Environmental Geochemistry

Phosphate ore is starting material for all phosphate products and is the main source of phosphorus for fertilizer production. Prior to processing, phosphate ore contains radium and its decay products, which tends to stay in phosphogypsum produced during the wet phosphoric acid process. Most of the phosphogypsum is considered waste and is disposed at local dump sites or used as by-products. The local dump sites, containing radium are often unprotected and may be a source of contamination to surface or ground waters. Practical implications of this finding are important in view of possible environmental contamination of the area around a fertilizer plant. This study was carried out in the area of a phosphate fertilizer factory in central Croatia, within systematic radioactive measurements of the Croatian environment performed by the Radiation Protection Unit of the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health in Zagreb. The purpose of this paper was to determine radium specific activity resulting from the phosphate fertilizer production and evaluate possible environmental contamination of the area. Distribution of total radium by the components of the production process was assessed from the values of the radium initial concentrations in raw material, and mean values of radium concentrations measured in waste water, trickling water from piezometers, phosphogypsum deposit and final products.

Long and high-resolution proxy records are still sparse in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau (TP), hampering our understanding of past climatic variability from a long-term perspective. In this study, we developed a regional maximum latewood density (MXD) chronology of Larix speciosa stretching up to 523 years based on 72 treering cores (44 trees) collected from three sites close to the tree line in the Gaoligong Mountains, southeastern TP. This chronology responded well to temperatures during August through September and was thus used to reconstruct late summer (August-September) temperature over the period A.D. 1690-2008. The reconstruction explains 40.9% of the total temperature variance during the calibration phase. Cold conditions prevailed during

We investigated the extent of Sb uptake by maize (Zea mays) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) from nutrient solutions containing concentrations from 3 to 24 mg/L of potassium antimonate, with the aim of determining the potential of Sb to enter the food chain. The maximum shoot Sb concentrations in Z. mays and H. annuus were 41 mg/kg and 77 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. There was no significant difference in Sb uptake between species. The average bioaccumulation coefficients (the plant/solution concentration quotients) were 1.02 and 1.93 for Z. mays and H. annuus, respectively. Phosphate addition did not affect plant growth or Sb uptake. Antimony uptake by both Z. mays and H. annuus is unlikely to pose a health risk to animals and humans.

Understanding the geochemistry of waters produced during petroleum extraction is essential to informing the best treatment and reuse options, which can potentially be optimized for a given geologic basin. Here, we used the US Geological Survey’s National Produced Waters Geochemical Database (PWGD) to determine if major ion chemistry could be used to classify accurately a produced water sample to a given geologic basin based on similarities to a given training dataset. Two datasets were derived from the PWGD: one with seven features but more samples (PWGD7), and another with nine features but fewer samples (PWGD9). The seven-feature dataset, prior to randomly generating a training and testing (i.e., validation) dataset, had 58,541 samples, 20 basins, and was classified based on total dissolved solids (TDS), bicarbonate (HCO3), Ca, Na, Cl, Mg, and sulfate (SO4). The nine-feature dataset, prior to randomly splitting into a training and testing (i.e., validation) dataset, contained 33,2...

Main purpose of this paper is to determine the mineralogical composition and mechanical properties of the Tarkwaian Supergroup and compare them. This project will help determine whether the rock units of the Tarkwaian Supergroup are competent based on their mineral contents and strength of the rocks to be quarried and used as aggregates for construction and also determine the structural features that were formed in the various rock units due to the deformation that took place. Values obtained from the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) test were (21.50-77.10) N/mm 2 with the Kawere conglomerate having the lowest, and Tarkwa Phyllite having the highest strength. The Huni sandstone, Banket Quartzite and Kawere conglomerate were classified as weak rocks, but the Tarkwa Phyllite was classified as a medium rock, according to classification. The Huni sandstone, Banket Quartzite and Kawere conglomerate are made up of grains of varying degrees of roundness and maturity. The Huni sandstone, Banket Quartzite, and Tarkwa Phyllite exhibit foliation. Micro-folding is also observed in the Kawere conglomerate. Petrographic studies of the rocks classify them as metasedimentary rocks weathering. Based on the weak strengths of the various rock units, they are not suitable to be used as aggregates for construction but can be used for other purposes such as construction sand and dimension stones.

Closed lakes located in urban parks act as sinks of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), which have been used, for decades, as insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. The closed lakes from Bucharest, Romania, are periodically managed to prevent eutrophication and accumulation of pollutants. However, it is not known if these practices reduce or enhance the legacy pollution with OCPs. The aim of this study was to explore the spatial variation of OCPs in closed lakes. The total concentration of OCPs in water and sediments ranged between 0.0176 and 37.1 mg/L, and between 122 to 1,890 ng/g, respectively. The concentrations of OCPs were compared with the consensus-based sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) in order to evaluate the ecological risks of sediments. The highest potential adverse effects were associated with c-HCH exposure. Periodical draining and dredging of lakes lead to the resuspension of contaminants, increasing pesticide bioavailability and accumulation in sediments. In addition, we observed that fluorescent dissolved organic matter (DOM) might influence the OCPs cycle. The quantity and character of fluorescent DOM can provide further insight into OCPs degradation. Also, this study may help urban planners to determine the state of urban waters and to find the best solution for water management.

Sulphide ores in abandoned mine sites from the southern Apuan Alps (Italy) are known to carry significant thallium levels. In September 2014, thallium contamination was found in the tap water distributed in Valdicastello Carducci Village (southern Apuan Alps) (from 2 to 10 µg/L). The thalliumcontaminated water that fed the aqueduct of this area originates from a spring located very close to the abandoned mining sites. In the present study, to assess the impact of thallium exposure in the inhabitants who used the contaminated tap water, thallium was quantified in hair, urine and saliva samples.

Background: Understanding mercury levels in gold mining areas where locals consume fish is important in evaluating the risk to the population. This study determined the levels of total mercury (T-Hg) in Nile tilapia, water, and sediment in the Migori gold mining belt and the potential risk to human health.   Methods: Water, sediment, and fish were sampled from 10 sites in Rongo and Nyatike and analyzed for T-Hg using cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. Geo-accumulation index (IGeo) was used to evaluate sediment quality, and the estimated daily intake of fish per meal (EDIm), the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the maximum allowable fish consumption rate (CRmw) were calculated as health risk indices. Results: Sediment from 6 sites were moderately polluted with T-Hg, while 2 sites were strongly polluted. Water from all the sites had T-Hg levels higher than the FAO recommended level for surface water. About 78% (38/49) of all tissues sampled had T-Hg levels above the 0.5 µg/g ...

The sedimentary structures in the bauxite deposits of thc Jnrnmu area are suggestive of a reworked bauxlte precursor. Trace elements and REE concentrations show that the precursor bauxite originated from the weathering of basalt. Tt means that the bauxite forms a part of the earliest interval of thc Himalayan foreland sedimentary sequences.

Over 60% of the global population thrives solely by relying on groundwater reserves. Groundwater quality needs attention as it is the major source for drinking purposes. Raghunathapalli watershed is located in NorthWestern part of Jangaon District, Telangana state. The watershed is a tributary of AleruVagu (Musi Sub-basin) of Krishna Basin. There are 35 habitations using Deep Bore wells (30 habs) / Hand pumps (5 habs) which are essentially being used for drinking purpose. The chemical elements (9 nos) examined are pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Hardness (TH), Total Alkalinity (TA), Fluoride (F), Chloride (Cl), Iron (Fe), Nitrate (NO3) and Sulfate (SO4) with respect to its contamination spread as per ISO 10500: 2012 during pre and post-monsoon seasons. The spatial distribution and concentration of chemical elements is carried out by using spatial interpolation technique namely Inverse Distance Weightage (IDW) method from the point source data. Out of 9 elements; it is revealed that pH, Chloride (Cl), Iron (Fe), TDS, Total Alkalinity and Sulfate (SO4) distribution is within the permissible limits. The major problematic contaminant is Fluoride which is marginally affected (1.50-3.00 ppm) for 3 habitations during pre monsoon season and 7 habitations during post monsoon season. Total Hardness (> 600 ppm) is out of range in 1 habitation during pre monsoon season whereas the concentration of Nitrate (> 45 ppm) is out of range in 1 habitation during post monsoon season.

____________________________________________________________________________________ The nutritional role and the essentially of trace elements as well as their biochemical and pathological significance to man and animals have been recently reviewed by several researchers. Elemental concentrations of local rice and maize were determined using the instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) technique. Twenty one elements (Hg and Pa) were determined and analyzed in these cereals foods. Two locally cultivated rice and maize samples were obtained directly from the farmers and two rice and maize samples grown under surveillance condition were collected from Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. The samples were irradiated for long regimes (6 hours) in a neutron flux of 5x10 11 ncm -2 s -1 with the Nigerian Research Reactor at the

Lead, zinc and cadmium were analysed in a range of subsistence crops cultivated in and around Nairobi city centre. Lead was found to be the only contaminant of concern, being widely dispersed with elevated levels found in crops and soils from both suburban and city centre areas. Extremely high concentrations were recorded in the edible portions of a variety of crops, and high soil Pb leveJs were recorded within 30m of busy roads. Based on these data, it is estimated that subsistence on a diet of crops cultivated in and around Nairobi could increase Pb intake by 10-100 times the FAO/WHO maximum tolerable levels, potentially contributing substantially to existing health problems.

The study assessed the ecological risks of heavy metal contamination in sediment samples from the Obunagha river. The study aims to evaluate the Ecological Risk Assessment of Inorganic Contaminants of Sediments in Obunagha River. Eight sediment samples were collected from four sampling points in the Gbarain Clan community river.

Cretan Graviera cheese is one of Greece's most prized cheeses and holds a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. For years, food packaging migration has been a key concern in food and health sciences, with plastics like low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) widely used for cheese preservation and convenient handling during transport and storage. This study focused on Cretan Graviera cheese, examining two different levels of maturity: 4 and 8 months. The cheese samples were analyzed using two complementary vibrational spectroscopic techniques, FTIR-ATR and Raman spectroscopy, to assess the migration of LDPE and PP from plastic packaging to the cheese's surface. The experimental period was set at 21 days, corresponding to the degradation time of the selected cheese, which becomes apparent after three weeks under refrigerated conditions at 7 • C. The results indicate that, with Raman and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, LDPE and PP migration can occur from the plastic packaging to the surface of Graviera samples with different maturities. Microbial growth was observed sooner in the 4-month-old samples and 8-month-old samples. The migration of food packaging materials was confirmed using both Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, highlighting that Cretan Graviera cheese should be stored in appropriate packaging under refrigerated conditions at 7 • C.

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This study aims to model the long-term geochemical impact of filtration losses from a high-salinity mine water storage pond in the Svystunova gully on the aquifer hosted in limestone deposits. To achieve this goal, a cycle of mathematical modelling of hydrogeochemical processes in the groundwater horizon around the storage pond was conducted, followed by an analysis of the obtained geospatial information. The study's primary objective is to calculate the thermodynamic equilibrium of dissolved components in the groundwater horizon. Special attention is given to the equilibrium of carbonate minerals: calcite (Calcite), aragonite (Aragonite), ordered dolomite (Dolomite(ordered)), disordered dolomite (Dolomite(disordered)), magnesite (Magnesite), huntite (Huntite), artinite (Artinite), and nesquehonite (Nesquehonite).

The limestone dissolution and dolomitization processes by high-salinity waters are well-documented in scientific literature. These processes alter the porosity and permeability of limestone formations and significantly influence the mobilization of toxic trace elements into migratory forms.

The study results indicate a complex spatiotemporal variability of carbonate dissolution-precipitation zones. This may suggest spatial variability in the zones of increased filtration within the limestone strata to which the studied aquifer belongs.

Hydrogeochemical modelling of the possible migration forms of cadmium, strontium, lead, zinc, and vanadium was performed to assess the potential risks of toxic trace element migration. The modelling results indicate a high migratory capacity of these elements both in the storage pond water and in the mixing zone of primary and high-salinity waters within the aquifer, allowing for predictions of their further transport to terminal drainage basins.

Currently, the hydrogeochemical processes occurring with high-salinity mine waters can be divided into several distinct phases: the mixing phase of waters of different origins in the minefield hydro protection systems, the mixing phase of water from different minefields with partial settling in intermediate reservoirs, the phase of inflow and settling of water directly in the storage pond, the mixing phase of water with fresh water from the carbonate aquifer, and the mixing phase of partially "deactivated" water with the waters of the Inhulets River after drainage from the carbonate aquifer through a network of springs in the Inhulets River valley. Additionally, a separate phase can be distinguished for the mixing period during the discharge of mine water from the storage pond. Each described phase has its unique set of thermodynamic parameters and possible hydrogeochemical processes. This study focuses solely on the transformation phase of the storage pond’s lost waters within the carbonate aquifer.

Thermodynamic modelling of component behaviour was carried out using the PHREEQC software package, version 3.7.3, in the Debian GNU/Linux 12.x "Bookworm" operating system environment. The R programming language and the QGIS geographic information system were used to analyze and visualize raw data and obtained results.

Метою дослідження є моделювання довготривалого геохімічного впливу фільтраційних втрат ставка-накопичувача високомінералізованих шахтних вод у балці Свистунова на водоносний горизонт, який залягає у вапнякових відкладах. Для досягнення поставленої мети проведено цикл математичного моделювання гідрогеохімічних процесів у горизонті підземних вод навколо ставка-накопичувача та подальший аналіз отриманої геопросторової інформації. Основною метою дослідження є обчислення термодинамічної рівноваги розчинених у горизонті підземних вод компонентів. Особливу увагу приділено рівновазі карбонатних мінералів: кальциту (Calcite), арагоніту (Aragonite), впорядкованого доломіту (Dolomite(ordered)), невпорядкованого доломіту (Dolomite(disordered)), магнезиту (Magnesite), гантиту (Huntite), артиніту (Artinite) та несквегоніту (Nesquehonite).

Процеси розчинення та доломітизації вапняків високомінералізованими водами — відомий факт, який описаний у численній науковій літературі. Ці процеси спричиняють не лише зміну пористості та проникності вапнякових товщ, але й суттєво впливають на переведення токсичних мікроелементів-домішок у міграційні форми.

Результати дослідження вказують на складну просторово-часову мінливість зон розчинення-осадження карбонатів, що може свідчити про просторову варіабельність зон підвищеної фільтрації в товщі вапняків, до яких належить досліджуваний водоносний горизонт.

Для дослідження потенційних ризиків міграції токсичних мікроелементів було здійснено гідрогеохімічне моделювання можливих форм міграції кадмію, стронцію, свинцю, цинку та ванадію. Результати моделювання вказують на високу міграційну здатність цих елементів як у воді ставка-накопичувача, так і в зоні змішування первинних та високомінералізованих вод у водоносному горизонті та дозволяють прогнозувати подальше їхнє потрапляння до кінцевих басейнів стоку.

Наразі, гідрогеохімічні процеси, які відбуваються із високомінералізованими шахтними водами, можна поділити на декілька самостійних фаз: фаза змішування вод різного походження в системах гідрозахисту шахтних полів, фаза змішування води з різних шахтних полів та часткове відстоювання у проміжних резервуарах, фаза потрапляння та відстоювання води безпосередньо у ставку-накопичувачі, фаза змішування води із прісною водою карбонатного водоносного горизонту та фаза змішування частково «деактивованої» води із водою ріки Інгулець після дренування карбонатного водоносного горизонту мережею джерел у долині ріки Інгулець. Окремо можна виділити фазу змішування в період скиду шахтних вод зі ставка-накопичувача. Кожна із описаних фаз має свій окремий набір термодинамічних параметрів та можливих гідрогеохімічних процесів. У даному дослідженні розглядається лише фаза перетворень втрачених зі ставка-накопичувача вод у карбонатному водоносному горизонті.

Термодинамічне моделювання поведінки компонентів виконано з використанням програмного комплексу PHREEQC версії 3.7.3 в середовищі операційної системи Debian GNU/Linux версії 12.x «Bookworm». Для аналізу та візуалізації первинних даних і отриманих результатів використано мову програмування R та геоінформаційну систему QGIS.

Lake Sevan (Armenia) is one of the large freshwater high-mountain lakes of Eurasia. Detailed information about the extent and fate of trace elements on lake sediment and water quality has not been published yet. For this reason, surface sediment and water samples were collected from the southern and northern basins of Lake Sevan to determine trace element concentrations and assess the trace element behaviour. Geo-accumulation index, potential ecological risk index, and hazard index were calculated to estimate the environmental risk potential. In comparison to reference values, the investigated sediment samples contained elevated concentrations frequently for V, Cr, Co, Ni, Mo, Cd, Be, Ti, Rb, Sr, Se, Hf, and Th and occasionally for Cu, As, Li, B, Ag, Sb, Tl, Bi, U, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm. An overall potential ecological risk posed by all the investigated trace elements in the sediments was assessed to be moderate-considerable, however, Mo, Hg, and Cd were...

____________________________________________________________________________________ The nutritional role and the essentially of trace elements as well as their biochemical and pathological significance to man and animals have been recently reviewed by several researchers. Elemental concentrations of local rice and maize were determined using the instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) technique. Twenty one elements (Hg and Pa) were determined and analyzed in these cereals foods. Two locally cultivated rice and maize samples were obtained directly from the farmers and two rice and maize samples grown under surveillance condition were collected from Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. The samples were irradiated for long regimes (6 hours) in a neutron flux of 5x10 11 ncm -2 s -1 with the Nigerian Research Reactor at the

A study was carried out to evaluate the biomass production potential of salt tolerant tree species grown in saline environments. For this purpose, 5 sites near Badin, Gawadar, Lahore, Faisalabad and Peshawar in different ecological zones of Pakistan were selected. Plantations of 7 tree species common to all sites including Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Phoenix dactylifera, Acacia nilotica, Acacia ampliceps, Prosopis juliflora, Casurina obesa and Tamarix aphylla were selected for non-destructive biomass measurements. Five trees from each species at each site were assessed for plant height, girth at breast height, canopy area, canopy shape and number of branches. For destructive biomass estimation, six trees of four species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora and Tamarix aphylla) were harvested at two sites near Lahore and Faisalabad. Biomass of whole tree and its components like stem, branches, twigs, leaves and fruits were determined. Soil and water resources ...

This study presents the results of 12 trace elements that have been classified by Italian Environmental law as potentially dangerous to human health and new Pb isotope data for topsoils and soil profiles collected in the Casoria municipal area (Napoli). Elemental concentrations were determined in 126 topsoil samples and were produced interpolated distribution (MIDW) and baseline maps using GeoDAS software. Results show Casoria soils to be significantly enriched in several elements (e.g., Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn). Two geochemical sources were determined associating elemental distribution with the background values of Neapolitan soils: one geogenic and another one anthropogenic. High As, Co, Se and Tl concentrations are coherent with bedrock lithology, and elemental concentrations show the same values typical of Neapolitan volcanic soils. Higher Cd, Hg, Pb and Zn concentrations can be linked with anthropic activities coherent with previous studies in the Neapolitan area. Cr, Cu, Sb and V geochemical concentration and distribution shows both geogenic and anthropogenic influence. Pb isotope analyses allow the determination of the source of the Pb and the level of anthropogenic/geogenic influence on their concentration. Pb sources in the Casoria soils overlap the isotopic compositions typical of industrial soils/aerosols. This anthropic influence on Pb concentration is quantified by anthropogenic fraction (AF%). Casoria topsoil shows very high amount of anthropogenic Pb: AF% is 41-58 %. In profile soil samples leached (L) AF(%) is 31-43 % (topsoils) and 38-56 % (bottom soils); in profile soil samples residues (R) AF(%) is shifted toward the geologic signature, 18-43 % (topsoils) and 25-50 % (bottom soils).

We report geochemical and epidemiological data as maps representing the patterns of toxic metal concentrations and some, potentially, related pathologies in the Campania region of Italy. The comparison of a particular element distribution with specific pathologies, at regional scale, has been carried out taking into account previous epidemiological research, that demonstrated the existence of relationships between anomalous concentrations of some metals and incidence of some pathologies. This study shows that some types of cancer are found in Campania, in areas characterized by relatively high concentration of heavy metals, though, in epidemiological study, correlation does not automatically imply causation. For instance, Zn-Cd-rich areas overlap with areas of high prostate-cancer mortality; bladder and pancreatic cancer are correlated with Pb-Sb-rich areas, whereas, bronchial-tracheal-lung cancer is correlated with As-, Cd-and Pb-rich areas.

This chapter documents the case history of the Bagnoli brownfield site government remediation project, which is still in progress, being in the remediation phase. The site was the second largest integrated steelworks in Italy and is located in the outskirts of Naples, in an area that is part of the quiescent Campi Flegrei (CF) volcanic caldera. Hundreds of surficial and deep boreholes have been drilled, with the collection of about 3000 samples of soils, scums, slags, and landfill materials. In addition, water samples from underground waters have been collected. The samples have been chemically analyzed for inorganic and organic elements and compounds, as required by Italian

Both surface and intra-particle diffusion were rate-controlling processes. • Soil composition influences the partition activity of NP. • Soil organic matter has dominated the sorption capacity of NP on soil. • NP molecule was limited to migrate to deep soil in sewage-irrigated area.

Synthetic analogs of naturally occurring nanoparticles have been studied by a range of x-ray techniques to determine their structure and chemistry, and relate these to their novel chemical properties and physical behavior. ZnS nanoparticles, formed in large concentrations naturally by microbial action, have an interesting core-shell structure with a highly distorted and strained outer layer. The strain propagates through the particles and produces unusual stiffness, but can be relieved by changing the nature of the surface ligand binding. Weaker bound ligands allow high surface distortion, but strongly bound ligands relax this structure and reduce overall strain. Only small amounts of ligand exchange causes transformations from the strained to relaxed state. Most remarkably, minor point contacts between strained nanoparticles also relaxes the strain. In TiO 2 nanoparticles a similar core-shell structure is observed with distortions severe enough to produce an almost amorphous structure, perhaps similar to a silica glass. Fe oxyhydroxide nanoparticles appear to go through structural transformations dependent on their size and formation conditions, and display a crystallographically-oriented form of aggregation at the nanoscale that alters growth kinetics. At least one Fe oxyhydroxide mineral may only be stable on the nanoscale, and nonstoichiometry observed on the hematite surface suggests that for this phase and possibly other natural metal oxides chemistry may be size-dependent. Numerous questions exist on nanominerals formed in acid mine drainage sites, and by reactions at interfaces.

Groundwater pollution by nitrate has is a major concern in the Tehran-Karaj aquifer, Iran, where the wells provide up to 80% of the water supply for a population of more than 18 million-yet detailed human health risks associated with nitrate are unknown due to the lack of accessible data to adequately cover the aquifer in both place and time. Here, using a rich dataset measured annually in more than 75 wells, we mapped the non-carcinogenic risk of nitrate in the aquifer between 2007 and 2018, a window with the most extensive anthropogenic activities in this region. Nitrate concentration varied from ~ 6 to ~ 150 mg/L, around three times greater than the standard level for drinking use, i.e. 50 mg/L. Samples with a non-carcinogenic risk of nitrate, which mainly located in the eastern parts of the study region, threatened children's health, the most vulnerable age group, in almost all of the years during the study period. Our findings revealed that the number of samples with a positive risk of nitrate for adults decreased in the aquifer from 2007 (17 wells) to 2018 (6 wells). Although we hypothesized that unsustainable agricultural practices, the growing population, and increased industrial activities could have increased the nitrate level in the Tehran-Karaj aquifer, improved sanitation infrastructures helped to prevent the intensification of nitrate pollution in the aquifer during the study period. Our compilation of annually mapped non-carcinogenic risks of nitrate is beneficial for local authorities to understand the high-risk zones in the aquifer and for the formulation of policy actions to protect the human health of people who use groundwater for drinking and other purposes in this densely populated region. Clean-groundwater, as a key component of the hydrological cycle, sustains life on our planet 1-3. According to the 2018 edition of the World Water Development Report (WWDR) 4 of the United Nations, safe access to clean-groundwater is at risk globally, and the situation will aggravate by the introduction of more pollution loads to the environment in the coming decades. Our understanding of the groundwater quality is less than that of the groundwater quantity 5,6 , although both are equally important in the context of sustainable management of water resources 7. This issue has been also highlighted in the 2018 edition of the WWDR 4 , where the associated sections with the state of groundwater quality have been poorly supported 4. Therefore, further investigations are needed to appropriately understand the state of groundwater quality, especially in developing nations because approximately 80% of the deaths and diseases in these countries are associated with water pollution 8. Among the various chemical compounds in groundwater, which may affect human health, nitrate is the most common 9-12. High nitrate levels in drinking water, particularly in groundwater, have been frequently caused by increased anthropogenic activities such as agriculture and manufacturing nitrogen inputs 13-17. Many countries throughout the globe have high nitrate levels in their drinking water, including Iran 18,19 , India 20 , and China 21. As a result, nitrate poisoning is becoming more widespread in groundwater basins under farmlands with well-drained soils and oxic geochemical conditions 22,23. Although methemoglobinemia (blue-baby syndrome) is the most immediate life-threatening result of nitrate exposure from contaminated water (particularly for babies), additional significant effects have been identified, including 15 forms of cancer and two types of birth abnormalities 19,24-28. The most common way that nitrate enters the body is through drinking water. The human body's internal processes convert the ingested nitrate into nitrite, which may oxidize Fe 2+ present in blood cells into Fe 3+ , forming methemoglobin, a molecule unable to carry oxygen 25,29. The health of the consumer is at risk because methemoglobin production causes anoxia in the body's organs 30,31. Additionally, nitros-amines/

Heavy metals, such as cadmium, copper, lead, chromium and mercury, are important environmental pollutants, particularly in areas with high anthropogenic pressure. Their presence in the atmosphere, soil and water, even in traces can cause serious problems to all organisms, and heavy metal bioaccumulation in the food chain especially can be highly dangerous to human health. Heavy metals enter the human body mainly through two routes namely: inhalation and ingestion, ingestion being the main route of exposure to these elements in human population. Heavy metals intake by human populations through food chain has been reported in many countries. Soil threshold for heavy metal toxicity is an important factor affecting soil environmental capacity of heavy metal and determines heavy metal cumulative loading limits. For soil-plant system, heavy metal toxicity threshold is the highest permissible content in the soil (total or bioavailable concentration) that does not pose any phytotoxic effects or heavy metals in the edible parts of the crops does not exceed food hygiene standards. Factors affecting the thresholds of dietary toxicity of heavy metal in soil-crop system include: soil type which includes soil pH, organic matter content, clay mineral and other soil chemical and biochemical properties; and crop species or cultivars regulated by genetic basis for heavy metal transport and accumulation in plants. In addition, the interactions of soil-plant root-microbes play important roles in regulating heavy metal movement from soil to the edible parts of crops. Agronomic practices such as fertilizer and water managements as well as crop rotation system can affect bioavailability and crop accumulation of heavy metals, thus influencing the thresholds for assessing dietary toxicity of heavy metals in the food chain. This paper reviews the phytotoxic effects and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in vegetables and food crops and assesses soil heavy metal thresholds for potential dietary toxicity.

Introduction: Soil pollution with heavy metals inadvertent to food contamination resulting from root-soil heavy metal uptake is of great concern. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd), in soil and vegetables. Methods: Using systematic grid sampling, 54 soil samples and 18 vegetable samples were collected from Kampung Binjai Manis, Kota Bharu and Kampung Aman, Kandis, Bachok, Kelantan. Soil and vegetables samples were dried, extracted by acid digestion process and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Results: The overall mean concentration of heavy metal in soil measured in descending order in Kampung Binjai Manis was Fe (958.53 mg/kg) > Pb (26.07 mg/kg) > Cu (11.83 mg/kg) > Cd (0.66 mg/kg). Whereas, the overall mean concentration of heavy metal measured in descending order in Kampung Aman was Fe (461.18 mg/kg) > Cu (8.25 mg/kg) > Pb (2.48 mg/kg) > Cd (0.27 mg/kg). There were significant different in the mean concentration of Pb, Fe and Cd between Kampung Binjai Manis and Kampung Aman. In vegetables, only Cu shows significant different between Kampung Binjai Manis and Kampung Aman. Significant correlations were found between soil and vegetables in Kampung Binjai Manis for Cu (r= 0.861, p= 0.003) and Cd (r= 0.933, p= 0.001). Conclusion: The mean concentration of heavy metal in soil and vegetables at Kampung Binjai Manis and Kampung Aman were above the permissible limit as set by the Department of Environment and World Health Organisation.

High soil phosphate concentrations are commonly related to intense past human activity although full understanding of this relationship requires further research. At present, practical constraints in the field, the need for extensive sampling and for rapid results, leads to the archaeologist frequently using crude but portable techniques of chemical analysis. The problems associated with the collection and interpretation of archaeological soil phosphate data are discussed. The use of Bayesian change-point analysis is proposed as a suitable statistical aid to the interpretation of such data.

Vulnerability maps are important tools for water decision makers and land-use planners for protection of aquifers against contamination. The vulnerability map, according to the parametric method SINTACX for assessing intrinsic aquifer vulnerability, was validated in a case study with chlorofluorocarbon tracer technologies (CFC-11, CFC-12, and CFC-113) of groundwater. The tested area was the 1,295 km 2 volcano-sedimentary area of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. From the results of this area, it appears that the vulnerability map is in parts inconsistent with the underlying groundwater flow system. Thus, the vulnerability map was corrected with tracer information. The validated vulnerability map indicates that the degree of vulnerability varies from low

Achats demonstrated that, despite the widespread belief that honey is a pure and natural product, over 66% of the tested honeys did not exceed the quality criteria specified by the makers. Furthermore, it was noted in the research that possible chemical impurities such trace elements were not assessed; instead, only the

The climate parameters, rainfall, temperature data for more than forty years for three Iraqi meteorological stations (Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul) were studied .The results show good evidence of climate change indicated by the remarkable decrease of the average means annual rainfall in the studied stations, with the remarkable increase of the average minimum annual temperature. The impact of the climatic change on the hydrochemistry of Razaza lake and Rahaliya-Shithatha springs was obvious in increasing the water salinity as studied for years 1995 and 2013. The average mean annual rainfall for ten years intervals indicate that there were a remarkable decrease in amount of rainfall from 90 mm for the period 1992-2001 to about 71 mm for the period 2002-2013. The Razzaza lake water has indicated that chloride group and one major family (Chloride-sodium family) is the dominant for years 1995 and 2013 with increase of Mg ions during 2013. The Rahaliya-Shithatha springs' water has showed that the sulphate and chloride groups are dominant for years 1995 and 2013, with increase of sulphate group to 80% during 2013.

The researchers analyzed the essential and beneficial heavy elements in soil that improve plant growth, development and other functions in this study using k 0­ – INAA technique. The use of k 0 – Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis technique has become a veritable tool for multi-element analysis. This method has been applied in this present study to assess essential mineral elements and beneficial heavy elements that supports plants growth of fifteen samples collected from Safana, Dan Musa and Kankia, LGAs of Katsina State. The samples were properly prepared together with the standard reference material (NIST Coal Fly Ash 1633b) and were irradiated at a thermal power level of 31.0 kW corresponding to a neutron flux setting of 2.5 x 10 11 cm -2 s -1 and 5.0 x 10 11 cm -2 s -1 for the outer and inner irradiation channels respectively using the Nigeria Research Reactor – 1 (NIRR – 1) at the Centre for Energy Research and Training, Zaria. After irradiation, samples were counted usi...

Groundwater quality can be impacted by the backfilling of coal pits with waste rock containing new mineral surfaces and nanomaterials. This study was implemented to identify newly available arsenic and selenium sources in waste rock from the Cordero Rojo Mine in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming, to highlight the alteration of contaminant sources with the transition from an overburden geologic state to the mined waste rock. Basic kinetic models were constructed to replicate the possible weathering modeling scenario derived from published sources of arsenic and selenium in the Powder River Basin overburden—pyrite and gypsum, respectively. These basic prediction models were unable to capture the arsenic and selenium trends recorded for a saturated column loaded with waste rock from the Cordero Rojo Mine. Enhanced kinetic models were tested through trial and error to capture newly available sources created by the mining of the waste rock. The incorporation of new source contributions produced modeled arsenic and selenium trends similar to the observed trends in water extracted from the column. The identification of newly available contaminant sources in backfill waste rock is necessary to evaluate the potential release of contaminants and the exceedance of water quality criteria for overburden formations that have not previously shown the potential for water quality contamination.

Marine plastic debris is widely recognized as a global environmental issue. Sub-micron plastic particles, with an upper size limit of 20 m, have been identified as having the highest potential for causing damage to marine ecosystems. Having accurate methods for quantifying the abundance of such particles in a natural environment is essential for defining the extent of the problem they pose. Using an optical micro-Raman tweezers setup, we have identified the composition of particles trapped in marine aggregates collected from the coastal surface waters around the subtropical island of Okinawa. Chemical composition analysis at the single-particle level indicates dominance by low-density polyethylene, which accounted for 75% of the total sub-micron plastics analysed. Our results show the occurrence of plastics at all test sites, with the highest concentration in areas with high human activities. The average, smallest sub-micron plastics size is (2.53 ± 0.85) m for polystyrene. We also observed additional Raman peaks on the plastics spectrum with decreasing debris size which could be related to structural modification due to weathering or embedding in organic matter. By single-particle level sub-micron plastics identification, we can begin to understand their dispersion in the ocean, and define their toxicity and impacts on marine biodiversity and the food chain.

Micas are important rock forming minerals.
They are all Phyllosilicates (Si4O10) exhibiting sheet structure.
They are apparently hexagonal or orthorhombic in habit, but they all belongs to the Monoclinic systems.  The micas show perfect basal cleavage and it is considered to be the most perfect basal cleavage and it is observed in the minerals. The elastic laminae of the micas are flexible and elastic.
The perfect basal cleavage of the micas is due to its sheet structure. On the cleavage surface of the mica, the hardness is 2.5, and perpendicular to this direction, the hardness is 4. Hydroxyl molecules are always present in the micas, when heated in a closed tube, the micas yield water. When stuck with a needle pointed instrument the micas give rise to percussion and pressure figures. The micas contain about 33 % to 55 % of silica.

L'aumento del contenuto di P 2 O 5 da 70 ppb nell'acqua di mare a oltre il 30% in peso nelle fosforiti marine è un processo a più stadi, che include: l'intrappolamento biologico di P dall'acqua di mare, l'arricchimento di P per decadimento, il flusso inverso di P all'acqua di mare, le correnti di risalita, la formazione di fasi fosfatiche, i processi diagenetici precoci e tardivi (di litificazione, meccanici, chimici e biologici) che portano alla formazione e alla discriminazione dei grani fosfatici (peloidi, coproliti, ooides, cortoidi, denti di pesce e resti ossei…ecc.). Lo stadio finale rappresenta la ridistribuzione della facies fosfatica negli ambienti deposizionali lungo la piattaforma continentale. I processi di biogenesi e diagenesi rappresentano i due fattori principali che controllano la concentrazione di fosforo nell'acqua di mare e la formazione di fosforiti in Iraq, tra i paesi del Medio Oriente che si affacciano sulle coste meridionali del mare della Tetide. I processi biogenici concentrano il contenuto di fosforo come P 2 O 5 fino a circa il 5-7% in peso, mentre i processi diagenetici aumentano il P 2 O 5 a più del 18% in peso e qualche volta possono raggiungere circa il 34% in peso. Il presente studio supporta il meccanismo proposto da Baturin (1982) per l'arricchimento di P e la formazione della fosforite. A seconda delle ipotesi proposte, si può descrivere il meccanismo generale per la formazioni di fosforite biogenica-diagenetica. Le fosforiti di Akashat sono costituite principalmente da francolite, che dipende dalla composizione chimica dell'acqua interstiziale. P, Ca e Sr sono correlati all'attività organica del decadimento dei batteri nell'acqua interstiziale. Il materiale organico contribuisce alla raccolta di alcuni elementi come V, Pb, As e HREE dall'acqua di mare e li fissa sui grani fosfatici durante la loro crescita cumulativa, mentre Na, S, U, Y e LREE riflettono le proprietà chimiche dell'acqua di mare poco profonda in corrispondenza della piattaforma continentale. Questo ambiente rappresenta l'area di formazione della francolite che è esposta a un parziale isolamento dal mare aperto da locali barre sottomarine, come evidenziato da un leggero aumento della salinità e dell'alcalinità. La concentrazione (mole/formula) del carbonato nella francolite è correlata ai processi multidiagentici verso la fase più stabile (fluorapatite), unitamente all'associazione di anomalie positive e negative di Ce ed Eu, rispettivamente, che indicano condizioni non ossidanti e senza attività vulcanica sottomarina nella formazione di francolite. In definitiva sia la formazione primaria sia il processo diagenetico hanno effetti simili sulla chimica cristallina della francolite. Questo studio dimostra che non esiste alcuna relazione tra il F aggiuntivo calcolato dall'analisi chimica e l'asse a, ma piuttosto una relazione lineare con un asse c che ne permette la sua stima. Il presente studio concorda con la visione della sostituzione del fosfato con il carbonato + ioni fluoruro per due motivi: primo, la sostituzione del tetraedro fosfato con lo pseudo-tetraedro di entrambi CO 3 2-+ F-, e secondo, la sostituzione di CO 3 2-+ F-, con carica totale-3, al posto del fosfato (PO 4 3-) soddisfa il bilancio delle cariche. La sostituzione del fosfato con il carbonato comporta una diminuzione dell'asse a e un leggero aumento dell'asse c. La lunghezza dell' asse a può essere utilizzata per la stima del contenuto di carbonato nella francolite. Pertanto, in questa sede, si suggerisce di utilizzare le differenze nella distanza angolare delle riflessioni 310 e 002 e le riflessioni 002 e 310. Sembra, infatti, che il miglior risultato nella definizione della lunghezza dell'asse a sia correlato alla differenza nella distanza angolare delle riflessioni 002 e 310.

Inorganic solid materials with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure that are found naturally are called minerals. They have a range of physical characteristics that help with identification and classification. few typical physical characteristics of minerals are discussed in detail

Over the past decades, demand on organic farming has been increased rapidly in all over the world. Therefore, people show an interest on cultivation of organic crops at their field level as well as purchasing organic products. This paper studies the perceived attributes of the organic red gram farming in dry land areas of Karnataka. Farmer's perception towards organic red gram farming was measured using six perceived attributes parameters like relative advantages, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability, predictability. The data were collected from 120 respondents from Gulbarga district. The findings indicated based on the attributes, were assessed by listing appropriate indicators like low cost, time saving, easy to use etc., in terms of relative advantage; difficult in learning and maintenance related to complexity; different barriers like cultural, social, language etc., related to compatibility; possibility of trying the organic red gram cultivation in terms of trialability; feedback and accuracy of information related to observability and possible impacts related to predictability.

Organic farming is a method of farming which excludes the use of compound chemicals such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Instead of that natural resources such as organic matters, mineral and microbes are used. The present study was conducted in Gulbarga district was selected purposively because it is the "pulse bowl" of the state with highest area i.e., 3,36,853 ha and production 1,53,285 tonnes and productivity of 0.46 tonnes/ha of red gram in the country and also it has maximum number of organic red gram growers (Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India 2014-15). A sample of 120 red gram farmers under organic farming and another 40 sample of farmers growing red gram under conventional farming were selected randomly for the present study. Based on the total returns obtained by the organic (n=120) and conventional (n=40) respondents were selected from the same 120 sample size the statistical test i.e., "Z" test was applied to find out the difference between the organic and conventional to know the differences in their returns. The average cost of cultivation per acre of red gram on organic farming was Rs. 8825 as against Rs.5400 on conventional farming. This difference in cost of cultivation was due to the higher cost incurred on biological fertilizers as well as on bio pesticides by organic red gram farmers. The net return on organic red gram farm wasRs.9550 and Rs.7450 on conventional farming.