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Detection sensitivity of aquatic species using environmental DNA (eDNA) generally decreases in turbid water but is poorly characterized. In this study, eDNA detection targeted delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), a critically endangered estuarine fish associated with turbid water. eDNA sampling in the field was first paired with a trawl survey. Species-specific detection using a Taqman qPCR assay showed concordance between the methods, but a weak eDNA signal. Informed by the results of field sampling, an experiment was designed to assess how turbidity and filtration methods influence detection of a rare target. Water from non-turbid (5 NTU) and turbid (50 NTU) estuarine sites was spiked with small volumes (0.5 and 1 mL) of water from a delta smelt tank to generate low eDNA concentrations. Samples were filtered using four filter types: cartridge filters (pore size 0.45 μm) and 47 mm filters (glass fiber, pore size 1.6 μm and polycarbonate, pore sizes 5 and 10 μm). Prefiltration was also tested as an addition to the filtration protocol for turbid water samples. eDNA copy numbers were analyzed using a censored data method for qPCR data. The assay limits and lack of PCR inhibition indicated an optimized assay. Glass fiber filters yielded the highest detection rates and eDNA copies in non-turbid and turbid water. Prefiltration improved detection in turbid water only when used with cartridge and polycarbonate filters. Statistical analysis identified turbidity as a significant effect on detection probability and eDNA copies detected; filter type and an interaction between filter type and prefilter were significant effects on eDNA copies detected, suggesting that particulate-filter interactions can affect detection sensitivity. Pilot experiments and transparent criteria for positive detection could improve eDNA surveys of rare species in turbid environments.

Climate-driven changes in freshwater inputs have been shown to affect the structure and function of coastal ecosystems. We evaluated changes in the influence of river runoff on coastal systems of Northwestern Patagonia (NWP) over recent decades (1993–2021) by combined analysis of long-term streamflow time series, hydrological simulation, satellite-derived and reanalysis data on sea surface conditions (temperature, turbidity, and salinity). Significant decreases in minimum streamflow across a zone spanning six major river basins were evident at weekly, monthly, and seasonal scales. These changes have been most pronounced in mixed-regime northern basins (e.g., Puelo River) but appear to be progressing southward to rivers characterised by a nival regime. In the adjacent two-layer inner sea, reduced freshwater input corresponds with a shallower halocline and increased surface temperatures across northern Patagonia. Our results underscore the rapidly evolving influence of rivers on adjacent estuarine and coastal waters in NWP. We highlight the need for cross-ecosystem observation, forecasting, mitigation and adaptation strategies in a changing climate, together with corresponding adaptive basin management of systems that supply runoff to the coastal marine waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gross encephalic morphology of representatives from 17 genera within the Geophagini tribe is comprehensively characterized, compared, and analyzed into a previously proposed phylogenetic hypothesis. Our morphological investigation highlights the prominence of the visual center within the cichlid encephalon. Notably, constrained phylogenetic analysis reveals probable convergent adaptations in two genera, Cichla and Saxatilia, characterized by diminutive gustatory lobes. In contrast, Retroculus, known for its sediment-shifting habits among Geophagini species, exhibits well-developed gustatory lobes. Previous research has established that species engaging in sediment sifting exhibit modifications in their pharyngeal apparatus and frequently adopt benthivorous feeding strategies, features that appear to be orchestrated by the gustative center in the encephalon. Furthermore, our findings underscore a putative relationship between encephalon morphology and factors such as feeding behavior, environmental conditions (including turbidity and depth), and their association with the studied cichlid species. The neuroanatomical characters proposed in this study hold promise as valuable phylogenetic markers for future analyses and contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between neuroanatomy, behavior, and ecology within this diverse group of cichlids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia in coastal waters is a pressing ecological problem caused by continued eutrophication and climatic change that has widespread consequences for metazoan life and biogeochemical cycles. Numerous studies have investigated the controls on seasonal hypoxia formation and persistence in many of the world's large estuaries and coastal hypoxic zones, but far fewer studies have examined the controls on short-term oxygen variability that leads to diel-cycling hypoxia in shallow-water environments. We utilized a unique, comprehensive (181 stations) record of dissolved oxygen concentrations collected at shallow water sites (primarily < 2 m) at high frequency (15 min) throughout the estuarine complex of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to quantify how internal and external variables co-varied with dissolved oxygen. We used a combination of time-series analysis, harmonic analysis, and machine learning (e.g., classification and regression trees (CART)) approaches to identify spatial patterns in major controls on oxygen variability and the duration of moderate hypoxia. We found that key controls on oxygen variability varied substantially over space. For example, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was a strong predictor of oxygen dynamics in the majority of mesohaline waters. In more fetch-exposed stations, wind strongly controlled hypoxic duration, but in eutrophic, inshore locations, chlorophyll a, or turbidity were often better predictors. Specifically, diel oxygen variability was muted in upstream regions characterized by high turbidity. The duration of low oxygen conditions, which we defined conservatively as less than 4.8 mg O2 L−1 (156 µM), was strongly controlled by temperature, and simple projections of regional warming and CART-derived oxygen thresholds suggest that the Bay could experience a 10% increase in this type of hypoxia duration by mid-to-late twenty-first century. The ratio of tidal to biological variability in oxygen was found to increase under conditions of higher turbidity, stronger wind, and lower salinity, but biological variability was typically a factor of two higher than tidal variability. Although chlorophyll-a generated high oxygen concentrations at some locations, those stations with exceptionally high chlorophyll a (> 30 µg L−1) were the most vulnerable to hypoxia. Because conventional water quality modeling frameworks are designed to capture hypoxia on relatively long time scales, these new insights can help inform updated oxygen models to support the management of shallow-water estuaries in the face of managed nutrient reductions and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface waters are essential for meeting the needs of the world. In many regions, stream water quality is a major concern due to contamination from multiple sources. Stream water is also susceptible to climatic events and land-use practices influencing its catchment. Understanding the impact of such events on stream water quality is crucial for managing and protecting aquatic ecosystems and providing safe drinking water to communities that rely on these streams. Hence, monitoring and evaluating stream water quality holds significance in identifying potential hazards and implementing suitable management strategies. In this paper, a novel effort was made to determine the relative feature importance of a set of watershed characteristics (precipitation, temperature, urban land use, agricultural land use, and forest land-use factors) on four important water quality parameters (WQPs): fecal coliforms (FC), turbidity, pH, and conductivity of the Upper Green River watershed, Kentucky, USA. Random forest (RF), an ensemble learning method, was used to predict the WQPs from the causal parameters and determine the feature importance characteristics of the four WQPs previously mentioned. This model demonstrated that precipitation and temperature are the most influential factors on FC, turbidity, and pH. Forest land use and temperature are the two most important factors for conductivity. The novel feature importance factors of the RF model have likewise been confirmed for each WQP. In modeling stream WQPs, the developed the RF model outperformed the artificial neural network (ANN) model. Using the RF model, we obtain regression coefficients of (0.93, 0.74, and 0.94) for pH in training, testing, and overall. We obtain regression coefficients of (0.60, 0.64, and 0.61) using the ANN model. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overall, the RF model was more effective than the ANN model in modeling stream WQPs. The model identified precipitation and temperature as the most influential factors on FC, turbidity, and pH, while forest land use and temperature were the most important factors in determining conductivity. It is also found that land use factors are important to improve the accuracy of WQPs predictions from climate variables. The results of this study can be used by authorities to better understand and control pollution at the watershed scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue Canadienne des Ressources Hydriques is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Offshore wind farms are becoming an increasingly common feature in the marine environment as a renewable energy source. There is a growing body of evidence on the effects of wind farms on the seabed and its organisms. However, an important and understudied aspect of site development is the interaction of turbine foundations on the surrounding marine environment. Structures exert significant disturbance on tides, waves and currents; these are visible as optically-distinct, elongate wakes at the sea surface with elevated suspended particulate matter. Despite this, there is uncertainty on the mechanisms that lead to the visible manifestation of wakes at turbine foundations, primarily due to a lack of direct measurements. Here, in situ measurements along with a 15- year time series of satellite images of the Thanet offshore wind farm, located within the Thames Estuary, were used to investigate the formation of visible monopile wakes, and the effects these have on the surrounding water column. We show the optically distinct wakes are near-constant at Thanet; visible in >90% of all satellite images, yet no regional change in sea surface turbidity could be attributed to wind farm construction or operation. Monopile wake in situ water samples and acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) backscatter measurements demonstrated colour change related to elevated sea surface sediment concentration. However, averaged water column measurements of suspended sediment within wakes, and upstream of monopiles, remained consistent. These measurements demonstrate that sediment was redistributed towards surface waters, rather than additional sediment becoming suspended in the wake. ADCP velocity measurements supported a mechanism of sediment lofting towards the surface, with enhanced vertically upwards flow recorded in wakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zostera japonica (Z. japonica), the most widely distributed seagrass species in temperate estuaries, has experienced a dramatic decline of nearly 75% over the past decade. While previous research has investigated the adaptation of seagrass individuals and populations to single stress factors, the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of multiple stressors remain poorly understood. This study conducted laboratory experiments to examine the response of Z. japonica at different life stages to environmental pressures, specifically salinity and turbidity, as indicated by changes in free amino acids (FAAs). The results demonstrate that Z. japonica exhibits stronger adaptability to high salinity environments but displays weaker adaptability to freshwater conditions. Through single stress experiments, the salinity and turbidity thresholds for FAA homeostatic disturbance in Z. japonica were determined at seedling, juvenile, and mature stages. As Z. japonica matures, its metabolic pathways expand and diversify, allowing the regulation of key FAAs to enhance stress resistance. Turbidity stress exerts a more pronounced negative impact on the cellular homeostasis of Z. japonica compared to salinity stress, and when turbidity levels exceed 150 NTU, they significantly intensify the negative effects of salinity stress on the seagrass. Furthermore, under strong salinity-turbidity interactions, the concentration of key FAAs generally decreases by 20-30%, indicating inhibition of growth and development in Z. japonica. These findings have important implications for the conservation of intertidal seagrass beds and estuarine ecosystems in the face of multiple human activities and environmental stressors. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Z. japonica's adaptations to salinity and turbidity stress, contributing to the development of targeted strategies to mitigate the impacts of environmental pressures on seagrass populations and promote the resilience of these critical marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mining is a key industrial activity contributing to the global economy, but it generates large volumes of wastewater with high turbidity due to mineral extraction and processing. In Ecuador, the growth of industrial and artisanal mining has worsened water pollution. Effective wastewater management is essential to mitigate the environmental impacts. Traditionally, chemical coagulants like aluminum sulfate reduce water turbidity, but they have drawbacks such as high costs, chemical waste generation, and adverse health effects. The residual aluminum in drinking water can harm the central nervous system and is linked to diseases like Alzheimer's and dialysis-related conditions. Given these concerns, evaluating plant species as natural coagulants is crucial. Moringa oleifera, widely found in tropical dry forests, has shown effectiveness in water treatment. This study assesses the efficacy of Moringa oleifera paste as a natural coagulant to reduce turbidity in mining wastewater compared to the efficacy of aluminum sulfate. Coagulation and flocculation tests determined the optimal doses and efficiency of both coagulants. The results indicated that Moringa oleifera achieved an 85% turbidity reduction compared to a 92% reduction with aluminum sulfate. This demonstrates its viability and effectiveness as a sustainable, economical, and safe alternative for water purification, promoting environmentally friendly practices in the mining industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turbidity serves as a crucial indicator of coastal water health and productivity. Twenty years of remote sensing data (2003–2022) from the Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite were used to analyze the spatial and temporal variations in turbidity, as measured by total suspended matter (TSM), in the Berau Coastal Shelf (BCS), East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The BCS encompasses the estuary of the Berau River and is an integral part of the Coral Triangle, renowned for its rich marine and coastal habitats, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses. The aim of this research is to comprehend the seasonal and interannual patterns of turbidity and their associations with met-ocean parameters, such as wind, rainfall, and climate variations like the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). The research findings indicate that the seasonal spatial pattern of turbidity is strongly influenced by monsoon winds, while its temporal patterns are closely related to river discharge and rainfall. The ENSO and IOD climate cycles exert an influence on the interannual turbidity variations, with turbidity values decreasing during La Niña and negative IOD events and conversely increasing during El Niño and positive IOD events. Furthermore, the elevated turbidity during negative IOD and La Niña coincides with rising temperatures, potentially acting as a compound stressor on marine habitats. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of turbidity dynamics in the BCS, thereby supporting the management of marine and coastal ecosystems in the face of changing climatic and environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refractive index (RI) sensors play an important role in various applications including biomedical analysis and food processing industries. However, developing RI sensors with both high resolution and wide linear range remains a great challenge due to the tradeoff between quality (Q) factor and free spectral range (FSR) of resonance mode. Herein, the optical steelyard principle is presented to address this challenge by synergizing resonances from the Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity and metasurface, integrated in a hybrid configuration form on the end facet of optical fibers. Specifically, the FP resonance acting like the scale beam, offers high resolution while the plasmonic resonance acting like the weight, provides a wide linear range. Featuring asymmetric Fano spectrum due to modal coupling between these two resonances, a high Q value (~ 3829 in liquid) and a sensing resolution (figure of merit) of 2664 RIU−1 are experimentally demonstrated. Meanwhile, a wide RI sensing range (1.330–1.430 in the simulation and 1.3403–1.3757 in the experiment) is realized, corresponding to a spectral shift across several FSRs (four and two FSRs in the simulation and experiment, respectively). The proposed steelyard RI sensing strategy is promising in versatile monitoring applications, e.g., water salinity/turbidity and biomedical reaction process, and could be extended to other types of sensors calling for both high resolution and wide linear range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoplankton cells are now recognized as dynamic entities rather than as passive and isolated particles because they can actively modulate impacts of selection factors (nutrients, light, turbidity, and mixing) through a wide range of adaptations. Cell shape and/or chain length modulation is one of these processes but has predominantly been studied as an adaptation or an acclimatation to a specific growth limitation (light, nutrients, predation, etc.). In this study we have demonstrated that cell shape and size may have greater roles than previously known in phytoplankton ecology and species adaptation by permitting cell‐to‐cell signaling and more complex ecological processes that result from it. By exploring microscale biophysical interactions that lead to specific cell reorientation processes, we demonstrated that cell geometry not only modulates cell sinking rates but can also provide fast sensor responses to the cells' environment. Although gyrotaxis has been described in detail for motile phytoplankton cells, our findings illustrate that the reorientation process described here can occur even in non‐motile cells within their natural environment. An additional consistent behavior was also recently described for a diatom species (Pseudo‐nitzschia delicatessima), and with this study, we extend this observation to Pseudo‐nitzschia pungens and Pseudo‐nitzschia fraudulenta. Our observations emphasize the generality of this process, which adds a new level of complexity to our understanding of cellular interactions and their network of sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the drivers of morphological plasticity, a key mechanism allowing species to flourish under a range of conditions, can provide important information on how a species will adapt to climate-change. The kelp Ecklonia radiata is the dominant canopy-forming macroalgae in temperate Australasia, occurring across a wide environmental range. Previous assessments of morphological variation across Australasia have not included northeastern New Zealand (NENZ) populations, where E. radiata exhibits an anomalous long-stipe morphology. Morphology in NENZ E. radiata over nine locations was quantified to examine variability and its relationship with environmental drivers: depth, wave exposure, turbidity and temperature. Published literature was then reviewed to assess variation across Australasia in relation to similar large-scale environmental drivers. In NENZ, morphology was driven by depth, wave exposure, and turbidity, but not temperature. Thalli had short stipes and relatively long lamina at shallow depths (< 2 m) and across depths at highly wave exposed sites. Stipe length increased with depth and the long stipe morphology dominated deeper depths (4–12 m) at sheltered to moderately exposed sites. However, this relationship varied in relation to turbidity, with more turbid sites having shorter stipes across all depths. Regional variation in morphology across Australasia was most strongly related to wave climate rather than temperature with the long-stipe morphology characterising regions with low energy wave climates such as NENZ. This study highlights the high levels of variability in E. radiata morphology and its complex relationship with environmental stress. If Australasia's wave climate is to increase in severity, our findings suggest morphological variability expressed across Australasian E. radiata populations will shrink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective monitoring and management of inland waterbodies depend on reliable assessments of water quality through remote sensing technologies. Match-up analysis plays a significant role in investigating the comparability between in situ and remote sensing data of physical and biogeochemical variables. By exploring different spatial aggregations and temporal windows, we aimed to identify which configurations are most effective and which are less effective for the assessment of remotely sensed water quality data within the context of governmental monitoring programs. Therefore, in this study, remote sensing data products, including the variables of Secchi depth, chlorophyll-a, and turbidity, derived from the Copernicus satellites Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3, were compared with in situ laboratory data from >100 waterbodies (lakes and reservoirs) in Germany, covering a period of 5 years (2016–2020). Processing was carried out using two different processing schemes, CyanoAlert from Brockmann Consult GmbH and eoapp AQUA from EOMAP GmbH & Co. KG, in order to analyze the influence of different processors on the results. To investigate appropriate spatial aggregations and time windows for validation (the match-up approach), we performed a statistical comparison of different spatial aggregations (1 pixel; 3 × 3, 5 × 5, and 15 × 15 macropixels; and averaging over the whole waterbody) and time windows (same day, ±1 day, and ±5 days). The results show that waterbody-wide values achieved similar accuracies and biases compared with the macropixel variants, despite the large differences in spatial aggregation and spatial variability. An expansion of the temporal window to up to ±5 days did not impair the agreement between the in situ and remote sensing data for most target variables and sensor–processor combinations, while resulting in a marked rise in the number of matches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Formulation screening data for ADCs composed of the same antibody but different payloads (auristatin, maytansinoid, and model fluorophore payloads). • Hydroxypropylated (HP) cyclodextrins (CDs) reduced agitation-induced aggregation in all tested ADCs without causing destabilization during incubation at 40 °C. • Native CDs that are not surface active partially reduced agitation-induced aggregation in ADCs, suggesting the possibility of stabilizing mechanisms beyond mere competition at the air–liquid interface. • ADC-specific formulation effects were observed, e.g., superior performance of the large HPγCD type in stabilizing a highly unstable ADC with a bulky fluorophore payload during incubation. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are versatile agents used to solubilize small drugs and stabilize proteins. This dual functionality may be particularly beneficial for antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), as CDs may "mask" the hydrophobicity of the drug payloads. In this study, we explored the effect of CDs on the physical stability of ADCs composed of the same antibody but with different payloads (maytansinoid, auristatin, and fluorophore payloads). The aggregation of ADCs was evaluated under shaking stress conditions and elevated temperatures using size-exclusion chromatography, turbidity, and backgrounded membrane imaging. Our results showed that hydroxypropyl-(HP)-CDs effectively stabilized all ADCs during shaking stress, with increasing stabilization in the order of HPαCD < HPγCD < HPβCD at concentrations of 7.5 mM and (near) complete stabilization at 75 mM. Native CDs without surface activity also stabilized certain ADCs, although less effectively than HP-CDs under agitation stress. During quiescent incubation, the HP-CD effects were small for most ADCs. However, for an ADC with a fluorophore payload that rapidly aggregated after conjugation, HPγCD substantially reduced aggregate levels, in line with fluorescence data supporting CD–ADC interactions. In contrast, sulfobutylether-β-CD (SBEβCD) increased the aggregation rates in all ADCs under all stress conditions. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of appropriate CD formulations to improve the physical stability of ADCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuaries are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. Primary productivity by phytoplankton is a rich source of organic carbon, substantial for the aquatic food web. Monitoring phytoplankton (i.e., chlorophyll-a) is essential to assess the health of estuaries and other continental shelves subjected to constant anthropogenic stress (e.g., developmental activities). In this study, a three-endmember combination Spectral Decomposition Algorithm (SDA) was developed to estimate the phytoplankton in the micro-tidal Yura estuary of Japan using Landsat-8 (30 m), and Sentinel − 2A (10 m). The endmember water, phytoplankton, and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) yielded the best results with both the satellite sensors (R2 > 0.80) owing to the limited influence of non-phytoplankton suspended solids (NPSS) in the estuary. Chlorophyll-a was used as the proxy for phytoplankton. The estimated root mean square error (RMSE) was relatively higher in Landsat-8 (RMSE = 0.187 µg/L) than the Sentinel-2A (RMSE = 0.162 µg/L). The results were validated using the ground truth data of the Yura Estuary (26 sampling points). Furthermore, the results indicate low chlorophyll-a concentration in the Yura estuary (< 2µg/L) except near the shorelines (~ 6 µg/L). A good fit (R2 = 0.79) between observed chlorophyll-a and turbidity indicated phytoplankton-dominated turbidity in the tide-less estuary of Japan. The estimated maximum turbidity was 1.4 FTU using both sensors, suggesting a low anthropogenic influence on the Yura Estuary. The study demonstrates a successful application of the spectral decomposition algorithm (SDA) in the coastal waters which could further be used to assess the horizontal and temporal variability in phytoplankton in estuarine water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrosilylation reaction is a suitable route to prepare efficient, transparent, and low‐viscose silicone surfactants with low surface tension. Initial materials, the catalyst used, and experimental conditions are highly effective variables to achieve the maximum efficiency of the reaction, reduce the consumption of the catalyst, and prevent side reactions. To draw a comprehensive conclusion on the effect of these variables, a series of trimethylsiloxy‐terminated poly (methylhydro‐dimethyl)siloxanes copolymer (abbreviated as RSiH with different preceding numbers) and two unsaturated polyethylene glycols (UPEG200 and UPEG400) were selected, and the reactions in the presence of two platinum‐based catalysts, namely, hexachloroplatinic acid and ammonium hexachloroplatinate, were statistically studied by Design of Experiment. After initial pre‐investigations, the amounts of reactant and catalyst were subjected to analysis of variance using response surface methodology (RSM). Based on the results, low‐viscose and low‐surface tension silicone surfactants were obtained using UPEG400, RSiH105, and (NH4)2PtCl6 as catalysts, at temperatures over 170 °C. The best results were obtained with a relatively low concentration of the catalyst between 2.57 × 10−6 and 2.72 × 10−6 equivalent catalyst per UPEG. The relative equivalent ratio of [UPEG]/[RSiH] at the optimum condition was 1.6, which provided a surface tension below 21 mN/m together with a minimum amount of unreacted RSiH (less than 3%). The silicone surfactant was characterized as a pure product by a series of spectroscopic methods, such as FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectroscopies, as well as bromine number index. These excellent properties make this compound a new alternative in various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large data set measuring surface stream turbidity, dissolved oxygen levels, and water temperature was developed by sampling 32 rivers and streams with forested catchments at weekly intervals for between two and three years. This was in response to allegations of possible water quality impairment by forest harvesting ("logging"). Additionally, nine rivers or streams external to the forests were sampled to form a "reference set"; concern was expressed that the water quality of these may be impaired by upstream forest harvesting. An unlogged forested control catchment was selected from the data set and used as a comparator to help reduce seasonal variation. Division of the data into "logged forested catchments" and "unlogged forested catchments" allowed for us to test the null hypothesis. The null hypothesis was that there was no difference between the means of the logged and unlogged sets by a "Student's t test of difference between means". The null hypothesis was supported for the three parameters. There was no discernible deterioration in water quality associated with the presence of logging in the stream catchments. It was concluded that logging in this environment was not a determinant of water quality, and that the presence or absence of logging in these catchments did not affect the measured water quality. Spearman rank correlation analysis was unable to detect any statistically significant correlations between the water quality parameters, suggesting they are substantially independent measures of water quality. The monitoring showed that the small upland streams had generally good-to-excellent water quality. The water quality in these was generally better than the "reference set"—this probably reflected agriculture and cultivation in the proximity of their sampling points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raw water must be purified before being distributed to any village, town, or city. To purify raw water, various significant processes must be performed in a water treatment plant, with sedimentation being one of the most important. Solid particles in the form of dirt and other contaminants can be found in raw water, especially during the rainy season, which can be removed through sedimentation. Plate settlers or tube settlers are commonly utilized in sedimentation units to treat water quickly, reducing the detention time to 15-20 minutes. This study modified conventional tubes in terms of manufacturing and repositioning to increase turbidity removal in raw water. The experimental work was carried out for one year to calculate the balanced turbidity of the raw water using conventional and modified square-shaped tube settlers. Mathematical analysis was deployed to compare the output from one year's data from both experimental studies. Regression, R², relative standard deviation, and ANOVA were employed to analyze the experimental models, and the observed and calculated findings were compared. The results show that the modified tube settlers removed more turbidity from the raw water than the conventional ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of river and borehole water fluctuates because of both agricultural and industrial pollutants. Surface runoff during the rainy seasons is high which promote increased turbidity levels in water sources, and this exerts pressure on the quality and usability of the water for domestic use. Unfortunately, most municipalities in developing countries are poor to afford conventional water treatment methods. This study assessed the use of natural coagulants extracted from sunflower seeds for turbidity treatment. Water samples were collected during summer, winter, and autumn from 10 randomly selected groundwater sources and three segments of the Mwerahari River in Buhera District, Zimbabwe. Results captured seasonal turbidity variations across the river segments and the boreholes. Summer season recorded the maximum average levels of turbidity (76 NTU) while autumn and winter recorded 38.7 NTU 36.7 NTU, respectively. Water turbidity levels were above the acceptable 5 NTU Standard Association of Zimbabwe and WHO. The maximum removal efficiency of turbidity was achieved at 80 min at the dose of 4 g/l. These results revealed that the removal efficiency of 95% with 4.6 NTU turbidity is a function of dose; removal efficiency increases as dose of coagulant increases. These results demonstrated that sunflower seed is an effective low-cost natural coagulant for turbidity water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of suspended sediments determine the water color, and remote sensing methods have been developed to leverage this physics to determine sediment concentration and size. However, current measurement practices rely on empirical correlations, which have only been tested for a limited range of particle conditions. This gap prevents their applicability in the field. To address the issue, this study analyzes hyperspectral spectra across various wavelength bands to characterize spectral signatures of different sediment sizes and concentrations. The results reveal inflection points of the light scattering of suspended sediment solution depending on particle concentration and sizes: the light scattering positively correlates with a low concentration but negatively correlates with a high concentration, while it negatively correlates with particle size for low concentrations but positively correlates for high concentrations. Sensitivity analyses indicate increased responsiveness to concentration changes at low concentrations and a higher sensitivity to particle size changes at both low and high concentrations. Machine learning models were tested for simulated satellite bands, and it was found that existing machine learning models are limited in reliably determining sediment characteristics, reaching an R-square of up to 0.8 for concentration and 0.7 for particle size. This research highlights the importance of selecting appropriate wavelength bands in the appropriate range of sediments and the need to develop advanced models for remote sensing measurements. This work underscores hyperspectral imaging's potential in environmental monitoring and remote sensing, revealing the complicated physics behind water color changes due to turbidity and informing next-generation remote sensing technology for turbidity measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estuarine exchange flow increases the longitudinal dispersion of passive tracers and trap sinking particles, potentially creating an estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM): a localized maximum of suspended particulate matter concentration in an estuary. The ETM can have many implications: dead zones due to increased turbidity or hypoxia from organic matter decomposition, naval navigation challenges, and other water quality problems. Using timescales, we investigate how the interaction between exchange flow and particle sinking leads to ETMs by modeling a sinking tracer in an idealized box model of the Total Exchange Flow (TEF) first developed by Parker MacCready. Results indicate that the balance of particle sinking and vertical mixing is critical to determining ETM size and location. We then focus on the role of ecology in ETM formation through the use of the Peter–Parker Model, a new biophysical model which combines the TEF box model with a Nutrient–Phytoplankton–Zooplankton–Detritus (NPZD) model, the likes of which were first developed by Peter J.S. Franks. Detritus sinking rates similarly influence detritus peak concentration and location (an ETM), but detritus ETMs occur in a different location than the sinking tracer due to the influence of biological factors, which create a time lag of about 1 day. Lastly, we characterize the flow of the models with a dimensionless parameter that compares timescales and summarizes the dynamics of the sinking tracer in ETM formation and that can be used across systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess whether calcium silicate root fillings prevent bacterial penetration and to determine how bacteria penetrate roots. Extracted single‐rooted, single‐canal human teeth were decoronated, prepared and filled with ProRootMTA or Biodentine (n = 12 each). Positive and negative (n = 2 each) controls were not filled. A two‐chamber model was used with Streptococcus gordonii. The lower compartment was evaluated for turbidity over 150 days. Roots were split and examined for bacteria via SEM. The chi‐squared test was used for comparisons (α = 0.05). Experimental groups had bacteria in their coronal thirds. Tubules contained bacteria in 90.9% and 91.7% of areas examined in the Biodentine and ProRootMTA groups, respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.914). Experimental and negative roots had no turbidity with no significant difference between Biodentine and ProRootMTA (p = 1.000). Positive controls had turbidity. Bacteria penetrate roots via dentine tubules of root‐filled teeth. Biodentine was comparable to ProRoot MTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: In Indonesia, cultural practices such as betel quid chewing, smoking, and alcohol consumption are prevalent. These practices are known risk factors for oral cancer and may influence the salivary profile, which is essential for maintaining oral health. Purpose: To compare the salivary profiles of individuals with and without risk factors for oral cancer. Methods: The study included 49 individuals identified as having risk factors for oral cancer. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected. Various parameters were measured, including salivary pH, flow rate (FR), thickness, color, turbidity, and the levels of IL-1β and IL-8. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and t-tests. Results: A significant difference was found in salivary IL-1β levels between the two groups (p = 0.009), with higher levels observed in individuals with oral cancer risk factors. Notably, the salivary IL-1β concentrations showed significant differences between the smoking group (p = 0.021; OR = 2.94) and the alcohol-drinking group (p = 0.007; OR = 4.96) compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of salivary viscosity, color, turbidity, flow rate, acidity, or IL-8 levels (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Individuals with risk factors for oral cancer exhibit distinct salivary IL-1β profiles compared to those without such risk factors, particularly those who practice alcohol drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The powerful eruption of Hunga volcano (15‐January‐2022) excavated ∼6.3 km3 of pre‐existing material, leaving behind an 855 m deep crater. The scientific and humanitarian response to this event was challenging due to the remote location, safety concerns, and COVID‐19 pandemic restrictions. To investigate the status of ongoing eruptive/hydrothermal activity, this study used, for the first time, an un‐crewed surface vessel operated remotely from >16,000 km away to make direct water column measurements within the crater and map its structure in detail. Intense turbidity and oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP) anomalies located ongoing activity at sites on the steep inside crater slopes near both remaining islands. Mid‐water acoustic reflectors indicated ongoing degassing, and positive ORP anomalies suggested gas composition was dominated by CO2. At least 75% of the crater rim is shallower than 100 m, so any exchange with the surrounding ocean is limited by the depths of breaches in the rim (185 m between the islands and 290 m on the ENE side). This post‐eruption bathymetry results in accumulation of emission products within the deep crater. There were no indications of the ongoing activity visible at the ocean surface, which highlights the limitations and inherent biases associated with relying on discolored surface water and/or atmospheric disturbances to determine eruption start/end dates at submarine volcanoes. This study demonstrates the value and need to add repeat hydrothermal plume and bathymetric surveys to our toolbox for monitoring submarine volcanoes, and the potential for un‐crewed, remotely operated vessels to contribute significantly to these efforts. Plain Language Summary: The powerful eruption of Hunga volcano on 15‐January‐2022 sent a plume to space and generated unusual tsunamis. How the eruption impacted the submarine environment was more difficult to determine. We used a highly innovative, un‐crewed vessel equipped with instruments to directly measure characteristics of the water within the 850 m deep crater excavated during the eruption and map the crater's shape in detail. These measurements showed there was ongoing hydrothermal/volcanic activity and CO2 degassing within the crater 7 months after the eruption. The deepest parts of the crater are isolated from the surrounding ocean, so products of this activity become trapped within the crater. While the most powerful eruptions are rare, they can be quite hazardous. The results from this study emphasize the importance of monitoring submarine volcanoes long after signs of eruptions are no longer visible at the ocean surface or atmosphere. Operation of the un‐crewed vessel >16,000 km from the study site was a major technological achievement and the first time that scientists could monitor operations in real time from anywhere around the globe. The success of this mission demonstrated the potential of this innovative technology to contribute to broader applications in ocean exploration, monitoring, and event response. Key Points: Hydrothermal/volcanic activity and CO2 degassing continued at Hunga volcano 7 months after the explosive 15 January 2022 eruptionTurbidity and CO2 are accumulating within the deep crater, which is isolated from the surrounding ocean deeper than ∼200 mFirst use of a novel un‐crewed vessel to conduct over‐the‐horizon bathymetric and water column surveys operated >16,000 km from the study site [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle size evolution in seeded semibatch emulsion polymerization is monitored by two real‐time monitoring techniques: online turbidity spectroscopy (TUS) and inline photon density wave spectroscopy (PDWS). An automatic dilution system that withdraws a sample from the reactor and upon dilution transfers to the measurement cell is used for the online TUS analysis. A PDWS probe is immersed in the reactor and collects inline the scattered light directly from the reacting latex. The particle sizes retrieved from TUS and PDWS are compared to offline dynamic light scattering (DLS) values. The particle size obtained by TUS is close to the intensity‐average particle size obtained offline by DLS, while the particle size obtained by PDWS lies closer to the number‐average particle size from DLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the optimization of iron electrocoagulation for treating laundry greywater, which accounts for up to 38% of domestic greywater. Characterized by high concentrations of surfactants, detergents, and suspended solids, laundry greywater presents complex challenges for treatment processes, posing significant environmental and health risks. Utilizing response surface methodology (RSM), this research developed a second-order polynomial regression model focused on key operational parameters such as the area-to-volume ratio (A/V), current density, electrolysis time, and settling time. Optimal treatment conditions were identified: an A/V ratio of 30 m2/m3, a current density of 10 mA/cm2, an electrolysis duration of 50 min, and a settlement period of 12 h. Under these conditions, exceptional treatment outcomes were achieved, with turbidity removal reaching 94.26% and COD removal at 99.64%. The model exhibited high effectiveness for turbidity removal, with an R2 value of 94.16%, and moderate effectiveness for COD removal, with an R2 value of 75.90%. The interaction between the A/V ratio and electrolysis time particularly underscored their critical role in electrocoagulation system design. Moreover, these results highlight the potential for optimizing electrocoagulation parameters to adapt to daily fluctuations in greywater production and meet specific household reuse needs, such as toilet flushing. This tailored approach aims to maximize contaminant separation and coagulant efficiency, balance energy use and operational costs, and contribute to sustainable water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quartz sand-enhanced coagulation (QSEC) is an improved coagulation method for treating water, which uses quartz sand as a heavy medium to accelerate the sedimentation rate of flocs and reduce the sedimentation time. The factors that influence the QSEC effect and can be controlled manually include the quartz sand dosage, coagulant dosage, sewage pH, stirring time, settling time, etc., and their reasonable setting is critical to the result of water treatment. This paper aimed to study the optimal conditions of QSEC; first, single-factor tests were conducted to explore the optimal range of influencing factors, followed by response surface methodology (RSM) tests to accurately determine the optimum values of significant factors. The results show that the addition of quartz sand did not improve the water quality of the coagulation treatment, it took only 140 s for the floc to sink to the bottom, and the sediment volume only accounted for 12.2% of the total sewage. The quartz sand dosage, the coagulant dosage, and sewage pH all had a significant impact on the coagulation effect, and resulted in inflection points. A QSEC-guiding model was derived through RSM tests, and subsequent model optimization and experimental validation revealed the optimal conditions for treating domestic sewage as follows: the polyaluminum chloride (PAC) dosage, cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) dosage, the sewage pH, quartz sand dosage, stirring time, and settling time were 0.97 g/L, 2.25 mg/L, 7.22, 2 g/L, 5 min, and 30 min, respectively, and the turbidity of the treated sewage was reduced to 1.15 NTU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports a moored array dataset (MASCS 1.0) consisting of five buoys and four moorings in the northern South China Sea during 2014–2015. The dataset includes measurements of sea surface meteorological data using two sets of instruments: sea surface waves recorded using a wave recorder, temperature and salinity from the surface to a depth of 400 m, and at 10 m and 50 m above the ocean bottom using conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) recorders. It also includes currents from the surface to a depth of 850 m measured using acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) and at 10 m, 50 m, and 100 m above the surface measured using current meters. Additional measurements were taken for sea surface radiation, air visibility, chlorophyll, turbidity and chromophoric dissolved organic matter at Buoy 3, which was located at the center of the moored array. The dataset captures the effects of tropical cyclones Rammasun, Kalmaegi, Fung-wong, and Hagupit on the moored array, as well as the transition from summer to winter monsoon in the northern South China Sea. The data reveal oceanic processes in the upper and bottom ocean and are valuable for further studies on air-sea interactions and ocean dynamics. All the data described here are made publicly available from https://zenodo.org/records/12635331 (Zhang et al. 2024). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrialization and urbanization contribute significantly to environmental pollution, particularly in water bodies. The consequences of this pollution are dire, impacting both the environment and public health. A serious hazard to life on Earth, contaminated water can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, respiratory diseases, and skin ailments, among other health problems. In countries like Bangladesh, where industrial activities, particularly in the garment sector, are prevalent, waste dumping into rivers and canals has reached alarming levels. This has resulted in a drastic decline in water quality, endangering aquatic life and ecosystems. To solve this important issue, we built an innovative real-time water quality monitoring system using the Internet of Things (IoT). Our system operates at three levels, collecting data from different layers of wastewater. Key parameters, including temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH, are continuously monitored to assess water quality. The analysis revealed that wastewater temperature varied between 25 and 37 °C across different sites, with higher temperatures observed in industrial zones, indicating potential thermal pollution. Total dissolved solids (TDS) levels exhibited substantial variations, ranging from 170 to 360 ppm, surpassing standard thresholds and posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Turbidity readings ranged from 1.30 to 12.89 NTU, with higher turbidity observed in areas receiving industrial discharge, highlighting the impact of suspended solids on water clarity. pH values exceeded 7.0 across all sites, ranging from 9.5 to 10.32, indicating alkaline wastewater, particularly in regions with dyeing and textile industries. By integrating these specific metrics into our monitoring system, we provide valuable insights into industrial wastewater quality and its environmental implications. These findings underscore the urgent need for real-time monitoring and targeted interventions to address water pollution. Implementing sustainable water management strategies in industrial contexts is critical to protecting public health and preserving ecosystems for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization, agriculture, and climate change affect water quality and water hyacinth growth in lakes. This study examines the spatiotemporal variability of lake surface water temperature, turbidity, and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and their association with water hyacinth biomass in Lake Tana. MODIS Land/ Lake surface water temperature (LSWT), Sentinel 2 MSI Imagery, and in-situ water quality data were used. Validation results revealed strong positive correlations between MODIS LSWT and on-site measured water temperature (R = 0.90), in-situ turbidity and normalized difference turbidity index (NDTI) (R = 0.92), and in-situ Chl-a and normalized difference chlorophyll index (NDCI) (R = 0.84). LSWT trends varied across the lake, with increasing trends in the northeastern, northwestern, and southwestern regions and decreasing trends in the western, southern, and central areas (2001–2022). The spatial average LSWT trend decreased significantly in pre-rainy (0.01 ℃/year), rainy (0.02 ℃/year), and post-rainy seasons (0.01℃/year) but increased non-significantly in the dry season (0.00 ℃/year) (2001–2022, P < 0.05). Spatial average turbidity decreased significantly in all seasons, except in the pre-rainy season (2016–2022). Likewise, spatial average Chl-a decreased significantly in pre-rainy and rainy seasons, whereas it showed a non-significant increasing trend in the dry and post-rainy seasons (2016–2022). Water hyacinth biomass was positively correlated with LSWT (R = 0.18) but negatively with turbidity (R = -0.33) and Chl-a (R = -0.35). High spatiotemporal variability was observed in LSWT, turbidity, and Chl-a, along with overall decreasing trends. The findings suggest integrated management strategies to balance water hyacinth eradication and its role in water purification. The results will be vital in decision support systems and preparing strategic plans for sustainable water resource management, environmental protection, and pollution prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pre-treatment process was evaluated in this work for wastewater from paper recycling using microwave technology followed by rapid precipitation of contaminants through centrifugation. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used to analyze and optimize the turbidity values. Thirty experimental runs were utilized including microwave (MW) power, duration, centrifuge time, and centrifuge speed as input variables, generated by the Central Composite Full Design (CCFD) approach. The experimental turbidity ranged from 8.1 to 19.7 NTU, while predicted values ranged from 8.4 to 19.7 NTU by ANN. The ANN model showed a robust prediction performance with low mean squared error values during training and testing. Moreover, high R² values showed a remarkable agreement between the experimental observations and ANN predictions. The results obtained from the input values (A:150.00, B:60.00, C:15.00, D:30.00) of sample 2, which gave the lowest turbidity value, showed the most removal of pollution. The results obtained from the input values (A:250.00, B:60.00, C:7.00, D:20.00) of sample 30, which gave the highest turbidity value, showed the least removal of pollution. The results showed that increasing RPM and time of the centrifugation process significantly affected the removal of pollution in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to assess the quality of treated wastewater from the wastewater treatment project in Karbala. and its reuse for irrigation and municipal by Canadian Water Quality Index (CWQI). Samples were collected periodically with three replications from (Dec. 2021 –Jul.2022). The results showed that the water was characterized by high salinity, TDS, TSS, total hardness, EC, and turbidity, which were recorded at 2039 -3739 mg/l; 1030-2640; 30- 48 mg.L-1 . 3740 -2040 µs/cm and 3.17 -8.5 NTU respectively, major cations and anions (Cl-, PO4 -3, NO3 -, S2O4 -2 and K+ ) exceed significantly to (57-380; 0.003-4.99; 8.63-44.25; 453-1340; 4.537) mg. L-1, sodicity index (SAR, Na+ and Sodium percentage ratio) and magnesium hazard, were detected 0.59 – 4.89; 138-447.5 12.98-43.76), Water can be classed depending on that as a permit to good. However, it’s categorized as marginal-fair according to the CCME Water quality index, especially in the far station from the plant water. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed depending on its effect on the value of the index, where the first group PCA1 recorded the largest proportion (35.26%) and includes dissolved solids, EC, salinity, Na, SAR, Na%, alkalinity, SO4, pH, DO, BOD5 Mg risk of magnesium. The second group, PCA2, with the lowest percentage (18.78%), was represented by temperature, Ca+2, total hardness, K, Cl, PO4, NO3, TSS, and turbidity. This water is a wealth that can be exploited in the cultivation of the desert adjacent to Karbala governorate, and by adopting different methods to reduce the effect of salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In micro-irrigation systems, distinct media filters and filtering materials are employed to remove suspended solids from irrigation water and thereby avoid emitter obstruction. Turbidity is related to suspended solids and dissolved oxygen depends on organic matter load. At this time, no models exist that are trustworthy enough to forecast the dissolved oxygen and turbidity at the outlet when utilising various media configurations and filter types. The objective of this investigation was to construct a model that can identify turbidity and dissolved oxygen at the filter outlet in advance. This study presents an algorithm for meta-heuristic optimisation inspired by populations termed Differential Evolution (DE) in conjunction with Support Vector Regression (SVR) (DE /SVR-relied model). This is an effective machine learning method, with seven kernel types for calculating the output turbidity (Turb o) and the output dissolved oxygen (DO o) from a dataset comprising 1,016 samples of various reclaimed water-using filter types. The type of media and filter, the height of the filter bed, the cycle duration, and the filtration velocity, as well as the electrical conductivity at the filter inlet, pH, inlet dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and the input turbidity are all tracked and analysed in order to achieve this. The best-fitted DE/SVR-relied model was constructed to predict the Turb o and DO o as well as the input variables' relative importance. Determination coefficients for the best-fitted DE/SVR-relied model for the testing dataset were 0.89 and 0.92 for outlet turbidity (Turb o) and outlet dissolved oxygen (DO o), respectively, showing a good predictive performance which are of great importance for the management of drip irrigation systems. [Display omitted] • Predictive DE/SVR models of the Turb o and DO o in granular filters are built. • The relative importance of the input variables in this process are determined. • The DE/SVR results for the Turb o and DO o are compared with the experimental values. • The correlation coefficients of the best SVR model are 0.95 and 0.96, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study has been carried out to assess the quality of groundwater resources of Ernakulam district, Kerala, India. The sample was collected from five target areas, which include Edathala, Nedumbassery, Perumbvoor, Eloor and Paravur points in Ernakulam district and analyzed for pH, TDS, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, chlorides, iron and presence of Coliforms (based on MPN index) as well. On analyzing the MPN of Coliform levels, it was found that Coliform bacteria contaminated all the samples except S4 and is not suitable for drinking purposes. A well water sample taken from Perumbavoor was highly contaminated with a Coliform content of 2400 CFU/mL. The well waters exhibited TDS (average values from 19–181 mg/L), total hardness (6.2–87 mg/L), alkalinity (2.5–80 mg/L), pH (5.1–7.2), turbidity (0.1–7.5 NTU), chloride (8–31 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (6.67–8.27) and total iron as Fe (0.08-0.72 mg/L). The total iron content and turbidity from sample S5 exceeded the maximum permissible limits and all other parameters were within the acceptable limit for drinking purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water turbidity alters prey detectability and prey selection by a predator. In dimorphic mesopredators, the effect of water turbidity on foraging success may be sex specific, primarily due to sex differences in reproductive allotment, body size and vulnerability to predation. To experimentally test the effect of turbidity on prey consumption with respect to sex, we used turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri), a small fish from ephemeral savanna pools in southeast Africa that vary widely in turbidity. Large males possess conspicuous nuptial coloration while females are smaller and drab. Vision is assumed to be a fundamental sense for turquoise killifish, despite often living in very turbid water. As mesopredators, killifish regulate the invertebrate community in ephemeral pools. We tested the consumption of bloodworms (benthic and red‐coloured) and glassworms (pelagic and transparent) under clear (<1NTU) and turbid (320 NTU) water conditions. We found that turquoise killifish maintained their overall foraging success irrespective of turbidity. In both the clear and turbid water, the females consumed three times more food than males relative to their body mass. This likely stems from the females' high nutritional demands due to daily reproduction. It also suggests that females are not risk‐aversive in clear water despite their smaller size. Water turbidity affected the type of prey consumed by turquoise killifish and demonstrated its potential to affect the community structure of invertebrate species in ephemeral pools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Special consideration is needed when intravenous drugs are administered simultaneously using a Y-site connector. This study aimed to investigate the physical compatibility of colistin with 6 analgesics at concentrations commonly used in clinical practice. Methods A pharmaceutical preparation of colistin was dissolved according to the manufacturer's instructions and diluted to a concentration of 1.5 mg/mL or 0.67 mg/mL (of colistin base). Simulated administration via Y-site infusion set was performed by mixing 5 mL of colistin solution with an equal volume of a solution of one of 6 intravenous analgesics. Infusion solutions of ibuprofen, ketoprofen, metamizole sodium, morphine sulfate, paracetamol, and tramadol hydrochloride were studied. For each analgesic tested, concentrates for injection were diluted with 2 solvents, resulting in 11 different combinations with each concentration of the colistin solution. The mixtures were visually inspected, and their turbidity was measured directly after mixing and at 3 consecutive time points (30, 60, and 120 minutes). Additionally, the pH of the mixtures was measured after 120 minutes and compared with the pH of the analgesic and the colistin solutions. Results During visual inspection with the unaided eye, no precipitate formation or gas evolution was observed in any of the tested analgesics except for sodium metamizole, where the yellow color of the solutions was observed. For samples containing the mixture of ibuprofen and colistin, the turbidity measurements revealed the presence of turbidity in the studied mixtures. The greatest change in pH relative to the value immediately after preparation was noted for combinations of ketoprofen and morphine sulfate with the tested antibiotic. Conclusion Colistin was found to be incompatible with ibuprofen and metamizole sodium formulations. It should also not be combined with morphine sulfate due to the significant differences in the pH value of the preparations. The colistin 0.67 mg/mL and 1.5 mg/mL infusion solutions were physically compatible with ketoprofen, tramadol hydrochloride, and paracetamol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals often moderate behaviours based on environmental and social cues to enhance their chances of survival and reproductive success. This requires reliable cues that reflect changes in ambient conditions. Environmental pollutants can increase communication costs and distort the accuracy of received information, leading to negative effects on the outcome of behavioural adjustments. Consequently, selection may reduce behavioural plasticity to avoid errors or promote more prudent decision making when certain cues become unreliable. In aquatic ecosystems, water turbidity shows high levels of natural variation, but human activities amplify its magnitude and extent by increasing algae and suspended solids in the water. Here, we investigated how elevated levels of water turbidity affected mating decisions made by female guppies in a laboratory setting. Guppies are a widespread species with a broad tolerance of polluted environments, and females rely heavily on visual cues when making mate choice decisions. We manipulated turbidity by adding suspended solids to water and tested how this affected female preference for males with more orange coloration. We found that females spent more time near males with a greater area of orange coloration in low turbidity water, but that this preference disappeared in both the mid and high turbidity water treatments. Moreover, female preferences were repeatable in low turbidity water and high turbidity water but not in mid turbidity water. Together, our results suggest that water turbidity impairs the ability of females to discern male coloration and affects the consistency of mate preferences. This could have consequences for the evolution of male coloration in turbid waters. • Male guppies have vibrant colour patterns indicating quality. • We investigated how water turbidity affects mating decisions by female guppies. • Females preferred to associate with more colourful males in low turbidity water. • Increased turbidity resulted in no preference for more colourful males. • Female mate preference was not repeatable in mid turbidity water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua is the property of Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua (IMTA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The booming palm oil industry is in line with the growing population worldwide and surge in demand. This leads to a massive generation of palm oil mill effluent (POME). POME is composed of sterilizer condensate (SC), separator sludge (SS), and hydro-cyclone wastewater (HCW). Comparatively, SS exhibits the highest organic content, resulting in various environmental impacts. However, past studies mainly focused on treating the final effluent. Therefore, this pioneering research investigated the optimization of pollutant removal in SS via different aspects of bioremediation, including experimental conditions, treatment efficiencies, mechanisms, and degradation pathways. Methods: A two-level factorial design was employed to optimize the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and turbidity using Aspergillus niger. Bioremediation of SS was performed through submerged fermentation (SmF) under several independent variables, including temperature (20–40 °C), agitation speed (100–200 RPM), fermentation duration (72–240 h), and initial sample concentration (20–100%). The characteristics of the treated SS were then compared to that of raw sludge. Results: Optimal COD and turbidity removal were achieved at 37 °C 100 RPM, 156 h, and 100% sludge. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant effect of selective individual and interacting variables (p < 0.05). The highest COD and turbidity removal were 97.43% and 95.11%, respectively, with less than 5% error from the predicted values. Remarkably, the selected optimized conditions also reduced other polluting attributes, namely, biological oxygen demand (BOD), oil and grease (OG), color, and carbon content. In short, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of A. niger in treating SS through the application of a two-level factorial design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disaggregated inorganic grain size (DIGS) of bottom sediment analyzed with a Coulter Counter (CC) has been used to show that the fraction of sediment deposited in flocs (floc fraction) increased in both the near and far field after the introduction of open cage salmon aquaculture, altering benthic habitat and species composition. As a result, DIGS was identified as a potential indicator of regional environmental changes due to aquaculture. Laser diffraction is an attractive alternative to the CC because of its greater efficiency and larger size range. To determine if a laser diffraction instrument, Beckman-Coulter LS 13 320 (LS), could replace the CC within a Canadian national aquaculture monitoring program, the DIGS of 581 samples from five different regions in eastern Canada were analyzed with an LS and a CC. Results show that the LS could not be used to calculate floc fraction. Instead, % sortable silt and the volume % of inorganic particles < 16 µm were evaluated as alternative proxies for fine sediment properties. LS and CC values for these parameters were correlated, but they were significantly different and the relationship between the instruments was dependent on the area sampled. The LS did not capture variations between areas seen in the CC DIGS data. Where the DIGS from the CC found no sorting in the finest size classes, all the LS samples had similar size distributions characterized by smooth modal peaks. The LS and CC both return values that can be used to monitor changes in the deposition of fine-grained sediment, but the LS cannot determine changes in floc deposition and caution is required if comparing different sedimentary environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secchi-disk is an instrument that enables investigating water transparency, being reflective of sunlight to be used to measure the depth of light penetration in the water column. In biological marine research, the device is used to determine the intensity of primary production of planktonic algae. In the present study, we reevaluated the practicality of Secchi's method, developed some 160 years ago, for modern oceanography by using the same locations, methods, objectives, and comparable Secchi disk that were used in his survey in 1865. We show that the Secchi-disk is still a valid scientific method in environmental marine research and therefore defends its place reliably among modern electronical research infrastructure. Observer's subjectivity didn't have a significant effect on measuring but environmental conditions can influence ZSD determination in general. It is therefore justified to follow, for example, the general recommendations for the use of the Secchi net issued by HELCOM. Our results also revealed that ZSD was located about twofold deeper in 1865 than presentlywhich cannot be explained only by annual variation.We show that green(ish) sea areas have today extended to larger sea areas than they were 160 years ago, due to an increase in the turbidity of the water resulting from, e.g., general eutrophication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Karaelmas Science & Engineering Journal / Karaelmas Fen ve Mühendislik Dergisi is the property of Karaelmas Science & Engineering Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Enka Lake is a 25-ha reservoir in the Southern Appalachian mountains surrounded by the Biltmore Lake residential neighborhood. The aesthetic and recreational value of Enka Lake can be negatively affected by turbid water and sediment buildup, resulting from stormwater originating upstream in its 15.38 km2 watershed. In this study, we monitored streamflow and sediment loads for nearly 2 years to better understand sedimentation dynamics and evaluate management options. We collected nearly 500 water samples throughout the watershed, focusing on two tributaries that provide the majority of streamflow into Enka Lake. During baseflow conditions, those tributaries are very clear (turbidity ranging from 1 to 20 NTU), but sediment-laden stormflow (turbidity > 1000 NTU) from dirt roads, gravel driveways, and poorly vegetated yards is common and, during extreme storm events, causes lake discoloration. Discharge-sediment data pairs were used to construct sediment rating curves and estimate sediment fluxes through these tributaries. The predicted sediment fluxes were tested with high-frequency sampling during and after three storms in different seasons; predicted values underestimated the peak sediment fluxes (0–400%) but generally matched total measured sediment loads. Estimates of annual sediment load from the two tributaries (540–900 tonnes/year) suggest that a dredging effort commissioned by the neighborhood association in 2016 may have removed only about 1–3 years' worth of sediment. Installing sediment forebays or other retention structures is likely the preferred sediment management strategy moving forward (over a regular dredging schedule) since they can be maintained more easily without affecting lake levels. Designing these retention structures will benefit from the estimates of stormflow and sediment fluxes, and the study design presented here—including the help of community-based volunteer samplers—provides a model that could be used at other sites in the Southern Appalachians and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tadpole shrimp (Triops longicaudatus) has become a major pest for California rice farmers. Currently, management relies solely on the insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin. However, resistance to this pyrethroid was confirmed in 2016; thus, identifying an effective and practical biological control method for TPS is a priority. Field trials were conducted from 2017 to 2018 to (1) evaluate the efficacy of the predatory fish Gambusia affinis and the predatory beetles, Laccophilus maculosus (Say) and Tropisternus lateralis (Fabricius), in controlling TPS, (2) test the efficacy of several inoculation rates of Gambusia affinis at controlling TPS and (3) to explore early indicators of TPS activity and damage as monitoring tools. Both Gambusia affinis and the predatory beetle treatments were not significantly different from the commercial standard (lambda-cyhalothrin). Both four and five Gambusia per 1 m2 controlled TPS as well as lambda-cyhalothrin, and we observed that Gambusia affinis was able to reproduce in the field. Water turbidity was significantly correlated with TPS counts (R = 0.85, N = 20, p < 0.0001 (2017); R = 0.58, N = 30, p = 0.0007 (2018)). The number of dislodged seedlings was less reliably correlated with TPS count; in 2017, correlations were significant (R = 0.84, N = 20, p < 0.0001); however, in 2018, correlations were not significant (R = 0.18, N = 30, p = 0.35). With further refinement, water turbidity could play a valuable role in monitoring TPS populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing empirical baseflow filters using environmental tracers (e.g., specific electrical conductance (SEC), turbidity) is an effective and efficient way to quantify the contribution of baseflow to total flow. To execute this baseflow separation, three key components are needed: The tracer, the method to estimate tracer concentration in different flow components, and the empirical baseflow filter. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the various combinations of these components, especially with a large sample of catchments, is currently lacking in the literature. Therefore, our study assembles 16 hybrid baseflow filters from two tracers, two concentration estimation methods, and four empirical baseflow filters, and evaluated their performance in baseflow separation and producing two long‐term baseflow signatures for 1,100 catchments in the Contiguous United States. Our results suggest that SEC is a superior tracer to turbidity for baseflow separation. Additionally, using monthly maximum and minimum values to represent tracer concentration in flow components produces better separation than using a power function relationship between flow rate and concentration. The four empirical baseflow filters offer a similar level of performance, regardless of the other options used. Yet, some of these filters produce inconsistent results in calculating the baseflow signatures for the catchments. Our analysis shed light on the optimization of hybrid baseflow filters for the accurate quantification of baseflow contribution. Plain Language Summary: River flow can be broken down into two components: fast flow and slow flow. The latter is usually known as baseflow, and it represents the stable portion of river flow that comes from stored water sources, such as groundwater or snowpack. It is crucial to understand the proportion of baseflow in river flow for effective water resource management. A commonly used method to separate baseflow from river flow is by filtering streamflow data with empirical baseflow filters. These filters contain some parameters that are often optimized using geochemical data, such as specific electrical conductance (SEC) and turbidity, to ensure reasonable performance of baseflow separation. This study examined how SEC and turbidity can be used to optimize four empirical baseflow filters for quantitative assessment of baseflow contribution to streamflow. Our analysis of 1,100 catchments across the Contiguous United States revealed that SEC is a more reliable indicator of baseflow than turbidity. Interestingly, the choice of empirical baseflow filter had minimal impact, though some filters produced inconsistent results for the quantification of baseflow contribution. This research enhances our ability to accurately estimate baseflow, aiding in water resource planning and management. Key Points: Evidence suggests that specific electrical conductance is a better tracer for baseflow separation compared to turbidityUsing monthly extreme values to describe tracer signature in flow components is better than using a power function relationshipThe smooth minima method provides the most consistent estimation of baseflow contribution across various combinations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]