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Burkhardt FK, Hayer JJ, Heinemann C, Steinhoff-Wagner J. Effect of Climatic Condition, Type of Trough and Water Cleanliness on Drinking Behavior in Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:257. [PMID: 38254426 PMCID: PMC10812700 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing ambient temperatures lead to higher water intake and higher risks of microbial growth in cattle troughs. This study aims to analyze drinking water quality and dairy cows' drinking behavior (n = 8081 drinking episodes) on a commercial farm with 135 and 144 lactating cows in two climatic conditions, considering trough type and cleanliness, respectively. Daily video recording was conducted at two trough types (two open troughs, 70 L; two-valve troughs, variable volume of 5-15 L) in the first two hours after feeding (n = 60 days in total) under cold (December 2019-February 2020) and warm ambient temperatures (September 2021). The trough cleaning scheme allowed cows to access either cleaned or uncleaned troughs in each system. Water quality was tested daily and analyzed at the beginning and end of the trials. In warmer ambient temperatures, fewer and-at uncleaned troughs and open troughs-shorter drinking episodes were recorded, with longer but fewer water intake periods, longer drinking breaks, and fewer sips (p < 0.0001). Considering the drinking episodes, respectively, water intake and drinking breaks in number and duration, the number of sips and the number of agonistic behaviors might optimize dairy cow water supply and hygiene management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Katharina Burkhardt
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany;
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (J.J.H.); (C.H.)
| | - Jason Jeremia Hayer
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (J.J.H.); (C.H.)
- Educational and Research Centre for Animal Husbandry Hofgut Neumuehle, 67728 Münchweiler an der Alsenz, Germany
| | - Céline Heinemann
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (J.J.H.); (C.H.)
| | - Julia Steinhoff-Wagner
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany;
- HEF World Agricultural Systems Center, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
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2
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Meng WS, Sui X, Xiao Y, Zou Q, Cui Y, Wang T, Chen Z, Li D. Regulating effects of chlorinated drinking water on cecal microbiota of broiler chicks. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103140. [PMID: 37844529 PMCID: PMC10585633 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, 2 types of drinking water were provided to broiler chicks to evaluate the relationship between the bacterial load of drinking water and cecal microbiota. One type of drinking water was untreated, while the other type was daily treated with sodium dichlorocyanurate (50 mg/L). A total of 240 broiler chicks were divided into 2 groups based on their initial body weight. There were 6 replicates in each group, and each replicate cage contained 20 birds. Each cage was assigned to a different floor of the battery cage. On the final day, water samples were collected from each replicate cage at the opening of the drinking cup height, and one bird was selected from each replicate cage to obtain cecal content samples for measuring microbiota composition using the 16S rRNA technique. We found that drinking water treated with sodium dichlorocyanurate significantly reduced the richness and diversity of microbiota and diminished/disappeared most gram-negative bacteria. Broiler chicks that consumed chlorinated drinking water exhibited changes in the composition of cecal microbiota, with Alistipes serving as the marker species in the cecal content of broiler chicks that consumed untreated water, whereas AF12 served as the marker species in the cecal content of broiler chicks that consumed chlorinated drinking water. Functional prediction using the MetaCyc database and species composition analysis of metabolic pathways showed that changes in 7 metabolic pathways were related to the abundance of Providencia. Therefore, we concluded that chlorinated drinking water reduced the bacterial load in drinking water, thereby altering the cecal microbiota composition and regulating the metabolic activity of broiler chicks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shuang Meng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Xinxin Sui
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Yingying Xiao
- Liaoning Kaiwei Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Qiangqiang Zou
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Tieliang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Zeliang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Desheng Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China.
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3
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Harris AR, Daly SW, Pickering AJ, Mrisho M, Harris M, Davis J. Safe Today, Unsafe Tomorrow: Tanzanian Households Experience Variability in Drinking Water Quality. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:17481-17489. [PMID: 37922469 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Measuring Escherichia coli in a single-grab sample of stored drinking water is often used to characterize drinking water quality. However, if water quality exhibits variability temporally, then one-time measurement schemes may be insufficient to adequately characterize the quality of water that people consume. This study uses longitudinal data collected from 193 households in peri-urban Tanzania to assess variability in stored water quality and to characterize uncertainty with different data collection schemes. Households were visited 5 times over the course of a year. At each visit, information was collected on water management practices, and a sample of stored drinking water was collected for E. coli enumeration. Water quality was poor for households, with 80% having highly contaminated (>100 CFU per 100 mL) water during at least one visit. There was substantial variability of water quality for households, with only 3% of households having the same category (low, medium, or high) of water quality for all five visits. These data suggest a single sample would inaccurately characterize a household's drinking water quality over the course of a year and lead to misestimates of population level access to safe drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Harris
- Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, 915 Partners Way, Campus Box 7908, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Sean W Daly
- Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, 915 Partners Way, Campus Box 7908, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Amy J Pickering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | | | - Michael Harris
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Jennifer Davis
- Environmental Engineering & Science, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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Sawadogo B, Konaté FO, Konaté Y, Traoré O, Sossou SK, Sawadogo E, Sourabié Ouattara PB, Karambiri H. Transfer of Bisphenol A and Trace Metals from Plastic Packaging to Mineral Water in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6908. [PMID: 37887646 PMCID: PMC10606415 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The consumption of packaged water is growing rapidly in both urban and rural centres in Burkina Faso. Bisphenol A (BPA) and trace metals are among the compounds used in the manufacture of plastic packaging, and their presence in water can pose a health risk to consumers due to their alleged toxicity. Therefore, this study explores the transfer of these compounds from plastic packaging to mineral water in Sudano-Sahelian climatic conditions. Ten samples of packaged sachet water commercialised in Ouagadougou were studied. An absence of BPA in the borehole water used to produce packaged water has been shown. The transfer of BPA into mineral water increases with storage temperature. The BPA that appears in packaged water degrades over time. BPA concentrations ranged from 0 to 0.38 mg/L after two weeks of storage, 0 to 0.8 mg/L after four weeks of storage and 0 to 0.35 mg/L after 8 weeks of storage. Analysis of the trace metals showed steadily increasing concentrations from the second to the sixth weeks, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 9.7 µg/L for cadmium and from 0 to 0.13 mg/L for iron in the sachet water samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boukary Sawadogo
- Laboratoire Eaux Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International D’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), 1 Rue de la Science, Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso; (Y.K.); (S.K.S.); (E.S.); (H.K.)
| | - Francis Ousmane Konaté
- Agence Nationale Pour la Sécurité Sanitaire de L’Environnement, de L’Alimentation, du Travail et des Produits de Santé (ANSSEAT), Boulevard des Tensoba, Ouagadougou 09 BP 24, Burkina Faso; (F.O.K.); (O.T.); (P.B.S.O.)
| | - Yacouba Konaté
- Laboratoire Eaux Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International D’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), 1 Rue de la Science, Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso; (Y.K.); (S.K.S.); (E.S.); (H.K.)
| | - Ousmane Traoré
- Agence Nationale Pour la Sécurité Sanitaire de L’Environnement, de L’Alimentation, du Travail et des Produits de Santé (ANSSEAT), Boulevard des Tensoba, Ouagadougou 09 BP 24, Burkina Faso; (F.O.K.); (O.T.); (P.B.S.O.)
| | - Seyram Kossi Sossou
- Laboratoire Eaux Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International D’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), 1 Rue de la Science, Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso; (Y.K.); (S.K.S.); (E.S.); (H.K.)
| | - Eric Sawadogo
- Laboratoire Eaux Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International D’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), 1 Rue de la Science, Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso; (Y.K.); (S.K.S.); (E.S.); (H.K.)
| | - Pane Bernadette Sourabié Ouattara
- Agence Nationale Pour la Sécurité Sanitaire de L’Environnement, de L’Alimentation, du Travail et des Produits de Santé (ANSSEAT), Boulevard des Tensoba, Ouagadougou 09 BP 24, Burkina Faso; (F.O.K.); (O.T.); (P.B.S.O.)
| | - Harouna Karambiri
- Laboratoire Eaux Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International D’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), 1 Rue de la Science, Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso; (Y.K.); (S.K.S.); (E.S.); (H.K.)
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5
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Saxena D, Bajpai PK, Srivastava DK, Shukla SK, Jain PK, Takhelchangbam N. Estimation of Access to Safe Drinking Water to Households in Etawah District: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e47154. [PMID: 38021943 PMCID: PMC10652157 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Unsafe drinking water causes diarrheal disease and environmental enteropathy. The quality of water is determined by its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Water sources have a significant impact on household members' health, particularly children. To combat this, India is committed to providing household tap connections to ensure the delivery of safe drinking water with the "Jal Jeevan Mission." AIMS This study aims to estimate the access to safe drinking water and the physical and chemical qualities of water (qualitatively) in the urban and rural areas of Etawah district, India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted in Etawah district from January 2020 to December 2021. The study subjects were the eldest female of the family. A total of 312 females were included. The data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 25 (released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) for descriptive analysis. RESULTS In the present study, 76.3% (238/312) of households in the urban and rural areas had access to safe drinking water (here, the meaning of the word "safe" is based on its operational definition). A total of 130 (83.3%) households in rural areas and only 21 (13.5%) in urban areas had private supply as the primary water source. The physical and chemical qualities of water were within the requirement (acceptable limit) and permissible limit in all the study areas, so the water is considered safe for drinking. CONCLUSIONS This study reported that 76.3% (238) households had access to safe drinking water according to the operational definition. The major public source of drinking water was public-supplied tap water, and in private sources, submersible or boreholes were the most common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepanshi Saxena
- Community Medicine, Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra, IND
- Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Etawah, IND
- Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, IND
| | | | - Dhiraj K Srivastava
- Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Etawah, IND
| | - Sushil K Shukla
- Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Etawah, IND
| | - Pankaj K Jain
- Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Etawah, IND
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6
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Saftner DM, Bacon SN, Arienzo MM, Robtoy E, Schlauch K, Neveux I, Grzymski JJ, Carbone M. Predictions of Arsenic in Domestic Well Water Sourced from Alluvial Aquifers of the Western Great Basin, USA. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:3124-3133. [PMID: 36795051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to high levels of arsenic in drinking water can have wide-ranging health effects and is a global health concern. The domestic well population of the western Great Basin (WGB) is at increased risk of exposure to arsenic due to the hydrologic, geologic, and climatic setting of the region. A logistic regression (LR) model was developed to predict the probability of elevated arsenic (≥5 μg/L) in alluvial aquifers and assess the potential geologic hazard level posed to domestic well populations. Alluvial aquifers are susceptible to arsenic contamination, which is a concern because they are the primary source of water for domestic well users of the WGB. The probability of elevated arsenic at a domestic well is strongly influenced by tectonic and geothermal variables, including the total Quaternary fault length in the hydrographic basin and the distance between the sampled well and a geothermal system. The model had an overall accuracy of 81%, sensitivity of 92%, and specificity of 55%. Results show a >50% probability of elevated arsenic in untreated well water for approximately 49 thousand (64%) alluvial-aquifer domestic well users in northern Nevada, northeastern California, and western Utah.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Saftner
- Division of Hydrologic Sciences, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, Nevada 89512, United States
| | - Steven N Bacon
- Division of Hydrologic Sciences, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, Nevada 89512, United States
| | - Monica M Arienzo
- Division of Hydrologic Sciences, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, Nevada 89512, United States
| | - Erika Robtoy
- Division of Hydrologic Sciences, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, Nevada 89512, United States
| | - Karen Schlauch
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, Nevada 89512, United States
| | - Iva Neveux
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, Nevada 89512, United States
| | - Joseph J Grzymski
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, Nevada 89512, United States
| | - Michele Carbone
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, United States
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Singh S, Pitchers R, Hassard F. Coliphages as viral indicators of sanitary significance for drinking water. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:941532. [PMID: 35958148 PMCID: PMC9362991 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.941532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coliphages are virus that infect coliform bacteria and are used in aquatic systems for risk assessment for human enteric viruses. This mini-review appraises the types and sources of coliphage and their fate and behavior in source waters and engineered drinking water treatment systems. Somatic (cell wall infection) and F+ (male specific) coliphages are abundant in drinking water sources and are used as indicators of fecal contamination. Coliphage abundances do not consistently correlate to human enteric virus abundance, but they suitably reflect the risks of exposure to human enteric viruses. Coliphages have highly variable surface characteristics with respect to morphology, size, charge, isoelectric point, and hydrophobicity which together interact to govern partitioning and removal characteristics during water treatment. The groups somatic and F+ coliphages are valuable for investigating the virus elimination during water treatment steps and as indicators for viral water quality assessment. Strain level analyses (e.g., Qβ or GA-like) provide more information about specific sources of viral pollution but are impractical for routine monitoring. Consistent links between rapid online monitoring tools (e.g., turbidity, particle counters, and flow cytometry) and phages in drinking water have yet to be established but are recommended as a future area of research activity. This could enable the real-time monitoring of virus and improve the process understanding during transient operational events. Exciting future prospects for the use of coliphages in aquatic microbiology are also discussed based on current scientific evidence and practical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suniti Singh
- Cranfield Water Science Institute, Cranfield University, Bedford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Francis Hassard
- Cranfield Water Science Institute, Cranfield University, Bedford, United Kingdom
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Khabo-Mmekoa CM, Genthe B, Momba MNB. Enteric Pathogens Risk Factors Associated with Household Drinking Water: A Case Study in Ugu District Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, South Africa. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:4431. [PMID: 35457298 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of diarrheal infections depends on the level of water and sanitation services available to households of immunocompromised individuals and children of less than five years old. It is therefore of paramount importance for immunocompromised individuals to be supplied with safe drinking water for better health outcomes. The current study aimed at ascertaining the probability of infection that Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella dysenteriae, Vibrio cholerae, and rotavirus might cause to rural dwellers as compared to urban dwellers. Both culture-based and molecular-based methods were used to confirm the presence of target microorganisms in drinking water samples, while Beta-Poisson and exponential models were used to determine the health risk assessment. Results revealed the presence of all targeted organisms in drinking water. The estimated health risks for single ingestion of water for the test pathogens were as follows: 1.6 × 10−7 for S. typhimurium, 1.79 × 10−4 for S. dysenteriae, 1.03 × 10−3 for V. cholerae, 2.2 × 10−4 for E. coli O157:H7, and 3.73 × 10−2 for rotavirus. The general quantitative risk assessment undertaken in this study suggests that constant monitoring of household container-stored water supplies is vital as it would assist in early detection of microbial pathogens. Moreover, it will also allow the prompt action to be taken for the protection of public health, particularly for immunocompromised individuals and children who are prone to higher risk of infections.
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Daly SW, Harris AR. Modeling Exposure to Fecal Contamination in Drinking Water due to Multiple Water Source Use. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:3419-3429. [PMID: 35239319 PMCID: PMC8928470 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The Joint Monitoring Programme estimated that 71% of people globally had access to "safely managed" drinking water in 2017. However, typical data collection practices focus only on a household's primary water source, yet some households in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) engage in multiple water source use, including supplementing improved water supplies with unimproved water throughout the year. Monte Carlo simulations and previously published data were used to simulate exposure to fecal contamination (as measured by E. coli) along a range of supplemental unimproved source use rates (e.g., 0-100% improved water use, with the remainder made up with unimproved water). The model results revealed a statistically significant increase in annual exposure to E. coli when individuals supplement their improved water with unimproved water just 2 days annually. Additionally, our analysis identified scenarios-realistic for the data set study setting-where supplementing with unimproved water counterintuitively decreases exposure to E. coli. These results highlight the need for evaluating the temporal dynamics in water quality and availability of drinking water sources in LMICs as well as capturing the use of multiple water sources for monitoring global access to safe drinking water.
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Skaarup C, Wodschow K, Voutchkova DD, Schullehner J, Raaschou-Nielsen O, Andersen HR, Hansen B, Ersbøll AK. Geographical Distribution and Pattern of Pesticides in Danish Drinking Water 2002-2018: Reducing Data Complexity. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19020823. [PMID: 35055647 PMCID: PMC8775924 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pesticides are a large and heterogenous group of chemicals with a complex geographic distribution in the environment. The purpose of this study was to explore the geographic distribution of pesticides in Danish drinking water and identify potential patterns in the grouping of pesticides. Our data included 899,169 analyses of 167 pesticides and metabolites, of which 55 were identified above the detection limit. Pesticide patterns were defined by (1) pesticide groups based on chemical structure and pesticide-metabolite relations and (2) an exploratory factor analysis identifying underlying patterns of related pesticides within waterworks. The geographic distribution was evaluated by mapping the pesticide categories for groups and factor components, namely those detected, quantified, above quality standards, and not analysed. We identified five and seven factor components for the periods 2002-2011 and 2012-2018, respectively. In total, 16 pesticide groups were identified, of which six were representative in space and time with regards to the number of waterworks and analyses, namely benzothiazinone, benzonitriles, organophosphates, phenoxy herbicides, triazines, and triazinones. Pesticide mapping identified areas where multiple pesticides were detected, indicating areas with a higher pesticide burden. The results contribute to a better understanding of the pesticide pattern in Danish drinking water and may contribute to exposure assessments for future epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Skaarup
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.W.); (A.K.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kirstine Wodschow
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.W.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Denitza D. Voutchkova
- Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (D.D.V.); (J.S.); (B.H.)
| | - Jörg Schullehner
- Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (D.D.V.); (J.S.); (B.H.)
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Environment, Work and Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole Raaschou-Nielsen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Helle Raun Andersen
- Department of Public Health, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Envinronmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 17A, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Birgitte Hansen
- Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (D.D.V.); (J.S.); (B.H.)
| | - Annette Kjær Ersbøll
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.W.); (A.K.E.)
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Nengminza Sangma RV, Rasania SK, Prasuna JG, Das R, Jais M. Seasonal variation of diarrheal diseases and drinking water quality in resettlement colony in Delhi, India: A community-based cross-sectional study. Indian J Public Health 2022; 65:387-390. [PMID: 34975084 DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1214_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal variation plays an important role in the occurrence of diarrheal diseases and distinct seasonal occurrence of diarrheal diseases, with bacterial diarrhea occurring more during the warm seasons and viral diarrhea occurring during the drier cool months, has been observed due to seasonal variation. Time-series cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2018 among 553 under-five children to assess seasonal variation of diarrheal diseases and its association with the drinking water quality in a resettlement colony of Delhi. The prevalence of diarrhea was 40.7% and was highest during the rainy season (67.6%). Majority of the water samples were found to be unsatisfactory for human consumption during the rainy and summer seasons. Significant and moderate relationship was found between the seasonal variation and occurrence of diarrhea (r = 0.728, P < 0.05) and most probable number count (r = 0.50, P < 0.05), respectively. Understanding the environmental factors that influences the occurrence of diarrheal diseases is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S K Rasania
- Director Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - J G Prasuna
- Director Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Ranjan Das
- Director Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Manoj Jais
- Director Professor, Department of Microbiology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
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Amin N, Rahman M, Alam MU, Shoab AK, Alome MK, Amin M, Huda TMN, Unicomb L. Field Trial of an Automated Batch Chlorinator System at Two Shared Shallow Tubewells among Camps for Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:12917. [PMID: 34948527 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chlorination of shallow tubewell water is challenging due to various iron concentrations. A mixed-method, small-scale before-and-after field trial assessed the accuracy and consistency of an automated chlorinator, Zimba, in Rohingya camp housing, Cox’s Bazar. From August–September 2018, two shallow tubewells (iron concentration = 6.5 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L) were selected and 20 households were randomly enrolled to participate in household surveys and water testing. The field-team tested pre-and post-treated tubewell and household stored water for iron, free and total chlorine, and E. coli. A sub-set of households (n = 10) also received safe storage containers (5 L jerry cans). Overall mean iron concentrations were 5.8 mg/L in Zimba water, 1.9 mg/L in household storage containers, and 2.8 mg/L in the project-provided safe storage containers. At baseline, 0% samples at source and 60% samples stored in household vessels were contaminated with E. coli (mean log10 = 0.62 MPN/100 mL). After treatment, all water samples collected from source and project-provided safe storage containers were free from E. coli, but 41% of post-treated water stored in the household was contaminated with E. coli. E. coli concentrations were significantly lower in the project-provided safe storage containers (log10 mean difference = 0.92 MPN, 95% CI = 0.59–1.14) compared with baseline and post-treated water stored in household vessels (difference = 0.57 MPN, 95% CI = 0.32–0.83). Zimba is a potential water treatment technology for groundwater extracted through tubewells with different iron concentrations in humanitarian settings.
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Abstract
PURPOSE Clean drinking water is essential for public health. The cause of waterborne outbreaks is most often faecal contamination of water from animals or humans. The objective of this resarch was to collect available information on waterborne outbreaks in Iceland for the twenty year period, 1998-2017. Incident of faecal and pathogenic pollution in samples where also collected even though rarely followed by registered outbreak. METHODS Data are obtained from laboratory databases, the Directorate of Health, reports and interviews with the relevant surveillance authorities and epidemiologists. RESULTS The results show that for the period investigated fifteen waterborne outbreaks were registered, all in small water supplies, many of which served transitent population, tourists and summerhouse dwellers. About 500 illnesses were confirmed and 8000 people affected. Other research have shown that around 10% of illnesses in waterborne outbreaks are registered so it can be estimated that on average 250 people have been taken ill every year because of contaminated drinking water. Analysis of monitoring water quality data show that on average 50 water supplies, or about 5% of the Icelandic registered water supplies have contained faecal matter every year. The most frequent cause of waterborne outbreak were poor design and inadequate maintainance of water intakes. CONCLUSIONS It is likely that waterborne outbreaks are more numerous than are registered in official reports, especially concerning small water supplies. It also seems that the local heath authorities are often not informed of incidents of non-compliance. It is important to improve registration, information exchange between parties, epidemiological surveys and follow up of outbreaks due to drinking water to gather lessons learned. Water quality at small water supplies needs to be improved with risk-based approach and risk management.
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Holik D, Bezdan A, Marković M, Orkić Ž, Milostić-Srb A, Mikšić Š, Včev A. The Association between Drinking Water Quality and Inflammatory Bowel Disease-A Study in Eastern Croatia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E8495. [PMID: 33207850 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The incidence rate of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming a global health problem that could be caused by changes in environmental and lifestyle habits. The study aimed to identify the association between the quality of drinking water, i.e., physiochemical and biological aspects of the phenotype and activity of IBD in Eastern Croatia. The study included 312 patients (63.4% ulcerative colitis, UC, and 36.6% Crohn's disease, CD) from the area of Eastern Croatia. The data were collected by questionnaires and the analysis of the water safety, based on 65 samples of drinking water by the patient's water supply method (public supply, rural water supply, and private well). IBD was active in 38.0% patients (34.0% CD and 40.0% UC). Significant differences (p = 0.001) were observed in the distribution of patients, according to counties in which they lived in. The largest deviation was noted in coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, and enterococci bacteria, Fe, Al, and nitrate in rural water supply and private wells, although, without significant impact on IBD phenotype and activity. The hazard quotient (HQ) simulations showed that children are a sensitive group, regarding exposure to nitrates in drinking water over a long period of time, so there is a need for further monitoring and analysis of this issue.
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Husaini DC, Enriquez A, Arzu T, Miranda K, Mossiah D, Cardinez C. Nitrate Levels in Rural Drinking Water in Belize. J Health Pollut 2020; 10:200904. [PMID: 32874760 PMCID: PMC7453821 DOI: 10.5696/2156-9614-10.27.200904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health issues have been associated with the consumption of high levels of nitrates in drinking water. Rural agricultural communities in Belize play a large role in the economic growth of the country. These communities obtain drinking water directly from the ground and may be susceptible to nitrate consumption and at risk of developing diseases associated with nitrates. OBJECTIVES The present study examined nitrate levels in Belize's rural water supply with the aim of assessing its suitability for human and livestock consumption. The study also provides baseline data for monitoring the concentration of nitrates to prevent public health hazards in Belize. METHODS Forty-three (43) water samples from reservoirs, wells, vats, and standpipes were collected from 40 villages in Belize and analyzed for nitrates using the cadmium reduction method. Nitrates were detected with an Orion® AquaMate® 8000 UV-Vis spectrophotometer at 520 nm. The Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute laboratory analyzed all water samples for nitrates. RESULTS Except for four water samples from four different sites, all analyzed water samples were found to contain nitrate levels below 10 mg/L. Nitrate levels above 10 mg/L were seen in a few samples in the northern part of the country, probably due to agricultural activities in these areas. CONCLUSIONS Belize's rural drinking water contains low levels of nitrates, except for a few villages where the levels exceeded the acceptable limit of 10 mg/L. Higher levels of nitrates detected in a few villages need regular evaluation and monitoring to avoid public health issues as well as prevent harm to livestock. COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danladi Chiroma Husaini
- Pharmacy Program, Department of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Belize, Belmopan, Belize
| | - Andrea Enriquez
- Pharmacy Program, Department of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Belize, Belmopan, Belize
| | - Theslyn Arzu
- Pharmacy Program, Department of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Belize, Belmopan, Belize
| | - Kelcia Miranda
- Pharmacy Program, Department of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Belize, Belmopan, Belize
| | - Denise Mossiah
- Pharmacy Program, Department of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Belize, Belmopan, Belize
| | - Crystal Cardinez
- Pharmacy Program, Department of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Belize, Belmopan, Belize
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Goel V, Bell GJ, Sridhar S, Islam MS, Yunus M, Ali MT, Khan MA, Alam MN, Faruque ASG, Kabir MM, Babu S, Brandt K, Shelus V, Sobsey MD, Emch M. Considering Alternate Pathways of Drinking-Water Contamination: Evidence of Risk Substitution from Arsenic Mitigation Programs in Rural Bangladesh. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17155372. [PMID: 32722553 PMCID: PMC7432608 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Deep tubewells are a key component of arsenic mitigation programs in rural Bangladesh. Compared to widely prevalent shallow tubewells, deep tubewells reduce ground-water arsenic exposure and provide better microbial water quality at source. However, the benefits of clean drinking-water at these more distant sources may be abated by higher levels of microbial contamination at point-of-use. One such potential pathway is the use of contaminated surface water for washing drinking-water storage containers. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of surface water use for washing drinking-water storage containers among deep and shallow tubewell users in a cohort of 499 rural residents in Matlab, Bangladesh. We employ a multi-level logistic regression model to measure the effect of tubewell type and ownership status on the odds of washing storage containers with surface water. Results show that deep tubewell users who do not own their drinking-water tubewell, have 6.53 times the odds [95% CI: 3.56, 12.00] of using surface water for cleaning storage containers compared to shallow tubewell users, who own their drinking-water source. Even deep tubewell users who own a private well within walking distance have 2.53 [95% CI: 1.36, 4.71] times the odds of using surface water compared to their shallow tubewell counterparts. These results highlight the need for interventions to limit risk substitution, particularly the increased use of contaminated surface water when access to drinking water is reduced. Increasing ownership of and proximity to deep tubewells, although crucial, is insufficient to achieve equity in safe drinking-water access across rural Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Goel
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA;
- Correspondence: (V.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Griffin J. Bell
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (G.J.B.); (V.S.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Sumati Sridhar
- Department of Statistics, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA;
| | - Md. Sirajul Islam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.S.I.); (M.Y.); (M.T.A.); (M.A.K.); (M.N.A.); (A.F.); (M.M.K.); (S.B.)
| | - Md. Yunus
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.S.I.); (M.Y.); (M.T.A.); (M.A.K.); (M.N.A.); (A.F.); (M.M.K.); (S.B.)
| | - Md. Taslim Ali
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.S.I.); (M.Y.); (M.T.A.); (M.A.K.); (M.N.A.); (A.F.); (M.M.K.); (S.B.)
| | - Md. Alfazal Khan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.S.I.); (M.Y.); (M.T.A.); (M.A.K.); (M.N.A.); (A.F.); (M.M.K.); (S.B.)
| | - Md. Nurul Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.S.I.); (M.Y.); (M.T.A.); (M.A.K.); (M.N.A.); (A.F.); (M.M.K.); (S.B.)
| | - ASG Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.S.I.); (M.Y.); (M.T.A.); (M.A.K.); (M.N.A.); (A.F.); (M.M.K.); (S.B.)
| | - Md. Masnoon Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.S.I.); (M.Y.); (M.T.A.); (M.A.K.); (M.N.A.); (A.F.); (M.M.K.); (S.B.)
| | - Shahabuddin Babu
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.S.I.); (M.Y.); (M.T.A.); (M.A.K.); (M.N.A.); (A.F.); (M.M.K.); (S.B.)
| | - Katerina Brandt
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA;
| | - Victoria Shelus
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (G.J.B.); (V.S.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Mark D. Sobsey
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (G.J.B.); (V.S.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Michael Emch
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA;
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (G.J.B.); (V.S.); (M.D.S.)
- Correspondence: (V.G.); (M.E.)
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Tamele IJ, Vasconcelos V. Microcystin Incidence in the Drinking Water of Mozambique: Challenges for Public Health Protection. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E368. [PMID: 32498435 PMCID: PMC7354522 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) are cyanotoxins produced mainly by freshwater cyanobacteria, which constitute a threat to public health due to their negative effects on humans, such as gastroenteritis and related diseases, including death. In Mozambique, where only 50% of the people have access to safe drinking water, this hepatotoxin is not monitored, and consequently, the population may be exposed to MCs. The few studies done in Maputo and Gaza provinces indicated the occurrence of MC-LR, -YR, and -RR at a concentration ranging from 6.83 to 7.78 µg·L-1, which are very high, around 7 times above than the maximum limit (1 µg·L-1) recommended by WHO. The potential MCs-producing in the studied sites are mainly Microcystis species. These data from Mozambique and from surrounding countries (South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania) evidence the need to implement an operational monitoring program of MCs in order to reduce or avoid the possible cases of intoxications since the drinking water quality control tests recommended by the Ministry of Health do not include an MC test. To date, no data of water poisoning episodes recorded were associated with MCs presence in the water. However, this might be underestimated due to a lack of monitoring facilities and/or a lack of public health staff trained for recognizing symptoms of MCs intoxication since the presence of high MCs concentration was reported in Maputo and Gaza provinces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidro José Tamele
- CIIMAR/CIMAR—Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-238 Matosinhos, Portugal;
- Institute of Biomedical Science Abel Salazar, University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Eduardo Mondlane University, Av. Julius Nyerere, n 3453, Campus Principal, Maputo 257, Mozambique
| | - Vitor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR—Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-238 Matosinhos, Portugal;
- Faculty of Science, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4069-007 Porto, Portugal
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More-Bayona JA, Torrealba D, Thomson C, Wakaruk J, Barreda DR. Differential Effects of Drinking Water Quality on Phagocyte Responses of Broiler Chickens Against Fungal and Bacterial Challenges. Front Immunol 2020; 11:584. [PMID: 32318069 PMCID: PMC7154071 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Combinatorial effects of xenobiotics in water on health may occur even at levels within current acceptable guidelines for individual chemicals. Herein, we took advantage of the sensitivity of the immune system and an avian animal model to examine the impact of xenobiotic mixtures on animal health. Water was derived from an underground well in Alberta, Canada and met guidelines for consumption, but contained a number of contaminants. Changes to chicken immunity were evaluated following acute (7d) exposure to contaminated water under basal and immune challenged conditions. An increase in resident macrophages and a decrease in CD8+ lymphocytes were identified in the abdominal cavity, which served as a relevant site where immune leukocytes could be examined. Subsequent intra-abdominal immune stimulation detected differential in vivo acute inflammatory responses to fungal and bacterial challenges. Leukocyte recruitment into the challenge site and activation of phagocyte antimicrobial responses were affected. These functional responses paralleled molecular changes in the expression for pro-inflammatory and regulatory genes. In all, this study primarily highlights dysregulation of phagocyte responses following acute (7d) exposure of poultry to contaminated water. Given that production food animals hold a unique position at the interface of animal, environmental and human health, this emphasizes the need to consider the impact of xenobiotic mixtures in our assessments of water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A More-Bayona
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Débora Torrealba
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Caitlin Thomson
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jeremy Wakaruk
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel R Barreda
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Kapembo ML, Al Salah DMM, Thevenon F, Laffite A, Bokolo MK, Mulaji CK, Mpiana PT, Poté J. Prevalence of water-related diseases and groundwater (drinking-water) contamination in the suburban municipality of Mont Ngafula, Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo). J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng 2019; 54:840-850. [PMID: 30964378 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2019.1596702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
An epidemiological survey conducted among users of water points and medical institutions in the N'djili Kilambu neighborhood of Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of the Congo, indicates that waterborne diseases have already affected more than 60% of the patients admitted to local clinics between 2013 and 2017. In order to raise public and political awareness about this hazardous health issue resulting from the lack of safely managed sanitation systems, this study investigates the microbial quality of drinking water from local water resources. Water samples were collected from nine wells and streams used as drinking sources, and analyzed for Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB), including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and Total Coliforms. Physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, O2, and soluble ions (Na+, K+, PO43-, SO42-, NO3-, NO2-) were also analyzed. Except for NO3- and NO2-, the average concentrations of the physicochemical parameters and dissolved ions generally meet the guidelines for drinking/domestic water quality. By contrast, the results reveal high levels of FIB in the water samples collected during both dry and wet seasons. The contamination is significantly higher during the wet season compared to dry season, due to increased runoff, open defecation practices, and more frequent overflow of onsite sanitation systems and septic tanks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel L Kapembo
- a Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science , University of Kinshasa , Kinshasa , Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Dhafer Mohammed M Al Salah
- b Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of science, Institute of Environmental Sciences , University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Florian Thevenon
- c Water, Environment and Human Development Initiative (WEHDI) , Genthod , Switzerland
| | - Amandine Laffite
- b Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of science, Institute of Environmental Sciences , University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Mathieu K Bokolo
- a Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science , University of Kinshasa , Kinshasa , Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Crispin K Mulaji
- a Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science , University of Kinshasa , Kinshasa , Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Pius T Mpiana
- a Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science , University of Kinshasa , Kinshasa , Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - John Poté
- a Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science , University of Kinshasa , Kinshasa , Democratic Republic of the Congo
- b Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of science, Institute of Environmental Sciences , University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland
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Dettori M, Azara A, Loria E, Piana A, Masia MD, Palmieri A, Cossu A, Castiglia P. Population Distrust of Drinking Water Safety. Community Outrage Analysis, Prediction and Management. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E1004. [PMID: 30897699 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16061004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the work is to evaluate the effectiveness of the risk communication strategies in cases of unsafe drinking water supply in Sardinia, the Italian context with the highest population distrust in drinking water safety. During the period 2010–2015, the ordinances published on the institutional websites were analyzed, and the population risk perception was evaluated by applying, for the first time in public health threats, the “OUTRAGE Prediction & Management” software released by Sandman. Overall, 417 ordinances issued by the Sardinian Municipalities were found. Only 1.5% of the ordinances reported information about parameters, concentrations, and risks to health, whereas 4.8% indicated only the parameters and non-standard levels. By contrast, 53.2% specified only the non-standard parameter, and 40.5% indicated a generic non-drinking motivation. The outrage assessment showed values exceeding the threshold of risk acceptance, attributable to the lack and low clarity of the information reported by the ordinances. The present study allowed us to highlight critical issues in risk communication of the quality of drinking water.
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Fiedler CJ, Schönher C, Proksch P, Kerschbaumer DJ, Mayr E, Zunabovic-Pichler M, Domig KJ, Perfler R. Assessment of Microbial Community Dynamics in River Bank Filtrate Using High-Throughput Sequencing and Flow Cytometry. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2887. [PMID: 30555435 PMCID: PMC6281747 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Surface-groundwater interactions play an important role in microbial community compositions of river bank filtrates. Surface water contaminations deriving from environmental influences are attenuated by biogeochemical processes in the hyporheic zone, which are essential for providing clean and high-quality drinking water in abstraction wells. Characterizing the flow regime of surface water into the groundwater body can provide substantial information on water quality, but complex hydraulic dynamics make predictions difficult. Thus, a bottom up approach using microbial community shifting patterns as an overall outcome of dynamic water characteristics could provide more detailed information on the influences that affect groundwater quality. The combination of high-throughput sequencing data together with flow cytometric measurements of total cell counts reveals absolute abundances among taxa, thus enhancing interpretation of bacterial dynamics. 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing of 55 samples among six wells in a well field in Austria that is influenced by river bank filtrate within a time period of 3 months has revealed both, clear differences as well as strong similarity in microbiome compositions between wells and dates. A significant community shift from April to May occurred in four of six wells, suggesting that surface water flow regimes do affect these wells stronger than others. Triplicate sampling and subsequent sequencing of wells at different dates proved the method to be reproducible. Flow cytometric measurements of total cells indicate microbial shifts due to increased cell counts and emphasize the rise of allochthonous microorganisms. Typical freshwater bacterial lineages (Verrucomicrobia, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Armatimonadetes) were identified as most increasing phyla during community shifts. The changes are most likely a result of increased water abstraction in the wells together with constant river water levels rather than rain events. The results provide important knowledge for future implementations of well utilization in dependency of the nearby Danube River water levels and can help drawing conclusions about the influence of surface water in the groundwater such that hygienically save and clean drinking water with a stable microbial community can be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina J Fiedler
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control (SIG), Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Schönher
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control (SIG), Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Proksch
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control (SIG), Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Johannes Kerschbaumer
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control (SIG), Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernest Mayr
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control (SIG), Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marija Zunabovic-Pichler
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control (SIG), Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konrad J Domig
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard Perfler
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control (SIG), Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Meierhofer R, Bänziger C, Deppeler S, Kunwar BM, Bhatta M. From Water Source to Tap of Ceramic Filters-Factors That Influence Water Quality Between Collection and Consumption in Rural Households in Nepal. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:ijerph15112439. [PMID: 30388837 PMCID: PMC6266981 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The study assessed changes in water quality between the water source and the tap of locally produced low cost ceramic water filters used by a community living in hygienically critical conditions in a remote mountainous area in Western Nepal. Data was collected from 42 rural households during two visits. The effectiveness of filter handling on its performance was assessed through microbiological analysis, structured household interviews and structured observations. Water quality decreased significantly when source water was filled into transport containers, while the use of the filters improved drinking water quality for about 40% of the households. Highly inadequate filter cleaning practices involving the use of contaminated raw water, hands (geo mean = 110 E. coli CFU/100 mL) and cleaning tools (geo mean = 80 E. coli CFU/100 mL) stained hygienic parts of the filter. The use of boiling water to disinfect the filters was significantly correlated with improved filter performance and should be further promoted. However, even disinfected filters achieved a very low average LRV for E. coli of 0.4 in the field and performed worse than during laboratory tests (LRV for E. coli of 1.5–2). Comprehensive training on adequate filter handling, as well as better filter products, are required to improve the impact of filter use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regula Meierhofer
- Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec), Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag), Ueberlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Carola Bänziger
- Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec), Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag), Ueberlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Sandro Deppeler
- Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec), Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag), Ueberlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Bal Mukund Kunwar
- Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Nepal, Dhobighat, Lalitpur G.P.O. Box 688, Nepal.
| | - Madan Bhatta
- Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Nepal, Dhobighat, Lalitpur G.P.O. Box 688, Nepal.
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Xu J, Pu Y, Yang XJ, Wan P, Wang R, Song P, Fisher A. Rapid removal of chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene in water by aluminum-iron alloy particles. Environ Technol 2018; 39:2882-2890. [PMID: 28820043 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2017.1369577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Water contamination with chlorinated hydrocarbons such as chloroform (CHCl3), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and trichloroethylene (TCE) is one of the major public health concerns. In this study, we explored the use of aluminum-iron alloys particles in millimeter scale for rapid removal of CHCl3, CCl4 and TCE from water. Three types of Al-Fe alloy particles containing 10, 20 and 58 wt% of Fe (termed as Al-Fe10, Al-Fe20 and Al-Fe58) were prepared and characterized by electrochemical polarization, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectrometer. For concentrations of 30-180 μg/L CHCl3, CCl4 and TCE, a removal efficiency of 45-64% was achieved in a hydraulic contact time of less than 3 min through a column packed with 0.8-2 mm diameter of Al-Fe alloy particles. The concentration of Al and Fe ions released into water was less than 0.15 and 0.05 mg/L, respectively. Alloying Al with Fe enhances reactivity towards chlorinated hydrocarbons' degradation and the enhancement is likely the consequence of galvanic effects between different phases (Al, Fe and intermetallic Al-Fe compounds such as Al13Fe4, Fe3Al and FeAl2) and catalytic role of these intermetallic Al-Fe compounds. The results demonstrate that the use of Al-Fe alloy particles offers a viable and green option for chlorinated hydrocarbons' removal in water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- a Department of Environmental Science and Engineering , Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Pu
- a Department of Environmental Science and Engineering , Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Jin Yang
- a Department of Environmental Science and Engineering , Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Pingyu Wan
- b Department of Applied Chemistry , Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Wang
- c School of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , Singapore
| | - Peng Song
- d Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Adrian Fisher
- d Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
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Simões J, Dong T. Continuous and Real-Time Detection of Drinking-Water Pathogens with a Low-Cost Fluorescent Optofluidic Sensor. Sensors (Basel) 2018; 18:E2210. [PMID: 29996477 DOI: 10.3390/s18072210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Growing access to tap water and consequent expansion of water distribution systems has created numerous challenges to maintaining water quality between the treatment node and final consumer. Despite all efforts to develop sustainable monitoring systems, there is still a lack of low cost, continuous and real time devices that demonstrate potential for large-scale implementation in wide water distribution networks. The following work presents a study of a low-cost, optofluidic sensor, based on Trypthopan Intrinsic Fluorescence. The fluorospectrometry analysis performed (before sensor development) supports the existence of a measurable fluorescence output signal originating from the tryptophan contained within pathogenic bacteria. The sensor was mounted using a rapid prototyping technique (3D printing), and the integrated optical system was achieved with low-cost optical components. The sensor performance was evaluated with spiked laboratory samples containing E. coli and Legionella, in both continuous and non-continuous flow situations. Results have shown a linear relationship between the signal measured and pathogen concentration, with limits of detection at 1.4 × 103 CFU/mL. The time delay between contamination and detection of the bacteria was practically null. Therefore, this study supports the potential application of tryptophan for monitoring drinking water against water pathogens.
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Kumpel E, Delaire C, Peletz R, Kisiangani J, Rinehold A, De France J, Sutherland D, Khush R. Measuring the Impacts of Water Safety Plans in the Asia-Pacific Region. IJERPH 2018; 15:E1223. [PMID: 29890783 PMCID: PMC6025033 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15061223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of Water Safety Plans (WSP) implemented in 99 water supply systems across 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. An impact assessment methodology including 36 indicators was developed based on a conceptual framework proposed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and before/after data were collected between November 2014 and June 2016. WSPs were associated with infrastructure improvements at the vast majority (82) of participating sites and to increased financial support at 37 sites. In addition, significant changes were observed in operations and management practices, number of water safety-related meetings, unaccounted-for water, water quality testing activities, and monitoring of consumer satisfaction. However, the study also revealed challenges in the implementation of WSPs, including financial constraints and insufficient capacity. Finally, this study provided an opportunity to test the impact assessment methodology itself, and a series of recommendations are made to improve the approach (indicators, study design, data collection methods) for evaluating WSPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kumpel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
- The Aquaya Institute, P.O. Box 21862-00505, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | | | - Rachel Peletz
- The Aquaya Institute, P.O. Box 5502, Santa Cruz, CA 95063, USA.
| | | | | | | | - David Sutherland
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for South East Asia, New Delhi 110002, India.
| | - Ranjiv Khush
- The Aquaya Institute, P.O. Box 5502, Santa Cruz, CA 95063, USA.
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Abstract
Information from 2013–2015 have been analysed on water accessibility, types of water service to households, use of water pretreatment, availability of sewerage, use of sewage treatment in Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and Yakutia Republic, based on evaluation information accessible in open sources, such as regional statistics and sanitary-epidemiologic reports. The main causes of the poor state of water supply and sanitation in the study regions include: very limited access to in-home running water (one-quarter of settlements in Chukotka and half of settlements in Yakutia have no regular water supply) and lack of centralised sewerage (78% and 94% of settlements correspondingly have no sewerage); lack of water pretreatment and sewage treatment, outdated technologies and systems; serious deterioration of facilities and networks, frequent accidents; secondary pollution of drinking water. Lack of open objective information on Russian Arctic water supply and sanitation in the materials of the regional and federal statistics hampers the assessment of the real state of affairs. The situation for water and sanitation supply in these Russian Arctic regions remains steadily unfavourable. A comprehensive intervention from national and regional governmental levels is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey A Dudarev
- a Hygiene Department , Northwest Public Health Research Center , St-Petersburg , Russia
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Chafe R, Aslanov R, Sarkar A, Gregory P, Comeau A, Newhook LA. Association of type 1 diabetes and concentrations of drinking water components in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2018; 6:e000466. [PMID: 29527309 PMCID: PMC5841498 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2017-000466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the association between drinking water quality and rates of type 1 diabetes in the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) population, which has one of the highest incidences of type 1 diabetes reported globally. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The study used a community-based, case-control design. We first calculated incidence rates of type 1 diabetes at the provincial, regional and community levels. The connection between incidence rates and components in public water supplies were then analyzed in three ways: to evaluate differences in water quality between communities with and without incident cases of type 1 diabetes, and to analyze the relationship between water quality and incidence rates of type 1 diabetes at both the community and regional levels. RESULTS The provincial incidence of type 1 diabetes was 51.7/100 000 (0-14 year age group) for the period studied. In the community-based analysis, there were significant associations found between higher concentrations of arsenic (β=0.268, P=0.013) and fluoride (β=0.202, P=0.005) in drinking water and higher incidence of type 1 diabetes. In the regional analysis, barium (β=-0.478, P=0.009) and nickel (β=-0.354, P=0.050) concentrations were negatively associated with incidence of type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed the high incidence of type 1 diabetes in NL. We also found that concentrations of some components in drinking water were associated with higher incidence of type 1 diabetes, but no component was found to have a significant association across the three different levels of analysis performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Chafe
- Discipline of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Rana Aslanov
- Janeway Pediatric Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Atanu Sarkar
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Peter Gregory
- Discipline of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
- Janeway Pediatric Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Alex Comeau
- Janeway Pediatric Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Leigh Anne Newhook
- Discipline of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
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Abstract
In the United States, regulations are in place to ensure the quality of drinking water. Such precautions are intended to safeguard the health of the population. However, regulatory guidelines may at times fail to achieve their purpose. This may be due to lack of sufficient data regarding the health hazards of chronic low dose exposure to contaminants or the introduction of new substances that pose a health hazard risk that has yet to be identified. In this review, examples of different sources of contaminants in drinking water will be discussed, followed by an evaluation of some select individual toxicants with known adverse neurological impact. The ability of mixtures to potentially cause additive, synergistic, or antagonistic neurotoxic responses will be briefly addressed. The last section of the review will provide examples of select mechanisms by which different classes of contaminants may lead to neurological impairments. The main objective of this review is to bring to light the importance of considering trace amounts of chemicals in the drinking water and potential brain abnormalities. There is continued need for toxicology studies to better understand negative consequences of trace amounts of toxins and although it is beyond the scope of this brief overview it is hoped that the review will underscore the paucity of studies focused on determining how long-term exposure to minute levels of contaminants in drinking water may pose a significant health hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Bondy
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617-1830, USA.
| | - Arezoo Campbell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766-1854, USA.
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Shrestha A, Sharma S, Gerold J, Erismann S, Sagar S, Koju R, Schindler C, Odermatt P, Utzinger J, Cissé G. Water Quality, Sanitation, and Hygiene Conditions in Schools and Households in Dolakha and Ramechhap Districts, Nepal: Results from A Cross-Sectional Survey. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2017; 14:ijerph14010089. [PMID: 28106779 PMCID: PMC5295339 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed drinking water quality, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions among 708 schoolchildren and 562 households in Dolakha and Ramechhap districts of Nepal. Cross-sectional surveys were carried out in March and June 2015. A Delagua water quality testing kit was employed on 634 water samples obtained from 16 purposively selected schools, 40 community water sources, and 562 households to examine water quality. A flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to test lead and arsenic content of the same samples. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain WASH predictors. A total of 75% of school drinking water source samples and 76.9% point-of-use samples (water bottles) at schools, 39.5% water source samples in the community, and 27.4% point-of-use samples at household levels were contaminated with thermo-tolerant coliforms. The values of water samples for pH (6.8–7.6), free and total residual chlorine (0.1–0.5 mg/L), mean lead concentration (0.01 mg/L), and mean arsenic concentration (0.05 mg/L) were within national drinking water quality standards. The presence of domestic animals roaming inside schoolchildren’s homes was significantly associated with drinking water contamination (adjusted odds ratio: 1.64; 95% confidence interval: 1.08–2.50; p = 0.02). Our findings call for an improvement of WASH conditions at the unit of school, households, and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akina Shrestha
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland.
- School of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu University, P.O. Box 11008, Dhulikhel, Nepal.
| | - Subodh Sharma
- Aquatic Ecology Centre, School of Science, Kathmandu University, P.O. Box 6250, Dhulikhel, Nepal.
| | - Jana Gerold
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Séverine Erismann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Sanjay Sagar
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Rajendra Koju
- School of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu University, P.O. Box 11008, Dhulikhel, Nepal.
| | - Christian Schindler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Peter Odermatt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Guéladio Cissé
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland.
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30
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Bradford LEA, Okpalauwaekwe U, Waldner CL, Bharadwaj LA. Drinking water quality in Indigenous communities in Canada and health outcomes: a scoping review. Int J Circumpolar Health 2016; 75:32336. [PMID: 27478143 PMCID: PMC4967713 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v75.32336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many Indigenous communities in Canada live with high-risk drinking water systems and drinking water advisories and experience health status and water quality below that of the general population. A scoping review of research examining drinking water quality and its relationship to Indigenous health was conducted. OBJECTIVE The study was undertaken to identify the extent of the literature, summarize current reports and identify research needs. DESIGN A scoping review was designed to identify peer-reviewed literature that examined challenges related to drinking water and health in Indigenous communities in Canada. Key search terms were developed and mapped on five bibliographic databases (MEDLINE/PubMED, Web of Knowledge, SciVerse Scopus, Taylor and Francis online journal and Google Scholar). Online searches for grey literature using relevant government websites were completed. RESULTS Sixteen articles (of 518; 156 bibliographic search engines, 362 grey literature) met criteria for inclusion (contained keywords; publication year 2000-2015; peer-reviewed and from Canada). Studies were quantitative (8), qualitative (5) or mixed (3) and included case, cohort, cross-sectional and participatory designs. In most articles, no definition of "health" was given (14/16), and the primary health issue described was gastrointestinal illness (12/16). Challenges to the study of health and well-being with respect to drinking water in Indigenous communities included irregular funding, remote locations, ethical approval processes, small sample sizes and missing data. CONCLUSIONS Research on drinking water and health outcomes in Indigenous communities in Canada is limited and occurs on an opportunistic basis. There is a need for more research funding, and inquiry to inform policy decisions for improvements of water quality and health-related outcomes in Indigenous communities. A coordinated network looking at First Nations water and health outcomes, a database to store and create access to research findings, increased funding and time frames for funding, and more decolonizing and community-based participatory research aimed at understanding the relationship between drinking water quality and health outcomes in First Nations communities in Canada are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori E A Bradford
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Cheryl L Waldner
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Lalita A Bharadwaj
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada;
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Völker S, Kistemann T. Field testing hot water temperature reduction as an energy-saving measure--does the Legionella presence change in a clinic's plumbing system? Environ Technol 2015; 36:2138-2147. [PMID: 25708236 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2015.1022231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Legionella spp. represent a significant health risk for humans. To ensure hygienically safe drinking water, technical guidelines recommend a central potable water hot (PWH) supply temperature of at least 60°C at the calorifier. In a clinic building we monitored whether slightly lowered temperatures in the PWH system led to a systemic change in the growth of these pathogens. In four separate phases we tested different scenarios concerning PWH supply temperatures and disinfection with chlorine dioxide (ClO2). In each phase, we took 5 sets of samples at 17 representative sampling points in the building's drinking water plumbing system. In total we collected 476 samples from the PWH system. All samples were tested (culture-based) for Legionella spp. and serogroups. Additionally, quantitative parameters at each sampling point were collected, which could possibly be associated with the presence of Legionella spp. (Pseudomonas aeruginsoa, heterotrophic plate count at 20°C and 36°C, temperatures, time until constant temperatures were reached, and chlorine dioxide concentration). The presence of Legionella spp. showed no significant reactions after reducing the PWH supply temperature from 63°C to 60°C and 57°C, as long as disinfection with ClO2 was maintained. After omitting the disinfectant, the PWH system showed statistically significant growth rates at 57°C. PWH temperatures which are permanently lowered to less than recommended values should be carefully accompanied by frequent testing, a thorough evaluation of the building's drinking water plumbing system, and hygiene expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Völker
- a Institute for Hygiene and Public Health , University of Bonn , Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn , Germany
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32
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Gomes M, Vieira H, Vale FF. Characterization, validation and application of a DNA microarray for the detection of mandatory and other waterborne pathogens. J Biochem 2015; 158:393-401. [PMID: 25998249 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvv052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Culture methods for the detection of indicator bacteria are currently used for detection of waterborne bacteria. The need for an increased range of analyzed bacteria coupled with the obtainment of rapid and early results justify the development of a DNA microarray for the identification of waterborne pathogens. This DNA microarray has 16 implanted probes with a median size of 147 bases, targeting 12 different parameters, including all mandatory indicator microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, total and fecal coliforms and enterococci. The validation performed with DNA extracted from pure microbial cultures showed the suitability of the probes for detection of the target microorganism. To overcome the high dilution of water samples it was included either a prior culture step of bacterial contaminants retained after filtering 100 ml of water, or a 10-fold increase in the volume of filtered water, that resulted in the increase of the detected bacteria. The analysis of complex environmental water samples using culture methods and the DNA microarray revealed that the latter detected the same parameters plus other bacteria tested only in the DNA microarray. The results show that this DNA microarray may be a useful tool for water microbiological surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gomes
- Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 2635-631 Rio de Mouro, Portugal
| | - Helena Vieira
- University of Lisboa, Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Campo Grande, 1749-106 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa F Vale
- Host-Pathogen Interactions Unit, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed-ULisboa), Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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33
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Kayser GL, Amjad U, Dalcanale F, Bartram J, Bentley ME. Drinking Water Quality Governance: A Comparative Case Study of Brazil, Ecuador, and Malawi. Environ Sci Policy 2015; 48:186-195. [PMID: 25798068 PMCID: PMC4365447 DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2014.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Human health is greatly affected by inadequate access to sufficient and safe drinking water, especially in low and middle-income countries. Drinking water governance improvements may be one way to better drinking water quality. Over the past decade, many projects and international organizations have been dedicated to water governance; however, water governance in the drinking water sector is understudied and how to improve water governance remains unclear. We analyze drinking water governance challenges in three countries-Brazil, Ecuador, and Malawi-as perceived by government, service providers, and civil society organizations. A mixed methods approach was used: a clustering model was used for country selection and qualitative semi-structured interviews were used with direct observation in data collection. The clustering model integrated political, economic, social and environmental variables that impact water sector performance, to group countries. Brazil, Ecuador and Malawi were selected with the model so as to enhance the generalizability of the results. This comparative case study is important because similar challenges are identified in the drinking water sectors of each country; while, the countries represent diverse socio-economic and political contexts, and the selection process provides generalizability to our results. We find that access to safe water could be improved if certain water governance challenges were addressed: coordination and data sharing between ministries that deal with drinking water services; monitoring and enforcement of water quality laws; and sufficient technical capacity to improve administrative and technical management of water services at the local level. From an analysis of our field research, we also developed a conceptual framework that identifies policy levers that could be used to influence governance of drinking water quality on national and sub-national levels, and the relationships between these levers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia L. Kayser
- The Water Institute, The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, The Gillings School of Global Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-7431, USA
| | - Urooj Amjad
- The Water Institute, The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, The Gillings School of Global Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-7431, USA
- Global Research Institute University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-7431, USA
| | - Fernanda Dalcanale
- The Water Institute, The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, The Gillings School of Global Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-7431, USA
| | - Jamie Bartram
- The Water Institute, The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, The Gillings School of Global Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-7431, USA
| | - Margaret E. Bentley
- Department of Nutrition The Gillings School of Global Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-7431, USA
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Blokker EJM, van de Ven BM, de Jongh CM, Slaats PGGN. Health implications of PAH release from coated cast iron drinking water distribution systems in The Netherlands. Environ Health Perspect 2013; 121:600-6. [PMID: 23425894 PMCID: PMC3673185 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coal tar and bitumen have been historically used to coat the insides of cast iron drinking water mains. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may leach from these coatings into the drinking water and form a potential health risk for humans. OBJECTIVE We estimated the potential human cancer risk from PAHs in coated cast iron water mains. METHOD In a Dutch nationwide study, we collected drinking water samples at 120 locations over a period of 17 days under various operational conditions, such as undisturbed operation, during flushing of pipes, and after a mains repair, and analyzed these samples for PAHs. We then estimated the health risk associated with an exposure scenario over a lifetime. RESULTS During flushing, PAH levels frequently exceeded drinking water quality standards; after flushing, these levels dropped rapidly. After the repair of cast iron water mains, PAH levels exceeded the drinking water standards for up to 40 days in some locations. CONCLUSIONS The estimated margin of exposure for PAH exposure through drinking water was > 10,000 for all 120 measurement locations, which suggests that PAH exposure through drinking water is of low concern for consumer health. However, factors that differ among water systems, such as the use of chlorination for disinfection, may influence PAH levels in other locations.
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Beamer PI, Luik CE, Abrell L, Campos S, Martínez ME, Sáez AE. Concentration of trichloroethylene in breast milk and household water from Nogales, Arizona. Environ Sci Technol 2012; 46:9055-61. [PMID: 22827160 PMCID: PMC3699401 DOI: 10.1021/es301380d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has identified quantification of trichloroethylene (TCE), an industrial solvent, in breast milk as a high priority need for risk assessment. Water and milk samples were collected from 20 households by a lactation consultant in Nogales, Arizona. Separate water samples (including tap, bottled, and vending machine) were collected for all household uses: drinking, bathing, cooking, and laundry. A risk factor questionnaire was administered. Liquid-liquid extraction with diethyl ether was followed by GC-MS for TCE quantification in water. Breast milk underwent homogenization, lipid hydrolysis, and centrifugation prior to extraction. The limit of detection was 1.5 ng/mL. TCE was detected in 7 of 20 mothers' breast milk samples. The maximum concentration was 6 ng/mL. TCE concentration in breast milk was significantly correlated with the concentration in water used for bathing (ρ = 0.59, p = 0.008). Detection of TCE in breast milk was more likely if the infant had a body mass index <14 (RR = 5.2, p = 0.02). Based on average breast milk consumption, TCE intake for 5% of the infants may exceed the proposed U.S. EPA Reference Dose. Results of this exploratory study warrant more in depth studies to understand risk of TCE exposures from breast milk intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma I Beamer
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States.
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Jagai JS, Griffiths JK, Kirshen PK, Webb P, Naumova EN. Seasonal patterns of gastrointestinal illness and streamflow along the Ohio River. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2012; 9:1771-90. [PMID: 22754472 PMCID: PMC3386587 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9051771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Revised: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Waterborne gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses demonstrate seasonal increases associated with water quality and meteorological characteristics. However, few studies have been conducted on the association of hydrological parameters, such as streamflow, and seasonality of GI illnesses. Streamflow is correlated with biological contamination and can be used as proxy for drinking water contamination. We compare seasonal patterns of GI illnesses in the elderly (65 years and older) along the Ohio River for a 14-year period (1991-2004) to seasonal patterns of streamflow. Focusing on six counties in close proximity to the river, we compiled weekly time series of hospitalizations for GI illnesses and streamflow data. Seasonal patterns were explored using Poisson annual harmonic regression with and without adjustment for streamflow. GI illnesses demonstrated significant seasonal patterns with peak timing preceding peak timing of streamflow for all six counties. Seasonal patterns of illness remain consistent after adjusting for streamflow. This study found that the time of peak GI illness precedes the peak of streamflow, suggesting either an indirect relationship or a more direct path whereby pathogens enter water supplies prior to the peak in streamflow. Such findings call for interdisciplinary research to better understand associations among streamflow, pathogen loading, and rates of gastrointestinal illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna S. Jagai
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +1-919-966-6209; Fax: +1-919-966-7584
| | - Jeffrey K. Griffiths
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA; (J.K.G.); (E.N.N.)
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
- Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Paul K. Kirshen
- Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA;
| | - Patrick Webb
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
| | - Elena N. Naumova
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA; (J.K.G.); (E.N.N.)
- Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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Figueras MJ, Borrego JJ. New perspectives in monitoring drinking water microbial quality. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2010; 7:4179-202. [PMID: 21318002 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph7124179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The safety of drinking water is evaluated by the results obtained from faecal indicators during the stipulated controls fixed by the legislation. However, drinking-water related illness outbreaks are still occurring worldwide. The failures that lead to these outbreaks are relatively common and typically involve preceding heavy rain and inadequate disinfection processes. The role that classical faecal indicators have played in the protection of public health is reviewed and the turning points expected for the future explored. The legislation for protecting the quality of drinking water in Europe is under revision, and the planned modifications include an update of current indicators and methods as well as the introduction of Water Safety Plans (WSPs), in line with WHO recommendations. The principles of the WSP approach and the advances signified by the introduction of these preventive measures in the future improvement of dinking water quality are presented. The expected impact that climate change will have in the quality of drinking water is also critically evaluated.
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Levy K, Nelson KL, Hubbard A, Eisenberg JNS. Following the water: a controlled study of drinking water storage in northern coastal Ecuador. Environ Health Perspect 2008; 116:1533-40. [PMID: 19057707 PMCID: PMC2592274 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 07/03/2008] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To design the most appropriate interventions to improve water quality and supply, information is needed to assess water contamination in a variety of community settings, including those that rely primarily on unimproved surface sources of drinking water. OBJECTIVES We explored the role of initial source water conditions as well as household factors in determining household water quality, and how levels of contamination of drinking water change over time, in a rural setting in northern coastal Ecuador. METHODS We sampled source waters concurrently with water collection by household members and followed this water over time, comparing Escherichia coli and enterococci concentrations in water stored in households with water stored under controlled conditions. RESULTS We observed significant natural attenuation of indicator organisms in control containers and significant, although less pronounced, reductions of indicators between the source of drinking water and its point of use through the third day of sampling. These reductions were followed by recontamination in approximately half of the households. CONCLUSIONS Water quality improved after water was transferred from the source to household storage containers, but then declined because of recontamination in the home. Our experimental design allowed us to observe these dynamics by controlling for initial source water quality and following changes in water quality over time. These data, because of our controlled experimental design, may explain why recontamination has been reported in the literature as less prominent in areas or households with highly contaminated source waters. Our results also suggest that efforts to improve source water quality and sanitation remain important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Levy
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.
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Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is applied worldwide to produce food. It is in the atmosphere, soil, and water and is essential to all life. N for agriculture includes fertilizer, biologically fixed, manure, recycled crop residue, and soil-mineralized N. Presently, fertilizer N is a major source of N, and animal manure N is inefficiently used. Potential environmental impacts of N excreted by humans are increasing rapidly with increasing world populations. Where needed, N must be efficiently used because N can be transported immense distances and transformed into soluble and/or gaseous forms that pollute water resources and cause greenhouse effects. Unfortunately, increased amounts of gaseous N enter the environment as N2O to cause greenhouse warming and as NH3 to shift ecological balances of natural ecosystems. Large amounts of N are displaced with eroding sediments in surface waters. Soluble N in runoff or leachate water enters streams, rivers, and groundwater. High-nitrate drinking water can cause methemoglobinemia, while nitrosamines are associated with various human cancers. We describe the benefits, but also how N in the wrong form or place results in harmful effects on humans and animals, as well as to ecological and environmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Follett
- USDA-ARS, Soil-Plant-Nutrient Unit, Fort Collins, Co 80522, USA.
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