The pristine nature of river Ganges: its qualitative deterioration and suggestive restoration strategies Abstract The river Ganges, the National Heritage, and the lifeline of millions of Indians, unfortunately, ranked the second most polluted rivers of the world in 2017. This review reveals the current trends of the water quality of the Ganges assessed around 36 stretches during 2012–2016, to indicate an improvement around 6 (16.7%), deterioration around 14 (38.9%), and non-significant changes around 16 (44.4%) stretches. An increase in dissolved oxygen and a decrease in biochemical oxygen demand were observed at six stretches (Devprayag [S5], Rishikesh upstream [S7], Varanasi upstream [S19], Mokama upstream [S25], Mokama downstream [S26], and Munger [S27]). The total and fecal coliform contamination decreased at seven stretches (Rudraprayag [S2 and S3], Devprayag [S5 and S6], Rishikesh [S7], Varanasi upstream [S19], and Munger [S27]) due to improved hygienic conditions, but it increased subsequently at eight stretches (Haridwar [S8], Kanpur [S15], Raibareili [S16], Prayagraj [S17 and S18], Patna [S24], Berhampore [S30], and Serampore [S31]) due to improper defecation and mass bathing during 2007–2016. Dissolved oxygen level declined significantly, and biochemical oxygen demand increased (> 3 ppm), alarmingly at places receiving heavy untreated sewage water. The water quality of the Ganges was good up to Rishikesh, because of an undisrupted flow of the uncontaminated water from the higher altitudes (≥ 372 m) with higher forest cover, lower temperatures (< 21 °C), and higher dissolved oxygen (≥ 8.5 ppm) and due to the dissolution of antipathogenic chemical constituents of the medicinal herbs, pollutant degrading alkaline phosphatase, and bacteriophages. The present review is a systematic collection of data on river pollution, its scientific analyses, and its relationship with 6Ps (namely population, poverty, pollution, precipitation, plantation, and periodicity). Not only that, but the river water restoration measures have also suggested through the novel interlinked water working groups for implementing integrated water management strategies.

Assessment of trace element accumulation potential of Noccaea kovatsii from ultramafics of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia Abstract In this work, we present the results of the investigation of trace elements (Fe, Mg, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Pb) accumulation potential of Noccaea kovatsii (Heuff.) F. K. Mey., from the Balkan Peninsula. The study included eight populations from ultramafic soils, six from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and two from Serbia. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reveal relationships of elements in soil, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients for analysing associations of available quantities of elements in soil and those in roots and shoots of N. kovatsii. Uptake and translocation efficiency was assessed by using bioconcentration (BCF) and translocation factors (TF). All the analysed populations of N. kovatsii emerged as strong Ni accumulators, with the highest shoot concentrations of 12,505 mg kg−1. Even thought contents of Zn in plant tissues of N. kovatsii were under the hyperaccumulation level (602 mg kg−1 and 1120 mg kg−1 respectively), BCF was up to 667, indicating that certain surveyed populations have strong accumulative potential for this element.

Relationship of forest biomass carbon with biophysical parameters in north Kashmir region of Himalayas Abstract Biophysical parameters affecting biomass carbon have been emphasized in the Paris Agreement for realizing climatic benefits from mitigation projects. The present study was conducted to assess the relation of biophysical parameters with forest biomass carbon in north Kashmir region of Himalayas. The relation of biomass carbon was assessed with (1) species type or strata including Cedrus deodara, mixed I (Cedrus deodara-Pinus wallichiana), mixed II (Abies pindrow-Picea smithiana) and Pinus wallichiana, (2) altitude (1292–2911 m amsl), (3) crown density, (4) aspect, (5) tree count or density and (6) location. Using a stratified sampling design, a total of 188 quadrats of 0.1 ha were laid across the entire region representing different biophysical parameters. Field observation including diameter at breast height and height were recorded and sample biomass (t ha−1) was estimated using volumetric equations. The observed relation of aboveground biomass carbon with species revealed a trend of mixed II ˃ Cedrus deodara ˃ mixed I ˃ Pinus wallichiana. A positive but weak correlation (R2 = 0.02) was found between aboveground biomass carbon and altitude. A reasonably good correlation (R2 = 0.40) was observed to exist between aboveground biomass carbon and crown density. The highest value of average biomass carbon (72.63 t ha−1) was recorded for the north-eastern aspect whereas the lowest value (44.60 t ha−1) was recorded for the eastern aspect. The aboveground biomass carbon and tree count was found positively correlated (+ 0.475, R2 = 0.48). Forest biomass carbon fluctuates within the same geographical region with a variety of biophysical factors. The growth rate of species, photosynthetic ability under different crown densities and climatic conditions could address the reasons for this variability. Biophysical relations of forest biomass carbon can be viewed as an important input for guidelines and policy matters on climate change.

Green sea urchins ( Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis ) as potential biomonitors of metal pollution near a former lead-zinc mine in West Greenland Abstract In this study, metal accumulation in green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) was investigated near the former Black Angel lead-zinc mine in Maarmorilik, West Greenland. Sea urchins (n = 9–11; 31–59 mm in diameter) were collected from three stations located at < 1 km, 5 km, and 12 km (reference site) away from the former mine site, respectively. After collection, tissue of the sea urchins was divided into gonads and remaining soft parts (viscera) before subjected to chemical analyses. Focus was on eight elements found in elevated concentrations in the mine waste (iron, copper, zinc, arsenic, silver, cadmium, mercury and lead). Sea urchins at the mine site contained significantly more copper, mercury and lead compared with the reference site for both the gonads and viscera, while the latter also contained significantly more iron, zinc and silver. Arsenic and cadmium were not significantly elevated in sea urchins at the mine site. Most elements were found in higher concentrations in the viscera compared with the gonads. For comprehensive monitoring of metal pollution at mine sites, a diverse selection of monitoring organisms is necessary. The study shows that green sea urchins accumulate selected metals and can be used as a monitoring organism for mining pollution, at least for iron, copper, zinc, silver, mercury and lead. However, the results also show that green sea urchins are less likely to reflect small environmental changes in loading of most metals (except iron, copper and silver) and for arsenic compared to suspension feeders such as blue mussels.

A review of copper concentrations in Iranian populations Abstract Copper contamination is increasing and can be a threat to human health. This review tries to summarize copper levels measured in humans in Iran. Persian databases such as SID, Magiran, and IranMedex and English databases such as Scopus, Pubmed, Science Direct, and the Google Scholar were searched using both English and Persian keywords. Twenty-six articles that measured the concentration of copper in human samples in Iran were included. According to the results of the reviewed studies, copper levels in some Iranian populations were higher than normal levels. These populations included pregnant women with preeclampsia, patients with oral cancer, patients with Giardiasis infection, patients with Parkinson’s, children under the age of 12 years with β-thalassemia major, pregnant women in the third trimester, and type 2 diabetic patients. Copper levels were less than normal, in patients with tuberculosis after treatment and post-menopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Also, copper concentrations in patients with tuberculosis, cutaneous leishmaniasis, brucellosis, and molybdenum unit workers were higher, and copper concentrations in patients with Pemphigus vulgaris and coronary artery disease were less than those of their controls, but all were in the normal range (70–140 μg/dL). The amount of copper adsorption in various teeth was different. High levels of copper have been reported in some Iranian populations and this can be a threat to human health. Monitoring copper levels in some Iranian populations is necessary.

Histopathological lesions, pathogens and parasites as health indicators of an edible clam ( Protothaca thaca ) inhabiting a bay exposed to anthropogenic activities in Northern Chile Abstract San Jorge Bay (23° S) is characterised by a permanent coastal upwelling front and a thermal front that influence water circulation into the bay. This bay constantly receives effluents from different mining activities. Several studies have demonstrated different levels of heavy metals in waters and sediments within the bay. The clam Protothaca thaca is a bivalve with sedentary habits, which is distributed along the Peruvian and Chilean coasts and is exploited commercially. During 2010, clams were collected inside the bay: north (La Chimba), centre (Paraíso) and south (Llacolén), as well as from a site outside the bay (Bolsico). Haematological parameters, condition factor index, lesions, parasites and pathogens and heavy metal concentrations in clam tissues were determined. The health indicators of clams inhabiting the bay varied between sites. Clams inside the bay showed higher prevalence and intensity of parasites and lesions than those clams inhabiting the site outside the bay, which could be indicating the presence of some environmental stressor (e.g. heavy metals). This study is the first to evaluate the health status of organisms from San Jorge Bay, and our results support the hypothesis that clams P. thaca can be used to evaluate environmental quality.

A multivariate statistical approach to the integration of different land-uses, seasons, and water quality as water resources management tool Abstract The externalities generated by disorderly urbanization and lack of proper planning becomes one of the main factors that must be considered in water resource management. To address the multiple uses of water and avoid conflicts among users, decision-making must integrate these factors into quality and quantity aspects. The water quality index (WQI), using the correlation matrix and the multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) techniques were used to analyze the surface water quality, considering urban, rural, and industrial regions in an integrated way, even with data gaps. The results showed that the main parameters that impacted the water quality index were dissolved oxygen, elevation, and total phosphorus. The results of PCA analysis showed 86.25% of the variance in the data set, using physicochemical and topographic parameters. In the cluster analysis, the dissolved oxygen, elevation, total coliforms, E. coli, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and temperature parameters showed a significant correlation between the data’s dimensions. In the industrial region, the characteristic parameter was the organic load, in the rural region were nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), and in the urban region was E. coli (an indicator of the pathogenic organisms’ presence). In the classification of the samples, there was a predominance of “Good” quality, however, samples classified as “Acceptable” and “Bad” occurred during the winter and spring months (dry season) in the rural and industrial regions. Water pollution is linked to inadequate land use and occupation and population density in certain regions without access to sanitation services.

Land suitability modeling for newly reclaimed area using GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis Abstract Selecting the appropriate land use is one of the most important steps toward achieving sustainable development. The main objective of this research is to develop a new method to overcome the contradiction occurring when using the conventional methods to evaluate land suitability for newly reclaimed areas. A spatial model was developed to assess land suitability for wheat in El-Minia Governorate, Egypt, using integration of modeling and geographic information systems–based multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA). Land suitability for wheat was performed using two approaches, namely the proposed model (GIS-MCDA) and the parametric method (square root). According to the square root, 75.0% of the study area was classified as not suitable, while the proposed model revealed that 20.5% of the study area was classified as highly suitable and 61.5% as moderately suitable. In order to examine the validity of the proposed model, a comparison was made between the obtained results of both the proposed model and the square root method with the actual yield of the wheat. The correlation coefficient (r) between actual yield and the estimated yield of the square root method was 0.46, while the proposed model gives higher value (r = 0.95), which proves the validity of the proposed model in estimating land suitability for wheat cultivation. The findings of this research revealed that the integration of modeling and GIS-MCDA adopted by the proposed model provides an effective and flexible technique contributing to improve land suitability assessment for wheat in newly reclaimed areas to be more accurate and reliable.

Water as a mild extractant of metals and metalloids from the samples of the selected certified reference materials and subsequent multi-elemental quantification by ICP-AES Abstract An assessment of mobility and bioavailability of trace elements present in the soil requires the determination of these elements in soil samples by an appropriate methodology. In such a context, the use of mild extraction reagents—such as water—is considered to be appropriate. On the other hand, performing an analysis of a reference material together with real samples is recommended in order to control the quality of analytical procedure. The quantification of 27 analytes in aqueous extracts of the soil CRMs samples is described. The methodology consisted of single-step extraction of analytes by deionized water (m/v = 1/10) with their subsequent direct determination by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Three certified reference materials (CRM) for soils have been selected as model samples: NCS DC 77302 (alias GBW 07410), Metranal-31, and Metranal-33. Although the recoveries of the selected elements obtained by water extractions are very low (i.e., the values usually do not exceed 1%), the results obtained in this study reveal the elements that by means of ICP-OES can be quantified in the water extracts of unpolluted soils are as follows: Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, S, Sr, Ti, and V. However, ICP-OES is not sensitive enough to quantify the elements As, Be, Cd, Co, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, and Zn that are present in the water extracts of clean soil samples in too low mass fractions. The results obtained in this paper are useful for future uses of the three tested CRMs, in the cases of the extraction of the analytes by deionized water at room temperature.

Process parameters for biosurfactant production using yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii YK32 Abstract Microbially produced biosurfactants are fast catching up due to their environment-friendly approach over chemical surfactants. But their commercial production is restricted due to poor economy of the production process which could be improved by using high yielding microbial strains and optimizing the process parameters. The present research was directed to optimize the biosurfactant production monitored in terms of oil displacement and emulsification (E24) index, using a promising yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii YK32. Maximum oil displacement equaling 7.5 cm was obtained with olive oil at 8% (v/v) concentration as carbon source under shaking conditions (150 rpm). Diesel being a complex hydrocarbon was not utilized easily by yeast and showed poor biosurfactant production. Yeast extract at 1.5% (w/v) concentration yielded maximum biosurfactant as evident from maximum oil displacement and E24 index equal to 8.1 cm and 52.6%, respectively. Sodium chloride at the rate of 3% (w/v) supported maximum oil displacement (8.8 cm) using the production broth containing optimized carbon and nitrogen sources. Any increase beyond this level negatively influenced the biosurfactant production. The yield was at its maximum at 30 °C as a shift in temperature either to 35 °C or 25 °C decreased the oil displacement from 8.8 to 5.2 or 7.6 cm, respectively. At 40 °C, oil displacement was decreased to 2.5 cm. Biosurfactant production appeared to be sensitive to varying pH as evident from the E24 index as high as 67.3% at pH 6.0 as compared with 60.2%, 60.1%, and 52.4% at pH 5.0, 5.5, and 7.0, respectively. Yeast biomass yield equivalent to 10.3 g/L and 8.3 g/L was recorded at pH 6 and 7, respectively, during the production process. Elimination of shaking reduced the E24 index from 67.3 to 34.8% under optimized conditions.