Simge Varol

Evaluation of the groundwater quality with WQI (Water Quality Index) and multivariate analysis: a case study of the Tefenni plain (Burdur/Turkey)

Groundwater is a vital source of water for domestic and agricultural activities in the Tefenni plain. Therefore, groundwater quality, seasonal variations and its suitability for drinking, irrigation and industrial usage were evaluated. In this study, 56 water samples were collected from springs, wells, and lake in dry and wet seasons. Ca–Mg–HCO3, Mg–Ca–HCO3, Na–CO3–Cl, and Na–HCO3–Cl water types are the dominant water types in the investigation area. Parameters, which are controlled to chemical variations of groundwater, were analyzed with R-mode factor and correlation analysis. According to R-mode factor analysis, total dissolved solids, Na, Cl, HCO3, and NH3 are the most important parameters. In addition, Water Quality Index (WQI) was applied to suitability for drinking purpose and to investigation of groundwater quality. Quality of groundwaters are suitable for drinkable both dry and wet season in study area. In terms of the irrigation and industrial usage, generally groundwater is suitable in dry season but is not suitable in wet season. Groundwater chemistry is affected with water–rock interaction and densely agricultural activities.

Impact of chronic fluorosis on left ventricular diastolic and global functions.

Sixty three patients with endemic fluorosis (36 males/27 females; mean age 33.9+/-8.6years) and 45 age, sex and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy controls (30 males/15 females; mean age 32.7+/-8.8years) were included in this study. Basic echocardiographic measurements, left ventricular diastolic parameters and left ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI) were measured. The left ventricular MPI was calculated as (isovolumic contraction time+isovolumic relaxation time)/aortic ejection time by Doppler. The urine fluoride levels of fluorosis patients were significantly higher than control subjects as expected (1.9+/-0.1mg/l vs 0.4+/-0.1mg/l respectively; P<0.001). Isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and deceleration time (DT) were significantly higher in fluorosis patients than in controls (for IVRT 106.9+/-15.6ms vs 96.7+/-12.2ms; P<0.001 and for DT 211.7+/-30.7ms vs 188.0+/-30.0ms; P<0.001, respectively). MPI was significantly higher in fluorosis patients than in controls (0.62+/-0.15ms vs 0.49+/-0.10ms; P<0.001, respectively). We have shown that chronic fluorosis patients had left ventricular diastolic and global dysfunctions.

Assessment of geochemistry and hydrogeochemical processes in groundwater of the Tefenni plain (Burdur/Turkey)

The Tefenni (Burdur) plain is located in the southwest of Turkey and is semi-closed basin. Groundwater is densely used as drinking, irrigation and domestic water in the Tefenni plain. Hydrogeochemical processes controlling groundwater chemistry and geochemical assessment of groundwater were investigated in the Tefenni (Burdur/Turkey) plain. The conceptual hydrogeological model of the plain was prepared for qualitative description of the underground geology and interpretation of hydrogeochemical processes of the study area. In this study, groundwater samples for two seasons were analyzed and major ion chemistry of groundwater was researched to understand the groundwater geochemistry. Two major hydrochemical facies (Ca2+–Mg2+–HCO3− and Mg2+–Ca2+–HCO3−) were determined in the area. Mg2+, Na+, SO42− and Cl− concentrations of water samples increased seasonally related to ion exchange of minerals in rocks by rainwater in wet season. Various graphical plots and multivariate statistical analysis (Pearson correlation analysis) were used for identifying the occurrence of different geochemical processes. Carbonate weathering in dry season and silicate weathering in wet season were the major hydrogeochemical processes in the study area. In addition, ion exchange and reverse ion exchange were two possible processes of water–rock interaction in the basin. The mechanism controlling groundwater chemistry at the Tefenni plain is originally regulated by the geogenic process rather than antropogenic activities.

Evaluation of total oxidative status and total antioxidant capacity in patients with endemic fluorosis

The objective of the present study was to determine the plasma total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with endemic fluorosis. A total of 79 (35 males and 44 females; mean age 44.0 ± 11.9 years) patients with endemic fluorosis and 55 (23 males and 32 females; mean age 48.3 ± 8.5 years) age-, sex- and body mass index-matched healthy controls were included in this study. The urine fluoride levels and plasma TOS and TAC levels were measured. The urine fluoride levels of fluorosis patients were significantly higher than control subjects as expected (1.91 ± 0.15 vs. 0.49 ± 0.13 mg/L, respectively; p < 0.001). TOS was significantly higher in fluorosis group than in control group (17.55 ± 3.82 vs. 15.06 ± 4.31 μmol H2O2 Eq/L, respectively; p = 0.001). TAC was significantly lower in fluorosis group than in control group (1.60 ± 0.36 vs. 1.82 ± 0.51 mmol Trolox Eq/L, respectively; p = 0.004). Oxidative stress index (OSI) was significantly higher in fluorosis group than in control group (11.5 ± 3.8 vs. 8.8 ± 3.7, respectively; p < 0.001). Correlation analysis in all the groups indicated that TAC was negatively correlated with urine fluoride (r = −0.25, p = 0.003), TOS was positively correlated with urine fluoride (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) and OSI was positively correlated with urine fluoride (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). The results of our study demonstrate that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the endemic fluorosis.

Effect of fluoride toxicity on cardiovascular systems: role of oxidative stress

We have read the article published by Ma et al. (2012) with a great interest. They investigated the effect of chronic exposure to arsenic and fluoride alone or combined on inflammatory response in rabbit aorta. They found that fluoride and arsenic alone or combined increased the expression of VCAM-1, P-sel, MCP-1, IL-8, and IL-6 at the RNA and protein levels. We want to share our research findings relating to this study. Although various effects of chronic fluorosis on different organ systems have been examined, there are really a few studies about the effects of chronic fluorosis on cardiovascular systems. This study is very important from this aspect. In our two previous studies, we examined the effect of chronic fluoride exposure on cardiovascular system in clinical setting as a difference from this experimental study. In our first study, we have found that elastic properties of ascending aorta are impaired in patients with endemic chronic fluorosis (Varol et al. 2010a, b). In this study, we directly examined the aorta by echocardiography and we have showed that chronic fluoride toxicity can cause aortic stiffness in patients with endemic fluorosis. In our second study, we have shown that chronic fluorosis patients had left ventricular diastolic and global dysfunctions (Varol et al. 2010a, b). Oxidative stress is a wellknown mode of action of fluoride exposure that has been observed in vitro in several types of cells and also in vivo in animals and in people living in areas of endemic fluorosis (Barbier et al. 2010). The mechanism of fluoride toxicity on cardiovascular system is complex. We think that in addition to inflammatory mechanism, oxidative stress contributes to atherosclerosis, vascular stiffness, and myocardial cell damage. Fluoride toxicity can cause atherosclerosis at molecular level and can also cause aortic stiffness and disturbed ventricular distensibility at clinical level. Further studies are needed to clarify the effect of fluoride toxicity on cardiovascular system.

Evaluation of potential human health risk and investigation of drinking water quality in Isparta city center (Turkey)

Isparta city center is selected as a work area in this study because the public believes that the tap water is dirty and harmful. In this study, the citys drinking water in the distribution system and other spring waters which are used as drinking water in this region were investigated from the point of water quality and health risk assessment. Water samples were collected from major drinking water springs, tap waters, treatment plants and dam pond in the Isparta province center. Ca-Mg-HCO3, Mg-Ca-HCO3, Ca-Na-HCO3, Ca-HCO3, Ca-HCO3-SO4 and Ca-Mg-HCO3-SO4 are dominant water types. When compared to drinking water guidelines established by World Health Organization and Turkey, much greater attention should be paid to As, Br, Fe, F, NH4, PO4 through varied chemicals above the critical values. The increases of As, Fe, F, NH4 and PO4 are related to water-rock interaction. In tap waters, the increases of As and Fe are due to corrosion of pipes in drinking water distribution systems. The major toxic and carcinogenic chemicals within drinking water are As and Br for both tap water and spring water. Also, F is the non-carcinogenic chemical for only spring waters in the study area.

Hydrogeological investigation of Sarkikaraagac Basin (Isparta, Turkey) and groundwater vulnerability.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the hydrogeology of the Sarkikaraagac Basin in southwest Turkey and to assess its groundwater vulnerability. The groundwater of the basin, used for both drinking and irrigation, is discharged to the Beysehir Lake, the largest in the Lake District. Groundwaters have Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Mg-HCO3 facies. The most important pollutant factor is anthropogenic pollution, originating from dense and widespread agricultural activity, which moves through the groundwater to the Beysehir Lake. The groundwater vulnerability of the alluvial aquifer is determined with different parameters using the DRASTIC approach. The most vulnerable area, covering 30.23% of the basin, is strongly correlated with known pollution values.

Does Fluoride Toxicity Cause Hypertension in Patients with Endemic Fluorosis

We have read the article published by Amini et al. with a great interest [1]. They have examined the relationship of fluoride (F) in groundwater resources of Iran with the blood pressure of Iranian population in an ecologic study. They have found statistically significant positive correlations between the mean concentrations of F in the groundwater resources and the hypertension prevalence of males, females, and overall. They have also found statistically significant positive correlations between the mean concentrations of F in the groundwater resources and the mean SBP of males and a borderline correlation with females. We congratulate the authors for this clinical study. There was no previous study evaluating the relationship between F toxicity and blood pressure in clinical setting. There is only one experimental study that has been done in laboratory animals. In this animal study, in which Wistar rats were used, there was a significant correlation between the blood pressure of male rats and perinatal exposure to sodium F. Moreover, perinatal exposure to sodium F in Wistar rats resulted in a dose-dependent, long-lasting functional impairment in hemodynamic control [2]. The main source of fluoride for humans is the intake of groundwater contaminated by geological sources (maximum concentrations reaching 30–50 mg/l). The level of fluoride contamination is dependent on the nature of the rocks and the occurrence of fluoride-bearing minerals in groundwater. Fluorosis is a worldwide health problem and is endemic in some areas where fluoride content is high in drinking water. In our city, Isparta, which is located in the southwest part of Turkey, fluoride content of natural drinking water is high in some parts of the city. As a result, fluorosis is still endemic in some parts of our city [3]. According to Isparta Health Organization data, the mean fluoride level in drinking water was 2.74±064 ppm in the endemic fluorosis region and 0.53±0.06 mg/dl in the non-endemic region [3]. The effect of chronic F exposure on the cardiovascular system in human being is a missing issue. In our previous two studies, we have examined the effect of chronic F exposure on the cardiovascular system of endemic fluorosis patients living in endemic fluorosis area in our province. We have shown that aortic elasticity and left ventricular diastolic and global functions were impaired in patients with endemic fluorosis [4, 5]. The assessment of aortic stiffness which is calculated from pulsatile changes in ascending aorta by echocardiography is an important determinant of vascular changes and left ventricular function. Aortic stiffness is a marker of cardiovascular disease including hypertension and/or an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality All patients were selected according to Wang criteria, as described by Wang et al.: (1) living in the endemic fluorosis region since birth, (2) having mottled tooth enamel, indicating dental fluorosis, (3) consuming water with fluoride levels above 1.2 mg/l (normal 1 mg/l), and (4) a urine fluoride level greater than 1.5 mg/l. (normal <1.5 mg/l) [6]. The mean ages were 33.9±8.6 and 32.7± 8.8 years old, respectively, in our two studies. We have also looked at systolic and diastolic blood pressures of patients in these two studies. There were no significant differences between fluorosis patients and the controls with respect to the systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Perhaps low-dose chronic F toxicity does not reach to significant level to affect blood pressure in endemic fluorosis patients. All systolic and diastolic blood pressures values were in normal range as in study by Amini et al. Although F induces an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure on laboratory animals in experimental level, there is no clear evidence that this entity is not absolutely true in patients with endemic fluorosis. Hypertension is a complex disease. Perhaps low-dose E. Varol (*) Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey e-mail: drercanvarol@yahoo.com

Hydrogeochemistry, water quality and health risk assessment of water resources contaminated by agricultural activities in Korkuteli (Antalya, Turkey) district center

Groundwater is a major water source for drinking, domestic and agricultural activities in the Korkuteli district. However, the intensive agricultural activities in the region negatively affect the groundwater quality. In this study, 30 water samples were collected from springs, wells, and tap waters in dry and wet seasons. Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Mg-Ca-HCO3 were dominant water types in the study area. According to the Gibbs diagrams, which were prepared to determine the mechanism controlling the groundwater geochemistry, samples from both seasons fell in the rock-dominance zone. The water quality index indicates the increase of ion concentrations due to the agricultural effect along with the rainwater in the region. Also, according to WHO standards, water samples are not appropriate to use as drinking water in terms of the heavy metal and fertilizers analysis results. In terms of the irrigation usage, most groundwater samples are suitable in dry and wet seasons. According to HCO3 and SO4 results, the mentioned samples can induce incrustation on metal surfaces and therefore are not recommended for industrial use. Groundwater chemistry in the study area is affected with water-rock interaction and dense agricultural activities. In conclusion, the study area is at high risk in terms of the health risk assessment.

Effect on human health of the arsenic pollution and hydrogeochemistry of the Yazır Lake wetland (Çavdır-Burdur/Turkey)

In this study, the physicochemical parameters, major ions and arsenic (As) contents of water resources in the Yazır lake wetland, were evaluated. In addition, water resources in this region were investigated from the point of water quality and health risk assessment. Thirty water samples were collected from the area in dry and wet seasons. Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Ca-HCO3 were the dominant water types. The Gibbs diagram suggests that most of the samples fall in rock-dominance zone, which indicates the groundwater interaction between rock chemistry. When compared to drinking water guidelines established by World Health Organization and Turkey, much greater attention should be paid to As, Fe, and Mn through varied chemicals above the critical values. According to the pH-ORP diagram, the predominant species is arsenate (H2AsO4−2). The high concentrations of As in the surface water and groundwater are related to oxidative and reductive dissolution reaction of Fe and Mn hydroxides within the Kızılcadağ ophiolite and melange. In addition, the seasonal changes in As concentrations depend on the increase in pH of water samples. The major toxic and carcinogenic chemical within water samples is As for groundwater and surface water. From the results of hazard index, it is verified that As which is taken by ingestion of water was the main contaminant, and toxic human risk in the study area. The obtained results will help define strategies for As problems in the water resources in future.