Drinking Water Quality Research Articles

Utilizing a multi-tracer method to investigate sulphate contamination: Novel insights on hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in intricate karst systems

Karst environments, especially in Mediterranean area, are highly vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic contamination. This study presents a comprehensive hydrogeochemical assesment of surface water and groundwater across a 2300 km2 catchment area spanning Southern Dalmatia (Croatia) and Western Herzegovina (Bosnia and Herzegovina).For the first time in the study area, data were collected over six years integrating ion analysis, sulphur isotope (δ34S) composition, and physical-chemical analysis of water from 30 locations. The research identified four hydrogeochemical facies (carbonate, sulphate, mixed carbonate/sulphate and chloride), influenced by seawater intrusion, carbonate dissolution, evaporite presence, and human activities.Elevated sulphate levels, often exceeding 250 mg/L, were a main focus of the study due to their potential risks to drinking water quality. The study developed a conceptual model to explain the distribution of sulphates, underscoring the importance of evaporite diapirism and δ34S analysis in tracing sulphate origins. These findings contribute to an improved understanding of karst systems and offer essential data for groundwater protection and legislative measures in the Mediterranean region.

Dynamic water‐quality responses to wildfire in Colorado

AbstractIn 2020, Colorado experienced the most severe wildfire season in recorded history, with wildfires burning 625 357 acres across the state. Two of the largest fires burned parts of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and a study was initiated to address concerns about potential effects on drinking water quality from mobilization of ash and sediment. The study took advantage of a wealth of pre‐fire data from adjacent burned and unburned basins in western RMNP. Pre‐ and post‐fire data collection included discrete sample collection and high‐frequency water‐quality measurements using in‐stream sensors. Kruskal–Wallis tests on discrete data indicated that specific conductance, base cations, sulphate, chloride, nitrate, and total dissolved nitrogen concentrations increased post‐fire, whereas silica and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) did not (p ≤ 0.05). In‐stream sensors captured large spikes in concentrations of nutrients, turbidity, and DOC in the burned basin that were missed by discrete sampling. Sensor data indicated nitrate and turbidity increased by up to one and two orders of magnitude, respectively, from pre‐event concentrations during storms, and DOC increased up to 3.5×. Empirical regression equations were developed using pre‐fire data and applied to the post‐fire period to estimate expected stream chemistry in the absence of fire (a ‘no‐fire’ scenario). Overlays of actual post‐fire chemistry showed the timing and magnitude of differences between observed and ‘estimated’ chemistry. For most solutes, observed post‐fire concentrations were notably greater than expected under the ‘no‐fire’ scenario, and differences were greatest during storm events. Comparison of data from the burned and unburned basins indicated DOC concentrations were affected by climate as well as fire. Results from this study demonstrate the importance of both pre‐fire data and high‐frequency data for characterizing dynamic hydrochemical responses in wildfire‐affected areas.

Surface water potential zones delineation and spatiotemporal variation characteristics of water pollution and the cause of pollution formation in Brahmani River Basin, Odisha

Waste water reuse is an effective method for reducing the quantity of wastewater that enters the environment. As a result, the appropriateness was assessed in accordance with its composition and the global criteria for drinking water quality. This study aims to evaluate the quality of surface water of Brahmani River, Odisha, by adapting multivariate statistical approaches, namely Cluster Analysis (CA) and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods such as Simple Additive Weighting (SAW). Again, Geographical Information System (GIS) is employed to assess the drinking water's quality in relation to its application. Around 15 physicochemical parameters, gathered from seven distinct sites, following a period of 2022 till 2024. The results showed high values of EC, SO42−, NO3−, PO43−, F− and Ca2+, in three stations, while other studied parameters are within the permissible limits defined by WHO standards. The CA three distinct classifications of sites namely, low, medium, and high, based on how comparable the various physicochemical traits and pollutant levels were throughout the sampling locations. Sites H-(4–6) were included in cluster 1, site H-(3) and (7) classified under Cluster 2 and finally, H-(1–2) indicated as Cluster 3. Thus, as stated by CA, 42.86 % of tested water samples were fall into the group of good quality and about 57.14 % of examined locations resides in the poor category of water. The findings indicate which characteristics, as determined by the CA technique, were accountable for the alteration in the water quality and raise the potential of runoff from cities, farms, and industries. Subsequently, MCDM techniques has been implemented to facilitate rapid comprehension of surface water behavior and address problems with water resource management. The obtained SAW index ranges from 0.5 to 0.94. Here, H-(1), (2), and (7) grouped as highly polluted zone, and they seemed to be connected to runoff from farms and untreated industrial and municipal trash as well as local pollution sources. From this innovative study, it is found that even though the water is fit for drinking at 3 places, it is medium to highly suitable for human consumption. Therefore, there needs to be treated in some way before being used in addition to being protected against contamination. Most often, the findings indicate that appropriate management actions are important to restore the water quality of this catchment in order to support a robust and promising aquatic ecosystem. Additionally, the significance of this restoration for objective ecological policy and decision-making processes is underscored.

Fluffy LDH/GO 2D Membrane for Rapid Removal of Soluble Pollutants and Enhanced Catalytic Self-Cleaning Performance

The rapid expansion of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries has resulted in the introduction of various sources of micropollutants into the environment, posing threats to drinking water quality and public health. Membrane separation technology offers a promising solution with low energy use, high-quality effluent, and operational simplicity. Here, we developed fluffy LDH/GO 2D membranes, specifically tannic acid-mediated LDH-GO/GO-TA composite membranes (LG/GT). The integration of GO nanosheets regulated the growth of LDH, enhancing electron transfer and adsorption-driven catalytic performance. This design enabled LDH-GO to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and completely degraded Rhodamine B (RhB) within 10 min. The Gaussian calculation was combined with this finding, which could explain the catalytic self-cleaning in the separation process. The TA-mediated enhancement further increased the RhB rejection of LG/GT-7.5 to 99.23%. Additionally, the needle/sheet structure significantly improved permeance to 358.28 L m-2 h-1 bar-1, surpassing the L/GT-7.5 performance (e.g. 338.53 L m-2 h-1 bar-1), indicating superior pore formation and water mass transfer. The heterostructure between GO and LDH greatly improved cycling stability, with the membrane maintaining a permeance of 282.71 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 and a rejection of 97.97% despite 20 cycles. This work demonstrated the potential of fluffy layered LDH 2D membranes for enhanced wastewater treatment applications. These findings suggested significant potential for practical implementation in industrial wastewater treatment processes, offering a sustainable and efficient solution to water pollution challenges.

Assessment on the Effect of Rapid Urbanization on Groundwater Quality of Mirpur Area, Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Dhaka’s population is increasing day by day as more people are migrating towards Dhaka city for improving their level of living and for availing the cities amenities. Hence, this is creating pressure on the overall water quality of Dhaka city. The work intended to assess the groundwater standard in Mirpur area of Dhaka City, Bangladesh by analyzing eight (08) different physicochemical water quality parameters. In December 2023, six (06) separate water samples were taken throughout the dry season from six (06) sites across the area. The results showed that all sites had pH levels between 7.18 to 7.50, which is within acceptable ranges for drinking water quality and indicates neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Total dissolved solids (TDS) continued to be far below safety limits (210–250 ppm), indicating that the water's mineral content was quite low. Electrical conductivity (EC) measurements fell within acceptable ranges (290-350 μS/cm), indicating suitable groundwater quality. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels varied (3.7-9.3 mg/L), with some sites exhibiting satisfactory oxygenation while others raised concerns about potential water quality issues. Total hardness (TH) levels (330-900 mg/L) exceeded recommended limits (200-500 mg/L) at all sites, suggesting potential issues with water quality. However, chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels were minimal or zero (0-3 mg/L), indicating minimal organic pollution. Iron concentrations were generally low (0-0.05 mg/L). Total chlorine (TC) concentrations varied (0- 0.03 mg/L) across sites. In summary, the study emphasizes how crucial it is to continuously monitor and regulate the quality of groundwater in order to guarantee the sustainability and safety of water resources in the Mirpur region.

Assessment of Animal Drinking Water Quality in Livestock Farms in Galapagos Islands

The purpose of this research was to determine the quality of water for bovine consumption on livestock farms in the El Progreso parish - Galapagos by applying a quality index following the Brown methodology proposed by the National Sanitation Foundation of the United States. Information was collected from the livestock farms through a socio-environmental diagnosis of the area, where five localities were considered: San Joaquín, Las Goteras, Cerro Verde, Puerto Chino and El Progreso from which fifteen livestock farms were selected for the respective sampling of the sources. of water. Therefore, nine parameters were considered for the analysis of the respective water sources: pH, TDS, Fecal Coliforms, electrical conductivity, hardness, nitrites, phosphates, temperature and turbidity. Of the total livestock farms monitored, three of them presented a rating of Good quality in a range of 70 to 90, while the remaining farms recorded values with a Medium classification, which are those that recorded AQI values between 51 to 70 according to the criteria established by the NSF. This research highlights the importance of frequently carrying out analyzes of the water sources from which cattle drink to determine the quality of the resource, and also provide technical advice to ranchers in the area on the management and cleaning of the reservoirs.

Revolutionizing Workplace Safety Through Innovative Ergonomic Solutions in Indonesia

General Background: Workplace accidents significantly impact employee health, productivity, and organizational efficiency, necessitating effective safety and health management strategies. Specific Background: The study investigates the use of the Macro Ergonomic Analysis and Design (MEAD) method at PT Esprobags to improve occupational health and safety measures. Knowledge Gap: PT Esprobags faces challenges in effectively addressing employee health concerns, especially regarding health insurance and workplace conditions, despite increasing demand for safety protocols. Aims: This research aims to identify key health and safety issues affecting employees, utilizing MEAD to analyze and design solutions that mitigate workplace accidents and improve overall employee well-being. Results: The findings indicate that inadequate health insurance and infrequent health checks, along with insufficient drinking water quality and room cleanliness, are primary concerns among employees. The analysis reveals that environmental factors significantly influence employee safety, health, and performance, contributing to a 60.7% variance in the work environment's impact on safety and performance. Novelty: This study introduces a structured ergonomic approach tailored to the unique needs of the manufacturing sector, emphasizing the importance of holistic workplace assessments. Implications: PT Esprobags' implementation of the MEAD methodology can improve employee satisfaction, productivity, and safety, contributing to a broader understanding of workplace ergonomics and occupational health. Highlights: Health Concerns: Inadequate health insurance and checks impact employee well-being. Environmental Impact: Workplace conditions significantly affect safety and productivity. Implementation Benefits: MEAD enhances satisfaction and reduces workplace accidents. Keywords: workplace safety, ergonomic analysis, employee health, Macro Ergonomic Analysis and Design, occupational safety

Application of Geographical Information System –Water Quality Index Techniques for Evaluating the Groundwater Quality in Kaniqirzhala Landfill, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

The aim of the current study through uses the Water Quality Index for drinking and irrigation purposes and Heavy Metal Pollution Index to determine quality groundwater in 25 wells spread throughout Kaniqirzhala landfill within the Erbil governorate during 2022. Groundwater samples from various wells have been gathered for chemical and physical analysis in order to determine the water quality. Turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, major anions (SO4-2, Cl-1, Hco3-1, NO3-2, PO4-3) and major cations (Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+1, K+1) are all included in the analysis. In addition to heavy metals investigations were conducted on a variety of metals, including manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), boron (B), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb). Results indicated that higher values of nitrate were calculated in sites 10 to 17. But, in all wells higher concentrations of alkalinity and total hardness were recorded .The concentrations of heavy metals in wells water ranged from low to high according to WHO guidelines for drinking purposes. Drinking water quality index ranged from 52.20 (good quality) at site 9 to 137.01 (poor quality) at site 14. The value of the irrigation water quality index, which is low at site 15, which indicates low restriction for irrigation uses, while the value of 50.01 recorded at site 4 indicates high restriction for irrigation purposes. In all groundwater sites under study, a heavy metal pollution index of greater than 100 indicates extremely poor water quality unsuitable for human consumption. This study concluded all examined wells were deemed to be of extremely poor to good quality for to use in for drinking water based on the water quality index, while extremely low quality based on the heavy metals pollution index .

Bacteriological Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality from Kabul University Taps

Human health is significantly affected by poor-quality drinking water, and water-borne diseases are of the most significant concern. A wide variety of microorganisms contaminate drinking water. Water consumers face substantial challenges due to these pollutants and harmful bacteria. To evaluate the microbiological quality of drinking water samples from different places to identify and count Escherichia coli and Coliform bacteria, multiple tube fermentation technique tests (most likely 100 ml) were used. Bacteria were identified using their morphological, biochemical, and cultural characteristics. Sixty tap water samples were collected from different locations at Kabul University. Of these, 36 samples (60 %) were positive for E. coli and Coliform bacteria, and 24 (40 %) were negative. Girls’ and boys’ dormitories showed the highest bacterial contamination level among the multiple positive water samples collected from different locations. Thirty-one samples (86.1 %) of the water were contaminated with Coliform, and five (13.8 %) samples revealed contamination with E. coli. Therefore, it is suggested that all drinking water sources should plan and carry out regular bacteriological evaluations, water supply monitoring, regular treatment, and adequate sanitation.

Ultra-sensitive nitrate-ion detection via transconductance-enhanced graphene ion-sensitive field-effect transistors

Current potentiometric sensing methods are limited to detecting nitrate at parts-per-billion (sub-micromolar) concentrations, and there are no existing potentiometric chemical sensors with ultralow detection limits below the parts-per-trillion (picomolar) level. To address these challenges, we integrate interdigital graphene ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFETs) with a nitrate ion-sensitive membrane (ISM). The work aims to maximize nitrate ion transport through the nitrate ISM, while achieving high device transconductance by evaluating graphene layer thickness, optimizing channel width-to-length ratio (RWL), and enlarging total sensing area. The captured nitrate ions by the nitrate ISM induce surface potential changes that are transduced into electrical signals by graphene, manifested as the Dirac point shifts. The device exhibits Nernst response behavior under ultralow concentrations, achieving a sensitivity of 28 mV/decade and establishing a record low limit of detection of 0.041 ppt (4.8 × 10−13 M). Additionally, the sensor showed a wide linear detection range from 0.1 ppt (1.2 × 10−12 M) to 100 ppm (1.2 × 10−3 M). Furthermore, successful detection of nitrate in tap and snow water was demonstrated with high accuracy, indicating promising applications to drinking water safety and environmental water quality control.

State-level regulation of disinfection byproducts in the United States

ABSTRACT Disinfection byproducts (DBPs), residual compounds formed from the chemical disinfection of drinking water, can cause a host of damaging public health and environmental impacts. This study evaluates the landscape of regulations designed to reduce the occurrence and/or impact of DBPs, focusing on regulations issued by the US states. Drawing on a systematic search of state administrative codes and agency websites, we first identify the presence, absence, and layering of DBP-related regulations. We then evaluate the number and types of policy tools – the specific approaches required by each regulation, such as monitoring requirements, economic incentives, and required treatment technologies – to identify how DBPs are being managed and how states cluster with relatively more and less robust regulatory frameworks. Finally, we evaluate the relationship between the regulatory approach and the frequency of drinking water quality violations for DBP compounds. While most states have at least one DBP-specific regulation, these vary substantially in their comprehensiveness. The most-used policy tools (monitoring, compliance schedules, and reporting) directly reflect federal regulations; few states have adopted innovative tools such as collaboration or financial incentives. We observe no relationship between regulatory efforts and water quality violations, suggesting that current policy implementation may not adequately address the complex risk of DBPs.

Effects of community water fluoridation on child dental caries in remote Northern Territory, Australia: a difference-in-difference analysis.

Community water fluoridation (CWF) is a cost-effective intervention to reduce dental caries at population level. This Australian study used a difference-in-difference (DiD) analysis to measure dental caries in children exposed to CWF in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Oral health data obtained from the NT Department of Health contained 64 399 person-year observations from 2008 to 2020, totalling 24 546 children aged 1-17 years. Drinking water quality data for fluoride levels, held by the Power and Water Corporation, were obtained for 50 remote communities and linked to the oral health dataset. The DiD analysis used a treatment group and two control groups to compare the effects of CWF on dental caries outcomes in children, measured using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index. The treatment group consisted of records from children residing in five remote NT communities that implemented CWF in 2014.The control 1 group included records of children residing in communities with naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water supplies at levels at or above the Department of Health policy threshold of 0.5 mg/L. The control 2 group included records of children residing in communities with naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water supplies below the level recommended by the Department of Health policy (<0.5 mg/L). The data were grouped into time periods prior to the inception of CWF in five remote communities in 2014 (pre-intervention) and after 2014 (post-intervention). Our results demonstrated that dental caries was significantly decreased for children in the treatment group following the implementation of CWF at a greater magnitude than both control groups for the same time period. Overall, children assigned to the treatment group exhibited a decline in the number of teeth affected by caries by an average of 0.28 (p=0.001). Notably, children of ages 7-10 years and 11-17 years experienced significantly greater post-intervention declines in average dmft/DMFT, by 0.32 (p=0.051) and 0.40 (p=0.012) fewer affected teeth respectively. While dental caries disproportionately impacts Aboriginal children in remote and very remote NT, it is clear that CWF produces population-level reductions in overall dental caries for these populations. Additionally, our study demonstrates the application of the DiD method in a public health policy evaluation. Our findings suggest that the longstanding policy position of the NT Department of Health on CWF has supported improvements in oral health among child populations that experience high levels of dental caries in remote NT communities.

Resolving spatially complex interactions between hydrodynamics and biogeochemical processing in a large reservoir with metalimnetic oxygen deficits

Deoxygenation in the deep water of stratified lakes and reservoirs due to climate warming and human activities poses a threat to crucial limnetic ecosystem services. Metalimnetic oxygen minima (MOM) typically occurs during the mid to late stages of limnetic stratification. To investigate the mechanism of MOM during stably stratified periods in the Panjiakou Reservoir, northern China, four years of in-situ monitoring was conducted in parallel with longitudinal-vertical 2D modeling. The model simulated the hydrodynamic, water quality, algal, and DO processes in 2017 and 2020, and was calibrated and verified by the measurements. Three scenarios were designed to test the impact of hydrological processes and the high oxygen-consuming sedimentation zones (HOCSZ). We concluded that the stratification and the corresponding advection generated in the metalimnion are the driving forces of MOM in the reservoir, and the limnetic eutrophication-related benthic HOCSZ are the seedbeds of the metalimnetic hypoxia. This unique spatial setting driving the biogeochemical processing and MOM dynamics required a new generation of modelling, incorporating spatial inhomogeneities of sediment characteristics and a sophisticated resolution of hydrodynamics. Metalimnetic horizontal advection, hypolimnetic upwelling currents, sedimentation hot spots and the formation of high oxygen consumption zones became the major initiation processes leading to MOM. The numerical modeling not only represented the occurrence, development, and extinction of MOM but also comprehensively explained the spatial differences in the vertical morphology of MOM and its inter-annual variations. Our studies help to identify management strategies to mitigate the impacts of MOM on aquatic ecological security and drinking water quality, thus supporting the optimization of reservoir regulations.

Public Perceptions and Evaluations of Drinking Water Quality in Idaho: A 35-Year Survey Analysis

Public Perceptions and Evaluations of Drinking Water Quality in Idaho: A 35-Year Survey Analysis

Health Risk Assessment of Exposure to Iron in Gravity Feed System Water among Indigenous People

This study aims to determine the health risk exposure of iron level in drinking water from gravity feed system among residents at Sungai Mas village, Sungai Lembing, Kuantan Pahang. A cross-sectional research was carried out based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The purposive sampling method was used to select respondents of Jakun and Semaq Beri tribe. This research had two parts;questionnaire,as well aswater sample collection and analysis. The iron level was determined using Hanna Instruments HI801-02 iris Visible Spectrophotometer, while pH level was determined using EUTECHC Cyberscan pH 310 Series Meter. Median and IQR of iron were 0.080 and 0.030 mg/L, respectively.There was no relationship between iron and pH levels of drinking water samples in the study area. There was no significant difference between iron levels in drinking water and the National Standard for Drinking Water Quality, and the value ranged between 0.030-0.550 mg/L. There was no health risk of iron exposure among respondents. The HQ was &lt;1. Generally, drinking water containing iron had no adverse health effects. The iron in drinking water in this study was not influenced. So there are no carcinogenic effects on the community in Sungai Mas Village, Sungai Lembing.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination of drinking water sources in Africa: Pollution sources and possible treatment methods

Despite the detection of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in the water system in Africa, the effort towards mitigating PFAS in water in Africa needs to be better understood. Therefore, this review evaluated the contamination status and mitigation methods for handling PFAS-contaminated water systems in Africa. The findings revealed the presence of PFAS in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents, surface water and commercially available bottled and tap water in African countries. The concentration of PFAS in drinking water sources reviewed ranged from < limits of quantification to 778 ng L−1. The sources of PFAS in water systems in Africa are linked to uncontrolled importation of PFAS-containing products, WWTP effluents and inappropriate disposal of PFAS-containing materials. The information on treatment methods for PFAS-contaminated water systems is scanty. Unfortunately, the treatment method is challenged by poor water research infrastructure and facilities, lack of awareness, poor research funding and weak legislation; however, adsorption and membrane technology seem favourable for removing PFAS from water systems in Africa. It is essential to focus on monitoring and assessing drinking water quality in Africa to reduce the disease burden that this may cause. Most African countries' currently implemented water treatment facilities cannot efficiently remove PFAS during treatment. Therefore, governments in Africa need to fund more research to develop an efficient water treatment technique that is sustainable in Africa.

Long-term analysis of drinking water quality in poultry and pig farms in Northwest Germany

Hygienically safe drinking water is essential for the health, well-being, and efficient production of livestock. In contrast to drinking water for human consumption, there are guidelines but no legal limits for drinking water for animals. Risk factors due to hygienically relevant microorganisms or chemical compounds in drinking water are known from literature, but there is little information on the quality of drinking water for livestock in Germany. To gain an overview of the quality of drinking water, data from samples collected from pig and poultry farms in Northwest Germany over a 10-year period were analyzed retrospectively. Data consisted of 326 samples analyzed chemically, and 519 samples analyzed microbiologically. Of these, 80 water samples were analyzed for both chemical and microbial contaminants. There was no correlation between samples exceeding chemical and microbial guideline levels. The number of samples exceeding the chemical guideline values (58.0%) was higher than the number of samples exceeding the microbiological guideline values (47.4%). This long-term study illustrated the potential risk to pigs and poultry from drinking water and highlights the need for effective hygiene measures to prevent the transmission of microorganisms and chemicals residues through water to maintain animal health and safe food products.

Understanding Drinking Water Quality in Appalachia

Key TakeawaysWhile the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) applies to all public water systems in the United States, the severity and prevalence of violations vary among locations.A study investigated drinking water quality, indicated by statistics of the SDWA in the 13 Appalachian states from 2010 to 2022, to identify any differences in violations.The need for better water system management and infrastructure in economically disadvantaged regions is clear, along with public education and effective policies.

Prevalence and epidemiological distribution of indicators of pathogenic bacteria in households drinking water in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundEnsuring the availability of safe drinking water remains a critical challenge in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this paper aimed to investigate the prevalence of fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria and, geographical, children availability, and seasonal exposure assessment through a meta-analysis.MethodsTwo independent review groups extensively searched internet databases for English-language research articles published between 2013 and 2023. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality of each included study was evaluated using the STROBE guidelines. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of a funnel plot and then tested by the Egger regression test, and meta-analysis was performed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse variance weighting. Subgroup analyses were also conducted to explore heterogeneity.ResultsOut of 48 potentially relevant studies, only 21 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of fecal coliform and E. coli was 64% (95% CI: 56.0–71.0%, I2 = 95.8%) and 54% (95% CI: 45.7–62.3%, I2 = 94.2%), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence of fecal coliform bacteria increased during the wet season (70%) compared to the dry season (60%), particularly in households with under-five children (74%) compared to all households (61%), in rural (68%) versus urban (66%) areas, and in regions with high prevalence such as Amhara (71%), Gambela (71%), and Oromia (70%). Similarly, the prevalence of E. coli was higher in households with under-five children (66%) than in all households (46%).ConclusionsThe analysis highlights the higher prevalence of fecal coliform and E. coli within households drinking water, indicating that these bacteria are a significant public health concern. Moreover, these findings emphasize the critical need for targeted interventions aimed at improving drinking water quality to reduce the risk of fecal contamination and enhance public health outcomes for susceptible groups, including households with under-five children, in particular geographical areas such as the Amhara, Gambela, and Oromia regions, as well as rural areas, at point-of-use, and during the rainy season.RegistrationThis review was registered on PROSPERO (registration ID - CRD42023448812).

Drinking Water Quality in Delta and Non-Delta Counties along the Mississippi River

The Mississippi Delta region has worse population health outcomes, including higher overall cardiovascular and infant mortality rates. Water quality has yet to be considered as a factor in these health disparities. The objective of this paper is to determine overall differences in basic water quality indicators, electrolytes of cardiovascular importance, trace elements, heavy metals, and radioactive ions of groundwater in delta and non-delta counties in states along the Mississippi River. Data were sourced from the major-ions dataset of the U.S. Geological Survey. We used the Wilcoxon rank sum test to determine the difference in water quality parameters. Overall, delta counties had lower total dissolved solids (TDS) (47 and 384 mg/L, p-value &lt; 0.001), calcium (7 and 58 mg/L; p-value &lt; 0.001), magnesium (2 and 22 mg/L; p-value &lt; 0.001), and potassium (1.57 and 1.80 mg/L; p-value &lt; 0.001) and higher sodium (38 mg/L and 22 mg/L; p-value &lt; 0.001) compared to non-delta counties. Overall, there were no statistical differences in trace elements, heavy metals, and radioactive ions across delta versus non-delta counties. These results underscore the need for further epidemiological studies to understand if worse health outcomes in delta counties could be partially explained by these parameters.