Potential Water Contamination Research Articles

Engineered Whole-Cell-Based Biosensors: Sensing Environmental Heavy Metal Pollutants in Water-a Review.

The frequent exposure and accumulation of heavy metals in organisms cause serious health issues affecting a range of organs such as the brain, liver, and reproductive organs in adults, infants, and children. Several parts of the world have high levels of heavy metals affecting millions of people, costing millions of dollars for improving the potability of water and medical treatment of the affected. Hence, water quality assessment is required to monitor the degree of heavy metal contamination in potable water. In nature, organisms respond to various environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, allowing their survival in a diverse environmental niche. With the advent of recombinant DNA technology, it is now possible to manipulate these natural bioreporters into controlled systems which either turn on or off gene expression or activity of enzymes in the presence of specific heavy metals (compound-specific biosensors) otherwise termed as whole-cell biosensors (WCBs). WCBs provide an upper hand compared to other immunosensors, enzyme-based sensors, and DNA-based sensors since microbes can be relatively easily manipulated, scaled up with relative ease, and can detect only the bioavailable heavy metals. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the various mechanisms of toxicity elicited by various heavy metals, thence emphasizing the need to develop heavy metal sensing platforms. Following this, the biosensor-based platforms including WCBs for detecting heavy metals developed thus far have been briefly elaborated upon, emphasizing the challenges and solutions associated with WCBs.

Live-Cell Systems in Real-Time Biomonitoring of Water Pollution: Practical Considerations and Future Perspectives.

Continuous monitoring and early warning of potential water contamination with toxic chemicals is of paramount importance for human health and sustainable food production. During the last few decades there have been noteworthy advances in technologies for the automated sensing of physicochemical parameters of water. These do not translate well into online monitoring of chemical pollutants since most of them are either incapable of real-time detection or unable to detect impacts on biological organisms. As a result, biological early warning systems have been proposed to supplement conventional water quality test strategies. Such systems can continuously evaluate physiological parameters of suitable aquatic species and alert the user to the presence of toxicants. In this regard, single cellular organisms, such as bacteria, cyanobacteria, micro-algae and vertebrate cell lines, offer promising avenues for development of water biosensors. Historically, only a handful of systems utilising single-cell organisms have been deployed as established online water biomonitoring tools. Recent advances in recombinant microorganisms, cell immobilisation techniques, live-cell microarrays and microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip technologies open new avenues to develop miniaturised systems capable of detecting a broad range of water contaminants. In experimental settings, they have been shown as sensitive and rapid biosensors with capabilities to detect traces of contaminants. In this work, we critically review the recent advances and practical prospects of biological early warning systems based on live-cell biosensors. We demonstrate historical deployment successes, technological innovations, as well as current challenges for the broader deployment of live-cell biosensors in the monitoring of water quality.

Global water shortage and potable water safety; Today’s concern and tomorrow’s crisis

Climate change, severe droughts, population growth, demand increase, and poor management during the recent decades have further stressed the scarce freshwater resources worldwide and resulted in severe water shortages in many regions. The water utilities address the water shortage by providing alternative source of water, augment the supplied water, supply intermittently, and even bulk water delivery under severe water shortage conditions. On the other hand, many households store water in building storage tanks to cope with insufficient delivery of potable water due to frequent interruptions. All these practices could pose crucial risks to the chemical and microbiological quality of the water. However, consistent monitoring and implementation of mitigation strategies could lower the potential risks associated with these practices. It is critical to identify the potential hazards resulting from the alternative water supplies and distribution practices to develop temporary and long-term monitoring and mitigation plans and reduce the microbial and chemical contamination of potable water delivered to the consumers. This paper provides a holistic review of the significant hazards associated with the practices employed by the water utilities and water consumers to alleviate the potable water shortage and discusses the required monitoring and mitigation practices.

Probing the chemical complexity of tires: Identification of potential tire-borne water contaminants with high-resolution mass spectrometry

Tire wear particles are not only the type of polymer particles most prevalent in the environment but also act as source of various organic micropollutants, many of which are likely still unknown. We extracted particles prepared from nine tires in artificial freshwater (28 d) with the goal to characterize leachables (max intensity >105 in artificial freshwater), which are tire-borne water contaminants. A subsequent extraction of these particles with acetone (3 h) was used to assess the long-term leaching potential. A suspect and nontarget screening in aliquots of each extract led to the detection of 214 organic substances of which 145 were classified as leachables. The intrinsic polarity of some leachables (mean log D (pH 7.4) 3.9), which facilitates an increased aquatic mobility, highlights their potential as environmental water contaminants. With N,N′-diphenylguanidine (DPG) and benzothiazole, two of the ten unequivocally identified leachables, are classified as potential persistent, mobile and toxic substance by the German Environment Agency. Of the identified chemicals DPG showed the highest intensities in aqueous extracts and N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6-PPD), the precursor of 6-PPD-quinone, in acetone extracts. A comparison between the 69 detected suspects and 174 high-intensity signals (>106) detected in the nontarget screening led to an overlap of only 29 features. A detailed investigation of the remaining high-intensity suspects revealed the presence of 13 proposed DPG reaction products, further highlighting the chemical complexity of tires. Consequently, we conclude that there are many, often still unrecognized chemicals entering the aquatic environment through leaching from tire wear particles.

Bacteriological Quality of Potable Water Consumed in Cape Coast and Takoradi Metropolis, Ghana

Background: Bacterial contamination of potable water remains a global canker and has been reported to result in deaths from gastrointestinal infections. Treatment of gastrointestinal infections is becoming difficult due to antimicrobial resistance. This study sought to assess the bacteriological quality of potable water consumed in Cape Coast and Takoradi Metropolis of Ghana.
 Methodology: Eighty-seven (87) samples of potable water were collected from various vicinities of Cape Coast (43) and Takoradi (44). The samples were analyzed for their bacterial loads using various laboratory bacteriological procedures and the resulting colonies were subjected to standard identification techniques. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) was carried out to determine the susceptibility patterns of the various isolates.
 Results: A total of 220 bacterial isolates were identified comprising 18 species, with Bacillus cereus. (13.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (8.5%), and Klebsiella sp. (10%), being predominant and Pseudomonas sp. (2.3%), Streptococcus sp. (1.8%), and Serratia sp. (0.5%) being less frequent. Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing (AST) revealed multiple antimicrobial-resistant bacteria including, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp., and Klebsiella sp. The average HPC and TCC of the various samples ranged from 0.20 - 1.94 x 108 CFU/ml and 0.00 - 2.39 x 108 CFU/ml respectively.
 Conclusion: Some potable water in Cape Coast and Takoradi metropolis including most sachet water sold on the streets were found to be highly contaminated with bacteria.

Release of trace elements during bioreductive dissolution of magnetite from metal mine tailings: Potential impact on marine environments

Adverse impacts of mine tailings on water and sediments quality are major worldwide environmental problems. Due to the environmental issues associated with the deposition of mine tailings on land, a controversial discussed alternative is submarine tailings disposal (STD). However, Fe(III) bioreduction of iron oxides (e.g., magnetite) in the tailings disposed might cause toxic effects on coastal environments due to the release of different trace elements (TEs) contained in the oxides.To study the extent and kinetics of magnetite bioreduction under marine conditions and the potential release of TEs, a number of batch experiments with artificial seawater (pH 8.2) and a marine microbial strain (Shewanella loihica) were performed using several magnetite ore samples from different mines and a mine tailings sample. The elemental composition of the magnetite determined in the tailings showed relatively high amounts of TEs (e.g., Mn, Zn, Co) compared with those of the magnetite ore samples (LA-ICP-MS and EMPA analyses). The experiments were conducted at 10 °C in the dark for up to 113 days. Based on the consumption of lactate and production of acetate and aqueous Fe(II) over time, the magnitude of Fe(III) bioreduction was calculated using a geochemical model including Monod kinetics. Model simulations reproduced the release of iron and TEs observed throughout the experiments, e.g., Mn (up to 203 μg L−1), V (up to 79 μg L−1), As (up to 17 μg L−1) and Cu (up to 328 μg L−1), suggesting a potential contamination of pore water by STD. Therefore, the results of this study can help to better evaluate the potential impacts of STD.

Floating chitosan-alginate microspheres loaded with chlorantraniliprole effectively control Chilo suppressalis (Walker) and Sesamia inferens (Walker) in rice fields

Striped rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker) and pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker) are two important pests, causing substantial yield loss in rice production. Application of conventional synthetic pesticides, such as suspension concentrates and water-dispersible granules, is a primary method for control of the two pests. Due to the flow of water in rice field, spray drift, and soil adsorption, applied such pesticides are often out of the target, resulting in low control efficacy, potential contamination of soil or surface water, and also threat to human health. Thus, there is an urgent need for developing environmentally friendly and highly targeted pesticide formulations to meet the challenges. The present study synthesized chlorantraniliprole loaded chitosan-alginate floating hydrogel microspheres (CCAM) through physical embedding, ionic crosslinking, and incorporation of citronellol as an oil phase. The morphology, particle size, entrapment efficiency, loading capacity, in vitro slow-release kinetics, and floating ability of the CCAM were tested in laboratory conditions. The CCAM and two commercial formulations (suspended and granulated) of chlorantraniliprole were respectively evaluated in two rice fields located in two provinces of China. The CCAM was able to float on the surface of rice field, gather around rice stems, and slowly release chlorantraniliprole, which resulted in significantly higher concentrations of chlorantraniliprole in rice stems and leaves for a prolonged time than suspended and granulated controls. The application of CCAM provided an on-target control of both striped stem borer and pink stem borer. Furthermore, CCAM application had very low residue of chlorantraniliprole in soils. As far as is known, this is the first report of chlorantraniliprole loaded on chitosan-alginate floating hydrogel microspheres for rice stem borer control. Our results indicate that the synthesized CCAM could potentially be used as a controlled-release product for effective control of the two rice pests, while reducing the residual chlorantraniliprole in the soil and avoiding pesticide drift.

Energy efficiency and sustainability assessment for methane harvesting from Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is a great environmental and economic resource in Rwanda. Its deep-water methane reservoir can help the country to narrow its energy supply gap. However, mishandling of the lake could lead to devastating consequences, from potable water contamination to limnic eruption. To evaluate the lake’s potential for energy harvesting, we have developed a numerical model and validated it experimentally. Based on this model, we propose an optimal methane harvesting strategy. The harvesting efficiency improvement is from 4 to 6% relative to the alternatives. While seemingly insignificant, a 1% improvement of harvesting efficiency extends the operational time of a gas power plant by ∼5%. With these improvements, the lake will sustainably supply 100 MW of electricity for up to 100 years. Potential CO2 emissions are negligible in comparison with the low-emitting developed countries. We conclude that forestry and agroforestry can mitigate CO2 emissions and reduce currently widespread deforestation. The degassed water after methane extraction poses another environmental concern. It must be reinjected at the depth of 190–250 m to minimize the environmental impacts on the lake and allow for continuous methane harvesting.

Outbreak of acute diarrhoeal disease attributed to consumption of faecal contaminated water supplied through damaged pipelines in Thiruper, Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India, 2016

BackgroundOn December 24, 2016, 18 Acute Diarrhoeal Disease (ADD) cases were reported in Thiruper village. We aimed to identify potential exposure and propose recommendations. MethodsWe defined a case of ADD as occurrence loose stools (≥3 episodes), December 14–30, 2016. We did door-to-door case search, calculated attack rate by age and gender, drew epidemic curve and plotted cases by residence. We conducted a matched case-control study and computed Matched Odds ratio (MOR), 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and Population Attributable Risk (PAR). We collected stool and water specimens for laboratory testing. ResultsWe identified 38 (6%) cases among 625 residents. The attack rate of ADD was higher among aged <5 years (16.5%), and female (6.8%). The outbreak lasted between 14–27 December 2016 with multiple peaks. Cases clustered in areas receiving water from damaged pipelines crossing open-defecation area. We compared 38 ADD cases with 76 age, gender and neighbourhood matched controls for different exposures. Consuming water supplied through the damaged subterranean pipeline (MOR = 3.7; 95% CI = 1.1 to 16.4; PAR = 72%) was associated with ADD. The environmental investigation pointed out potential faecal contamination of water through damaged subterranean pipelines near open-air defaecation area of village. The collected stool specimens were negative for pathogens, and water specimens tested positive for Escherichia coli. ConclusionsWe confirmed that the outbreak of ADD in Thiruper village was due to consumption of water contaminated with E. coli supplied through damaged subterranean pipelines post-cyclone. We recommended the replacement of subterranean pipelines and distribution of chlorinated water.

Vulnerability of the Territory of São Tiago Medical Spa Area in Relation to the Preservation of its Mineral Water Quality

The world is becoming more and more demanding in the quality of life of the common citizen. One way to achieve this quality is to enjoy health tourism. Medical Spa are an excellent equipment in this sense, because they allow practices of health treatment, or relaxation and well-being, aqualudic, focused on the use of natural mineral water, and with direct or indirect monitoring of health professionals (doctors). Thus, in Portugal, for a medical spa to function as such, it must have mineral water of stable quality. For this to be possible, it is necessary to comply with a set of procedures in the exploitation of water, and to impose restrictions on certain types of activities and due limitations on the occupation of the territory, in accordance with the implementation of the Protection Perimeter of groundwater abstraction of the medical spas. The maps of vulnerability to groundwater contamination are excellent instruments to contribute in the elaboration of the aforementioned Protection Perimeter. Thus, this paper presents the fundamental hydro-environmental elements in order to present the vulnerability map of the São Tiago medical spa territory. The General DRASTIC method is used, with a set of adaptations, called Specific DRASTIC, in order to preserve the areas most sensitive to the potential contamination of natural mineral water, and to liberate other areas that are not of potential danger to its contamination. It is also presented the map of occupation of the territory with registration of the main sources of potential pollution, making an analysis of the relationship between the results of the vulnerability map and the types of occupation. Finally, some conclusions are briefly presented.

Predicting Phosphorus and Potato Yield Using Active and Passive Sensors

Applications of remote sensing are important in improving potato production through the broader adoption of precision agriculture. This technology could be useful in decreasing the potential contamination of soil and water due to the over-fertilization of agriculture crops. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of active sensors (Crop Circle™, Holland Scientific, Inc., Lincoln, NE, USA and GreenSeeker™, Trimble Navigation Limited, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) and passive sensors (multispectral imaging with Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAVs)) to predict total potato yield and phosphorus (P) uptake. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications and six P treatments, ranging from 0 to 280 kg P ha−1, as triple superphosphate (46% P2O5). Vegetation indices (VIs) and plant pigment levels were calculated at various time points during the potato growth cycle, correlated with total potato yields and P uptake by the stepwise fitting of multiple linear regression models. Data generated by Crop Circle™ and GreenSeeker™ had a low predictive value of potato yields, especially early in the season. Crop Circle™ performed better than GreenSeeker™ in predicting plant P uptake. In contrast, the passive sensor data provided good estimates of total yields early in the season but had a poor correlation with P uptake. The combined use of active and passive sensors presents an opportunity for better P management in potatoes.

Thermo-mechanical processing of brass components for potable-water usage increases risks of Pb leaching

The problem of lead contamination in potable water has been a serious concern in different countries. Although the use of leaded welding solder has been banned and brass components used in potable water pipework have to be of the nominally "lead-free" grade in most jurisdictions, incidents of excessive lead leaching are still reported. The widely advocated explanation of lead leaching from brass components in terms of corrosion and the formation of electrochemical cells is inadequate since mechanical cutting is also known to cause lead segregation on brass surfaces. In this study, the effects of lead segregation on brass surfaces and subsequent leaching to contacting water resulting from thermo-mechanical processing of the brass are studied. The results indicate that mechanical milling and polishing that replicate the common processing involved in pipeline installation yield a significant increase in surface lead, and a strong correlation exists between lead leaching and the plastic deformation of the brass surface. Furthermore, flame-torch treatment that replicates the common brazing of brass also results in a significant increase in surface lead. These results indicate that the common thermo-mechanical processing of brass piping components poses a real risk of lead contamination in potable water, and revision in the common protocols for handling lead components may be necessary.

MEMS based Heavy Metal: Mercury and Cadmium Ion Detection in Laminar flow of water

Innumerable Nations are enduring biohazard complications because of potable Water contamination. Water contamination is due to the presence of heavy metals like Nickel, Lead, Mercury, copper, iron, manganese, Cadmium, and Zinc in ppb (parts per billion) level. The most effective MEMS-based cantilever design capable of detecting Mercury and Cadmium ionic pressures with better geometry is highly demanded. Heavy metal ion detection in the vapor phase at a particular temperature is highly recommended. The project primly proposes a comparative study of divergent MEMS-based micro-cantilever beam structures with an active layer coating for heavy-metal Mercury and Cadmium ion detection and the structures were appraised based on the mechanical displacement under the pressure influence of target ions. The project proposes a concernment study of the laminar flow of water (liquid) through divergent structural designs. The laminar flow characteristics of water are engaged to find the maximal and minimal velocity and pressure positions. On altering the Inlet flow rates; the outlet flow rate, maximal and minimal velocity and pressure positions vary. Laminar structures were appraised based on the variation of outlet flow rate and pressure with respect to inlet flow velocity. The MEMS-based micro-cantilever structure with superior mechanical displacement is lodged at a maximal pressure locus of laminar flow structures. The pressure quantification at the locus of the micro-cantilever structure is calibrated for Heavy metal: Mercury and Cadmium ions pressure concentration. The finite element analysis of heavy metal Mercury and Cadmium Ion detection is executed using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4

Potential water pollution from recycled concrete aggregate material

Recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) are a widely used recycled building material. RCA materials have many uses such as a road base or backfilling trenches. Our study investigated the potential water-contamination risks of water exposed to RCA materials. We recirculated water for 60min through four different treatments. Two treatments were a PVC gutter filled with different size grades of RCA material (20mm and 45mm), the third treatment was a clean PVC gutter and the fourth and final treatment was an unused concrete water pipe. Results showed that RCA material exposed to water released a suite of contaminants that could be ecologically hazardous to aquatic species. RCA leached metals over the 60-min recirculation (aluminium, arsenic, barium, chromium, lead, manganese, molybdenum, titanium, lithium and strontium). Water exposed to RCA material exceeded aquatic ecosystem guidelines for aluminium by 50 times and lead by up to 12 times. RCA materials increased pH by up to 4.35 pH units and electrical conductivity (EC) by up to 11 times the starting EC (mean 27.9 µs cm–1). We suggest that RCA materials need to be used with caution in settings that could be exposed to water and flow to waterways of conservation value.

Public reporting of hydraulic fracturing chemicals in the USA, 2011–18: a before and after comparison of reporting formats

Hydraulic fracturing often involves the injection of millions of gallons of fracturing fluids into underground shales to extract oil and natural gas, raising health concerns over potential water contamination. Many state and federal governmental agencies rely on the third-party FracFocus online registry for disclosure of chemical ingredients in fracturing fluids, but withholding chemicals as trade secrets is common. In 2016, a new format, known as the systems approach was widely encouraged as a method of reducing withholding by decoupling disclosed chemicals from their functions, protecting against reverse-engineering of fracture fluid formulas by competitors. In this study, we assess the extent to which elevated use of the systems approach in FracFocus version 3.0 translated into greater chemical disclosure. We analysed 108 137 disclosure forms submitted to FracFocus between Jan 1, 2011, and Dec 31, 2018, to estimate the effect of expanded use of the systems approach on chemical withholding. We compared the proportion of forms withholding at least one chemical ingredient across time, between approaches, and by state and drilling operator. Since the 2016 expansion of the systems approach, 15 677 (82%) of systems approach forms have withheld an ingredient. 13 462 (89%) of 15 062 traditional FracFocus version 3.0 forms withheld an ingredient. In the quarter following the transition (July, to September, 2016), 1211 (93%) of 1304 traditional forms withheld an ingredient, compared with only 958 (76%) of 1262 systems approach forms. However, withholding rates increased throughout 2017 and, by 2018, 6949 (87%) of 8016 systems approach forms were withholding ingredients. At the end of our analysis period in the fourth quarter of 2018, systems approach forms had even greater withholding (903 [88%] of 1025 forms) than did traditional forms (855 [85%] of 1004 forms). We did not find that states or operators that submitted more systems approach forms had lower withholding. The systems approach has not reduced FracFocus chemical withholding, which continues to occur in around 87% of well fracture disclosures. FracFocus might not be an appropriate substitute for regulatory action, and measures are urgently needed for environmental and public safety. University of Chicago Argonne National Laboratory Seed Grant.

Active pharmaceutical ingredients in Malaysian drinking water: consumption, exposure, and human health risk.

Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are typical endocrine disruptors found in common pharmaceuticals and personal care products, which are frequently detected in aquatic environments, especially surface water treated for drinking. However, current treatment technologies are inefficient for removing emerging endocrine disruptors, leading to the potential contamination of tap water. This study employed an optimized analytical method comprising solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS) to detect APIs in tap water in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Several therapeutic classes of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, including anti-inflammatory drugs (dexamethasone and diclofenac), antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole and triclosan), antiepileptics (primidone), antibacterial agents (ciprofloxacin), beta-blockers (propranolol), psychoactive stimulants (caffeine), and antiparasitic drugs (diazinon), were detected in the range of < 0.03 to 21.39 ng/L, whereas chloramphenicol (an antibiotic) was below the detection limit (< 0.23 ng/L). A comparison with global data revealed the spatial variability of emerging tap water pollutants. Diclofenac accounted for the highest concentration (21.39 ng/L), followed by triclosan and ciprofloxacin (9.74 ng/L and 8.69 ng/L, respectively). Caffeine was observed in all field samples with the highest distribution at 35.32%. Caffeine and triclosan exhibited significantly different distributions in household tap water (p < 0.05). Humans are exposed to these APIs by drinking the tap water; however, the estimated risk was negligible (risk quotient < 1). APIs are useful water quality monitoring indicators for water resource conservation and water supply safety related to emerging organic contaminants; thus, API detection is important for safeguarding the environment and human health.

Diversity, virulence and antibiogram traits of Escherichia coli recovered from potable water sources in Gharbia, Egypt.

This study aimed to assess the public health risk of coliforms and Escherichia coli contamination of potable water sources in Egypt. A total of 150 water samples (100 tap and 50 well) were collected from five districts in Gharbia governorate, Egypt. High rates of coliforms contamination were recorded in 52 and 76% of examined tap and well water samples, respectively. E. coli strains were detected in 16% of the water samples (15% tap water and 18% well water; 23.7% rural and 8.1% urban). Rural water sources were 3.5 times more likely to be contaminated than urban sources (P = 0.01). Eight (33.3%) E. coli isolates were Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Multiple drug resistance (MDR) was observed for 62.5% of the isolates. Seven (29.2%) E. coli isolates harboured at least one of the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes. The majority (87.5%) of the STEC isolates were MDRs and harboured ESBL genes. STEC isolates were significantly more likely to resist six classes of antibiotics than non-STEC isolates. This is the first report of potable water contamination with MDR-STEC in Egypt. This study highlights an alarming public health threat that necessitates preventive interventions for public and environmental safety.

Cost Effective and Natural Plant Based Coagulant for Removal of Chloride from Potable Water

In present study, water quality was assessed by collecting ten water samples in and around Tiruppur city of India. The physico-chemical characterisation of the water samples were analyzed using standard protocols. The samples with higher chloride content (3106 mg/L) was found in Ganapathy Palayam sample, the value was higher than the BIS prescribed limit. The sample was subjected to treatment with various dosages of the phyto coagulating agent Tamarindus indica L. seed powder and its polysaccharide. The maximum 51 % of chloride reduction was obtained with 0.3 g of seed polysaccharide, and it was taken as optimum dosage. The raw seed removed 47 % of chloride by the dosage 0.4 g. The seed powder was characterized by GC-MS and FT-IR analysis. The GC-MS chromatogram showed the presence of various phytocompounds such as lupanine, cyclopropane octanoic acid, ascorbic acid, octadecanoic acid in the plants. The functional groups found in the seed powder were characterized by FTIR analysis. The evaluated results confirmed the contamination of potable water in Tiruppur city by the dyeing industries located near the water sources. The present work concluded that tamarind seed coagulants are efficient, eco-friendly, low-cost and easily available material, which could be used for the treatment of potable water.

Norovirus outbreak in a natural playground: A One Health approach.

Norovirus constitutes the most frequently identified infectious cause of disease outbreaks associated with untreated recreational water. When investigating outbreaks related to surface water, a One Health approach is insightful. Historically, there has been a focus on potential contamination of recreational water by bird droppings and a recent publication demonstrating human noroviruses in bird faeces suggested this should be investigated in future water‐related norovirus outbreaks. Here, we describe a One Health approach investigating a norovirus outbreak in a natural playground. On social media, a large amount of waterfowl were reported to defecate near these playground premises leading to speculations about their potential involvement. Surface water, as well as human and bird faecal specimens, was tested for human noroviruses. Norovirus was found to be the most likely cause of the outbreak but there was no evidence for transmission via waterfowl. Cases had become known on social media prior to notification to the public health service underscoring the potential of online media as an early warning system. In view of known risk factors, advice was given for future outbreak investigations and natural playground design.

Comment on “ferroelectricity-free lead halide perovskites” by A. Gómez, Q. Wang, A. R. Goñi, M. Campoy-Quiles and A. Abate, Energy Environ. Sci., 2019, 12, 2537

This comment analyzes pitfalls when investigating piezoresponse and ferroelectricity in organic-metal halide perovskite thin films.