Water Systems Research Articles

Occurrence and risk of microplastics and hexabromocyclododecane in urban drinking water systems: From source water to tap water.

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in drinking water systems and their risk of releasing additives have caused widespread concern. However, current research on the migration and risks of MPs and additives in the complete drinking water supply chain remains inadequate. In this study, micro-Raman spectrometer was used to track the entire transport process of MPs from the water source to the tap water, with concentrations ranging from 805 to 4960 items/L, and polyethylene and Polyethylene terephthalate were dominant. The removal efficiency of MPs at the drinking water treatment plant was 85.0±5.2%. However, chlorination increased the proportion of polystyrene by 40.1±5.3%. Chlorination increases the surface roughness and carbonyl index of polystyrene standards, and promotes the release of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) (482.0ng/g-2208.7ng/g). The non-carcinogenic risk index of HBCD ingestion through drinking water remains well below 1 for residents. Complete water treatment processes significantly reduce the risks posed by MPs, achieving reductions of 54.3% in the pollution load index and 82.1% in the potential ecological risk index. The estimated daily intake of MPs ingested by residents through tap water ranges from 33.4 to 45.6 items/kg/d. This study investigated the occurrence of MPs in the complete drinking water supply chain and the risk of chlorine disinfection for HBCD release, which could help develop more effective MPs control measures and risk management strategies.

Effect of Gas Holdup and Gas Velocity on Volumetric Mass Transfer Coefficient in Bubble Column

Bubble columns are widely used in various industrial processes such as wastewater treatment, fermentation, and gas-liquid reactions due to their simplicity and effectiveness in mass transfer operations. In this study, we investigate the influence of gas holdup and gas velocity on the volumetric mass transfer coefficient in a bubble column reactor. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient is a critical parameter that affects the efficiency of gas-liquid mass transfer processes. Through experimental analysis and computational modeling, we systematically examine the relationship between gas holdup, gas velocity, and the volumetric mass transfer coefficient. In this study, volumetric mass transfer coefficient kL.a was calculated using air in water. The data obtained are in the range of superficial gas velocity (0.03-0.2398) m/s for air water system. The experiments were carried out using 0.1 m column diameter with 2 mm hole diameter and 79 holes gas distributor. From the experimental data it was found that kL.a increased with increasing of gas holdup and increasing of superficial gas velocity.

On-site electro-generation of H2O2 combined with UV process: Multiple pharmaceutically active compounds degradation for drinking water systems

On-site electro-generation of H2O2 combined with UV process: Multiple pharmaceutically active compounds degradation for drinking water systems

Water–energy–carbon nexus among different functional areas of campus: pattern, flow, and efficiency

Water, energy, and carbon, integral to human activities on Earth, directly influence ecosystems and social development through interactions and utilization efficiency. Campuses, as special societal communities, boast diverse functional areas and dense populations with substantial water–energy consumption and carbon emissions. Taking campus as special case allows effective exploration of water–energy–carbon (WEC) nexus at the micro–community scale, which can promote sustainable development on a wider scale. This study calculated the WEC footprints of a campus to reveal the underlying patterns and flows among different functional areas. The efficiency of WEC utilization was evaluated and key areas of the campus suitable for carbon reduction were identified. Results indicated that the water, energy, and carbon footprints of the campus in 2021 were 2.7925 million t, 582.8 thousand GJ, and 56,315.77 t, respectively. The WEC system exhibited intricate nexuses, and the correlations increased annually with direct nexuses proving stronger. The correlations for the WEC, energy–carbon, and energy–water systems were 0.7462, 0.9227, and 0.6436, respectively. Residential areas exhibited higher totals/intensities and the lower utilization efficiency of WEC. The findings provide a new perspective for optimizing regional human–environment systems with multielement nexuses that could transform campuses into efficient, water–saving, energy–conserving, low–carbon communities adapted to and supporting mitigation of the effects of climate change.

A possible origin of life in nonpolar environments.

Explaining the emergence of life is perhaps the central and most challenging question in modern science. We are proposing a new hypothesis concerning the origins of life. The new hypothesis is based on the assumption that during the emergence of life, evolution had to first involve autocatalytic systems which only subsequently acquired the capacity of genetic heredity. Additionally, the key abiotic and early biotic molecules required in the formation of early life, like cofactors, coenzymes, nucleic bases, prosthetic groups, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some pigments, etc. are poorly soluble in aqueous media. To avoid the latter concentration problem, the new hypothesis assumes that life could have emerged in the nonpolar environments or low water systems, or at the interphase of the nonpolar and polar water phase, from where it was subsequently transferred to the aqueous environment. To support our hypothesis, we assume that hydrocarbons and oil on the Earth have abiotic origins.

Investigating the Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Mobile Genetic Elements in Water Systems impacted with Anthropogenic Pollutants

Investigating the Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Mobile Genetic Elements in Water Systems impacted with Anthropogenic Pollutants

Water Balance Modeling as a Tool for Assessing the Inventory Flows of Urban Water Systems and Water Consumption in Buildings

Water Balance Modeling as a Tool for Assessing the Inventory Flows of Urban Water Systems and Water Consumption in Buildings

Metagenomic assembly insight into the antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic resistant bacteria in packaged drinking water system

Metagenomic assembly insight into the antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic resistant bacteria in packaged drinking water system

Research on the Carbon Footprint Impact of Using Individual Plastic Bottles in Orienteering Events in China

Global warming is nowadays seriously affecting people’s production and life and causing great harm to the natural environment. The main cause of global warming is the greenhouse effect, which is due to the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. As a measure of an activity’s contribution to global warming, the calculation of carbon footprint is essential. In China orienteering events, single-use bottled water is widely used as post-race supplies, which generates a large amount of carbon emissions and carbon footprint. However, although bottled water is convenient, this consumption is still unnecessary, since there are other efficient alternatives. In this paper, the author discusses the possibility of changing the water supply strategy and method for orienteering events in China. Comparing the basic information and carbon footprint results produced by bottled water, barrel water and tap water, the author concludes that plastic materials required for barrel water are much less than bottled water since bottles own larger surface area than barrels when containing same amount of water. The author also summarizes that single-use bottled water system produces much more carbon footprints than municipal tap water system does due to the former one’s more complex and energy consuming process. In conclusion, the author considers that replacing single-use bottled water with barrel water and recycled cups or tap water is promising and has great benefits for the environment.

Leveraging Big Data Analytics to Enhance Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Systems

Leveraging Big Data Analytics to Enhance Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Systems

Water Contamination and Heavy Metals

Water contaminated by heavy metals is a serious worldwide environmental and public health issue Heavy metals such as arsenic lead, mercury cadmium and chromium can enter water systems as a result of a mix of natural and human activities such as inappropriate waste disposal industrial runoff and agricultural runoff

EPANET Application for Modeling Drinking Water Distribution Systems

Water treatment and water treatment technologies are an essential line of defence to remove contaminants and bacteria before the delivery of clean, potable water supplies for consumption. Water sources can be subject to contamination and therefore require appropriate treatment to remove disease-causing agents. Public drinking water systems use a variety of methods to provide safe drinking water for their communities. Depending on the continent, country and region, different water treatment systems may be in operation depending on regional regulations and raw water input. The following article provides an overview of the New Technology used in water Distribution Network Design.

Biomechanics identification and risk management strategy of volatile organic compound pollution sources integrated with machine learning algorithms

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue, posing significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. As an innovative approach, biological techniques have shown great potential in mitigating microplastic contamination in water systems. This study explores the use of biotechnological methods, such as microbial degradation and biofilm-assisted filtration, in combination with conventional water treatment processes to enhance the removal of microplastics. Focusing on Southwest China, where water pollution is exacerbated by rapid urbanization and industrial activities, the research identifies the ecological and technical challenges unique to this region. Experimental approaches include optimizing bio-coagulation using microbial consortia, assessing enzymatic degradation of common microplastic polymers, and evaluating the biomechanical interactions between biological agents and microplastic particles during water filtration. Results aim to provide insights into the efficacy and scalability of integrating biological solutions into existing water treatment frameworks. This study contributes to developing sustainable and eco-friendly strategies for addressing microplastic pollution and safeguarding water quality through biologically informed interventions.

The Historical Myth in American and Iraqi plays

The mythological Greek heroes of Sophocles' Ajax encounter contemporary stories of the Iraq War and sexual harassment of local soldiers. Ajax, a Greek warrior who loses to Odysseus for the armor of Achilles and succumbs to his arrogance. McLaughlin no doubt saw striking parallels between the Iraq War and the Trojan War. According to McLaughlin, the Greek “history” was most relevant to the audience of the time, and was intended to refer to ongoing wars around the world, including Iraq (McLaughlin, 2014). Rasha Fadhil reveals the archaic origins of Iraqi culture at Ishtar in Baghdad. Tigris-Euphrates Valley refers to a region that included early urban centres and water systems, as well as states and domains as well as works and recorded religious beliefs. The region was home to the Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian and Assyrian civic establishments and has been traced back to 7000 BCE by archaeologists. For Ishtar and Tammuz, the underworld is a metaphor for the misfortune of wealth that must be regained, as shown by tales of their adventures in Akkadia and Sumer.

Assessment of regional background values of bottom deposits at water bodies as their monitoring basis

Microelements Hg, Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Co, Ni, Fe, Mn, As are the most hazardous contaminants for water bodies. The study of bottom deposits in water reservoirs permits the authors us to reveal the endangered sites and determine the contamination sources. The estimation of the bottom sediment contamination by the above-listed microelements is given for a number of the Upper Volga regions, from the Upper Volga lakes to the Ivan’kovskoe water reservoir on the basis of comparing them with the background values for the deposits in the Upper Volga lakes. The results of bottom deposit contamination study have been assessed according to igeo-classes, i. e., the sorbing fraction (0.020 mm) contamination. The comparative analysis of the background microelement values is performed for the Upper Volga water bodies and the values adopted in Europe. The changes of these background values for the latest 20 years are assessed. As a result, it has been found out that for each major water system and for each geographical region, it is necessary to determine the regional background values of their own and to update data recurrently according to a common procedure. The results obtained permit the authors to conclude that despite numerous contamination sources, the technogenic load at the studied objects cannot be considered hazardous.

Deep terrestrial indigenous microbial community dominated by Candidatus Frackibacter

Characterizing deep subsurface microbial communities informs our understanding of Earth’s biogeochemistry as well as the search for life beyond the Earth. Here we characterized microbial communities within the Kidd Creek Observatory subsurface fracture water system with mean residence times of hundreds of millions to over one billion years. 16S rRNA analysis revealed that biosamplers well isolated from the mine environment were dominated by a putatively anaerobic and halophilic bacterial species from the Halobacteroidaceae family, Candidatus Frackibacter. Contrastingly, biosamplers and biofilms exposed to the mine environment contained aerobic Sphingomonas taxa. δ13C values of phospholipid fatty acids and putative functional predictions derived from 16S rRNA gene profiles, imply Candidatus Frackibacter may use carbon derived from ancient carbon-rich layers common in these systems. These results indicate that Candidatus Frackibacter is not unique to hydraulically fracked sedimentary basins but rather may be indigenous to a wide range of deep, saline groundwaters hosted in carbon-rich rocks.

Cultural heritage site selection characteristics and the impact of the natural environment in Jinan city, China

This study aims to explore the spatial distribution and site selection characteristics of cultural heritage sites, as well as the impact of the natural environment on the site’s location. A total of 448 cultural heritage sites in Jinan City (Shandong province), which have been listed as key cultural relic protection units from before the Qin Dynasty to after the Qing Dynasty (ca. 7500 BCE–present), were analyzed using spatial analysis tools in ArcGIS 10.6 software. The main research findings are as follows: (1) cultural heritage sites have a wide distribution and few cores and are characterized by spatial agglomeration and the formation of a single core area around the Lixia District; (2) in terms of spatiotemporal evolution, cultural heritage sites follow a “diffusion–aggregation–diffusion–aggregation” trend, exhibiting a “southwest–northeast–northwest” trajectory, with characteristics of continuity and a centripetal pattern; and (3) cultural heritage sites are mainly distributed in alluvial plains with heights ranging from 2.6–100 m, slopes ranging from 0–5°, and distances ≤ 1 km from water systems. The more recent the construction year of the cultural heritage site is to modern times, the more closely its type is to production and living, and the more relevant it is to the natural environment.

Unravelling Salinity-induced Growth and Biochemical Changes in Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) with Principal Component Analysis

Background: The impact of global warming on the environment is affecting soil quality and water supplies, which in turn is impacting agricultural production. The rise in salt concentrations in soil and water systems due to increased evaporation rates from warming temperatures and changing precipitation patterns is a major concern. This salinity poses a threat to crop development, especially for sensitive species like the green gram (Vigna radiata L.), a protein-rich legume consumed globally. Understanding the effects of salinity on green gram growth and physiological responses is essential due to its importance as a significant food source. Methods: A pot experiment was conducted at ADACandRI, Trichy, with varying EC values (less than 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 dS/m) to study the effects of different saline irrigation levels. The experiment utilized the green gram variety VBN 2 in a randomized design with three replications. Growth parameters including plant height, number of leaves and branches, blooming period, root, shoot and leaf lengths were measured. Biochemical characteristics such as protein concentration, reducing sugars, proline and chlorophyll levels were also analyzed. The study evaluated the impact of these characteristics on salinity tolerance using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Result: Salinity stress negatively affected growth and metabolic reactions in greengram. The VBN 2 variety exhibited better growth and biochemical reactions at a moderate salinity level of 2 dS/m compared to higher salinity levels, indicating moderate salt tolerance. Plant height, leaf growth and flowering time improved with lower salinity levels but decreased significantly at higher salt levels. Important characteristics such as plant height, chlorophyll content and proline accumulation were key factors in determining the plant’s ability to tolerate salt stress, as indicated by PCA analysis.

Rule Aims to Eliminate Risk of Lead Poisoning from Municipal Water Systems.

An estimated 9 million U.S. homes still get water through lead pipes.

The Impact of Rainfall on Water, Energy, Industry and Economic Growth—Based on Empirical Data from 29 Provinces in China

Sustainable urban development requires good interaction between water, energy, infrastructure and socio-economic areas. In the context of more frequent heavy rainfall and flooding events, managing the subsystems within the city in an integrated manner and realizing sustainable development have become popular research topics. Based on the above analysis, this paper constructs a water, energy, industry and economic growth system. It also introduces rainfall as an exogenous variable into the model in order to simulate the process of interactions between subsystems within a city and achieve sustainable development. By measuring the dynamic changes and spatial distribution characteristics of the efficiency values of the total water–energy–industry and economic growth system and each subsystem in 29 provinces in China, the following conclusions are drawn: (1) Most of the provinces are in the situation of “high-efficiency–negative growth” or “low-efficiency–positive growth”, and the constraints for them to reach the state of “high efficiency–positive growth” are due to the water subsystem. (2) The low-efficiency provinces are mainly concentrated in the central region, and the spillover effect of the low-efficiency provinces on the neighboring regions is more notable than that of the high-efficiency provinces. (3) The addition of rainfall improves the total efficiency in most provinces, with the most obvious improvement in the efficiency of the water subsystem. (4) The efficiency value of the industry and economic growth subsystem is relatively less affected by the amount of rainfall, but excessive rainfall will also have a negative impact. Finally, relevant policy recommendations are made to inform the relevant government departments in formulating policies related to addressing climate change and achieving sustainable urban development.