Delineating environmental groundwater vulnerability and protection zones mapping in fractured rock masses

Hard‐rock watersheds commonly exhibit complex geological bedrock and morphological features. Hydromineral resources have relevant economic value for the thermal spas industry. The present study aims to develop a groundwater vulnerability approach in Caldas da Cavaca hydromineral system (Aguiar da Beira, Central Portugal) which has a thermal tradition that dates back to the late 19th century, and contribute to a better understanding of the hydrogeological conceptual site model. In this work different layers were overlaid, generating several thematic maps to arrive at an integrated framework of several key‐sectors in Caldas da Cavaca site. Thus, to accomplish a comprehensive analysis and conceptualization of the site, a multi‐technical approach was used, such as, field and laboratory techniques, where several data was collected, like geotectonics, hydrology and hydrogeology, hydrogeomorphology, hydrogeophysical and hydrogeomechanical zoning aiming the application of the so‐called DISCO method. All these techniques were successfully performed and a groundwater vulnerability to contamination assessment, based on GOD‐S, DRASTIC‐Fm, SINTACS, SI and DISCO indexes methodology, was delineated. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology was on the basis to organise and integrate the geodatabases and to produce all the thematic maps. This multi‐technical approach highlights the importance of groundwater vulnerability to contamination mapping as a tool to support hydrogeological conceptualisation, contributing to better decision‐making of water resources management and sustainability.As bacias hidrogeológicas em rochas fracturadas apresentam normalmente características geológicas e morfotectónicas complexas, constituindo uma fonte valiosa de recursos hídricos a nível regional, quer para fins domésticos, industriais e agrícolas, quer para abastecimento público. Os recursos hidrominerais têm um importante valor económico para a indústria do termalismo. Esta dissertação tem como principal objectivo desenvolver uma avaliação da vulnerabilidade à contaminação do sistema hidromineral das Termas das Caldas da Cavaca (Aguiar da Beira, Portugal Central), as quais apresentam uma tradição termal que remonta aos finais do Século XIX, e contribuir para uma melhor compreensão do modelo conceptual hidrogeológico local. A área das Caldas da Cavaca é constituída por rochas graníticas, por vezes intersectadas por filões doleríticos. Neste trabalho procedeu‐se a uma avaliação integradora e multidisciplinar, na qual foram cruzados diversos níveis de informação, incluindo dados de campo e de gabinete, tais como a geotectónica, hidrologia e hidrogeologia, hidrogeomorfologia, hidrogeofísica e hidrogeomecânica, conduzindo à geração de diversos mapas temáticos da área das Termas das Caldas da Cavaca. Para tal, foi retomado todo o conhecimento prévio sobre a cartografia, a hidroclimatologia, a geologia, a morfotectónica, a hidrologia e as investigações hidrogeotécnicas “in situ” da área. Foram compiladas e avaliadas as características hidrogeológicas, hidrogeotécnicas e hidrogeomecânicas de três taludes rochosos, talude da Lagoa, talude dos Amores e talude da Cancela, as quais foram agrupadas, sintetizadas permitiram definir zonas hidrogeomecânicas com base na presença de água (características de drenagem, hidrogeologia e hidrogeotecnia) tendo em vista, especialmente, a aplicação do método de vulnerabilidade designado DISCO. Todas estas técnicas foram aplicadas com sucesso e foi feita uma avaliação da vulnerabilidade à contaminação das águas subterrâneas com base em diversos sistemas paramétricos de referência internacional, alguns deles adaptados e revistos (nomeadamente, GOD‐S, DRASTIC‐Fm, SINTACS, SI e DISCO). O método DISCO, em conjunto com a avaliação obtida pelos restantes métodos, permitiu, ainda, confirmar, com maior rigor, as áreas de protecção das captações de água mineral das Termas das Caldas da Cavaca. Os Sistemas de Informação Geográfica (SIG) constituíram a base para organizar e integrar todas as bases de dados e ainda para a produção de todos os mapas temáticos. Esta abordagem multitécnica permitiu destacar a importância da cartografia da vulnerabilidade à contaminação das águas subterrâneas como uma ferramenta para apoiar a conceptualização hidrogeológica, contribuindo assim para tomadas de decisão mais adequadas na gestão dos recursos hidrominerais e na avaliação da sua sustentabilidade

Determination of Ions and Iron Content in Hydatid Cysts of Echinococcus Granulosus Isolated From Different Intermediate Hosts (Sheep, Goats, Cattle and Human) Tissues

This study included comparative biochemical composition of hydatid fluid, protoscolices, infected and non-infected tissues isolated from liver and lungs of infected sheep, goats, and cattle in Duhok abattoirs during the period from Nov. 2009 to Apr. 2010. Also hydatid fluid of cysts surgically removed from humans in Azadi Teaching Hospital, Duhok during the period from Mar. 2010 to Jul. 2010.Hydatid cysts and host tissues were analyzed for Ions (Na+, K+, Ca++, and Mg++) and Fe++. Among Ions, Na+ exhibited high levels in hydatid fluid of the studied hosts with the highest being in hydatid fluid of sheep liver cyst (356±8.207 mg/dl); furthermore, infected tissues showed higher Na+ levels with the highest being in sheep liver and lung tissues (196±7.461 and 178±5.868 mg/100g respectively). Protoscolices of both liver and lungs showed high K+ levels, among tissues, infected tissue contained high K+ levels with the highest being in infected lung tissues (Ranged from 63.46±0.597 mg/100g to 77.39±0.729 mg/100g). Nearly similar levels of Ca++ were detected in hydatid fluid and protoscolices of all cysts with the highest level being in goats cysts protoscolices (Liver: 9.212±0.081 mg/100g, Lungs: 9.044±0.072 mg/100g) and the lowest in cattle cysts fluid (Liver: 6.954±0.061 mg/dl, Lungs: 6.826±0.054 mg/dl). The level of Mg++ was low in hydatid cysts and tissues of all hosts (Ranged from 0.746±0.016 mg/100g to 0.952±0.015). Small quantities of iron were detected in hydatid cysts of all hosts which were higher in cattle liver cysts (Hydatid fluid 0.0882±0.003 mg/dl and protoscolices 0.0838±0.003 mg/100g) and infected liver tissues (0.2293±0.008 mg/100g)

Determination of Lipids and Glucose Content in Hydatid Cysts of Echinococcus Granulosus Isolated from Different Intermediate Hosts (Sheep, Goats, Cattle And Human) Tissues

This study included comparative biochemical composition of hydatid fluid, protoscolices, infected and non-infected tissues isolated from liver and lungs of infected sheep, goats, and cattle slaughtered in Duhok abattoirs during the period from Nov. 2009 to Apr. 2010. Also hydatid fluid of cysts surgically removed from humans in Azadi Teaching Hospital, Duhok during the period from Mar. 2010 to Jul. 2010. Protoscolices contained higher levels of Lipids, triglycerides and cholesterol with the highest being in cattle liver (63.81±1.434 mg/100g, 38.28±1.277 mgs/100gs and 28.85±0.795 mgs/100gs, respectively) and infected cattle liver and lung tissues (57.78±1.3 mgs/100gs and 51.91±1.299 mgs/100gs, respectively). Hydatid fluid contained high levels of glucose with the highest in hydatid fluid of sheep cysts (Liver: 37.41±0.384 mgs/dl and Lung: 38.98±0.424 mgs/dl) and infected sheep Lung tissues (48.12±0.475 mg/100g)

Testis dosimetry in individual patients by combining a small-scale dosimetry model and pharmacokinetic modeling-application of (111)In-Ibritumomab Tiuxetan (Zevalin(®)).

A heterogeneous distribution of radionuclides emitting low-energy electrons in the testicles may result in a significant difference between an absorbed dose to the radiosensitive spermatogonia and the mean absorbed dose to the whole testis. This study focused on absorbed dose distribution in patients at a finer scale than normally available in clinical dosimetry, which was accomplished by combining a small-scale dosimetry model with patient pharmacokinetic data. The activity in the testes was measured and blood sampling was performed for patients that underwent pre-therapy imaging with (111)In-Zevalin(®). Using compartment modeling, testicular activity was separated into two components: vascular and extravascular. The uncertainty of absorbed dose due to geometry variations between testicles was explored by an assumed activity micro-distribution and by varying the radius of the interstitial tubule. Results showed that the absorbed dose to germ cells might be strongly dependent on the location of the radioactive source, and may exceed the absorbed dose to the whole testis by as much as a factor of two. Small-scale dosimetry combined with compartmental analysis of clinical data proved useful for gauging tissue dosimetry and interpreting how intrinsic geometric variation influences the absorbed dose

The Incidence Of Intestinal Parasites Among Children In Hivi Pediatric Hospital, Duhok, Iraq

This study has conducted in Hivi Pediatric Hospital, Duhok Province, Iraq, to estimate the gastrointestinal parasites infection among patients contacted this hospital. Overall patients, 22.27% (261/1,172) were diagnosed as infected by parasites; more of them were from summer season with the infection rate of 24.83% (216/870) versus 14.90% (45/302) in autumn, rural residence had a greater rate of infection 65.90% (172/261) as compared with urban residence 34.09 (89/261), males were more infected than females (63.98% versus 36.02% respectively), the age group of three years and less had the highest rate of infection, while the age group of more than 9 years had the lowest rate (57.85%, 4.98% respectively). Concerning the children feeding way, the artificially feeding had the highest rate then mixed feeding and Breastfeeding (58.16%, 25.53% and 16.31% respectively). As general, the infection with protozoa (84.67) was higher than helminthes (18.01%) with some cases of infection by both of protozoa and helminthes (4.98). Regarding each parasite separately, Entamoeba histolytica had the highest infection rate then Giardia lamblia., Enterobius vermicularis, Cryptosporidium Spp., Entamoeba coliandBlastocystis hominis (38.70%, 25.67%, 18.01, 9.20%, 6.51 and 4.60 respectively)

Integrative Groundwater Studies in a Small-Scale Urban Area: Case Study from the Municipality of Penafiel (NW Portugal)

The occurrence of groundwater in urban hard rock areas is mostly controlled by secondary permeability caused by the fracturing degree and weathering grade. Vulnerability GIS-mapping, monitoring, and infiltration/recharge of water resources, and the delineation of the environmental protective background are key issues in evaluating, planning, managing, and decision-making for urban water systems. A small-scale urban area in Penafiel City was used as a case study. Historical and current scenarios were compared using hydrogeological GIS-based modelling. Water sources and potential contamination sources were mapped around the study area. Groundwater is mainly acidic, with a low mineralization and a Cl-Na to Cl-SO4-Na or Cl-Ca to Cl-SO4-Ca hydrogeochemical facies. Considering potential contamination sources, the moderate and the moderate-high classes dominate the area. The combined approach of the vulnerability indexes suggests that most of the area has a low to moderate vulnerability to contamination. The Infiltration Potential Index in urban areas (IPI-urban) indicates the prevalence of a low to moderate infiltration. Groundwater recharge evaluation indicates values < 2.3 mm/year and <60 mm/year for summer and winter scenarios, respectively. Finally, the investigation addresses insights for decision-makers for the appropriate planning and sustainable management of groundwater resources in small-scale urban areas.Acknowledgments This study was carried out partially under the framework of the INTERREG IV SUDOE/SUD’EAU-2_S (CMP & Labcarga|ISEP), Labcarga|ISEP re-equipment program (IPP-ISEP|PAD’2007/08), GeoBioTec|UA (UID/GEO/04035/2019), CITEUC (UID/Multi/00611/2019), LRN|UC and REQUIMTE/LAQV. The research was also funded by a doctoral scholarship to L. Freitas (SFRH/BD/117927/2016) by FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) and to H. Meerkhan by GPSS|Foundation Casa do Regalo (Lisbon). The authors are grateful to J. Alves, P. Bessa, J. Teixeira, J. M. Carvalho, C. Delerue-Matos and R.L. Nagano for their support in some stages of the research. We acknowledge the anonymous reviewers for the constructive comments that helped to improve the focus of the manuscript.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Delineating Groundwater Vulnerability and Protection Zone Mapping in Fractured Rock Masses: Focus on the DISCO Index

Hard-rock catchments are considered to be source of valuable water resources for water supply to inhabitants and ecosystems. The present work aims to develop a groundwater vulnerability approach in the Caldas da Cavaca hydromineral system (Aguiar da Beira, Central Portugal) in order to improve the hydrogeological conceptual site model. Different types of information were overlaid, generating several thematic maps to achieve an integrated framework of key sectors in the study site. Thus, a multi-technical approach was used, encompassing field and laboratory techniques, whereby different types of data were collected from fields such as geology, hydrogeology, applied geomorphology and geophysics and hydrogeomechanics, with the fundamental aim of applying the so-called DISCO index method. All of these techniques were successfully performed and an intrinsic groundwater vulnerability to contamination assessment, based on the multicriteria methodology of GOD-S, DRASTIC-Fm, SINTACS, SI and DISCO indexes, was delineated. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provided the basis on which to organize and integrate the databases and to produce all the thematic maps. This multi-technical approach highlights the importance of groundwater vulnerability to contamination mapping as a tool to support hydrogeological conceptualization, contributing to improving the decision-making process regarding water resources management and sustainability.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Small-Scale Dosimetry for the Testis: Applications in Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics and Therapy

It is well known that the testicles are among the most radiosensitive tissue, and constitute an important critical target for both external and internal radiation during diagnostic and therapeutic use of radionuclides. In systemic radionuclide therapy where very high activities are administered, the testis may become a dose-limiting organ; often with a complex, non-uniform activity distribution and a resulting non-uniform absorbed-dose distribution. A fundamental question in dosimetry research is then how the quantity absorbed dose links to certain biological effects in the volume of energy deposition. The main objective of the research presented in this thesis was to improve the commonly used MIRD dosimetry formalism for the testis, by the development of new methodology based on pre-clinical experiments and clinical patient data. In addition, the use of autoradiography for radioactivity distribution studies in mice, and immunohistochemistry for the detection of double-strand breaks in radiosensitive germ cells in the testis were studied. The work focused on the development of a geometrically realistic small-scale anatomical model of the human testicular tissue and by Monte Carlo modeling to determine S values for different source–target combinations. The model was applied on, and combined with pharmacokinetic modeling on individual patients that underwent pre-therapy imaging with 111-In-Zevalin®. By different autoradiography techniques the biokinetics and heterogeneity of activity distribution in the mouse testis was studied for 111-InCl3 and 111-In-Rituximab. Finally, a method using in vitro γH2AX immunofluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscope, for the determination of DNA double-strand breaks in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes after 111-InCl3 uptake in the testis, was established. The results clearly show the importance of considering the heterogeneous distribution of radionuclides in the testis and possible hot spots of radioactivity. Autoradiography and small-scale dosimetry combined with compartment modeling may serve as a bridge between organ and tissue dosimetry. Finally, the thesis presents an efficient wide field γH2AX fluorescence quantifications method, side by side with a high specific intra-cellular confocal laser scanning microscope method to study cellular and intra-cellular radiation induced effects in the testis and might serve as powerful tool to study irradiation toxicity in the human testis

Phenomenological Explanation of Cell Inactivation Cross Section in Terms of Direct and Indirect Action

Objectives: The aim of this study was to use survival curves data for the inactivation of V79 cells and CHO-K1 cells by protons, neutrons, C12 ions and He3 ions to study the role of direct and indirect action in cell inactivation. Methods: A large number of survival curves for the inactivation of V79 cells by protons, neutrons, and C12 ions and for CHO-K1 cells inactivated by He3 ions over a wide energy range were taken from published references. Experimental data points were extracted from the published survival curves using MATLAB (Version 7.0) and fitted to the linear quadratic equation. The fit parameters were used to calculate the inactivation cross section (σ) at the initial slope, the 2Gy dose and at 10% survival for each particle type separately. Results: The results, in general, showed that the inactivation cross section decreases nearly exponentially when increasing the mean free path for primary ionisation (λ), except in the case of protons, and to some extent neutrons, where the cross section takes a constant value at specific λ values. The cross section increased with increasing linear energy transfer (LET) and also became independent of LET at specific LET values. Conclusion: The results indicate that the cell damage due to the double strand breaks of DNA caused by indirect action is much larger than that caused by the direct action