showed that the educated Arabs had different cognitive apprehensions regarding drinking water compared to educated Americans due to their previous experiences with drinking water quality in their home countries and their lack of interest in the local media. However, similar findings regarding beliefs about pollutants and diseases in drinking water were shared between the groups. The grounded study found that each group had different behaviors regarding drinking water, and it developed a theory that described how different epistemologies lead to different actions regarding drinking water among different ethnicities. Some recommendations based on the study findings endorse that the government agencies should provide a readily accessible publication about the drinking water quality to the community. It is recommended that the government agencies promote the dissemination of water quality studies’ findings through mass media, social media, and other means of communications with the public. In addition, recommendations should also be provided to enhance the local environmental awareness of international students at universities. / Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management