Bottled Water Research Articles

Nutritional Assessment and Sub-acute Toxicity Study in Wistar Rats Fed with a Compounded Diet of Roasted Plantain and Fish Sold in Otuoke, Nigeria

The widespread consumption of roasted plantain and fish (Bolle), a common delicacy in Bayelsa State has raised concerns over potential health risks associated with food processing contaminants such as acrylamides, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The roasted plantain and fish are usually prepared by placing the peeled plantain and the dressed fish on a wired gauze and placed over a burning charcoal. The subacute toxicity study of this diet was investigated using twenty adult male rats averagely weighing 117.22 \(\pm\) 4.48 g. The rats were divided into four groups of five rats per group. Group A (Control), was fed with the standard rat chow, Group B; was fed with only the roasted plantain, Group C; was fed with only the roasted fish, and Group D; was fed with a combination of the roasted plantain and fish. The rats were given free access to the feed and portable water ad-libitum throughout the experimental protocol. Body/organ weight data were recorded before and after the completion of the experimental protocol. On day 15th of the experimental protocol, the rats were euthanized and blood specimens were obtained by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. The liver, kidney and heart were dissevered instantaneously and weighed. Findings from the study showed that the roasted plantain-fed group had significantly reduced body weight gain, and increased liver and kidney to body weight ratio (p>0.05). The plasma enzyme activity (AST, ALT and ALP) of the plantain-fed group were also significantly increased (p<0.05) while other groups showed non-significant differences (p>0.05) with the control group. The antioxidant status (CAT, SOD and GPx), haematological parameters (RBC, PCV, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelet) of the plantain-fed groups were also significantly decreased (p<0.05) while other groups had non-significant changes (p>0.05) when compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde levels in the roasted plantain-fed group were also significantly increased (p<0.05).

Recycled PET foam core sandwich panels with reinforced hybrid composite facesheets: A sustainable approach for enhanced impact resistance

This research explores the Low-Velocity Impact behavior of thermoplastic composite sandwich panels with 100% recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) foam sourced from post-consumer plastic water bottles. Being recognized as a reliable technique, hybridization using stainless-steel mesh layers was employed to reinforce the panels’ composite facesheets of sandwich panels accessible for modular housing, cold storage rooms and cargo trucks. Adequate impregnation of the reinforcement metallic mesh layer alongside proper skin-to-core adhesion was accomplished by optimizing a two-phase compression molding method. The effect of hybridization on impact response of sandwich panels with two different PET foam core thicknesses, and stacking sequence were evaluated. It was revealed that reinforcing the impacted surface of the composite sandwich panels significantly increased the perforation threshold. Moreover, analyzing the post-impact section view of the samples indicated that hybridization modified the damage propagation response of the PET foam core sandwich composites, through which the energy absorption capacity was improved.

The Role of Nationality in Childhood Caries in Qatar.

There were two objectives. First, to understand the variation of primary dentition caries among 4- to 8-year-old children in Qatar across nationality classified into four groups, and second, to explore whether the association persisted in the presence of socio-demographic and behavioural indicators. The study used data from the Qatar Child Oral Health Survey 2017 (QCOHS 2017). Detailed information was collected through a parental dual-language questionnaire and an oral epidemiological examination conducted by calibrated dentist examiners. Children in 20 kindergartens and 40 schools across Qatar were recruited. Data were weighted to represent the Qatar child population. Overall, 1154 children aged 4-8 years old (48.9% female, 51.1% male) participated. Qatari children made up 26.3%, Non-Qatari (N-Q) Arabic children 44.2% N-Q Indian sub-continent 16.4% and N-Q Other 13.1%. There were no significant differences by nationality for age or sex, but differences existed for kindergarten/school type and parents' highest level of education. Among behavioural indicators, Qatari and N-Q Arabic children began toothbrushing later, and more N-Q Other children brushed 2+ times a day and had made a check-up visit in the last 12 months. More Qatari children were in the highest tertial for sugar intake and drank bottled water with no fluoride. All N-Q children had a significantly lower prevalence and experience of caries. The means ratio (95% CI) for N-Q Arabic (0.78; 0.65-0.94), Indian (0.58; 0.46-0.72) and other children (0.61; 0.42-0.88) were all significant against Qatari nationality children. Multivariable models showed an attenuation of the association with caries with the means ratio for N-Q Arabic (0.92; 0.73-1.16), Indian (0.79; 0.57-1.11) and other children (0.94; 0.61-1.44) being non-significant compared to Qatari nationality children. The variables which were significantly associated with caries were parental education, toothbrushing frequency, sugar intake and check-up visiting in the last 12 months in the multivariable models. Primary dentition caries in children resident in Qatar differed by nationality. The association of primary dentition caries with nationality was markedly attenuated and non-significant in the presence of socio-demographic and behavioural variables, pointing towards the importance of these variables as the pathways to improving primary dentition caries prevalence and experience of children in Qatar.

Association of Aquatic Invertebrates with the Water Quality in the Ponds of Bhaktapur

Aquatic invertebrates are representative of the health of habitats they live in. This study was conducted to evaluate aquatic invertebrate diversity and relate them with physico-chemical factors in the ponds of Bhaktapur. Rani pokhari, Bhajya pokhari, Na pokhari and Kamal pokhari were selected for the study. Plankton net was swiped out for approximately one minute in each corner of all the ponds. Five subsequent sweeps were taken repeatedly at each site. Invertebrates collected in the net were kept in a plastic container covered with a lid. The collected species were preserved in 70% alcohol. For physico-chemical analysis, water samples were collected from 10cm below the surface water in BOD bottles from each site and taken to the laboratory of Department of Zoology, Bhaktapur Multiple Campus for the further identification and laboratory work. Total 16 species of aquatic invertebrates belonging to five phyla, 10 orders and 16 families were recorded from the ponds of Bhaktapur. Species richness of aquatic invertebrates was found to be 13, 11, four and five in Rani pokhari, Bhajya pokhari, Na pokhari and Kamal pokhari respectively. Phylum Arthropoda was most abundant in all four ponds. The correlation of species richness with physico-chemical parameters showed a positive correlation with water temperature (r = 0.96), electric conductivity (r = 0.98), free carbon dioxide (r = 0.99) and dissolved oxygen (r = 0.51) while the negative correlation with pH (r = -0.83) and alkalinity (r = -0.83). The result obtained is valuable and useful for continuous water quality monitoring activities and the conservation of freshwater fauna in the ponds of Bhaktapur. Further detailed studies on aquatic invertebrates were highly recommended.

Physio-chemical and microbial assessment of the source of drinking water and the prevailing waterborne diseases in Gwagwalada Municipal Area Council of Abuja, Nigeria

Water contamination poses a serious threat to the wellbeing of people globally. In Nigeria, there have been increasing cases of waterborne diseases owing to water contamination, thus becoming public health concerns. This study investigated the physio-chemical properties, microbial loads of borehole water samples from Gwagwalada area council of Abuja and its prevailing waterborne diseases. Borehole water samples were collected from five wards of the council area (Gwagwalada central (YZTM), University of Abuja Staff quarters (YZTMB), Dobi (SBWTM), Tunga Maje (TMCBW), and Ikwa (YZBTM) in triplicate and analyzed for physiochemical properties (temperature, conductivity, pH, turbidity, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and heavy metals) and microbial contamination using standard methods. Surveillance to determine the prevalence of waterborne diseases was also carried out in the health facilities of the area council. All samples showed variable concentrations in most of the physiochemical parameters and were within the recommended thresholds except for conductivity (596.01 ± 0.00 μS/cm) and chlorine (254.18 ± 0.00 mg/l) in TMCBW sample and total dissolved solids in TMCBW (948.01 ± 14.14 mg/l) and YZTM (GC) (1871.00 ± 55.15 mg/l) water samples. E. coli, Enterobacter spp., Shigella spp., Lactobacillus spp., Pseudomonas ssp., and Proteus ssp. were bacteria isolates of the samples. Principal component analysis of interrelationship showed a strong positive relationship between some physio-chemical parameters and sampling locations. Also, there was heavy burden of gastrointestinal (waterborne) diseases. The study concludes that the borehole samples from the area were contaminated and maybe unfit for consumption. Thus, call for interventions that provide safer portable water or treat existing water sources towards achieving SDG No. 6 and to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases that could emanate from the consumption of unsafe water.

Performance of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Grafts cv. Alphonso Raised in Soilless Media in Various Types of Containers

In world, Konkan region is famous for cultivation of king of mangoes ‘Alphonso’. Along with production, export and processing of Alphonso, this coastal belt is famous for supply of best quality planting material producing more than one crore grafts every year. Mango grafts are raised in polybag of size 6” x 8” weighing 1.5 kg available for sale after 9 months. In recent years, it was reported by farmers that polybags produced seedlings having spiralled and deformed root system reduce outplanting survival and performance of mango grafts within few years after plantation. Use of discarded plastic water bottles as root trainer could be a feasible alternative for seedling propagation. An experiment entitled “Performance of mango (Mangifera indica L.) grafts cv. Alphonso raised in soilless media in various types of containers” was carried out during the period 2023 at Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri in randomized block design with four replications and six treatments viz. T1-Nursery bag (6×8 Inch), T2-Green bottle (2.25 lit), T3-Transparent bottle (2.25 lit), T4-Transparent bottle (1 lit), T5-Black root trainer (0.5 lit), T6-Nursery bag (6×8 Inch) (with soil:FYM 3:1 as control). Mango grafts raised in transparent bottle (2.25 lit) with media cocopeat + leaf manure + vermicompost (1:1:2) recorded the highest sprouting (98.13 %), height (29.33 cm), girth (12.32 mm), leaf area (523.48 cm2), root length (25.50 cm), dry root weight (11.00 g) and survival (98.13 %) at 180 days after grafting with 1.84 benefit: cost.

Exposure to microplastics via hemodialysis: differences between women and men

Abstract Background Hemodialysis (HD) may contribute to microplastics (MPs) burden in dialysis patients. The aim of the study was to estimate any differences in exposure to MPs between cases (on dialysis patients) and controls (not on dialysis patients), investigating any sex differences. Methods We organized a case-control study. Both cases and controls were recruited at the Policlinic “G. Rodolico-San Marco” Hospital Nephrology Unit. Preparation and determination of MPs smaller than 10 µm in blood samples were carried out using a patented method (Italian Patent n. 102018000003337-07 March 2018, European Patent n.3788344 20 July 2022) and SEM-EDX electron microscopy analysis, respectively. Results A convenience sample was recruited including 15 dialysis (60.0% women) and 10 not on dialysis patients (60.0% women) with a median (IQR) age of 77.0 (59.0-83.0) in dialysis patients and 65.5 (49.3-79.0) in those not on dialysis. No significant differences were found between cases and controls on the consumption of bottled water (100% vs 80%, p = 0.07), bagged foods (93.3% vs 70%, p = 0.12) unlike the use of drugs (100% vs 70%, p = 0.02). Women in general declared a greater use of drugs than men (F 93.3%, M 80.0%, p = 0.32). Dialysis patients had higher MPs levels than non-dialysis patients [9132(4896-15847) vs 3554(1661-7340), p-value=0.06]. In particular, female dialysis patients had values comparable to males [9132 (4665-17205) p/d vs men: 10438 (3672-16699) p/d] while non-dialysis female patients had higher levels than males [3274 (1681- 7814) p/g vs 1661 (1661-3354) p/g]. No difference was detected about the diameter of the MPs (IQR) [dialysis patients 4.28 (3.72-4.66) µm vs non-dialysis patients [4.67 (4.15-5.08) µm]. Conclusions Future studies must focus on studying the relationship between exposure to MPs and their levels in dialysis patients as well as investigating the differences between men and women and the possible consequences of dialysis as a further source of exposure. Key messages • On dialysis patients, both men and women, had higher MPs exposition compared to not on dialyzed ones. • Not on dialysis women had higher MPs levels than not on dialysis men.

Biomimetic Superhydrophobic Triboelectric Surface Prepared by Interfacial Self‐Assembly for Water Harvesting

AbstractExtracting water from air offers a promising route to address the global challenge of water scarcity. However, bionic engineering surfaces for water harvesting often struggle with efficiently coordinating droplet nucleation and desorption. The recently emerging triboelectric effect at the liquid–solid interface offers a novel approach for developing bionic fog harvesting surfaces. In this study, inspired by Namib Desert beetles and lotus leaves, a biomimetic superhydrophobic surface with nanoscale hydrophilic domains is prepared via interfacial self‐assembly, exhibiting heterogeneous wettability for effective water harvesting. The essence of interfacial self‐assembly lies in the synergy of non‐covalent interaction forces, driving the self‐assembly of nanoparticles into surface micro‐nano hierarchical structures, thereby regulating wettability and increasing potential nucleation sites. Additionally, the triboelectric effect can directly utilize the triboelectric charges to facilitate droplet migration. The triboelectric effect can be generated by flexible mechanical input induced by walking, which enhances interfacial mass transfer, thereby rapidly improving droplet removal and achieving a 39.02% increase in water harvesting efficiency. This study has opened up a new breakthrough for the design of portable and efficient water harvesting systems.

Removal of metaldehyde and acetamiprid by extracted cellulose from biomass incorporated with copper after acetylation

The presence of pesticides in water have reached to an alarming level in some parts of the world and have caused deteriorating effects on human health. Reclamation of portable water from such contaminants have become mandatory. Scientists around the world are trying to devise new methods of water purification. The target can be achieved either by limiting the use of pesticides for agriculture purposes or by devising unique methods for their recoveries from contaminated water. In this context, herein cellulose has been extracted from Populus nigra, subjected to acetylation using acetic acid in the acidic medium (sulfuric acid). The modified acetylated cellulose was treated with Cu-based salt to enable the metallic combination. The prepared sorbent was characterized by UV, SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR techniques. Two insecticides; metaldehyde and acetamiprid in synthetic waste-water solution were subjected for adsorption on the modified sorbent in a series of experiments to evaluate the impact of contact time, sorbent dosage, pH, and temperature. Optimum conditions established in a series of experiments such as 80 and 60 min of contact time for acetamiprid and metaldehyde respectively, pH of 8 and 9 (slightly basic) correspondingly for the mentioned pesticides, and a 0.08 g adsorbent dosage were used in the estimation of kinetics and isothermal parameters. The kinetic data successfully followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model whereas, the isothermal data was found to be best fitted by Langmuir isotherm model in the case of acetamiprid and by Freundlich in the case of metaldehyde. The regeneration study was performed for both the pesticides showing more than 70 % removal capabilities of fabricated adsorbent after three consecutive cycles. The prepared adsorbent could be a better alternative of commercial activated carbon however, further experiments are encouraged to investigate the full environmental application spectrum of the fabricated sorbent.

Strategi Pemasaran Air Minum dalam Kemasan di Pondok Pesantren Riyadhus Samawi

In general, some of the community's drinking water needs can be sourced from well water and water that has been treated by the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM). However, the increasing demand for drinking water sometimes cannot be met by well water sources or water that has been treated by PDAM. Along with technological advances, accompanied by increasingly busy community activities today tend to choose a more practical way at a relatively low cost in meeting drinking water needs. One of the alternative ways to fulfill drinking water needs is by using mineral water products. Marketing is a process of preparing integrated communication that aims to provide information about goods or services in relation to human needs. The marketing carried out at the Riayadus Samawi Islamic Boarding School is still very simple, namely from word of mouth to the congregation. So that Yarisa Drinking Water has not been sold widely like bottled drinking water in general because the majority of consumers are still worshipers and the neighborhood around the cottage. The purpose of this community service is to contribute thoughts and training, especially to the manager of Yarisa drinking water regarding the importance of analyzing marketing strategies for a company in an effort to market its products so that these products can be accepted by the public and distributed widely. The PKM process carried out at the Riyadus Samawi Ludoyo Blitar Islamic Boarding School consists of three stages, including: first, problem identification with a study carried out by the PKM team, Yarisa drinking water managers, cottage administrators, cottage caregivers, and cottage owners to find out the quality and development of Yarisa drinking water marketing strategies. The second stage is the implementation of PKM by holding a seminar with the theme “Marketing Strategy for Bottled Drinking Water at Riyadus Samawi Islamic Boarding School” and attended by Yarisa drinking water managers and students and board members. The third stage is monitoring and evaluation of whether the bottled drinking water marketing strategy delivered by the PKM team has been implemented in Yarisa drinking water. The results of this PKM are socialization and assistance regarding bottled drinking water marketing strategies and making several marketing and motivational programs so that in the future Yarisa drinking water owned by Riyadus Samawi Islamic Boarding School can be marketed widely.

A systematic review and quality assessment of estimated daily intake of microplastics through food.

Plastic waste enters the oceans and soil and is consumed by organisms and humans. Some of the ingested microplastics may remain in the human body and cause toxicity. We conducted a systematic review to estimate the extent to which humans are exposed to microplastics through consumption and performed a quality assessment of research results. We searched for studies published up to December 2023 and included studies that reported on the characteristics and estimated intake of microplastics. The quality assessment tool reported in previous studies was used for food and drinking water studies. We included 76 studies in the analysis, and the types of foods were classified into seven categories: seafood, drinking water, table salt, fruits and vegetables, beverages, condiments, and meat. Theestimated daily intake of microplastics via food was 0.0002-1,531,524 MP/day, with the highest value in bottled water. The quality of food and drinking water studies was evaluated using a quantitative tool to assess reliability. The quality of food studies was 11.50 out of 20 points and the quality of drinking water studies was 11.16 out of 19 points. These results indicate that the closer the score is to the maximum, the more reliable the research findings. The quantitative assessment can be used as an indicator for evaluating the risks of microplastics and can help reduce biases that may occur during the research process. This study confirmed microplastics in foods and human exposure to up to one million microplastics daily. Our study emphasizes the potential for microplastic exposure through food intake and subsequent accumulation in the human body; therefore, efforts are needed to reduce exposure to microplastics in daily life.

Incorporating ultrashort-chain compounds into the comprehensive analysis of per- and polyfluorinated substances in potable and non-potable waters by LC-MS/MS

Ultrashort-chain (USC) per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are small and very polar compounds with carbon chain lengths shorter than C4. Their ubiquitous and high levels of occurrence in environmental aquatic systems are emerging as a significant concern, rivaling the well-established issues associated with long-chain PFAS contamination. Therefore, it is important to analyze both USC and long-chain PFAS together in water samples to comprehensively assess and address the full spectrum of PFAS contamination. The high polarity of USC PFAS poses a challenge for standard chromatographic practices in PFAS analysis, primarily due to insufficient chromatographic retention. In this study, a simple and reliable workflow was developed for the simultaneous analysis of C1 to C14 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic and sulfonic acids, along with other groups of PFAS, in both potable and non-potable waters. The chromatographic separation was conducted using a polar-embedded reversed-phase LC column with an inert coating on the hardware. Three different water matrices (tap water, bottled water, sewage treatment wastewater) were chosen for method evaluation to demonstrate the applicability of the developed workflow for measuring 45 PFAS compounds in diverse water samples. A dilute-and-shoot workflow was evaluated by accuracy and precision analysis at five fortification levels, ranging from 2 to 250 ng/L. Eighteen isotopically labeled PFAS, serving as extracted internal standards, were added to the samples at 100 ng/L to validate the accuracy of the entire workflow. Calibration standards were prepared in reverse osmosis water due to its cleanliness for all analytes. The calibration ranges varied among different analytes, spanning from 1 – 1000 ng/L. All analytes and extracted internal standards exhibited recovery values ranging from 70% to 130% of the nominal concentration across all fortification levels. Satisfactory method precision was demonstrated with %RSD values below 20%. Additional potable and non-potable waters collected from various source waters were tested to further demonstrate that the established workflow is suitable for the accurate quantification of targeted PFAS in a wide range of water matrices.

Behavioral Correlates of Caregiver-Reported Oral Health of Children with Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate Ages 14 to 48 Months: An Observational Study.

To identify behaviors associated with poor caregiver-reported oral health in a population of young children with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP ± L). Observational cross-sectional study. U.S. Cleft Outcomes Research NETwork (CORNET) Consortium Eight hundred thirty-four caregivers of US children with CP ± L ages 14 to 48 months who provided demographic and medical information and answered 8 items on oral health behaviors (eg, sugar-sweetened beverage intake frequency, having a regular source of dental care, toothbrushing, and fluoride exposure). Caregiver-reported oral health status of the child (poor/fair vs good/very good). Logistic regression models were used to generate confounder-adjusted odds ratios (OR) and evaluate associations between oral health behaviors and caregiver-reported oral health status of the child. The mean age of children was 25.5 ± 7.5 months, 82.7% were white, and 24.1% were Hispanic/Latino. About 16.7% of caregivers reported their child's oral health as fair/poor. Children consuming 2+ servings of juice and/or sugar-sweetened beverages daily (OR: 2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 4.0; P = 0.011), those drinking bottled water (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.0, 3.1; P = 0.049), and those consuming 1+ servings of meal replacement drinks daily (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.2, 6.5; P = 0.015) had increased odds of fair/poor caregiver-reported child oral health. Sugar-sweetened beverages and meal replacement drinks, as well as bottled water intake, were associated with poorer caregiver-reported oral health for children with CP ± L. Future research should focus on ways to improve beverage-related behaviors in children with CP ± L to prevent dental diseases and promote oral health.

History of the Yale Peabody Museum Invertebrate Paleontology Collection

While the Yale Peabody Museum itself did not exist as an entity until 1866, the collections that are its core have been on campus much longer. Yale College had a cabinet of natural wonders including zoological oddities (a taxidermied two-headed calf), anthropological material (wooden shoes from France and China), and other interesting items (including a bottle of water from the Ganges River) (Narendra 1979) dating back to the American Revolution and the late 1700s. This “Cabinet of Yale College” had been housed in multiple places around campus prior to the construction of the Peabody Museum. Some of the earliest collections came from exchanges between Benjamin Silliman (Anonymous 2024b) and Gideon Mantell (Anonymous 2024c), two well-known scientists of the early 1800s. It was not until 1876, when the first Peabody Museum building opened, that the museum had its own space Suppl. material 1. The appointment of paleontologist Charles Beecher (Anonymous 2024a) in 1888 gave the invertebrate paleontology collection its first dedicated staff member. Under Beecher the collections continued to grow with multiple accessions from Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. By the late 1860s, fossils from the American West were being shipped back to Yale by train. Dinosaurs described by O. C. Marsh (Anonymous 2024d) are the most well-known (particularly Brontosaurus, Triceratops, and Stegosaurus), but the invertebrate paleontology division received extensive collections of Western Interior Seaway specimens from the central portion of the United States. Charles Schuchert took over the division in 1904, bringing with him an extensive collection of brachiopods, which he continued to expand over his lifetime. Graduate student dissertation collections significantly added to the growth of the museum's holdings throughout the twentieth century. Significant additions in the last quarter century include the Samuel J. Ciurca (Anonymous 2024e) eurypterid collection, an Early Ordovician Fezouata Formation Lagerstätte collection, the CLIMAP (Climate: Long range Investigation, Mapping, And Prediction (Anonymous 2024f)) collection of Foraminifera slides and vials, and an incredibly diverse collection of Green River Formation insects (all of the catalogued specimens in these collections can be found on our search portal. Many fossils are on display in the newly renovated Yale Peabody Museum, which reopened in April of 2024 (Suppl. material 1).

Bottled or Tap Water? Factors Explaining Consumption and Measures to Promote Tap Water

The production and consumption of plastic bottled water have several negative environmental impacts worldwide. To identify the barriers and motivations for drinking tap and bottled water, we conducted a nationally representative questionnaire survey among 3411 respondents in the Czech Republic in 2022. People aged 18–34 are moderate consumers of bottled water and very frequent consumers of tap water. Bottled water consumption tends to be less frequent among people with a higher education, while tap water consumption is less frequent among people with lower incomes. The most important factors that explain the frequency of drinking bottled and tap water are taste perception, health concerns and habit. Health concerns about tap water and the unpleasant taste of tap water increase the consumption of bottled water. People with a strong habit of drinking tap water are less likely to consume bottled water. The constructs from the theory of planned behaviour were statistically significant. The results can guide decision-makers in promoting tap water to consumers. To encourage tap water drinking, we suggest measures to increase the availability of tap water in public places in conjunction with campaigns targeting the taste and health perception, as well as the habit, of drinking tap water.

Qualidade da água envasada consumida no estado de São Paulo: análise de substâncias inorgânicas

Introduction: The availability of different brands of bottled water on the national market, combined with the growing consumption by the population, makes it important to assess the quality of its chemical composition. Objective: To quantify inorganic chemical substances (nutrients and toxic metals) in samples of bottled water from national and imported sources consumed in the State of São Paulo, in compliance with legislation and compendiums; verify the parameters of inorganic elements indicated on labeling, as well as the recommended daily intake. Method: Determinations were carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: The evaluation indicated that 93.5% of the total of the 107 samples analyzed presented concentrations of inorganic chemical elements in accordance with the maximum values allowed in national legislation for all analytes (96.5% for national and 81.0% for imported), thus being considered suitable for human consumption. Discordant results were obtained for 6.5% for the elements chromium (2.3%) and selenium (1.2%) in national water and chromium (19.0%) in imported water. Levels above the recommended limits by the international compendia for sodium intake were quantified in an imported water sample that could cause illness in the body. Furthermore, the variability observed between the experimental results and values declared in the chemical composition tables (labeling) can lead consumers to purchase a product containing inadequate information, thereby harming their daily intake needs. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of establishing and maintaining continuous monitoring programs in the country to monitor the sanitary quality of food consumed by the population and thus protect population’s health.

Determination of Non Conformance to Standard of Atlantis Bottled Water Products in Gombe

Determination of Non Conformance to Standard of Atlantis Bottled Water Products in Gombe

Carbon Ink Enhanced Calcium Alginate-Based Hydrogel with Response Surface Methodology Optimized for Solar-Driven Salt-Tolerant Desalination.

The global shortage of freshwater resources is becoming more and more serious; therefore, it is necessary to obtain freshwater by desalinating seawater resources. Solar-driven interfacial photothermal evaporation, which is an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technology, has been used to desalinate seawater for water purification and production. Herein, the IPCA hydrogel with abundant pores consisting of carbon ink as a photothermal conversion material and PU sponge loaded with calcium alginate as a water transport medium was successfully prepared and used to obtain portable water. The parameters of the synthesized IPCA are optimized by Response Surface Methodology analysis, and it was found that the IPCA exhibits a high evaporation efficiency of 3.779 kg m-2 h-1 and up to 95.98% of photothermal conversion capacity under one solar intensity. It maintains a high evaporation efficiency and salt resistance after 10 cycles of evaporation in actual seawater. Moreover, IPCA shows a high removal of various organic dye pollutants in wastewater. The results suggest a new approach for the preparation of simple, efficient, and green solar evaporators in practical application.

Potentiometric analysis of fluoride in commonly consumed beverages: Method development, evaluation, and risk assessment

In this research paper, a potentiometric analytical method for the determination of Fluoride was developed and applied to analyse the most commonly consumed beverages. Considering all the beverages studied, the fluoride levels ranged from the detection limit (0.02 mg L−1) to 3.5 mg L−1, measured in tea samples obtained from an automatic dispenser. In conclusion, the investigated beverages do not pose a problem for humans if they are consumed in moderation. For coffees, barley-based drinks, infusions, chamomiles, herbal teas and teas, which are commonly prepared with tap or bottled water, the fluoride content of the water should also be added to the results obtained to assess the real contribution. The only drink potentially causing a risk, especially for children, could be tea prepared by infusing the leaves contained in paper filters because it contributes significantly to the daily dose of fluoride. This dose would increase if the fluoride contribution from water were taken into account.

Pengendalian Kualitas Produksi Air Minum Dalam Kemasan Menggunakan Peta Kendali

The most popular drinking water product produced by PT.X is the 220 ml glass packaging product. This product experienced the most production defects at 0.086% of total production. Based on observations that have been made, there are several problems that cause defective products, such as damaged packaging and poor water quality. So PT.X in maintaining production quality must improve the process of maintaining quality control. The aim of this research is in line with the problems faced by PT.X, namely controlling the quality of bottled drinking water using a decision on belief control chart. Control charts are used to monitor whether product defect data is statistically controlled or not. One of the control charts used to monitor whether product defect data is statistically controlled or not is the Decision on Belief control chart, because the Decision on Belief control chart is more sensitive to data shifts so that faster in detecting data that goes outside control limits or is out of control. Based on the graph of the results of the decision on belief control chart, of the 25 data there are 24 data that are out of the upper control limit and the lower control limit, meaning that the decision on belief control chart is sensitive to data shifts in detecting out of control data. Based on the results of the average run length calculation, it is concluded that the decision on belief control chart is weak in detecting out of control data because the shift value obtained is getting bigger.