Potassium Permanganate Index Research Articles

Multivariate analysis of surface water quality in the Three Gorges area of China and implications for water management

Multivariate statistical techniques, cluster analysis, non-parametric tests, and factor analysis were applied to analyze a water quality dataset including 13 parameters at 37 sites of the Three Gorges area, China, from 2003–2008 to investigate spatio-temporal variations and identify potential pollution sources. Using cluster analysis, the twelve months of the year were classified into three periods of low-flow (LF), normal-flow (NF), and high-flow (HF); and the 37 monitoring sites were divided into low pollution (LP), moderate pollution (MP), and high pollution (HP). Dissolved oxygen (DO), potassium permanganate index (COD Mn), and ammonia-nitrogen (NH 4 +-N) were identified as significant variables affecting temporal and spatial variations by non-parametric tests. Factor analysis identified that the major pollutants in the HP region were organic matters and nutrients during NF, heavy metals during LF, and petroleum during HF. In the MP region, the identified pollutants primarily included organic matter and heavy metals year-around, while in the LP region, organic pollution was significant during both NF and HF, and nutrient and heavy metal levels were high during both LF and HF. The main sources of pollution came from domestic wastewater and agricultural activities and runoif; however, they contributed differently to each region in regards to pollution levels. For the HP region, inputs from wastewater treatment plants were significant; but for MP and LP regions, water pollution was more likely from the combined effects of agriculture, domestic wastewater, and chemical industry. These results provide fundamental information for developing better water pollution control strategies for the Three Gorges area.

Microbiological quality in Finnish public swimming pools and whirlpools with special reference to free living amoebae: a risk factor for contact lens wearers?

To assess the possible risk of microbial keratitis associated with swimming or bathing in public pools, the microbiological quality as well as the presence of free living amoebae in 16 halogenated swimming pools and whirlpools, located in Helsinki, Finland, was determined. Five additional whirlpools situated in the ferries cruising from Finland to Sweden were included in the study. Other parameters investigated were the total bacterial count, identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, measurement of free residual and combined chlorine, potassium permanganate index, urine, pH, and turbidity. Amoebae were detected in 41% of the pool water samples studied. Seven of 11 whirlpools and four of 10 swimming pools were shown to contain amoebae. An Acanthamoeba species was isolated from only one outdoor swimming pool; the other amoebae belonged to the genera Vexillifera, Flabellula, Hartmannella, and Rugipes. Although not a single verified case of Acanthamoeba keratitis has been found in Finland, the findings show that there is a theoretical risk of amoebic and bacterial keratitis associated with swimming or bathing in properly cleaned public pools. Consequently, we do not recommend swimming or bathing with contact lenses.