Hydrogeochemical Evaluation of an Urban Aquifer Under Stress: Rare Earth Elements Fractionation and Human Health Implications.

This study evaluates the hydrogeochemical behavior and groundwater quality under significant anthropogenic pressure in a volcanic-carbonate aquifer, using trace elements and Rare Earth Elements (REE) as environmental tracers. A total of 25 samples from wells of different depths and flow rates in the city of Puebla were analyzed by ICP-MS. Positive Ce anomalies (18 samples with an average of 1.

Seasonal flooded rice area extent dataset during dry seasons 2016 to 2019 at the Telangana state scale, South-India.

Indian agriculture largely depends on the timely and spatially variable availability of water resources which are replenished during the monsoon season. In the state of Telangana, a significant portion of the available water is utilized for flooded rice cultivation, both in surface water-fed command areas and in groundwater-dependent regions. The spatial extent of seasonal rice cultivation varies annually in response to water availability that is a key indicator of how farmers adapt to regional and global environmental and socio-economic changes.

Spatiotemporal assessment of hydrological degradation prone zones in the semi-arid Regions: A PCA-Based evaluation using spectral indices in the Tungabhadra river basin in Kurnool district of AP, India.

This study aims to assess hydrological degradation prone zones (HDPZs) in the semiarid Tungabhadra River (TBR) Basin through integrating geospatial data and advanced statistical techniques. The novelty of this research lies in the application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to combine diverse datasets, including spectral indices (NDVI, SAVI, NDWI, NDSI, BSI, WRI), geological features, geomorphology, and hydrological parameters, for a comprehensive spatial assessment. High-resolution satellite imagery, terrain data, and field-based observations derived key environmental indices.

Investigating reservoir-triggered seismicity in the Koyna-Warna region through nodal ambient noise tomography.

The Koyna-Warna region in southern India is a unique case of dual Reservoir-Triggered Seismicity (RTS), surrounding impoundments on Koyna and Warna rivers. In this study, we perform ambient noise surface wave tomography using data from a temporary dense deployment of three-component geophones in order to understand the origin of RTS. To achieve this objective, surface wave dispersion curves from noise cross-correlations in rotated coordinates were used to create group velocity maps in 0.

Exploring rare earth elements in coalmine overburden: nanoscale insights from FESEM, TEM and XPS analysis.

Rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) are critical for various advanced technologies, particularly in electronics, and play a vital role in the economic growth of any country. Coal and its by-products could be potential precursors of these commodities and other natural resources. While coal and coal fly ash have been assessed for their REY content, the coal mine overburden (OB) or waste remains unexplored as a potential source of rare earth elements.

Hydrogeochemical process, multivariate statistical, geospatial and index approach for evaluation of groundwater quality for irrigation purposes at Visakhapatnam region, Southern India.

Groundwater quality is progressively declining due to over-exploitation and long-term use for irrigation needs. This study aims to assess the suitability of groundwater for irrigation use in an intense agricultural region in Visakhapatnam, southern India. Groundwater samples were collected during the pre-monsoon (PRM) (n = 75) and post-monsoon (POM) (n = 72) seasons.

Inference of a plume conduit beneath the Réunion Island from 3D migration of Ps conversions from the mantle transition zone.

The Réunion hotspot is the best example of a primary plume, manifested as intraplate-volcanism, a large igneous province and a geochemical anomaly. In this study, we investigate the mantle transition zone (MTZ) structure beneath the Réunion Island using 3D-migration of P-Receiver functions, to decipher the effect of the plume on the MTZ and its architecture. Results indicate a thin MTZ in the regions surrounding the Réunion, like Madagascar and its vicinity, eastern and south-eastern sides of the Réunion, suggesting high-temperature anomalies within, caused by the plume.

Volcanic processes within the Petavius crater, nearside of the Moon.

This study presents a detailed investigation of compositional data (e.g., Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M), Kaguya mineral abundance map) and gravity data (Regional, residual, and crustal thickness) to understand the volcanic history of Petavius crater (~ 180 km diameter crater centered at 25.

Advanced geospatial modeling and assessment of land degradation severity zones in India's semi-arid regions.

Land degradation poses significant challenges to sustainable development, particularly in semi-arid regions where ecosystems are highly vulnerable. This study employs a cutting-edge geospatial and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach to delineate land degradation severity zones (LDSZs) in Anantapur district, India-a region characterized by persistent environmental stress. Utilizing thematic layers such as geology, geomorphology, soil properties, slope, and remote sensing indices (NDVI, MNDWI, NDSI, and LST), the study integrates high-resolution Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS (2023) and DEM datasets with local meteorological data for precise spatial analysis.

Land use & land cover dynamics and its relationship with nitrate pollution in groundwater around inactive mine areas using geospatial techniques, SW part of Cuddapah basin, Southern India.

Geospatial maps can show how the ineffective operations of inactive mines affect water and aquifer quality. As such, the purpose of this study is to assess the impact of mining and irrigation on the aquifer ecosystem through the evaluation of LULC and slope maps through the application of Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS and DEM data. A total of 50 groundwater samples were prepared from villages in the close proximity to inactive mines during pre and post monsoon periods in 2021.

Evidence of low velocity layers at the top and bottom of the Mantle Transition Zone (MTZ) below the Uttarakhand Himalaya, India.

The Mantle Transition Zone (MTZ) beneath the Uttarakhand Himalaya has been modelled using Common Conversion Point (CCP) stacking and depth-migration of radial P-receiver functions. In the Uttarakhand Himalaya region, the depths of the 410-km discontinuity (d410) and the 660-km discontinuity (d660) are estimated to be approximately 406 ± 8 km and 659 ± 10 km, respectively. Additionally, the thickness of the mantle transition zone (MTZ) is modelled to be 255 ± 7 km.

Characterization of groundwater salinity by hydrogeochemical and multivariate statistical analysis in the coastal aquifer of Nagapattinam district, Southern India.

The impact of seawater intrusion from coast to inland terrain in the Cauvery River Basin (CRB) and Uppanar River Basin (URB) was evaluated based on major ion groundwater chemistry. TDS ranges from 229 to 2260 mg/l, and 408 to 3732 mg/l; Na range from 67 to 560 mg/l, and 74 to 1600 mg/l, and Cl range from 120 to 906 mg/l, and 110 to 3260 mg/l for CRB and URB respectively. Piper Diagram, Hydrochemical Facies Evolution Diagram (HFE-D), rock-water interaction (Gibbs Plots), various bivariate plots viz.

Atmospheric aerosol chemistry and source apportionment of PM10 using stable carbon isotopes and PMF modelling during fireworks over Hyderabad, southern India.

This study examined the influence of fireworks on atmospheric aerosols over the Southern Indian city of Hyderabad during festival of Diwali using mass closure, stable carbon isotopes and the EPA-PMF model. Identification of chemical species in day and night time aerosol samples for 2019 and 2020 Diwali weeks showed increased concentrations of NH, NO, SO, K, organic carbon (OC), Ba, Pb and Li, which were considered as tracers for fireworks. PM source apportionment was done using inorganic (trace elements, major ions) and carbonaceous (organic and elemental carbon; OC & EC) constituents, along with stable isotopic compositions of TC and EC.

Plasma levels and dietary intake of minerals in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A case-control study.

Background And Aim: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the primary cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. Altered mineral levels leading to adverse outcomes are widely reported in diabetes but limited in DKD, in the Indian scenario, hence this study was taken up to address this issue.

Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was taken up with 54 healthy controls (C) and 140 subjects with type 2 diabetes wherein 74 subjects with diabetes and CKD formed the DKD group, and 66 subjects with diabetes but no CKD formed the diabetic no-chronic kidney disease (DNCKD) group.

Tiny stresses are capable of triggering earthquakes and tremors in Arunachal Himalaya.

The Arunachal Himalaya has been hosting some notable events in the recent past. The tectonic history of Arunachal Himalaya is complex and has been influenced by several major tectonic events, including the 1950 M8.6 Assam-Tibet earthquake.

Impact of nickel substitution on structural, dielectric, magnetic, and electrochemical properties of copper ferrite nanostructures for energy storage devices.

Nickel-substituted copper ferrite nanoparticles (NP) (CuNiFeO) were prepared using a cost-effective hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed a single-phase cubic spinel structure. The increase in lattice parameters and decrease in crystallite size are associated with the replacement of Cu ions by Ni ions in the host lattice of copper ferrite.

Field site soil aquifer treatment shows enhanced wastewater quality: Evidence from vadose zone hydro-geophysical observations.

Soil aquifer treatment (SAT) is an emerging, nature-based, economically viable wastewater treatment solution. Currently, most SAT experiments are done at the laboratory scale, which cannot generate the same conditions as natural field sites and limits the understanding of treatment efficiency. The current study carried out in situ SAT experiments in the Musi River basin in India, where wastewater irrigation is a common practice.

Potential toxic element contamination and non-carcinogenic risk assessment of groundwater from rapidly growing urban areas in Telangana, India.

Groundwater is a critical resource for drinking purposes that is under pressure and polluted with multiple inorganic contaminants. Among various contaminants, potentially toxic element contamination in groundwater has significant public health concerns due to their toxicity at a low level of exposure. This investigation aimed to assess the toxic element contamination and associated non-carcinogenic human health risk at rapidly growing urban centers in Telangana to ensure potable water and to generate baseline data in the study province.

Spatial distribution, sources and health risk assessment of heavy metals in topsoil around oil and natural gas drilling sites, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Soils are usually the interface between human activity and environmental components that must be conserved and protected. As a result of rising industrialization and urbanization, activities such as exploration and extraction operations lead to the release of heavy metals into the environment. This study presents distribution of six heavy metals (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in 139 top soil samples collected in and around oil and natural gas drilling sites at a sampling density of 1 site/12 km.

Delineation of partial melts and crustal heterogeneities within the crust beneath Kumaon Himalaya, India from L wave attenuation.

The crustal seismic attenuation or the Q structure is studied by using the Fourier spectra of Lg-wave along the Tanakpur- Dharchula- Dharma transect in the Kumaon Himalaya. The 1 Hz Lg Q (Q) values are computed between different pairs of two stations and the observed values are later utilized to calculate the lateral variation in the Q values by following a back projection algorithm. This computation of Q values utilizes five regional distance earthquakes having moment magnitude (Mw) ≥ 4.

Hydrochemical characteristics and potential health risks of nitrate, fluoride, and uranium in Kota district, Rajasthan, India.

This study examines the uranium, fluoride, and nitrate dispositions in groundwater as well as potential health risks in Kota district, Rajasthan, India. Total 198 groundwater samples were collected in both dry and wet periods and analyzed for physicochemical parameters along with U, F, and NO using standard methods. Results indicate that the electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, alkalinity, Ca, Mg, HCO, Cl, NO, and F exceed the WHO standard limits of drinking water in both periods.

Correction to: Distribution and human health hazard appraisal with special reference to chromium in soils from Peenya industrial area, Bengaluru City, South India.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00757-z.].