scholarly journals Determination of Potentially Harmful Element (PHE) Distribution in Water Bodies in Krugersdorp, a Mining City in the West Rand, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1133
Author(s):  
Michael Shapi ◽  
Maryam Amra Jordaan ◽  
Andile Truelove Mbambo ◽  
Theophilus Clavell Davies ◽  
Emmanuel Chirenje ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Potentially Harmful Elements ◽  
Game Reserve ◽  
The Town ◽  
Concentration Levels

The town of Krugersdorp in South Africa is the locus of an important wildlife game reserve, the Krugersdorp Game Reserve (KGR), which is juxtaposed by the (<1000 m) down-gradient of the large-scale gold mining outfits of Mintails Mogale Gold (MMG) and Rand Uranium (RU). The aim of the study was to determine the concentration levels of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) that have accumulated due to post-mining activities in the local water bodies in Krugersdorp and to use these data as a prerequisite and basis for formulation of the most appropriate remediation measures. Thirty water samples were collected and analysed in situ for: water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (mgl−1), dissolved oxygen (%), total dissolved solids (TDS), oxidation/reduction potential (ORP), and electrical conductivity (EC). This was later followed by laboratory analyses of aliquots of the water samples by ICP-MS for twelve PHEs whose concentration ranges were: As (0.70–32.20), Ag (0.16–105.00), Al (1.00–41.00), Co (0.07–6.16), Cr (1.60–5.00), Cu (0.80–8.00), Fe (23.00–117.00), Mn (0.14–12 255.00), Ni (0.20–7.00), Pb (0.80–6.30), V (1.90–55.20), and Zn (2.20–783.00). Areas of the town where excessive concentration levels of these elements have negatively impacted the health of its wildlife population and surrounding ecosystems are identified, and credible mitigation measures proffered.

scholarly journals A Simple Technique for the Identification of Environmental DNA (eDNA ) in the Water Samples

2021 ◽  
pp. 77-80
Author(s):  
Chitra K. Y.
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Dna Isolation ◽  
Simple Technique ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Easy Method ◽  
Selective Staining ◽  
Generation Sequencing ◽  
Dark Pink

The environmental DNA(eDNA) is the DNA that is shed by the organisms in their environment by different ways viz. , mucous, faeces, skin, eggs, sperms and also when these organisms die due to natural death or disease. The eDNA will persist for several days. Identification of eDNA is a useful method of determining the organisms present in an aquatic environment like amphibians, reptiles, fishes , insects and larval forms of some of these organisms. By analysing the e-DNA it is possible to monitor the species distribution in water bodies like lakes and ponds simply by collecting a sample of water. The technique can be applied for the survey of the water bodies on a large scale for the genomic, taxonomic as well as pollutional studies. The DNA isolation procedures that are available are laborious and time consuming. Therefore, during the present study, a simplified method was devised i. e. , isolation of eDNA with ethanol after which Feulgen stain was applied to identify and confirm it, as it is an easy method before proceeding to work with the isolated eDNA using other techniqnies for further studies. The Feulgen method is used for the selective staining and the localisation of the DNA in the tissues but is adopted during the present study for the water samples for quick identification of eDNA. The smear of eDNA stained with Feulgen showed dark pink or magenta colour under the microscope where it was concentrated but stained lightly when dispersed and fragmented as observed in the present study. Further studies of the isolated eDNA are in progress in our laboratory for quantifying and sequencing eDNA using latest techniques like next generation sequencing for the identification of fish species in the lakes.

Studying the Self-Cleaning Ability of Water Bodies and Watercounts of Arshalyn District of Akmola Region

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1095
Author(s):  
Lyailya AKBAYEVA ◽  
Nurgul MAMYTOVA ◽  
Raikhan BEISENOVA ◽  
Rumiya TAZITDINOVA ◽  
Akhan ABZHALELOV ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
The Self ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Zooplankton Species ◽  
Administrative Unit ◽  
Self Cleaning ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

In this paper, the self-purification potential of water bodies and watercourses in the Arshalinsky district was studied in an administrative unit of the Akmola region: Bolshaya Saryoba, Malaya Saryoba, Zhaltyrkol (Arhaniya), Koigeldy, Zhangula, and a section of the Yesil River. The self-cleaning ability of water bodies was assessed by such oxygen indicators as the amount of dissolved oxygen and BOD5. In water samples from water bodies, the dominant phytoplankton and zooplankton species were identified as possible agents or indicators of the self-purification capacity of water bodies. The task of the work was to identify the relationship of self-cleaning ability with inorganic pollution, saprobity.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Distribution of Some Potentially Harmful Elements (PHEs) in the Krugersdorp Game Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa

Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
Michael Shapi ◽  
Maryam Amra Jordaan ◽  
Devandren Subramoney Nadasan ◽  
Theophilus C. Davies ◽  
Emmanuel Chirenje ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Emission Spectrometry ◽  
Form Analysis ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Potentially Harmful Elements ◽  
Game Reserve ◽  
The Mean

The Mintails Mogale Gold (MMG) and the Rand Uranium (RU) are two large-scale mining consortiums active in re-mining old tailings dams and dumps in Krugersdorp and are a source of mine discharge feed into the Krugersdorp Game Reserve (KGR). This has resulted in a noticeable accumulation of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) over a number of years. Efforts were implemented to interpret the concentration levels of PHEs in soils of the study areas of which a total of 36 georeferenced soil samples were collected (in triplicate) from the MMG, RU and KGR, including samples from farmlands and waterways adjacent to the mining sites. Samples were then analysed by both inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for 36 elements. From the 36 elements of this study, detailed evaluations of the occurrence of 12 selected elements were discussed. The geochemical landscape at the KGR is shown to be in flux. The major mediating influences on the behaviour of As, Co, Cu, Hg and Pb, as they enter the KGR largely in the form of acid mine drainage (AMD), are the geological substrate (mostly in carbonate form). Analysis of the soils showed high levels of contamination for As and Co in ppm. The mean maximum of As ranged from (5.00–170.30) with the highest level found in the Krugersdorp site. The mean maximum of Co ranged from (46.00–102.30) with the highest level found in MMG. All of these values were well above the recommended maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) values, i.e., As (15–20) and Co (20–50). The mean maximum values for Pb (12.40–92.30); Cu (18.50–115.30) and Hg (12.40–92.30) content in surface soils of all four segments studied falls well within the MAC range for agricultural soils i.e., Cu (60–150); Hg (0.5–5) and Pb (20–300).

scholarly journals Study of the Influence of Clays on the Transfer of Dissolved Oxygen in Water

Ingeniería ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-14
Author(s):  
Cesar René Blanco Zúñiga ◽  
Nicolas Rojas-Arias ◽  
Ludy Yiseth Peña Pardo ◽  
Martín Emilio Mendoza Oliveros ◽  
Segundo Agustín Martínez Ovalle
Keyword(s):  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Oxygen Deficiency ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Clean Water ◽  
Constant Flow ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Aeration Process ◽  
Bodies Of Water

Context: The lack of dissolved oxygen (DO) in water bodies has become a serious problem for several ecosystems due to drastic changes in their climatic, biological, and physical conditions. The presence of microorganisms, organic matter, and clays, which are carried by landslides and rainwater, affect the process of restoration and transfer of DO in water, thus making it necessary to study how these factors affect the process of DO transfer in water bodies. Method: This work is focused on studying the influence of clays during the DO transfer process in water bodies. To this effect, samples of clays from the region of Paipa, Boyacá, were added in 1, 3 and 5% by weight into the samples of clean water. The aeration process was performed using a constant flow diffusion system. The tests were carried out until the saturation of dissolved oxygen in each of the water samples was obtained. Results: The results show that the presence of clays during the transfer of DO have little influence on bodies of water. However, variations were observed in time intervals of <5 min in which the increase in the percentage of clays favored the transfer of DO. Conclusions: With these results, it is concluded that the presence of clays can generate a beneficial effect during the transfer of DO in bodies of water with a high oxygen deficiency, whereas, for water samples with a relatively high percentage of DO, clays can hinder the DO restoration process.

Evaluation of a Norwegian-developed ELISA to determine microcystin concentrations in fresh water

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 743-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Botha ◽  
P. N. Laver ◽  
A. Singo ◽  
E. A. Venter ◽  
G. C. H. Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Fresh Water ◽  
Microcystis Aeruginosa ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Elisa Kit ◽  
Methanol Extraction ◽  
Efficient Detection ◽  
Resin Adsorption ◽  
User Friendly

Abstract Cyanobacteria are known for their extensive and highly visible blooms in rivers or dams in Africa. One of the most important cyanobacteria is Microcystis aeruginosa which can synthesise various microcystins that may affect the health of humans and animals. Accurate and efficient detection of microcystins in water is thus important for public and veterinary health. Two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), a commercially-available ELISA kit (Abraxis) and a newly-developed Norwegian ELISA (putatively cheaper and more robust) were used to detect microcystins in fresh water in South Africa. Water samples were collected monthly at two sites, the Hartbeespoort Dam and a crocodile breeding dam. Extremely high microcystin concentrations (exceeding 360 μg L−1) were detected in the Hartbeespoort Dam during January 2015, whereas the microcystin concentrations in the crocodile breeding dam peaked during March–April 2015. Both ELISAs were positively correlated when analysing water samples ‘as is’ and following resin adsorption and methanol extraction. However, following resin adsorption and methanol extraction of the water samples, the correlation between the two assays was much stronger. These results suggests that the two ELISAs provide comparable results. If the Norwegian-developed ELISA can be packaged and made available as a user-friendly kit, it could be used successfully in surveillance programmes to monitor microcystin concentrations in fresh water bodies in Africa.

SITE-SPECIFIC EQUATIONS OF STATE FOR COASTAL SEA AREAS AND INLAND WATER BODIES

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Andrulionis ◽  
Natalia Andrulionis ◽  
Ivan Zavialov ◽  
Ivan Zavialov ◽  
Elena Kovaleva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Equation Of State ◽  
Black Sea ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Equations Of State ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Ionic Composition ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Aral Sea ◽  
The Black Sea ◽  
Coastal Sea

This article presents a new method of laboratory density determination and construction equations of state for marine waters with various ionic compositions and salinities was developed. The validation of the method was performed using the Ocean Standard Seawater and the UNESCO thermodynamic equation of state (EOS-80). Density measurements of water samples from the Aral Sea, the Black Sea and the Issyk-Kul Lake were performed using a high-precision laboratory density meter. The obtained results were compared with the density values calculated for the considered water samples by the EOS-80 equation. It was shown that difference in ionic composition between Standard Seawater and the considered water bodies results in significant inaccuracies in determination of water density using the EOS-80 equation. Basing on the laboratory measurements of density under various salinity and temperature values we constructed a new equation of state for the Aral Sea and the Black Sea water samples and estimated errors for their coefficients.

scholarly journals A Short Review on Recent Advances of Hydrogel-Based Adsorbents for Heavy Metal Ions

Metals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 864
Author(s):  
Suguna Perumal ◽  
Raji Atchudan ◽  
Thomas Nesakumar Jebakumar Immanuel Edison ◽  
Rajendran Suresh Babu ◽  
Petchimuthu Karpagavinayagam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Metal Ions ◽  
Heavy Metal Ions ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
High Porosity ◽  
Adsorption Method ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metal ◽  
Practical Applications

The growth of industry fulfills our necessity and promotes economic development. However, pollutants from such industries pollute water bodies which pose a high risk for living organisms. Thus, researchers have been urged to develop an efficient method to remove toxic heavy metal ions from water bodies. The adsorption method shows promising results for the removal of heavy metal ions and is easy to operate on a large scale, thus can be applied to practical applications. Numerous adsorbents were developed and reported, among them hydrogels, which attract great attention because of the reusability, ease of preparation, and handling. Hydrogels are generally prepared by the cross-linking of polymers that result in a three-dimensional structure, showing high porosity and high functionality. They are hydrophilic in nature because of the functional groups, and are non-toxic. Thus, this review provides various methods of hydrogel adsorbents preparation and summarizes recent progress in the use of hydrogel adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions. Further, the mechanism involved in the removal of heavy metal ions is briefly discussed. The most recent studies about the adsorption method for the treatment of heavy metal ions contaminated water are presented.

scholarly journals Glucose-Limited Fed-Batch Cultivation Strategy to Mimic Large-Scale Effects in Escherichia coli Linked to Accumulation of Non-Canonical Branched-Chain Amino Acids by Combination of Pyruvate Pulses and Dissolved Oxygen Limitation

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1110
Author(s):  
Ángel Córcoles García ◽  
Peter Hauptmann ◽  
Peter Neubauer
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Branched Chain Amino Acids ◽  
Oxygen Limitation ◽  
Fed Batch ◽  
Fermentation Products ◽  
Cultivation Strategy ◽  
Branched Chain

Insufficient mixing in large-scale bioreactors provokes gradient zones of substrate, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and other parameters. E. coli responds to a high glucose, low oxygen feeding zone with the accumulation of mixed acid fermentation products, especially formate, but also with the synthesis of non-canonical amino acids, such as norvaline, norleucine and β-methylnorleucine. These amino acids can be mis-incorporated into recombinant products, which causes a problem for pharmaceutical production whose solution is not trivial. While these effects can also be observed in scale down bioreactor systems, these are challenging to operate. Especially the high-throughput screening of clone libraries is not easy, as fed-batch cultivations would need to be controlled via repeated glucose pulses with simultaneous oxygen limitation, as has been demonstrated in well controlled robotic systems. Here we show that not only glucose pulses in combination with oxygen limitation can provoke the synthesis of these non-canonical branched-chain amino acids (ncBCAA), but also that pyruvate pulses produce the same effect. Therefore, we combined the enzyme-based glucose delivery method Enbase® in a PALL24 mini-bioreactor system and combined repeated pyruvate pulses with simultaneous reduction of the aeration rate. These cultivation conditions produced an increase in the non-canonical branched chain amino acids norvaline and norleucine in both the intracellular soluble protein and inclusion body fractions with mini-proinsulin as an example product, and this effect was verified in a 15 L stirred tank bioreactor (STR). To our opinion this cultivation strategy is easy to apply for the screening of strain libraries under standard laboratory conditions if no complex robotic and well controlled parallel cultivation devices are available.

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