Contamination Of Drinking Water Research Articles

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.

Risk-based public health impact assessment for drinking water contamination emergencies

Chemical spills in surface waters pose a significant threat to public health and the environment. This study investigates the public health impacts associated with organic chemical spill emergencies and explores timely countermeasures deployable by drinking water facilities. Using a dynamic model of a typical multi-sourced New England drinking water treatment facility and its distribution network, this study assesses the impacts of various countermeasure deployment scenarios, including source switching, enhanced coagulation via poly‑aluminum chloride (PACl), addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC), and temporary system shutdown. This study reveals that the deployment of multiple countermeasures yields the most significant reduction in total public health impacts, regardless of the demand and supply availability. With the combination PAC deployed first with other countermeasures proving to be the most effective strategies, followed by the combination of facility shutdowns. By understanding the potential public health impacts and evaluating the effectiveness of countermeasures, authorities can develop proactive plans, secure additional funding, and enhance their capacity to mitigate the consequences of such events. These insights contribute to safeguarding public health and improving the resilience of drinking water systems in the face of the ever-growing threat of chemical spills.

Human biomonitoring follow-up study on PFOA contamination and investigation of possible influencing factors on PFOA exposure in a German population originally exposed to emissions from a fluoropolymer production plant

BackgroundIn the past, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was produced and applied as an emulsifier in a fluoropolymer production plant in the Altötting district, southern Bavaria (Germany). This chemical was released directly into the environment, resulting in the contamination of the local drinking water. During a human biomonitoring (HBM) survey in 2018, increased median PFOA blood serum levels, compared to a normally exposed control group with no known source of PFOA exposure from Munich, Germany, were detected in the resident population (23.18 μg/l in the general population, 20.71 μg/l in the children's group). The follow-up study aimed to investigate whether purification of the drinking water as the main PFOA exposure source has been successful in reducing internal PFOA exposure and to estimate the association of internal PFOA exposure with possible influencing factors. MethodsOnly individuals who had already participated in the HBM study in 2018 were included. For the determination of the PFOA serum concentration, 5 ml of blood was drawn from each participating person. Blood samples were collected in the period from June to August 2022. Furthermore, information on sociodemographic characteristics, health status, dietary behaviour and other lifestyle factors were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. To examine the association of PFOA blood serum levels with possible influencing factors, such as age, gender and consumption of fish and game meat, a logistic regression model with a PFOA value > 10 μg/l as outcome was used. ResultsA total of 764 individuals participated in the follow-up study in 2022. Analyses were performed separately for the general population (n = 559), women of reproductive age (15–49 years old) (n = 120), and children under 12 years old (n = 30). Median PFOA blood levels have decreased by 56.9% in the general population, by 59.8% in the group of women of reproductive age and by 73.4% in the group of children under 12 years old. In the general population, a higher probability of a PFOA value > 10 μg/l was found for those aged 40–59 years (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.33 (95%CI: 1.23 to 4.43, p = 0.01) and those aged 60 years and older (OR = 5.32, 95%CI: 2.78 to 10.19, p < 0.001). ConclusionsIn all study groups, the median PFOA serum levels decreased as expected after a half-life of four years, which confirms that contamination via drinking water has ceased. Furthermore, our study identified age as a significant predictor of internal PFOA exposure, while no influence was found for the consumption of fish and game meat. Further investigations are needed to quantify in a more detailed way the influence of dietary habits on PFOA exposure.

Unregulated drinking water contaminants and adverse birth outcomes in Virginia

Unregulated drinking water contaminants and adverse birth outcomes in Virginia

Uji Cemaran Logam Mangan (Mn), Tembaga (Cu), dan Mikroba pada Air Minum dalam Kemasan

The presence of metal contaminants such as Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu) and microbial contaminants in bottled drinking water (AMDK) that are potentially harmful to human health must be maintained so as not to exceed the set limits. The standard method of testing for Mn and Cu metal contamination in bottled water involves the use of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) which refers to SNI 3554:2015. Microbial contamination testing in bottled water was carried out by measuring several parameters such as total plate count (ALT), Coliform test, E.coli test and Pseudomonas aeruginosa test with methods referring to SNI 3554:2015. The test results show that the level of Mn metal in AMDK is 0.001 mg/L with a very low relative variation (%RSD 0.00%), and the level of Cu metal is 0.004 mg/L with the same low relative variation (%RSD 0.00%). In addition, the microbial contamination test results for total plate counts were &lt;1 CFU/mL, and the average test results for E.coli, Coliform, and P.aeruginosa bacteria were 0 colonies/250 mL samples. These results illustrate that the levels of Mn and Cu metal contamination and microbial contamination found in AMDK do not exceed the limits set in SNI 3553: 2015. Based on the tests conducted, bottled drinking water is proven safe from Mn and Cu metal contamination and microbial contamination.

Unregulated contaminants in drinking water: Evidence from PFAS and housing prices

Our understanding of individuals’ response to information about unregulated contaminants is limited. We leverage the highly publicized social discovery of unregulated PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in public drinking water to study the impact of information about unregulated contaminants on housing prices. Using residential property transaction data, we employ a difference-in-differences research design and show that high profile media coverage about PFAS contamination significantly decreased property values of affected homes. We also find suggestive evidence of residential sorting that may have worsened environmental inequality.

All-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality in the population of a large Italian area contaminated by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (1980–2018)

BackgroundPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with many adverse health conditions. Among the main effects is carcinogenicity in humans, which deserves to be further clarified. An evident association has been reported for kidney cancer and testicular cancer. In 2013, a large episode of surface, ground and drinking water contamination with PFAS was uncovered in three provinces of the Veneto Region (northern Italy) involving 30 municipalities and a population of about 150,000. We report on the temporal evolution of all-cause mortality and selected cause-specific mortality by calendar period and birth cohort in the local population between 1980 and 2018.MethodsThe Italian National Institute of Health pre-processed and made available anonymous data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics death certificate archives for residents of the provinces of Vicenza, Padua and Verona (males, n = 29,629; females, n = 29,518) who died between 1980 and 2018. Calendar period analysis was done by calculating standardised mortality ratios using the total population of the three provinces in the same calendar period as reference. The birth cohort analysis was performed using 20–84 years cumulative standardised mortality ratios. Exposure was defined as being resident in one of the 30 municipalities of the Red area, where the aqueduct supplying drinking water was fed by the contaminated groundwater.ResultsDuring the 34 years between 1985 (assumed as beginning date of water contamination) and 2018 (last year of availability of cause-specific mortality data), in the resident population of the Red area we observed 51,621 deaths vs. 47,731 expected (age- and sex-SMR: 108; 90% CI: 107–109). We found evidence of raised mortality from cardiovascular disease (in particular, heart diseases and ischemic heart disease) and malignant neoplastic diseases, including kidney cancer and testicular cancer.ConclusionsFor the first time, an association of PFAS exposure with mortality from cardiovascular disease was formally demonstrated. The evidence regarding kidney cancer and testicular cancer is consistent with previously reported data.

Occurrence and Health Risk Assessment of Phthalates in Municipal Drinking Water Supply of a Central Indian City.

In this study, the occurrence of phthalates in the municipal water supply of Nagpur City, India, was studied for the first time. The study aimed to provide insights into the extent of phthalate contamination and identify potential sources of contamination in thecity's tap water. We analyzed fifteen phthalates and the total concentration (∑15phthalates) ranged from 0.27 to 76.36µgL-1. Prominent phthalates identified were di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), and di-nonyl phthalate (DNP). Out of the fifteen phthalates analyzed, DEHP showed the highest concentration in all the samples with the median concentration of 2.27µgL-1, 1.39µgL-1, 1.83µgL-1, 2.02µgL-1, respectively in Butibori, Gandhibaag, Civil Lines, and Kalmeshwar areas of the city. In 30% of the tap water samples, DEHP was found higher than the EPA maximum contaminant level of 6µgL-1. The average daily intake (ADI) of phthalates via consumption of tap water was higher for adults (median: 0.25µgkg-1day-1) compared to children (median: 0.07µgkg-1day-1). The hazard index (HI) calculated for both adults and children was below the threshold level, indicating no significant health risks from chronic toxic risk. However, the maximum carcinogenic risk (CR) for adults (8.44 × 10-3) and children (7.73 × 10-3) was higher than the threshold level. Knowledge of the sources and distribution of phthalate contamination in municipal drinking water is crucial for effective contamination control and management strategies.

Quantifying Disparities in Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Levels in Drinking Water from Overburdened Communities in New Jersey, 2019-2021.

Policymakers have become increasingly concerned regarding the widespread exposure and toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While concerns exist about unequal distribution of PFAS contamination in drinking water, research is lacking. We assess the scope of PFAS contamination in drinking water in New Jersey (NJ), the first US state to develop regulatory levels for PFAS in drinking water. We test for inequities in PFAS concentrations by community sociodemographic characteristics. We use PFAS testing data for community water systems (CWS) () from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) from 2019 to 2021 and demographic data at the block group level from the US Census to estimate the demographics of the NJ population served by CWS. We use difference in means tests to determine whether CWSs serving "overburdened communities" (OBCs) have a statistically significant difference in likelihood of PFAS detections. OBCs are defined by the NJDEP to be census block groups in which: a) at least 35% of the households qualify as low-income, b) at least 40% of the residents identify as people of color, or c) at least 40% of the households have limited English proficiency. We calculate statewide summary statistics to approximate the relative proportions of sociodemographic groups that are served by CWSs with PFAS detections. We find that 63% of all CWSs tested by NJDEP from 2019 to 2021 had PFAS detections in public drinking water, collectively serving 84% of NJ's population receiving water from CWSs. Additionally, CWSs serving OBCs had a statistically significant higher likelihood of PFAS detection and a higher likelihood of exposure above state MCLs. We also find that a larger proportion of people of color lived in CWS service areas with PFAS detections compared to the non-Hispanic white population. These findings quantitatively identify disparities in PFAS contamination of drinking water by CWS service area and highlight the extent of PFAS drinking water contamination and the importance of PFAS remediation efforts for protecting environmental health and justice. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12787.

An Integrated Approach of Bioassays and Non-Target Screening for the Assessment of Endocrine-Disrupting Activities in Tap Water and Identification of Novel Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals.

The safety of drinking water is a significant environmental issue of great concern for human health since numerous contaminants are often detected in drinking water and its sources. Boiling is a common household method used to produce relatively high-quality drinking water in some countries and regions. In this study, with the aid of an integrated approach of in vitro bioassays and non-target analysis based on high-resolution mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography, alterations in endocrine-disrupting activities in tap water samples without and with boiling were revealed, as well as the potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) contributing to these alterations were identified. The organic extracts of tap water had no significant (ant)agonistic activities against an estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) at enrichment concentrations of ≤10 times, posing no immediate or acute health risk to humans. However, the presence of agonistic activities against PR and MR and antagonistic activities against ER, PR, GR, and MR in OEs of tap water at relatively higher enrichment concentrations still raise potential health concerns. Boiling effectively reduced antagonistic activities against these steroid hormone receptors (SHRs) but increased estrogenic and glucocorticoid activities in drinking water. Four novel potential EDCs, including one UV filter (phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, PBSA) and three natural metabolites of organisms (beta-hydroxymyristic acid, 12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid, and isorosmanol) were identified in drinking water samples, each of which showed (ant)agonistic activities against different SHRs. Given the widespread use of UV filters in sunscreens to prevent skin cancer, the health risks posed by PBSA as an identified novel EDC are of concern. Although boiling has been thought to reduce the health risk of drinking water contamination, our findings suggest that boiling may have a more complex effect on the endocrine-disrupting activities of drinking water and, therefore, a more comprehensive assessment is needed.

Big data-driven water research towards metaverse

Although big data is publicly available on water quality parameters, virtual simulation has not yet been adequately adapted in environmental chemistry research. Digital twin is different from conventional geospatial modeling approaches and is particularly useful when systematic laboratory/field experiment is not realistic (e.g., climate impact and water-related environmental catastrophe) or difficult to design and monitor in a real time (e.g., pollutant and nutrient cycles in estuaries, soils, and sediments). Data-driven water research could realize early warning and disaster readiness simulations for diverse environmental scenarios, including drinking water contamination.

Camp Lejeune Marine Cancer Risk Assessment for Exposure to Contaminated Drinking Water From 1955 to 1987

This study utilizes guidance from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to calculate the cancer risk to United States Marines who were exposed to carcinogens in drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Camp Lejeune is a 233-square-mile Marine Corps training facility in North Carolina. From 1953 to 1987, nearby dry cleaners, landfills, and underground storage tanks contaminated drinking water systems that served Camp Lejeune (ATSDR, 2017). Some of the most toxic contaminants found in the drinking water modeled by ATSDR include benzene, tetrachloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE), and vinyl chloride (VC). ATSDR utilized MODFLOW and EPANET modeling software to determine the level of contamination in the three main drinking water systems at Camp Lejeune: Tarawa Terrace, Holcomb Boulevard, and Hadnot Point. This paper presents an application of methodology to quantify cancer risk for the Marines who lived and served at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 using ATSDR’s health assessment, chemical contaminant modeling, and USEPA methodology. While VC and TCE were found to be the main risk drivers, benzene and PCE also contributed to the cumulative cancer risk. This analysis shows (1) That the cancer risk was greatest during the 1970s and 1980s and (2) that the inhalation exposure pathway had the greatest contribution to overall cancer risk followed by ingestion, with the smallest contribution from dermal absorption.

The assessment of bacterial contamination in bottled drinking water products in Dak Lak province in 2023 and its related factors

The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at 65 bottled drink water product production facilities in Dak Lak province in 2023. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination in bottled drinking water products at some production facilities in Dak Lak province and analyze related factors. The results indicated that 42/65 (64,0%) of samples did not meet the bacterial requirements according to QCVN 6-1:2010/BYT. Unsatisfactory bacterial criteria included Coliform (50.5%), P. aeruginosa (50.5%), and Clostridia (4.6%). All samples were not detected for E. coli and Streptococci feacal. The main factors influencing bacterial contamination of bottled drinking water were the layout design of the production area; factory structure, means of washing and disinfecting hands, sanitary conditions of the jar, practice of personal hygiene, practice cleaning the jar, and practice of packaging the products.

A rapid and specific antimicrobial resistance detection of Escherichia coli via magnetic nanoclusters.

Drinking water contamination, often caused by bacteria, leads to substantial numbers of diarrhea deaths each year, especially in developing regions. Human urine as a source of fertilizer, when handled improperly, can contaminate drinking water. One dominant bacterial pathogen in urine is Escherichia coli, which can trigger serious waterborne/foodborne diseases. Considering the prevalence of the multi-drug resistant extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli, a rapid detection method for resistance is highly desired. In this work, we developed a method for quick identification of E. coli and, at the same time, capable of removal of general bacterial pathogens from human urine. A specific peptide GRHIFWRRGGGHKVAPR, reported to have a strong affinity to E. coli, was utilized to modify the PEGylated magnetic nanoclusters, resulting in a specific capture and enrichment of E. coli from the bacteria-spiked artificial urine. Subsequently, a novel luminescent probe was applied to rapidly identify the antimicrobial resistance of the collected E. coli within 30 min. These functionalized magnetic nanoclusters demonstrate a promising prospect to rapidly detect ESBL E. coli in urine and contribute to reducing drinking water contamination.

Arsenic and Heavy Metal Groundwater Remediation- A Far- Reaching and Insightful Review

Man and mankind today stands in the midst of deep scientific and engineering knowledge prowess. In the similar vision heavy metal groundwater treatment today are in the midst of deep scientific introspection. The immediate needs of the hour are engineering advancements in the field drinking water and industrial wastewater treatment. Arsenic drinking water contamination is a burning issue in developing and developed nations around the world. The author deeply reviews the vast and versatile scientific and engineering forays in the field of arsenic groundwater remediation. A newer dawn in the domain of environmental engineering will truly usher in if researchers, students, scientists and policy makers across the globe take right and positive steps in devising newer conventional and non-conventional environmental engineering tools. In the distant future, scientific research pursuit in environmental engineering science and chemical process engineering will widen human scientific thoughts and knowledge prowess in the field of arsenic groundwater remediation.

Electrochemical Method for Detection and Quantification of Lead Particulate in Tap Water

Quantification of lead particulates requires laborious sample acidification and/or digestion in acidic environment, therefore lead quantification is limited to laboratories with trained personnel and expensive instrumentation. These technologies are not easily accessible to the public, and the large number of portable methods available to public today are characterized by their qualitative nature, and requirement of additional reagents. Unlike labor intense expensive instruments, electrochemical methods are inexpensive, fast and portable but they are blind to non-electroactive lead species or particulate forms of lead. They are limited to the detection of ionic or electroactive analytes. This talk will report an electrochemical method for the detection and quantification of lead contaminant in drinking waters that results from particulate forms of lead, mostly present as scales. We will present the fundamentals of membrane electrolysis for reagent-free sample preparation and detection of Pb2+. Also, we will present the characterization of real particulates/scales extracted from lead service lines from the Cincinnati area. We think this method will contribute to the development of on-site, quantitative methods of lead detection, and can assist to the research and understanding of drinking water contamination. Perhaps it could help to determine what triggers lead intermittent release to residential tap water. This work has the potential to address the lack of that instrumentation because it employs a robust technology based on anionic exchange membrane and controlled electrolysis for in-situ generation of nitric acid, that eliminates the need of external reagent or sample treatments. For its trace detection, it employs a well stablished Anodic Striping Voltammetry method.

RISK OF DISEASE DUE TO CONTAMINATION OF REFILL DRINKING WATER: USING QUANTITATIVE MICROBIAL RISK ASSESSMENT

Refill drinking water has been popular due to its low price and practicality, but the quality is still questionable. Data from the Health Office of Pariaman City stated that based on laboratory tests on the quality of drinking water from the drinking-water refill depots in Pariaman City, it showed that every year more than 50% of drinking water from the drinking-water refill depots do not meet the health requirements for drinking water. This study aimed to investigate the health risks of refill drinking water generated from 78 drinking-water refill depots spread across four sub-districts in Pariaman City. Using the Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment calculation, the risk calculation used drinking-water refill depots laboratory examination data from the Pariaman City Health Office in 2020. It was found that there was a high risk of infection from E. coli contamination in refill drinking water, where the highest risk was in the North Pariaman District with an annual risk of disease for individuals of 5,14×10-1. This showed the ineffectiveness of drinking-water refill depots in eliminating bacteria and lousy hygiene and sanitation practices. An approach is needed for the owners and operators of drinking water refill depots to improve the tools' effectiveness and education on hygiene and sanitation for drinking-water refill depots operators to maintain patient safety and health.

Evaluation of Drinking Water Contamination in Vehari Region (Pakistan)

Present studies were conducted to evaluate the quality of ground drinking water in Vehari city of Punjab, Pakistan. Water samples were subjected to physicochemical characterization for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), phosphatic compounds, oils and fats. The observed ranges of pH (7.3-7.7), phosphatic compounds (0.001-0.006 mg/L), oils and fats (&lt;1) were found within the WHO limits. The values of electrical conductivity(896-1875μS), total dissolved solids (400-8000 mg/L), and total suspended solid (1200-2800mg/L) were exceeded by WHO limits in Muslim Town, TBZ Colony, Vehari Zoo, D- block, Stadium Road, 9-11 WB, Sharqi Colony, and Danewal areas of Vehari. The investigated groundwater of Tehsil Vehari was found to be unfit for human consumption, and a dire need was felt for removing pollutants from this water before its consumption for drinking purposes in Tehsil Vehari.

Drinking water contaminant concentrations and birth outcomes

AbstractPrevious research in the U.S. has found negative health effects of contamination when it triggers regulatory violations. An important question is whether levels of contamination that do not trigger a health‐based violation impact health. We study the impact of drinking water contamination in community water systems on birth outcomes using drinking water sampling results data in Pennsylvania. We focus on the effects of water contamination for births not exposed to regulatory violations. Our most rigorous specification employs mother fixed effects and finds changing from the 10th to the 90th percentile of water contamination (among births not exposed to regulatory violations) increases low birth weight by 12% and preterm birth by 17%.

Surface Functionalization of Activated Carbon Cloth for Wastewater Perchlorate Adsorption-Integrated Molecular Modeling and Experimental Energy Analysis

Perchlorate (ClO4-) in drinking water is one of the most serious issues relating to drinking water contamination. This work reports both the experimental and computational investigation of wastewater perchlorate adsorption on surfactant-modified activated carbon cloth (ACC) in order to design an efficient water treatment system. Three different types of cationic surfactants including tetramethylammonium (TMA), benzyltrimethylammonium (BTMA), and dodecyltrimethylammonium (DDTMA) were employed in this study, and the ClO4- adsorption capacity of various adsorbents was determined in batch experiments for 24 hours. Among all, DDTMA-ACC exhibits the highest ClO4- adsorption capacity (4.5 times that of pristine ACC), the highest monolayer coverage capacity ( Γ max ) value (0.59 mmol/g), an equilibrium adsorption constant ( K L ) value (35.90 L/mmol), and the lowest Δ G ads value (-26.0 KJ/mol), revealing that ClO4- has a stronger affinity for ACC functionalized by DDTMA than ACC functionalized by other surfactants. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also conducted to illustrate the interactions among ClO4-, surfactants, and a model graphite surface underwater environment. The relative number density profiles and cumulative number studies demonstrate that TMA/BTMA tends to form single-layered packing near the graphite surface, while DDTMA prefers to pack in a multilayered fashion. The dense packing behavior of DDTMA on the graphite surface can enhance the ClO4- adsorption, showing good agreement with experimental results.