Environmental Health Diagnosis in a Park as a Sustainability Initiative in Cities

Environmental health diagnosis was made in a sport and recreational park in the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The objective of this research was to perform an environmental diagnosis in Tucson Park; it concentrated on air quality (fine and coarse particulate matter, carbon dioxide), environmental noise, water quality of springs and a pond according to national standards, and macroinvertebrates as biological indicators of water condition, as well as phytosanitary state of wooded area. Additionally, a survey was conducted to study environmental perception. Results of the study highlighted significant statistical differences concerning the amount and size of particles for the winter and spring seasons. Noise levels within the park premises exceeded the Mexican standard. Water quality measured through general criteria of integrated water quality index (WQI) qualified the park´s analyzed springs as acceptable but to abstain its use and human consumption. Finally, the perception survey identified insecurity as the major problem, followed by the lack of lighting and effective communication of courses and workshops for the community to attend. It is one of the first environmental diagnoses in sport parks in Mexico´s Metropolitan Areas as an integrated approach of ecosystem health and wellbeing of city inhabitants.

Download Full-text

Quality water not everywhere: Exploratory Analysis of Water Quality Across Ebocha-Obrikom Oil and Gas Flaring Area in the Core Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

10.21203/rs.3.rs-953146/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Morufu Olalekan Raimi ◽

Olawale Henry Sawyerr ◽

Clinton Ifeanyichukwu Ezekwe ◽

Opasola Afolabi Olaniyi

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Environmental Health ◽

Indigenous Communities ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Human Society ◽

Strict Adherence ◽

Oil Companies ◽

Gas Flaring ◽

Rivers State

Abstract Background:In Rivers State, Nigeria, Indigenous communities of Ebocha-Obrikom have nearly worst drinking water quality in the province with concerns extending from worsening water quality to deficiency of support from oil companies operating in the environment. The minute water is suspected, or recognized of being unsafe or hazardous to human consumption, community people are likely to be positioned under a wasted health.Objectives:To compare water quality parameters in the vicinity of Gas Flaring Area of Ebocha-Obrikom of Rivers State with that of the recommended standards.Methods:The research utilized standard analytical procedures. All sampling, conservation, transportation and analysis followed standard procedures described in APHA (2012). All the samples collected were transported to the laboratory through keeping in an icebox to prevent degradation of the organic substances.Results:Result depicts that Turbidity, DO, BOD, COD, TSS, Magnesium, Iron, Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, and Nickel exceeded the desirable limit meant for drinking purpose as well as could potentially pose threats toward human society. Hence, remain unsuitable for drinking, as the inhabitants were more vulnerable for their total lifetime period of exposure through continuous consumption of unsuitable drinking water.Conclusion:It is recommended that the local government environmental health officers and other regulatory agencies frequently monitor the levels of these pollutants within the area and also ensure strict adherence to guidelines to ensure a healthy environment. As exposure to the above stated parameters can have a remarkable impact on human health living in the vicinity of the gas flaring area by drinking water around the study area; thus, groundwater needs to treated before using for household purpose or drinking. Thus, this study would help in decision making for stakeholders and relevant authorities in the execution of reasonable groundwater management strategies and remediation plans in the area to protect public and environmental health.

Download Full-text

Análise Microbiológica da Qualidade das Águas do Rio Cuiabá Perímetro Urbano, a Partir de 4 Pontos de Amostragem

UNICIÊNCIAS ◽

10.17921/1415-5141.2017v21n2p56-59 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 56

Author(s):

Waléria Finicia de Oliveira ◽

Osvaldo Borges Pinto

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Water Quality ◽

Biological Indicators ◽

Domestic Sewage ◽

Human Consumption ◽

River Waters ◽

Sampling Points ◽

Microbiological Parameters ◽

Quality Water ◽

Consequent Increase

A ocupação eminentemente urbana dos municípios resultou em um incremento da demanda nos diversos usos das águas do rio Cuiabá e consequente aumento das cargas orgânicas, de nutrientes e de coliformes gerados pelos esgotos domésticos. As microbacias hidrográficas, com vegetação natural remanescente, são áreas muito importantes para manter o abastecimento de água de boa qualidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar análises microbiológicas da qualidade da água do rio Cuiabá, especificamente no perímetro urbano, a partir de quatro pontos de amostragem, usando os parâmetros microbiológicos, a fim de quantificar Coliformes Totais e Escherichia coli. Foram feitas quatro coletas em pontos aleatórios, uma em 03/11/2014 e as outras três em 22/10/2015. Os resultados obtidos, nas análises feitas com as amostras, apontou como impróprio para o consumo humano, conforme a Resolução nº 357/05 do CONAMA.Palavras-chaves: Qualidade da Água. Bioindicadores, Escherichia coli.AbstratThe eminently urban occupation of the municipalities resulted in an increase in the demand for the different uses of the Cuiabá river waters and consequent increase in the organic loads, nutrients and coliforms generated by domestic sewage. The waters and consequent increase in the organic loads, nutrients and coliforms generated by domestic sewage. Thehydrographic basins with remaining natural vegetation arevery important areas to maintain the supply of good quality water. The objective of this work was to perform microbiological analyzes of the water quality, specifically at the urban perimeter, from 04 Sampling Points, using the microbiological parameters, in order to quantify Total Coliformes and Escherichia coli. Four collections were performed, one for each point, the first on November 3rd, 2014, another on October 22nd, 2015. The results obtained from the analyses performed with the samples, pointed as inadequate for human consumption, according to Resolution number 357/05 of CONAMA.Keywords: Water Quality. Biological Indicators. Escherichia coli

Download Full-text

Groundwater management in an agro-industrial school in Argentina

UNED Research Journal ◽

10.22458/urj.v11i2.2300 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 122-129

Author(s):

Evelyn Vuksinic ◽

Corina Iris Rodríguez ◽

Anahí Tabera ◽

Marisol Roxana Cifuentes ◽

Adriana Alejandra Díaz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Management ◽

Water Quality ◽

Groundwater Management ◽

Water Demand ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Residual Chlorine ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Buenos Aires Province ◽

Productive Activities ◽

Industrial School

Introduction: water management is of paramount importance in productive activities, such as agriculture, livestock and industry, due to its direct impact on both the quality and the availability of this valuable resource. However, groundwater management is usually addressed under a non-integrated approach which originates a high risk of pollution as well as water shortage for food and animal production in the agro-industrial systems. Objective: to analyze water quality for human consumption, hydrogeological features, water demand, and discharge of liquid effluents on soil and surface water. Methods: we carried out a diagnostics of water management in an agro-industrial school located in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The production system includes a bovine dairy farm; calf, pork and rabbit breeding; beekeeping; poultry farming; dairy and cheese factory; agriculture and fodder area; processing of meat, and orchard. To perform the analysis, we calculated water requirements for six productive activities and evaluated the hydrological features of the area through water table measurements considering the groundwater flow sense. We analyzed the groundwater quality seasonally during a period of a year through five water samples. We considered microbiological and physicochemical parameters and they were compared with recommended level by law, and we carried out the monitoring of residual chlorine during a week. Also, we evaluated the generation and disposal of effluents. Results: water was suitable for human consumption, although we detected variations in its quality indicators. We determined that the main issues hindering an integrated water management were the diversified production developed with high volumes of water demanded, the water quality deterioration by the agro-industrial productions carried out, and the hydrogeological features of the area. In addition, we measured a high water demand which is in conflict with groundwater shortage and the complex hydrological conditions of extraction in the studied area. Conclusion: this study demonstrated the usefulness of applying effective strategies to act on environmental-priority subjects and to develop good practices regarding water management from an integrated approach.

Download Full-text

Quality Control of Drinking Water Analysis in Concordance with Standard Requirements in Force

Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Agriculture ◽

10.15835/buasvmcn-agr:8758 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 69 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Diana FLORESCU ◽

Claudia SANDRU ◽

Roxana IONETE ◽

Monica CULEA

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Water Quality ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Health Assessment ◽

Poor Quality ◽

National Standards ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Water Control ◽

Minimum Requirements

In order to use a healthy fluid for human consumption, water should be aesthetically acceptable, should be free from apparent turbidity, colour, odour, objectionable taste and microbial contamination. The demand for such potable water has been an important issue, due to poor quality of ground water and rapid increase in population every year. A case study related of drinking water is presented together with our laboratory management, the staff involvement, the implementations of the quality objectives and all our activities related to water control. Fairness and reliability of testing and standardized methods performed by a laboratory are determined by many factors including: human factors; accommodation and environmental conditions; methods of testing and standardized methods; equipments and methods validation; measurement traceability, sampling and handling of testing measurements. This is an implementation procedure of drinking water analyses from a laboratory, development of strategies to accreditation system and obtaining the certified measurements. Accreditations protocol recognizes the laboratories competence to test standardize and use thi s international standard as a basis for their authentication. Implementation of risk management strategies include national standards developed from the international guidelines. These are describing the minimum requirements of safe practice to the consumerâ€™s health and concentrations values for indicators of water quality. In the development and implementation of standards it is essential to take into account legislation regarding water and public health, government official laws and if is assessed the capacity of these regulations.Surveillance of drinking water quality can be defined as â€œthe continuous and vigilant public health assessment and review of the safety and acceptability of drinking water suppliesâ€.

Download Full-text

Modification of the Water Quality Index (WQI) Process for Simple Calculation Using the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Method: A Review

Water ◽

10.3390/w13070905 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 905

Author(s):

Naseem Akhtar ◽

Muhammad Izzuddin Syakir Ishak ◽

Mardiana Idayu Ahmad ◽

Khalid Umar ◽

Mohamad Shaiful Md Yusuff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Decision Making ◽

Water Quality Index ◽

Quality Index ◽

Water Quality Assessment ◽

Simple Calculation ◽

Great Accuracy ◽

Parameter Selection ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Multi Criteria Decision Making

Human activities continue to affect our water quality; it remains a major problem worldwide (particularly concerning freshwater and human consumption). A critical water quality index (WQI) method has been used to determine the overall water quality status of surface water and groundwater systems globally since the 1960s. WQI follows four steps: parameter selection, sub-indices, establishing weights, and final index aggregation, which are addressed in this review. However, the WQI method is a prolonged process and applied to specific water quality parameters, i.e., water consumption (particular area and time) and other purposes. Therefore, this review discusses the WQI method in simple steps, for water quality assessment, based on two multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods: (1) analytical hierarchical process (AHP); and (2) measuring attractiveness by a categorically based evaluation technique (MACBETH). MCDM methods can facilitate easy calculations, with less effort and great accuracy. Moreover, the uncertainty and eclipsing problems are also discussed—a challenge at every step of WQI development, particularly for parameter selection and establishing weights. This review will help provide water management authorities with useful knowledge pertaining to water usage or modification of existing indicators globally, and contribute to future WQI planning and studies for drinking, irrigation, domestic, and industrial purposes.

Download Full-text

Groundwater quality assessment using water quality index (WQI) under GIS framework

Applied Water Science ◽

10.1007/s13201-021-01376-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Arjun Ram ◽

S. K. Tiwari ◽

H. K. Pandey ◽

Abhishek Kumar Chaurasia ◽

Supriya Singh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Groundwater Quality ◽

Water Quality Index ◽

Quality Index ◽

Uttar Pradesh ◽

Granite Gneiss ◽

Total Hardness ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Anthropogenic Contamination ◽

Quality Of Water

AbstractGroundwater is an important source for drinking water supply in hard rock terrain of Bundelkhand massif particularly in District Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh, India. An attempt has been made in this work to understand the suitability of groundwater for human consumption. The parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, copper, manganese, silver, zinc, iron and nickel were analysed to estimate the groundwater quality. The water quality index (WQI) has been applied to categorize the water quality viz: excellent, good, poor, etc. which is quite useful to infer the quality of water to the people and policy makers in the concerned area. The WQI in the study area ranges from 4.75 to 115.93. The overall WQI in the study area indicates that the groundwater is safe and potable except few localized pockets in Charkhari and Jaitpur Blocks. The Hill-Piper Trilinear diagram reveals that the groundwater of the study area falls under Na+-Cl−, mixed Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl− and Ca2+-$${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$ HCO 3 - types. The granite-gneiss contains orthoclase feldspar and biotite minerals which after weathering yields bicarbonate and chloride rich groundwater. The correlation matrix has been created and analysed to observe their significant impetus on the assessment of groundwater quality. The current study suggests that the groundwater of the area under deteriorated water quality needs treatment before consumption and also to be protected from the perils of geogenic/anthropogenic contamination.

Download Full-text

Monitoring of Neotropical Streams Using Macroinvertebrate Communities: Evidence from Honduras

Environments ◽

10.3390/environments8040027 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 27

Author(s):

Stefano Fenoglio ◽

Alberto Doretto

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Working Party ◽

Biological Indicators ◽

Environmental Conservation ◽

Taxon Richness ◽

Macroinvertebrate Communities ◽

Class A ◽

Neotropical Streams ◽

Local Contribution ◽

Level Identification

Assessing the water quality by using biological indicators is a reliable and economically feasible way to promote environmental conservation in developing tropical countries. Here, we report one of the few examples of river biomonitoring in Honduras. In June 2005, benthic macroinvertebrates were collected from six sites in the Río Cangrejal basin. An adapted version of the Biological Monitoring Working Party index (BMWP) was used to assess the water quality because it is simple, consolidated, relatively easy to use, and needs a family-level identification. Moreover, two other community metrics were calculated, namely the total taxon richness and local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD). Differences in the biomonitoring and diversity metrics among sites and their correlations were statistically tested. Thirty-nine macroinvertebrate taxa were collected and, despite significant differences in the BMWP score, all sampling sites were classified in the high environmental quality class. A very strong and positive correlation between the BMPW and taxon richness was found, while LCBD did not vary significantly and did not correlate with the other metrics. Our results suggest that taxon richness could be used as a surrogate indicator to assess the water quality when consolidate biomonitoring methods are not available.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of Groundwater Using an Integrated Approach of Entropy Weight and Stochastic Simulation: A Case Study in East Region of Beijing

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18147703 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (14) ◽

pp. 7703

Author(s):

Yongxiang Zhang ◽

Ruitao Jia ◽

Jin Wu ◽

Huaqing Wang ◽

Zhuoran Luo

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Stochastic Simulation ◽

Water Quality Index ◽

Quality Index ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Total Hardness ◽

Chemical Components ◽

Wet Season ◽

Entropy Weight ◽

Weakly Alkaline

Groundwater is an important source of water in Beijing. Hydrochemical composition and water quality are the key factors to determine the availability of groundwater. Therefore, an improved integrated weight water quality index approach (IWQI) combining the entropy weight method and the stochastic simulation method is proposed. Through systematic investigation of groundwater chemical composition in different periods, using a hydrogeochemical diagram, multivariate statistics and spatial interpolation analysis, the spatial evolution characteristics and genetic mechanism of groundwater chemistry are discussed. The results show that the groundwater in the study area is weakly alkaline and low mineralized water. The south part of the study area showed higher concentrations of total dissolved solids, total hardness and NO3−-N in the dry season and wet season, and the main hydrochemical types are HCO3−-Ca and HCO3−-Ca-Mg. The natural source mechanism of the groundwater chemical components in Chaoyang District includes rock weathering, dissolution and cation exchange, while the human-made sources are mainly residents and industrial activities. Improved IWQI evaluation results indicate that water quality decreases from southwest to northeast along groundwater flow path. The water quality index (WQI) method cannot reflect the trend of groundwater. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the improved IWQI method could describe the overall water quality reliably, accurately and stably.

Download Full-text

An Integrated Approach to a Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) Indicator for the Food Production–Consumption Chain

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su10040925 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 925 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Jan Erisman ◽

Allison Leach ◽

Albert Bleeker ◽

Brooke Atwell ◽

Lia Cattaneo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Chain ◽

Nitrogen Use Efficiency ◽

Policy Development ◽

Food Systems ◽

Food System ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Human Consumption ◽

National Scale ◽

Nitrogen Use ◽

Use Efficiency

Reducing nitrogen pollution across the food chain requires the use of clear and comprehensive indicators to track and manage losses. The challenge is to derive an easy-to-use robust nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) indicator for entire food systems to help support policy development, monitor progress and inform consumers. Based on a comparison of four approaches to NUE (life cycle analysis, nitrogen footprint, nitrogen budget, and environmental impact assessment), we propose an indicator for broader application at the national scale: The whole food chain (NUEFC), which is defined as the ratio of the protein (expressed as nitrogen) available for human consumption to the (newly fixed and imported) nitrogen input to the food system. The NUEFC was calculated for a set of European countries between 1980 and 2011. A large variation in NUEFC was observed within countries in Europe, ranging from 10% in Ireland to 40% in Italy in 2008. The NUEFC can be used to identify factors that influence it (e.g., the share of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in new nitrogen, the imported and exported products and the consumption), which can be used to propose potential improvements on the national scale.

Download Full-text