American Water Research Articles

A response to: Evaluating the reliability of DNA Barcoding for Central American Pacific shallow water echinoderms identification

Introduction: Chacón-Monge et al. (2024) sought to test the accuracy of DNA barcoding for species identification in Pacific Central American shallow water echinoderms. They used cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences derived from new material collected as part of the BioMar-ACG project in Costa Rica. Using their set of 348 echinoderm sequences, they compared species identification results from two online platforms: the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank using the nucleotide Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLASTn), and the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) Identification Engine. Objective: The present article is a response to their results and conclusions. Methods: We reinterpreted the results from the authors’ Appendix 2 to enable an objective comparison between the BOLD Identification Engine and BLASTn in GenBank. Results: While the authors found that both platforms were limited by the number of reference sequences available in their respective databases, they concluded that GenBank outperformed BOLD for identification; however, we identify several methodological flaws in their analysis. These include pseudoreplication amongst query sequences, contaminated sequences stemming from sampling errors, and a lack of standardization when interpreting results from the two platforms. Their assessment of the BOLD Identification Engine was also limited by improper selection of a reference database. Conclusion: Addressing these errors, we reinterpret their results and demonstrate that there is no difference in performance between the two platforms.

Impacts of geopolitics and policy on Latin American biodiversity and water resources

AbstractLatin America is a major agricultural producer with important natural resources. Efforts have been made to protect sensitive areas but are hindered by agricultural trade disruptions outside the control of individual countries due to globally integrated crop markets. This analysis assesses the effects of two trade shocks, that is, the war in Ukraine and vehicle decarbonization in the United States (US), on biodiversity and water resources in Latin America. Results show that an increase in maize and wheat exports from the region triggered by the war in Ukraine negatively affects biodiversity in Brazil and leads to cropland expansion into drought‐prone areas in Argentina and Chile. For the case of reduced crop exports from Latin America due to US vehicle decarbonization and the corresponding shift away from US maize ethanol, the pressure on arable land in areas of high biodiversity and water stress is eased. As opposed to agricultural carbon emissions, which have global impacts, biodiversity and water issues have a strong local and regional significance. Regulatory frameworks aiming to protect these regions should be forward looking to detect and shield vulnerable areas from future threats. Other changes affecting global agriculture and trade, for example, sustainable aviation fuels in the US or the European Farm‐to‐Fork policy, need to be anticipated for effective policies in Latin America [EconLit Citations: Q13, Q25, Q34, Q56].

Bacteriological quality and physicochemical analysis of the Kalte River at Wolaita Sodo Town, southern Ethiopia

ObjectiveThe current research aimed to investigate the physicochemical and bacteriological quality status of the Kalte River in Wolaita Sodo Town, southern Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 42 water samples were collected using sterile glass bottles from three different river sites: Damota (upstream), Kera (midstream), and Gututo (downstream). All the water samples were examined for the presence of heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform and fecal coliform using direct plate count method and membrane filtration method. Standard methods suggested by American water works association were used to analysis the physicochemical parameters of the water samples.ResultsThe results revealed that the total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform, and fecal coliform count ranged from 8.9 to 12.6 × 104 cfu/ml, 7.5–11.3 × 102 cfu/ml and 5.7–9.7 × 104 cfu/ml, respectively. The bacterial count results indicated that the river water crossed the WHO-recommended limit of potable water. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Shigella species were the common bacterial pathogens isolated from river water samples. The results of the physicochemical analysis revealed that some of the parameters Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and turbidity exceeded the maximum permissible limits of WHO and other parameters were below the WHO permissible limits.ConclusionTherefore, the presence of bacterial pathogens, fecal coliform indicators, and some physicochemical parameters of the Kalte River exceeding the recommended limits may expose users of the river water to the risk of infection.

Multi‐method sampling increases detectability and assessment of spatio‐temporal interactions of mammals and birds in wetland habitats

Abstract Freshwater habitats support high levels of biodiversity and provide important habitat for wetland‐dependent taxa; however, impairment of aquatic connectivity through wetland loss, stream alterations and light pollution impacts species persistence and community resilience. Quantifying occupancy of these habitats to assess their use by mammals and birds can be challenging, especially for cryptic species. This study examines wetland habitat use by mammals and birds, and their spatial and temporal relationships within the Beaver Hills Biosphere in Alberta, Canada. As part of a multi‐method detection approach, camera boxes, cameras on beaver dams, and camera rafts allowed for multivariate analyses to determine temporal and spatial patterns of habitat use and species associations, while field sampling and environmental DNA (eDNA) provided data on site occupancy by a subset of semi‐aquatic mammals. From ~50,000 images, over 84 species were detected, including 52 species of birds and 25 species of mammals. Several species were spatially associated, and although most species of mammals exhibited temporal overlap, there were distinct differences, especially on beaver dams where predators such as coyotes and white‐tailed deer shared the same space. Temporally, birds were detected most often during the day and mammals at night. During new moon phases, use of beaver dams by beavers decreased dramatically, and use of camera rafts by muskrats increased. Winter field surveys allowed for a broad overview of wetland occupancy and abundance of some species, particularly by beavers and muskrats, and occasionally winter use by other semi‐aquatic mammals. Where there was limited detection of more cryptic species of semi‐aquatic mammals, eDNA analysis successfully detected American water shrew, American mink, North American river otter and northern bog lemming more often than camera and field methods. Applying a multi‐method monitoring approach for mammals and birds in wetland habitats is critical at a time when freshwater systems are experiencing dramatic declines in relative abundance of monitored wildlife populations, with many of these species underrepresented in conventional surveys.

Water Infrastructure System Leakage Analysis: Evaluation of Factors Impacting System Performance and Opportunity Cost

Concerns over both water quality and quantity continue to increase globally. As the need for useable and potable water becomes more of a widespread issue, there is an opportunity to review and consider alternatives to how water is used, consumed, and sustained for future use by the world’s population. A review of data across cities within North America shows improvement opportunities in water infrastructure systems. Using water audit and loss control data from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Research Foundation (WRF), an analysis is provided to define opportunities for mitigating water losses among select North American Water Infrastructure systems in the U.S. states of Georgia and California. The research methodology used includes statistical analysis data while grouping utility sizes to identify utility cost opportunities. Variables on water loss and customer cost that have a positive impact on overall and long-term water system sustainability are identified. The analysis shows California, while having firm water guidance and higher rates compared to Georgia, also demonstrates less overall water loss. The results of the analysis are presented, showing comparison characteristics and opportunities for additional change to improve utility funding.

Evaluating the reliability of DNA Barcoding for Central American Pacific shallow water echinoderms identification: a molecular taxonomy and database accuracy analysis

Introduction: Molecular divergence thresholds have been proposed to distinguish recently separated evolutive units, often displaying more accurate putative species assignments in taxonomic research compared to traditional morphological approaches. This makes DNA barcoding an attractive identification tool for a variety of marine invertebrates, especially for cryptic species complexes. Although GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) are the major sequence repositories worldwide, very few have tested their performance in the identification of echinoderm sequences.
 Objective: We use COI echinoderm sequences from local samples and the molecular identification platforms from GenBank and BOLD, in order to test their accuracy and reliability in the DNA barcoding identification for Central American shallow water echinoderms, at genus and species level.
 Methods: We conducted sampling, tissue extraction, COI amplification, sequencing, and taxonomic identification for 475 specimens. The 348 obtained sequences were individually enquired with BLAST in GenBank as well as using the Identification System (IDS) in BOLD. Query sequences were classified depending on the best match result. McNemar’s chi-squared, Kruskal-Wallis’s and Mann-Whitney’s U tests were performed to prove differences between the results from both databases. Additionally, we recorded an updated list of species reported for the shallow waters of the Central American Pacific.
 Results: We found 324 echinoderm species reported for Central American Pacific shallow waters. Only 118 and 110 were present in GenBank and BOLD databases respectively. We proposed 325 solved morphology-based identities and 21 provisional identifications in 50 putative taxa. GenBank retrieved 348 molecular-based identifications in 58 species, including twelve provisional identifications in tree taxa. BOLD recovered 170 COI identifications in 23 species with one provisional identification. Nevertheless, 178 sequences retrieved unmatched terms (in 34 morphology-based taxa). Only 86 sequences (25 %) were retrieved as correct identifications and 128 (37 %) as identification errors in both platforms. We include 84 sequences for eleven species not represented in GenBank and 65 sequences for ten species in BOLD Echinoderm COI databases. The identification accuracy using BLAST (175 correct and 152 incorrect identifications) was greater than with IDS engine (110 correct and 218 identification errors), therefore GenBank outperforms BOLD (Kruskal-Wallis = 41.625, df = 1, p < 0.001).
 Conclusions: Additional echinoderm sample references are needed to improve the utility of the evaluated DNA barcoding identification tools. Identification discordances in both databases may obey specific parameters used in each search algorithm engine and the available sequences. We recommend the use of barcoding as a complementary identification source for Central American Pacific shallow water echinoderm species.

Water Distribution Systems: Integrated Approaches for Effective Utility Management

An extensive review of research advances in distribution system management was conducted to include methods, tools, and frameworks for integration. Sources included archival journals and water industry reports from research institutes, government regulators, and industry media covering case studies of advances that were implemented. Results showed that while effective management of water distribution systems requires an integrated approach, none of the available frameworks for one are in broad use in the water supply industry. Frameworks developed include a management standard of the American Water Works Association and Distribution System Optimization, a methodology for physical, hydraulic, and water quality performance assessment. The intelligent systems framework also offers a promising pathway to integration, but it lacks a definite structure. The voluntary aspect of adopting innovations within the fragmented and uncoordinated nature of the water utility industry poses a barrier to adoption of such innovations. Another barrier is the uncoordinated arrangements of water research stakeholders with different incentive structures. Intelligent water systems offer a way to incentive the utility industry to encourage implementation. They can provide a bottom-up approach where the utility industry can see advantages, as opposed to a top-down approach where they are expected to adopt a method without seeing clear benefits. Research to develop new and improved tools is needed, but the research roadmap should prioritize implementation.

American Water Works Company Inc.

American Water Works Company Inc.

ESG-АСПЕКТИ ІНВЕСТИЦІЙНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ В ІНФОРМАЦІЙНО-ЦИФРОВІЙ ІНДУСТРІЇ

The article is devoted to the actual problem of substantiating the theoretical foundations and developing practical recommendations regarding ESG-aspects of investment activity in the information and digital industry. It was determined that ESG criteria are a fundamental basis for assessing the sustainability and impact of an organization on society and an important component of investment decision-making. The factors of sustainable investments are revealed: politicization of ESG, impact on risk and profitability, investor demand, impact on corporate behavior, as well as maintaining a positive image and brand recognition, etc. The article presents the top 10 ESG companies according to the 2024 rating: American Water Works, Microsoft, Kering, Nvidia, Neste, Cisco Systems, Schneider Electric, McCormick & Company, Stantec, Hewlett-Packard and provides a description of the areas of ESG activity. Five main benefits of ESG integration and digital transformation are substantiated: improved compliance with ESG requirements, reduction of negative environmental impact, opportunities for advanced decision-making based on data, increased investment attractiveness of companies, positive social impact. Digital technologies applied to ESG investment practices are revealed: artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) help companies effectively collect, analyze and report ESG data; cloud technologies help companies use their infrastructure more efficiently, reduce the workload of the technical team and better manage idle resources; The Internet of Things (IoT) enables companies to improve the connectivity of their devices and systems throughout the value chain; robotic process automation (RPA) is essential for reducing manual labor in facilities, automating routing processes and improving data collection; computer vision (CV) involves the processing of images obtained from camera-based devices such as CCTV cameras and scanners; blockchain helps CSRD-compliant companies improve transparency and traceability of GHG emissions.

Advancing South American Water and Climate Science through Multidecadal Convection-Permitting Modeling

Advancing South American Water and Climate Science through Multidecadal Convection-Permitting Modeling

Failure Prevention in Large-Diameter Water Pipelines Using Reliability-Centered Maintenance

The consequences of failures from large-diameter water pipelines can be severe. Results can include significant property damage, adjacent damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges resulting in transportation delays or shutdowns, adjacent structural damage to buildings resulting in loss of business, service disruption to a significant number of customers, loss of water, costly emergency repairs, and even loss of life. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) in the United States found that flooding was the greatest concern due to its potential duration, the potential for broad geographic impact, and its role in crater creation. Public safety, property damage, social and economic consequences, and loss of water service and for how long is also of paramount concern. The American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) 2020 “State of the Water Industry” report states that the top issue facing the water industry since 2016 is aging infrastructure, with the second being financing for improvements. The industry needs to find novel ways of extending asset life and reducing maintenance expenditures. While there are many different assets that comprise the water/wastewater industry, pipelines are a major component and are often neglected because they are typically buried. Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) is a process used to determine the most effective maintenance strategy for an asset, with the ultimate goal being to establish the required function of the asset considering the required reliability and availability at the lowest cost. The RCM philosophy considers Preventive Maintenance, Predictive Maintenance, Condition Based Monitoring, Reactive Maintenance, and Proactive Maintenance techniques in an integrated manner to increase the probability an asset will perform its designed function throughout its design life with minimal maintenance. RCM requires maintenance decisions be based on maintenance requirements supported by sound technical and economic justification. However, one industry where principles of RCM are in its infancy is the water/wastewater industry. This paper provides a case example and numeric modeling for use in RCM analyses for developing maintenance strategies for large-diameter water pipelines, particularly prestressed concrete pipelines, and proposes an approach for determining the most effective and efficient maintenance activities for large-diameter prestressed concrete water pipelines. The case study discussed in this paper analyzed wire breaks over time to predict when certain thresholds would be reached. The intent of this study is to predict when a specified threshold will be reached. From the RCM, a threshold was set to begin planning, budgeting, and scheduling maintenance activities when 55% of the wires in a frame or two adjoining frames are distressed or when 65% of the wires in non-adjacent frames are distressed. The results from the numeric model predict the 55% threshold may be reached in August 2025 for the most distressed pipe segment.

Development of a recombinant protein-based ELISA for detection of antibodies against bovine herpesvirus 6 (BoHV6).

Bovine herpesvirus 6 (BoHV6) belongs to the Herpesviridae family, Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily and Macavirus genus. It is common in cattle, but was also detected in American bison (Bison bison) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). The aim of the experiment was to develop an ELISA for serological examination of cattle sera for the presence of anti-BoHV6 specific antibodies. Viral DNA from a BoHV6-positive cow was amplified by qPCR and the resulting fragments of the gB and gH genes encoding glycoproteins B and H (gB and gH) were cloned into the pLATE52 vector to express recombinant gB (rgB) and gH (rgH) in Rosetta (DE3) E. coli. The expressed recombinant proteins were used as antigens in the developed ELISA. The proteins expressed had the expected molecular weight. A total of 143 sera were examined, and 141 of them were positive, according to the chosen cut-off values of 9% and 10% for the sample-to-positive ratios of the rgB and rgH antigens, respectively. The rgB and rgH recombinant antigens of BoHV6 were successfully expressed in E. coli and successfully used in a newly developed ELISA.

Factors Influencing the Planting Success of Justicia americana (L.) Vahl (American Water Willow) in a State Scenic River in Ohio

Factors Influencing the Planting Success of Justicia americana (L.) Vahl (American Water Willow) in a State Scenic River in Ohio

Reduced representation approaches produce similar results to whole genome sequencing for some common phylogeographic analyses.

When designing phylogeographic investigations researchers can choose to collect many different types of molecular markers, including mitochondrial genes or genomes, SNPs from reduced representation protocols, large sequence capture data sets, and even whole genomes. Given that the statistical power and accuracy of various analyses are expected to differ depending on both the type of marker and the amount of data collected, an exploration of the variance across methodological results as a function of marker type should provide valuable information to researchers. Here we collect mitochondrial Cytochrome b sequences, whole mitochondrial genomes, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)s isolated using a genotype by sequencing (GBS) protocol, sequences from ultraconserved elements, and low-coverage nuclear genomes from the North American water vole (Microtus richardsoni). We estimate genetic distances, population genetic structure, and historical demography using data from each of these datasets and compare the results across markers. As anticipated, the results exhibit differences across marker types, particularly in terms of the resolution offered by different analyses. A cost-benefit analysis indicates that SNPs collected using a GBS protocol are the most cost-effective molecular marker, with inferences that mirror those collected from the whole genome data at a fraction of the cost per sample.

An Approach for Grading of Soil Corrosiveness: A Case Study in Vicinity of Ring Road-Kathmandu

Corrosion of the outer surface of underlying Zn-coated or carbon steel pipes in the soil becomes complex and intricate due the insufficient information about the electrochemical interactions between discrete pairs of all corrosive soil factors. To overcome such corrosive problems of the underlying metal pipes in the soil, an ongoing study has suggested a stochastic approach for a close analysis of the corrosive grading of each soil specimen, sampled from the vicinity of Ring Road (RR) of Kathmandu, Nepal, towards the pipes with modifying the previously utilized AWWA (American Water Works Association), ASTM and NACE methods. Four corrosive grades (CGs) of all the soil specimens were categorized based on their quantitatively calculated soil factors in the stochastic approach of the novel probabilistic modeling (NPM) method. Then, they grouped supplementary ten corrosive sub-grades (CSGs) taking the sum of the cumulative point (CuP) of every soil factor. An indeterminate examination of 10 soil specimens was accomplished to categorize their CSGs, which would be a more precise method to draw a corrosive soil mapping of the study areas. The outcomes of such analysis under the NPM method imparted that about 90% of the sampled soil specimens of the RR areas allied only to five specific CSGs belonging to two CGs, i.e., G-RAR and G-MID.

Exploring the Rotavirus Risk in Latin American Food and Water

Rotavirus is considered a major public health problem worldwide because many children, adults, and animals die from gastroenteritis due to rotavirus; rotavirus contamination follows the fecal/oral route, and it is well supported that infection can also be achieved by consuming food and water that is contaminated with rotavirus. Research has shown that, in Latin American countries, unusual emerging strains of rotavirus are occurring in children and adults with gastroenteritis; which contain in their sequence genes from rotavirus genotypes detected in animals; Therefore, researchers consider it a virus with zoonotic potential.
 In this review, I propose that rotavirus transmission occurs from wild animals, who use an intermediate host before contaminating humans, by means of the fecal/oral route, food, and water. Rotavirus produces genetic rearrangements generating new emerging strains, which are excreted into the environment. Generally, during the dry season in our Latin American countries, contaminated water is used to irrigate crops, and from there, much of this water ends up in the sea, where rotavirus is absorbed by filter-feeding molluscs, and from there, consumed by man and animals continuing its cycle.
 Studies on the molecular characterization of rotavirus strains detected in food and water provide new insights into possible rotavirus genetic rearrangements and zoonoses. The emergence of strains derived from interspecies transmission has implicated and inspired the study of different vaccine strategies.

The Cantareira System, the Largest South American Water Supply System: Management History, Water Crisis, and Learning

Located in the southeast region of Brazil, the Cantareira System consists of six interconnected reservoirs and supplies around 14 million people in the state of São Paulo. Built in the 1970s, when extensive fluviometric series were not available in the region, the system underwent several operating rules that culminated in the water crisis caused by the 2014/2015 drought. This article makes a brief critical account of what has been experienced in these almost 50 years of operating the system, the factors that influenced the water crisis, and what has been learned.

3M settles with public water systems over PFAS pollution

While not admitting liability, 3M has reportedly agreed to pay a provisional $10.3 billion over a thirteen-year period to a number of North American water systems so they can filter per- and polyfluoroalkyl contamination out of their water supplies.

Issue Information

JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources AssociationVolume 59, Issue 3 p. i-vi Issue InformationFree Access Issue Information First published: 09 June 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/1752-1688.13026AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Volume59, Issue3June 2023Pages i-vi RelatedInformation

ASSESSMENT OF ENERGY AND WATER AUDIT OF SELECTED SCHOOL OF AHMEDABAD

Climate change is one of the most significant environmental and societal issues of our time. This increase in temperature would have catastrophic consequences for the planet. To mitigate the impacts of climate change, urgent action is required at both the individual and societal levels. Energy audit is an essential process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating the energy consumption patterns of a building or facility. Water audit is the process of analyzing water usage and identifying opportunities for conservation and efficiency improvements. A water audit can help individuals and organizations understand how much water they are using, this general structure of the energy assessment has undergone a few changes, It includes collecting data on water usage, identifying leaks and inefficiencies, and implementing measures to reduce water waste Which Was Created By American Water Works Association (AWWA) And International Water Association (IWA) In 2000.