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BMW Group concludes year marked by corona pandemic with strong fourth quarter and leads premium segment worldwide
12.01.2021: ...for 17th consecutive year BMW Group sells 2,324,809 units in 2020 (-8.4%) - BMW Q4 sales up 4.3% from previous year (600,799 vehicles) - Sales of electrified vehicles increase by a
...for 17th consecutive year
BMW Group sells 2,324,809 units in 2020 (-8.4%)
- BMW Q4 sales up 4.3% from previous year (600,799 vehicles)
- Sales of electrified vehicles increase by a third (+31.8%)
- As promised: BMW Group meets EU CO2 fleet targets in 2020
- Pieter Nota: "Responded to the effects of the corona pandemic with agility in sales management and production. Have overfulfilled EU CO2 fleet targets with under 100 g/km." ·
The BMW Group once again confirmed its position as the world's leading premium automotive manufacturer last year, with a total of 2,324,809 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles (-8.4%) delivered to customers worldwide.
686,069 vehicles were sold at Group level in the fourth quarter, an increase of three percent (+3.2%) year-on-year. Sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles climbed almost 40 percent (38.9%) compared to the previous year, reflecting strong customer interest in this drive train variant.
"We responded to the effects of the corona pandemic with great agility in sales management and production. As a result, we succeeded in concluding the year with a strong fourth quarter and once again we lead the premium segment worldwide," underlined Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales.
"Thanks to our Efficient Dynamics technologies and the more than 135,000 electrified vehicles we delivered in Europe, we overfulfilled our CO2 fleet targets in the EU and were even able to go below the mandatory limit by a few grams," Nota continued.
Consistent and rapid adaptation of sales channels
Due to the corona pandemic and the desire of customers for the sales process to be as contactless as possible, the BMW Group systematically pushed ahead with digitalization last year: Sales representatives in more than 60 markets are now able to advise customers and sell vehicles regardless of their location.
They can configure vehicles together using a shared screen, for instance, or give customers a live demonstration of the cars they have in stock.
In a second step, the company has extensively implemented the sales process online for its retail partners in key markets via its high-traffic websites and will roll out this offering in additional markets in 2021.
Strong performance by models in high-end luxury segment
The BMW brand finished the year with a total of 2,028,659 (-7.2%) vehicles delivered to customers worldwide. A significant contribution was made by the strong performance of the models in the upper luxury segment, which increased by 12.4 percent year-on-year to a total of 115,420 units thanks to the 7 Series, 8 Series and BMW X7. Sales of these highly profitable models have increased by more than 70 percent overall since 2018.
Sales of electrified vehicles up more than 30 percent, demonstrating growth in electromobility
As an e-mobility pioneer, the BMW Group sold a total of 192,646 electrified BMW and MINI vehicles worldwide last year – an increase of a third (+31.8%) over 2019.
This means that electromobility is also a significant growth driver for the company in absolute terms. Sales of fully electric vehicles rose by 13 percent, while plug-in hybrid sales climbed by almost 40 percent. In Europe, electrified vehicles already accounted for 15 percent of total sales.
The BMW Group has now increased the number of electrified vehicles (pure electric and plug-in hybrid) in its line-up to 13 models, which are available in 74 markets around the globe. By 2023, the BMW Group plans to almost double its line-up to 25 electrified vehicles, of which more than half will be fully electric.
The introduction of the pure-electric MINI* and BMW iX3* last year will be followed in 2021 by the start of production for the fully electric BMW iX in Dingolfing and the BMW i4 in Munich.
BMW M GmbH defies current challenges to report most successful year in its almost 50-year history
With sales growth of six percent (144,218 vehicles delivered), BMW M GmbH once again closes the past year as the most successful in its history. Especially the high-performance models in the X series including the new X6 M50i* contributed to BMW M's sales success.
Last year, both the new BMW M3 and the BMW M4 celebrated their world premieres and both models will be launched in the first quarter of this year.
MINI ELECTRIC and John Cooper Works models especially in high demand
In a challenging year and an extremely competitive segment, MINI brand sales reached 292,394 units (-15.8%) in 2020. The fully electric MINI ELECTRIC*, with 17,580 vehicles sold, and the John Cooper Works models, with a total of 20,565 units (+20.8%) sold, were particularly popular with customers.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: remarkable performance in an extraordinary year
In 2020, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars sold a total of 3,756 motor cars (-26.4%). This result was achieved despite the absence of the marque's best-selling model, Ghost, from the market, in anticipation of the introduction of a new model which arrived at the end of the year. Customer demand remained strong across all models, with Bespoke commissions at record levels.
The highlight of the year was the launch of new Ghost, to universal acclaim from customers, the media and the wider public alike. Orders for the new model have resulted in a strong order book, filled well into the second half of 2021. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars continues to strive for long-term sustainable growth.
BMW Motorrad posts second-best sales figures in its history
Despite the challenges resulting from the pandemic, BMW Motorrad was able to deliver 169,272 motorcycles and scooters to customers in 2020 and achieved the second-best sales figures in its history.
This achievement underpins BMW Motorrad's successful growth strategy. Guarantor for the positive result was the market launch of thirteen new models as well as the strong BMW Motorrad product portfolio.
BMW & MINI sales in the regions/markets
BMW Group sales in China were seven percent (7.4%) higher than the previous year, with a total of 777,379 BMW and MINI vehicles delivered to customers. This is the BMW Group's best-ever annual sales result in China since entering the market in 1994. The company's fifth-largest market, South Korea, reported a significant sales increase of a third (+30.5%), compared to the previous year, with 69,872 units sold.
The BMW Group sold a total of 306,870 units (-18.0%) in the US last year. In a challenging environment dominated by the coronavirus pandemic, the recovery in consumer demand, combined with close and efficient cooperation with dealers, delivered a strong fourth quarter.
In Europe, in an extraordinary year marked by retail restrictions, total BMW and MINI sales were nearly sixteen per cent (912,621 units) below the previous year. In its home market of Germany, the BMW Group recorded a decline of 13.3% (287,143 units).
BMW Group sales in Q4/YTD December 2020 at a glance
In connection with a review of its sales and related reporting practices, BMW Group reviewed prior period retail vehicle delivery data and determined that certain vehicle deliveries were not reported in the correct periods. Further information can be found in BMW Group's 2019 Annual Report on page 54. As an update of the information given there, BMW Group has revised the data on vehicle deliveries retrospectively going back to 2015 in its sixteen most significant markets.
1In connection with a review of its sales and related reporting practices, BMW Group reviewed prior period retail vehicle delivery data and determined that certain vehicle deliveries were not reported in the correct periods. Further information can be found in BMW Group's 2019 Annual Report on page 54. As an update of the information given there, BMW Group has revised the data on vehicle deliveries retrospectively going back to 2015 in its sixteen most significant markets.
The figures reported in this release are preliminary and subject to change until the presentation of the Annual Report 2020.
Christina Hepe, photos BMW
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Entire Programs
CarolinaCast
After a decade of lobbying, UNC Latinx community gets its own center
By Patsy Montesinos
Michael Sosa, Mi Pueblo's President, stands in the space for the new Latinx Center on UNC's campus. (Patsy Montesinos/Carolina Connection).
UNC has many cultural centers on its campus, but the Latinx community has never had designated space just for them. Now, after advocating for more than a decade, Latinx students, faculty, and staff have gained exactly that.
Patsy Montesinos has the story.
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UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
©2020 School of Media and Journalism, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Deepening the harbor is essential to meet the needs of larger cargo ships transiting the Suez and Panama Canals as those vessels deliver cargo to JAXPORT terminals. A 47-foot depth for the federal channel will position JAXPORT as the first U.S. East Coast port of call for fully loaded New Panamax class vessels.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) conducted a comprehensive, years-long economic, engineering and environmental study of the project. In June 2017, JAXPORT's Board of Directors allocated the first phase of port funding to the USACE for construction and environmental monitoring.
More information about the Harbor Deepening project is available on the USACE website.


More than just a name...It's the Power you Need!
PowerJet doesn't strive for light-weight products, they build the best frames in the industry. PowerJet uses heavy gauge steel, laser cut and computer bent in their own factory then welded and machined to fine tolerances. Mounting bolts and axels get welded into place and holes are tapped, so you'll never swear at our equipment while doing maintenance Everything gets dipped in corrosion inhibitors before receiving a thick, 3mm powder coat finish that is baked on.
The same care goes into building the coils, using state of the art computer controlled equipment to ensure there are no kinks or restrictioins. Coils are fusion welded, a process that acheives 100% penetration. Every coil pancake is structurally braced to prevent wear and welded to the one before for. This attentioin to detail means most coils have a lifetime warranty.
PowerJet uses the best, highest quality components in the world. Wayne burners, General and PJ pumps, and Honda, Kohler and Kubota engines. This means that parts are easy to come by, so your downtime over the life of a PowerJet washer is kept to a minumum. Maintenace is easy, too. with well designed frames and cabinets with tip-ahead shrouds that flip out of the way for easy access to all components.
Dial 605-543-5800 and we'll walk you through the reasons to buy a PowerJet Pressure Washer from Master Blaster.


FA444-12DS employs the newest in electronics and valving system and includes a 4" Deck Plate.
Please Note: Drain and Under Sink Mixing Valve are Sold Separately. To purchase these items, please see section "Accessories" or mixing valve options . ADA Compliant. Heavy Duty Lavatory Automatic Sensor Faucet, Solid Brass, Generally Suitable for Heavy/Medium Traffic Commercial and Residential Applications. Package Includes: Faucet, FA444 Automator, One Stainless Steel Hose, 4" Deck Plate, Mounting Hardware, 4 DURACELL Brand AA Batteries Pre-installed, 1 Year Warranty.
Sensor is digital plug and play type which requires no setup or programming. The FA444-12 sensor incorporates "Human Feel logic" in its design. The result is a faucet that starts faster, stops slower, and adds to the overall user experience. Solenoid valve is a high efficiency chrome plated solid brass valve with 50 mesh particle filter built in. 4 Duracell brand AA batteries are pre-installed for convenience. The mixing valve (also optional equipment) is nickel plated solid brass with back flow preventers which inhibits commingling of hot and cold water in the plumbing system. Packaged in a very professional custom package to insure that the product arrives to the client in good condition.


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Hundreds die in flooding in Nigeria
By Guardian Exclusive
20 September 2018 | 1:15 pm
Floods across 10 states of Nigeria have killed 100 people, a spokesman for the country's emergency and disasters agency said on Monday (September 17). Heavy rains in recent days has resulted in a national disaster in four states - Kogi, Niger, Anambra and Delta, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said.
Guardian Exclusive
National Emergency Management Agency
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Water bottles rain down on far-right candidate Zemmour during visit to Parisian 'crack camp'
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Peakland Baptist has many connections, but remains an independent-minded church in many ways. We are a congregation comprised of people from many denominational backgrounds who cherish the freedom and theological openness of this church where we search for God's will together.
Peakland Baptist Church currently has four denominational affiliations:
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA (original), COOPERATIVE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP (beginning in 1995), , the BAPTIST GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF VIRGINIA, and the ALLIANCE OF BAPTIST
These affiliations have been chosen as they each reflect the historical Baptist identity with a strong emphasis on the priesthood of the believer. Each organization holds as core values the basic Baptist principles of Soul Freedom, Bible Freedom, Church Freedom, and Religious Freedom.
We believe that by aligning with these groups, we as a church can have a broader impact on the world as Christians through missions, education, and resources.
As a church, we also independently support numerous missions, both globally and nearer to home. Many of our mission connections have been established based on the passions and involvement of individual members. We currently support more than 30 mission groups as part of our budget
(see our Ministries page). Our individual members are actively involved in these missions as well. Locally, we have been supporters of Interfaith Outreach and Churches for Urban Ministry almost since their inception. We also are actively involved with the Rivermont Food Pantry, the Central Virginia Free Clinic, Rebuilding Together, Habitat for Humanity and many others. Globally, we support the Mercy Care Center in Nairobi Kenya, the Tanzania Student Ministry, and the Gimbie Mission Project in Ethiopia. These are just a representative sampling of our wide ranging mission connections.


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Mr. Steve Farier, General Manager, TDC Financial Services Company Limited appointed Bankers and Financial Services Association of St. Kitts and Nevis President
The TDC Group of Companies congratulates Mr. Steve Farier, General Manager, TDC Financial Services Company Limited, on his
Press Releases Bankers Association, Finance, Financial Services, Steve Farier, TDC Financial Services Company Limited TDC Marketing
The TDC Group of Companies congratulates Mr. Steve Farier, General Manager, TDC Financial Services Company Limited, on his appointment as President of the Bankers and Financial Services Association of St. Kitts and Nevis.
He brings to the post a wealth of knowledge, with over fifteen (15) years of experience, having succeeded Mr. Chad Allen, Manager (St. Kitts Operations) of The Bank of Nevis, (formally Royal Bank of Canada).
Mr. Farier holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Financial Analysis and Fund Management from the University of Exeter (UK) and is a Certified Residential Underwriter (CRU),as well as, a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS).
According to Mr. Farier, "It is with tremendous gratitude that I accept this new challenge. The BFSA aims to preserve a sound banking system by increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of banking services within St. Kitts and Nevis. We all know the crucial role that financial institutions play in our everyday personal and business lives. Hence, by promoting the general welfare and usefulness of banking, the BFSA acts as the primary outside resource for its members in accomplishing their goals and objectives."
We wish Mr. Farier continued success in his endeavours, as he continues to make his contribution to advancement of the financial services sector in the Federation and the wider Caribbean region.
The BFSA is comprised of representatives from each of the following financial institutions: TDC Financial Services Company Ltd, St. Kitts Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Ltd, The Bank of Nevis Ltd, Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis Ltd., Republic Bank (EC) Ltd., and CIBC First Caribbean International Bank.
Picture – Mr. Steve Farier, General Manager, TDC Financial Services Company Limited
TDC Group of Companies hosts COVID19 Vaccine Staff Sensitization Session and Clinic
As part of its COVID19 response agenda, the executive and management team of the TDC Group of Companies
Press Releases Corona Virus, COVID19, COVID19 in St. Kitts and Nevis, Earle Kelly, Employees, Nurse, Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, Sensitization, Staff, tdc, TDC Group, TDC Group Chairman, TDC Group of Companies, Vaccine TDC Marketing
As part of its COVID19 response agenda, the executive and management team of the TDC Group of Companies has taken another proactive step towards educating its staff about the COVID19 vaccination programme presently ongoing in the Federation.
On Thursday 1st April 2021, by invitation, Mrs Latoya Matthew-Duncan, Nutrition Surveillance Coordinator, in the Health Promotion Unit of Ministry of Health, made an informative presentation to a wide cross section of the staff at the TDC Training Room on Fort Street in Basseterre.
Immediately following the well-received session, a Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic led by Nurse Williams-Campbell from the Community Health Services Unit and her team, Nurses Warner, Bussue, and Hodge administered the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.
The first dose was administered to Mr. Earle Kelly, Group Chairman, followed by senior managers and other staff who willingly volunteered to receive their jab to protect themselves from contracting the deadly disease.
According to Mr. Kelly, "the COVID-19 vaccination program, like all similar programs in the past is very important to ensure the protection and long-term health and well-being of our staff, customers, and by extension their families."
He further added, "We have strongly encouraged all our staff to take full advantage of the opportunity to attend today's session. TDC continues to play our part in achieving the seventy percent (70%) target, in the short term, to return to normalcy and re-open the economy fully."
The staff in attendance praised the timely initiative and many are eagerly looking forward to receiving their second dose in the coming weeks.
A similar session is already being organized for the staff on Nevis in partnership with the Health Promotion Unit (HPU).
Picture – Mr. Earle Kelly, TDC Group Chairman/CEO poses with his COVID19 Vaccination Card after receiving his Oxford Astra Zeneca COVID19 Vaccination
TDC Home and Building Depots to host their Annual Farmers Market
As part of their ongoing support for the local farming community, the TDC Home and Building Depots in
Press Releases Agriculture, farmers, Farmers Market, Farmers Month, Lawn and Garden TDC Marketing
As part of their ongoing support for the local farming community, the TDC Home and Building Depots in St. Kitts and Nevis will host their annual Farmers Markets on Saturday 27th March 2021.
The mini marketplace will be open to customers who patronise the stores on the Frigate Bay Road in Basseterre or at Pinney's Industrial Estate in Charlestown to purchase a wide variety of fresh farm produce and ornamental plants, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The activity forms part of the companies' Farmers' Appreciation Month initiative and is designed to reward and show solidarity with the farming fraternity, with an emphasis on promoting the 'eat local' message, food security, and import substitution.
Complementing the outdoor activity will be the on-going discount sale on lawn and garden supplies, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment for not only bona fide farmers but for all persons involved in agriculture.
Over the four (4) week period field representatives from the TDC Agro Divisions have been visiting and interacting with farmers, along with other persons involved in crop production to find ways to better meet and serve their needs.


I'm Karteek. I would love to call myself a technology enthusiast and a philomath (a seeker of knowledge and facts). And, this is the place where I'm trying to document my journey of my learnings. As I'm a techie working for a technology company, my learnings end up mostly being about technology. And much less about exciting adventures.
I solve problems professionally and for fun. I enjoy programming challenges from ProjectEuler and more recently from HackerRank. I spend time reading about new things at HN and taking pictures when I get to travel. You can find me at @karteek or mail me [at] my domain name.


text:
Willian Borges da Silva
BornAugust 9, 1988
NationalityBrazil
RoleWinger / Attacking midfielder
Relation(s)Vanessa Martins (Spouse), Valentina, Manuella (Daughters), Borges (Mother)
Willian Borges da Silva Biography
Willian Borges da Silva popularly known as Willian is a Brazilian footballer, born on 9th August 1988 at Ribeirao Pires near Sao Paulo. The right-footed footballer plays in both wings for his national team and Chelsea. Sometimes, he dons the attacking midfielder role.
During a local match against Corinthians, 9-year-old Willian impressed the famous Brazilian club and was snapped by them. Spending eight years in the youth set-up, Willian was handed out his first senior-team appearance against Fluminense in Brazilian Série A in November 2006.
Willian was included in the Brazilian U-20 side for the 2007 South American Youth Championship. He was rewarded with a first XI start against Juventude in May 2007.
Although he spent only 91 minutes on the field in three matches in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Willian hogged the attention of European clubs. In August 2007, Willian joined Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk at 14 million Euro.
He blossomed in the second season as his dynamic quality rallied Shakhtar to win the UEFA Cup title and domestic cup in 2008.
Willian acquired his maiden international cap in a friendly match against Gabon as a 72nd-minute substitution in November 2011.
Three days later, the Brazilian came in as a 75th –minute replacement in his second game against Egypt.
Rise to Glory
Willian put up a decent performance in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification notching three goals and seven assists in 13 matches.
William performed really well in 2014-15 and he soared high with 11 goals and 10 assists in 2015-16, making him Chelsea's Player of the year.
In the first-leg of the UEFA Champions' League Last 16 match against Barcelona, Willian led Chelsea from the front scoring one goal in February 2018.
He was denied woodwork twice within the space of eight minutes in the first half.
Willian was dropped from the Brazil squad for 2 years failing to leave any mark after two matches. In the 2014 FIFA World Cup on his home soil, Willian got hardly any chance to prove his worth playing only 150 minutes in seven matches.
He missed a penalty in the shoot-out against Chile in the round of 16 clash. Willian could not take the responsibility in the absence of Neymar as both Brazil and Willian suffered a disappointing 2016 Copa America Centenario campaign.
Willian captained Brazil in a solitary international friendly against Japan in November 2017 and brushed aside Japan by 3-1.
Willian played for Corinthians one and half years before moving to Shakhtar Donetsk in mid-2007.
In his six-year-stint at the club he notched 37 goals and 63 assists in 221 games winning twelve trophies for them.
In January 2013, he signed at Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala for a 35 million Euro but only to join Chelsea seven months later at the same amount. He inspired the English giant to win two EPLs and one League Cup.
What channel is Arsenal vs Chelsea? Live streaming details, TV channel, Kick off time and team news
Arsenal legend Ian Wright urges Mikel Arteta to play youngsters ahead of underperforming trio
"A shadow of his former self" - Merson slams Arsenal's Willian for sub-par performances
Arsenal News Roundup: Gunners legend slams recruitment policy, defender attracting interest from Barcelona, and more - 20th December 2020
Arsenal star Willian targeted by Real Betis – Reports
Jose Mourinho reveals he didn't pursue Willian because Tottenham Hotspur couldn't match Arsenal's wage offer
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta more obsessed with tactics than Chelsea's Frank Lampard, according to Willian
Arteta needs time and Arsenal must stick with him
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Arsenal 0-3 Aston Villa: Gunners' Player Ratings as they are humbled at home | Premier League 2020-21
Mikel Arteta's big decision: Should Willian or Pepe start for Arsenal against Manchester United?
Tony Adams claims Hector Bellerin is weak link in Arsenal defence
Arsenal: Confirmed signings and departures in the summer transfer window
Former Liverpool keeper David James tips Arsenal as shock contenders for Premier League title
Danny Murphy predicts where Manchester United and Arsenal will finish this season
The last 5 players to move from Chelsea to Arsenal
Willian reveals David Luiz's role in Arsenal move
Top 4 players your football club could sign for free this summer
Reports: Arsenal 'offered' Philippe Coutinho by Barcelona after wrapping up deal to sign Willian
What can Arsenal expect from Willian?


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Hannah Stanley fills in with special guest Fred Weintraub as her co-host, along with Roger Badesch and Producer Curtis Koch to have a night of fun. During the first hour Hannah and Fred talk about their love for Barry Manilow and discuss the latest news around the Royal Family in the United Kingdom. Then in hour number 2, the gang talks about the top blizzards in Chicago history. Later Hannah is joined by Larry Jorgensen, the author of The Coca-Cola Trail to talk about the history of the company. Finally a good health discussion with Dr. Erin Schutte, to talk about screen time for your kids and the Flu shot.


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Newsroom Home / Audiences / Common Good / SEBS Researcher Creates Algorithms to Predict Arsenic Contamination in Private Wells in New Jersey
SEBS Researcher Creates Algorithms to Predict Arsenic Contamination in Private Wells in New Jersey
January 11, 2023 by Office of Communications
Tags: Common Good
Software uses machine learning to detect "hot spots" in three west-central counties
Despite the risks to human health, testing for arsenic isn't required for most private drinking wells in New Jersey. To help address this regulatory gap, a Rutgers researcher developed a machine learning model that can estimate arsenic contamination in private wells without the need to sample the water itself.
"New Jersey has many naturally occurring arsenic sources, which can elevate the arsenic concentration in groundwater," said Subhasis Giri, an assistant research professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources and lead author of the study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. "Our work contributes to the understanding of this human health risk by revealing the sources of arsenic concentration in private drinking water wells, which will in turn help with mitigation."
Arsenic occurs in both organic and inorganic forms. Natural sources are rocks, soils and water, while anthropogenic sources include pesticides, wood preservatives, mining and the smelting of arsenic-containing minerals. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of arsenic in drinking water can cause serious health consequences, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
To identify arsenic hotspots in three countries in west-central New Jersey (Hunterdon, Somerset and Morris), Giri and colleagues at Columbia University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology developed a computer model that uses machine learning to predict the likelihood that a private well is contaminated with unsafe arsenic levels.
The first step was to analyze data from 2,626 private wells collected between 2011 and 2019 by Raritan Headwaters, a conservation group that works in the Raritan River watershed. Of these wells, 496 had arsenic concentrations at or above 5 micrograms per liter, the maximum level allowed by the state in public drinking water systems. These data were plotted on a map using well locations.
Next, the researchers developed machine-learning algorithms to determine what contributes to higher arsenic concentrations. Factors included geological bedrock type, soil type, drainage class, land use cover, the presence of orchards, known contamination and abandoned mines within 500-feet of each well.
With this multilayered data set, Giri compared predicted arsenic levels with actual levels from the Raritan Headwaters' samples.
"We found that the primary source of arsenic is from geology rather than human activities," Giri said.
For instance, basalt, a common rock type throughout the study area, is made of minerals with high concentrations of arsenic that can leach into groundwater. The second most significant contributor was soil type, followed by land use, he said.
Two models were created, achieving 55 percent and 66 percent accuracy, respectively.
Most public water supplies in the U.S. are regulated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, but private wells are often unregulated. In 2001, the New Jersey Private Well Testing Act was introduced, yet it only requires mandatory testing when a property is bought or sold or if the well is used by tenants.
Of the roughly 400,000 private wells in New Jersey, as many as 80 percent are unmonitored for water quality, the researchers found. Giri said computer models such as the ones he developed can help identify areas of higher arsenic risk, giving well owners additional information when planning their testing strategy.
"The ability to map potential 'hot spots' of elevated arsenic concentration facilitates efforts to target well testing programs and to implement solutions," said Giri. "Testing well quality puts a financial burden on owners, and tools like our modeling software can be cost-effective ways to help balance risk."
Richard G. Lathrop, director of the Rutgers Grant F. Walton Center for Remote Sensing & Spatial Analysis, and Christopher C. Obropta, director of the New Jersey Water Resources Research Institute at Rutgers, and researchers from Columbia University, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Raritan Headwaters contributed to the study.
Editor's Note: this article originally appeared in Rutgers Today.
Filed Under: Common Good, Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Faculty, Research, SEBS, SEBS Departments
Rutgers climatologists, across New Jersey and the world (like Brooke Maslo) are preparing humans to live in a changing environment, as rising sea levels and extreme weather impact our ways of life. At Rutgers, we are helping urban communities, suburban communities, rural communities, farming communities and shore communities live with today's reality and prepare for tomorrow.
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