Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution
The journal is intended to provide a platform for research communities from different disciplines to disseminate, exchange and communicate all aspects of aquatic and soil environment, all aspects of pollution, and solutions to pollution in the biosphere. Topics of specific interest include, but are not limited to: Water: Water Quality, Water Resources Management, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Water Pollution and Contaminant Treatment, Water Environment Monitoring and Safety Prevention, Desalination and Water Purification Technologies, Hydrology and Hydrological Processes, Erosion and Sediment Transport, Sewage, and Sustainable Drainage. Soil: Hydrogeology and Environmental Geochemistry, Peat science, Wetlands and Ecosystem, Soil chemistry and biochemistry, physics, fertility and nutrition, Soil genesis and morphology, Soil microbiology and mineralogy, Soil degradation and restoration. Environment: Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Technology and Biotechnology, Environmental Pollution and Prevention, Adsorption, Environmental Assessment and Monitoring, Environmental Conservation, Energy efficiency, Urban Heat effect, Construction and demolition materials, Ecosystem Services Measurement Related to Water Resources, Transport, Fate and impact of contaminant, Risk mitigation, Deposition, Accumulation. Marine: Aquatic ecosystem, Aquatic ecotoxicology and pollution. Pollution Treatment technologies: safer and cleaner technologies (chemical, physical and biological process) with minimization of the environmental impact of contaminants in aquatic and soil environment. Emerging contaminants: all aspects related to persistent organic pollutants, endocrine disruptors, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, flame retardants, and other industrial chemicals. Materials for remediation: membrane, nanomaterials, photocatalytic, electrochemistry, biochar, composite, and carbon-based materials. Other environmental aspects include Environmental modeling, climate change, and green technologies.
Articles
59 Documents
<![CDATA[Assessing the Impact of Pharmaceutical Contamination in Malaysian Groundwater: Risks, Modelling, and Remediation Strategies ]]>
<![CDATA[Lie, Michael]]>;
<![CDATA[Rubiyatno]]>;
<![CDATA[Binhudayb, Faisal Saud]]>;
<![CDATA[Thao, Nguyen Thi Thanh]]>;
<![CDATA[Kristanti, Risky Ayu]]>
<![CDATA[ Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 4 - Issue 1 - 2024 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Tecno Scientifica Publishing ]]>
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DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v4i1.437
<![CDATA[Pharmaceuticals in Malaysia’s groundwater are a growing concern as they can potentially affect the environment and human health negatively. Pharmaceuticals are found in abundance in groundwater from sources such as septic tanks, leachates from landfills, wastewater effluents from pharmaceutical-related industries, medical institutions, wastewater treatment plants, and households, agriculture runoff and leakage of effluent wastes in Malaysia. Pharmaceutical contaminant usually travels through advection and dispersion from waterways or soil into the groundwater. The mathematical model of the advection-dispersion equation and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are analysed for the prediction of movement and concentration of pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the evolution of pharmaceuticals in the environment, living organisms and human health is assessed. Pharmaceuticals have found their way into the food chain and exhibit toxicity and hazard to aquatic ecosystems. However, the toxicity of pharmaceuticals to humans is still not yet much to be researched although strong evidence of possible negative consequences. Moreover, remediation technologies such as activated carbon adsorption, activated sludge, anaerobic treatment and advanced oxidation process are discussed for the mitigation of pharmaceuticals contamination.]]>
<![CDATA[Microplastics and Antibiotics in Aquatic Environments: A Review of Their Interactions and Ecotoxicological Implications ]]>
<![CDATA[Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel]]>
<![CDATA[ Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 4 - Issue 1 - 2024 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Tecno Scientifica Publishing ]]>
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DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v4i1.446
<![CDATA[Microplastics and antibiotics are two significant emerging pollutants found together in water bodies, raising concerns about their mutual effects. This review delves into how microplastics and antibiotics interact in aqueous environments and the ecotoxicological implications of such interactions, particularly the bioavailability of antibiotics and the prevalence of antibiotic-resistance genes. It outlines that antibiotics attach to microplastics primarily through hydrophobic, hydrogen-bonding, and electrostatic interactions. Other bonds, comprising halogen bonding, cation−π interaction, and negative charge-assisted hydrogen bonds, may also be involved to better explain antibiotic adsorption patterns. The adsorption of antibiotics to microplastics often follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and in some instances, the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The common adsorption isotherms governing this interaction are the linear and Freundlich models. Microplastics may increase the biodegradation of adsorbed antibiotics due to the presence of antibiotic-degrading bacteria in the biofilms. They could also hamper direct photodegradation but facilitate indirect photodegradation of adsorbed antibiotics. However, their photodegradative effect remains inconclusive. Microplastics and antibiotics exhibit significant toxicity to algae, while their effects on fish and daphnia are less noticeable, suggesting that their combination does not pose an immediate threat to the well-being and proliferation of larger aquatic organisms. In some instances, microplastics reduce the deleterious effects of antibiotics on aquatic life. Microplastics serve as catalysts for gene transfer, enhancing the propagation of antibiotic-resistance genes in these ecosystems. This review underscores the importance of understanding the regulatory mechanisms of microplastics on antibiotic-resistance gene diversity, particularly at the gene expression level.]]>
<![CDATA[Phytoremediation of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Using Water Lettuce and Duckweed ]]>
<![CDATA[Dolhan, Mimi Malisa]]>;
<![CDATA[Arbaan, Nur Shuhada]]>;
<![CDATA[Bain, Noor Farahin]]>
<![CDATA[ Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 4 - Issue 2 - 2024 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Tecno Scientifica Publishing ]]>
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DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v4i2.456
<![CDATA[Phytoremediation is a widely recent studied and applied technology, using various plants to remediate contaminants from wastewater by extraction, containment or destruction method which also known as eco-friendly and cost-effective techniques compared to conventional processes. The huge increased of palm oil production industry has become major environmental concern but not much have been said about the negative effects. Three major waste streams in processing palm oil were gaseous (pollutant gases), liquid (POME) and solid (palm press fibre, chaff, palm kernel shell and empty fruit bunch). The aim of this study was to determine the potential of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and duckweed (Lemna minor) in removing contaminants in POME. Seven water quality parameters based on Sewage and Industrial Effluent Discharge Standards were selected in this study like pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). POME sample were placed in 3 basins for 28 days; (basin 1 – control, basin 2 – duckweed, Basin 3 – water lettuce), and each basin were tested with different retention time. The results showed that both studied plants have positive result as phytoremediation agents effectively in removing contaminants of POME. To achieve optimal contaminant reduction, incorporate a combination of phytoremediation and other complementary treatment would be beneficial before POME release into waterways.]]>
<![CDATA[Environmental Impact of Synthetic Dyes on Groundwater in Malaysia: Sources, Distribution, Transport Mechanisms, and Mitigation Strategies ]]>
<![CDATA[Chan, Alfred]]>;
<![CDATA[Rubiyatno]]>;
<![CDATA[Akhmetov, Zarina]]>
<![CDATA[ Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 4 - Issue 2 - 2024 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Tecno Scientifica Publishing ]]>
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DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v4i2.476
<![CDATA[Synthetic dyes, extracted from natural sources like insects, plants, coal, and ochre, have become prevalent due to their advantages over natural dyes. However, their production has led to increased environmental pollution, particularly in groundwater. Groundwater contamination from synthetic dyes occurs through advection, dispersion, and retardation. This review aims to highlight the environmental impacts of synthetic dyes on groundwater, elucidate the mechanisms of dye transport, and propose effective strategies for monitoring and mitigating contamination. Urban runoff carries dyes from surfaces such as roofs, parking lots, and roads into stormwater systems, while agricultural runoff transports dyes from products like soil conditioners, fertilizers, and seed coatings into water bodies. In groundwater, dyes move through the aquifer via advection, dispersion, and retardation, all influenced by groundwater flow and geological conditions. The advection process involves the bulk movement of groundwater carrying dissolved dyes, while dispersion causes dyes to spread and dilute over time and distance. Retardation, which involves the adsorption of dye molecules onto soil particles, slows dye movement, prolonging their presence in groundwater. Understanding the sources, distribution, and movement of synthetic dyes in groundwater is crucial for developing strategies to protect water resources and reduce environmental and health impacts. The extensive use of dyes in industrial and domestic activities necessitates comprehensive monitoring and management to ensure sustainable groundwater quality.]]>
<![CDATA[Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds in Urban Soils of Malaysia: Occurrence, Contamination, and Impacts on Health and the Environment ]]>
<![CDATA[Lie, Michael]]>;
<![CDATA[Kasongo, Joseph]]>;
<![CDATA[Mtui, Elias]]>;
<![CDATA[Rubiyatno]]>;
<![CDATA[Tongco, Jovale Vincent]]>
<![CDATA[ Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 4 - Issue 2 - 2024 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Tecno Scientifica Publishing ]]>
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DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v4i2.489
<![CDATA[Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) have garnered increasing concern in recent years due to their association with severe health issues and significant environmental impacts. EDCs, which can interfere with endogenous hormone systems, are diverse in structure and are often characterized by low molecular mass and halogen substitutions. Their presence in the environment, originating from both natural and synthetic sources, has been well-documented in water bodies, but studies on their occurrence in soils remain limited. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrence, contamination, and impacts of EDCs in the urban soils of Malaysia. The paper discusses the primary sources of EDCs, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and combustion byproducts, and examines the pathways through which these compounds enter the soil. Health risks associated with exposure to EDCs, as well as their ecological consequences, are also explored. The review highlights the current status of EDCs contamination in Malaysian soils, identifies gaps in research, and outlines the challenges in monitoring and mitigating these contaminants. Understanding the dynamics of EDCs in soil is crucial for developing effective strategies to protect human health and the environment in urban settings.]]>
<![CDATA[Environmental Impact and Decomposition of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Urban Soils: Challenges and Future Directions ]]>
<![CDATA[Emre, Mehmet]]>;
<![CDATA[Rubiyatno]]>;
<![CDATA[Tongco, Jovale Vincent]]>;
<![CDATA[Permana, Rega]]>
<![CDATA[ Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 4 - Issue 2 - 2024 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Tecno Scientifica Publishing ]]>
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DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v4i2.490
<![CDATA[The rapid pace of urbanization and development has led to an increasing global concern over polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) due to their persistent and widespread presence in the environment, posing significant threats to ecosystems and human health. PAHs originate from both natural and human-made sources and can be categorized based on their origin into pyrogenic, petrogenic, and biogenic products. Upon entering the environment, PAHs undergo various chemical and biological transformations, and their movement occurs through processes such as air-to-soil and soil-to-air transport. Composting, a green and cost-effective technology, offers a promising solution for PAH remediation. This process, which includes mesophilic, thermophilic, cooling, and maturing stages, can yield compost that is useful as fertilizer and soil amendment in agriculture. The success of composting depends on factors such as substrate bioavailability, oxygen levels, nutrient supply, and environmental conditions. While composting has shown effectiveness in reducing PAH levels, it is not without challenges, including the risk of weed infestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and odor pollution. The main obstacles in PAH remediation today are the limited bioaccessibility of PAHs and the insufficient focus on the formation of oxygenated PAHs during the process. Future research should address these challenges, particularly by improving PAH bioaccessibility and mitigating issues related to odor and greenhouse gas emissions.]]>
<![CDATA[Synthesis of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticle Adsorbents from Waste Aluminum Foil and Assesses Their Efficiency in Removing Lead (II) Ions from Water ]]>
<![CDATA[Aktaruzzaman, Md]]>;
<![CDATA[Salam, Sayed M.A.]]>;
<![CDATA[Mostafa, M.G.]]>
<![CDATA[ Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 4 - Issue 2 - 2024 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Tecno Scientifica Publishing ]]>
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DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v4i2.497
<![CDATA[Aluminum oxide nanoparticles have recently been applied to water treatment as adsorbents by researchers. In this study, aluminum oxide nanoparticles (AlONPs) were synthesized using scrap aluminum foil through a straightforward, inexpensive, and green approach, and their performance in adsorbing lead (II) ions from an aqueous solution was assessed. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) to analyze their bonding nature, particle size, phase composition, and surface morphology. They exhibited an average particle size of 32.73 nm, consisting predominantly of γ-Al2O3, with small amounts of α-Al2O3 and a minor unknown phase. The lead adsorption efficiency was evaluated under optimized parameters, including pH, contact time, and doses of both adsorbate and adsorbent. The results demonstrated that the AlONPs achieved a 98% removal efficiency within 30 minutes of contact time at a pH of 5.5. Additionally, the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model (R² value of 0.9972) and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (qe) value of 37.97 mg/g) were shown to fit the lead adsorption process better than other models. Hence, the synthesized AlONPs offer potential as nanoparticle adsorbents for removing lead (II) ions from aqueous solutions.]]>
<![CDATA[Water Quality Assessment using Selected Macroinvertebrate Based Indices and Water Quality Index of Sungai Air Hitam Selangor ]]>
<![CDATA[Abu Sama, Harisham]]>;
<![CDATA[Yuzir, Muhammad Ali]]>;
<![CDATA[Azman, Shamila]]>
<![CDATA[ Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 4 - Issue 2 - 2024 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Tecno Scientifica Publishing ]]>
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DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v4i2.505
<![CDATA[A study was conducted from July to December 2022 at Sungai Air Hitam, a small tributary of the Selangor River located within the Tanjung Karang Sub-basin in Malaysia (coordinates: 3° 24' 27" N, 101° 25' 54" E to 3° 28' 14" N, 101° 26' 59" E). This confluence is situated near three major downstream water treatment plants. The study assessed six water quality parameters—pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia (NH3), and suspended solids (SS)—to calculate the Water Quality Index (WQI). Macroinvertebrates were sampled simultaneously using the dipping net method to obtain biotic indices for further evaluation of water quality. The results indicated that the WQI classified Sungai Air Hitam as Class III, with scores ranging from 56.9 to 64.6, suggesting the river is suitable for water supply and fisheries. However, the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) index categorized the water quality as poor, with scores between 30 and 42. Similarly, the Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) ranged from 3.25 to 5.25, indicating pollution or environmental impact, while the Family Biotic Index (FBI) further classified the river as having poor to very poor water quality, with scores between 6.57 and 8.11. Overall, the study suggests that Sungai Air Hitam has experienced some degree of ecological degradation. These findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and remediation efforts to preserve and restore water quality.]]>
<![CDATA[Fabrication and Characterization of Modified PVDF Membrane Using TiO2 for Wastewater Containing Paracetamol ]]>
<![CDATA[Zainiyah, Isti Faizati]]>;
<![CDATA[Yuniarto, Adhi]]>;
<![CDATA[Fairuzi, Intania Ika]]>;
<![CDATA[Purwanti, Ipung Fitri]]>;
<![CDATA[Marsono, Bowo Djoko]]>
<![CDATA[ Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 5 - Issue 1 - 2025 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Tecno Scientifica Publishing ]]>
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DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v5i1.586
<![CDATA[Modified membranes have gained significant attention due to their ability to enhance performance. Although membranes modified with TiO₂ nanoparticles have been studied, no research has specifically addressed their effectiveness in removing paracetamol contaminants, despite the widespread use of paracetamol and its potential contribution to increased waste production. Therefore, in this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes were modified with TiO₂ nanoparticles, providing new insights into the use of PVDF-TiO₂ specifically for paracetamol wastewater treatment. The results showed that TiO₂ nanoparticle-modified membranes exhibited better performance than unmodified membranes. The unmodified membrane had a lower performance rate (69.18%) compared to membranes modified with titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) at concentrations of 1 M (93.35%) and 0.5 M (90.05%). These results were supported by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, which revealed that the unmodified membrane had an average pore size of 0.998 μm, whereas the membranes modified with TTIP at 1 M and 0.5 M had average pore sizes of 0.615 μm and 0.791 μm, respectively. The larger pores in the unmodified membrane allowed larger particles to pass through, reducing its filtration efficiency. These findings underscore the potential of TiO₂ nanoparticle-modified membranes for significantly enhancing water purification processes, particularly in the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants like paracetamol. Ultimately, this research could contribute to the development of more effective strategies for managing pharmaceutical waste in water sources, leading to improved environmental protection and public health.]]>
<![CDATA[Challenges and Future Prospects of Using Biochar for Soil Remediation ]]>
<![CDATA[Primus, Audrey]]>;
<![CDATA[Marculescu, Alexandru]]>;
<![CDATA[Cao, Linh Thi Thuy]]>;
<![CDATA[Nadifah, Gina]]>;
<![CDATA[Twum-Ampofo, Daniel]]>;
<![CDATA[Jannat, Md Abu Hanifa]]>;
<![CDATA[Tongco, Jovale Vincent]]>
<![CDATA[ Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 5 - Issue 1 - 2025 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Tecno Scientifica Publishing ]]>
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DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v5i1.624
<![CDATA[Biochar gained significant attention as an eco-friendly and effective solution for remediating contaminated soils, particularly those impacted by pharmaceutical persistent pollutants (PPPs). These pollutants, known for their resistance to natural degradation and tendency to accumulate in soil, posed serious risks to both human health and ecosystems. To address this issue, researchers proposed the use of biochar as a remediation technology to remove PPPs through adsorption. As an efficient sorbent, biochar demonstrated the ability to immobilize pharmaceuticals in contaminated soils, thereby reducing their bioavailability and mobility, and ultimately mitigating their environmental impact. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of PPPs contamination and the potential of biochar for remediation. It first summarized the occurrence of pharmaceutical pollutants in various countries and identified their primary sources. It then examined the environmental fate of these pollutants and outlined the key challenges associated with their management. The mechanisms by which biochar adsorbed pharmaceutical compounds were discussed in detail, followed by a case study that illustrated the effectiveness of this technology in practical applications. This review also evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of using biochar for remediation, along with the practical challenges encountered during its implementation. Future directions highlighted included developing methods for extracting toxic residues and enhancing the performance of biochar through chemical or structural modifications.]]>
