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Deciphering groundwater pollution in the Lower Anayari Catchment: insights from using δ2H, δ18O, PMF, and APCS-MLR receptor model

Abdul-Wahab D, Asare EA, Wahi R, Ngaini Z, Klutse NAB, Asamoah A

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Apr;31(18):27099-27116.
PMID: 38503949 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32942-6

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of groundwater pollution in the Lower Anayari Catchment (LAC) through δ2H and δ18O isotopic analysis, along with positive matrix factorization (PMF) and PCS-MLR receptor models. Forty groundwater samples were collected from hand-dug wells and equipped boreholes across the LAC. Flame photometry for Na+ and K+, complexometric titration for Ca2+, ion chromatography for Cl-, F-, NO3-, SO42-, and PO43-, and atomic absorption spectrometry for Mg2+, Fe, Pb, Cd, As, and Ni were analytical techniques/instruments employed. In regard to cations, Na+ has the highest average concentration of 63.0 mg/L, while Mg2+ has the lowest at 2.58 mg/L. Concerning the anions and nutrients, Cl- has the highest mean concentration of 18.7 mg/L, and Fl- has the lowest at 0.50 mg/L. Metalloids were detected in trace amount with Fe displaying the highest mean concentration of 0.077 mg/L whereas Cd and As recorded lowest (0.001 mg/L). The average values for groundwater δ18O and δ2H were - 3.64‰ and - 20.7‰, respectively; the average values for rainwater isotopic composition were - 3.41‰ for δ18O and - 17.4‰ for δ2H. It is believed that natural geological features, particularly biotite granitoid and volcanic flow/subvolcanic rocks from the Birimian Supergroup, significantly influence groundwater mineralisation. Additionally, the impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality, with urban development and agricultural practices, may be attributed to increasing levels of certain contaminants such as Fe, Ni, NO3-, and PO43-. This research contributes to the broader field of hydrological study and provides practical implications for managing and conserving water resources in similar contexts. The innovative combination of isotopic and statistical analyses sets a new standard for future studies in groundwater quality assessment, emphasising the need for comprehensive approaches that consider both geological characteristics and human impacts for sustainable water resource management.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
Community-based monitoring for environmental sustainability: A review of characteristics and the synthesis of criteria

Muhamad Khair NK, Lee KE, Mokhtar M

J Environ Manage, 2021 Jul 01;289:112491.
PMID: 33813302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112491

Community-based monitoring is increasingly recognised as one solution to sustainable environmental management. However, the development of community-based monitoring has led to confusion or misconceptions regarding other similar initiatives. Through a review of the characteristics and synthesising criteria of effective community-based monitoring, this article addresses how to distinguish community-based monitoring from other forms of community engagement research. A review of relevant community-based monitoring literature identifies the characteristics of and knowledge gaps in procedures and governance structures. Additionally, evidence of common benefits, challenges and lessons learned for successful community-based monitoring are deliberated. As an outcome of the review, the article synthesises a set of community-based monitoring criteria as follows: (1) efficacy of initiatives, (2) technicality aspects, (3) feedback mechanisms and (4) sustainability. These synthesised criteria will be instrumental in designing customised community-based monitoring initiatives for environmental sustainability.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
Detection of microplastics in human tissues and organs: A scoping review

Roslan NS, Lee YY, Ibrahim YS, Tuan Anuar S, Yusof KMKK, Lai LA, et al.

J Glob Health, 2024 Aug 23;14:04179.
PMID: 39175335 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04179

BACKGROUND: Research on microplastics has largely focused on the environment and marine organisms until recently. A growing body of evidence has detected microplastics in human organs and tissues, with their exact entry routes being unclear and their potential health effects remain unknown. This scoping review aimed to characterise microplastics in human tissues and organs, examine their entry routes and addressing gaps in research analytical techniques.
METHODS: Eligibility criteria included English language full text articles, in-vivo human studies only, and searching the databases using pre-defined terms. We based our analysis and reporting on the PRISMA guideline and examined the quality of evidence using the risk of bias assessment tool.
RESULTS: Of 3616 articles screened, 223 evaluated and 26 were eventually included in this review. Nine were high risk for bias, three were unclear risk and the rest low risk for bias. Microplastics were detected in 8/12 human organ systems including cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, integumentary, lymphatic, respiratory, reproductive and urinary. Microplastics were also observed in other human biological samples such as breastmilk, meconium, semen, stool, sputum and urine. Microplastics can be characterised based on shape, colours, and polymer type. Potential entry routes into human included atmospheric inhalation and ingestion through food and water. The extraction techniques for analysis of microplastics in human tissues vary significantly, each offering distinct advantages and limitations.
CONCLUSIONS: Microplastics are commonly detected in human tissues and organs, with distinct characteristics and entry routes, and variable analytical techniques exist.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring/methods
Occurrence of octylphenol and nonylphenol in the sediment of South China Sea and Malacca Strait, Peninsular Malaysia

Nurulnadia MY, Zahid BM, Yusof KMKK, Minhat FI, Uno S, Hamid HIA

Environ Monit Assess, 2023 Feb 02;195(3):355.
PMID: 36732460 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-10998-0

Sediment is the ultimate reservoir of effluent from landmasses. This includes octylphenol (OP) and nonylphenol (NP), two chemical compounds which are known with the ability to disrupt the normal functions of hormones in the organism. To our knowledge, no study of these compounds in the marine sediment of Malaysia has been published to date. Hence, this study presents the level of OP and NP in the sediment of the South China Sea and Malacca Strait, Malaysia. The extraction of compounds was done using the liquid-liquid extraction method and followed by clean-up using solid-phase extraction cartridges. The range of OP in Malacca Strait (1.00-27.16 ng/g dw) was greater than in the South China Sea (5.12-14.16 ng/g dw) whereas a similar range of NP was found in the South China Sea (1.32-23.76 ng/g dw) and Malacca Strait (0.79-27.59 ng/g dw). The concentration of both compounds was consistently high near Redang Island (E2A) and Penang (W32 and W43) suggesting continuous input of these chemicals from this nearby land. Risk quotient (RQ) values of OP showed the potential risk to benthic communities in 4/7 and 21/47 sampling points of the respective South China Sea and Malacca Strait. Both water bodies are located far from the wastewater effluent and yet able to retain these chemicals in their sediment. This suggests that the wastewater treatment system as well as dilution effects do not prevent these chemicals to be ended up in the marine environment.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring
Modeling the spatio-temporal dynamics of air pollution index based on spatial Markov chain model

Alyousifi Y, Ibrahim K, Kang W, Zin WZW

Environ Monit Assess, 2020 Oct 21;192(11):719.
PMID: 33083907 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08666-8

An environmental problem which is of concern across the globe nowadays is air pollution. The extent of air pollution is often studied based on data on the observed level of air pollution. Although the analysis of air pollution data that is available in the literature is numerous, studies on the dynamics of air pollution with the allowance for spatial interaction effects through the use of the Markov chain model are very limited. Accordingly, this study aims to explore the potential impact of spatial dependence over time and space on the distribution of air pollution based on the spatial Markov chain (SMC) model using the longitudinal air pollution index (API) data. This SMC model is pertinent to be applied since the daily data of API from 2012 to 2014 that have been gathered from 37 different air quality stations in Peninsular Malaysia is found to exhibit the property of spatial autocorrelation. Based on the spatial transition probability matrices found from the SMC model, specific characteristics of air pollution are studied in the regional context. These characteristics are the long-run proportion and the mean first passage time for each state of air pollution. It is found that the probability for a particular station's state to remain good is 0.814 if its neighbors are in a good state of air pollution and 0.7082 if its neighbors are in a moderate state. For a particular station having neighbors in a good state of air pollution, the proportion of time for it to continue being in a good state is 0.6. This proportion reduces to 0.4, 0.01, and 0 for the cell of moderate, unhealthy, and very unhealthy states, respectively. In addition, there exists a significant spatial dependence of API, indicating that air pollution for a particular station is dependent on the states of the neighboring stations.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
Marine debris in Malaysia: A review on the pollution intensity and mitigating measures

Fauziah SH, Rizman-Idid M, Cheah W, Loh KH, Sharma S, M R N, et al.

Mar Pollut Bull, 2021 Jun;167:112258.
PMID: 33839567 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112258

The launch of Roadmap towards Zero Single-use Plastics in 2018 demands baseline data on the management of marine debris in Malaysia. In 2021, Malaysia is placed 28th top plastic polluter in the world with plastic consumption at 56 kg/capita/year, therefore data on mismanaged plastic is imperative. This paper reviews the abundance and distribution of marine debris in selected Malaysian beaches over the last decade (2010-2020) and discusses issue on its management. Plastic debris on beaches in Malaysia, was reported to range from 64 items/m2, to as high as 1930 items/m2, contributing 30-45% of total waste collected. Plastics film was the most dominant, mainly originated from packaging materials. Therefore, appropriate action including improved marine waste management system is crucial to tackle the problem, together with effective governance mechanisms. Various suggestions were proposed based on the statistical-environmental data to reduce the occurrence of marine debris in the country.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
The distribution of marine debris along the Pahang coastline, Malaysia during the Southwest and Northeast Monsoons

Azman MA, Ramli MZ, Che Othman SF, Shafiee SA

Mar Pollut Bull, 2021 Sep;170:112630.
PMID: 34146861 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112630

This study investigated the accumulation of debris at four sites, namely, Gebeng, Batu Hitam, Cherok Paloh, and Air Leleh, along the Pahang coastline, Peninsular Malaysia from March 2019 to February 2020. Plastic was the dominant debris (86.1%) and followed by cloth/fabric-based debris (6.0%), processed lumber debris (3.3%), rubber (2.7%), glass (1.5%), and metal (0.4%). The land-based debris (82.0%) was the major source of the deposition of marine waste. A statistically significant relationship was found between the seasonal variation and marine debris density in tidal and seasonal current along the Pahang coastline. In general, the Northeast Monsoon season had a higher amount of debris than the Southwest Monsoon season.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
Synechococcus production and grazing loss rates in nearshore tropical waters

Heng PL, Lim JH, Lee CW

Environ Monit Assess, 2017 Mar;189(3):117.
PMID: 28220442 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-5838-1

Temporal variation of Synechococcus, its production (μ) and grazing loss (g) rates were studied for 2 years at nearshore stations, i.e. Port Dickson and Port Klang along the Straits of Malacca. Synechococcus abundance at Port Dickson (0.3-2.3 × 10(5) cell ml(-1)) was always higher than at Port Klang (0.3-7.1 × 10(4) cell ml(-1)) (p 0.25), but nutrient and light availability were important factors for their distribution. The relationship was modelled as log Synechococcus = 0.37Secchi - 0.01DIN + 4.52 where light availability (as Secchi disc depth) was a more important determinant. From a two-factorial experiment, nutrients were not significant for Synechococcus growth as in situ nutrient concentrations exceeded the threshold for saturated growth. However, light availability was important and elevated Synechococcus growth rates especially at Port Dickson (F = 5.94, p 0.30). In nearshore tropical waters, an estimated 69 % of Synechococcus production could be grazed.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
Analysis of the spatial characteristics and influencing factors of agricultural eco-efficiency: evidence from Anhui Province, China, during the period 2011-2018

Wu Y, Rahman RA, Yu Q

Environ Monit Assess, 2022 Feb 08;194(3):154.
PMID: 35132444 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-09817-9

Sustainable agriculture is important for preserving environmental health and simultaneously gaining economic profits while maintaining social and economic equity. One way to evaluate sustainable agriculture is by studying agricultural eco-efficiency (AEE). Hence, this study constructed a data-driven method to evaluate and optimize AEE with the aim of providing a basis for improving the sustainable development of regional agriculture. Sixteen cities in Anhui Province, China, were considered in the study, and the variables used were agricultural resource inputs, environmental pollution, and agricultural economic development. Agricultural non-point source pollution (NPSP) emissions were considered the undesired output to build an AEE evaluation index system. Furthermore, a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model was established to analyse AEE from the static and dynamic perspectives. The spatial development and the temporal and spatial characteristics of AEE were also analysed. In addition, we applied a random effect (RE) panel Tobit model to quantitatively analyse the influencing factors of AEE from the input perspective and then proposed reasonable suggestions for improving the sustainable development of regional agriculture. Our findings show that the overall agricultural development in the 16 cities in Anhui Province has been continuously improving, even though there is an agglomeration of spatial development in some regions. In conclusion, this study provides suggestions and references for policy makers and agricultural practitioners regarding how to improve regional AEE and promote the sustainable development of the regional agricultural economy.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
Fulltext Machine learning methods to predict particulate matter PM 2.5

Palanichamy N, Haw SC, S S, Murugan R, Govindasamy K

F1000Res, 2022;11:406.
PMID: 36531254 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.73166.1

Introduction Pollution of air in urban cities across the world has been steadily increasing in recent years. An increasing trend in particulate matter, PM 2.5, is a threat because it can lead to uncontrollable consequences like worsening of asthma and cardiovascular disease. The metric used to measure air quality is the air pollutant index (API). In Malaysia, machine learning (ML) techniques for PM 2.5 have received less attention as the concentration is on predicting other air pollutants. To fill the research gap, this study focuses on correctly predicting PM 2.5 concentrations in the smart cities of Malaysia by comparing supervised ML techniques, which helps to mitigate its adverse effects. Methods In this paper, ML models for forecasting PM 2.5 concentrations were investigated on Malaysian air quality data sets from 2017 to 2018. The dataset was preprocessed by data cleaning and a normalization process. Next, it was reduced into an informative dataset with location and time factors in the feature extraction process. The dataset was fed into three supervised ML classifiers, which include random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN) and long short-term memory (LSTM). Finally, their output was evaluated using the confusion matrix and compared to identify the best model for the accurate prediction of PM 2.5. Results Overall, the experimental result shows an accuracy of 97.7% was obtained by the RF model in comparison with the accuracy of ANN (61.14%) and LSTM (61.77%) in predicting PM 2.5. Discussion RF performed well when compared with ANN and LSTM for the given data with minimum features. RF was able to reach good accuracy as the model learns from the random samples by using decision tree with the maximum vote on the predictions.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring/methods
Prevalence and implications of microplastics in potable water system: An update

Menon V, Sharma S, Gupta S, Ghosal A, Nadda AK, Jose R, et al.

Chemosphere, 2023 Mar;317:137848.
PMID: 36642147 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137848

Synthetic plastics, which are lightweight, durable, elastic, mouldable, cheap, and hydrophobic, were originally invented for human convenience. However, their non-biodegradability and continuous accumulation at an alarming rate as well as subsequent conversion into micro/nano plastic scale structures via mechanical and physio-chemical degradation pose significant threats to living beings, organisms, and the environment. Various minuscule forms of plastics detected in water, soil, and air are making their passage into living cells. High temperature and ambient humidity increase the degradation potential of plastic polymers photo-catalytically under sunlight or UV-B radiations. Microplastics (MPs) of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride have been detected in bottled water. These microplastics are entering into the food chain cycle, causing serious harm to all living organisms. MPs entering into the food chain are usually inert in nature, possessing different sizes and shapes. Once they enter a cell or tissue, it causes mechanical damage, induces inflammation, disturbs metabolism, and even lead to necrosis. Various generation routes, types, impacts, identification, and treatment of microplastics entering the water bodies and getting associated with various pollutants are discussed in this review. It emphasizes potential detection techniques like pyrolysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT IR) spectroscopy for microplastics from water samples.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring/methods
Mapping of tide-dominated Hooghly estuary water quality parameters using Sentinel-3 OLCI time-series data

Bar AR, Mondal I, Das S, Biswas B, Samanta S, Jose F, et al.

Environ Monit Assess, 2023 Jul 20;195(8):975.
PMID: 37474709 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11552-8

The study explores the spatio-temporal variation of water quality parameters in the Hooghly estuary, which is considered an ecologically-stressed shallow estuary and a major distributary for the Ganges River. The estimated parameters are chlorophyll-a, total suspended matter (TSM), and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The Sentinel-3 OLCI remote sensing imageries were analyzed for the duration of October 2018 to February 2019. We observed that the water quality of the Hooghly estuaries is comparatively low-oxygenated, mesotrophic, and phosphate-limited. Ongoing channel dredging for maintaining shipping channel depth keeps the TSM in the estuary at an elevated level, with the highest amount of TSM observed during March of 2019 (41.59g m-3) at station A, upstream point. Since the pre-monsoon season, TSM data shows a decreasing trend towards the mouth of the estuary. Chl-a concentration is higher during pre-monsoon than monsoon and post-monsoon periods, with the highest value observed in April at 1.09 mg m-3 in station D during the pre-monsoon period. The CDOM concentration was high in the middle section (January-February) and gradually decreased towards the estuary's head and mouth. The highest CDOM was found in February at locations C and D during the pre-monsoon period. Every station shows a significant correlation among CDOM, TSM, and Chl-a measured parameters. Based on our satellite data analysis, it is recommended that SNAP C2RCC be regionally used for TSM, Chl-a, and CDOM for water quality product retrieval and in various algorithms for the Hooghly estuary monitoring.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
An evaluation of spatial and seasonal distributions of dissolved trace metals in the water of the natural wetlands

Alkhadher SAA, Suratman S, Mohd Sallan MIB

J Environ Manage, 2023 Nov 01;345:118464.
PMID: 37454570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118464

The spatial and temporal distributions of trace metals in dissolved forms mainly result from anthropogenic and lithogenic contributions. Surface water samples (∼0.5 m) were collected monthly at respective stations from Setiu Wetland. In this study, the behaviour of trace metals in the dissolved phases along the water column from sampling sites in the Setiu Wetland, Malaysia was investigated. In addition, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and physical parameters such as salinity, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) of the surface water were measured in order to evaluate the relationship between trace metals fractionation with different water quality parameters. Size fractionation study of dissolved trace metals using ultrafiltration technique were also carried out and analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Correlation of trace metals with other measured parameters was made to furthermore understand the dynamics of trace metals and its fractionated components in this area. The concentration of dissolved trace metals was in the range of 0.001-0.16 μg/L for Cd, 0.12-2.81 μg/L for Cu, 0.01-1.84 μg/L for Pb, 3-17 μg/L for Fe and 1-34 μg/L for Zn, suggesting the input of anthropogenic sources for trace metals such as municipal, industrial, agricultural and domestic discharge. The periodic monitoring and evaluation of trace metals in wetlands and protected tropical areas is highly recommended.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring/methods
Assessing radioactive contaminants in Kathmandu soils: measurement and risk analysis

Upadhyay DR, Koirala G, Shah BR, Tajudin SM, Khanal R

Environ Monit Assess, 2024 Jan 23;196(2):190.
PMID: 38261087 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12284-5

Soil samples from vegetable farmland in densely populated wards of Nepal were analyzed for natural radionuclide levels, employing a NaI(Tl) 3" [Formula: see text] 3" gamma detector. The study aimed to evaluate the causes of radiation risk, attributing it to soil contamination resulting from the rapid urbanization and concretization that followed the earthquake in 2015. The activity concentration of radium-226, thorium-232, and potassium-40 and the ranges observed are 2.080±0.084-33.675±1.356 Bq kg[Formula: see text], 17.222±0.198-119.949±1.379 Bq kg[Formula: see text], and 11.203 ± 0.325-748.828±21.716 Bq kg[Formula: see text], respectively. The average values obtained for hazard indices are as follows: radium equivalent activity (82.779 Bq kg[Formula: see text]), absorbed dose rate (36.394 nGy h[Formula: see text]), annual effective dose equivalent (0.045 mSv yearr[Formula: see text]), gamma index (0.291), external hazard index (0.224), internal hazard index (0.253), excess lifetime cancer risk (0.159), annual gonadal dose equivalent (243.278 mSv year[Formula: see text]), alpha index (0.054), and activity utilization index (0.716). However, in most places, thorium-232 concentration is greater than those of the world average and recommended values. In specific locations such as Ward 4 in Baluwatar, the soil was found to have concentrations of Ra[Formula: see text] and K[Formula: see text] exceeding recommended limits. Despite this localized concern, the overall analysis of hazard indices across the studied areas revealed that most values were within permissible limits. This suggests that, on a broader scale, radiation exposure may not be a significant concern in the investigated regions. Nonetheless, the study recommends regular monitoring in additional locations to ensure a comprehensive and ongoing assessment of radiation levels.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
Hydrogeochemical assessment of aquifer salinization in north-eastern Morocco's Gueroaou coastal plain using statistical methods

Chahban M, Akodad M, Skalli A, Gueddari H, El Yousfi Y, Ait Hmeid H, et al.

Environ Res, 2024 Mar 01;244:117939.
PMID: 38128604 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117939

The Guerouaou aquifer investigation spanning 280 km2 in Ain Zohra yields promising outcomes, instilling optimism for regional water quality. These analyses were applied to 45 sampling instances from 43 wells, enabling a comprehensive water quality assessment. Groundwater conductivity ranged from medium to high, peaking at 18360 ms/cm2. The conductivity reveals insights about the groundwater's mineralization. Key physiochemical parameters fell within desirable thresholds, bolstering the positive perspective. HCO3- levels spanned 82-420 mg/L, while chloride content ranged from 38 to 5316 mg/L, benefiting water quality. NO3- ions, vital for gauging pollution, ranged from 0 to 260 mg/L, indicating favorable results. Cation concentrations exhibited encouraging variations: Ca2+- 24 to 647 mg/L, Mg2+- 12 to 440 mg/L, Na+- 18 to 2722 mg/L, K+- 1.75 to 28.65 mg/L. These collectively favor water quality. Halite breakdown dominated mineralization, as evidenced by the prevalence of Na-Cl-Na-SO4 facies. Water resource management and local communities need effective management and mitigation strategies to prevent saltwater intrusion.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring/methods
Fulltext Assessment on urban lakes along the coastal region of Miri, NW Borneo: implication for hydrochemistry, water quality, and pollution risk

Nyambar INA, Mohan Viswanathan P

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Jun;31(29):41306-41328.
PMID: 36650369 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25172-9

The main purpose of this study is to assess the urban lake water quality along the coastal region of Miri City, Sarawak, East Malaysia. This study concentrates on the hydrochemical characteristics and the mechanisms controlling the suitability of the lakes for domestic, irrigation, and industrial purposes. A total of 15 lake water samples were collected and analysed for physical parameters, major ions, nutrients, BOD, COD, and heavy metals. The results show that Lakes 6, 7, and 8 commonly exceeded the National Drinking Water Quality Standards (NDWQS) limits, particularly in physical parameters and major ions. The cation dominance was Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Ca2+, while the anion dominance was Cl- > HCO3- > SO42-. It is inferred that lake 8 was affected by the seawater intrusion through the inlet flow, resulting in an excess concentration of ions present in that lake. The concentrations of heavy metals in these lakes were considerably low, indicating that most of them were from the geogenic source. Most of the lakes were NaCl water type and the main controlling mechanism were weathering and ionic exchange processes, with anthropogenic impacts. Based on the calculated Water Quality Index (WQI) according to the National Water Quality Standards (NWQS), all lakes were suitable for irrigation use (class IV), while most of these lakes fell under the "polluted" index. Apart from that, based on the National Lake Water Quality Standards (NLWQS), all lakes were classified under category D, indicating that the lakes must be kept in good condition. According to the irrigation quality indices, lakes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were the most suitable for irrigation purposes. As for metal pollution indices (HPI and HEI), lakes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 15 were considered safe with low pollution status. From the multivariate statistical analysis, it is deduced that both anthropogenic and geogenic impacts mostly influenced the quality of these lake waters. The outcome of this study will help the policymakers under the national water department in sustainable management of water resources in this region.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
Seasonal impact of constructed wetlands on nitrogen and phosphorus in sediments of flood control lakes with pollution assessment

Li X, Liu X, Huang Y, Zhang Y, Li J

J Environ Qual, 2024;53(3):340-351.
PMID: 38595076 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20561

The primary drivers of eutrophication in lakes following the reduction of external nutrient inputs are the release of N and P from sediments. Constructed wetlands play a pivotal role in ameliorating N, P, and other biogenic element levels. However, the presence of large vegetation in these wetlands also substantially contributes to nutrient accumulation in sediments, a phenomenon influenced by seasonal variations. In this study, a typical constructed wetland was selected as the research site. The research aimed to analyze the forms of N and P in sediments during both summer and winter. Simultaneously, a comprehensive pollution assessment and analysis were conducted within the study area. The findings indicate that elevated summer temperatures, together with the presence of wetland vegetation, promote the release of N through the nitrification process. Additionally, seasonal variations exert a significant impact on the distribution of P storage. Furthermore, the role of constructed wetlands in the absorption and release of N and P is primarily controlled by the influence of organic matter on nitrate-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, and available phosphorus, and is also subject to seasonal fluctuations. In summary, under the comprehensive influence of constructed wetlands, vegetation types, and seasons, sediments within the lake generally exhibit a state of mild or moderate pollution. Therefore, targeted measures should be adopted to optimally adjust vegetation types, and human intervention is necessary, involving timely sediment harvesting during the summer to reduce N and P loads, and enhancing sediment adsorption and retention capacity for N and P during the winter.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
Beneath the surface: Exploring microplastic intricacies in Anadara granosa

Mohan P, Shahul Hamid F, Furumai H, Nishikawa K

Mar Environ Res, 2024 Jul;199:106581.
PMID: 38878345 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106581

Anadara granosa or blood cockles have been reported to be a candidate for biomonitoring agents due to their sedimentary nature and their nutrient uptake mechanisms. Yet, this bivalve is still regarded as a delicacy in Asian cuisine. Malaysia is the largest exporter of this sea product that contaminated cockles may also be experienced by the importing countries. However, the bioaccumulation of microplastics in A. granosa cultivated in Malaysia has not been extensively studied. It is crucial to comprehend the risk posed to humans by consuming A. granosa in their diet. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate the levels of microplastic accumulation in A. granosa from major exporters in Peninsular Malaysia, to evaluate the associated risk of microplastics on the species, and to estimate daily human consumption of microplastics through the consumption of A. granosa. The abundance of microplastics was quantified through the use of a stereo microscope, and the polymer type was determined using FTIR and micro-FTIR. Findings from this investigation revealed that all samples of A. granosa were contaminated with microplastics, with the highest levels of accumulation found in bivalves collected from the west coast (0.26 ± 0.15 particles/g) of Peninsular Malaysia. Fragment and fiber microplastics, measuring between 0.05 and 0.1 mm in size, were found to be the most prevalent in A. granosa, with blue being the dominant identified colour and rayon being the most common polymer type. Microplastic risk assessment due to the presence of polyacrylate, polycarbonate (PC), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resulted in a high risk of contamination for A. granosa. It was further determined that the current estimated dietary intake (EDI) suggests that consumers of A. granosa uptake approximately 21.8-93.5 particles/person/year of microplastics. This study highlights that A. granosa accumulates microplastics, which could potentially result in bioaccumulation and biomagnification in humans through consumption.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
Charting the microplastic menace: A bibliometric analysis of pollution in Malaysian mangroves and polypropylene bioaccumulation assessment in Anadara granosa

Mohan P, Shahul Hamid F

Mar Pollut Bull, 2024 Aug;205:116654.
PMID: 38959572 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116654

According to a bibliometric analysis, studies on microplastic pollution in Malaysia are still incomprehensive. This study found microplastic contamination in sediment (97 particles/kg) and water (10,963 particles/m3) samples from Malaysian mangroves. Sediment from Matang and water from Kuala Selangor recorded the highest microplastic concentrations at 140 ± 5.13 particles/kg and 13,350 ± 37.95 particles/m3, respectively. Fragmented, blue, rayon and particles of <0.1 mm microplastic were the most abundant in sediment and water. In an experiment of polypropylene microplastic uptakes, Anadara granosa was found to uptake more 0.1 mm fiber particles. The uptake is strongly correlated to the presence of microplastics in sediment and water. The estimated dietary intake (EDI) indicates that a consumer could ingest 507 microplastic particles/year by consuming contaminated A. granosa. Therefore, mitigating measures are crucial to safeguard aquatic systems and humans from microplastic pollution.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*
Fulltext Occurrence and visual characterization of microplastics from Mahakam River at Tenggarong City, Indonesia

Sukmono Y, Hadibarata T, Kristanti RA, Singh A, Al Farraj DA, Elshikh MS

J Contam Hydrol, 2024 Nov;267:104440.
PMID: 39396457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104440

Indonesia generates approximately 7.8 million tons of plastic waste annually, which 4.9 million tons is mismanaged. Presently, there is significant concern on microplastics (MPs) pollution in aquatic environment. The research on the prevalence of MPs in river systems are comparatively lower than the studies conducted on marine systems. The primary goal of this research was to look into the prevalence of MPs in the river water of Mahakam of Tenggarong City, Indonesia. To adequately represent this area, a meticulous selection method was used to find five separate sampling locations, with two stations at each location, positioned 200 m apart on opposite sides of the river. According to the study's findings, MPs has been observed in the range of 19.2 ± 1.8 to 58.5 ± 3.5 particles/l. Based on the MPs type, fragments (43.4 %) were the most common type of MPs found in water samples. Furthermore, 44.6 % of the MPs had size smaller than 1000 μm. The prevalent hues observed in the water samples were transparent and black, composing 75.6 % of overall formation. The determination of microplastic polymers employed Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, revealing the presence of various type, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*

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