Reduced Water Quality Research Articles

A Review of Climate-Driven Threats to Recreational Water Users in Hawaii.

In Hawaii, impacts from climate change, such as sea-level rise and flooding, increased hurricanes and wildfires, and warmer temperatures, intersect with aging infrastructure, toxicities from the built environment, and pathogens to threaten the health of recreational ocean users via reduced water quality, severe weather and flooding, environmental degradation, and food systems impacts. An examination of climate-driven threats to water safety is a pertinent review of threats to coastal residents globally.

The Impact of Green Infrastructure on the Quality of Stormwater and Environmental Risk

Increasing urbanization and the associated sealing of areas and the use of storm sewer systems for drainage not only increase the risk of flooding but also reduce water quality in streams into which stormwater is discharged. Green infrastructure (GI) measures are applied with the aim of managing this stormwater sustainably and reducing the associated risks. To this end, a quantitative–qualitative approach was developed to simulate GI—namely, rain gardens, bioretention cells, and vegetative bioswales—at the urban catchment scale. The findings highlight the potential of applying GI measures to managing stormwater more effectively in urban environments and mitigating its negative pollution-related impacts. For the housing estate analyzed, a simulated implementation of GI resulted in a reduction in pollution, measured as total nitrogen (N; 9–52%), nitrate-N (5–30%), total phosphorus (11–59%), chemical oxygen demand (8–46%), total suspended solids (13–73%), copper (12–64%), zinc (Zn; 16–87%), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16–91%), and the hydrocarbon oil index (HOI; 15–85%). Reducing the concentrations of pollutants minimizes the risk to human health determined via the HOI from a low-risk level to zero risk and reduces the ecological risk in terms of Zn pollution from a significant risk to a low risk of adverse effects. The modeling conducted clearly shows that the GI solutions implemented facilitated a quantitative reduction and a qualitative improvement in stormwater, which is crucial from an environmental perspective and ensures a sustainable approach to stormwater management. Lowering the levels of stormwater pollution through the implementation of GI will consequently lower the environmental burden of pollutants in urban areas.

Size-dependent effects of dams on river ecosystems and implications for dam removal outcomes.

Understanding the relationship between a dam's size and its ecological effects is important for prioritization of river restoration efforts based on dam removal. Although much is known about the effects of large storage dams, this information may not be applicable to small dams, which represent the vast majority of dams being considered for removal. To better understand how dam effects vary with size, we conducted a multidisciplinary study of the downstream effect of dams on a range of ecological characteristics including geomorphology, water chemistry, periphyton, riparian vegetation, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish. We related dam size variables to the downstream-upstream fractional difference in measured ecological characteristics for 16 dams in the mid-Atlantic region ranging from 0.9 to 57 m high, with hydraulic residence times (HRTs) ranging from 30 min to 1.5 years. For a range of physical attributes, larger dams had larger effects. For example, the water surface width below dams was greater below large dams. By contrast, there was no effect of dam size on sediment grain size, though the fraction of fine-grained bed material was lower below dams independently of dam size. Larger dams tended to reduce water quality more, with decreased downstream dissolved oxygen and increased temperature. Larger dams decreased inorganic nutrients (N, P, Si), but increased particulate nutrients (N, P) in downstream reaches. Aquatic organisms tended to have greater dissimilarity in species composition below larger dams (for fish and periphyton), lower taxonomic diversity (for macroinvertebrates), and greater pollution tolerance (for periphyton and macroinvertebrates). Plants responded differently below large and small dams, with fewer invasive species below large dams, but more below small dams. Overall, these results demonstrate that larger dams have much greater impact on the ecosystem components we measured, and hence their removal has the greatest potential for restoring river ecosystems.

Pistia stratiotes L. Biochar for Sorptive Removal of Aqueous Inorganic Nitrogen.

Biochar has proven effective in the remediation of excess nitrogen from soil and water. Excess nitrogen from agricultural fields ends up in aquatic systems and leads to reduced water quality and the proliferation of invasive species. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of chemically surface-modified biochar produced from invasive Pistia stratiotes L. for the adsorption of inorganic nitrogen (NH4+ and NO3-). Biochar structure was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results from adsorption experiments indicate that NH4+ removal was optimal (0.8-1.3 mg N g-1) at near-neutral pH levels (6.0-7.5), while NO3- removal was optimal (0.4-0.8 mg N g-1) under acidic pH conditions (4.8-6.5) using the modified biochar. These findings highlight the significance of solution pH, biochar morphology, and surface chemistry in influencing the adsorption of NH4+ and NO3-. However, further studies are necessary to assess the potential oxidative transformation of NH4+ to NO3- by biochar, which might have contributed to the reduction in NH4+ in the aqueous phase.

Developing a Genetic Algorithm for Selecting Infrastructure Modifications that Optimize Hydrodynamic Flushing in Old Tampa Bay

Impermeable infrastructure such as traffic causeways can reduce the natural hydrodynamic flushing of an estuary, resulting in reduced water quality and increased incidence of harmful algal blooms (HABs). A series of cuts through the three causeways spanning Old Tampa Bay, FL, (OTB) are being considered to help restore the natural circulation of the region, but the number of possible location combinations is computationally challenging to fully assess. A prototype genetic algorithm (GA) was developed to identify the optimal configuration of these cuts through one of the bridge sections that maximizes flushing as represented in a numerical ocean circulation model of OTB. Flushing was measured by integrating the trajectories of over 21,000 passive Lagrangian “particles” using the model velocity fields. The rate of loss of particles initialized near Feather Sound (a region subject to frequent HABs) was used to quantify the “fitness” over which the configurations were optimized. The highest-scoring solution produced a 42% increase in net flushing compared to a no-change baseline. Six independently initialized applications of the GA were conducted. All converged to the same solution within no more than 7 generations. The small population size of the prototype allowed testing of the complete solution space, and verification the found solution was optimal. Elitism (preservation of the highest-ranking solution) was required for convergence. The GA also identified configurations that had similar, but slightly slower, flushing rates. These results will help area managers prioritize or rank combinations of causeway modifications to improve overall water quality conditions in Tampa Bay.

Evidence of nitrogen inputs affecting soil nitrogen purification by mediating root exudates of salt marsh plants

Salt marsh has an important ‘purification’ role in coastal ecosystems by removing excess nitrogen that could otherwise harm aquatic life and reduce water quality. Recent studies suggest that salt marsh root exudates might be the ‘control centre’ for nitrogen transformation, but empirical evidence is lacking. Here we sought to estimate the direction and magnitude of nitrogen purification by salt marsh root exudates and gain a mechanistic understanding of the biogeochemical transformation pathway(s). To achieve this, we used a laboratory incubation to quantify both the root exudates and soil nitrogen purification rates, in addition to the enzyme activities and functional genes under Phragmites australis populations with different nitrogen forms addition (NO3−, NH4+ and urea). We found that NO3− and urea addition significantly stimulate P. australis root exudation of total acids, amino acids, total sugars and total organic carbon, while NH4+ addition only significantly increased total acids, amino acids and total phenol exudation. High total sugars, amino acids and total organic carbon concentrations enlarged nitrogen purification potential by stimulating the nitrogen purifying bacterial activities (including enzyme activities and related genes expression). Potential denitrification rates were not significantly elevated under NH4+ addition in comparison to NO3− and urea addition, which should be ascribed to total phenol self-toxicity and selective inhibition. Further, urea addition stimulated urease and protease activities with providing more NH4+ and NO2− substrates for elevated anaerobic ammonium oxidation rates among the nitrogen addition treatments. Overall, this study revealed that exogenous nitrogen could increase the nitrogen purification-associated bacterial activity through accelerating the root exudate release, which could stimulate the activity of nitrogen transformation, and then improve the nitrogen removal capacity in salt marsh.

Development Of Novel Processed Tilapia Products For The Group Of Female Fish Farmers In The Village Of Ranu Klakah Lumajang

Floatingfish cages are utilized in fish farming systems using public water bodies such as lakes and seas, with tilapia being a widely cultivated fish in Indonesia due to its economic and nutritional value. Ranu Klakah, a volcanic lake in East Java, is explored as a site for tilapia cultivation. Upwelling, the process of nutrient-rich deep water rising to the surface due to wind-induced currents, is examined for its effects on water quality and fish productivity. The activity focuses on the impact of upwelling on tilapia, including reduced water quality, scarcity of natural fish food, physiological stress, disease susceptibility, and decreased fish production. To address the challenges posed by upwelling, it suggests processing tilapia into value-added products, like fish nuggets and skin chips, to enhance market value. Community service activities involving training for making these processed fish products are described, aiming to empower women in the fish farming sector and improve family income. We concludewith insights into the potential benefits of these activities and their positive impact on the local community.

Grape pomace in diets for European sea bass: influence on oxidative status, intestinal microbiota, and fillet quality

The use of intensive systems in aquaculture causes an increase in environmental stress agents, reducing water quality and facilitating the appearance of pathologies in individuals. In this context, the selection of ingredients is a key strategy in managing the quality of aquafeed and the cultivation of aquaculture species. Considering this, wine by-products can be a potential functional ingredient due to several particular characteristics, such as their low cost, large volumes produced, and for being a natural source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. The present study developed different experiments focused on evaluating the benefits of feeding juvenile European sea bass during 5 weeks with feeds incorporating 0.4% red wine grape pomace (GP). At the end of the feeding period, potential modifications in metabolism, immunological and oxidative status, and functionality of intestinal microbiota were assessed as well as the potential protective effect against oxidation in fish fillets during 6 days of cold storage (4 °C). In addition, the preservative effect of GP on the feed when stored for a period of 12 weeks at two different temperatures (4 °C and 25 °C) was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of GP in feeds for European sea bass prevents oxidation when stored at room temperature. In addition, a general improvement in the physiological and immunological status, as well as fillet quality, was evidenced.

Salt pollution reduces turbidity, dissolved organic matter, and cyanobacteria in experimental vernal pool communities

Anthropogenic activities such as the over-application of road deicers are causing an increase in the concentration of salts in historically fresh waters. Experimental and field investigations demonstrate that freshwater salinization disrupts ecosystem functions and services, causing the death of freshwater organisms and changes to nutrient conditions. Wetland habitats are one system negatively affected by salt pollution, including ephemeral wetlands (vernal pools) that fill with salt-polluted water after snowmelt. In urbanized areas, the degradation of these ecosystems could result in irreversible ecological damage including reduced water quality and a reduction in biodiversity. To investigate the effects of freshwater salinization on vernal pool communities, we exposed soils from vernal pools to water containing no salt (control), or four concentrations of three salts standardized by chloride concentration (50 mg Cl− L−1, 100 mg Cl− L−1, 200 mg Cl− L−1, and 400 mg Cl− L−1; magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and sodium chloride). The results of this experiment suggest that emerging zooplankton communities in vernal pools are sensitive to low concentrations of salt pollution, and that alternative salts such as magnesium chloride and calcium chloride are more toxic than sodium chloride. We did not find positive or negative changes in the abundance of eukaryotic phytoplankton but did find negative effects of salt on cyanobacteria abundance, possibly due to corresponding reductions in turbidity which might be needed as a fixation site for cyanobacteria to form heterocysts. Finally, we found that salt pollution likely caused flocculation of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM), resulting in reduced concentrations of DOM which could alter the buffering capacity of freshwater systems, light attenuation, and the populations of planktonic heterotrophs.

Pengaruh Aktivitas Budaya Keramba Jaring Apung Terhadap Kualitas Air Sungai Mempawah

The Mempawah River is a water source used by the people of Mempawah Regency and plays an important role in supporting life. One of the community activities as a means of livelihood is fishing activities, namely fish cultivation. Effluent or waste from cultivation activities goes directly into the river body. This causes the entry of polluted materials such as organic materials originating from feed remains, feces and fish urine into the river body and can affect river water quality parameters. Increasing the concentration of organic matter in water can have an impact on reducing water quality. One of them is increasing BOD concentration. This research aims to determine the BOD concentration in waters, calculate the pollution load. The results of the research show that there is a BOD concentration value that is above the class II river water quality standard according to Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021.

FAST START-UP MARINE ANAMMOX PROCESS USING INTENSIVE SHRIMP POND SOLID WASTE AS INOCULUM IN FILTER BIOREACTOR

Intensive shrimp culture waste contains high nitrogen, which can reduce water quality and environmental-carrying capacity. Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a potential and economical nitrogen removal process. However, limited information is available on the application of anammox process in aquaculture. The purpose of this study was to start up an anammox process in two filter bioreactors (FtBR) based on different inoculums. Run 1 used intensive shrimp solid waste, and Run 2 used intensive shrimp solid waste and granular of fresh anammox bacteria belonging to Candidatus Brocadia fulgida. Ammonium and nitrite concentrations of 70-100 mg N L-1 each were added to filtered and sterilized seawater as synthetic wastewater and flowed to the reactor with HRT 24-hour. After 120 days, the maximum ammonium conversion efficiency (ACE), nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE), and nitrogen removal rate (NRR) for Run 1 and 2 were 82.48%, 72.58%, 0.12 kg N (m3·d)-1 and 83.06%, 63.59%, 0.10 kg N (m3·d)-1, respectively. Experiment nitrogen stoichiometric ratios of NH4+:NO2-:NO3- were 1:1.40:0.12 and 1:1.13:0.14, which were close to the stoichiometry of the anammox process. Fast start-up of anammox process was achieved using intensive shrimp solid waste as inoculum. Anammox can be a new method for developing intensive shrimp culture wastewater treatment.

Effects of urbanization and accessibility to sanitation services on water quality in urban streams in Uruguay.

The world's urban population is growing rapidly, and threatening natural ecosystems, especially streams. Urbanization leads to stream alterations, increased peak flow frequencies, and reduced water quality due to pollutants, morphological changes, and biodiversity loss, known as the urban stream syndrome. However, a shift towards recognizing urban streams as valuable natural systems is occurring, emphasizing green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. This study in Uruguay examined water quality in various watersheds with different urbanization levels and socio-environmental characteristics along a precipitation gradient. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and in situ data, we assessed physicochemical parameters, generated territorial variables, and identified key predictors of water quality. We found that urbanization, particularly urban areas, paved areas, and populations without sanitation, significantly influenced water quality parameters. These factors explained over 50% of the variation in water quality indicators. However, the relationship between urbanization and water quality was non-linear, with abrupt declines after specific urban intensity thresholds. Our results illustrate that ensuring sanitation networks and managing green areas effectively are essential for preserving urban stream water quality. This research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary teams and localized data for informed freshwater resource management.

Long-Term Water Quality Monitoring: Using Satellite Images for Temporal and Spatial Monitoring of Thermal Pollution in Water Resources

Thermal pollution reduces water quality through any process that leads to a change in the water’s ambient temperature. Karun is one of the most relevant sources of water supply in Iran, and its pollution, created by industrial, urban, and agricultural issues, has been one of the most critical challenges throughout the last few years. As the water temperature rises, the amount of dissolved oxygen in it decreases, thereby affecting the entire ecosystem associated with it. Drainage of urban and industrial runoff into surface water sources can increase the water temperature. Dams also constitute a significant part, modifying spatial patterns of temperature along river routes and causing thermal contamination. In this paper, the thermal pollution of the Karun River was assessed, and regions along this river with unusually raised water temperatures were identified and compared over 20 years. By analyzing the results, it can be found that the thermal pollution from dams has a significant impact on the downstream river environment and ecology that is considerably relevant during summer periods, showing average decreases of 3 degrees Celsius immediately beyond the dams’ locations (from 41 degrees Celsius upstream dams to 38 degrees Celsius beyond them) or even bigger (reductions of 13 degrees Celsius in one of the studied dams). Hence, our results showed that water temperature is colder downstream in the hot seasons of the year than upstream of the dams. The results suggest that the usage of remote sensing data effectively could complement collected data from ground-based sensors to estimate water temperature and to identify pollution areas. It provides experts with spatially extensive and highly synchronized data.

Cluster Analysis to Identify Priority Areas for Water Quality Management in Water Supply Systems

Zoning methodologies, such as district metered areas (DMA), are commonly employed to robustly maintain water pipe network systems in both normal and abnormal situations. However, the management and evaluation typically associated with existing DMAs primarily focus on ensuring stable water volume and pressure. Consequently, these methods do not adequately address the maintenance of water quality elements within the water supply system, such as adequately managing residual chlorine and reducing water quality complaints. This study introduced a zoning tailored explicitly for managing water quality-oriented elements, facilitating stable water quality management, and enhancing responses to water quality incidents in large-scale domestic water supply networks. A method was proposed to establish priorities for each zone, using various geographic information system (GIS)-based water quality-related structured data (such as water quality measurement data and pipe data) and unstructured data (such as water quality complaints). Comprehensive water quality management was achieved by applying machine learning techniques based on clustering analysis to derive evaluation factors. The proposed methodology was implemented in Metropolitan City A in Korea, leading to the derivation and analysis of evaluation results. This data-centric water supply network priority management area designation methodology, as presented in this study, is anticipated to serve as a valuable decision-making tool for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of water supply network operation and the overall management of water supply operators.

Desain Lembar Kerja Praktikum Berbasis Masalah untuk Menunjang Keterampilan Proses Sains (KPS) pada Materi Kualitas Perairan

Industrial activities can increase waste discharge which has an impact on reducing water quality. Decreasing water quality requires methods for solving problems. The development of problem solving abilities can be improved in practical activities. In practical learning, students are expected to be able to reconstruct concepts through solving problems, so they can develop science process skills. These practical activities can be facilitated using problem-based practical worksheets. The aim of this research is to design problem-based practicum worksheets to support students' science process skills related to preliminary studies, product development design, validity testing, and student responses to small-scale testing. The type of research used is development research using the Borg & Gall model to small scale trials. This research was carried out from July to August 2023. The data collection techniques used in this research were interviews and giving questionnaires. The instruments used in this research were an interview guide sheet, a questionnaire sheet for product validation, and a student response questionnaire sheet. Next, the data was analyzed descriptively. Based on the research results, it can be seen that the practicum worksheet that was developed began with a preliminary study regarding the need for problem-based practicum worksheets on water quality material. The design developed is based on problem-based practical worksheet components that have been validated by two experts. Furthermore, a small-scale trial was carried out which showed that the material aspects were categorized as very good, the graphics were categorized as good, and the language was categorized as very good. Thus, the results of this development can be continued in large-scale tests and can be implemented in the practical learning process.

Model of nitrogen-phosphorus ratio and phytoplankton relationship in lake Laut Tawar, Indonesia

Phytoplankton blooms in the lake cause ecological, economic, health, energy, and aesthetic losses. It reduces water quality and biota diversity, creates toxins in the waters, and changes the structures and functions of the ecosystem. The essential nutrients for the growth of phytoplankton are nitrogen and phosphorus. Controlling phytoplankton growth can be managed by controlling the limiting nutrient input. This study aims to identify the limiting nutrient, analyze variations in TN:TP ratio spatially and temporally, and model TN:TP ratio and chlorophyll-a relationship. This study used secondary data from previous studies, namely TN, TP, and chlorophyll-a observed monthly in seven stations purposively during a year. Rainfall data was also obtained from the previous study. Limiting nutrients were determined by Redfield theory, and data were analyzed by Spearman correlation, One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and regression analysis. The results showed phosphorus was a limiting nutrient for phytoplankton growth in Lake Laut Tawar. TN:TP ratio and chlorophyll-a did not vary spatially, indicating the lake surface waters were evenly mixed. The parameters varied temporally, expressing the influence of hydroclimatological factors, especially rainfall. Rainfall increases nutrient input to the lake, but only rain below 200 mm/month causes an increase in the concentration of nutrients in the lake. The rainfall above 200 mm/month increases lake water volume significantly, thereby reducing nutrient concentrations. TN:TP ratio and chlorophyll-a related negatively and formed a non-linear relationship with an empirical model Chlorophyll-a = 2770.285 (TN/TP)-1.871. Eutrophication of Lake Laut Tawar should be anticipated by controlling the anthropogenic phosphorus input.Keywords:AnthropogenicChlorophyll-aEutrophication,Limiting nutrientRainfall

IDENTIFIKASI MAKROZOOBENTOS SEBAGAI BIOINDIKATOR KUALITAS PERAIRAN DI PANTAI TELUK BENOA, BADUNG

Utilization of coastal waters for aquaculture activities or for other activities provides positive value for human welfare but can also provide the potential for reducing water quality. The decline in environmental quality can be seen from changes in components such as biology, chemistry, and beach physics. Changes in chemical and physical components cause sediment to decrease, which will affect the life of marine biotas, such as the community structure, especially the slow-moving and relatively settled biota on the bottom of the waters (macrozoobenthos). Macrozoobenthos are very appropriate to be used as an indicator of changes in water quality due to their benthic nature which is relatively silent or has low mobility so it is strongly influenced by the environment. The purpose of the study was to determine the structure of the macrozoobenthos community and the condition of seawater quality. There were 25 species of gastropods and 3 other classes. The macrozoobenthos species diversity index on the Benoa Bay Coast showed a moderate level of diversity with the highest value of 2.4576. The uniformity index at each station ranges from 0.0894 – 0.5337. The value of the dominance index ranges between 0.000004-0.7656. Based on the relative abundance, the macrobenthos community is dominated by the Gastropod class. The temperature values ??at each station were relatively the same, ranging from 29.3°C– 30.8°C, and the pH was in accordance with quality standards for macrozoobenthos growth. Some indicators of water quality are still below the quality standard threshold, but the concentration of phosphate (PO4) at all locations is already above the predetermined quality standard of 0.015 mg/L?.
 Keyword: Macrozoobenthos; Bioindicator; Benoa Bay; Bali

Integrated intelligent models for predicting water pipe failure probability

Sustainable management of water distribution networks (WDNs) is essential to ensure the continuous supply of water. However, the water pipes in WDNs often experience unprecedented failure, which causes disruption in services, flooding, increased maintenance costs, and reduced water quality. Although researchers have developed models to predict the failure of water pipes, the literature lacks fully optimized and robust models. Therefore, this study proposes a new methodology to develop optimized models for predicting the failure probability of water pipes by fusing logistic regression with genetic algorithms. The methodology was applied to the data of the Hong Kong WDN, and experiments were conducted to optimize the hyperparameters and features of logistic regression models. The performance of the proposed methodology is evaluated using five key metrics: accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and Area Under the Curve (AUC). The results show significant improvement over conventional approaches, with the best model achieving an F1 score of 0.868 and an AUC of 0.944. These results show that the model can effectively predict the failure probability of water pipes. The relative contribution of each feature to the model's outcome was investigated using the SHapley Additive exPlanations. Additionally, a web application based on the proposed methodology in this study was developed for Hong Kong that other water utility management can benefit from, which can facilitate reliable decision-making for the management of WDNs.

Condition, Reproductive Fitness, and Fluctuating Asymmetry in Brook Stickleback: Responses to Anthropogenic Runoff

Multiple indicators have been used to assess the degree of exposure of fish to anthropogenic chemicals in their stream habitats. We hypothesized that brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans) in a headwater stream receiving urban and agricultural runoff (South Fork Whitewater River, SFWR) would exhibit poorer condition, reduced reproductive fitness, and a greater left side to right side morphological asymmetry (i.e., fluctuating asymmetry or FA) than fish from a nearby headwater stream with a forested drainage basin (Garvin Brook). Male and female fish were collected from both streams just prior to spawning in 2013–2015. In 2013 and 2014, fish were assessed for overall condition (Fulton’s K), internal measures of condition (hepatosomatic index, HSI) and reproductive fitness (gonadosomatic index [GSI], total oocyte count, and oocyte mass). In 2015, measurements of head length, jaw length, eye diameter, pectoral fin length, and pelvic fin length were made on both sides of each fish for assessing degree of FA. We observed declining condition with fish size, increased liver size, and reduced oocyte counts and oocyte size in female brook stickleback in SFWR relative to those from Garvin Brook. SFWR females had significantly higher FA than Garvin females for all structures assessed, except pelvic fin length. FA also was slightly higher for all structures in SFWR males compared to Garvin males, but differences were not significant. A composite FA index combining all measurements from an individual fish into a single value displayed highly significant differences for female fish (SFWR FA >> Garvin FA), but not for male fish (SFWR FA = Garvin FA). Exposure of brook stickleback to reduced water quality in SFWR during early development appears to increase morphological asymmetry in female (but not male) fish, and continuing exposure to compromised water quality throughout life impacts both general condition and reproductive fitness of stickleback, especially older female fish, in SFWR.

Review of climate change and drinking water supply systems: employee perspectives and potential tools for adaptation

Climate change (CC) causes extreme meteorological events such as floods, droughts, water scarcity, heat waves, wildfires, and extreme cold. CC may also damage public infrastructures such as drinking water systems (DWSs) and reduce water quality from source to tap. The objective of this review paper is to provide a critical analysis of (1) the impact of CC on the three components of the DWSs: source, treatment, and distribution; (2) the perspectives of DWS employees on CC impacts and adaptation solutions for maintaining water quality; and (3) decision support systems (DSSs) that could be used by DWS employees for CC adaptation. A bibliographic research was conducted using international databases and search engines. The search for scientific articles resulted in the selection of 5234 articles, 78 of which were analyzed in more detail for the elaboration of this scoping review. This review shows that the impacts of CC on water quality are significant, but DWS employees are not enthusiastic about developing adaption measures. This review also shows that DSSs can help DWS employees facilitate the CC adaptation process for the protection of source water, improve water treatment plant operations, and enhance routine management of water quality in the distribution system. Further research is needed to identify strategies that might increase the awareness of and interest in climate change impacts, adaptation, and the use of DSSs among DWS employees.