Impacts of coal mine water and Damodar River water irrigation on soil and maize (Zea mays L.) in a coalfield area of Damodar Valley, India

The present investigation was carried out to assess the environmental and biochemical impacts due to irrigation of coal mine water and Damodar River water on Kharif crop, maize (Zea mays L.) in a coalfield area of Damodar Valley, India. Coal mine water and Damodar River water samples were collected for the monitoring of its quality from a coalfield area of Damodar Valley. The samples were analyzed for various parameters and compared with prescribed standard, which revealed that the total suspended solids of coal mine water were higher as Damodar River water. A pot experiment with Z. mays was conducted to study the suitability of this coal mine water for irrigation. The plants of Z. mays in the pots were irrigated with coal mine water and Damodar River water in two concentrations (100% and 50% dilution with double distilled water) and pure double distilled water was used for control. There was 100% germination of Z. mays in all the treatments. The plant growth, chlorophyll content of Z. mays and soil quality parameters were significantly better in coal mine water and Damodar River water treated pots. However, the Damodar River water and coal mine water could be successfully used for irrigation. In general, coal mine water and Damodar River water can be used after mixing with good quality of water has shown better growth of Z. mays

Identification of artificial groundwater recharging zone using a GIS-based fuzzy logic approach: a case study in a coal mine area of the Damodar Valley, India

Abstract The West Bokaro coalfield is a richest coal-mining belt in the Damodar Valley, India. The extensive mining of the area has resulted in disruption of the groundwater availability in terms of both quantity and quality. This has led to a drinking water crisis, especially during the pre-monsoon period in the West Bokaro coalfield area. The characterization of the hydrogeological system and the artificial recharging of the aquifers might help to better manage the problem of the groundwater-level depletion. For this purpose, seven important hydrogeological factors (water depth, slope, drainage, soil, infiltration, lithology, and landuse) have been considered to define the most suitable locations for artificial groundwater recharging in the mining area. Different thematic maps were prepared from existing maps and data sets, remote-sensing images, and field investigations for identification of the most suitable locations for artificial recharge. Thematic layers for these parameters were prepared, classified, weighted, and integrated into a geographic information system (GIS) environment by means of fuzzy logic. The results of the study indicate that about 29 and 31% of the area are very suitable and suitable for recharging purposes in the West Bokaro coalfield. However, the rest of the area is moderate to unsuitable for recharging due to the ongoing mining and related activities in the study area. The groundwater recharging map of the study area was validated with measured electrical conductivity (EC) values in the groundwater, and it indicated that validation can be accepted for the identification of groundwater recharging sites. These findings are providing useful information for the proper planning and sustainable management of the groundwater resources in the study area

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in humans and domestic animals in Jirel community, Dolakha, Nepal

ABSTRACT : Introduction:: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are major health concerns in both humans and domestic animals. Livestock farming is one of the common livelihood practices in rural Nepal. The proximity at human and domestic animal interface increases the chances of dissemination of enteric parasites, especially those of zoonotic importance. This study was aimed at finding the parasite prevalence and risk factors in both humans and their domestic animals in Jirel community. Materials and Methods:: A field survey was conducted on the Jirel ethnic people and their domestic animals in Dolakha district, where a total of 152 fresh fecal samples from humans and domestic animals (cow, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, and pigeons) were collected. The feces were examined by wet mounts and concentration techniques. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out among the local people and owners of the domestic animals to gather sociodemographic information, awareness, and hygienic practices in relation to parasite transmission Results:: The enteric parasite prevalence was found to be highest in goats (80.0%;12/15), followed by pigs (55.55%;5/9), cows (45.45%;6/11), chickens (11.7%;4/34), and humans (1.41%;1/71), while the fecal samples of ducks and pigeons did not contain any parasites. The only parasite identified in humans was Ascaris lumbricoides. Similarly, three genera of GI parasites (Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp, and Trichuris sp.) from goats, two genera each from cow (Eimeria sp. and Strongyloides sp.), pigs (Entamoeba sp. and A. suum), and chickens (Eimeria sp. and Ascaridia galli), were detected Conclusions:: Based on the direct field observation, questionnaire survey and laboratory analysis, it is concluded that the Jirel community people are aware of health and hygiene; however, intervention measures are necessary to prevent parasitic infection in their domestic animals

Assessment of Hydrogeochemical Processes and Mine Water Suitability for Domestic, Irrigation, and Industrial Purposes in East Bokaro Coalfield, India

Mine water samples collected from the East Bokaro coalfield were analysed to assess suitability for domestic, irrigation, and industrial purposes. The pH of the samples ranged from 6.78 to 8.11 in the pre-monsoon season, 5.89–8.51 during the monsoon season, and 6.95–8.48 in the post-monsoon season. The anion chemistry was dominated by HCO3− and SO42−, with minor amounts of Cl−, NO3− and F−. The Fe concentrations exceeded the maximum permissible limit of the BIS drinking water standard in about 44% of the collected samples. Turbidity, TDS, Fe, total hardness (TH), SO42−, and Mg2+ also sometimes exceeded drinking water limits. The TDS, TH and SO42− concentrations of the mine water makes it unsuitable for domestic purposes or for industrial use; high values of %Na, SAR, RSC, and Mg-hazard at certain sites restrict its suitability for agricultural use

Assessment of groundwater quality of Pratapgarh district in India for suitability of drinking purpose using water quality index (WQI) and GIS technique

An attempt has been made to develop a water quality index (WQI) model in geographic information system (GIS) environment, using 12 groundwater quality parameters (pH, TDS, F−, Cl−, NO3 −, SO4 2− HCO3 −, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, and TH) at 55 different locations of the Pratapgarh district. The analytical results show alkaline nature of the groundwater resources of the Pratapgarh district. HCO3 − and Cl− are the dominant anions, while cation chemistry is dominated by Mg2+ and Na+. The computed WQI values in the groundwater range from 52 to 345 (avg. 115) and indicate that the groundwater quality varied from good to unsuitable for drinking. High WQI has been found at sites 3, 4, 7, 10, 20, 40, 41, and 50 primarily due to high TDS, F−, Cl−, NO3 −, SO4 2−, Mg2+, Na+, and TH. Western and eastern parts of the Pratapgarh district show low TDS along the Ganga and Gomti Rivers, respectively, due to aquifer recharging. Groundwaters of more than one-third area are not suitable for drinking. Analysis of the data reveals that rock weathering and agricultural activities govern the groundwater chemistry of the study area

Assessment of groundwater quality of Pratapgarh district quality index (WQI) and GIS technique

An attempt has been made to develop a water quality index (WQI) model in geographic information system (GIS) environment, using 12 groundwater quality parameters (pH, TDS, F−, Cl−, NO3 −, SO4 2− HCO3 −, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, and TH) at 55 different locations of the Pratapgarh district. The analytical results show alkaline nature of the groundwater resources of the Pratapgarh district. HCO3 − and Cl− are the dominant anions, while cation chemistry is dominated by Mg2+ and Na+. The computed WQI values in the groundwater range from 52 to 345 (avg. 115) and indicate that the groundwater quality varied from good to unsuitable for drinking. High WQI has been found at sites 3, 4, 7, 10, 20, 40, 41, and 50 primarily due to high TDS, F−, Cl−, NO3 −, SO4 2−, Mg2+, Na+, and TH. Western and eastern parts of the Pratapgarh district show low TDS along the Ganga and Gomti Rivers, respectively, due to aquifer recharging. Groundwaters of more than one-third area are not suitable for drinking. Analysis of the data reveals that rock weathering and agricultural activities govern the groundwater chemistry of the study area

Evaluation of factors influencing surface water quality in a coalfield area of Damodar valley, India: a sustainable uses

A systematic study on the major ions and heavy metals was carried out for surface water resources of EB coalfield for water quality assessment, source apportionment and studying the geochemical processes controlling the surface water quality. Seasonal effect was not very prominent for the surface water quality parameters inclusive of metals, though some dilution was observed in some parameters during the monsoon season. Some of the parameters exceeded the drinking water limits like TDS, turbidity, NO3−, F−, total hardness and Mg2+ in surface water. The Fe concentrations exceeded the desirable limit of the BIS standard in about 26% of the water sample. The surface water chemistry of the EB coalfield is influenced by extensive coal mining activities. The principal component analysis of metals and health concerning anions demonstrated that the data were synthesised into three loading factors with Eigen values >1 and explaining about 71.4% of the total variance. The extracted factors seem to indicate geogenic sources, coal mining and associated transportation. The quality assessment of the surface water for irrigation suitability suggested that the calculated parameters (SAR, %Na, RSC and MH) of water to be in the range of good to permissible; however, at a few sites, SAR values and MH make it unsuitable for irrigation. Thus, the study exemplified the need for awareness about the contamination of surface water within EB coalfield area. The findingsof the present study may be useful to decision-makers in developing plans for surface water quality management and sustainable use

Assessment of groundwater quality of Pratapgarh district in India for suitability of dirinking purpose using water quality index (WQI) and GIS technique

An attempt has been made to develop a water quality index (WQI) model in geographic information system (GIS) environment, using 12 groundwater quality parameters (pH, TDS, F−, Cl−, NO3 −, SO4 2− HCO3 −, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, and TH) at 55 different locations of the Pratapgarh district. The analytical results show alkaline nature of the groundwater resources of the Pratapgarh district. HCO3 − and Cl− are the dominant anions, while cation chemistry is dominated by Mg2+ and Na+. The computed WQI values in the groundwater range from 52 to 345 (avg. 115) and indicate that the groundwater quality varied from good to unsuitable for drinking. High WQI has been found at sites 3, 4, 7, 10, 20, 40, 41, and 50 primarily due to high TDS, F−, Cl−, NO3 −, SO4 2−, Mg2+, Na+, and TH. Western and eastern parts of the Pratapgarh district show low TDS along the Ganga and Gomti Rivers, respectively, due to aquifer recharging. Groundwaters of more than one-third area are not suitable for drinking. Analysis of the data reveals that rock weathering and agricultural activities govern the groundwater chemistry of the study area

Multivariate linear regression models for predicting metal content and sources in leafy vegetables and human health risk assessment in metal mining areas of Southern Jharkhand, India

The present study was intended to investigate the metal concentrations in the leafy vegetables, irrigation water, soil, and atmospheric dust deposition in the iron and copper mining areas of Southern Jharkhand, India. The study aimed to develop a multivariate linear regression (MVLR) model to predict the concentration of metals in leafy vegetables from the metals in associated environmental factors and assessment of the risk to the local population through the consumption of leafy vegetables and other allied pathways. The developed species-specific MVLR models were well fitted to predict the concentration of metals in the leafy vegetables. The coefficient of determination values (R2) was greater than 0.8 for all the species-specific models. Risk assessment was carried out considering multiple pathways of ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact of vegetables, soil, water, and free-fall dust. Consumption of leafy vegetables was the major route of metal exposure to the local population in both the metal mining areas. The average hazard index (HI) value considering all the metals and pathways was calculated to be 5.13 and 12.1, respectively for iron and copper mining areas suggesting considerable risk to the local residents. Fe, As, and Cu were the major contributors to non-carcinogenic risk in the Iron mining areas while in the case of copper mining areas, the main contributors were Co, As, and Cu