Aquatic Facilities Research Articles

How IoT improves pool safety and management in the hotel sector

Pool monitoring is emerging as an integral component in the management of aquatic facilities, such as hotels, resorts and recreational centres, where pools play a central role in the guest experience. This advanced technology provides a proactive platform for maintaining the safety, hygiene and optimal operation of these recreational and relaxation spaces.

Advanced electrochemical sensing of cyanuric acid: An integration of transition metal dichalcogenides, copper and diamond nanoparticles

In the present study, we demonstrate the synergistic effect of copper nanoparticles, tungsten disulfide, and diamond nanoparticles on the electrochemical detection of cyanuric acid, a compound conventionally employed for disinfection in aquatic recreational facilities such as swimming pools. First, copper nanoparticles were synthesized in-situ on a glassy carbon electrode through the electrochemical reduction of copper nitrate and their response towards cyanuric acid was assessed. In order to improve this response, we evaluated the inclusion of transition metal dichalcogenides nanosheets (MoS2, ReS2 or WS2), as well as diamond nanoparticles in the electrochemical sensor construction. These nanomaterials were incorporated onto the electrode via drop-casting from their respective suspensions. Specifically, the 2D transition metal dichalcogenide suspensions were obtained through a top-down exfoliation method, facilitated by ultrasonic assistance. After optimizing the arrangement of nanomaterials on the glassy carbon electrode to enhance cyanuric acid detection, we characterized the morphology of the resulting surfaces at each stage of electrode surface modification by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The optimized methodology revealed that the sensor response exhibited a linear relationship with cyanuric acid concentrations ranging from 0.077 to 0.70 mM with a detection limit of 23 µM. The sensor was applied to cyanuric acid determination in a swimming pool water sample, obtaining very good recoveries. The results are in good agreement with those obtained by HPLC-UV–vis measurements.

Operational impacts at municipal aquatic facilities due to the COVID-19 public health measures

Operational impacts at municipal aquatic facilities due to the COVID-19 public health measures

Social value accumulation through Australian aquatic facilities

ABSTRACT Research question Despite being a critical component of public infrastructure, academic research has rarely delved into aquatic facilities as key for acquiring social value. Therefore, this study analyzed how social value is accumulated through public aquatic facilities and commercial swim schools in Australia, specifically exploring the social capital created for local communities. Research methods Twenty-eight interviews with users and managers of aquatic facilities were conducted, representing over 110 facilities across 5 states or territories in Australia. Results and findings Guided by Putnam’s conceptualization of social capital, our data demonstrated the critical importance of aquatic facilities in communities across Australia. The analysis identified that aquatic facilities create a range of benefits to community members, including health and well-being, social connection, safety and education, and employment opportunities. Implications While arguably more difficult to operationalize and quantify, this research provides a foundation to understand the social value, as well as provides avenues to improve the social value achieved by aquatic facilities.

Experiences of older adults leisure-time physical activity in aquatic and leisure facilities

ABSTRACT For older adults, being physically active is positively associated with various health benefits. Despite the positive benefits of leisure-time physical activity, most older adults within Australia do not participate in physical activity at a level to generate health benefits. Aquatic and leisure facilities are important infrastructure for supporting leisure-time physical activity with local governments in Australia investing significant public funds into their development and re-development. Little is currently known regarding the experiences of older adults in these facilities. Guided by a socio-ecological approach and drawing on a qualitative methodology, this study aimed to explore the experiences of older adults (n = 20, M = 73 years of age) using aquatic and leisure facilities to better understand how this setting might be more effectively utilized to support older adult leisure-time physical activity. Multilayered analysis revealed that the social cultural environment including social networks and the behaviour setting including location and having multiple leisure-time physical activity options, assisted in supporting participation. While social norms in the perceived environment detracted from older adult’s experience. Among other recommendations, aquatic and leisure facilities could consider implementing a comprehensive word of mouth strategy into the marketing framework and generate awareness of the broad social opportunities available.

Tenth Aquatic Models of Human Disease Conference 2022 Workshop Report: Aquatics Nutrition and Reference Diet Development.

Progress in biomedical research requires rigorous studies and reproducible outcomes. However, despite recent achievements, standard reference diets (SRDs) for aquatic model organisms, vital for supporting scientific rigor and reproducibility, are yet to be adopted. At this workshop, we presented findings from a 7-month diet test study, tightly coordinated and conducted across three aquatic research facilities: Zebrafish International Resource Center (ZIRC), Kent and Sharpton laboratories (Oregon State University), and Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center (XGSC, Texas State University). We compared the impact of two commercial diets and a suggested zebrafish SRD on general fish husbandry, microbiome composition, and health in three fish species (zebrafish, Xiphophorus, and Medaka), and three zebrafish wild-type strains. We reported outcomes, gathered community feedback, and addressed the aquatic research community's need for SRD development. Discussions underscored the influence of diet on aquatic research variability, emphasizing the need for SRDs to control cross-experiment and cross-laboratory reproducibility. Species-specific reference diets are essential for model organism health and consistent research outcomes.

A Novel Integrated Spatiotemporal-Variable Model of Landscape Changes in Traditional Villages in the Jinshaan Gorge, Yellow River Basin

Spatiotemporal studies of landscape pattern evolution in traditional villages are beneficial for addressing complex urbanization and global climate change. Using the traditional villages of Jiaxian and Linxian in the Jinshaan Gorge of the Yellow River Basin, this study employed a three-dimensional (3D) analysis involving three spatial scales (macro, meso, and micro), temporal scales (past, present, and future), and variables (humanity, society, and nature) based on the methods of spatiotemporal data analysis (SDA), geographic information system, remote sensing, and landscape pattern index (LPI) by Fragstats. On the macro scale, a significant turning point in ecological conservation awareness was indicated by LPI and SDA. Urban and rural construction land continuously increased because of urbanization. Plowland, grassland, and woodland were the main influencing factors in the evolution of rural settlements, with a 0.42% cumulative transformation rate. On the meso scale, the interactions and mutual promotion of mountain and aquatic environments, aquatic facilities, agricultural production, and cultural heritage have shaped the socioeconomic dimensions of evolution. On the micro scale, with urbanization, some traditional humanistic spaces have lost their original functions. A novel spatiotemporal-variable quantitative model explored the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of human–land coupling, which can be used for the sustainable development of river basins worldwide.

Using Aquatic Mesocosms to Assess the Effects of Soil and Vegetation for Informing Environmental Research

An aquatic mesocosm facility consisting of thirty 15,000 L tanks was constructed in Vegreville, Alberta to support environmental research. In 2017, an experiment was conducted as an inaugural run for the facility; this study continued through the winter of 2017/18 (over-wintering is a unique capability of the facility) and concluded in the fall of 2018. Here, we report key methods used to evaluate the effects of two independent variables: (1) a soil layer covering the floor of the mesocosms, and (2) vegetation installed in the mesocosms. Although a range of response variables were measured during this study, we limit our analysis here to the physicochemical (e.g., pH, turbidity, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen) and biological/ecological response variables (e.g., macrophytes, phytoplankton/metaphyton, and macroinvertebrates) that differed due to these two variables. The presence of a soil layer covering the floor of the mesocosm was associated with increased turbidity on some days and depths in 2017. Specific conductivity was higher in the presence of soil and its associated adventitious vegetation. During this initial study, we gained a better understanding of the characteristics and mechanics of the mesocosms, which informs design and implementation of future experiments.

Therapeutic impact of biopesticide neem oil on health status of walking catfish Clarias batrachus for replacing synthetic organophosphorus pesticides

Pesticides are widely used in agricultural purposes and indiscriminate use of pesticides resulted in unintentional harming of the environment. Lack of consciousness and education coupled with indifferent attitude also contributed to indiscriminate use of pesticides. Enormous amount of these toxic pesticides and other chemicals reaches in the aquatic environment by the runoff and other sources and polluted the water, air and soil for any living organisms. One of the fastest growing food producing sectors is aquaculture, supplying approximately 40% of the world’s fish food. Pesticides may be used in aquatic ecosystem to control the fish parasites, diseases, and other pests that have also adversely affected the aquatic ecosystem. Nuvan is an organophosphorus pesticide is widely used due to low persistence in environment but also affects the non-targeted organisms including fish. Synthetic chemicals generate environmental problems; researchers have been leaning towards pest control with natural or plant based substances. Protection of water quality is possible when rationalize the use of natural pesticides and promote biopesticides. Neem oil is a natural or mixtures of chemicals obtained from neem plant (Azadirachta indica) which has many significant benefits to overcome from the chemicals or synthetic pesticides. By making the health beneficial uses of neem oil accessible to the farmers in the society, the use of chemicals in agriculture can be reduced. The aim of the current study is to observe the impacts of nuvan and neem oil on the survival and health status of fishes which also affected the other animals by the food chain. Changes in blood parameters of fish are related to the response of the whole animal, which affect on survival, reproduction and growth of fish. Some alterations in cholesterol and triglycerides in serum of treated fish Clarias batrachus with 1/20 and 1/10 LC50 concentrations of nuvan and neem oil separately compared with non-treated one after 7, 15, 30 and 60 days of exposure were recorded and discussed. Also, this assessment may be essential for encourage suitable methods of application in aquatic organism production facilities to be fully explored in future.

Occurrence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Contamination of Food Sources and Aquaculture Organisms Used in Aquatic Laboratory Experiments.

When performing basic and translational laboratory studies with aquatic organisms, particularly for bioaccumulation, toxicity, or biotransformation experiments, it is imperative to control the route and dose of exposure. Contamination of feed and the organisms prior to study could alter the results of an experiment. Furthermore, if organisms not exposed in the lab are used for quality assurance/quality control, then blank levels, method detection limits, and limits of quantitation can be affected. In an effort to determine the magnitude of this potential issue for exposure studies involving Pimephales promelas, we analyzed a suite of 24 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in four types of feed from three different companies and in organisms from five aquaculture facilities. Contamination with PFAS was found in all types of materials and organisms from all aquaculture farms. The most frequently detected PFAS in fish feed and aquaculture fathead minnows were perfluorocarboxylic acids and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Concentrations of total and individual PFAS in feed ranged from nondetect to 76 ng/g and from nondetect to 60 ng/g, respectively. Fathead minnows were contaminated with PFOS and perfluorohexane sulfonate as well as several perflourocarboxylic acids. Concentrations of total and individual PFAS ranged from 1.4 to 351 ng/g and from nondetect to 328 ng/g, respectively. The PFOS measured in food was primarily the linear isomer, consistent with greater bioaccumulation of that isomer in organisms raised as fish food. Future studies are necessary to define the extent of PFAS contamination in aquatic culture facilities and aquaculture production operations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;00:1-9. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Consumer Confidence and Recreation Behavior: Willingness to Buy and Attitudes toward a Proposed Recreation User Fee Increase

Recreation user fees are the focus of a large body of research. Existing work has examined their acceptability while considering factors related to the user, the nature of the fee itself, and the effect of fee justification messaging. Missing to this point is an examination of the role of beliefs about the broader economic climate, and an individual’s willingness—rather than ability—to pay in this context. To that end, in this paper we examine the effect of consumer confidence in shaping attitudes toward a hypothetical user fee increase at an aquatic facility. Using a series of one-way ANOVAs, we report that users with greater confidence in the broader economy find the fee increase more acceptable, and indicate greater purchase intention at the higher fee rate. Implications for practice, as well as directions for future fee-related research, are included.

Drowing Causes on Guarded Swimming Basins in Poland. Experimental Approach

Abstract This study aimed to identify the factors that may prevent an early response to a drowning episode and the lifeguard perceptions about the critical signs possessed by a drowning victim. Study 1: The level of lifeguard surveillance (n=29) was video recorded prior-, during- and after two simulated drowning episodes that occurred in 7 Polish aquatic facilities. Study 2: A survey assessed the lifeguards’ perceptions about the critical signs they would expect from a drowning victim to be alerted (n=236) and the criterion χ2 was used. Results: The sampled lifeguards were not able to perform effective surveillance of bathing pools because they were unable to identify the simulated victims due to failure in maintaining an organized scanning strategy and because they were placed at the shallow side instead of being spread around the pool. Water safety organizations need to undertake major updates in their manuals and education. Aquatic facilities need to introduce daily operating procedures that would involve weekly staff training, frequent lifeguard rotations, application of various models and continuous professional development. Finally, the aquatic facilities patrons should not depend their safety only on lifeguards.

Predictive Modelling of Sports Facility Use: A Model of Aquatic Centre Attendance

The level of attendance appears to be the central indicator for analysing the performance of public sports facilities. However, most of the studies focus on customer satisfaction and loyalty and have been carried out in Australia and the United Kingdom. The aim of this article was, therefore, to identify potential explanatory variables that could explain attendance at leisure sports facilities in Europe based on the literature (a). Then, we aimed to identify the variables that explained attendance based on a study of aquatic centres (b) to propose an exploratory predictive model (c). The sample was composed of data from 28 aquatic facilities over 5 years, and we examined 41 variables from the literature. A predictive model of attendance was created using backward regression. The proposed formula had a predictive power of 79.13% of the observed attendance in our sample of aquatic centres. These results suggest that it is possible to determine attendance at an aquatic facility with only four variables and that the study of leisure facilities in Europe implies adapting the variables to be considered. This is also the first model to investigate leisure sports facilities in Europe.

FELASA-AALAS Recommendations for Biosecurity in an Aquatic Facility, Including Prevention of Zoonosis, Introduction of New Fish Colonies, and Quarantine.

FELASA and AALAS established a joint working group to advise on good practices for the exchange of fish for research. In a first manuscript, the working group made recommendations for health monitoring and reporting of monitoring results. The focus of this second related manuscript is biosecurity in fish facilities. First, we define the risk of contamination of personnel by zoonotic pathogens from fish or from system water, including human mycobacteriosis. Preventive measures are recommended, such as wearing task-specific personal protective equipment. Then we discuss biosecurity, highlighting the establishment of biosecurity barriers to preserve the health status of a facility. A functional biosecurity program relies on integration of the entire animal facility organization, including the flow of staff and animals, water treatments, and equipment sanitation. Finally, we propose 4 steps for introducing new fish colonies: consideration of international trade and national restrictions; assessing risk according to fish source and developmental stage; establishing quarantine barriers; and the triage, screening, and treatment of newly imported fish. We then provide 3 realistic sample scenarios to illustrate practical biosecurity risk assessments and mitigation measures based on considerations of health status and quarantine conditions.

FELASA-AALAS Recommendations for Monitoring and Reporting of Laboratory Fish Diseases and Health Status, with an Emphasis on Zebrafish (Danio Rerio).

The exchange of fish for research may expose an aquatic laboratory to pathogen contamination as incoming fish can introduce bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses capable of affecting both experimental results and fish and personnel health and welfare. To develop risk mitigation strategies, FELASA and AALAS established a joint working group to recommend good practices for health monitoring of laboratory fish. The recommendations address all fish species used for research, with a particular focus on zebrafish (Danio rerio). First, the background of the working group and key definitions are provided. Next, fish diseases of high impact are described. Third, recommendations are made for health monitoring of laboratory fishes. The recommendations emphasize the importance of daily observation of the fish and strategies to determine fish colony health status. Finally, report templates are proposed for historical screening data and aquatic facility description to facilitate biohazard risk assessment when exchanging fish.

An analysis of health and safety audits of aquatic facilities in Ontario: 2002–2020

The risk of drowning in swimming pools is a concern for bathers in Canada. The Aquatic Safety Audit (ASA) is a service provided by the Lifesaving Society (LSS) to assess operations of aquatic facilities in Canada. However, the results of these ASA reports have never been analyzed systematically. We compiled and analyzed ASA reports from 2002 to 2020, received from LSS Ontario, to ascertain the most frequently identified recommendations (i.e., safety deficiencies) and identify trends in the data. A total of 59 ASA reports of aquatic facilities that contained swimming pools (i.e., indoor, outdoor, or both) were examined. The study identified a total of 4,589 recommendations. The general audit category of “Aquatic Facility” (n = 4,000 deficiencies) was more problematic than “Emergency and Operating Procedures” (n = 244), “Personnel” (n = 211), and “Communication” (n = 143). The “deck” subcategory of “Aquatic Facility” had the most deficiencies (n = 1,050). The topmost identified deficiencies were “no medical signs at the entrance points” (n = 37, priority concern) and “inadequate lighting levels” (n = 35, primary recommendation). In our comparative analysis, facilities with at least one outdoor pool and municipally owned facilities were more likely to be associated with safety deficiencies, compared to facilities with indoor pools and nonmunicipally owned facilities (e.g., university, military, private sector). Our study noted that noncompliance and violations of legal requirements were common in aquatic facilities in Ontario. Future studies are suggested to further investigate the poor safety performance of facilities, especially those with outdoor pools or are municipally owned.

Design and Husbandry Considerations for a Containment Level 2 Aquatic Facility.

The greatly increased use of aquatic species to study disease over the past 20 years necessitates understanding their husbandry and housing requirements to optimize research and welfare and to ensure compliance with regulations. To achieve these goals, aquatic systems have expanded from pet shop and home aquaria to research-grade systems incorporating designs and features to increase their robustness, practicality, and flexibility. Moreover, these last decades have seen the increasing use of aquatic animals for infectious disease research using containment level 2 (CL2)/biosafety level 2 pathogens. In this study, we discuss the facility design requirements and modifications, which must be considered for the planning, construction, and use of an aquatic facility for zebrafish infected with CL2 pathogens. These include decontamination of water and equipment, racking and filtration design, personal protective equipment, and husbandry procedures. This guidance is based on our experience in the design and ongoing management of such facilities.

Non-Lethal Blood Sampling of Fish in the lab and Field With Methods for Dried Blood Plasma Spot Omic Analyses.

There is global acknowledgment that humane methods in animal research are a priority, but few environmental effects monitoring programs use nonlethal methods for fish. The goal of the present study was to determine the impacts of sampling small volumes of blood in larger-bodied fish on survival and healing. In addition to evaluating survival following blood sampling, we evaluated the utility of dried blood spots as an alternative for sample processing and storage in the field. In our approach, we housed 80 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in our flow-through aquatic facility. We then anaesthetized using MS-222 and sampled 1 μl/g bw of blood via puncture of the caudal vasculature. We tested four different post-blood sampling treatments on the puncture wound: 1. application of liquid bandage; 2. a swab of betadine; 3. a swab of fish mucous; and 4. compared survival outcomes to a group where no post-treatment was performed (negative control). Overall, we observed 90% survival among all treatments, with the most effective approach being the negative control (100% survival). Based upon these results, we repeated the blood sampling with no-post treatment by housing 20 rainbow trout (not previously tested upon) in cages at a nearby creek and monitored survival for 2 weeks post sampling. The survival rate was 95% with full healing of the puncture site in all subjects. In addition to this, we tested the efficacy of dry blood spotting on proteomic, lipidomic and amino acid analysis as an alternative method for blood sample processing and storage. It was found that dried plasma spotting using parafilm in conjunction with a modified Bligh-Dyer extraction offered the best balance for good recovery of protein, lipid and amino acids relative to wet plasma and Noviplex dried plasma spot cards. In this article, we will present the detailed results of these combined studies and describe what we have determined to be the safest non-lethal blood sampling protocol.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Zoological and Exotic Animal Medicine: A Review and Introduction of Methods.

Acupuncture has been used extensively in domestic animal medicine to treat a variety of medical conditions and diseases as an adjunct or primary therapy. Exotic animals are becoming increasingly common as pets. Owners are expecting therapies for these non-domestic animals to be similar to those available to their other domestic pets. Additionally, zoological and aquatic facilities provide medical care for the entire lives of the animals that are housed in their facilities. Many conditions similar to those observed in domestic animals can develop in zoological species and can benefit from treatment with acupuncture. Through operant conditioning or routine medical examinations, the use of acupuncture as an adjunct therapy is becoming more common. The following paper presents a summary of the types of non-domestic animals treated, for which conditions, and how these methods are commonly used.

A Community Outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease with Two Strains of L. pneumophila Serogroup 1 Linked to an Aquatic Therapy Centre.

An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease affected 18 people in Montpellier, a town of the south of France, between December 2016 and July 2017. All cases were diagnosed by a positive urinary antigen test. No deaths were reported. Epidemiological, environmental and genomic investigations (nested Sequence-Based Typing (nSBT) and whole genome sequencing) were undertaken. For the cases for which we had information, four had a new isolate (ST2471), one had a different new isolate (ST2470), one had a genomic pattern compatible with the ST2471 identified by nSBT (flaA = 3), and one had a genomic pattern not compatible with two previous identified STs (pilE = 6). The analysis conducted on the pool of an aquatic therapy center revealed seven isolates of Legionella pneumophila. Whole genome analysis confirmed the link between the environmental and clinical isolates for both ST2470 and ST2471. As the outbreak occurred slowly, with several weeks between new cases, it was not possible to immediately identify a common source. The sixth case was the first to report having aquatic therapy care. Of the 18 cases, eight had attended the aquatic therapy center and the other 10 were inhabitants who lived, worked or walked close to the center. The main cause for this outbreak was the lack of facility maintenance. This investigation highlights the risk to public health of aquatic therapy centers for users and nearby populations, and emphasizes the need for risk reduction measures with specific guidelines to improve health and safety in aquatic facilities.