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The quest for safe water in Bangladesh has resulted in the shift of water sources and extraction methods throughout history. The study aims to investigate the factors driving these changes, assess the consequences of current water consumption trends, and propose solutions for sustainable water management. The research highlights the historical shift from surface water to tube-wells for accessing groundwater, driven by their affordability and user-friendly nature. However, the discovery of arsenic contamination in tube-well water raised serious public health concerns, leading to the exploration of alternative water sources and extraction techniques. Various methods such as dug wells, pond sand filters, piped water supply, rainwater harvesting, and well-sharing have been adopted by communities and indigenous groups to ensure access to safe and clean water. The study reveals disparities in the installation of deep tube-wells by the government and NGOs, often overlooking safer water sources available at shallower depths. Furthermore, the study discusses the consequences of high-yielding technologies and increased water consumption in Sonargaon Upazila, leading to groundwater-related disasters and a decline in the groundwater table. Private irrigation facilities have become more popular among people, contributing to the declining groundwater table. This study provides insights into the changing water sources and extraction methods in Bangladesh, identifies the consequences of current water consumption trends, and proposes strategies for sustainable water management. The findings underline the importance of informed decision-making, government intervention, and community involvement to address the challenges of groundwater depletion and contamination in the region., QC 20240314

Arsenic (As) contamination in paddy and consequently the dietary system is an emerging global threat to human health. The harvesting, post-harvesting and cooking procedures of rice in Bengal delta further involves the use of As tainted groundwater which results in a concomitant increase of As levels in sunned, parboiled, and cooked grains, respectively. Inorganic arsenic (iAs) causing potential health risks is therefore high (appx. 90 %) due to the daily rice consumption. This study sheds light on higher As accumulation, distribution and assimilation during parboiling (24 %) and cooking processes (34 %) using As-tainted water, culminating additional As burden in cooked rice. Rice grain mediated health risk has displayed a concern level of 5 according to “Severity Adjusted Margin of Exposure” value. This study also takes heed of the domestic livestock exposed to As toxicity through contaminated fodder, resulting in contaminated animal by-products which initiates further longer lasting deleterious impacts on the society., QC 20240222

Lake Victoria is the world’s largest tropical lake and the third-largest water body, providingsignificant water resources for surrounding environments including the cultural, societal, andlivelihood needs of people in its basin and along the White Nile. The aim of this study was to usedecade-long time series of measured lake flow in the lake system and phosphorus deposition todevelop a suitable numerical model based on shallow water equations (SWE) for assessing waterquality in Lake Victoria, an increasingly important tool under climate variation. Different tech-niques were combined to identify a numerical model that included: i) a high-resolution SWEmodel to establish raindrop diffusion to trace pollutants; ii) a two-dimensional (2D) verticallyintegrated SWE model to establish lake surface flow and vertically transported wind speed flowacting on lake surface water by wind stress; and iii) a site-specific phosphorus deposition sub-model to calculate atmospheric deposition in the lake. A smooth (non-oscillatory) solution wasobtained by applying a high-resolution scheme for a raindrop diffusion model. Analysis with thevertically integrated SWE model generated depth averages for flow velocity and associatedchanges in water level profile in the lake system and showed unidirectional whole lake windblowing from the southwest to northeast. The atmospheric phosphorous deposition modelenabled water value assessment for mass balances with different magnitudes of both inflows andoutflows demonstrating annual total phosphorus at 13, 500 tons concentrating at mid-lakewestern and eastern parts. The model developed here is simple and suitable for use in assess-ing flow changes and lake level changes and can serve as a tool in studies of lake bathymetry andnutrient and pollution transport processes. Our study opens towards refining models of complexshallow-water systems, QC 20240212

Background:Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a global challenge, impacting patients and healthcare expenditures. This second-order meta-analysis endeavors to assess the efficacy of antibiotic sutures in averting SSIs by amalgamating data from various meta-studies.Materials and methods:This research adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The quality and comprehensiveness of the encompassed meta-analyses were assessed through the QUOROM checklist and AMSTAR techniques. The primary study overlap was evaluated via measures such as pairwise intersection heat maps, corrected covered area, and the citation matrix of evidence. The statistical power at the study-level was determined utilizing the meta-meta package. Data synthesis employed random and fixed effects models at a 95% CI. A meta-regression analysis was conducted to explore potential correlations between the CDC classification of SSIs, trial types, and the observed effect sizes in the studies.Results:This investigation revealed a significant reduction in SSI rates due to antimicrobial-coated sutures, evidenced by a relative risk (RR) of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.59-0.76), with a prediction interval of 0.38-1.19. The analysis encompassed 18 studies with 22 meta-analyses, demonstrating a median QUOROM score of 13.6 out of 18 and an AMSTAR score of 9.1 out of 11. The presence of moderate heterogeneity was noted (Q=106.611, I2=54.038%), with nonrandomized controlled trials exhibiting an RR of 0.56 (95% CI: 0.39-0.80), and RCTs displaying an RR of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.63-0.81). Subgroup analysis unveiled variable RR reductions for specific surgical procedures.Conclusion:Antimicrobial-coated sutures offer a promising approach to mitigating SSIs risk. However, their efficacy is optimally realized when employed in conjunction with other robust practices., QC 20240213

QC 20231214

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have gained increasing attention in environmental research due to their ubiquitousness and potential impacts on natural environments and human health as per the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-14 to address global threats where at least 12 SDGs, directly/indirectly impacts. Present review is undertaken to highlight the process of breakdown of diverse groups of plastic products in soil, surface water, and groundwater under the influence of different factors (UV, light, heat, microbe, etc.), which are mobilized as MPs/NPs to the surface water, groundwater, air, soil, and living organisms by different natural and anthropogenic processes. Review also highlights a comprehensive overview of the methodology for sampling, characterization, and analysis for these minuscule plastic particles (PPs) in various environmental samples, encompassing surface/subsurface water, sediments, soils, and biological organisms. The collection, extraction, and characterization of MPs/NPs, typically employ filtration processes, wherein a known volume of water is passed through a fine mesh to capture MPs/NPs from water samples. Sediment/soil samples require sieving and density separation techniques to isolate PPs from the surrounding matrix. Biological samples require digestion steps to remove organic matter, leaving behind plastics for analysis. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are commonly utilized to determine the polymer composition, size, shape, and surface characteristics of PPs. Quantification involves several approaches, visual counting, image analysis, and spectroscopic techniques. Abundance of MPs/NPs in the respective environmental samples (water, air, soil, etc.) can be determined by comparing the richness (i.e., number/mass) of plastics to the volume or weight of the original sample. Such comprehensive analytical methodologies contribute to, QC 20240719

The Virtual Special Issue (VSI) entitled "COVID-19 in Environment: Treatment, Infectivity, Monitoring, Estimation (TIME)" mainly brings together the different themes and perspectives related to wastewater epidemiology related to COVID-19. The issue further concentrates on the idea of the very much required scientific studies of the wastewater containing the SARS-CoV RNA; its contagious attributes if any; and the very important possibility of estimation and monitoring of patients based on the wastewater epidemiology. We have brought global perspectives related to the most suitable estimations methods based on SARS-COV-RNA data and development of an approach combining wastewater epidemiology and clinical diagnostic test could facilitate surveillance of public health system for informed decision making for better and effective treatment methods on one platform, thereby facilitating the expansion of the reach of these ideas and their audience. This VSI is going to act as an interface for microbiologists, environmental engineers, data scientists, civil engineers, remote-sensing experts, and modelers to integrate their findings on the aforementioned topics to etch out the probability of relative environmental risks and human health challenges. It has undergone an open call for papers and a rigorous peer-review process, where each submission has been evaluated by a panel of experts. In total, twenty-two articles could pass the test of external referees that represent the ongoing research and development activities in the topical research area of COVID-19 wastewater surveillance., QC 20240905

Inadequate data and spatial dependence in the observations during geochemical studies are among the disturbing conditions when estimating environmental factors contributing to the local variability in the pollutants of interest. Usually, spatial dependence occurs due to the researcher 's imperfection on the natural scale of occurrence which affects the sampling strategy. As a consequence, observations on the study variable are significantly correlated in space. In this study, the machine learning approach was developed and used to study the environmental factors controlling the local variability in fluoride concentrations in drinking water sources of northern Tanzania within the East African Rift Valley. The approach constituted the use of geographical information systems (GIS) technology, exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) methods, and spatial regression modeling at a local level. The environmental variables used to study the local variation in fluoride concentration include topography, tectonic processes, water exchanges between hydrogeological layers during lateral movement, mineralization processes (EC), and water pH. The study was based on 20 local spatial regimes determined using GIS based on water sources density in the four hydrogeological environments. Specifically, the nonparametric (one-way Kruskal-Wallis sum ranks test and Multiple Comparisons Dunn Test), spatial statistics (Global Moran 's I statistic), ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, and spatial lag models were used to quantify the effects of topography, tectonic processes, water exchange between hydrogeological environments and water physiochemical parameters (pH and EC) on the spatial variability of fluoride concentrations in drinking water sources at a local scale. In order of significance, the local spatial variation in fluoride concentration is influenced by the EC, topography, tectonic processes, pH, and water exchange between hydrogeological layers during water movement. The resul, QC 20240715

The health effects of arsenic (As) exposure are a major global environmental issue affecting millions of people around the globe. Although adult epidemiological studies on As-induced health consequences have been extensively reviewed, but not much comprehensive review has been done targeting children. In this epidemiological review, 64 human subject studies on children were identified after applying exclusion criteria, which addressed an array of health effects of As exposure in early life stages in South and Southeast (S–SE) Asian countries, where a great variability in As exposures has been reported. The present review identified neurocognitive impairment linked to As exposure in early life stages. In utero and childhood As exposures were also associated with genetic and metabolic alteration, elevated pneumonia risk, and skin lesions in several populations in S–SE Asia. Significant associations of As with epigenetic changes, DNA damages, abnormal birth outcomes, and elevated mortality were also reported in epidemiological studies. The findings of this review article may help public health policymakers and clinicians develop early-life intervention strategies to reduce the burden of diseases in As-exposed populations., QC 20240703

In aquatic environments, microplastics pose alarming threat to the environment since they actively convey hazardous contaminants and aggregate into biota. Although studies on microplastics in freshwater ecosystems have increased recently, there are still many concerns about the origins, sources, fate, and distribution of MPs. This thorough review includes 167 studies (2017–2024) with an aim to provide knowledge of the type, sources, and detection of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, along with their consequences on aquatic species and human health. The main sources of microplastic in freshwater ecosystems include improperly disposed plastic trash, industrial raw materials, personal care items, and synthetic fabrics. Factors like retention time, flow rate, and seasonal variations influence their permanence in freshwater (FW) ecosystems, ultimately leading to their transport through river networks. The most hazardous polymers identified are PUR, PAN, PVC, Epoxy resin, and ABS. Previous studies have confirmed their ‘Trojan horse effect’ due to their ability to adorb drugs (e.g., acyclovir, atenolol, sulfamethoxazole, and ibuprofen), heavy metals (As, Cd), pesticides (difenoconazole, buprofezin, imidacloprid), antibiotic-resistant genes and microorganisms. Microplastics carrying above pollutants may possess carcinogenic properties and other health risks, considering their entry into the human body through FW-sourced water and food products. Currently, there is a lack of standardized protocols for the identification, assessment, and quantification of MPs in freshwater ecosystems. The common identification techniques are spectroscopy, Microscopy, mass spectroscopy, and novel methods like staining and AFM-IR spectroscopy. The multifaceted impact of microplastics on FW ecosystems, from contaminant transmission to human health, underscores the intricate interactions within this environmental challenge., QC 20240619

access to safe drinking water has always been a challenge for Bangladesh due to the geogenic contamination in shallow aquifers. The objective of this study was to identify the depth for extracting safe water and to develop a developed to validate the indigenous knowledge of targeting safe depth based on sediment color. To address the preparing safe water atlas for a specific region in Bangladesh, serving as a decision-making tool for households. The atlas identifies depths at which tube-wells can be installed to obtain uncontaminated groundwater, helping people make informed choices and avoid potential health risks. Additionally, the safe water atlas can support the, QC 20240527

Recently, researchers have shown concern about the ChatGPT-derived answers. Here, we conducted a series of tests using ChatGPT by individual researcher at multi-country level to understand the pattern of its answer accuracy, reproducibility, answer length, plagiarism, and in-depth using two questionnaires (the first set with 15 MCQs and the second 15 KBQ). Among 15 MCQ-generated answers, 13 +/- 70 were correct (Median : 82.5; Coefficient variance : 4.85), 3 +/- 0.77 were incorrect (Median: 3, Coefficient variance: 25.81), and 1 to 10 were reproducible, and 11 to 15 were not. Among 15 KBQ, the length of each question (in words) is about 294.5 +/- 97.60 (mean range varies from 138.7 to 438.09), and the mean similarity index (in words) is about 29.53 +/- 11.40 (Coefficient variance: 38.62) for each question. The statistical models were also developed using analyzed parameters of answers. The study shows a pattern of ChatGPT-derive answers with correctness and incorrectness and urges for an error-free, next-generation LLM to avoid users' misguidance., QC 20240604

Bangladesh has been relying heavily on groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes since the 1960s. The access to safe drinking water has always been a challenge for Bangladesh due to the geogenic contamination in shallow aquifers. The objective of this study was to identify the depth for extracting safe water and to develop a safe water atlas for different unions of Sonargaon Upazila to ensure a year-round safe water supply. The concentrations of Arsenic, Iron and Manganese in groundwater were measured from 63 random water samples and compared with WHO and national drinking water quality standards. A lithological profile of the study area was developed to validate the indigenous knowledge of targeting safe depth based on sediment color. To address the challenges of groundwater depletion and contamination, the study identified and developed the technique of preparing safe water atlas for a specific region in Bangladesh, serving as a decision-making tool for households. The atlas identifies depths at which tube-wells can be installed to obtain uncontaminated groundwater, helping people make informed choices and avoid potential health risks. Additionally, the safe water atlas can support the development of safe drinking water distribution plans and assist local drillers and residents in decision-making processes.

The quest for safe water in Bangladesh has resulted in the shift of water sources and extraction methods throughout history. The study aims to investigate the factors driving these changes, assess the consequences of current water consumption trends, and propose solutions for sustainable water management. The research highlights the historical shift from surface water to tube-wells for accessing groundwater, driven by their affordability and user-friendly nature. However, the discovery of arsenic contamination in tube-well water raised serious public health concerns, leading to the exploration of alternative water sources and extraction techniques. Various methods such as dug wells, pond sand filters, piped water supply, rainwater harvesting, and well-sharing have been adopted by communities and indigenous groups to ensure access to safe and clean water. The study reveals disparities in the installation of deep tube-wells by the government and NGOs, often overlooking safer water sources available at shallower depths. Furthermore, the study discusses the consequences of high-yielding technologies and increased water consumption in Sonargaon Upazila, leading to groundwater-related disasters and a decline in the groundwater table. Private irrigation facilities have become more popular among people, contributing to the declining groundwater table. This study provides insights into the changing water sources and extraction methods in Bangladesh, identifies the consequences of current water consumption trends, and proposes strategies for sustainable water management. The findings underline the importance of informed decision-making, government intervention, and community involvement to address the challenges of groundwater depletion and contamination in the region.

Septage refers to the semi-liquid waste material that accumulates in septic tanks and other onsite sanitation systems. It is composed of a complex mixture of human excreta, wastewater, and various solid particles. Septage is a potential source of water pollution owing to presence of high organic content, significant pathogen concentrations, and a range of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. The harmful impacts of septage pollution poses significant risks to public health through the contamination of drinking water sources, eutrophication of water bodies and spread of water borne diseases. Conventional septage treatment technologies often face limitations such as high operational costs, energy requirements, and the need for extensive infrastructure. Therefore, with an aim to treat septage through an alternative cost effective and energy-efficient technology, a laboratory-scale constructed wetland (CW) system (0.99 m2) consisting of a sludge drying bed and a vertical flow wetland bed was utilized for the treatment of septage. The sludge drying bed and vertical flow beds were connected in series and filled with a combination of gravel with varying sizes (ranging from 5 to 40 mm) and washed sand. Canna indica plants were cultivated on both beds to facilitate phytoremediation process. The system was operated with intermittent dosing of 30 Ltrs of septage every day for 2 months. The HRT of the system was fixed at 48 h. The average inlet loads of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were measured as 150 ± 65.7 g m−2 day−1, 713 ± 443.9 g m−2 day−1, and 309 ± 66.3 g m−2 day−1, respectively. After treatment, the final effluent had an average load of 6 g m−2 day−1 for BOD5, 15 g m−2 day−1 for COD, and 51 g m−2 day−1 for TSS, indicating that the CW system achieved an average removal efficiency of 88% for BOD, 87% for COD, and 65% for TSS. The average load of total coliforms and helminthes eggs in the influent was r, QC 20231116

QC 20240201

This study evaluates gypsum behavior for arsenic (As) reduction from water. The parameters, such as initial As concentration, contact time, gypsum dosage, and pH, were evaluated in batch experimentsfor natural water and As solution. VisualMINTEQ simulations reveal that the removal of As increases with the increase in pH and dosage.Application of calcined gypsum at pH 10 adsorbed Asto below 10 µg/L after 3 hours from initial As concentration of 1 mg/L. Application of calcined gypsum for treatment of natural water shows As(V) reduction to 0.019mg/L (84% removal) and As(III) to below 0.1 µg/L (98% removal). Theexperimental data fitted pseudo-second-order with a correlation coefficient R2 of 0.99. The Freundlich isotherm explained the experimental result better with R20.99 and 1/n of 0.73. Intraparticle diffusion was better explained with the dosage of 50 g/L calcined gypsum applied to removeAs concentration of 5.3 mg/L.The linear regression modelshows pH as a significant parameter for As removal when100 g/L calcined gypsum was applied. Gypsum is a locally available resource in Tanzania that stabilizes As contamination below 1 mg/L from drinking water sources around gold mining areas., QC 20231127

The study evaluates the performance of bauxite for arsenic (As) elucidation from water. The raw, calcined, and alkaline ferric-bauxite composite was applied in batch experiments to evaluate the influence of dosage, initial As concentrations, contact time, and pH. The X-ray diffraction studies revealed significant content of gibbsite (Al(OH)3 in the bauxite. Visual MINTEQ simulation indicated As removal increases with an increase in dosage, the pH range between acidic and near neutral favors maximum removal. The 100 g/L calcined bauxite at pH 7.4 removed 99.9% As to below 0.001 mg/L after 20 minutes from an initial concentration of 1 mg/L. The raw 100 g/L bauxite at pH 6 removed 99.86% As to below 0.003 mg/L after 1 hour from an initial As concentration of 1 mg/L. The alkaline ferric-bauxite composite used for treatment of 2 mg/L As raised pH from pH 4 to 12, and removal efficiency declined to 31% after 4 hours. Aluminium (Al) was sensitive to pH, and about 435 mg/L was released in water at pH 12. Despite the decrease in specific surface area during calcination at 500 °C, the As removal was more improved for the calcined bauxite. The removal capacity was high, up to 6 mg/g, when less dosage of 0.5 g/L bauxite was used. The kinetic reaction process using 5 g/L reaction obeys pseudo-secondorder with R2 of 0.99 while its removal isotherm obeys Langmuir with R2 of 0.98 and is confirmed favorable., QC 20231127

Arsenic (As) is a poisonous metalloid and recognized as a Group I human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Arsenic often exists in groundwater and surface water, oceanic and inland deposits, rocks, soils, and biota at variable concentrations. Over the last few decades, As contamination has been augmented noticeably due to both natural and anthropogenic sources. Arsenic contamination in groundwater is currently a major global environmental catastrophe, which affects over 200 million people in 107 countries and causes various health complications including cancer. Therefore, updated information regarding the sources, chemical form, bioavailability, extent and severity, food safety and regulation, remediation, and management of As is essential. In this chapter, we accumulated the detailed sources of As, including point and diffuse sources, various inorganic and organic As species, and their toxicity in the environment. Moreover, the fate of As in the environment, economic implications of As-contaminated food and food products, and the bioavailability and bio-accessibility of As in environmental media are also briefly summarized. Remediation technologies for As-contaminated soil with the latest case study and regulatory limits of As in soil are also presented in this chapter. Overall, this chapter incorporates the past and contemporary knowledge of As, which will be useful for better management of As in the near future., Part of ISBN 9780323904001, 9780323906852QC 20231221

The human health risk associated with the ingestion of arsenic (As) contaminated groundwater as drinking water has been highlighted as the “largest mass-poisoning in human history.” Recently, secondary As exposure pathways have been identified through food and cattle products. Broad-based epidemiological estimation of the populations at risk is only available through statistical calculations, however, proper management needs community-level risk identification. Management strategies involve detection and monitoring, predictions, mitigations by standard and innovative technologies, and nature-based solutions for community drinking water supplies. Impacts of recent technological advancement in terms of real-time sensors and predictive modeling have outlined potential future possibilities. However, successful management would need to explore the nexus between 3-D contaminant occurrence over time, socio-economy, policy, and human behavior in delineating sustainable, clean water sources for sustainable development., QC 20231101

Fluoride is essential for the human body and a global groundwater contaminant (the recommended WHO limit is 1.5mg/L). The mobilization and genesis of fluoride depend on fluoride-bearing rocks (e.g., fluorite, fluor-apatite, biotite, etc.) that are a part of the natural geogenic process, which later contaminate the groundwater. More specifically, the dissolution process (via infiltration), lateral water flow, ion exchange, climatic factors, and chemical weathering of “rocks and minerals” are highly responsible for the release of elevated concentrations of fluoride in groundwater. The intake of fluoride-contaminated groundwater and anthropogenically produced daily usable products (e.g., dental products, foods, etc.) causes physiological and metabolic disturbances in animals and humans. However, this fluoride can be removed effectively from water by technology-enhanced processes (e.g., reverse osmosis, nano-filtration, coagulation, adsorption, electrochemical, membrane distillation, ion exchange, and precipitation). This, in turn, means that climate-dependent contamination, mobilization mechanism, and bioaccumulation will be essential for selecting efficient, cost-effective green technologies. Adequate information should be provided to overcome people’s wrong perceptions concerning fluoride-related issues, especially in lower socioeconomic groups. Policy interventions are required to improve the quality of life in the developing world, where there is a lack of awareness about health issues. Extensive research in this field can identify fluoride “hot spots” (through regular monitoring) and removal technique(s) utilizing public-private sector collaboration., Part of ISBN 9780323904001, 9780323906852QC 20240703

The largest monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak of the 21st century occurred in 2022, which caused epidemics in many countries. According to WHO, physical contact with infected persons, contaminated surfaces, or affected animals might be a source of this virus transmission. A febrile sickness including few symptoms found in MPX disease. Skin rash, lesions, fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches symptoms were observed commonly for this disease. Animal and in vitro, studies have shown that the antiviral medications cidofovir and brincidofovir are effective against MPXV. The first-generation vaccinia virus vaccine was developed in 1960, and it helped to protect against MPXV with its side effects. A second-generation vaccination with limitations was launched in 2000. However, the CDC advised vaccinations for risk groups in endemic countries, including positive patients and hospital employees. The JYNNEOS vaccine, administered in 2 doses, also provides protection from MPX. This article presents concisely the most recent findings regarding epidemiology, genomic transmission, signs and symptoms, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions for MPXV, which may be helpful to researchers and practitioners. WHO declared that MPX was no longer a global health emergency due to its declining case rate, and a number of countries have reported new incidences. Further research-based investigations must be carried out based on the 2022 outbreak., QC 20240625

The detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in wastewater can be used as an indicator of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in specific catchment areas. We conducted a hospital-based study to explore wastewater management in healthcare facilities and analyzed SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the hospital wastewater in Dhaka city during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak between September 2020-January 2021. We selected three COVID-hospitals, two non-COVID-hospitals, and one non-COVID-hospital with COVID wards, conducted spot-checks of the sanitation systems (i.e., toilets, drainage, and septic-tank), and collected 90 untreated wastewater effluent samples (68 from COVID and 22 from non-COVID hospitals). E. coli was detected using a membrane filtration technique and reported as colony forming unit (CFU). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected using the iTaq Universal Probes One-Step kit for RT-qPCR amplification of the SARS-CoV-2 ORF1ab and N gene targets and quantified for SARS-CoV-2 genome equivalent copies (GEC) per mL of sample. None of the six hospitals had a primary wastewater treatment facility; two COVID hospitals had functional septic tanks, and the rest of the hospitals had either broken onsite systems or no containment of wastewater. Overall, 100 % of wastewater samples were positive with a high concentration of E.coli (mean = 7.0 log10 CFU/100 mL). Overall, 67 % (60/90) samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2. The highest SARS-CoV-2 concentrations (median: 141 GEC/mL; range: 13-18,214) were detected in wastewater from COVID-hospitals, and in non-COVID-hospitals, the median SARS-CoV-2 concentration was 108 GEC/mL (range: 30-1829). Our results indicate that high concentrations of E. coli and SARS-CoV-2 were discharged through the hospital wastewa-ter (both COVID and non-COVID) without treatment into the ambient water bodies. Although there is no evidence for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via wastewater, this study highlights the significant r, QC 20230301

Uranium, thorium, and rare earth elements (REEs) are important strategic elements in today's world with a range of applications in high and green technology and power generation. The expected increase in demand for U, Th, and REEs in the coming decades also raises a number of questions about their supply risks and potential environmental impacts. This review provides an overview of the current literature on the distribution of these elements in different environmental compartments. For example, the processes of extraction, use, and disposal of U-, Th-, and REE-containing materials have been reported to result in elevated concentrations of these elements in air, in some places even exceeding permissible limits. In natural waters, the above processes resulted in concentrations as high as 69.2, 2.5, and 24.8 mg L-1 for U, Th, and REE, respectively, while in soils and sediments they sometimes reach 542, 75, and 56.5 g kg(-1), respectively. While plants generally only take up small amounts of U, Th, and REE, some are known to be hyperaccumulators, containing up to 3.5 and 13.0 g kg(-1) of U and REE, respectively. It appears that further research is needed to fully comprehend the fate and toxicological effects of U, Th, and REEs. Moreover, more emphasis should be placed on developing alternative methods and technologies for recovery of these elements from industrial and mining wastes., QC 20230301

Access to safe drinking water in rural Bangladesh remains a perpetual challenge. Most households are exposed to either arsenic or faecal bacteria in their primary source of drinking water, usually a tubewell. Improving tubewell cleaning and maintenance practices might reduce exposure to faecal contamination at a potentially low cost, but whether current cleaning and maintenance practices are effective remains uncertain, as does the extent to which best practice approaches might improve water quality. We used a randomized experiment to evaluate how effectively three approaches to cleaning a tubewell improved water quality, measured by total coliforms and E. coli. The three approaches comprise the caretaker's usual standard of care and two best-practice approaches. One best-practice approach, disinfecting the well with a weak chlorine solution, consistently improved water quality. However, when caretakers cleaned the wells themselves, they followed few of the steps involved in the best-practice approaches, and water quality declined rather than improved, although the estimated declines are not consistently statistically significant. The results suggest that, while improvements to cleaning and maintenance practices might help reduce exposure to faecal contamination in drinking water in rural Bangladesh, achieving widespread adoption of more effective practices would require significant behavioural change., QC 20230404

The release of furfural as effluent from industries has been considered a major pollution source since it adversely affects health and the environment. In a proper nutrient condition, the indigenous microbial removal process is always considered efficient, economical, and eco-friendly. Thus, the main objective is to employ the effective indigenous bacteria to remove the furfural from wastewater. In the present study, the indigenous isolates OSBH3 (strain number) and OSBH4 (strain number) were isolated from furfural-containing-oily-sludge and were iden-tified by 16S-rRNA technique with >99% nucleotide similarity as Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) (Acc. No. GU329915) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (Acc. No. GU329916) respectively. In a batch experi-ment, the furfural degradation was observed higher in the presence of the most efficient isolate P. putida (compare to P. aeruginosa) at different nutrient conditions including Suphala (Nitrogen-Phosphorous-fertilizer), glucose, and carbohydrate-free synthetic media (CFM). Generally, the furfural degradation rate was lower in CFM than the other substrates (Nitrogen-Phosphorous-fertilizer/glucose), in the presence of P. putida or P. aeruginosa. The furfural degradation efficiency was observed higher in presence of P. putida, compare to P. aeruginosa. Experimentally, the total (100%) degradation of furfural (500 mg/L) was noticed by P. Putida within 12h incubation time in presence of 1 mg/L Suphala. Even among different factors (based on 'Taguchi L9 orthogonal array study'), the suphala (Nitrogen-Phosphorous-fertilizer) was influential in degrading the furfural at level 2, where the effects of pH and glucose were noticed at level 2 and level 2, respectively. The experimental findings supported the orthogonal array study positively. The bacterial (P. putida) growth rate and furfural degradation were promoted at the condition of 1 mg/L suphala, 2 mg/L glucose (pH 7.2), where the furfural was used by P. putida as t, QC 20230213

Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring (WBEM) is an efficient surveillance tool during the COVID-19 pandemic as it meets all requirements of a complete monitoring system including early warning, tracking the current trend, prevalence of the disease, detection of genetic diversity as well as the upsurging SARS-CoV-2 new variants with mutations from the wastewater samples. Subsequently, Clinical Diagnostic Test (CDT) is widely acknowledged as the global gold standard method for disease monitoring, despite several drawbacks such as high diagnosis cost, reporting bias, and the difficulty of tracking asymptomatic patients (silent spreaders of the COVID-19 infection who manifest no symptoms of the disease). In this current review and opinion-based study, we first propose a combined approach for detecting COVID-19 infection in communities using wastewater and clinical sample testing, which may be feasible and effective as an emerging public health tool for the long-term nationwide surveillance system. The viral concentrations in wastewater samples can be used as indicators to monitor ongoing SARS-CoV-2 trends, predict asymptomatic carriers, and detect COVID-19 hotspot areas, while clinical samples help in detecting mostly symptomatic individuals for isolating positive cases in communities and validate WBEM protocol for mass vaccination including booster doses for COVID-19., QC 20230207

Wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) is an important tool to fight against COVID-19 as it provides insights into the health status of the targeted population from a small single house to a large municipality in a cost-effective, rapid, and non-invasive way. The implementation of wastewater based surveillance (WBS) could reduce the burden on the public health system, management of pandemics, help to make informed decisions, and protect public health. In this study, a house with COVID-19 patients was targeted for monitoring the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic markers in wastewa-ter samples (WS) with clinical specimens (CS) for a period of 30 days. RT-qPCR technique was employed to target non-structural (ORF1ab) and structural-nucleocapsid (N) protein genes of SARS-CoV-2, according to a validated experimental protocol. Physiological, environmental, and biological parameters were also measured following the American Public Health Association (APHA) standard protocols. SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding in wastewater peaked when the highest number of COVID-19 cases were clinically diagnosed. Throughout the study period, 7450 to 23,000 gene copies/1000 mL were detected, where we identified 47 % (57/120) positive samples from WS and 35 % (128/360) from CS. When the COVID-19 patient number was the lowest (2), the highest CT value (39.4; i.e., lowest copy number) was identified from WS. On the other hand, when the COVID-19 patients were the highest (6), the lowest CT value (25.2 i.e., highest copy numbers) was obtained from WS. An advance signal of increased SARS-CoV-2 viral load from the COVID-19 patient was found in WS earlier than in the CS. Using customized primer sets in a traditional PCR approach, we confirmed that all SARS-CoV-2 variants identified in both CS and WS were Delta variants (B.1.617.2). To our knowledge, this is the first follow-up study to determine a temporal relationship be-tween COVID-19 patients and their discharge of SARS-CoV-2 RNA genetic markers in wastewat, QC 20230123

Monkeypox disease (MPXD), a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), is an emerging zoonotic disease endemic in some countries of Central and Western Africa but seldom reported outside the affected region. Since May 2022, MPXD has been reported at least in 74 countries globally, prompting the World Health Organization to declare the MPXD outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. As of July 24, 2022; 92 % (68/74) of the countries with reported MPXD cases had no historical MPXD case reports. From the One Health perspective, the spread of MPXV in the environment poses a risk not only to humans but also to small mammals and may, ultimately, spread to potent novel host populations. Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) has been extensively utilized to monitor communicable diseases, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It helped in monitoring infectious disease case-loads as well as specific viral variants circulating in communities. The detection of MPXV DNA in lesion materials (e.g. skin, vesicle fluid, crusts), skin rashes, and various body fluids, including respiratory and nasal secretions, saliva, urine, feces, and semen of infected individuals, supports the possibility of using WBS as an early proxy for the detection of MPXV infections. WBS of MPXV DNA can be used to monitor MPXV activity/trends in sewerage network areas even before detecting laboratory-confirmed clinical cases within a community. However, several factors affect the detection of MPXV in wastewater including, but not limited to, routes and duration time of virus shedding by infected individuals, infection rates in the relevant affected population, environmental persistence, the processes and analytical sensitivity of the used methods. Further research is needed to identify the key factors that impact the detection of MPXV biomarkers in wastewater and improve the utility of WBS of MPXV as an early warning and monitoring tool for safeguarding human health. In t, QC 20221116

Access to safe drinking water in rural Bangladesh remains a perpetual challenge. Most households are exposed to either arsenic or faecal bacteria in their primary source of drinking water, usually a tubewell. Improving tubewell cleaning and maintenance practices might reduce exposure to faecal contamination at a potentially low cost, but whether current cleaning and maintenance practices are effective remains uncertain, as does the extent to which best practice approaches might improve water quality. We used a randomized experiment to evaluate how effectively three approaches to cleaning a tubewell improved water quality, measured by total coliforms and E. coli. The three approaches comprise the caretaker's usual standard of care and two best-practice approaches. One best-practice approach, disinfecting the well with a weak chlorine solution, consistently improved water quality. However, when caretakers cleaned the wells themselves, they followed few of the steps involved in the best-practice approaches, and water quality declined rather than improved, although the estimated declines are not consistently statistically significant. The results suggest that, while improvements to cleaning and maintenance practices might help reduce exposure to faecal contamination in drinking water in rural Bangladesh, achieving widespread adoption of more effective practices would require significant behavioural change.

QC 20230830

Dengue virus infection, a highly prominent health concern, has caused many health complications, positive cases, and deaths in Bangladesh in previous years. However, the prevalence of this infection and fatality rates in 2022 has shattered all prior records. The dengue virus vector, mosquitoes, found a high prevalence of infection due to the weather's favorable conditions for breeding in the months of June and July. While there is presently no particular vaccination for dengue infection, awareness of its epidemiology, pathogenesis, signs, and symptoms may aid in the development of improved diagnostic and treatment strategies. The government should also improve the infrastructure of cities to make prevent mosquito breeding and the spread of dengue infection., QC 20230922

Congo red (CR) dye is a synthetic azo dye expansively used in the textile industry, is discharged to aquatic environments, and is toxic to humans and aquatic flora. The performance of cationic amino-modified banana leaves (CMBL) for CR dye sequestration was evaluated first time in this study. The surface modification of CMBL was analyzed using Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum and compared with raw banana leaves powder (RBL). The optimum condition for CR dye adsorption using CMBL was optimized using Central Composite Design (CCD) by investigating four critical operating parameters: contact time, pH, RBL/CMBL doses, and initial CR dye concentrations. The proposed model (quadratic) was acceptable due to the high values of correlation coefficients R2 (0.96) and adjusted R2 (0.92). The CMBL exhibited maximum removal efficiency of 76.82% towards CR dye at pH 3 compared to RBL, i.e., 19.63%. Electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding were the primary removal mechanisms for the CR dye adsorption process using CMBL. Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model exhibited a strong correlation for experimental data and reported a correlation coefficient (R2) of more than 0.99. In addition, CMBL showed excellent reusability for the adsorption of CR dye even after three consecutive adsorption-desorption experiments., QC 20231031

Biochar has emerged as a promising material for solving many environmental challenges. It's derived from biomass pyrolysis and acts as a carbon shuttle between the atmosphere and soil. It also serves as a fertility agent and can remove contaminants from soil. This review aims to understand the effect of the choice of preparation methods and process parameters like temperature, feedstock, and additives on the characteristics of biochar. A detailed investigation into how biochar modifications enhance biochar properties and stability has been provided. Mechanisms of biochar composite applications for remediation of contaminated soil, carbon sequestration, and soil fertility enhancement through analysis of relevant research studies have been presented. Further, an effort has been made to discuss and suggest possible optimization of biochar preparation to achieve multiple goals in soil collectively. Specifically, the role of adding metal compounds, minerals, and ions has been explored. Challenges and conflicting research findings have also been mentioned based on the available literature. This paper majorly focuses on the need to address contemporary challenges like climate change, soil toxicity, and fertility loss holistically and sustainably using biochar composite application in soil. Future research in this field must include biochar applications in temporal and spatial aspects for optimal use., QC 20230830

The newly discovered coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has sparked a worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, which has caused havoc on medical infrastructures, economies, and cultures around the world. Determining the whole scenario is essential since SARS-CoV-2 variants and sub-variants keep appearing after vaccinations and booster doses. The objective of this secondary meta-analysis is to analysis co-infection, secondary infections, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in COVID-19 patients. This study used five significant databases to conduct a systematic review and an overlap meta-analysis to evaluate the pooled estimates of co-infections and secondary infections. The summary of the meta-analysis showed an overall co-infection effect of 26.19% (95% confidence intervals CI: 21.39–31.01, I2 =98.78, n = 14 meta-analysis) among patients with COVID-19. A coinfection effect of 11.13% (95% CI: 9.7–12.56, I2 =99.14, n = 11 meta-analysis) for bacteria; 9.69% (95% CI: 1.21–7.90, I2 =98.33) for fungal and 3.48% (95% CI: 2.15–4.81, I2 =95.84) for viruses. A secondary infection effect of 19.03% (95% CI: 9.53–28.54, I2 =85.65) was pooled from 2 meta-analyses (Ave: 82 primary studies). This is the first study that compiles the results of all the previous three years meta-analyses into a single source and offers strong proof of co-infections and secondary infections in COVID-19 patients. Early detection of co-infection and AMR is crucial for COVID-19 patients in order to effective treatment., QC 20230831

QC 20230725

In recent years, microplastics (MPs), an emerging pollutant in groundwater, have raised public health concerns due to their long persistence and potential ecotoxicity. This review discusses on the occurrence, fate, and transport of MPs in groundwater, along with their sampling, detection, size range, types, and potential sources and pathways of contamination. Public health risks associated with exposure to MPs, primarily through daily consumption of contaminated water, have been reviewed. This study recorded a total of 13 studies that evaluated MPs in groundwater; samples were mostly collected from open wells and other types of drilling. It recorded MP concentrations varied from 0.1 to 6832 particles/L. The most frequent polymer types reported in groundwater were polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), and polystyrene (PS). Our analysis of existing literature found that studies on MPs in groundwater have mainly been conducted in coastal areas, particularly Europe and North America. However, there is still a need for more research in other geographical regions, such as Asia, Africa, and South America, to examine a broader range of groundwater aquifer systems. The existing literature has challenges in comparing research findings due to heterogeneity in sample collection and processing protocols. This review recommended more research to examine a larger variety of groundwater aquifer systems, such as drinking water collecting wells near urban, agricultural, industrial, and coastal locations, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the extent and sources of MP contamination in groundwater and the associated public health risks. Lastly, this paper concluded with the potential human intake of MPs and health risk assessment perspectives for future directions., QC 20230817

Advancements in analytical techniques have resulted in much progress in understanding co-occurrence of environmental con-taminants. We focused on investigating the global pattern of arsenic (As) co-occurrence with inorganic and emerging con-taminants and then explained the governing factors driving the situation. Major co-occurring inorganic contaminants were found in three sets: i) U, F, Fe, Mn, Pb, & Zn; ii) Al, Mo, Cd, Sb, Br, I, and Se; and iii) Ag, Au, Cr, Cu, Hg, Th, V, Ga, and Ba. Co-occurrences were majorly governed by weathering, redox conditions, recharge/pumping, and surface leaching. Several places around the world started to exhibit As presence with contaminants of emerging concerns like pesticides, per-and polyfluoroalkyl sub-stances (PFAS), endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and others, that needs to be explored further at fundamentally deeper levels. This is probably one of the first attempts to correlate As co -occurrences with contaminants of emerging concern., QC 20230818

The ongoing global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as COVID-19, has disrupted public health, businesses, and economies worldwide due to its widespread transmission. While previous research has suggested a possible link between environmental factors and increased COVID-19 cases, the evidence regarding this connection remains inconclusive. The purpose of this research is to determine whether or not there is a connection between the presence of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and meteorological conditions and COVID-19 infection rates in Bangkok, Thailand. The study employs a statistical method called the Generalized Additive Model (GAM) to find a positive and non-linear association between relative humidity (RH), absolute humidity (AH), and rainfall (R) and the number of verified COVID-19 cases. The impacts of the seasons (especially summer) and rainfall on the trajectory of COVID-19 cases were also highlighted, with an adjusted R-square of 0.852 and a deviance explained of 85.60%, both of which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The study results assist in preventing the future seasonal spread of COVID-19, and public health authorities may use these findings to make informed decisions and assess their policies., QC 20230823

Although geogenic Arsenic (As) contamination is well-recognized in northern Chile, it is not restricted to this part of the country, as the geological conditions favoring As release to the human environment exist across the country as well, although not at the same level, based on comparatively fewer studies in central and southern Chile. The present work provides a critical evaluation of As sources, pathways, and controls with reports and case studies from across the country based on an exhaustive bibliographic review of its reported geogenic sources and processes that affect its occurrence, systematization, and critical revision of this information. Arc magmatism and associated geothermal activities, identified as the primary As sources, are present across the Chilean Andes, except for the Pampean Flat Slab and Patagonian Volcanic Gap. Metal sulfide ore zones, extending from the country's far north to the south-central part, are the second most important geogenic As source. While natural leaching of As-rich mineral deposits contaminates the water in contact, associated mining, and metallurgical activities result in additional As release into the human environment through mining waste and tailings. Moreover, crustal thickness has been suggested as a principal controlling factor for As release, whose southward decrease has been correlated with lower As values., QC 20230810

Avirulent halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (HPGPR) located on the roots' periphery can reduce abiotic stressors (such as salinity and drought), enhance plant productivity. Salinity poses a significant challenge for growing agricultural products, like rice, in the coastal regions. It is crucial to enhance production because of limited arable land and the high growth rate of the population. This study targeted to identify HPGPR from legume root nodules and assessed their effects on rice plants experiencing salt stress in coastal regions of Bangladesh. Based on the culture morphology, biochemical, salt, pH, and temperature tolerance traits, sixteen bacteria were isolated from the root nodules of leguminous plants (Common bean, Yardlong bean, Dhaincha, and Shameplant). All the bacterial strains can tolerate 3 % salt concentration, and capable to survive at the highest 45 °C temperature and pH 11 (without isolate 1). Three preeminent bacteria, Agrobacterium tumefaciens (B1), Bacillus subtilis (B2), and Lysinibacillus fusiformis (B3) were specified through morpho-biochemical and molecular (16S rRNA gene sequence) exploration for inoculation. To assess the plant growth-promoting activities, germination tests are applied where bacterial inoculation increased germination in saline and non-saline conditions. Control group (C) showed 89.47 % and bacterial treated groups (C + B1, C + B2, and C + B3) 95 %, 90 %, and 75 % germination after 2 days of inoculation. In (1 % NaCl) saline condition control group revealed 40 % whereas three groups with bacteria showed 60 %, 40 %, and 70 % germination after 3 days, which increased 70 %, 90 %, 85 %, and 95 % respectively after 4 days of inoculation. The HPGPR significantly improved plant development metrics such as root length, shoot length, fresh and arid biomass yield, chlorophyll content, etc. Our results suggest that the salt-resistant bacteria (Halotolerant) have a great potential role in recuperating plant growth an, QC 20230707

Arsenic (As) removal studies were carried out through batch experiments to investigate the performance of the locally available calcined magnesite mineral rocks from Tanzania. Natural water from a stream source in Tanzania and the prepared synthetic water at the laboratory were used for the studies. Parameters such as initial As concentration, calcined magnesite dosage, contact time and pH were evaluated for As removal using an overhead reax2 shaker. Arsenic concentration was reduced from 5.3 to 1.1 mg/L As(V) at 180 min when 0.5 g/L calcined magnesite was applied to a synthetic water sample, whereas the concentration of 117 & mu;g/L As(V) and 5.2 & mu;g/L As(III) was reduced to below 0.1 & mu;g/L in natural water. An increase in calcined magnesite dosage resulted in increased As removal up to below 0.01 mg/L. The calcined magnesite raised the pH of the water sample from 6.8 to 10 when the applied dosage increased between 0.002 g/L and 0.05 g/L. The pH was constant at around 10 even when the amount of 0.05 g/L was added 2000 times. Despite the high pH, the amount of magnesium released in water was low. The calcination of magnesite at 500 degrees C increased surface area by 4 times as compared to the natural magnesite and X-ray diffraction showed presence of MgCO3 phase as the dominant phase at this temperature. The reaction kinetics of As removal on 0.5 g/L calcined magnesite fitted with the pseudo-second-order (R2 = 0.96). Reaction isotherm was strongly fitted with Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.98). Linear regression and artificial intelligence neural network showed the As removal was influenced by both contact time and pH. Arsenic can be removed from As water using calcined magnesite and will be suitable for water treatment around gold mining areas., QC 20230731

QC 20230725

Arsenic is a widespread serious environmental pollutant as a food chain contaminant and non-threshold carcinogen. Arsenic transfer through the crops-soil-water system and animals is one of the most important pathways of human exposure and a measure of phytoremediation. Exposure occurs primarily from the consumption of contaminated water and foods. Various chemical technologies are utilized for As removal from contaminated water and soil, but they are very costly and difficult for large-scale cleaning of water and soil. In contrast, phytoremediation utilizes green plants to remove As from a contaminated environment. A large number of terrestrial and aquatic weed flora have been identified so far for their hyper metal removal capacity. In the panorama presented herein, the latest state of the art on methods of bioaccumulation, transfer mechanism of As through plants and animals, and remediation that encompass the use of physicochemical and biological processes, i.e., microbes, mosses, lichens, ferns, algae, and macrophytes have been assessed. Since these bioremediation approaches for the clean-up of this contaminant are still at the initial experimental stages, some have not been recognized at full scale. Nonetheless, extensive research on these primitive plants as bio-accumulators can be instrumental in controlling arsenic exposure and rehabilitation and may result in major progress to solve the problem on a worldwide scale., QC 20230725

Biochar, a promising carbon-rich and carbon-negative material, can control water pollution, harness the synergy of sustainable development goals, and achieve circular economy. This study examined the performance feasibility of treating fluoride-contaminated surface and groundwater using raw and modified biochar synthesized from agricultural waste rice husk as problem-fixing renewable carbon-neutral material. Physicochemical characterizations of raw/modified biochars were investigated using FESEM-EDAX, FTIR, XRD, BET, CHSN, VSM, pHpzc, Zeta potential, and particle size analysis were analyzed to identify the surface morphology, functional groups, structural, and electrokinetic behavior. In fluoride (Fˉ) cycling, performance feasibility was tested at various governing factors, contact time (0–120 min), initial Fˉ levels (10–50 mg L−1), biochar dose (0.1–0.5 g L−1), pH (2–9), salt strengths (0–50 mM), temperatures (301–328 K), and various co-occurring ions. Results revealed that activated magnetic biochar (AMB) possessed higher adsorption capacity than raw biochar (RB) and activated biochar (AB) at pH 7. The results indicated that maximum Fˉ removal (98.13%) was achieved using AMB at pH 7 for 10 mg L−1. Electrostatic attraction, ion exchange, pore fillings, and surface complexation govern Fˉ removal mechanisms. Pseudo-second-order and Freundlich were the best fit kinetic and isotherm for Fˉ sorption, respectively. Increased biochar dose drives an increase in active sites due to Fˉ level gradient and mass transfer between biochar-fluoride interactions, which reported maximum mass transfer for AMB than RB and AB. Fluoride adsorption using AMB could be described through chemisorption processes at room temperature (301 K), though endothermic sorption follows the physisorption process. Fluoride removal efficiency reduced, from 67.70% to 53.23%, with increased salt concentrations from 0 to 50 mM NaCl solutions, respectively, due to increased hydrodynamic diameter. Biochar was, QC 20230706

QC 20230714

Dengue virus (DENV) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus, a member of the Flaviviridae family (which causes Dengue fever), and an arthropod-transmitted human viral infection. Bangladesh is well known for having some of Asia’s most vulnerable Dengue outbreaks, with climate change, its location, and it’s dense population serving as the main contributors. For speculation about DENV outbreak characteristics, it is crucial to determine how meteorological factors correlate with the number of cases. This study used five time series models to observe the trend and forecast Dengue cases. Current data-based research has also applied four statistical models to test the relationship between Dengue-positive cases and meteorological parameters. Datasets were used from NASA for meteorological parameters, and daily DENV cases were obtained from the Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) open-access websites. During the study period, the mean of DENV cases was 882.26 ± 3993.18, ranging between a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 52,636 daily confirmed cases. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient between climatic variables and Dengue incidence indicated that no substantial relationship exists between daily Dengue cases and wind speed, temperature, and surface pressure (Spearman’s rho; r = −0.007, p > 0.05; r = 0.085, p > 0.05; and r = −0.086, p > 0.05, respectively). Still, a significant relationship exists between daily Dengue cases and dew point, relative humidity, and rainfall (r = 0.158, p < 0.05; r = 0.175, p < 0.05; and r = 0.138, p < 0.05, respectively). Using the ARIMAX and GA models, the relationship for Dengue cases with wind speed is −666.50 [95% CI: −1711.86 to 378.86] and −953.05 [−2403.46 to 497.36], respectively. A similar negative relation between Dengue cases and wind speed was also determined in the GLM model (IRR = 0.98). Dew point and surface pressure also represented a negative correlation in both ARIMAX and GA models, respectively, QC 20230705

Metalloids (especially Ge, As, Sb, and Te) are toxic elements that can geographically be abundant on the earth's crust. Generally, metalloids leach from the geologic materials such as rock, atmospheric dust, minerals, and geologic process such as earthquake and volcano eruptions which input the metalloids to soil and water over the permeable level and, thus, increases the bioaccumulation of them into the plants and aquatic organisms. Consumption of fish and vegetables with contaminants has a negative impact on both human and animal health. Medical geology can perform a significant role in helping to maintain the environment's safety by detecting the amounts, forms, and sources of metalloids. Therefore, the current chapter comprehensively explores the existing knowledge on the (i) role of natural geologic materials and processes on releasing metalloids to the environment, (ii) their potential paths of them to the environment and their bioaccumulation, (iii) human and veterinary health effects of metalloids on medical geology, and (iv) the risk management strategies to reduce the bioavailable fraction of metalloids in the environment., Part of ISBN 9781119867371 9781119867340QC 20230725

QC 20230630

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contamination in Buriganga river water, provoked by the point and non-point sources, has recently become a major health concern. Concentration, pollution degree, drinking and irrigation water potentiality, and associated health risks are the factors considered for this study. This study ascertained a mean pH, EC, TDS, and salinity value of 6.96, 86.25 mu S/cm, 51.86 mg/L, and 86.56%, respectively, revealing that it is safe for drinking and agricultural purposes. Furthermore, the mean value of major anion (NO-23: 1.16, SO-24 : 13.40, PO-34 : 0.66, Cl-1 : 14.71 mg/L) and major cations (Na+1 : 16.95, K+1 : 4.26, Ca+2 : 17.63, and Mg+2 : 5.47 mg/L) also estimated safe for human consumption and agricultural use. Trace element evaluation index (TEI) value was found to vary among the sites and ranging from 4.40 to 10.50, indicating moderate pollution and risk imposed by the single PTEs can be ranked as Mn>Fe>Pb>As>Cu>Zn. Nemerow index and comprehensive pollution index value stipulated an insignificant to moderate pollution by the studied elements. Consequently, no ecological risk was posed via elements studied in the proposed sites. The emerging sources for PTEs are confined to both anthropogenic and lithogenic derivations. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment stipulated that the river water was safe for adults and children as the estimated Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) value was found below the threshold value (HQ/HI<1). Total carcinogenic risk was calculated at 7.44E-08 and 1.60E-08 for adults and children, respectively, specifying no risk, and water from the sites was evaluated as suitable for agricultural irrigation purposes on the basis of estimated indices., QC 20230630