This study identifies the major geochemical processes that regulate groundwater quality in the Hombolo catchment to make it suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes. The major cations and anion concentrations were used to develop the major geochemical processes governing the groundwater quality. The major geochemical processes were evaluated using historical data gathered from 1983 to 2018. The developed geochemical processes indicated the mineral dissolution, ion exchange and evaporation were the dominant that influence groundwater quality in the catchment using mole ratio concept and Gibbs diagram. The suitability of groundwater for irrigation was evaluated using the permeability index (PI), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and percentage soluble sodium (PSS) while the suitability of groundwater for drinking was evaluated using the water quality index (WQI). The sodicity indicated to have the average SAR of 5.16 as excellent class, average PSS of 50.89 as permissible to good class and average PI of 74.47 as suitable class level. The groundwater for drinking use indicated the WQI of 104 as poor class level. The groundwater is suitable for irrigation activities but the quality for drinking is deteriorating with time.

In many parts of the world, artisanal and small-scale gold mines (ASGM) employed numbers of people compared to large-scale mines. The ASGM has been played a crucial role in poverty alleviation and rural development, particularly in developing countries. The mined ore is crushed and ground for beneficiation of gold. The grinding process involved the size reduction of blasted materials to acquire minerals of interest. This paper presents the size distribution of hand-crushed for blasted materials using sieve analysis and digital image processing. The sieve test results for hand-crushed blasted material of three muck-piles were ranged between 17 mm and 36 mm that is equivalent to 20% and 80% passings respectively, with an average of 26 mm. The digital image processing results were about 19.8 mm for 20% passing and 58 mm for 80% passing, with an average of 36.06 mm. The hand-crushed provided a wide range of material distribution than the required size in the grinding unit and increased oversize by 18%. The hand-crushed of blasted materials provides different sizes distribution leading to increase the residence time and power consumption of the grinding units.

Climate change, driven by increased rainfall variability and rising temperatures, exacerbates water scarcity and significantly affects household water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. In response, households often adopt coping mechanisms that, while intended to conserve water, may result in reduced hygiene and sanitation practices, thereby increasing exposure to health risks. In the Bahi Swamp sub-basin of Tanzania, acute water scarcity prevails due to semi-arid climate conditions, climate change, and inadequate water management, posing significant threats to local livelihoods. To assess household water scarcity, coping strategies, challenges, and measures for sustainable water management, a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 260 households. The results indicate that most households experience persistent water shortages, causing conflicts over water use. Most households (92%) adopted coping strategies such as purchasing water, storing water, reducing daily consumption, rainwater harvesting, and switching water sources; however, some of these strategies may increase the risk of water-borne diseases and negatively affect overall wellbeing. Rainwater harvesting could serve as an effective strategy for addressing domestic water scarcity. Lack of knowledge and training, and financial constraints are key challenges to sustainable water resource management. Crucial measures include improved access to training and resources, along with financial support or subsidies.