Water scarcity in the hill tract districts of Bangladesh becomes acute in the dry season as most of the streams, the primary source of water, dry up. However, groundwater, where available, can supply water throughout the year. In this study, a total of 37 water samples were collected and analyzed from shallow (34) and deep (3) wells in Khagrachhari Sadar to assess their geochemical type and suitability for drinking using a multiparameter groundwater quality index (GWQI), as well as their suitability for irrigation uses using the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), sodium percentage (SP), and the Riverside and Wilcox classifications. The physicochemical parameters of the groundwater were characterized by relatively low EC, low pH, positive redox potentials (Eh) in millivolts, and mostly soft water. Shallow wells were dominated by Ca–HCO₃- and Ca–Na–HCO₃-type water, and deep wells by Na–HCO₃-type water. Among major and trace ions, there were higher concentrations, exceeding safe water standards, of HCO₃⁻ in deep wells and NO₃⁻, Fe²⁺, and Mn²⁺ in shallow wells. Irrigation water quality assessments and GWQI results reveal that most shallow wells can be considered good and safe options for both drinking and irrigation, while groundwater from deep wells requires additional caution prior to use for agricultural purposes.

Introduction: Parasitic diseases and Tuberculosis were shown to be the risk factor for each other. Co-infection of visceral leishmaniasis and pulmonary tuberculosis are increasing public health problem now a days especially in developing countries. More than 81% of cases and deaths from TB are in developing countries and is aggravated by concurrency with parasitic diseases. Objective: To find out the occurrence of Leishmaniasis amongst Tuberculosis (TB) patients of Kala-azar endemic areas admitted to Surya Kanto (SK) Hospital, Mymensingh. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Infectious and Tropical Disease Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital from January 2014 to Decmber 2016. A total 176 TB patients reported from Kala-azar endemic areas admitted were included. For confirmation of diagnosis all cases of TB were sent for Gene expert before that relevant tests like CBC (Complete Blood Count), X-ray chest, Mantoux test, Smear tests were done. After having confirmed all the TB cases were investigated for Kala-azar. Venous blood was collected for buffy coat and serum for ELISA. All 176 patients’ blood were tested with ICT(rK39) for VL. There after splenic aspiration were done with full aseptic preparation for only those who were ICT positive. Smears were prepared and viewed under microscope with 10x 100 magnification. After that all these cases were tested by ELISA. Results: A total of 176 TB patients were selected in this study of which 120(68.1%) were male and male-female ratio was 2.1: 1, the mean age was 43.06 years. Among patients 87.49% were within 16 to 60 years of age that means within productive age of life are infected more with TB. In terms of education 79.10%(139) patients were below Secondary level, that revealed the illiterate and or less literate people were affected more by TB. Maximum patient’s family 132(74.99%) had monthly income up to 10,000.00 BDT (125 US$)i.e. the poorer people of the area. Out of 176 patients Smear positive TB cases were 170(97.41%) but By Gene Xpert all 176 patients were found positive. The blood sample of 176 patients were tested with ICT rK39 and 12(6.81%) patients were found positive for leishmaniasis who suffered from TB. In splenic smear test 12 patients smear were examined of which 11(91.66%) were positive but by ELISA all 12(100%) were found positive. Conclusion: Visceral leishmaniasis and tuberculosis co-infection have drawn attention to the clinical aspect. In both diseases infection may remain dormant asymptomatic which may be related to immune suppression and may lead to active disease. This study has been able to find out leishmaniasis amongst tuberculosis patients from kala-azar endemic areas of Bangladesh. Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.12(2) 2016: 3-8

This study explores the formation of anthropogenic conglomeratic rock caused by the lithification of fluvial sediment through calcium leaching from historical paper mill sludge (PMS) deposits near Penicuik, Scotland. Calcium-rich waste generated by historic paper mill activities accumulated along the stream bank, resulting in localized cementation of sediment. Field observations identified lithified stream bed deposits beneath the PMS heaps, where natural sedimentary clasts were bound by calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). Microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) revealed that the cementing material is predominantly calcite. This was further corroborated by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), confirming a calcite-rich mineralogical composition. Stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O) suggested a mixed carbon source, with approximately 40% derived from atmospheric CO₂ and 60% from lithogenic origins, highlighting complex geochemical processes. The results demonstrate that calcium ions (Ca²⁺) leached from PMS dissolved into pore water, subsequently migrating into adjacent fluvial sediments. This facilitated the precipitation of calcite, binding sediment grains into a cohesive structure and forming an anthropogenic conglomerate. This process mimics natural lithification mechanisms but occurs at the Earth's surface over significantly shorter timescales, bridging natural and anthropogenic geological systems. This anthropogenic lithification challenges conventional sedimentary rock classifications and has broader implications for waste management, pollutant immobilization, and carbon sequestration. By illustrating the interaction of industrial waste with natural sedimentary environments, the study emphasizes human influence on geological processes and provides insights into the evolving role of industrial byproducts in shaping modern sedimentary systems.

This study investigates the formation mechanisms of anthropogenic tufa deposits resulting from the chemical breakdown of legacy paper mill sludge (PMS) at the former Dalmore Paper Mill site in Auchendinny, Scotland. Tufa, a form of calcium carbonate (CaCO ₃ ), typically forms in natural freshwater environments; however, this research explores its precipitation through interactions between alkaline industrial waste (PMS) and atmospheric CO ₂ . Field and laboratory analyses were carried out to assess the geochemical characteristics of the stream water, as well as the mineralogical and isotopic composition of the associated tufa deposits. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that PMS is composed predominantly of calcite, while tufa samples also contain minor amounts of quartz and kaolinite. Stream water measurements indicated alkaline conditions (pH 8.27–8.98) and elevated calcium concentrations, with calcite saturation indices suggesting conditions favourable for carbonate precipitation. Stable isotope analysis of tufa deposits (δ ¹³ C −24.62‰ to −13.74‰; δ ¹⁸ O −17.50‰ to −7.66‰) revealed a dominant contribution from atmospheric CO ₂ , confirming a precipitation mechanism driven by CO ₂ ingassing and hydroxylation reactions. The results support a model where rainwater infiltrates PMS heaps, leaching calcium into stream waters. As these calcium‐rich waters mix with atmospheric CO ₂ , supersaturation occurs, leading to rapid calcite precipitation. The resulting tufa deposits exhibit laminated structures and high porosity, indicating episodic deposition under variable geochemical conditions. This study provides the first detailed evidence of tufa formation from PMS and suggests that such industrial waste materials can act as carbon sinks, capturing and mineralising atmospheric CO ₂ . These findings expand the understanding of anthropogenic carbonate systems and highlight the potential of PMS as a low‐cost material for environmental remediation and carbon sequestration, supporting sustainable waste management strategies and contributing to climate mitigation goals.