Contamination Of Drinking Water Research Articles

Understanding community resilience during the drinking water contamination event on Oahu, Hawaii, 2021-2022: a mixed mode approach.

A petroleum leak into the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam water system on Oahu, Hawaii in November 2021 contaminated the drinking water of approximately 93,000 users, causing many to relocate for months. Perceptions of health and wellbeing were captured using the Centers for Disease Control/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR) Assessment of Chemical Exposures (ACE) cross-sectional survey in collaboration with the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH). Responses from the ACE online survey of community members, businesses, schools, health care and veterinary care organizations during the contamination event, containing quantitative questions and qualitative information from an open text field, were analyzed. Separately, a qualitative key informant questionnaire was administered to community establishments. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze and identify prominent themes from the ACE open text field and the key informant responses that were triangulated by the quantitative data when the themes aligned. Six major themes of disruption, communication, trust, stress, support, and ongoing needs were identified. Burdensome logistics from obtaining alternate water, negative financial impacts from relocation or losing business, distrust of information, perceived lack of support from response entities and uncertainty of long-term health impact caused significant disruption, stress and mental health. Individuals reported needing water, shelter, and mental health care while establishments wanted financial reimbursement and a resolution. The findings show that environmental disasters have significant disruptive and mental health impacts from stress. Identified themes can inform and improve emergency response and communication strategies and increase trust with community members during and after large chemical exposure events.

Examining Disparities in PFAS Plasma Concentrations: Impact of Drinking Water Contamination, Food Access, Proximity to Industrial Facilities and Superfund Sites.

Most of the US population is exposed to per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) through various environmental media and these sources of PFAS exposure coupled with disproportionate co-localization of PFAS-polluting facilities in under-resourced communities may exacerbate disparities in PFAS-associated health risks. We leveraged two cohorts in Southern California with 8 PFAS concentrations measured in plasma. We obtained PFAS water testing data from the Third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule and state monitoring data, census tract-level information on food access using the Food Access Research Atlas, the location of Superfund sites on the National Priorities List, and data on facilities known to release PFAS pollutants. These data were then spatially linked to the participants' home addresses. In the first cohort, we found that detections of PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS in drinking water were associated with 1.54 ng/mL (95% CI: 0.77, 2.32), 0.47 ng/mL (0.25, 0.68), and 1.16 ng/mL (0.62, 1.71) increase in plasma PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS. The presence of Superfund sites was associated with higher plasma concentrations of PFOS, PFHxS, PFPeS, and PFHpS (betas [95% CIs]: 0.96 [0.21, 1.71], 0.9 [0.22, 1.58], 0.04 [0.02, 0.06] and 0.05 [0.02, 0.09], respectively). Each additional PFAS-polluting facility present in the neighborhood was associated with a 0.9 ng/mL (0.03, 0.15) increase in the concentration of PFOS. In the other cohort, we found that the presence of Superfund sites was associated with higher plasma PFDA, PFHpS, PFOS (betas [95% CIs]: 0.03 [0.01, 0.06], 0.05 [0.01, 0.09], and 1.96 [0.31, 3.62]). Neighborhood low access to food was associated with a 2.51 ng/mL (0.7, 4.31) increase in plasma PFOS, 0.6 ng/mL (0.16, 1.06) increase in plasma PFOA and 0.06 (0.02, 0.1) increase in plasma PFHpS. Reducing sources of PFAS exposure in under-resourced neighborhoods may help reduce disparities in human exposure levels.

Characterizing the Areal Extent of PFAS Contamination in Fish Species Downgradient of AFFF Source Zones.

Most monitoring programs next to large per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sources focus on drinking water contamination near source zones. However, less is understood about how these sources affect downgradient hydrological systems and food webs. Here, we report paired PFAS measurements in water, sediment, and aquatic biota along a hydrological gradient away from source zones contaminated by the use of legacy aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) manufactured using electrochemical fluorination. Clustering analysis indicates that the PFAS composition characteristic of AFFF is detectable in water and fishes >8 km from the source. Concentrations of 38 targeted PFAS and extractable organofluorine (EOF) decreased in fishes downgradient of the AFFF-contaminated source zones. However, PFAS concentrations remained above consumption limits at all locations within the affected watershed. Perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide precursors accounted for approximately half of targeted PFAS in fish tissues, which explain >90% of EOF across all sampling locations. Suspect screening analyses revealed the presence of a polyfluoroketone pharmaceutical in fish species, and a fluorinated agrochemical in water that likely does not accumulate in biological tissues, suggesting the presence of diffuse sources such as septic system and agrochemical inputs throughout the watershed in addition to AFFF contamination. Based on these results, monitoring programs that consider all hydrologically connected regions within watersheds affected by large PFAS sources would help ensure public health protection.

County-level associations between drinking water PFAS contamination and COVID-19 mortality in the United States.

Epidemiologic and animal studies both support relationships between exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and harmful effects on the immune system. Accordingly, PFAS have been identified as potential environmental risk factors for adverse COVID-19 outcomes. Here, we examine associations between PFAS contamination of U.S. community water systems (CWS) and county-level COVID-19 mortality records. Our analyses leverage two datasets: one at the subnational scale (5371 CWS serving 621 counties) and one at the national scale (4798 CWS serving 1677 counties). The subnational monitoring dataset was obtained from statewide drinking monitoring of PFAS (2016-2020) and the national monitoring dataset was obtained from a survey of unregulated contaminants (2013-2015). We conducted parallel analyses using multilevel quasi-Poisson regressions to estimate cumulative incidence ratios for the association between county-level measures of PFAS drinking water contamination and COVID-19 mortality prior to vaccination onset (Jan-Dec 2020). In the primary analyses, these regressions were adjusted for several county-level sociodemographic factors, days after the first reported case in the county, and total hospital beds. In the subnational analysis, detection of at least one PFAS over 5 ng/L was associated with 12% higher [95% CI: 4%, 19%] COVID-19 mortality. In the national analysis, detection of at least one PFAS above the reporting limits (20-90 ng/L) was associated with 13% higher [95% CI: 8%, 19%] COVID-19 mortality. Our findings provide evidence for an association between area-level drinking water PFAS contamination and higher COVID-19 mortality in the United States. These findings reinforce the importance of ongoing state and federal monitoring efforts supporting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2024 drinking water regulations for PFAS. More broadly, this example suggests that drinking water quality could play a role in infectious disease severity. Future research would benefit from study designs that combine area-level exposure measures with individual-level outcome data.

Predicting the spread of contamination in water distribution networks laid on sloping terrains

Contamination in domestic and drinking water during the conveyance process is one of the biggest health risks of all time. This is a very common hazard that is expected in the areas where water, sewer, and drainage pipes are laid in trenches near each other. The extent of the contamination spread in the case of intrusion through a pipe leak for water distribution networks (WDNs) laid on sloping terrain is not known. This article deals with the simulation and hydraulic analysis of organic contaminant intrusion in WDNs with significant consideration of the slope of the laid pipes. The source of organic contamination is considered to be the nearby leaking sewer water. The effects of sloping terrain on contaminant spread in the pipe network are studied in detail by injecting contaminant concentrations at eight different critical locations in the network. The results of contamination spread after a particular time at all nodes are compiled, and by using statistical techniques, a relation between the contaminant spread and pipe slope is proposed. The presented model is validated by comparing the actual values of the contaminant in water samples obtained at the site with the calculated ones, and it shows that the values deviate within the range of ±2% only, which is considered a good match. The research proves to be beneficial for the management of water distribution through pipe networks against contaminants to maintaining water quality and public health.

BaTiO3 Nanoparticles for highly efficient piezocatalytic reduction of toxic hexavalent chromium: Synthesis, optimization, and kinetic study

Drinking water contamination with heavy metals from industrial activities is an important issue. In particular, the hexavalent chromium ions Cr (VI) which are classified as group (A) carcinogens. Our research reports an effective removal of hexavalent chromium from water through the use of BaTiO3 (BTO) as a piezocatalyst. We meticulously prepared pure tetragonal BTO by optimizing the synthesis parameters. The optimized BTO catalyst was utilized for the removal of Cr(VI) under applied mechanical force and removed up to 96 % of Cr(VI) from the solution. Our kinetic study revealed that the reaction follows a pseudo-first order. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the reaction is most spontaneous at temperatures of 20 °C and concentrations of 20 ppm. Our proposed mechanism for removing Cr(VI) by BTO piezocatalysts suggests that only 15 % of chromium was removed by adsorption, while the rest was removed by reduction through the piezocatalytic process.

Prescriptions (Rx) for Prevention: Clinical Tools for Integrating Environmental Health into Pediatric Clinical Care

The integration of environmental health (EH) into routine clinical care for children is in its early stages. The vision of pediatric EH is that all clinicians caring for children are aware of and able to help connect families to needed resources to reduce harmful environmental exposures and increase health-enhancing ones. Environmental exposures include air pollution, substandard housing, lead, mercury, pesticides, consumer products chemicals, drinking water contaminants, industrial facility emissions and, increasingly, climate change-related extreme weather and heat events. An identified need is to simultaneously educate clinicians while connecting families to evidence-based EH interventions. Here, we describe a multi-decadal effort to create, refine, and disseminate a clinical tool called Prescriptions (Rxs) for Prevention that responds to that identified need. These tools are modeled on a risk communication framework and use a format that support clinicians when they screen their patients for EH concerns, to then counsel on those topics, and refer to EH resources if needed. Rxs for Prevention—tailored with local resources—are now in use at more than a dozen sites in multiple regions of the U.S. supporting the promotion of healthy homes, communities, and the broader environment for children. These Rxs are reducing barriers to EH integration by educating clinicians, linking families to community resources, and strengthening clinic and community connections. On-going evaluation can help further the implementation of the Rxs for Prevention to help achieve the long-term vision of integrating EH into routine clinical care.

Drinking Water Contamination and its Solving Approaches: A Comprehensive Review of Current Knowledge and Future Directions

Drinking Water Contamination and its Solving Approaches: A Comprehensive Review of Current Knowledge and Future Directions

Exposures to drinking water contaminants below regulatory limits and incident ovarian cancer in the California Teachers Study cohort

Exposures to drinking water contaminants below regulatory limits and incident ovarian cancer in the California Teachers Study cohort

Health risk assessment of heavy metals and physicochemical parameters in natural mineral bottled drinking water using ICP-MS in South Africa

The contamination of natural mineral bottled drinking water with trace, heavy metals and rare-earth elements is a growing concern globally, especially in regions with limited access to safe drinking water sources. In South Africa, the safety of bottled water remains a critical issue due to potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. This study aimed to evaluate physicochemical parameters alongside to assess the health risks due to heavy metals in natural mineral bottled drinking water available in South Africa, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 21 bottled water samples from different brands were collected and analysed for heavy metal concentrations including Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Ni, Ba and Hg, as well as physicochemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids among others. The results revealed physicochemical parameters were within acceptable ranges, indicating overall water quality. Varying levels of heavy metals across different brands observed with concentrations of Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, K and Mn in some samples exceeding permissible limits set by WHO and SAWQG for drinking water quality. The mean concentration of the heavy metals is in the decreasing toxicity order of Sr > Al > Ba > Mn > Cu > Cr > Zn > Fe > As > Co > U > Ni > Cs > Pb > Cd > Hg. The mean values of the chronic daily intake (CDI) for the concentration of heavy metals for adults are in the order of Cr > Fe > Sr > Ba > Mn > Cu > Zn > Li > V > As > Ni > Be > Pb > Hg > Cd and were below acceptable limits. The estimated values of both HQ and HI (with mean of 2.07E−03 and range of 0.00 to 1.76E−02) for the heavy metals are all found to be less than 1. The total mean value of ILCR is 4.67E−06, and range of 0.00 to 2.76E−05, which is insignificant and within the permissible level of the cancer risk guidance limit of 1.00E−06 to 1.00E−04. The results show that consumption of natural mineral bottled drinking water of South Africa is safe and may not cause any significant health risk to the populace. However, the long-time potential effects due to the few exceeded metals levels needed to be considered. Our findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on water quality assurance, offering insights into the overall integrity of the natural mineral bottled water supply chain in South Africa. This research not only serves as a foundation for regulatory measures but also underscores the significance of maintaining high-quality standards in the bottled water industry for public health and environmental sustainability.

Bacterial strain sharing between humans, animals, and the environment among urban households.

Identifying bacterial transmission pathways is crucial to inform strategies aimed at curbing the spread of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially in rapidly urbanizing low- and middle-income countries. In this study, we assessed bacterial strain-sharing and dissemination of antibiotic resistance across humans, domesticated poultry, canines, household soil, and drinking water in urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. We collected 321 samples from 50 households and performed Pooling Isolated Colonies-seq (PIC-seq) by sequencing pools of up to five Escherichia coli colonies per sample to capture strain diversity, strain-sharing patterns, and overlap of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs). Bacterial strains isolated from the household environment carried clinically relevant ARGs, reinforcing the role of the environment in antibiotic resistance dissemination. Strain-sharing rates and resistome similarities across sample types were strongly correlated within households, suggesting clonal spread of bacteria is a main driver of dissemination of ARGs in the domestic urban environment. Within households, E. coli strain-sharing was rare between humans and animals but more frequent between humans and drinking water. E. coli contamination in stored drinking water was also associated with higher strain-sharing between humans in the same household. Our study demonstrates that contaminated drinking water facilitates human to human strain sharing and water treatment can disrupt transmission.

Occurrence of pharmaceutical residues in drinking water: a systematic review.

The aim of the present paper was to give a complete picture on the drinking water contamination by pharmaceutical residues all over the world. For this purpose, a systematic review was carried out for identifying all available research reporting original data resulting by sampling campaign and analysis of "real" drinking water samples to detect pharmaceutical residues. The investigated databases were PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A total of 124 studies were included; among these, 33 did not find target analytes (all below the limit of detection), while the remaining 91 studies reported the presence for one or more compounds, in concentrations ranging from a few units to a few tens of nanograms. The majority of the studies were performed in Europe and the most represented categories were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. The most common analytical approach used is the preparation and analysis of the samples by solid-phase extraction and chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The main implications resulting from our review are the need for (a) further studies aimed to allow more accurate environmental, wildlife, and human health risk assessments and (b) developing integrated policies promoting less environmentally persistent drugs, the reduction of pharmaceuticals in livestock breeding, and the update of wastewater and drinking water treatment plants for a better removal of drugs and their metabolites.

Tap Water Microbial Contamination in Prayagraj: Isolation, Purification and Characterization of Pathogenic Bacteria and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns

Since water is necessary for life, it is crucial for preserving human health and biological processes. However, serious health dangers are associated with drinking water contamination, especially in areas where access to clean water is scarce. The purpose of this study was to assess the physicochemical and microbiological properties of tap water from 10 distinct locations in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. Water samples were collected and analyzed microbiologically to isolate and identify harmful bacteria. The study detected the presence of several gram-negative bacteria, including Leminorella grimontii, Morganella morganii, and Citrobacter braakii, among others. Temperature and pH levels varied throughout the sampling sites, according to physicochemical analysis, and some samples had levels of alkalinity over the WHO-recommended safe limits. Antibiotic susceptibility tests indicated that the isolated bacterial strains displayed varying levels of resistance to different antibiotics, with higher resistance to Gentamicin than to Ampicillin. These findings highlight the significance of ongoing water quality monitoring and improvement to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses, particularly in areas with poor access to clean water and sanitation. Ensuring the safety and purity of water for human consumption is crucial for protecting public health, especially in areas vulnerable to illnesses caused by contaminated water. This study provides valuable insights into the microbiological ecology of Prayagraj tap water and emphasizes the need for effective water management strategies to protect human health and welfare.

Contributions of neighborhood physical and social environments to racial and ethnic disparities in birth outcomes in California: A mediation analysis

BackgroundRacially minoritized populations experience higher rates of adverse birth outcomes than White populations in the U.S. We estimated the mediating effect of neighborhood social and physical environments on disparities in adverse birth outcomes in California. MethodWe used birthing parent's residential address for California live birth records from 2019 to estimate census block group Area Deprivation Index and census tract level measures of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5), drinking water contamination, tree canopy coverage, as a measure of greenspace, potential heat vulnerability, and noise. We performed mediation analysis to assess whether neighborhood factors explain racial/ethnic disparities in preterm birth (PTB) and term-birth low birth weight (TLBW) comparing Black, Latinx, and Asian with White births after controlling for individual-level factors. ResultsBlack, Latinx, and Asian parents had PTB rates that were 67%, 36%, and 11% higher, and TLBW rates that were 150%, 38%, and 81% higher than Whites. Neighborhood deprivation contributed 7% (95% CI: 3%, 11%) to the Black-White and 9% (95% CI: 6%, 12%) to the Latinx-White disparity in PTB, and 8% (95% CI: 3%, 12%) of the Black-White and 9% (95% CI: 5%, 15%) of the Latinx-White disparity in TLBW. Drinking water contamination contributed 2% (95% CI: 1%, 4%) to the Latinx-White disparity in PTB. Lack of greenspace accounted for 7% (95% CI: 2%, 10%) of the Latinx-White PTB disparity and 7% (95% CI: 3%, 12%) of the Asian-White PTB disparity. PM2.5 contributed 11% (95% CI: 5%, 18%), drinking water contamination contributed 3% (95% CI: 1%, 7%), and potential heat vulnerability contributed 2% (95% CI: 1%, 3%) to the Latinx-White TLBW disparity. Lack of green space contributed 3% (95% CI: 1%, 6%) to the Asian-White TLBW disparity. ConclusionsOur study suggests social environments explain portions of Black/Latinx-White disparities while physical environments explain Latinx/Asian-White disparities in PTB and TLBW.

The benefit of clean water on child health: An empirical analysis with specific reference to Escherichia Coli water contamination

Microorganism-mediated degradation of water quality is a major public health concern in developing countries. Previous literature has shown an association between household water pollution and childhood diarrhoea; however, its effects on child growth, respiratory health, and infant mortality have not been widely investigated. This study assesses the impact of household drinking water contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) on child's weight-for-height and weight-for-age z-scores, acute respiratory infections (ARI), and diarrhoea incidence among five years children, and on infant mortality rate (IMR) in Pakistan. We use district-level geospatial information and the latest waves of unique Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) data containing information on ‘point-of-service delivery’ (POS) and ‘point-of-consumption’ (POC) water quality, collected for the first time on a large scale in Pakistan. We employ an instrumental variable approach to address potential endogeneity issues in household drinking water quality, finding that POC drinking water contamination significantly affects children's weight-for-height and weight-for-age z-scores and diarrhoea but insignificantly affects ARI and IMR. The effects of contaminated water are found to be particularly significant in children older than 6 months of age and an insignificant effect is observed for younger children. To protect the children from growth failure and contracting diarrhoea, household water quality should be improved.

The Case for Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis for Tackling Lead Drinking Water Contamination

The Case for Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis for Tackling Lead Drinking Water Contamination

Pesticides, Drinking Water and Cancer Risk: A Portrait of Paraná Southwest, Brazil

A 2018 report from the Water Quality for Human Consumption Vigilance Information System (SISÁGUA, Brazil) showed the presence of 27 pesticides in Brazilian drinking water, of which 11 have carcinogenic potential. We assessed the data for 27 municipalities in Paraná state southwest, a rural landscape with high cancer rates. We selected data from the carcinogenic potential of 11 pesticides provided by international agencies (alachlor, aldrin-diheldrin, atrazine, chlordane, DDT, diuron, glyphosate, lindane, mancozeb, molinate, and trifluralin) and estimated the number of cancer cases attributable to drinking water contamination by pesticides. Also, we correlated such findings with incidence and mortality cancer rates for ten topographies obtained from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) database. A total of 9 cities were selected, corresponding to about 81,000 people. All towns had all pesticides quantified in the drinking water. About ten cancer cases were attributed to drinking water contamination by pesticides in 2014–2017, mainly linked to diuron and mancozeb. Concerning the consolidated incidence of cancer cases reported by the INCA, significant correlations were found regarding aldrin-diheldrin, alachlor, and atrazine for breast cancer, atrazine for prostate cancer, and mancozeb and diuron for colon cancer, among others. Regarding the consolidated mortality rates, some correlations were found between DDT and trifluralin for the breast, DDT and lindane for the prostate, and glyphosate for lung cancer. Moderate correlations were found between the estimated and consolidated cancer cases for several topographies. Our findings highlight the correlation between drinking water contamination in Paraná state southwest and its increased incidence of cancers with poor prognosis.

The Analytical Descriptive Study of the Effect of Drinking Water Contamination on the Spread of Hepatitis A Virus in DARAA Governorate-Syria

The Analytical Descriptive Study of the Effect of Drinking Water Contamination on the Spread of Hepatitis A Virus in DARAA Governorate-Syria

Troubled waters? The disproportionate impact of lead water pollution: Evidence from three American communities

<p>Although water is considered essential to life and an important natural resource, disadvantaged communities, such as low-income and minority communities, are disproportionately burdened by lead exposure in drinking water. In this paper, we highlight case studies that have received national press coverage as well as recent examples of community lead poisoning hazards that are still ongoing across various regions of the US. We show through these three case studies of Flint, Michigan, Washington, D.C., and Birmingham, Alabama, that the severity and frequency of this pervasive public health problem are highly concentrated in minority and low-income populations, and thus they bear the brunt of the socio-economic impacts. We identify the use of sensors to improve detection of hazardous materials and decrease inequities in drinking water contamination. To address water-related equity issues, we call for a sustainable community capacity approach that consists of shared governance between those who live in a community and stakeholders, such as businesses and health services, who have vested interests in it. We conclude by highlighting ways that a community could build collective social capital, safeguarding its environment from lead poisoning through health literacy education. Promoting water literacy is highly significant since water knowledge is crucial towards achieving water sustainability and equity.</p>

Linking exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in house dust and biomonitoring data in eight impacted communities

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in industry and have been linked to various adverse health effects. Communities adjacent to sites where PFAS are manufactured, stored, or used may be at elevated risk. In these impacted communities, significant exposure often occurs through contaminated drinking water, yet less is known about the role of other pathways such as residential exposure through house dust. We analyzed a paired serum and house dust dataset from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s PFAS Exposure Assessments, which sampled eight United States communities with a history of drinking water contamination due to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) use at nearby military bases. We found that serum PFAS levels of residents were significantly positively associated with the dust PFAS levels in their homes, for three of seven PFAS analyzed, when accounting for site and participant age. We also found that increased dust PFAS levels were associated with a shift in the relative abundance of PFAS in serum towards those chemicals not strongly linked to AFFF contamination, which may suggest household sources. Additionally, we analyzed participant responses to exposure questionnaires to identify factors associated with dust PFAS levels. Dust PFAS levels for some analytes were significantly elevated in households where participants were older and had lived at the home longer, cleaned less frequently, used stain resistant products, and had carpeted living rooms. Our results suggest that residential exposure to PFAS via dust or other indoor pathways may contribute to overall exposure and body burden, even in communities impacted by AFFF contamination of drinking water, and the magnitude of this exposure may also be influenced by demographic, behavioral, and housing factors.