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International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2018Although many U.S. homes rely on private wells, few studies have investigated the quality of these water sources. This cross-sectional study evaluated private well water...
Although many U.S. homes rely on private wells, few studies have investigated the quality of these water sources. This cross-sectional study evaluated private well water quality in Maryland, and explored possible environmental sources that could impact water quality. Well water samples ( = 118) were collected in four Maryland counties and were analyzed for microbiological and chemical contaminants. Data from the U.S. Census of Agriculture were used to evaluate associations between the presence of animal feeding operations and well water quality at the zip code level using logistic regression. Overall, 43.2% of tested wells did not meet at least one federal health-based drinking water standard. Total coliforms, fecal coliforms, enterococci, and were detected in 25.4%, 15.3%, 5.1%, and 3.4% of tested wells, respectively. Approximately 26%, 3.4%, and <1% of wells did not meet standards for pH, nitrate-N, and total dissolved solids, respectively. There were no statistically significant associations between the presence of cattle, dairy, broiler, turkey, or aquaculture operations and the detection of fecal indicator bacteria in tested wells. In conclusion, nearly half of tested wells did not meet federal health-based drinking water standards, and additional research is needed to evaluate factors that impact well water quality. However, homeowner education on well water testing and well maintenance could be important for public health.
Topics: Animal Husbandry; Aquaculture; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drinking Water; Maryland; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Quality; Water Wells
PubMed: 30087312
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081686 -
Scientific Reports May 2024This investigation explored the presence of microplastics (MPs) and artificial cellulosic particles (ACPs) in commercial water marketed in single use 1.5 L...
This investigation explored the presence of microplastics (MPs) and artificial cellulosic particles (ACPs) in commercial water marketed in single use 1.5 L poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles. In this work we determined a mass concentration of 1.61 (1.10-2.88) µg/L and 1.04 (0.43-1.82) µg/L for MPs and ACPs respectively in five top-selling brands from the Spanish bottled water market. Most MPs consisted of white and transparent polyester and polyethylene particles, while most ACPs were cellulosic fibers likely originating from textiles. The median size of MPs and ACPs was 93 µm (interquartile range 76-130 µm) and 77 µm (interquartile range 60-96 µm), respectively. Particle mass size distributions were fitted to a logistic function, enabling comparisons with other studies. The estimated daily intake of MPs due to the consumption of bottled water falls within the 4-18 ng kg day range, meaning that exposure to plastics through bottled water probably represents a negligible risk to human health. However, it's worth noting that the concentration of plastic found was much higher than that recorded for tap water, which supports the argument in favour of municipal drinking water.
Topics: Microplastics; Drinking Water; Spain; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Cellulose; Humans; Particle Size; Polyethylene Terephthalates
PubMed: 38750101
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62075-2 -
Environment International Jun 2023Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are drinking water contaminants. Tools to assess the potential body burden associated with drinking PFAS-contaminated water...
BACKGROUND
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are drinking water contaminants. Tools to assess the potential body burden associated with drinking PFAS-contaminated water may be helpful for public health assessment of exposed communities.
METHODS
We implemented a suite of one-compartment toxicokinetic models using extensively calibrated toxicokinetic parameters (half-life and volume of distribution). We implemented the models both in the R programming language for research purposes, and as a web estimator for the general public (built in typescript.js). These models simulate exposure to PFAS water concentrations for individuals with varying characteristics such as age, sex, weight, and breastfeeding history. The models account for variability and uncertainty in parameter inputs to produce Monte Carlo-based estimates of serum concentration. For children, the models additionally account for gestational exposure, lactational exposure, and potential exposure through formula feeding. For adults who have borne children, the models account for clearance through birth and breastfeeding. We ran simulations of individuals with known PFAS water and serum concentrations to evaluate the model. We then compared the predicted serum PFAS concentrations to measured data.
RESULTS
The models accurately estimate individual-level serum levels for each PFAS for most adults within ½ order of magnitude. We found that the models somewhat overestimated serum concentrations for children in the tested locations, and that these overestimates are generally within an order of magnitude.
DISCUSSION
This paper presents scientifically robust models that allow users to estimate serum PFAS concentrations based on known PFAS water concentrations and physiologic information. However, accuracy in historical water concentration inputs, exposure from non-drinking water sources, and life-history characteristics of individuals present a complex problem for individual estimation. Additional refinements to the model suite to improve the prediction of individual results may consist of including duration of exposure and additional life-history characteristics.
Topics: Adult; Child; Female; Humans; Drinking Water; Environmental Exposure; Alkanesulfonic Acids; Fluorocarbons; Caprylates; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 37245445
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107974 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2022This study identified and detected the existence of major pollutants in northeast China. As an alpine region and an agricultural base, this region has representative...
This study identified and detected the existence of major pollutants in northeast China. As an alpine region and an agricultural base, this region has representative significance in pollution research. We selected 56 samples from drinking water sources of typical villages and towns, focusing on the analysis of heavy metals and organic micropollutants in northeast China. The analysis results showed that Fe and Mn were the main metal elements exceeding the standard. The exceeding rates were 17.9% and 19.6%. Experiments showed that there were 19 kinds of pesticides, 6 kinds of OPEs, 2 kinds of PAEs, 22 kinds of PPCPs. The detection rate of these 49 kinds of organic micro-pollutants were 1.79~82.14%. The characteristics of organic pollution were extensive and varied. Many underground water samples had high level of micropollutants. The water quality parameters of drinking water sources in villages and towns showed close relation to local geological conditions and agricultural activities. Actions must be taken to control these parameters from the source of pollution.
Topics: Drinking Water; Cities; Metals, Heavy; Water Quality; Environmental Pollutants; China
PubMed: 36432133
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27228033 -
Arsenic in Drinking Water and Mortality for Cancer and Chronic Diseases in Central Italy, 1990-2010.PloS One 2015In several volcanic areas of Italy, arsenic levels exceed European regulatory limits (10 μg/L in drinking water). There is still uncertainty about health risks from...
BACKGROUND
In several volcanic areas of Italy, arsenic levels exceed European regulatory limits (10 μg/L in drinking water). There is still uncertainty about health risks from arsenic at low-medium doses (<100 μg/L).
OBJECTIVES
A large population-based study using an administrative cohort of residents in the Viterbo province (Central Italy), chronically exposed to low-medium arsenic levels via drinking water, was investigated to evaluate the effects of a lifetime exposure to arsenic on mortality from cancers and chronic diseases.
METHODS
The study population consisted of 165,609 residents of 17 municipalities, followed from 1990 until 2010. Average individual arsenic exposure at the first residence (AsI) was estimated through a space-time modeling approach using residential history and arsenic concentrations from water supply. A time-dependent Cumulative Arsenic dose Indicator (CAI) was calculated, accounting for daily water intake and exposure duration. Mortality Hazard Ratios (HR) were estimated by gender for different diseases using Cox proportional models, adjusting for individual and area-level confounders. A flexible non-parametric approach was used to investigate dose-response relationships.
RESULTS
Mean AsI exposure was 19.3 μg/L, and average exposure duration was 39.5 years. Associations of AsI and CAI indicators with several diseases were found, with greatest risks found for lung cancer in both sexes (HR = 2.61 males; HR = 2.09 females), myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease and COPD in males (HR = 2.94; HR = 2.44; HR = 2.54 respectively) and diabetes in females (HR = 2.56). For lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases dose-response relationship is modelled by piecewise linear functions revealing effects even for doses lower than 10 μg/L, and no threshold dose value was identified as safe for health.
CONCLUSIONS
Results provide new evidence for risk assessment of low-medium concentrations of arsenic and contribute to the ongoing debate about the threshold-dose of effect, suggesting that even concentrations below 10 μg/L carry a mortality risk. Policy actions are urgently needed in areas exposed to arsenic like in the Viterbo province, to comply with current EU regulations.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arsenic; Arsenic Poisoning; Child; Chronic Disease; Drinking Water; Environmental Exposure; Female; Humans; Italy; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Supply; Young Adult
PubMed: 26383851
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138182 -
The Ceylon Medical Journal Sep 2012People rely on the quality of the bottled drinking water, expecting it to be free of microbial contamination and health hazards.
INTRODUCTION
People rely on the quality of the bottled drinking water, expecting it to be free of microbial contamination and health hazards.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the quality of bottled drinking water sold in Jaffna peninsula by analysing the physical, chemical and microbial contents and comparing with the recommended Sri Lankan Standard (SLS) values.
METHODS
All bottled water samples sold in Jaffna peninsula were collected. Electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, pH, calcium, nitrate, total aerobic and anaerobic count, coliform bacterial count and faecal contamination were checked.
RESULTS
These are 22 brands of bottled drinking water sold in Jaffna peninsula. The sample had very low electrical conductivity when compared with SLS (750 μS/ cm) and varied from 19 to 253 μS/cm with the mean of 80.53 (±60.92) μS/cm. The pH values of the bottled drinking water brands varied from 4.11 to 7.58 with a mean of 6.2 (±0.75). The total dissolved solid content of the bottled drinking water brands varied from 9 to 123.67 mg/l with a mean of 39.5 (±30.23) mg/l. The calcium content of the bottled drinking water brands varied from 6.48 to 83.77 mg/l with a mean of 49.9 (±25.09) mg/l. The nitrate content of the bottled drinking water brands varied from 0.21 to 4.19 mg/l with the mean of 1.26 (±1.08) mg/l. Aerobic bacterial count varied from 0 to 800 colony forming unit per ml (cfu/ml) with a mean of 262.6 (±327.50) cfu/ml. Among the 22 drinking bottled water brands 14 and 9% of bottled drinking water brands showed fungal and coliform bacterial contaminants respectively. The water brands which contained faecal contamination had either Escherichia coli or Klebsiella spp.
CONCLUSIONS
The bottled drinking water available for sale do not meet the standards stipulated by SLS.
Topics: Bacterial Load; Calcium; Consumer Product Safety; Drinking Water; Electric Conductivity; Enterobacteriaceae; Nitrates; Sri Lanka; Water Microbiology
PubMed: 23086026
DOI: 10.4038/cmj.v57i3.4149 -
Journal of Environmental and Public... 2021Access to safe drinking water is essential to health, and it is a basic human right. However, drinking water treatment plant efficiency and its water quality are not...
INTRODUCTION
Access to safe drinking water is essential to health, and it is a basic human right. However, drinking water treatment plant efficiency and its water quality are not well investigated in low-income countries including Ethiopia.
METHODS
A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 75 water samples. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 22 to generate descriptive statistics, and one-way ANOVA was used to test statistically significant difference.
RESULTS
Physicochemical qualities of the water samples from tap water sources were found to be pH (6.88 ± 0.05), turbidity (5.15 ± 0.006 NTU), electrical conductivity (170.6 ± 0.1 S/cm), residual chlorine (0.19 ± 0.003 mg/L), and fluoride (1.17 ± 0.009 mg/L). The removal efficiency of turbidity, total hardness, and nitrate was found to be 94.4%, 52.3%, and 88.7%, respectively. Removal efficiency of the treatment plant for total coliforms up to 91.6% (15 ± 0.26 CFU/100 mL in tap water) and faecal coliforms up to 99% (1.51 ± 0.03 CFU/100 mL in tap water) was recorded. Parameters of pH, temperature, and faecal coliform were statistically significant different at < 0.05 in tap water source. The overall efficiency of the treatment plant (68.5%) and the water quality index (76) were recorded.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results, some of the investigated parameters of water quality (turbidity, residual chlorine, total coliform, and faecal coliform) were found to be not within the permissible limits of WHO guideline values for drinking water quality. The water quality index of the water samples was categorized under good water quality. To adequately treat drinking water and improve the treatment plant, adequate preliminary treatments like screening to reduce the incoming organic loading, proper chlorination of the drinking water system, and frequent monitoring and maintenance of the treatment plant system are required.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Drinking Water; Ethiopia; Family Characteristics; Humans; Water Purification; Water Quality; Water Supply
PubMed: 34194514
DOI: 10.1155/2021/9974064 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Jan 2019Veterinary pharmaceuticals (VPs) increasingly used in animal husbandry have led to their presence in aquatic environments -surface water (SW) or groundwater (GW) - and... (Review)
Review
Veterinary pharmaceuticals (VPs) increasingly used in animal husbandry have led to their presence in aquatic environments -surface water (SW) or groundwater (GW) - and even in tap water. This review focuses on studies from 2007 to 2017. Sixty-eight different veterinary pharmaceutical residues (VPRs) have been quantified worldwide in natural waters at concentrations ranging from nanograms per liter (ng L) to several micrograms per liter (μg L). An extensive up-to-date on sales and tonnages of VPs worldwide has been performed. Tetracyclines (TCs) antibiotics are the most sold veterinary pharmaceuticals worldwide. An overview of VPRs degradation pathways in natural waters is provided. VPRs can be degraded or transformed by biodegradation, hydrolysis or photolysis. Photo-degradation appears to be the major degradation pathway in SW. This review then reports occurrences of VPRs found in tap water, and presents data on VPRs removal in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) at each step of the process. VPRs have been quantified in tap water at ng L concentration levels in four studies of the eleven studies dealing with VPRs occurrence in tap water. Overall removals of VPRs in DWTPs generally exceed 90% and advanced treatment processes (oxidation processes, adsorption on activated carbon, membrane filtration) greatly contribute to these removals. However, studies performed on full-scale DWTPs are scarce. A large majority of fate studies in DWTPs have been conducted under laboratory at environmentally irrelevant conditions (high concentration of VPRs (mg L), use of deionized water instead of natural water, high concentration of oxidant, high contact time etc.). Also, studies on VPRs occurrence and fate in tap water focus on antibiotics. There is a scientific gap on the occurrence and fate of antiparatic drugs in tap waters.
Topics: Drinking Water; Fresh Water; Marketing; Tetracyclines; Veterinary Drugs; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification
PubMed: 30179788
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.08.075 -
African Health Sciences Dec 2013Accesses to safe water is a universal need however, many of the world's population lack access to adequate and safe water. Consumption of water contaminated causes...
BACKGROUND
Accesses to safe water is a universal need however, many of the world's population lack access to adequate and safe water. Consumption of water contaminated causes health risk to the public and the situation is serous in rural areas.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the bacteriological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water sources in a rural community of Ethiopia.
METHODS
Water samples were collected from tap, open springs, open dug wells and protected springs for bacteriological analysis of total coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms. The turbidity, pH and temperature were measured immediately after collection.
RESULTS
Most drinking water sources were found to have coliform counts above the recommended national and international guidelines and had high sanitary risk scores. There was a statistically significant difference among water sources with respect to TC and TTC (p < 0.05) and there was a statistically significant positive correlation between coliform counts and sanitary risk scores (p < 0.01). Most water sources didn't satisfy the turbidity values recommended by WHO.
CONCLUSION
The water sources were heavily contaminated which suggested poor protection and sanitation practice in the water sources. Source protection strategies as well as monitoring are recommend for this community.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Drinking Water; Enterobacteriaceae; Ethiopia; Groundwater; Humans; Prospective Studies; Rural Population; Temperature; Water Microbiology; Water Pollutants
PubMed: 24940346
DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v13i4.42 -
Public Health Feb 2016Information about the quality of drinking water, together with analysis of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) analysis and health risk assessment (HRA) remain...
OBJECTIVES
Information about the quality of drinking water, together with analysis of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) analysis and health risk assessment (HRA) remain limited. The aims of this study were: (1) to ascertain the level of KAP regarding heavy metal contamination of drinking water in Pasir Mas; (2) to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cd) in drinking water in Pasir Mas; and (3) to estimate the health risks (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic) caused by heavy metal exposure through drinking water using hazard quotient and lifetime cancer risk.
METHODS
Information on KAP was collected using a standardized questionnaire. Heavy metal analysis of drinking water samples was performed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
RESULTS
The population of Pasir Mas has good knowledge (80%), a less positive attitude (93%) and good practice (81%) towards heavy metal contamination of drinking water. The concentrations of heavy metals analysed in this study were found to be below the permissible limits for drinking water set by the Malaysian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization. The HRA showed no potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from the intake of heavy metal through drinking water.
CONCLUSION
By investigating the quality of drinking water, KAP and HRA, the results of this study will provide authorities with the knowledge and resources to improve the management of drinking water quality in the future.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Drinking Water; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Metals, Heavy; Middle Aged; Risk Assessment; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 26715317
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.11.006