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Science (New York, N.Y.) Jul 2023New proposed legislation on "forever" chemicals is under consideration in Europe and the United States, where per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a hot topic...
New proposed legislation on "forever" chemicals is under consideration in Europe and the United States, where per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a hot topic for regulators and lawmakers. On both sides of the Atlantic, regulation of widely used PFAS has been complex and evolving. Their presence in hundreds of different products-from nonstick cookware to food packaging to firefighting foam-and their persistence in food, drinking water, and the environment have resulted in a pollution problem of unprecedented scale. Recently, for example, it was reported that 45% of the tap water in the United States contains at least one type of PFAS. Because these compounds are so chemically stable that they do not degrade in the environment (including in the human body), PFAS seriously challenge long-established ideas of how chemicals can be used, assessed, and regulated, and it remains to be seen whether the new regulations will solve this problem.
Topics: Humans; Drinking Water; Europe; Fluorocarbons; Food; Environmental Pollution; Hazardous Substances; Persistent Organic Pollutants
PubMed: 37471534
DOI: 10.1126/science.adj7475 -
Environmental Research Jul 2023Cyanobacteria are a type of bloom-forming phytoplankton that cause environmental problems in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHAB)... (Review)
Review
Cyanobacteria are a type of bloom-forming phytoplankton that cause environmental problems in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHAB) often produce cyanotoxins that affect public health by contaminating surface waters and drinking water reservoirs. Conventional drinking water treatment plants are ineffective in treating cyanotoxins, even though some treatment methods are available. Therefore, innovative and advanced treatment methods are required to control cyanoHABs and their cyanotoxins. The goal of this review paper is to provide insight into the use of cyanophages as an effective form of biological control method for the removal of cyanoHABs in aquatic systems. Moreover, the review contains information on cyanobacterial blooms, cyanophage-cyanobacteria interactions, including infection mechanisms, as well as examples of different types of cyanobacteria and cyanophages. Moreover, the real-life application of cyanophages in marine and freshwater environments and the mode of action of cyanophages were compiled.
Topics: Drinking Water; Ecosystem; Cyanobacteria; Cyanobacteria Toxins; Phytoplankton; Harmful Algal Bloom
PubMed: 36966999
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115728 -
Endocrine Practice : Official Journal... Feb 2024A wide variety of thyroidal endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been identified. Exposure to known thyroidal EDCs is ubiquitous, and many likely remain... (Review)
Review
A wide variety of thyroidal endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been identified. Exposure to known thyroidal EDCs is ubiquitous, and many likely remain unidentified. The sources of exposure include contaminated drinking water, air pollution, pesticides and agricultural chemicals, flame retardants, cleaning supplies, personal care products, food additives and packaging materials, coatings and solvents, and medical products and equipment. EDCs can affect thyroid hormone synthesis, transport, metabolism, and action in a myriad of ways. Understanding the health effects of thyroidal EDCs has been challenging because individuals may have multiple concomitant EDC exposures and many potential EDCs are not yet well characterized. Because of the importance of thyroid hormone for brain development in early life, pregnant women and young infants are particularly vulnerable to the effects of environmental thyroid disruption. The thyroidal effects of some EDCs may be exacerbated in iodine-deficient individuals, those with thyroid autoimmunity, and those with mutations in deiodinase genes. Differential exposures to EDCs may exacerbate health disparities in disadvantaged groups. High-throughput in vitro assays and in silico methods and methods that can detect the effects of relevant EDC mixtures are needed. In addition, optimal methods for detecting the effects of thyroidal EDCs on neurodevelopment need to be developed. Common sense precautions can reduce some thyroidal EDC exposures; however, regulation of manufacturing and drinking water content will ultimately be needed to protect populations.
Topics: Infant; Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Thyroid Gland; Endocrine Disruptors; Drinking Water; Thyroid Hormones; Iodine
PubMed: 37956907
DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2023.11.002 -
Reviews on Environmental Health Jun 2023Arsenic as a chemical is found in rock, soil, air and used in various industries and their products, such as colors, hairs, and fertilizers. Humans may be exposed to... (Review)
Review
OBJECT
Arsenic as a chemical is found in rock, soil, air and used in various industries and their products, such as colors, hairs, and fertilizers. Humans may be exposed to arsenic mainly through food and drinking water. Due to its adverse health effects, its presence in drinking water has become a public health concern.
METHODS
In this systematic review, we investigated the relationship between arsenic concentration in drinking water and the risk of kidney cancer in humans. For this reason, various electronic databases were searched from 1992 February to November 2021. In this review, three ecological studies, two case-control studies, and four cohort studies were investigated.
RESULTS
High levels of arsenic (100 μg/L) have been reported in many countries such as southwest Taiwan, Niigata, Argentine, and northern Chile. A significant relationship was observed between kidney cancer incidence and its mortality rate with high arsenic levels in drinking water.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the limitations in some previous studies, reviewing and comparing the data of different regions indicates a scientific relationship between kidney cancer incidence and high concentrations of arsenic in drinking water.
Topics: Humans; Arsenic; Drinking Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Kidney Neoplasms; Incidence; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 35286785
DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0168 -
Environmental Research Sep 2023Perchlorate and chlorate are endocrine disruptors considered emerging contaminants (ECs). Both oxyanions are commonly associated with anthropogenic contamination from...
Perchlorate and chlorate are endocrine disruptors considered emerging contaminants (ECs). Both oxyanions are commonly associated with anthropogenic contamination from fertilizers, pesticides, explosives, and disinfection byproducts. However, the soils of the Atacama Desert are the most extensive natural reservoirs of perchlorate in the world, compromising drinking water sources in northern Chile. Field campaigns were carried (2014-2018) to assess the presence of these ECs in the water supply networks of twelve Chilean cities. Additionally, the occurrence of perchlorate, chlorate and other anions typically observed in drinking water matrices of the Atacama Desert (i.e., nitrate, chloride, sulfate) was evaluated using a Spearman correlation analysis to determine predictors for perchlorate and chlorate. High concentrations of perchlorate (up to 114.48 μg L) and chlorate (up to 9650 μg L) were found in three northern cities. Spatial heterogeneities were observed in the physicochemical properties and anion concentrations of the water supply network. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that nitrate, chloride, and sulfate were not useful predictors for the presence of perchlorate and chlorate in drinking water in Chile. Hence, this study highlights the need to establish systematic monitoring, regulation, and treatment for these EC of drinking water sources in northern Chilean cities for public health protection.
Topics: Drinking Water; Chlorates; Chile; Nitrates; Perchlorates; Cities; Chlorides; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 37343761
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116450 -
The Science of the Total Environment Feb 2024Microplastics (MPs) have entered drinking water (DW) via various pathways, raising concerns about their potential health impacts. This study provides a comprehensive... (Review)
Review
Microplastics (MPs) have entered drinking water (DW) via various pathways, raising concerns about their potential health impacts. This study provides a comprehensive review of MP-associated chemicals, such as oligomers, plasticizers, stabilizers, and ultraviolet (UV) filters that can be leached out during DW treatment and distribution. The leaching of these chemicals is influenced by various environmental and operating factors, with three major ones identified: MP concentration and polymer type, pH, and contact time. The leaching process is substantially enhanced during the disinfection step of DW treatment, due to ultraviolet light and/or disinfectant-triggered reactions. The study also reviewed human exposure to MPs and associated chemicals in DW, as well as their health impacts on the human nervous, digestive, reproductive, and hepatic systems, especially the neuroendocrine toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. An overview of MPs in DW, including tap water and bottled water, was also presented to enable a background understanding of MPs-associated chemicals. In short, certain chemicals leached from MPs in DW can have significant implications for human health and demand further research on their long-term health impacts, mitigation strategies, and interactions with other pollutants such as disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). This study is anticipated to facilitate the research and management of MPs in DW and beverages.
Topics: Humans; Microplastics; Plastics; Drinking Water; Polymers; Water Purification; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 38154642
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169594 -
Journal of Environmental Sciences... Oct 2023Since many waterborne diseases are caused by human pathogenic viruses, virus monitoring of drinking water (DW) and DW sources is crucial for public health. Therefore,... (Review)
Review
Since many waterborne diseases are caused by human pathogenic viruses, virus monitoring of drinking water (DW) and DW sources is crucial for public health. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the occurrence of human pathogenic viruses in DW and DW sources; the occurrence of two viruses proposed as novel indicators of human faecal contamination (Pepper mild mottle virus and Tobacco mosaic virus) was also reported. This research was focused on articles that assessed viral occurrence using molecular methods in the surface water used for DW production (SW-D), groundwater used for DW production (GW-D), DW and bottled-DW (BW). A total of 1544 studies published in the last 10 years were analysed, and 79 were ultimately included. In considering the detection methods, filtration is the most common concentration technique, while quantitative polymerase chain reaction is the most common quantification technique. Regarding virus occurrence in SW-D, GW-D, and DW, high percentages of positive samples were reported for adenovirus, polyomavirus and Pepper mild mottle virus. Viral genomes were frequently detected in SW-D and rarely in GW-D, suggesting that GW-D may be a safe DW source. Viral genomes were also detected in DW, posing a possible threat to human health. The lowest percentages of positive samples were found in Europe, while the highest were found in Asia and South America. Only three articles assessed viral occurrence in BW. This review highlights the lack of method standardization and the need for legislation updates.
Topics: Humans; Drinking Water; Tobamovirus; Viruses; Water Pollution; Water Microbiology
PubMed: 37336605
DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.07.035 -
Journal of Exposure Science &... Jan 2024Advances in drinking water infrastructure and treatment throughout the 20 and early 21 century dramatically improved water reliability and quality in the United States... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Advances in drinking water infrastructure and treatment throughout the 20 and early 21 century dramatically improved water reliability and quality in the United States (US) and other parts of the world. However, numerous chemical contaminants from a range of anthropogenic and natural sources continue to pose chronic health concerns, even in countries with established drinking water regulations, such as the US.
OBJECTIVE/METHODS
In this review, we summarize exposure risk profiles and health effects for seven legacy and emerging drinking water contaminants or contaminant groups: arsenic, disinfection by-products, fracking-related substances, lead, nitrate, per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and uranium. We begin with an overview of US public water systems, and US and global drinking water regulation. We end with a summary of cross-cutting challenges that burden US drinking water systems: aging and deteriorated water infrastructure, vulnerabilities for children in school and childcare facilities, climate change, disparities in access to safe and reliable drinking water, uneven enforcement of drinking water standards, inadequate health assessments, large numbers of chemicals within a class, a preponderance of small water systems, and issues facing US Indigenous communities.
RESULTS
Research and data on US drinking water contamination show that exposure profiles, health risks, and water quality reliability issues vary widely across populations, geographically and by contaminant. Factors include water source, local and regional features, aging water infrastructure, industrial or commercial activities, and social determinants. Understanding the risk profiles of different drinking water contaminants is necessary for anticipating local and general problems, ascertaining the state of drinking water resources, and developing mitigation strategies.
IMPACT STATEMENT
Drinking water contamination is widespread, even in the US. Exposure risk profiles vary by contaminant. Understanding the risk profiles of different drinking water contaminants is necessary for anticipating local and general public health problems, ascertaining the state of drinking water resources, and developing mitigation strategies.
Topics: Child; Humans; Water Quality; Drinking Water; Reproducibility of Results; Aging; Arsenic
PubMed: 37739995
DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00597-z -
International Journal of Hygiene and... Jan 2024Drinking water quality data, though regularly monitored, is not available in Germany as national overview, but only decentralized from the water suppliers. On the... (Review)
Review
Drinking water quality data, though regularly monitored, is not available in Germany as national overview, but only decentralized from the water suppliers. On the national level, only the number of limit exceedances are reported. An overview on drinking water qualities as complete as possible however is necessary to assess and develop regulations and helpful for authorities, political decision makers, the public and the scientific community. Due to the fragmented nature of the data sources, web-scraping was used in the present study to mitigate aforementioned challenges and knowledge gaps. Data from 502 water supply areas were compiled and further evaluated. The extent and form of reported values varied strongly, as did the availability of data for the different water supply areas. The results show, that the scraped values were not close to but well below associated legal limits or guidance values. For organic parameters, the reported values were mostly below the respective limits of quantification. However, further developments are needed to cover more water supply areas in Germany and internationally.
Topics: Drinking Water; Environmental Monitoring; Germany; Water Quality; Water Supply
PubMed: 37995492
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114295 -
The Science of the Total Environment Sep 2023Due to natural conditions such as geology, topography, and climate, and historical features such as resource utilization, land use, and settlement patterns, the drinking...
Due to natural conditions such as geology, topography, and climate, and historical features such as resource utilization, land use, and settlement patterns, the drinking water supply in Norway is separated into many public and private water supply systems. This survey sheds light on whether the Drinking Water Regulation's limit values provide a sufficient basis for ensuring safe drinking water for the Norwegian population. Participating waterworks, both private and public, were spread throughout the country, in 21 municipalities with different geological conditions. The median value for the number of persons supplied by the participating waterworks was 155. The two largest waterworks, both of which supply >10,000 people, have water sources from unconsolidated surficial sediments of latest Quaternary age. Fourteen waterworks have water sources from bedrock aquifers. Raw and treated water were analysed for 64 elements and selected anions. The concentration of manganese, iron, arsenic, aluminium, uranium, and fluoride exceeded the respective drinking water regulations' parametric value given in Directive (EU) 2020/2184. Regarding the rare earth elements, neither WHO, EU, USA nor Canada have established any limit values. However, concentration of lanthanum in groundwater from a sedimentary well exceeded the health-based guideline value that applies in Australia. Results from this study raise the question of whether increased precipitation can have an impact on the mobility and concentration of uranium in groundwater from bedrock aquifers. Furthermore, findings of high levels of lanthanum in groundwater create uncertainty as to whether the current quality control of Norwegian drinking water is sufficient.
Topics: Humans; Drinking Water; Lanthanum; Uranium; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Supply; Groundwater; Arsenic; Norway; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 37211126
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164287