Source Of Water For Consumption Research Articles

Comparing Six Vegetation Indexes between Aquatic Ecosystems Using a Multispectral Camera and a Parrot Disco-Pro Ag Drone, the ArcGIS, and the Family Error Rate: A Case Study of the Peruvian Jalca

A Parrot Sequoia four-band multispectral camera mounted on a Parrot Disco-Pro Ag drone allowed us to study six vegetation indexes in four lakes within the Tilacancha Private Conservation Area (PCA) in 2021. These lakes are a source of water for consumption for more than 32,000 people in the province of Chachapoyas in the Amazon region of Peru. To obtain the six vegetation indexes (Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index—GNDVI; Leaf Chlorophyll Index—LCI; Modified Chlorophyll Absorption in Reflective Index—MCARI; Normalized Difference Red Edge—NDRE; Normalized Difference Vegetation Index—NDVI; and Structure Intensive Pigment Index 2S—SIPI2), Pix4DFields 1.8.1 software was used. The sensitivity and distribution of pixel values were compared in histograms and Q–Q plots for each index. Statistical differences were established for each index, and the SIPI2 obtained the highest level of sensitivity concerning the degree of pixel distribution in the ranges shown in the histogram according to the standard deviation; however, the values of all the indexes were not disregarded, because they showed statistical differences between lakes despite their closeness. The family error rate and Tukey-Kramer HSD statistics allowed for establishing statistical differences between pairs of lakes. The six vegetation indexes can be used to detect and analyze the dynamics of biological beings with photosynthetic activity in aquatic ecosystems of the Peruvian Jalca.

Levels of Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury in Urine of Indigenous People Living Close to Oil Extraction Areas in the Peruvian Amazon.

Levels of Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury in Urine of Indigenous People Living Close to Oil Extraction Areas in the Peruvian Amazon.

Urinary arsenic concentration among residents of an arsenic-endemic area in southern Thailand and its related factors: Three decades after mitigation attempts

Human arsenic (As) exposure was first identified in the Ron Phibun subdistrict, southern Thailand, three decades ago. Since then, the government and other organizations have worked to minimize the problem by providing households with safer sources of water for consumption. According to the most recent study conducted between 2000 and 2002, a tiny percentage of the population had elevated urine As concentrations. Afterward, this issue received little attention. The objectives of this study were to describe human As contamination in high- and low-contamination areas of the Ron Phibun subdistrict as measured by urinary As concentrations, to compare urinary As concentrations between participants from high- and low-contamination areas, and to identify factors associated with elevated urinary As concentrations in high- and low-contamination areas. The survey of residents of Ron Phibun who were 18 years or older, had lived in the subdistrict for at least six months, and accepted to participate was conducted. The overall sample size was 560: 280 from low-contamination areas and 280 from high-contamination areas. Urine samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry. The urinary As concentration was adjusted by the urinary creatinine level. The prevalence of elevated urinary As concentration (>50 μg/g creatinine) was 74.9% and 81.3% in high- and low-contamination areas, respectively (p-value, 0.086). The median urinary As concentration was 73.8 μg/g creatinine for high-contamination areas and 78.3 μg/g creatinine from low-contamination areas (p-value, 0.201). In high-contamination areas, participants who worked as farmers had a significantly higher urinary As concentrations. In low-contamination areas, having deep well water in households was related to a significantly higher urinary As concentrations. Residents of the Ron Phibun subdistrict continue to face an environmental health risk from As exposure in both historically low- and high-contamination areas. Agricultural operations may be additional sources of As contamination.

Well Water Quality Assessment: A Case of Gaba and Zuma Communities, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

The sixth Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscores the need for clean, accessible water and good sanitation for all as an essential part of the world we live in. However, water scarcity still affects more than 30% of the world’s population. Many communities, especially in Africa, have resorted to substandard and cheaper sources of water for consumption, and hand dug well is one of them. In this study, the physicochemical, biochemical and microbiological assessment of well water samples from Gaba 1, Gaba 11 and Zuma 11 communities in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria were carried out as a case study to determine the quality of well water. The American Public Health Association (APHA) standard analytical methods were adopted and results were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) standards and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). From the results obtained for the physicochemical parameters, turbidity and colour did not meet up with the WHO and NSDWQ standard. Colour ranged from 330±20PtCo to 57.60±14.50PtCo as against 15PtCo by WHO and NSDWQ, turbidity ranged from 45.2±0.2NTU to 7.19±0.4NTU as against 5NTU by WHO and NSDWQ. Other physicochemical parameters were within WHO and NSDWQ limit. The bacteriological and biochemical results showed the presence of E-coli and other coliforms in all the samples. The total coliforms count for all the wells ranged from 1.55x102 to 1.775x102 CFU/ml, indicating a noncompliance to the zero count per 100ml by WHO. Well water from these communities pose a great health risk to the consumers.
 Keywords: Well water, Quality assessment, Physicochemical parameters, Microbiological, WHO.

An interdisciplinary approach to perception of water quality for human consumption in a Mapuche community of arid Patagonia, Argentina

Vital for human consumption, water is a scarce resource, particularly in the arid environments of Patagonia. In this study we analysed local perspectives and the use of different water sources, based on two case studies in rural communities of Mapuche and Creole ancestry inhabiting extra-Andean Patagonia in Chubut, Argentina. Water quality was evaluated using an ethnolimnological, interdisciplinary approach, taking into account local perspectives and scientific contributions. In addition, we analysed appropriation strategies, management and local organoleptic characteristics. The work was based on semi-structured interviews, tours guided by informants, and physicochemical and microbiological analysis of water sources. It was found that 92% of local inhabitants mainly used superficial and subterranean sources of water for consumption, among which stood out: river, streams, springs, wells, and boreholes. Differences were observed between local and scientific perspectives in terms of water quality (chemical and microbiological). Most water sources used by inhabitants presented water of deficient quality for human consumption (61%), whereas locals considered the water to be fresh, delicious, and transparent. Nevertheless, some points of agreement were found in terms of organoleptic characteristics (e.g., odour, colour) and physicochemical parameters in certain water sources. In general, locals do not recognise the deterioration of their water supply, but the importance of organoleptic characteristics in local perception should be highlighted. These aspects speak of a need to promote opportunities for dialogue, and implement effective health measures, taking local perspectives into account.

Exposure to Mercury in Workers and the Population Surrounding Gold Mining Areas in the Mojana Region, Colombia.

In Colombia, the inhabitants of the Mojana region have historically been subjected to high levels of environmental and occupational exposure to mercury; however, there are few robust data on the magnitude of this exposure and associated factors. This study aimed to describe the levels of mercury in the workers and inhabitants in this region, and to identify the main sociodemographic and occupational factors that are associated with this exposure. A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which mercury levels were determined in biological samples (blood, urine, hair) from 1119 people in the Mojana region. A questionnaire was also administered, which was adapted from the Global Mercury Assessment. Linear regression models were adjusted for the natural logarithm of mercury levels in blood, urine, and hair, using the factors that were explored as independent variables. The study reports high mercury levels in 35.0% of blood samples (95% CI 31.9–38.1%), 28.8% (95% CI 24.9–32.8%) of urine samples, and 56.3% (95% CI 53.1–59.5%) of hair samples. The reported source of water for consumption was associated with high levels of mercury (p-value < 0.05). We provide evidence of high levels of mercury exposure for the population in the Mojana region.

Review: Epidemiological evidence of groundwater contribution to global enteric disease, 1948–2015

Globally, approximately 2.2 billion people rely on groundwater for daily consumption. It is widely accepted that groundwater is more pristine than surface water but while this assumption is frequently the case, groundwater is not ubiquitously free of contaminants; accordingly, this presumption can result in an unfounded and potentially hazardous sense of security among owners, operators and users. The current paper presents a review of published literature providing epidemiological evidence of the contribution of groundwater to global human enteric infection. An emphasis is placed on enteric pathogens transmitted via the faecal-oral route, and specifically those associated with acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI). The review identified 649 published groundwater outbreaks globally between 1948 and 2013 and several epidemiological studies that show there is an increased risk of AGI associated with the consumption of untreated groundwater. The review identified that the following five pathogens were responsible for most outbreaks: norovirus, Campylobacter, Shigella, Hepatitis A and Giardia. Crudely, the authors estimate that between 35.2 and 59.4 million cases of AGI per year globally could be attributable to the consumption of groundwater. Although groundwater is frequently presumed to be a microbiologically safe source of water for consumption, this review demonstrates that consumers served by an untreated groundwater supply remain at risk to enteric disease. The authors conclude that collaboration between microbiologists, hydrogeologists and epidemiologists is needed to better understand pathogen occurrence, persistence, detection and transport in groundwater as well as build stronger epidemiological evidence documenting the true magnitude of disease associated with groundwater globally.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Fecal Contamination and Inadequate Treatment of Packaged Water.

BackgroundPackaged water products provide an increasingly important source of water for consumption. However, recent studies raise concerns over their safety.ObjectivesTo assess the microbial safety of packaged water, examine differences between regions, country incomes, packaged water types, and compare packaged water with other water sources.MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Articles published in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish, with no date restrictions were identified from online databases and two previous reviews. Studies published before April 2014 that assessed packaged water for the presence of Escherichia coli, thermotolerant or total coliforms were included provided they tested at least ten samples or brands.ResultsA total of 170 studies were included in the review. The majority of studies did not detect fecal indicator bacteria in packaged water (78/141). Compared to packaged water from upper-middle and high-income countries, packaged water from low and lower-middle-income countries was 4.6 (95% CI: 2.6–8.1) and 13.6 (95% CI: 6.9–26.7) times more likely to contain fecal indicator bacteria and total coliforms, respectively. Compared to all other packaged water types, water from small bottles was less likely to be contaminated with fecal indicator bacteria (OR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.17–0.58) and total coliforms (OR = 0.10, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.22). Packaged water was less likely to contain fecal indicator bacteria (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.62) compared to other water sources used for consumption.ConclusionsPolicymakers and regulators should recognize the potential benefits of packaged water in providing safer water for consumption at and away from home, especially for those who are otherwise unlikely to gain access to a reliable, safe water supply in the near future. To improve the quality of packaged water products they should be integrated into regulatory and monitoring frameworks.

Microbiological and Chemical Quality of Packaged Sachet Water and Household Stored Drinking Water in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Packaged drinking water (PW) sold in bottles and plastic bags/sachets is widely consumed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and many urban users in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) rely on packaged sachet water (PSW) as their primary source of water for consumption. However, few rigorous studies have investigated PSW quality in SSA, and none have compared PSW to stored household water for consumption (HWC). A clearer understanding of PSW quality in the context of alternative sources is needed to inform policy and regulation. As elsewhere in SSA, PSW is widely consumed in Sierra Leone, but government oversight is nearly nonexistent. This study examined the microbiological and chemical quality of a representative sample of PSW products in Freetown, Sierra Leone at packaged water manufacturing facilities (PWMFs) and at points of sale (POSs). Samples of HWC were also analyzed for comparison. The study did not find evidence of serious chemical contamination among the parameters studied. However, 19% of 45 PSW products sampled at the PWMF contained detectable Escherichia coli (EC), although only two samples exceeded 10 CFU/100 mL. Concentrations of total coliforms (TC) in PSW (but not EC) increased along the supply chain. Samples of HWC from 60 households in Freetown were significantly more likely to contain EC and TC than PSW at the point of production (p<0.01), and had significantly higher concentrations of both bacterial indicators (p<0.01). These results highlight the need for additional PSW regulation and surveillance, while demonstrating the need to prioritize the safety of HWC. At present, PSW may be the least unsafe option for many households.

The importance of human hydration: perceptions among healthcare professionals across Europe

Summary Attitudes of healthcare professionals to the importance of hydration for health, wellness and performance were evaluated in six European countries. These included general medical practitioners (n = 600), nurses (n = 300), pharmacists (n = 550), nutritionists (n = 265) and dietitians (n = 265), spread across France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain and the UK, who completed computer‐aided web or telephone interviews. The interviews assessed attitudes to the importance of hydration, how commonly they assess the hydration status of patients, and knowledge about recommended water intakes, sources of water for consumption and contribution from different beverages. All responders considered hydration an important issue and there was little difference in opinion between different healthcare providers. Responders in Mediterranean countries (particularly Italy and Spain, but also Greece to some extent) rated hydration more importantly than those in Germany and the UK (P &lt; 0.001) and this was reflected in the higher frequency with which they reported that they assess the hydration status of patients (P &lt; 0.001) and provide advice on the subject (P &lt; 0.001). It was also demonstrated by a greater percentage of responders citing the necessity of optimal hydration for physical performance in these countries, compared with Germany and those in the UK and France (P &lt; 0.001). Whether this was caused by climatic or cultural differences was not addressed by the study. The contribution of an appropriate hydration status to mental health was relatively poorly recognised, with less than 50% of responders in all countries citing this as a benefit and less than 30% of those in France and Italy citing it as a reason to provide advice. Healthcare professionals were reasonably knowledgeable about European Food Safety Authority adequate intakes for water for men and women but overestimated the contribution from food and underestimated that from beverages. The data highlight opportunities for education and improved clinical practice, especially in respect to the effects of hydration status on mental wellbeing and performance and the contribution of foods and beverages to total water intake.

Estimating the Frequency of Tap-Water Exposures To Mycobacterium avium Complex in the U.S. Population with Advanced AIDS

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a group of ubiquitous and opportunistic bacterial pathogens included on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List. The risk of contracting a disseminated MAC infection is primarily limited to the immunocompromised, including those with advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These infections likely result from exposures to MAC-contaminated tap water, food, or soil, although the epidemiologic evidence is insufficient to implicate a specific medium. The objective of this study was to assess tap water exposure to MAC in the U.S. population with advanced AIDS, defined here as having fewer than 100 CD4+ cells/mm3 of blood. Using limited data on the detection of MAC and self-reported post-tap treatment practices, two exposure models were developed to simulate the likelihood of exposure to MAC via tap water consumption in this sensitive population. The first model integrated data from studies that described sources of water for consumption and post-tap treatment rates in cohorts infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV+). The second model used data from a study that categorized the fraction of water intake consisting of tap water that was not further treated. Approximately 1500 individuals with advanced AIDS were estimated to ingest tap water with detectable concentrations of MAC organisms daily. Additional studies on tap-water use in U.S. HIV+ populations are needed to confirm these findings. Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies on the occurrence of MAC in tap water, particularly in regions with large HIV+/AIDS populations, would help address some of the uncertainty in these exposure estimates.

Carbon Dynamics in a Medium-Size Semiarid Basin: The Suquia River, Cordoba (Argentina)

This contribution deals with the dynamics and sources of carbon in a medium-size drainage basin from the Pampean Ranges in Central Argentina. The drainage basin has nearly pristine headwaters, and is variably affected by human impacts along its way towards an endorreic saline lake (Mar Chiquita). The Suquia River system (Fig. 1) is located in central Argentina (31~ 63~ Its drainage area reaches 7,700 krn 2 of which over 42 % are accounted for by its headwaters. The mountainous portion (800 to 2000 m a.s.1.) of the drainage feeds a reservoir lake (San Roque), which is presently the main source of water for consumption in the city of C6rdoba (c. 1.3 million inhabitants). Mean rainfall is 750-900 mm y 1 and mean discharge leaving the reservoir lake is 9.6 m 3 s-L Mean discharges of diverse tributaries (i.e. San Antonio, Cosquin, Las Mojarras, and Los Chorrillos) entering the reservoir fluctuate between 1 and 3 m3s -1.