Tap Water Quality Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN COOLANT PARAMETERS IN THE PRIMARY CIRCUITS OF COOLING SYSTEMS OF LINEAR ELECTRON ACCELERATORS

For cooling and thermostatting of linear electron accelerators (LEAs), ordinary tap water from underground sources was used, which has a fairly significant salt content. During the operation of the LEA, as a rule, scale is deposited on the heating surfaces, in addition, process pipelines are clogged, which interferes with the efficient operation of the equipment, and in some cases leads to it’s damage. A study of the quality of both tap water and water from cooling systems was carried out. Conductivity and pH measurements were used for continuous monitoring. Elemental analysis of salts present in waters was performed by emission spectral analysis with inductively coupled plasma on the ICPE-9000 Shimazu spectrometer and mass spectrometric method. It is recommended to flush cooling systems with dilute nitric acid to stop the decrease in conductivity.

The microbiological quality of bottled and tap water: Risks and regulations

The microbiological quality of bottled and tap water: Risks and regulations

Persistent free radicals in natural organic matter activated by iron particles enhanced disinfection byproduct formation

The widespread presence of iron (Fe) particles and natural organic matter (NOM) in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) can significantly affect tap water quality, contributing to aesthetic issues and potentially generating harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs). This study revealed that Fe particles, when combined with humic acid (HA), substantially increased DBP formation during chlorination. Fe particles (particularly preformed Fe particles) significantly increased haloacetic acid (HAA) formation by activating the persistent free radicals (PFRs) in the HA. Compared with the control system without Fe particles, greater than 2 times of HAA increase were observed for the system with Fe pariticles. PFRs accumulated on Fe particle surface could generate hydroxyl radicals, facilitating the decomposition of HA into smaller molecules, which were more reactive with chlorine disinfectants, thus elevated the DBP formation including both known and unknown N-DBPs and Cl-DBPs. The DBP promotion effect of in-situ formed Fe particles was much less than that of preformed Fe particles although both in-situ formed and preformed Fe particles could accumulate PFRs from HA. In-situ formed particles primarily accumulated carbon-centered PFRs, while preformed particles accumulated oxygen-centered PFRs. To mitigate the Fe particle induced water quality risks, it is crucial to control iron pipe corrosion and iron release in DWDS. In addtion, the optimization of treatment processes such as coagulation and filtration to more completely remove NOM and Fe particles could help minimize the DBP formation.

Long-term impact of Hurricane Maria on point-of-use drinking water quality in Puerto Rico and associated potential adverse health effects

Drinking water security in Puerto Rico (PR) is increasingly challenged by both regulated and emerging anthropogenic contaminants, which was exacerbated by the Hurricane Maria (HM) due to impaired regional water cycle and damaged water infrastructure. Leveraging the NIEHS PROTECT (Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats) cohort, this study assessed the long-term tap water (TW) quality changes from March 2018 to November 2018 after HM in PR, by innovatively integrating two different effect-based quantitative toxicity assays with a targeted analysis of 200 organic and 22 inorganic pollutants. Post-hurricane PR TW quality showed recovery after >6-month period as indicated by the decreased number of contaminants showing elevated average concentrations relative to pre-hurricane samples, with significant difference of both chemical and toxicity levels between northern and southern PR. Molecular toxicity profiling and correlation revealed that the HM-accelerated releases of certain pesticides and PPCPs could exert increased cellular oxidative and/or AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor)-mediated activities that may persist for more than six months after HM. Maximum cumulative ratio and adverse outcome pathway (AOP) assessment identified the top ranked detected TW contaminants (Cu, Sr, V, perfluorooctanoic acid) that potentially associated with different adverse health effects such as inflammation, impaired reproductive systems, cancers/tumors, and/or organ toxicity. These insights can be incorporated into the regulatory framework for post-disaster risk assessment, guiding water quality control and management for public health protection.

Algal odorous risk assessments in pilot-scale drinking water distribution system (DWDS): Risk occurrence, influencing factors and degradation patterns

Tap water quality is at risk for odor-producing algae. Besides being hazardous to source water and water treatments, these algae threaten drinking water distribution system (DWDS). Yet little information is available for odorous risks occurring, responding, and transforming in real DWDS. Hence, two algae (Microcystis aeruginosa, MA; Pseudanabaena sp., PS) were selected for pilot studies. Two ways were verified for algal occurrence, including insufficient water treatments and DWDS-biofilm attachment. MA survived moderate disinfectant exposures and restored odorants (β-cyclocitral). Also, MA could be attached to biofilm and its detachment occurred upon flushing (0.60 m/s). These occurrence ways were not seen for PS. Three factors were compared for living algae in DWDS. Flow velocities had minimal impacts on MA but affected PS odorant (2-methylisobropanol, 2-MIB) releases. Releasing rates increased by 115.79% with velocity from 0.05 m/s to 1.50 m/s. Disinfectants were the riskiest, maximizing risks for MA and PS, respectively at 0.30 mg/L NH2Cl and 1.00 mg/L Cl2. Coexisting antibiotics showed selective effects and reduced risks, e.g., tetracycline reduced MA intensity and PS odorant production. For naked odorant transformation, 2-MIB in DWDS had reduced degradation ratios compared to beaker conditions. Overall, odorous risks by MA and PS were different. MA was tough and could resist water treatments and adverse stressors in DWDS, with partial odorants remaining within cells. PS was vulnerable to treatments and DWDS, and the released odorants were not degradable. Hence, customized management is required for various algal odorous problems in DWDS.

Bottled Water Consumption and Perceptions of Household Water Quality: An Intra-Urban Analysis of Greensboro, North Carolina

abstract: Perceived household water quality can affect decision-making about bottled water consumption, an issue of environmental justice. Residents who do not trust the quality of their tap water may drink bottled water as an alternative, but people also choose to drink bottled water for other reasons, such as taste or convenience. This study examines patterns of bottled water consumption and perceptions of tap water quality across neighborhoods of Greensboro, North Carolina, with differing income levels. Household surveys were used to investigate residents' consumption of bottled water and tap water and their stated reasons for consuming bottled water. Results indicate that respondents in low-income neighborhoods report drinking significantly (p=0.001) more bottled water than respondents in higher-income neighborhoods. Concerns about the safety of tap water were a significantly (p=0.00005) more important reason for respondents in low-income neighborhoods to choose bottled water compared to respondents in higher-income neighborhoods. The results of this study indicate that intra-urban differences in perceptions of household water quality are a major environmental justice issue in that concerns about safety drive low-income residents to spend their limited income on bottled water.

Adsorption of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) on layered pipe scales and the effects of disinfectants in drinking water distribution systems

Pipe scales in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) potentially adsorb chromium (Cr). Meanwhile, the fate of Cr in pipe scales and water could be influenced by the disinfectants used in DWDS since they might influence the valence state of Cr. Therefore, the adsorption of Cr (Cr(VI) and Cr(III)) on pipe scales, the transformation between different valence states, and the effects of disinfectants present in DWDS are important research topics for improving tap water quality but have not yet been sufficiently investigated. This study investigated the properties of layered pipe scales and conducted adsorption kinetic experiments in single and binary Cr(VI) and Cr(III) systems, as well as experiments related to the oxidation and adsorption of Cr(III) under the influence of decaying disinfectants. According to the results, pipe scales exhibited distinct layered structures with varying mechanisms for the adsorption of Cr(VI) and Cr(III). Cr(VI) was adsorbed through surface complexation on the surface and porous core layers, while redox reactions predominantly occurred on the shell-like layer. Furthermore, Cr(III) was adsorbed via surface precipitation on the three-layer pipe scales. Importantly, disinfectants promoted the transformation of Cr(III) to the less readily released Cr(VI) in pipe scales, reducing the Cr exposure risk from the pipe scale phase. Pipe scales also decreased the Cr(VI) concentration in water (almost 0 mg/L), enhancing the safety of DWDS. This study provides theoretical guidance on the safe operation of DWDS.

Detection of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds in Tap Water Samples by Direct Injection HPLC/MS-MS: A Danger Signal in Deficiency in Residue Management.

To date, there is an increased risk to public health and the environment due to the presence of pharmaceutically active compounds within drinking water supply and distribution networks. Owing to this, a direct injection-HPLC/MS-MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 16 active pharmaceutical compounds in tap water samples: amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalexin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, cyproterone, erythromycin, flutamide, spironolactone, sulfamethoxazole, tamoxifen, and trimethoprim. Limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.2 to 6.0µg/L while quantification limits (LOQ) from 0.3 to 20µg/L. Recovery percentages were between 70 and 125%. Total analysis time was short, with all compounds being resolved in less than 2.1min. Of the 22 tap water samples collected and analyzed, the highest concentrations corresponded to amoxicillin (147µg/L) and ciprofloxacin (44µg/L). The findings could set a precedent for establishing safe levels of these compounds and increasing standards for tap water quality in this region.

Safety of Tap Water in Terms of Changes in Physical, Chemical, and Biological Stability

Monitoring the quality of tap water in the distribution system and the ability to estimate the risk of losing its sanitary safety is an important aspect of managing the collective water supply system. During monitoring, the physical, chemical, and biological stability of water was assessed, which is the main determinant ensuring the appropriate quality of water for consumers. The physicochemical and microbiological quality of water was analyzed for two distribution systems (DSs), including the analysis of heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb). The tests carried out showed that in both distribution systems, the water supplied to consumers met the guidelines for water intended for human consumption. It can be considered that the risk of uncontrolled changes in water quality in DSs with an average water production of <10,000 m3/d and the length of water pipelines < 150 km is very low. The water introduced into the system differed in the place of water intake and water purification technology, which influenced the final water quality. In DS(II), higher values were recorded for hardness, conductivity, calcium, alkalinity, nitrates, and DOC. It was found that the content of heavy metals during water transport to the consumer increased in the case of DS(I) for Zn, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Pb, and in the case of DS(II) for Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Pb. The observed differences resulted from the different quality of the intake water as well as from different materials used to build internal installations and their age and technical condition. The analyzed tap water was characterized by physical and chemical stability. However, the water did not meet the guidelines for water biostability due to the increased content of biogenic substances.

Assessment of the Quality of Tap Water Intended for Potability Using the IQE Water Quality Index Case of the Municipality of Sendjas (Algeria)

Water quality is an important criterion for meeting water demand and supply. Ensuring freshwater quality that meets human and ecological needs is therefore an important aspect of integrated environmental management and sustainable development. The objective of this study is to monitor and evaluate the quality of the water distributed to the municipality of Sendjas from the Sidi Yakoub dam to the consumer using the index of water quality which includes 10 parameters. (PH, TDS, nitrate, sulphate, bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium). Physico-chemical analyses were carried out on samples taken from the Sidi Yakoub dam, a reservoir which distributes water to the municipality of Sendjas called reservoir 500, and a sample from the house of one consumer directly from the tap. The results of the analyses obtained during our work show that there is a slight difference in the latter, but the quality of the physico-chemical water remains good and consumable at the level of two stations (Sidi Yakoub Dam, Reservoir 500) and Bad quality of the station which represents the municipality of Sendjas, the latter is due to the high content of chloride and the degradation of distribution networks.

Monitoring the quality of tap water in some distribution networks in Damietta governorate

Monitoring the quality of tap water in some distribution networks in Damietta governorate

Water properties and quality of the largest rice production region in Japan and their influence on the reproduction of zebrafish.

The health of freshwater aquarium fish and their breeding success depend critically on the quality of tap water. In general, tap water in Japan is potable, although the properties of tap water vary among regions in Japan. The city of Niigata is located in the largest rice production region of Japan. We have faced challenges concerning the reproduction of freshwater aquarium fish in Niigata. To determine whether water properties and quality affect the reproduction of aquarium fish in Niigata, we investigated the chemical properties of water and raised zebrafish in water from three different sources, namely tap water of Niigata in May, artificial freshwater (i.e., prepared via reverse osmosis), and natural spring water of Gosen, to document any effects on their sexual maturation and reproduction. We found that the tap water of Niigata was not stable throughout a year (median electrical conductivity = 147.1 μS/cm; SD = 25.6), with springtime lower than the first quartile. We also found that low concentrations of four pesticides in the tap water have been detected in May (max. concentration in 2020, bromobutide 2,000ng/L, butachlor 600ng/L, pyraclonil 200ng/L, ipfencarbazone 20ng/L). Moreover, rearing zebrafish in tap water negatively influenced both fish growth and reproduction: The sex ratio of adults was male biased (proportion of F0 male 70.8%); the average total length (30.5mm) and weight (182mg) of F0 males was decreased; the GSI of F0 females (9.7%) was decreased; the fecundity (the mating success 58.7%; the number of F1 eggs 63.1) of adults was reduced. Rearing in artificial freshwater could improve these outcomes (the sex ratio 55.7%; the total length of F0 males 31.8mm; the weight of F0 males 211mg; the GSI of F0 females 11.7%; the mating success 72.6%; the number of F1 eggs 99.0), whereas rearing in natural spring water from Gosen could improve the sex ratio (56.3%) and the weight of F0 males (200mg), but not the others. Therefore, artificial freshwater made via reverse osmosis should be used for breeding freshwater aquarium fish in rice production region like Niigata. Finally, our results demonstrate that the reproduction of freshwater aquarium fish can serve as a bioindicator of low levels of organic pollutants in tap water and thus provide a basis for evaluating the safety of tap water for human consumption.

Linear correlation and regression analysis of tap water quality parameters in rural area of Malwa Punjab

Linear correlation and regression analysis of tap water quality parameters in rural area of Malwa Punjab

Methodological Approaches to Determination of Antibiotics in Water at the Level of Hygienic Standards Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

Introduction: The use of antibiotics in medicine and veterinary medicine has led to their accumulation in the natural environment, including source water, and antimicrobial resistance of certain types of bacteria. The development of methods for analyzing antibiotics in aquatic environments is relevant for ensuring tap water quality control at the level of hygienic standards, as well as for studying the process of development and spread of antibiotic resistance. The purpose of the study is to develop a method for determining such antibiotics as macrolides, penicillins, and fluoroquinolones in water at the level of hygienic standards using HPLC/MS-MS. Materials and methods: To elaborate the method, testing was done by HPLC/MS-MS using a liquid chromatograph with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Extraction of antibiotics from various types of water samples (tap, natural) was carried out by solid-phase extraction. Results: We have developed a selective and highly sensitive method for the determination of eight antibiotics in water samples. The extraction efficiency for analytes ranged from 72 to 100 % and measured concentrations – from 0.25 to 2.50 of hygienic standards when analyzing 10 cm3 water samples; the relative error in determining antibiotics in water samples without concentration was 20–24 %, and 24–34 % in case of concentration on Oasis® HLB sorbent. Discussion: Approaches to developing a method for quantification of antibiotics of the penicillin, macrolide and quinolone classes in water by HPLC/MS-MS using solid-phase extraction for sample preparation are considered. The results are consistent with the data of scientific, technical and methodological literature. The advantages of this method include shorter sample preparation time, high sensitivity, and a small sample size. Study limitations: The main limitations are a short sampling period and the insufficient number of water samples tested. Expanding the list of surveyed water bodies on different territories may become a direction for further research to assess the content of antibiotics in aquatic environments. Conclusion: Our method can be used in hygienic studies of residual amounts of antibiotics to assess source water quality.

Bottled Water Consumption and Perceptions of Household Water Quality: An Intra-Urban Analysis of Greensboro, North Carolina

Perceived household water quality can affect decision-making about bottled water consumption, an issue of environmental justice. Residents who do not trust the quality of their tap water may drink bottled water as an alternative, but people also choose to drink bottled water for other reasons, such as taste or convenience. This study examines patterns of bottled water consumption and perceptions of tap water quality across neighborhoods of Greensboro, North Carolina, with differing income levels. Household surveys were used to investigate residents’ consumption of bottled water and tap water and their stated reasons for consuming bottled water. Results indicate that respondents in low-income neighborhoods report drinking significantly (p=0.001) more bottled water than respondents in higher-income neighborhoods. Concerns about the safety of tap water were a significantly (p=0.00005) more important reason for respondents in low- income neighborhoods to choose bottled water compared to respondents in higher-income neighborhoods. The results of this study indicate that intra-urban differences in perceptions of household water quality are a major environmental justice issue in that concerns about safety drive low-income residents to spend their limited income on bottled water.

An Overview of the Progress made in Research on Odor Removal in Water Treatment Plants

Odor is one of the most intuitive indicators for assessing drinking water quality in waterworks. Removing odors is of great importance to improve the quality of tap water, ensure people’s health, and address public perception. The effective identification of odors in drinking water and the exploration of the source of the odor are the prerequisites for eliminating odors. Therefore, this article first discusses the sources and types of odors that are typical in current drinking water, focuses on reviewing the research progress of odor removal technologies in water treatment plants, including adsorption technology, chemical oxidation technology, biodegradation technology and combined technology, and explains the advantages, disadvantages, principles, research progress, practical application scenarios, considerations and application prospects of each odor-removal technology. It is expected to provide a reference for controlling odor pollution in drinking water.

Health Effects of Consuming Artesian Water Supplied through the Centralized Distribution Network in the Population of Arid Areas of the Saratov Region

Introduction: Statistics show that over 11 million Russians use untreated tap water noncompliant with safety standards. Consumption of such water may have adverse human health effects and pose risks of various diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between consumption of artesian tap water sourced from centrally operated water supply systems in arid areas of the Saratov Region and the prevalence of cardiovascular, urogenital, and digestive diseases in the local population. Materials and methods: We examined 127 artesian water samples collected from the centralized water supply systems in three arid areas of the Saratov Region in 2008–2022. The water quality was tested by atomic absorption spectrometry, photoelectric photometry, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and capillary electrophoresis. Data on the residents receiving follow-up care for genitourinary, digestive, and circulatory diseases were obtained from the Saratov Medical Information and Analytical Center. The Statistica 10 software was used for data analysis. Results: We observed high levels of total hardness (24 ± 3 mg-equiv./L), alkalinity (7.5 ± 0.2 units), total mineralization (2,454 ± 546 mg/L), nitrate salts (99 ± 23 mg/L), chlorides (1,610 ± 462 mg/L), sulfates (753 ± 64 mg/L), as well as ions of manganese (up to 11 MPC), magnesium (up to 8.8 MPC), and iron (up to 10.83 MPC) in artesian water samples tested showing noncompliance with tap water quality requirements. We also established that daily calcium intake with tap water (1,403.5 ± 199.5 mg/day) exceeded the recommended one. We established a strong correlation (r = 0.931, r2 = 0.867, p < 0.001) between the mean daily consumption of non-conforming artesian tap water (1.4 ± 0.01 L/day in the Fedorovsky district, 0.7 ± 0.01 L/day in the Novouzensky district, and 0.1 ± 0.01 L/day in the Alexandrovo-Gaysky district) and the proportion of residents of the arid areas of the Saratov Region followed up for diseases of the genitourinary system (1,266 ± 64.3, 1,691.4 ± 107.8, and 758.4 ± 18.1, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings show the necessity of improving measures aimed at raising the quality of water supply in arid areas, including the development of additional measures for preliminary water treatment, and importance of tap water quality control for prevention of adverse health outcomes related to chronic exposure to waterborne chemicals.

A comparative study of bottled and tap water in Abbottabad city: Implications for stakeholders

Access to safe drinking water is essential for human health. In Abbottabad, tap and bore water are commonly used, but there has been a recent increase in bottled water consumption. This study aimed to compare tap and bottled water quality in Jinnahabad, Abbottabad. Physicochemical and bacteriological analysis was conducted on water samples collected from various sources. Surveys and interviews were also conducted to assess consumer perceptions and costs. The study found that, on average, bottled water had better physicochemical quality, although both alternatives met WHO limits. Tap water had higher levels of E. coli due to a weak sanitation system. Interestingly, despite perceiving bottled water as safer, most respondents still consumed tap water daily. Shopkeepers reported higher bottled water purchases for travel but lower daily consumption. Tap water was the main source, according to the Cantonment Board Abbottabad, though resources were insufficient. Doctors confirmed tap water-related diseases. The study suggests further research into consumer behavior and recommends monitoring measures, staff evaluations, and penalties to reduce costs and waste.

Using the sorption properties of diatomite from the Aktobe deposit in improving the quality of drinking water in Western Kazakhstan

The paper describes the results of monitoring studies of the quality of tap water in the city of Uralsk. A solution was found to use natural reserves of the mineral diatomite in the purification of drinking water. The natural sorbent diatomite was modified with hydrochloric acid before testing. Natural and modified diatomite samples were studied using X-ray fluorescence analysis and electron microscopy. In acid-activated diatomite, the specific surface area and porosity increase by 2.5 times. Xray fluorescence analysis of the elemental composition showed an increase in the silicon content in the sorbent. Organoleptic and physicochemical properties were studied in the original and diatomite-treated water: turbidity, taste, smell, color, hardness, permanganate oxidation, pH, iron and copper ions. The efficiency of sorption with respect to heavy metals was tested using the model toxicant copper sulfate. Determinations of copper and iron ions were carried out using the atomic spectrometry method. Hardness, permanganate oxidation, pH and organoleptic parameters were determined by standard methods. Treatment of water with natural and modified diatomite made it possible to significantly reduce water pollution according to the studied parameters. Filtering water with a modified diatomite sorbent allows you not only to purify water from unwanted impurities, but also to adjust its salt composition due to the intake of silicon. Based on the results of the work, we can conclude that, compared to natural, modified diatomite has higher adsorption properties in relation to copper and iron cations, increases pH, and also contributes to more effective water purification from unwanted impurities.

ГИГИЕНИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА КАЧЕСТВА ВОДЫ ЦЕНТРАЛИЗОВАННОЙ СИСТЕМЫ ПИТЬЕВОГО ВОДОСНАБЖЕНИЯ И ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ БЫТОВОГО ПРОТОЧНОГО ФИЛЬТРА

The results of assessing the quality of tap water of the centralized drinking water supply system in Chelyabinsk for 2022-2023 and the efficiency of using a household flow filter to clean it. The variability of the mineral composition, the periodic non-compliance of water quality with the requirements of SanPiN 1.2.3685-21 in terms of the Fe content and the level of hardness, have been established. The high efficiency of purification of tap water from Fe, Li, Pb, Sn, Cu, Al ions by the water purifier tested for 1,5 years was revealed. Lower productivity in the filter operation is determined to reduce the levels of sulfates, fluorides, polyphosphates, hydrocarbonates and its alkalinity in water, inefficiency – in relation to Cl, Cr, K, Si and water hardness.