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A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Water Quality and Contamination".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2025 | Viewed by 11259

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Qianqian Zhang

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Guest Editor

Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050061, China
Interests: water quality assessment; source analysis; migration and transformation of biomass

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, titled “Water Quality Assessment of River Basins”, delves into the state-of-the-art technologies and pragmatic strategies for evaluating water quality across numerous aquatic systems within a basin, encompassing rivers, lakes, and groundwater. It spans the spectrum from foundational water quality monitoring practices to sophisticated data analysis methodologies, and it elucidates the implementation of these tools within the context of water environment management. The content encompasses the quantitative analysis of water quality parameters, the study of pollutant migration and transformation processes, the tracing of pollutant sources, the development and application of water quality models, and the evaluation of the ecological impacts resulting from changes in water quality. These studies not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the water quality dynamics within river basins but also furnish a scientific foundation for the development of effective water quality conservation measures. The aim of this Special Issue is to facilitate a comprehensive exchange among water environment scientists, engineers, policymakers, and water resource managers, collectively driving forward the protection of river basin water quality and the pursuit of sustainable development.

Prof. Dr. Qianqian Zhang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

water quality
hydrochemistry
pollution sources
source analysis
assessment methods
isotope technology
machine learning
multivariate statistical techniques
model

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 6077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial-Temporal Monitoring of Water Quality in Rural Property Enrolled in a Program for Payment for Environmental Water Services (PES-Water)—A Case Study in Brazil

by Joice Machado Garcia, Regina Márcia Longo, Adélia Nobre Nunes and Raissa Caroline Gomes

Water 2024, 16(24), 3673; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16243673 - 20 Dec 2024

Viewed by 241

Abstract

Payments for ecosystem (or environmental) services (PES) encourage land users to manage their land in ways that deliver environmental benefits. This study aimed to assess the water quality in a rural property located in the Protection and Recovery of Watersheds of Campinas, which has been participating in the payment for ecosystem services program since 2018. More specifically, seven points of interest regarding the physicochemical indicators of the water were raised, which were subjected to descriptive statistical and variance analysis. The results revealed significant spatio-temporal variability in the monitored water quality indicators for dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, pH, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen. More significant fluctuations were observed in the spatial location of the sampling points for turbidity, temperature, and electrical conductivity. However, the greatest variability depends on the time of year when the samples were collected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Assessment of River Basins)

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23 pages, 8057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrochemical Dynamics and Water Quality Assessment of the Ramsar-Listed Ghodaghodi Lake Complex: Unveiling the Water-Environment Nexus

by Ganga Paudel, Ramesh Raj Pant, Tark Raj Joshi, Ahmed M. Saqr, Bojan Đurin, Vlado Cetl, Pramod N. Kamble and Kiran Bishwakarma

Water 2024, 16(23), 3373; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233373 - 23 Nov 2024

Viewed by 898

Abstract

Human activities and climate change increasingly threaten wetlands worldwide, yet their hydrochemical properties and water quality are often inadequately studied. This research focused on the Ghodaghodi Lake Complex (GLC) and associated lakes in Nepal, a Ramsar-listed site known for its biodiversity and ecological significance. The study was conducted to assess seasonal water quality, investigate the factors influencing hydrochemistry, and assess the lakes’ suitability for irrigation. Forty-nine water samples were collected from the GLC in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Nineteen physicochemical parameters, such as dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), and major ions (calcium ‘Ca²⁺’, magnesium ‘Mg²⁺’, and bicarbonate ‘HCO₃⁻’), were analyzed using standard on-site and laboratory methods. Statistical methods, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), T-tests, and hydrochemical diagrams, e.g., Piper, were adopted to explore spatial and seasonal variations in water quality, revealing significant fluctuations in key hydrochemical indicators. Results showed marked seasonal differences, with pre-monsoon TDS levels averaging 143.1 mg/L compared to 78.9 mg/L post-monsoon, underscoring evaporation and dilution effects. The hydrochemical analysis identified Ca²⁺-HCO₃⁻ as the dominant water type, highlighting the influence of carbonate weathering on GLC’s water composition. Gibbs, mixing, and Piper diagram analysis supported these findings, confirming the predominance of HCO₃⁻, with Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ as the main cations. Additionally, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values were consistently below 1, confirming excellent irrigation quality. These findings provided critical data for policymakers and stakeholders, supporting sustainable wetland management and aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals relevant to environmental conservation, i.e., clean water and life on land. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Assessment of River Basins)

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19 pages, 4684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in Surface Water from Dayat Roumi Lake, Morocco

by Ihsane Ougrad, Zahra Elassassi, Abdessamad Mrabet, Ibrahim Mssillou, Adrian Lim, Abdelaaty Abdelaziz Shahat, Sanae Rezouki and Tarik Moubchir

Water 2024, 16(22), 3231; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16223231 - 10 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1193

Abstract

To assess the human impact on the water of Dayat Roumi Lake and to develop effective management strategies to protect and restore this vital ecosystem in the region, seasonal sampling was carried out at six stations distributed around the lake. During these sampling campaigns, 24 parameters were measured, including 20 trace elements. Results showed that measured levels of trace elements increased in the following order: Cd < Be < Tl < Co < Sb < Mo < Cu < Zn < Ni < V < Rb < Mn < As < Cr < Pb < Li < Ba < Se < Pd < Sr in the lake water and that these recorded values were lower than those recommended by the Moroccan standard and the World Health Organization, except for Pb and Se. Correlation analysis revealed two principal water-contamination sources: natural geological origins and anthropogenic inputs. In addition, the Water Quality Index WQI showed that the lake’s water quality is poor, and its use can be dangerous for human and animal health. Health risk assessment associated with prolonged exposure to trace elements in lake water revealed that the Hazard quotient HQ and Hazard index HI of certain elements, such as Tl, Sb, V, As, Cr, Pb, Li, and Se, are higher than 1 in adult and children, indicating a significant risk for people living near the lake. Children are particularly vulnerable, with higher levels of HQ and HI, and selenium poses a substantial risk to their health through ingestion and skin absorption. In both adults and children, the total risk of cancer due to metals is classified as follows: CI (Cr) > CI (Ni) > CI (As) > CI (Pb) > CI (Cd). The Cr presents the highest carcinogenic risk—by ingestion or dermal route—in both groups. The total risk for these five metals exceeds 1 × 10⁻⁴, indicating a danger for residents who drink or swim in the lake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Assessment of River Basins)

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18 pages, 4976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Modeling Approach to Assess Freshwater Inflow Impact on Coastal Water Quality

by Shreeya Bhattarai, Prem Parajuli and Anna Linhoss

Water 2024, 16(21), 3012; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16213012 - 22 Oct 2024

Viewed by 872

Abstract

The quality of freshwater input from tributaries of the Western Mississippi Sound (WMSS) impacts the quality of coastal water. Hydrological and hydrodynamic models can be coupled to assess the impact of freshwater inflow from coastal watersheds. This study aims to compare the performance of a hydrodynamic model and a hydrological–hydrodynamic coupled model in detecting the effect of freshwater inflow from the coastal watersheds of the state of Mississippi into the WMSS. A hydrological model, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and a hydrodynamic model, the visual Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (vEFDC), were coupled to evaluate the difference between the hydrodynamical modelling approach, which employs an area-weighted approach to define flow and nutrient concentrations, and the more recent coupling model approach, which uses a hydrological model to determine the flow and nutrient load of the model. Furthermore, a nutrient load sensitivity analysis of the effect of freshwater inflow on water quality in the WMSS was conducted in addition to assessing the repercussions of tropical depressions. Hydrological assessments of the major tributaries watersheds of Saint Louis Bay (SLB) at the WMSS were performed using the SWAT model. After calibration/validation of the SWAT model, the streamflow output from the SWAT was incorporated into the vEFDC model. Finally, hydrodynamic simulation of the SWAT-vEFDC model was conducted, and water quality output was compared at different SLB locations. The salinity, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) were assessed by comparing the vEFDC and SWAT-vEFDC outputs. The results indicated that hydrological input from the SWAT alters the flow and nutrient concentration results as compared to an area-weighted approach. In addition, a major impact on the concentration of TN and TP occurred at the location where the freshwater flows into SLB. This impact diminishes further away from the point of freshwater inflow. Moreover, a 25% nutrient load variation did not demonstrate a difference in water quality at the WMSS besides TN and TP in a post-tropical depression scenario. Therefore, the SWAT-vEFDC coupled approach provided insights into evaluation of the area-weighted method, and of hydrological model output to the hydrodynamical model, the effect of freshwater inflow into coastal waters, and nutrient sensitivity analysis, which are important for integrated coastal ecosystems management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Assessment of River Basins)

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16 pages, 3927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Variation Characteristics and Source Identification of Nitrogen in the Baiyangdian Lake Water, China

by Qianqian Zhang, Shimin Xu and Li Yang

Water 2024, 16(20), 2969; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16202969 - 18 Oct 2024

Viewed by 788

Abstract

To study the characteristics and sources of nitrogen in the Baiyangdian Lake, this research conducted water quality monitoring during three hydrological periods (normal period, flood period, and dry period), and 165 pieces of routine water quality monitoring data were collected from the three national control sections for Baiyangdian Lake and its inflow rivers. By integrating water chemical analysis with multivariate statistical techniques, the study comprehensively investigated the spatiotemporal variation patterns of nitrogen in Baiyangdian Lake and identified the sources of nitrogen pollution. The results showed that the concentration of total nitrogen (TN) was highest during the dry period, reaching an average of 0.924 mg/L, and 31.3% of the sites exceeded the national Grade III surface water quality standard, reflecting a potential risk of nitrogen pollution. Based on the ion ratio method and principal component analysis (PCA), the main sources of nitrogen pollution in Baiyangdian Lake were identified as manure and domestic sewage, with agricultural fertilizers also having a certain impact on water nitrogen pollution. In addition, the study also compared the nitrogen concentration in Baiyangdian Lake with several important lakes in China. The results showed that the concentrations of TN and ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) in Baiyangdian Lake are lower than those in lakes in areas with similar human activity intensity, indicating that the water quality of Baiyangdian is relatively good. This study can provide a scientific basis for water quality management and pollution prevention for Baiyangdian Lake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Assessment of River Basins)

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18 pages, 4286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Ecological Hazards in the Inaouen Wadi and Its Tributaries Using the Presence of Potentially Toxic Elements in Its Sediments

by Sanae Rezouki, Tarik Moubchir, Laila El Hanafi, Rachid Flouchi, Ilham Zahir, Mashail N. Alzain, Bouchra El Guerrouj, Omar Noman, Abdelaaty A. Shahat and Aimad Allali

Water 2024, 16(20), 2936; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16202936 - 15 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 785

Abstract

Inaouen wadi is the second largest tributary of the Sebou river, one of Morocco’s major rivers, which holds significant economic and social importance. Unfortunately, this watercourse is severely impacted by pollution from various human activities, particularly industrial sources. However, available data on the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) that could harm human health in this region remain limited. PTEs pose major environmental risks due to their toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of PTEs in the sediments of Inaouen wadi and its main tributaries based on sediment samples collected from 12 locations in 2019. The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cr, Ag, Al, Cu, Fe, and Zn were measured using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP–AES), and sediment contamination levels were evaluated using multiple indices: the enrichment factor (EF), the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), the potential ecological hazard index (RI), and the modified ecological risk index (MRI). The results indicate that concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn are significantly influenced by urban discharges, particularly at sites S1, S3, and S5 near the cities of Taza and Oued-Amlil. The maximum values recorded were 7.01 g/kg for Pb, 0.9 g/kg for Cd, 0.1 g/kg for Cr, 19.9 g/kg for Fe and 1.9 g/kg for Zn. The enrichment factor (EF) revealed anthropogenic sources of Fe and Pb, confirming the human origin of these elements. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) showed that the areas around stations S1, S3, and S5 are highly contaminated by Pb, Cd, and Fe, a finding also supported by the MRI. The study identified potential ecological risks at stations S1, S3, and S5, highlighting the urgent need for improved pollution management practices to mitigate environmental risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Assessment of River Basins)

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13 pages, 2045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Under the Strong Influence of Human Activities: The Patterns and Controlling Factors of River Water Chemistry Changes—A Case Study of the Lower Yellow River

by Chaobin Ren and Lu Liu

Water 2024, 16(13), 1886; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16131886 - 1 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1111

Abstract

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the hydrochemical characteristics and their controlling factors in the lower reaches of the Yellow River. Through water quality sampling and analysis over two hydrological periods within a year, combined with hydrochemical methods and machine learning techniques, the study reveals the joint impact of natural factors and human activities on the spatiotemporal variations in hydrochemical constituents. The findings indicate that the water in the lower reaches of the Yellow River exhibits weak alkalinity (the pH is between 7 and 8), with the primary hydrochemical type being HCO₃·SO₄—Ca·Na·Mg. The temporal variation in the hydrochemical constituents is mainly influenced by rainfall, where nitrate levels are higher during the flood season due to the flushing effect of rainfall, whereas other hydrochemical constituents show an opposite temporal pattern due to the dilution effect of rainfall. The spatial variation in the Yellow River’s hydrochemistry is primarily controlled by a combination of human activities and rainfall. Using Gibbs diagram analysis, it is identified that rock weathering is the main source of ionic constituents, while agricultural fertilization, industrial emissions, and domestic wastewater discharge have significant impacts on the hydrochemical constituents. Compared to other rivers worldwide, the concentration of hydrochemical constituents in the lower reaches of the Yellow River is relatively high, especially nitrate and sulfate, which is closely related to the geological characteristics of the Yellow River basin and intense human activities in the middle and lower reaches. Principal component analysis reveals that the main controlling factors for hydrochemical constituents during the dry season in the lower reaches of the Yellow River are rock weathering dissolution and industrial activities, followed by domestic wastewater; during the flood season, the main controlling factors are rock weathering dissolution and industrial activities, followed by agricultural activities and domestic wastewater. The research findings provide theoretical support for water resource management and water quality protection in the lower reaches of the Yellow River. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Assessment of River Basins)

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Figure 1
Distribution map of river sample sites. Full article ">Figure 2
Piper map of river water in the Lower Yellow River Water. Full article ">Figure 3
Gibbs diagram of water ions from sampling points in the study area: (a) Cl−/(Cl− + HCO3−) vs. TDS; (b) Na+/(Na+ + Ca2+) vs. TDS. Full article ">Figure 4
Relationship of Major Ion Concentrations in the Lower Yellow River Water: (a) (Ca2+/Na+) vs. (Mg2+/Na+); (b) Cl− vs. (Na+ + K+); (c) [HCO3−] vs. [Ca2+ + Mg2+]; (d) [HCO3− + SO42−] vs. [Ca2+ + Mg2+]. Full article ">Figure 5
Variational Relationships of [Cl−] and [NO3−]/[Cl−] (a), and Variables [NO3−]/[Na+] and [SO42−]/[Na+] (b), and [NO3−]/[Ca2+] and [SO42−]/[Ca2+] (c) in the Lower Yellow River Water Body. Full article ">

15 pages, 3706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in River Ecosystems: Effect of Land Use and Biotic Indices

by David Gutiérrez-Rial, Iria Villar, Romina Álvarez-Troncoso, Benedicto Soto, Salustiano Mato and Josefina Garrido

Water 2024, 16(10), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16101369 - 11 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2641

Abstract

The proximity of freshwater ecosystems to anthropogenic activities makes them one of the most threatened environments by plastic pollution in the form of microplastics (MPs). Therefore, it is crucial to identify the primary drivers of MP dynamics in rivers to enhance their management. This work analyzed the concentration of MPs in water and sediments and evaluated the influence of land use and its relationship with the main biotic indices employed to assess the water quality of rivers. This research was carried out in four different catchments, with three sampling points established in each river basin. The results revealed that MPs were ubiquitous across all locations, with concentrations ranging from 0.10 to 35.22 items m⁻³ in waters and from 26 to 643 items Kg⁻¹ in sediments. The highest concentration of MPs both in water and sediments were found in the Lagares River (35.22 items m⁻³ and 643 items Kg⁻¹), while the lowest concentrations were found in the Miñor River for water (0.10 items m⁻³) and Tea River for sediments (138 items Kg⁻¹). Urbanization degree was identified as the primary driver of MP pollution in water, whereas population density correlated with sediment pollution levels. These findings explain the elevated MPs abundance in the more urbanized and populated Gafos and Lagares rivers compared to the relatively pristine Miñor and Tea rivers. Furthermore, the presence of MPs in sediments was found to negatively impact the most sensitive benthic macroinvertebrate taxa, as evidenced by lower values of the IASPT and EPT indices at sampling points with higher sediment MPs concentrations (Gafos and Lagares). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Assessment of River Basins)

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13 pages, 934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Water Quality of the Keddara Dam (Algeria) Using Water Quality Indices

by Tosin Sarah Fashagba, Madani Bessedik, Nadia Badr ElSayed, Chérifa Abdelbaki and Navneet Kumar

Water 2024, 16(9), 1291; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091291 - 1 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2059

Abstract

Dams are regarded as crucial pieces of structure that store water for irrigation and municipal uses. Given their vital role, the dam’s water quality assessment is considered to be an important criterion and requires constant monitoring. In this research, we attempted to use two water quality indices (WQIs) methods to assess the water quality of the Keddara Dam, which is located on the Boudouaou River, Algeria, using eleven water quality parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), full alkalimetric title (TAC), hydrometric title (TH), nitrite ions (NO²⁻), nitrate ions (NO³⁻), ammonium ions (NH⁴⁺), and phosphate ions (PO₄³⁻)) for data recorded from 29 December 2018 to 3 June 2021. Application of The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) WQIs and the Weighted Arithmetic Method (WAM) indicated that the Keddara Dam’s water quality parameters were within the WHO’s permissible level, except for the conductivity and turbidity values. The results of the CCME WQI ranged from acceptable (81.92) to excellent (95.08) quality, whereas the WAM WQI ranged from 9.52 to 17.77, indicating excellent quality. This demonstrates that the Keddara Dam is appropriate for agriculture and municipal use. The water quality indices (WQIs) methods are recommended as valuable tools that allow both the public and decision-makers to comprehend and manage the water quality of any aquatic environment by providing flexibility in choosing variables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Assessment of River Basins)

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