Journal Clean WAS (JCleanWAS)

Several studies have successfully carried out aquifer vulnerability evaluations using a combination of geophysical and biogeochemical methods. Unfortunately, some identified shortcomings have often led to inaccurate assessments. This review attempts to identify some of these drawbacks and suggest better ways to improve upon analysis and interpretation of results. Articles reviewed were sourced publicly and subjected to systematic analysis based on fundamental principles. The outcomes of each analysis were discussed, among which was a study that applied Ohmega Resistivity meter to acquire Self-Potential (SP) data without specifying the nature of electrode used. The result indicated large SP readings ≥200mV attributed to high fluid flow. According to analysis, when copper stakes are used, spurious SP readings occur in contrast to lower SP values of roughly 10 mV when suitable non-polarizable electrodes of Cu/CuSO4 porous pots are utilized to collect SP data. The review made clear the importance of providing detailed explanation of the nature of materials used. Another study solely collected samples for groundwater quality assessments during dry season, ignoring the effects of seasonal variation on water parameters. This must have had an impact on the results of the investigations. Research examined the aquifer problems in Gosa area of Abuja, utilizing only the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique. The study suggested basaltic intrusion as probable cause of borehole failures in the area. A different research which incorporated VES and data from the hill-shaded Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), suggested insufficient interconnectivity within the fractures as conditions controlling groundwater occurrence in the area. The study illustrated the need for integrating geophysical methods for effective target detection. To map the infiltration of leachate into the subsurface, a study applied only the VES technique. Studies, however, showed that the VES method only provided average resistivity readings, suppressing some features. The study suggested the combination of VES and 2-D imaging for more accurate results. Another study obtained data via the ADMT Groundwater Detector. At the interpretation stage, the author interpreted ADMT data as VES, which was perceived as inaccurate as their principles and methodologies are different. Another study was noted to have presented results without categorizing the Aquifer Protective Capacity (APC) rating in percentages (%). It was assessed that a framework that accurately categorized the APC of each transversal using common statistics guidelines would have made it simpler to understand and aided decision-making. Future research is advised to take some of the noted flaws into account in order to enhance data processing and interpretation.

The need to remediate contaminated mine soils has led to the adoption of biochar technology. Soils obtained from gold mining sites are heavily contaminated soils due to the presence of heavy metal occlusions in the gold ores. Therefore, a two-trial study was conducted to assess heavy metal uptake by Amaranthus cruentus from biochar amended contaminated mine soils. The experiment was factorial and laid out in a completely randomized design with biochar at seven levels (control; woodchar and bonechar at three rates each) and mineral fertilizer (15-15-15 NPK) at three rates to give rise to twenty-one biochar and fertilizer treatment combinations with three replications. Harvested plant tissues were subjected to wet digestion to determine the concentrations of Pb and Cd. Determined Pb concentrations (0.82-1.04 and 0.74-1.15 mg kg-1) in plant tissues were under the critical limit of 2.0 mg kg-1 set by WHO. Cadmium concentrations (0.38-0.49 and 0.32-0.50 mg kg-1) in plant tissues obtained from both trials were above the critical limit of 0.02 mg kg-1 set by WHO. Values of Pb uptake by plants ranged from 1.99-12.64 mg kg-1 and 0.05-0.71 mg kg-1 in both cropping trials, while Cd uptake ranged from 0.09-0.37 and 0.002- 0.016 mg kg-1. Uptake values of Pb and Cd obtained from the first trial were comparatively higher than values obtained from the second trial. A combination of 30 t ha-1bonechar and 80 kg 15-15-15 NPK enhanced Pb and Cd uptake in both trials while 30 t ha-1 woodchar suppressed heavy metal uptake. Biochar made from plant sources is more suitable for remediating heavy metal contaminated soils.

Polythene and plastic bags pollutes the soil because these are non-biodegradable, and so, they cannot be degraded by the action of the microbes. Therefore, they remain in the soil and will pollute the soil. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is therefore belongs to the class of polymers known as polyesters. In the natural environment, PET can be degraded by thermal oxidation, but hydrolytic cleavage and photo-oxidation initiated by UV light are more common under ambient conditions. In general, polyethylene offers excellent chemical and impact resistance, electrical properties and low coefficient of friction. It is considered a dielectric material. In addition, polyethylene are lightweight, easily processed and offer near-zero moisture absorption. In this study, selected dumps were covered in Keffi. The laboratory analysis was conducted. It was found out that there are two categories of Polyethylene with different properties, characteristics and functions. These are the High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). The analysis revealed that T4 and T5 Isolate after drying contained more density of 8-9% degradation of high density polyethylene. While in the second tests of Low Density Polyethylene the T2, T7 and T8 have the highest coefficient of degradation. The residual plot of the dry weight polyethylene T9 has the highest weight in the model.

Subsurface rock properties investigation to categories foundation competent layer for the proposed engineered structure capable of housing offices, lecture halls, and laboratories was carried out using geophysical (GPHY) and geotechnical (GTECH) techniques. Electrical resistivity GPHY technique using vertical electrical sounding (VES) field procedure was utilized in which nineteen (19) VES spots were occupied. Results of the VES revealed 2-D subsurface geoelectric sequences comprising of incompetent overburden layer of about 5 m thick with resistivity value between 10 and 210 ohm-m typical of clay soil material. Beneath this layer are sand formation and fresh bedrock with resistivity range of 750 to 1000 ohmm, which are good formations for foundation. Additionally, according to GPHY studies, western and northern portions of the region are marked by fractures/faults, which could cause building subsidence if foundation is stationed at these points. The results of the analyses of the soil samples taken in five different points in the study area revealed: (1) grain size distribution with 0.075 mm particle size passing of an average of 41% signifying the occurrence of clay, corroborating the presence of clay material within the weathered layer in GPHY investigations; (2) active and expansive nature of the soil with linear shrinkage greater than 8% revealing unsuitability of topsoil for foundation; (3) medium plasticity of soil indicating possible soil swelling; and (4) concomitant GTECH and GPHY results of the topsoil and weathered layer properties. The overburden layer with clayey materials must be removed and areas with geological structures must be taken into account.

Water quality assessment research will go on despite the numerous research previously carried out because water quality is not constant and as exploration activities are being carried out around the world, the quality of water depreciates. The school environment represents an important setting and needs to be monitored as the students’ social habits and behaviors are learned at school. Every child has the right to be in a school that offers safe drinking water, healthy sanitation and hygiene education. There is therefore dire need to monitor drinking water quality provided by the school, for potability and sanitation regularly. A total of 40 drinking water samples were collected from 40 different secondary schools (27 day schools and 13 boarding schools), randomly selected within the Port Harcourt Metropolis, and analyzed using standard analytical techniques. To achieve the aim of this research work, an already delineated map of Port Harcourt Metropolis, into 13 zones, by the Survey Department was used. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters were determined to ascertain how safe the water is for direct consumption. Descriptive statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel 2013 Version was adopted to determine parameter concentration trends across the study area. Some of the results obtained are at variance with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for potable water. The pH values ranged from 3.78 – 7.72 with a mean value of 5.75. About 40% of the samples met WHO and SON minimum acceptable limit of 6.5 – 8.5. The reported pH range for 60% of the water samples showed that the drinking water in some secondary schools is acidic and well below the stipulated range of 6.5 – 8.5 for drinking purposes. The implication is that drinking water in most secondary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis is acidic. All other physico-chemical parameters fall within WHO and SON standard for drinking water except for Magnesium. 67% of the samples had elevated values that ranged from 0.27 – 3.38mg/l, above (up to 12 times) the allowable limit stipulated by WHO and SON. All heavy metals present in the water samples were within the WHO and SON limits, making the water virtually free from dangers to the human body posed by the presence of heavy metals in water. The water samples were also free from total coliform bacteria and faecal coliform bacteria. However, the results showed the presence of total heterotrophic bacteria to a harmful quantity (well above 10cfu/ml which is the allowable limit by SON) in 30% of the water samples. This suggests that drinking water in 30% of the schools is not fit for human consumption. The study recommends installation of treatment plants in every day and boarding secondary schools. This is to facilitate the treatment of drinking water, for acidity and bacteria, before consumption by the students. The acidity can also be treated by introducing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in measured amounts into the water before drinking, while the bacteria can be removed by chlorination. Regular and periodic monitoring of the water quality in secondary schools, by designated authorities, is also urgently recommended.

Farmers are using pesticides without or with little knowledge about their doses, rate, waiting periods, residual health hazards, etc. It is necessary to have good knowledge of safe consumption for both producers and consumers. The purpose of this study was to analyze the residue percentage in vegetables that reach the central vegetable market, Kalimati fruits and vegetable market, Kathmandu, from where we collected a total of 80 samples with a purposive sampling method and tested in the laboratory, 40 samples were tested for organophosphate (OP), and 40 for carbamate (C) residue percentage, using the RBPR kit. The highest and lowest OP% were found in cauliflower of Dhading (77.09%C) and okra of Chitwan (0.11%C) respectively. The highest and lowest carbamate% were found in the bitter gourds of Dhading (22.82%) and okra of Chitwan (0.31%) respectively. Two samples of cauliflower (77.09% OP) and bitter gourd (50.13% OP) from Dhading were observed to have an inhibiting percentage of more than 45% which meant unsafe for consumption. This shows that among the 100% samples, 2.50% are unsafe for consumption and others are safe. For cent % safe consumption, the waiting period needs to be followed properly before harvesting and consumption.

Boron is available in nature in rocks and deposits and the availability is influenced by soil organic matter, soil pH, soil texture, and temperature and is taken up by plants in non-ionic form H3BO3 (boric acid) but this concentration account for only about 10% of total soil boron leading to boron deficiency. Also, boron toxicity may occur in low rainfall, extremely alkaline, and saline soils harming plants’ growth and development. Boron shortage and toxicity in plants have a fairly narrow range, and both are detrimental. Hence, it is needed to critically balance boron homeostasis in cropping soil. The concentration of boron in cultivated soil in different agroecological regions was found to be low to very low (1mg/kg of soil) in this review study, which was undertaken to familiarize the status of boron in Nepalese cultivated land. In separate micronutrient investigations, a few additional micronutrients were shown to be medium albeit, boron was found to be low even in the valley (>0.01ppm) including all three ecological regions. This shows boron deficiency is a universal problem in Nepal affecting 80-90% of agricultural soil. And this problem can be corrected by both foliar applications and by soil application of boron sources such as borate as per the recommended dose.

The heavy metals mean serious hazard in environmental pollution. Some of them are vital for many organisms in a low concentration, however the others ought to be poisonous at low concentrations, too. This paper gives an example for the correlation of the attention in human hair and in the environment of different heavy metals. Human hair (n=50) Volunteers (35 males and 15 females) of different age groups between 1 to 57 years samples were collected in Al – Ajailat, Libya. Hair samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Cd, Pb and Zn) by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique (FAAS). The results showed that the samples concentrations ranged between 0.0001 and 0.3840 mg.kg−1 for cadmium, followed by zinc between 68.99 mg kg−1 and 225mg. kg−1while lead was between 0.632 mg kg−1 and 7.708mg. Kg−1. The results indicated that metal concentrations in male samples varied based on age, such that age group 33-43 years had the highest zinc concentration (206.2±11.6 mg/kg), and age group 1-10 years had the highest Cd (0.384±0.01 mg/kg) and Pb (1.929±0.05 mg/kg) concentrations. while, the cadmium and lead contents in children’s hair samples of both sexes was higher than compared to the values available in some countries. The difference between male and female concentration could be due to individual differences in exposure to heavy metal load as a result of habitual or environmental factors.

The main purpose of this laboratory study is to indicate the variation in some characteristics of the sandy, sandy calcareous, and clay soil under the effect of the magnetically treated tab and/or salt water. Salt water (SW, 2000-ppm) was prepared by dissolving the sodium chloride (NaCl) salt in tap water TW (2 g L-1). Tab water and/or SW were magnetically treated by passage through a permanent electromagnetic field of 14٫000
G (1.4 Tesla) strength for 10 min, and then allowed to percolate through a soil column continuously for 2 h. Some characteristics of the studied soil samples were estimated after the infiltrate of the magnetically (M) and non-magnetically (NM) treated TW and/or SW. The MSW has decreased the hydraulic conductivity (HC, m day-1) by 41.1, 12.8, and 51.4% compared to NMSW for sandy, sandy calcareous, and clay soil, respectively. Magnetic induction may affect the coagulation of the fine particles to form larger aggregates. For clay soil, MTW decreased the sum of fine particles by 40.5%, while the MSW decreased it by 28.75%, which may be a dispersing effect of NaCl soluble salt. The Zeta potential ζ values were slightly shifted by SW and MSW. The calculated electrophoretic mobility (U) of the colloidal particles has increased under the effect of the SW by 15.6%, 28.6%, and 58.1% for the sandy, sandy calcareous, and clay soil, respectively. Magnetized water may affect the soil properties positively and/or negatively depending on the soil class and the application conditions.

Direct and indirect disposal of different wastes either due to some accidental spillage or due to practicing of sewage sludge to agricultural fields for diverse reasons in the water reservoirs contributes towards contamination of our ecosystem. Physical removal or immobilization is required for making soil and water contaminant-free from such kind of heavy metals. The Earth crust is mainly composed of these heavy metals and as they are non-degradable in nature, so there is a greater risk of their entrance into the food web and lead to various health hazards. Phytoremediation is an innovative, environment friendly, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing approach to remove/immobilize heavy metals. Processes mainly involves the detoxification, removal, or stabilization of retentive pollutants via utilization of vegetation and is a green environmental-friendly tool for cleaning polluted soils. It is a broad-spectrum remediation mechanism in which several processes are involved as mentioned here includes phyto-stabilization, rhizo-filtration, rhizo-degradation, phyto-degradation, phyto-extraction, and phyto-volatilization. Use of aromatic non-edible plants is sustainable and the best treatment approach for the elimination of toxic metals. These plants are not removed directly by humans or animals like non-aromatic edible crops such as cereals, pulses, or vegetables. This research is entirely based on qualitative analysis with descriptive approach. The crops like mustard plant, sunflower, rapeseed etc. are effectively put in an application at sites with superficial contamination of organic or inorganic contaminants via the above-mentioned six techniques. Phytoremediation is a reliable reclaiming treatment and hence the most demanding remediation technology in the world.