Household Water Tanks Research Articles

Microbiological Analysis of Household Water Tanks in Egypt

Microbiological Analysis of Household Water Tanks in Egypt

Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Domestic Water Storage Tanks in Sidon, Lebanon

Safe, accessible, and good water quality are essential characteristics for reducing various waterborne diseases. Since domestic water is the water most consumed by Lebanese people, cleaning household water tanks is important to prevent their exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. Generally, all the stages of the value chain of the Lebanese water sector are still imperfect. Thus, the domestic water should be regularly tested, especially in the impoverished landmarks where water quality is the worst. The aim of this study is to evaluate the physicochemical parameters and microbiological quality of the water in the storage tanks of homes in Sidon, Lebanon. Fifty water samples were collected aseptically from domestic water storage tanks. The microbiological assessment was performed using basic plating techniques. Identification of isolated bacteria was performed using MALDI-TOF-MS. Physicochemical parameters were assessed using titration, pH, and conductivity measurements. Antibiotic-susceptibility testing was performed using antibiotic disks. Screening for virulence genes in bacteria was carried out via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Most of the physicochemical parameters were within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water. The heterotrophic plate count (HPC) varied between the water samples. The total coliform, fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) contaminate was 54%, 20%, and 16% in each of the samples, respectively. Other bacteria isolated from household water included intestinal Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) (68%), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (68%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (22%). Other predominant isolates recovered from the samples were also identified. The bacterial isolates showed a prevalence of resistance and intermediate resistance against the tested antibiotic agents. Multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 21% of the collected S. aureus, using cefoxitin agent and mecA gene detection. A prevalence of virulence genes in both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus was also noticed. Our data show that Sidon domestic water is not suitable for either drinking or home applications.

Bisphenol A in canned soft drinks, plastic-bottled water, and household water tank from Punjab, India

The aim of this study was the quantification of Bisphenol A (BPA) in canned soft drinks, plastic-bottled water and household water tanks from Punjab, India. Samples of five brands of canned soft drinks and plastic-bottled water purchased from local markets. Fifteen samples each of household plastic water tanks and concrete water tank were selected from three different cities (5 from each city) of Punjab, India. Samples were selected randomly. The plastic household water tank samples were collected in the months of December and June to check the effect of temperature on release of BPA in a plastic water tanks. The analysis method consists of microextraction in packed syringe (MEPS) followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric (GC-MS) detection. The detection limits and quantitation for BPA were 0.46 pg/mL and 1.52 pg/mL, respectively. Traces of BPA were detected in all canned soft drinks samples. Canned soft drinks and plastic-bottled water samples of five brands were having the BPA concentrations 8.2-14.01 pg/mL and 60-90 pg/mL, respectively. The BPA concentrations in the plastic water tanks were nondetected-12 pg/mL and nondetected-10 pg/mL in concrete water tank.

Design and Development of Automatic Water Tank Cleaner

This system aims to design and develop a prototype of an automatic system for cleaning domestic cylindrical water tanks. The proposed system includes a simple mechanism with centrifugal force. Household water tanks are supposed to provide safe water for cleaning, gardening, cooking, and drinking. The majority of the time water coming into the tank comes with dust and dirt particles. Over time, sludge or sediment may build up, contaminate water and cause illnesses in humans like diarrhea, cholera, amebiasis, typhoid, and gastroenteritis. Tank cleaning is necessary since the mud, dust, and dirt entering through water may settle at the bottom of the tank, leading to the formation of algae, and salt deposits that disturb the quality of water and hamper the flow of water through a pipe. It has been observed that the methods to clean water tanks are manual and a person needs to enter the tank to clean it. The water has to be drained out before handed, hence it is a tough and time taking task due to which cleaning of tanks gets postponed. If the tank is overhead, then it creates more problems for cleaning the tank. The benefits of this system are reduced human effort and time, avoiding exposure to chemicals that influence the health of a person entering the water tank for cleaning and reduced wastage of water.

Novel Plant-Based Metabolites as Disinfectants against Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Due to global warming, coupled with global water shortages and the reliance of the public on household water tanks, especially in developing countries, it is anticipated that infections caused by free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoeba will rise. Thus, the development of novel disinfectant(s) which can target pathogenic free-living amoebae effectively is warranted. Herein, we extracted and isolated several plant-based secondary metabolites as novel disinfectants for use against pathogenic Acanthamoeba. The identity of the compounds was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and tested for antiamoebic activities against clinical isolate of A. castellanii, belonging to the T4 genotype. Amoebicidal assays revealed that the compounds tested showed antiamoebic properties. Betulinic acid and betulin exhibited parasite killing of more than 65%. When tested against the cyst stage, betulinic acid, betulin, and vanillic acid inhibited both encystation and excystation processes. Furthermore, the plant-based metabolites significantly inhibited the binding capability of A. castellanii to host cells. Finally, most of the tested compounds displayed minimal cytotoxic activities against human cells and noticeably perturbed amoeba-mediated host cell cytotoxicity. Notably, both alkaloid and betulinic acid showed 20% cytotoxic effects, whereas betulin and lupeol had cytotoxic effects of 24% and 30%, respectively. Overall, our findings indicate that plant-based natural compounds demonstrate anti-Acanthamoebic properties, and they have potential candidates for water disinfectants or contact lens disinfecting solutions, as well as possible therapeutic drugs against Acanthamoeba infections.

Detection of Heavy Elements and Pathogenic Microorganisms in the Water and Sediments of Domestic Water Tanks in the Center of AL- Nasiriyah

The current study was conducted to show the presence of heavy elements and pathogenic microorganismsand the quality and validity of water and sediments in the household water tanks at the city center of Nasiriyahand their suitability for household and drinking uses from the autumn 2019 to summer 2020. Physical,chemical and biological checks of water were carried out in three stations, two selected stations located inthe center of Nasiriyah city (1- Erido 2- Al-Salhiya), and the third station, Al-Asalah, which is located inAl-Shatrah district. Samples were collected monthly and quarterly, with three replications per station. Thestudy included measuring the temperature of air and water, the pH, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen DO,and the Biological Oxygen Demand BOD5. In addition, the concentration of four heavy elements (cadmium,copper, lead and zinc) in the water was measured in its entirety. The study included measuring the TOCcontent and mixing the sediment, and also the concentration of four heavy elements (cadmium, Copper,lead and zinc) are completely sediment. The study also included investigation of bacterial contamination bydetecting the total numbers of aerobic bacteria, the number of coliform bacteria, the number of fecal coliformbacteria, the numbers of fecal and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa bacteria in the water and sediments. The resultsof the physical and chemical tests of water in the study stations showed that the values of air and watertemperatures ranged between (20.1-40) C and (17.50-30) C, respectively, and that the water of the studiedstations was basic as the pH values ranged between (7.00-8.20) The salinity values ranged between (485-837) ppm, and the turbidity values were between (2.50-6.79) NTU. The dissolved oxygen values rangedbetween (5.39-8.01) mg/liter, and the Biological Oxygen Demand BOD5 were between (2.93-8.5) mg/liter.

Living in a city without water: A social practice theory analysis of resource disruption in Gaborone, Botswana

Abstract Using social practice theory, this study examines what happens to everyday household water-use practices when water in a city stops flowing, as it did in Botswana’s capital city of Gaborone in 2015. Our study investigates changes in the conventions of cleanliness, comfort and convenience and how water-use practices evolved, and spread and how old practices were revived in times of need. Our research illustrates how water supply infrastructure shapes and separates daily water-use practices such as washing, bathing and cooking within the household and locks-in a co-evolution of unsustainable supply and demand. Our analysis brings into view the container technologies that became essential for survival and identifies the possibilities and challenges of containers for reconnecting water and water-use practices within the household. It is concluded that residents of Gaborone were highly adaptable and resourceful in reconfiguring new water-use practices, but would have coped better if water managers had been more supportive of co-provision and provided advice and support for safe household water sourcing and storage. With the limitations of large-scale supply-driven water infrastructure increasingly evident, and resilience often focused simply on household water tanks, this research highlights the potential for (re)designing container technologies within the household to (re)connect water-use practices and hold, slow down, redirect and re-use different types of water, rather than the single-use paradigm of using drinking quality water for every task in a way that allows that high quality water to simply drain away.

DETECTION OF WATER-BORNE PARASITES IN DRINKING WATER OF BAGHDAD, IRAQ.

Background:Within the past few decades, there has been an increase in the number of water-borne disease outbreaks and emergence of newly recognized waterborne parasites. Several factors which contribute to the spread of these diseases include: water, heavy rains and agricultural residues which transfer the parasites to water surface from the soil. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of parasites in the river and drinking water of Al-Wahdaa and Al-Rasheed Drinking Project and household water tanks from some regions of Baghdad.Method:Forty samples were collected from river and drinking water of Drinking Project. Fifty four samples of household water tanks were collected from some regions of Baghdad.Results:Cryptosporidium oocyst, which was founded in river water samples are more than those in drinking water. Furthermore, it was existed in Diyala Bridge &Taha Mosque from April – August and oocyst was diagnosed by using of Zheil-Neelson. Wet mount slide method was applied to detect cysts of free-living amoeba Acanthomoeba, Naegleria. The number of cysts in July and August were higher than other months for Drinking Project and the water tanks for all regions.Conclusion:These results emphasize the importance screening of the water to prevent possible of the spread of parasitic protozoan and that the cracks occurrence in drinking water pipes between the stations and houses led to contamination of water with the infective stage of parasites, especially in the areas that are near agricultural fields which polluted with the cows’ waste.

Optimisation of decontamination method and influence of culture media on the recovery of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis from spiked water sediments

The recovery of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) from the environment can be a laborious process – owing to Map being fastidious, its low number, and also high numbers of other microbial populations in such settings. Protocols i.e. filtration, decontamination and modified elution were devised to recover Map from spiked water sediments. Three culture media: Herrold's Egg Yolk Media (HEYM), Middlebrook 7H10 (M-7H10) and Bactec 12B were then employed to grow the organism following its elution. In the sterile sediment samples the recovery of Map was significant between the time of exposure for each of HEYM and M-7H10, and insignificant between both media (P < 0.05). However, in the non-sterile sediment samples, the HEYM grew other background microflora including moulds at all the times of exposure whilst 4 h followed by M-7H10 culture yielded Map colonies without any background microflora. Using sterile samples only for the Bactec 12B, the recovery of Map decreased as time of exposure increased. Based on these findings, M-7H10 should be considered for the recovery of Map from the natural environment including water sediments where the recovery of diverse microbial species remains a challenge. Significance of the studyMap is a robust pathogen that abides in the environment. In water treatment operations, Map associates with floccules and other particulate matter including sediments. It is also a fastidious organism, and its detection and recovery from the water environment is a laborious process and can be misleading within the abundance of other mycobacterial species owing to their close resemblance in phylogenetic traits. In the absence of a reliable recovery method, Map continues to pose public health risks through biofilm in household water tanks, hence the need for the development of a reliable recovery protocol to monitor the presence of Map in water systems in order to curtail its public health risks.

Utilisation of Green Synthesised Silver Nanoparticles for Water Quality Management

In the present study silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using leaves of bamboo plant, Bambus vulgaris and the size of the nanoparticles was confirmed using XRD, EDAX, SEM, TEM, PSA analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized NPs showed a good antibacterial activity against the waterborne isolates, E. coli, Staphyllococcus aureus, Vibrio cholera and Salmonella sp. Further the anti algal activity of the NPs was tested against the algae, Dictyosphaerium pulchellum, and Algoriphagus chordate. The SEM studies revealed that the AgNPs breaks the cell wall of algae and inhibits the growth. The safe dose of AgNPs can be used in aquaculture farms, household water tanks and other small water bodies to wipe out waterborne pathogens and algal bloom.

Assessment of microbial quality in household water tanks in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Assessment of microbial quality in household water tanks in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Presencia de Legionella spp. en depósitos domiciliarios de agua potable en Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina. Informe preliminar

Legionella spp. is an environmental bacterium that can survive in a wide range of physicochemical conditions and may colonize distribution systems of drinking water and storage tanks. Legionella pneumophila is the major waterborne pathogen that can cause 90% of Legionnaires’ disease cases. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of Legionella spp. in household drinking water tanks in the city of Resistencia, Chaco. The detection of Legionella in water samples was performed by culture methods as set out in ISO 11731:1998. Thirty two water samples were analyzed and Legionella spp. was recovered in 12 (37.5%) of them. The monitoring of this microorganism in drinking water is the first step towards addressing the control of its spread to susceptible hosts.

Life Cycle Assessment of Household Water Tanks—A Study of LLDPE, Mild Steel and RCC Tanks

A case of household water tanks, 1000 L capacity, made of RCC, LLDPE and mild steel (stainless steel) was evaluated for life cycle analysis. The scope of the research comprised of the raw materials, energy inputs and corresponding emissions during all phases of product making such as extraction of raw material, it’s processing, followed by manufacturing and transport, as well as use and reuse of the product. Simapro 8 (System for Integrated environMental Assessment of PROducts), a modelling software, from Dutch PRe Consultants was used to conduct the life cycle analysis. Simapro 8 enables systematic and transparent modelling and analysis of complex life cycles based on the recommendations of the ISO 14040 series of standards. In the present study the most common method which is acceptable worldwide “Recipe Endpoint method” (ReCiPe) was employed. ReCiPe computes the impact categories and classifies them into two classes based on relevant arrays of characterization factors. Simapro addresses impact categories viz. ozone depletion, human toxicity, ionizing radiation, photochemical oxidant formation, particulate matter formation, terrestrial acidification, climate change, terrestrial ecotoxicity, agricultural land occupation, urban land occupation, natural land transformation, marine ecotoxicity, marine eutrophication, fresh water eutrophication, fresh water ecotoxicity, fossil fuel depletion, minerals depletion, fresh water depletion at the midpoint level. While at the Endpoint level, the impact categories are multiplied by corresponding damage factors and integrated to be represented as three Endpoint level categories, viz. human health, ecosystems and resource depletion. The three endpoint categories are normalized, weighted, and aggregated into a single score. LCA studies indicate that household water tanks of LLDPE have least environmental implications considering impacts on human health, ecosystems and resource depletion as compared to its counterparts viz. Household water tanks made up of mild steel and RCC. The sequence of the material with decreasing impacts is concrete tanks > mild steel tank > LLDPE tanks. The overall assessment is centred on the elements such as material inputs, energy inputs and environmental emissions.

Territorial analysis of Aedes aegypti distribution in two Colombian cities: a chorematic and ecosystem approach.

A territorial analysis of Aedes aegypti density was conducted in two Colombian cities using an ecosystem and chorematic approach. Entomological and behavioral data (by cluster) and information on the urban context were used to analyze the relationship between territorial structures and dynamics and vector density. The results were represented in graphic (chorematic) models. Arauca showed higher vector density than Armenia. Higher density was related to unplanned urbanization, flood-prone areas, low socioeconomic strata, household water tanks, higher temperature, and recall of control measures for adult mosquitos. Zones with low density indices coincided with diverse socioeconomic, ecological, and behavioral conditions. The study found a relationship between territorial structures and dynamics and vector density in both Arauca and Armenia, where the interaction between ecological and social systems shape areas with high and low A. aegypti density.

Presence of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in biofilms formed in water containers in poor households coincides with epidemic seasons in Dhaka

The objective of this study was to investigate if biofilms may be potential reservoirs for the waterborne pathogen enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) in household water in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Biofilms formed on submerged glass slides. Mature biofilms were found significantly more often on glass slides collected in the monsoon period between the two annual ETEC peaks in Bangladesh, that is, between May and August than the rest of the year (P < 0.03). Sixty-four per cent (49/77) of all biofilms analysed by quantitative real-time PCR were positive for ETEC. Significantly more ETEC-PCR positive biofilms were found during the epidemic peaks and during flooding periods than the rest of the year (P < 0.008). Planktonic ETEC was present in the household water during all seasons, but there was no correlation between presence or numbers of ETEC in water and the epidemic peaks. We conclude that ETEC is continuously present in water and biofilms in household water reservoirs in Dhaka, which has a high prevalence of ETEC diarrhoea. The frequency of biofilms with ETEC was significantly associated (P < 0.008) with seasonal epidemic peaks of ETEC diarrhoea. We show for the first time that enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), the causative agent of acute watery diarrhoea and travellers' diarrhoea is present in biofilms in household water tanks in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Opportunistic and Microbial Pathogens in Municipal Water Distribution Systems

Municipal water quality in the distribution system and household water tanks were investigated relative to water chlorination, microbial regrowth and the presence of opportunistic and potential pathogens. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate water quality in the distribution system. The results revealed the storage reservoir at pumping station and distribution lines to residential houses complied with the Omani Drinking Water Standards. Three types of water tanks were examined: glass-reinforced-plastic (GRP), polyethylene (PE) and galvanized iron (GI). Based on the data, all water tanks supported microbial regrowth with high values of microbial total count. Microbial regrowth varied with type of water tanks. Coliforms were isolated from all tanks but were abundantly found in GRP. They were also isolated at end points. Kleblsiella spp were the dominant among the isolates. Enterobacter aerogenes was the dominant isolate in home filters with GRP and PE tanks. The houses with GI tanks, home filters were not used. Several forms of potential pathogens were found in the biofilms of the holding tanks and end points where Aeromonas was the most frequent isolate. In conclusion, holding tanks and end points appear to be a potential for microbial regrowth and it a threat to public health.

Determination of Radon and Uranium Concentrations in Clay sediments of Household Water Tanks in Nineveh Province Using LR-115 Nuclear track Detector

Determination of Radon and Uranium Concentrations in Clay sediments of Household Water Tanks in Nineveh Province Using LR-115 Nuclear track Detector

Opportunistic pathogens relative to physicochemical factors in water storage tanks

Household water in Oman, as well as in other countries in the region, is stored in tanks placed on house roofs that can be subjected to physicochemical factors which can promote microbial growth, including pathogens and opportunistic pathogens which pose health risks. Water samples were collected from 30 houses in a heavily populated suburb of Muscat. The tanks used were either glass reinforced plastic (GRP), polyethylene or galvanised iron (GI). Heterotrophic bacteria, coliforms, faecal coliforms and iron sulphur bacteria varied significantly in the three tanks. Yeast and mould count showed significant variations. Isolation of Aeromonas spp., fluorogenic and pathogenic Pseudomonas, Pasteurella, Salmonella, Serratia and Tatumella, and Yersinia and Legionella in biofilms varied in the three tanks. The fungi isolates in the three tanks were Penicillium, Cladosporium and Aspergillus. Nephelometric turbidity unit, threshold odour number and free chlorine varied significantly in the three tanks. True colour unit values did not show a significant difference; however, GRP tanks had algae, autotrophic and pigmented microorganisms. In addition, GI tanks had sediments and corrosion. The results of this investigation are important to evaluate the status of the present household water tanks in countries with high annual temperatures, which may affect public health.

Efficacy of Selected Compounds on Thermocyclops oblongatus, one of the Main Intermediate Hosts of Guinea Worm in Africa

AbstractTen selected compounds were tested on Thermocyclops oblongatus to determine their ability to be used for treatment of drinking water sources. None were shown to be interesting for individual application in household water tanks. Tested compounds, such as potassium permanganate or chlorine‐releasing products, were ineffective or affected dramatically the taste or colour of the water. For collective application in water sources, temephos appeared to be the most valuable pesticide because it was effective against cyclops and harmless for environment. Other pesticides should be proposed as substitutes in case of cyclops resistance to temephos.