Groundwater contamination with heavy metals in Chennai city, India – A threat to the human population

The goal of this research was to learn more about heavy metal pollution in groundwater in North Chennai during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The total no. of 108 groundwater samples were utilized for this study retrieved from both dug and bore wells. The analytical results indicate that all the determined trace metals show wide spatial and temporal variations. Spatial variation is mainly due to the different sources of contamination, and temporal variation is mainly due to the influence of rainfall and the associated changes in the hydrogeochemical conditions. The abundance order of trace elements based on average ionic concentration in pre-monsoon is Iron (Fe)> Manganese (Mn)> Chromium (Cr)> Copper (Cu)> Lead (Pb)> Nickel (Ni)> Zinc (Zn) and during post-monsoon Fe>Mn>Pb>Zn>Cr>Cu>Ni. Nemerow’s pollution index (NPI) gives an idea about the range of pollution for individual water quality parameters concerning a standard value. Our result showed that North Chennai city is polluted by Lead in both seasons.

Potential influence of food value chain level of regulation on prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance: case of tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus )

The current study was designed to evaluate the potential impact of the level of regulation on the prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial agent resistance in bacteria isolated from fish. The study sites included two large lakes and both semi-regulated and unregulated fish value chains. A total of 328 bacterial isolates belonging to 11 genera were evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disk diffusion method. The bacteria species were tested against 12 different antibiotics (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, ampicillin, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, amoxicillin, meropenem, ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, cefuroxime and kanamycin). Data analysis was done to assess the heterogeneity in proportion of resistant bacterial species within and between the two value chains using a random-effects model proposed by DerSimonian and Laird. Statistical heterogeneity within and between groups were estimated using the Cochran Chi -square test and the Cochrane- I 2 . Overall proportion of bacterial species resistant to antimicrobial agents in semi-regulated and unregulated value chains ranged from 0.00 to 0.88 and 0.09 to 0.95, respectively. Shigella spp. had the highest proportion of bacteria that were resistant against most of the antimicrobial agents used. The bacterial species were highly resistant to ampicillin and amoxicillin and the highest multi-drug resistance capacity was observed in Shigella spp. (18.3%, n = 328), Vibrio spp. (18.3%) and L. monocytogenes (12.2%). We observed strong heterogeneity within and between the two value chains regarding proportion of resistant bacterial species. Sun dried fish in both value chains had significantly high proportion of resistant bacterial species. Comparing the two value chains, unregulated value chain had significantly higher proportion of bacterial species that were resistant. In order to mitigate the risk of transmitting antimicrobial resistant bacteria to consumers along the fish value chain, good manufacturing practices coupled with identification and management of possible sources of contamination are recommended for fish and potentially other foods distributed along the less regulated value chains. Importance In order to mitigate the risk of transmitting antimicrobial resistant bacteria to consumers along the fish value chain, good manufacturing practices coupled with identification and management of possible sources of contamination are recommended for fish and potentially other foods distributed along the less regulated value chains.

Gold mining in Ecuador: Innovative recommendations for the management and remediation of mercury-contaminated waters

ASGM Mining processes have increased in recent years, becoming one of the main activities re-sponsible for serious impacts on ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and valuable resources such as soil and water. It is necessary to analyze the successful management developed by some countries in gold extraction, through innovative techniques and procedures, and recommend its replication in Ecuador. It is undeniable that mercury is one of the main contaminants in gold mining, it is important to establish the best techniques to protect natural resources. The first section of this paper analyzed the changes in Ecuadorian mining management with a focus on gold mining processes, followed by a description of ASGM mining and mercury use in Ecuador. Finally, the main sources of contamination were analyzed and recommendations were made to improve mining management and reduce contamination of water bodies. The methodology used was based on a bibliographic review of gray and scientific literature. The recommendations establish that mining management in Ecuador should focus its efforts on improving control and monitoring capacity, regularization of mining registries, and strengthening regulations with new policies. Finally, to reduce the impact of Hg on water bodies, it is necessary to educate ASGM miners about the risks of indiscriminate use of mercury and about techniques that can provide better socioeconomic benefits.

Impact of Estrogens Present in Environment on Health and Welfare of Animals

Nowadays, there is a growing interest in environmental pollution; however, knowledge about this aspect is growing at an insufficient pace. There are many potential sources of environmental contamination, including sex hormones—especially estrogens. The analyzed literature shows that estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and synthetic ethinyloestradiol (EE2) are the most significant in terms of environmental impact. Potential sources of contamination are, among others, livestock farms, slaughterhouses, and large urban agglomerations. Estrogens occurring in the environment can negatively affect the organisms, such as animals, through phenomena such as feminization, dysregulation of natural processes related to reproduction, lowering the physiological condition of the organisms, disturbances in the regulation of both proapoptotic and anti-apoptotic processes, and even the occurrence of neoplastic processes thus drastically decreasing animal welfare. Unfortunately, the amount of research conducted on the negative consequences of their impact on animal organisms is many times smaller than that of humans, despite the great richness and diversity of the fauna. Therefore, there is a need for further research to help fill the gaps in our knowledge.

Hydrocarbons and heavy metals in Macuspana, Tabasco, Mexico: key stakeholders

The objective of the research was through key actors to identify the contamination by hydrocarbons and heavy metals in water and the main sources of contamination in the municipality of Macuspana, Tabasco. Methodology: A diagnosis was made, by applying questionnaires through interviews directed to the inhabitants of the municipality of Macuspana and workers in the oil sector. The data were processed with frequency analysis, Kruskal Wallis, analysis of variance, and multivariate with two factors. Results: It was shown that there has been historical contamination, for 30 years, there is evidence of dead organisms in the water bodies, and the presence of various diseases in the population due to exposure to contaminants from hydrocarbons and heavy metals that derive from the oil activity. There is evidence of a negative impact due to the presence of spills from disabled wells due to a lack of maintenance programs. Implications: The economy in most of the Gulf of Mexico is based on the extraction, processing, and distribution of hydrocarbons. This industry´s growth increased the number of exploration and production of oil wells, generating a direct impact on aquatic environments. The state of Tabasco is one of the largest oil producers, as well as fishing resources of commercial and environmental importance, which are directly affected by oil activity. Findings: The study found cases of diseases in the population correlated with exposure to hydrocarbons. Conclusions: There is little interest from the oil sector about public health problems in the population and environmental damage to the ecosystems in the municipality of Macuspana, Tabasco.

Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Escherichia coli in River Waters Collected from Two Cities in Ghana, 2018–2020

Infections by Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) are on the increase in Ghana, but the level of environmental contamination with this organism, which may contribute to growing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), is unknown. Using the WHO OneHealth Tricycle Protocol, we investigated the contamination of E. coli (Ec) and ESBL-Ec in two rivers in Ghana (Odaw in Accra and Okurudu in Kasoa) that receive effluents from human and animal wastewater hotspots over a 12-month period. Concentrations of Ec, ESBL-Ec and percent ESBL-Ec/Ec were determined per 100 mL sample. Of 96 samples, 94 (98%) were positive for ESBL-Ec. concentrations per 100 mL (MCs100) of ESBL-Ec and %ESBL-Ec from both rivers were 4.2 × 104 (IQR, 3.1 × 103–2.3 × 105) and 2.79 (IQR, 0.96–6.03), respectively. MCs100 were significantly lower in upstream waters: 1.8 × 104 (IQR, 9.0 × 103–3.9 × 104) as compared to downstream waters: 1.9 × 106 (IQR, 3.7 × 105–5.4 × 106). Both human and animal wastewater effluents contributed to the increased contamination downstream. This study revealed high levels of ESBL-Ec in rivers flowing through two cities in Ghana. There is a need to manage the sources of contamination as they may contribute to the acquisition and spread of ESBL-Ec in humans and animals, thereby contributing to AMR.

Cystic fibrosis, the key link with airborne alpha emitting nanoparticulates

Cystic fibrosis is explained in this paper that suggests tackling the disease by elimination of the most significant sources of contamination.

DETERMINATION OF CONTAMINATION DISTANCE FOR BOREHOLES IN OKIGWE ZONE, IMO STATE NIGERIA

Groundwater contaminants in Okigwe zone in Imo state made up of six local government areas were investigated. Four (4) groundwater samples were collected from each local government area. This amounted to twentyfour groundwater samples. These samples were collected randomly from sites close to septic tanks and to avoid contamination from tanks, the samples were collected at the well head, before water enters into storage tanks. The samples were stored in a sterilized 250 ml bottles and then taken to the laboratory for analysis. The chemical parameters were determined using a HA-CH 44600-00 and using standard methods as contained in Chessbourgh (2014). These samples were refrigerated and analyzed within 24 h. All plastics and glass wares utilized were pre-washed with detergent water solution, rinsed with tap water and soaked for 48 h in 50% HNO3 then rinsed thoroughly with distilled- deionized water. These results were used to ascertain the levels of groundwater contamination in Okigwe zone. An equation was generated from the chemical parameters using SPSS and E-view softwares to estimate the minimum allowable distance for locating borehole from sources of contamination in Okigwe zone in Imo state Nigeria. The minimum allowable distance calculated for groundwater from sources of contamination (septic tanks) is 15.81meters.