Journal of Water Resources and Pollution Studies

Comparative Evaluation of Physicochemical Parameter Dynamics during Crude Oil Degradation in Freshwater and Saltwater Media

Ozioko Fabian Chidiebere, Umah Matthew Kingdom, Chie-Amadi Grace Orluma — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Crude oil contamination of aquatic environments presents serious ecological and environmental challenges, particularly in freshwater and marine systems. This study investigates the physicochemical behavior of crude oil degradation in freshwater and saltwater media under controlled laboratory conditions at a constant temperature of 15°C. Key physicochemical parameters—including total dissolved solids, conductivity, total hardness, sulphate, chloride, alkalinity, pH, nitrate, turbidity, oil and grease, dissolved oxygen, and iron—were monitored over increasing contact time. Results revealed slight but consistent variations in parameter concentrations with time in both media, indicating active degradation processes. Temperature was observed to play a critical role in influencing substrate availability and microbial activity, which subsequently affected degradation efficiency. Comparative analysis showed that both freshwater and saltwater systems respond differently to crude oil contamination due to variations in ionic composition and physicochemical stability. These findings highlight the importance of physicochemical monitoring in understanding petroleum hydrocarbon degradation and optimizing bioremediation strategies in aquatic environments.

Microplastics in Industrial Wastewater: Emerging Detection Methods and Control Approaches

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Microplastic pollution in industrial wastewater has emerged as a significant environmental concern due to the persistence of plastic particles and their potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. Industrial activities such as textile manufacturing, plastic processing, paint and coating production, cosmetics manufacturing, and wastewater treatment operations contribute substantially to the release of microplastics into aquatic environments. These particles exhibit wide variability in size, shape, and polymer composition, which complicates their detection and control. This review critically examines conventional and emerging techniques for the detection and characterization of microplastics in industrial effluents, including microscopic analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-GC/MS. The limitations of traditional methods and the advantages of emerging approaches such as hyperspectral imaging, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and machine-learning-assisted identification are also discussed. In addition, the performance of established and advanced wastewater treatment technologies, including membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, dissolved air flotation, electrocoagulation, and adsorption-based methods, is evaluated. Reported removal efficiencies range from approximately 50 to over 95%, depending on the treatment technology and microplastic characteristics. The review highlights key methodological and regulatory gaps, particularly the lack of standardized sampling protocols and microplastic-specific discharge limits. Overall, the findings emphasize the need for integrated detection strategies, effective treatment combinations, and supportive regulatory frameworks to mitigate microplastic pollution from industrial sources.

Variations in Physicochemical Parameters of Wastewater from Different Sources in Odisha and their Environmental Impact

Aakankshya Pradhan, Swetaleena Tripathy — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Wastewater originating from domestic, industrial, and agricultural activities represents a major source of environmental pollution and poses significant risks to public health and aquatic ecosystems. The present study investigated variations in physicochemical characteristics of wastewater collected from different sources across selected regions of Odisha, India. Nine wastewater samples were analysed, comprising three samples each from industrial, domestic, and agricultural origins. Key physicochemical parameters, including pH, colour, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total alkalinity, total hardness, ammonia, nitrite, chloride, fluoride, sodium, potassium, and calcium, were determined using standard analytical methods. Industrial wastewater exhibited pronounced variability, with effluents from ACC Cement and Shyam Metals showing elevated pH, turbidity, hardness, and fluoride levels, indicating substantial inorganic contamination. Domestic wastewater samples were characterized by lower pH and significantly higher concentrations of ammonia, fluoride, colour, and turbidity, with Rajendrapada showing the highest contamination among domestic sources. Agricultural wastewater displayed moderate pollution levels; however, rice field samples showed comparatively higher concentrations of TDS, alkalinity, ammonia, and fluoride, reflecting nutrient enrichment from agricultural practices. Several parameters exceeded acceptable and, in certain cases, permissible limits across all wastewater categories, highlighting widespread deterioration of water quality. Findings emphasize the need for better wastewater management and treatment technologies to reduce environmental and health risks.