Impact of Fertilizer Application and Agricultural Crops on the Quality of Groundwater in the Alluvial Aquifer,Northern France

In France, the quality of water resources with respect to nitrates deteriorated between the beginning of 1970s and 2000s. A stabilization of the situation and of the improvements has been observed punctually since the 2000s. Despite the application of the Nitrates Directive in France (91/676/CEE), the overall situation remains degraded, with numerous increases in nitrate concentrations in the underground waters. In the North of France, an alluvial groundwater’s nitrate concentration exceeds the drinking water limit fixed at 50 mg/l, in the sectors of Catillon-sur-Sambre and Rejet-de-Beaulieu. In order to quantify and model the impact of agricultural nitrogen on groundwater, an approach based on an integrated model has been established using three specific codes for each lithological horizon: Agriflux (for the root zone), VS2DT (for the unsaturated zone), and ModFlow-MT3D (for the saturated zone). The results illustrate the sensitivity of quality to agricultural crops used. Based on scenarios over 20 years, the predictions show a link between nitrate concentrations in the groundwater and agricultural crops as well as fertilization. Improving quality with a concentration of nitrate less than 50 mg/l requires a reasoned management accompanied by rotations of crops and transformations into grasslands and for sensitive areas the use of the culture producing the least nitrogen flow such as beets. The integrated model constitutes an efficient tool for predicting the evolution of the groundwater quality, especially in sensitive areas like the valleys with a rapid nitrate transfer to the aquifer. The model makes it possible to correctly evaluate the concentrations of nitrates reaching the groundwater with a monitoring of the concentration evolution in each lithological horizon, thus constituting a good tool for the management of agricultural pollution.     

Composition and insecticidal activity of essential oil from Ruta graveolens,Mentha pulegium and Ocimum basilicum against Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - The aim of this research was to explore the chemical composition and evaluate the insecticidal activities of Ruta graveolens, Mentha pulegium and Ocimum...     

A Preliminary Evaluation of Selected Transport-Related Pollutants in the Ambient Atmosphere of the City of Beirut,Lebanon

Particulate matter is emitted to the atmosphere from variousenergy conversion processes, mainly from the electric powerand the transportation sectors. Recent studies and peer reviews conducted by international organizations have indicated the adverse health and economic effects of the accumulation of these particulates in the environment.In the absence of any data related to the levels of air pollution in the Beirut environment, this study was initiated with the objective of conducting a preliminary investigation that includes air sampling and the X-ray fluorescence analysis of the samples. Emphasis is placed on the impact of the transport sector on the dissemination of different pollutants and in particular lead. The results show high levels of particulates resulting from different sources and high concentrations of lead within the city ofBeirut. A direct correlation between the particulate constituents and street activities is identified. The results indicate the seriousness of the air pollution problem that the transport sector can inflict on the society if appropriate mitigative measures are not implemented, especially in urbanized regions where traffic flow is consistently heavy. Mitigation options applicable to Lebanon and possibly to other countries of similar economic and social structure are recommended.