Mineral Water Research Articles

Study of radon exposure, chemical and radiological characterization of spring mineral waters from Águas de Lindóia and Poços de Caldas, Brazil

Study of radon exposure, chemical and radiological characterization of spring mineral waters from Águas de Lindóia and Poços de Caldas, Brazil

Natural High Strontium Mineral Water Might Reduce Liver Protein Synthesis: A Non-Targeted Metabolomics Study in Rats.

Strontium-rich mineral water (strontium > 0.20mg/L) is the second largest type of mineral water on commercial drinking water market. Exposure to high levels of strontium through drinking water or soil may interfere with calcium metabolism and increase the risk of cardiovascular and skeletal diseases, but no in-depth mechanism has been disclosed to date. Data on liver metabolic alterations in rats resulted from drinking natural high strontium mineral water (strontium 26.06mg/L, SrHW) or tap water (filtered by activated carbon, strontium 0.49mg/L, TW) for 3months were obtained and analyzed with non-targeted metabolomics strategy. Compared with rats drinking TW, those drinking SrHW showed a significant change in 36 liver metabolites. Among them, 33 liver metabolites (including 14 amino acids, 6 carbohydrates, 4 short-chain fatty acids, 4 organic acids, 2 phenylpropanoic acids, 1 fatty acid, 1 peptide, and 1 bile acid) were down-regulated, and 3 (hydroxyphenyllactic acid, propionylcarnitine and S-adenosine homocysteine) were up-regulated. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism are most impacted. Furthermore, the serum prealbumin content also significantly decreased in rats drinking SrHW. Therefore, changes in liver metabolites and serum protein levels suggested that high concentration of strontium in water was associated with decreased liver protein synthesis; changes in liver metabolites suggested that high strontium was associated with decreased lipid levels. In conclusion, high strontium in water may exert a negative effect on protein synthesis, and further study on the dose-response relationship is necessary.

Purification of Liquid Fraction of Digestates from Different Origins-Comparison of Polymeric and Ceramic Ultrafiltration Membranes Used for This Purpose.

Circular economy, clean technologies, and renewable energy are key to climate protection and modern environmental technology. Recovering water and valuable minerals from the liquid fraction of digestate is in line with this strategy. Digestate, a byproduct of anaerobic methane fermentation in biogas plants, is a potential source of water, minerals for fertilizers, and energy rather than waste. This study examined digestate from municipal and agricultural biogas plants and highlights the need for research on both due to their differences. The use of membrane techniques for water recovery from liquid digestate offers an innovative alternative to conventional methods. This study used standalone membrane filtration and an integrated system to produce water suitable for agricultural use. Ceramic membranes with cut-offs of 1, 5, 15, and 50 kDa and polymeric membranes of polyethersulfone and regenerated cellulose with cut-offs of 10 and 30 kDa were tested. The results showed that the membrane material significantly affects the transport and separation properties. Higher cut-off values increased permeate flux across all membranes. Ceramic membranes were more susceptible to fouling in standalone ultrafiltration, but were more effective in purifying digestate than polymeric membranes. The best results were obtained with a ceramic membrane with a 1 kDa cut-off (for example, for the integrated process and the municipal digestate, the retention rates of COD, BOD5 and DOC were 69%, 62%, and 75%, respectively).

A turn-on fluorescent aptasensor for Pb2+ detection based on rhodamine B dye leakage from the internal cavity of hollow gold nanoparticles

In this project, a sensitive fluorescent aptasensor was fabricated to detect lead ions (Pb2+) by applying hollow gold nanoparticles (HGNPs) as a nano-carrier and rhodamine B (RDB) fluorescent dye as the signal agent. In the aptasensor that was created, the specific attachment of the aptamers to Pb2+ ions led to the release of aptamer from the chitosan (CTS) coated-HGNPs loaded with RDB, causing an increase in fluorescence intensity due to the leakage of RDB. The method demonstrated specific detection of the target analyte, achieving a detection limit (LOD) of 1 ppb and a broad linear dynamic range spanning from 2 to 1000 ppb. The aptasensor was able to accurately measure the concentration of Pb2+ in human serum, low-fat milk, and mineral water samples. The suggested biosensor, which offers the benefits of simplicity, user-friendliness, affordability, and high sensitivity, is well-suited for use with complex samples such as environmental and clinical samples.

Radioactivity Levels, Spatial Distribution, and Radiological Risk Assessment of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in Water Samples from Dhaka City and Savar, Bangladesh.

This investigation was conducted to measure the radioactivity levels of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in the 13 most popular branded bottled mineral water (BMW), 12 groundwater sources consumed in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, and six water samples collected from the nuclear object site at Savar, adjacent to Dhaka. The activity of 3H was measured by using a liquid scintillation counter, and a gamma-ray spectrometer with an HPGe detector was used to measure the activity of other radionuclides. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in BMW samples and groundwater were found to be 1.81 ± 0.43, 1.74 ± 0.40, 43.08 ± 6.23, 2.42 ± 0.16, and 1.61 ± 0.51, 1.69 ± 0.45, 57.42 ± 3.16, and 3.02 ± 0.19 Bq/L, respectively. In addition, the activity concentrations of identified radionuclides in water samples collected from Savar were found to be 1.59 ± 0.43, 1.53 ± 0.50, 99.83 ± 3.05, and 2.95 ± 0.20 Bq/L. With the exception of 3H, the activity concentration and the annual effective dose of 40K, 226Ra, and 228Ra surpassed the acceptable thresholds of the WHO. The combined activity of radium (Rac) also exceeds the USEPA recommended maximum permissible limit of 0.185 Bq/L. The excess lifetime cancer risk results were below the permissible threshold of 10-3 for radiological risks. Groundwater was subjected to an AAS analysis for common metals (Na, Mg, and Ca) and heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Cu, and Pb). The results showed that the heavy metals were below the detection limit. Radionuclide contents in groundwater of Dhaka city were mapped spatially using a GIS technique. Statistical analyses such as one-way ANOVA, one sample t test, and Pearson's correlation analysis were also performed. According to Pearson's correlation analysis, 228Ra is mostly responsible for radiation risk in BMW and groundwater.

Groundwater quality assessment using revised classical diagrams and compositional data analysis (CoDa): Case study of Wadi Ranyah, Saudi Arabia

This research aims to assess the status and chemical properties of groundwater in the shallow aquifer of the Wadi Ranyah region, Saudi Arabia, using robust statistical methods (CoDA) that take into account the unique characteristics of chemical analysis data from forty-five (45) groundwater samples collected in the Wadi Ranyah valley. A centered logarithmic transformation (clr) approach and isometric logarithmic transformation (ilr) plots for compositional data were utilized to determine the different water types and to understand the hydrogeochemical processes influencing groundwater chemistry in the region. The results of principal component analysis and K-means clustering reveal the existence of three groundwater groupings: (i) The first group occupies the recharge region with a relationship between trace metal elements (F, Pb, Mn, Zn), pH, and TDS, indicating the effect of alteration of igneous and metamorphic rock minerals. (ii) The second group characterizes the downstream part of the Al-Hujrah area with a relationship between calcium and nitrates, indicating the influence of agricultural activities. (iii) The third group, located in the Ranyah area, shows a relationship between major ions (Na+, SO42−, Mg2+, HCO3–, Cl−, K+), which explains water mineralization influenced by silicate weathering and evaporation phenomena. According to the modified Piper diagram (ilr Piper), two hydrochemical facies are identified. The upstream region is categorized as Ca-HCO3– while the downstream region is classified as Na-K-HCO3–. Calculated water quality index (WQI) values indicate that all Wadi Ranyah groundwater samples are of very poor quality (WQI > 300). This is due to higher concentrations of polluting elements (Pb, Mn and F), in particular the high lead concentrations which vary between 0.24 and 0.4 mg/L, and are well above the WHO limit (0.01 mg/L) for consumption of drinking water. The application of CoDA for the first time in the study region has provided a more detailed and reliable assessment of the mechanisms governing groundwater quality, permitting suggestions for the management of groundwater resources and defining future research needs.

Construction of novel π-bridged fluorescent probes for Fe2+ monitoring in living cells and foods.

Fe2+ plays a crucial role in biological systems as an essential trace element in the body. Iron is absorbed by the body through food and Fe2+ is also an important component of living cells; therefore, quantitative testing of Fe2+ in food and in living cells is of great importance. This paper presents the development of a novel π-bridge EDOT-based N-oxide turn-on fluorescent probe, designated as FeE, for the detection of Fe2+. The probe has been shown to exhibit excellent sensitivity, a favorable linear relationship between fluorescence signal intensity and Fe2+ concentration, and an effective immunity to interference. The probe has low cytotoxicity and has been successfully used to detect Fe2+ in cells using laser confocal fluorescence microscopy. It is also possible to determine the presence of Fe2+ in animal blood, spinach, apple juice, red wine, mineral water and metal cans.

Impact of diverse mineral hardness in electrodialysis water on the ionotropic gelation mechanism of low methoxyl pectin

In this study, the effect of desalinated lava seawater via electrodialysis (ED water) on the formation and properties of low methoxyl pectin (LMP) gels was investigated. Additionally, the syneresis, microstructure, gelation mechanism, and thermostability of the gel samples were analyzed. When the ED water content exceeded 25 %, pectin gels with viscosities and textures that differed from those of the sol were formed. The highest gel hardness (9.38 N) was observed when 50 % ED water was mixed with LMP. However, when 75 % ED water was added, the pore size of the LMP gel became the largest, and excess water was released from the gel, resulting in a weak gel strength (4.98 N). The formation and properties of the gel structure were found to be mainly due to the ionic bonds between the minerals in the ED water and the free carboxyl groups of pectin, and it was confirmed that the hydrogen bonds within the pectin chains also had an effect. These results suggest that the interaction between the ED water and LMP can be widely used in various industrial fields, including low-sugar gels or viscosity-enhancing agents with diverse rheological properties.

The unique chemical and microbiological signatures of an array of bottled drinking water.

The bottled drinking water market has seen significant growth and diversification, yet the selection criteria lack scientific basis, as all must adhere to stringent health standards. Prior studies predominantly focused on chemical quality, with limited assessments of microbial quality using methods prone to underestimation. Moreover, insufficient research explores the impact of packaging materials and temperatures optimal for mesophilic growth on microbial quality. To understand the unique characteristics and justify the distinction among different types of bottled waters, a comprehensive analysis encompassing both chemical and microbiological aspects is imperative. Addressing these gaps, our study examines 19 diverse bottled water brands comprising purified, mineral, artesian, and sparkling water types from Saudi Arabia and abroad. Our findings reveal distinct chemical compositions among bottled waters, with notable variations across types. Flow cytometry analysis reveals significant differences in bacterial content among water types, with natural mineral waters having the highest concentrations and treated purified waters the lowest. Bacterial content in plastic-bottled mineral water suggests it may be higher than in glass-bottled water. Flow cytometry fingerprints highlight separate microbial communities for purified and mineral waters. Additionally, temperatures favorable for mesophilic growth reveal varying microbial responses among different types of bottled waters. Some variation is also observed in mineral water bottled in plastic versus glass, suggesting potential differences that warrant further investigation. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identifies unique microbial taxa among different mineral waters. Overall, our study underscores that all bottled waters meet health regulations. Furthermore, the combined chemical and microbial profiles may serve as authenticity indicators for distinct bottled water types. This study can serve as a basis for future research on the environmental impact of bottled water transportation, suggesting that locally produced water may offer a more sustainable option.

The Role of Water in the Life of Living Organisms

The article discusses the biological, physical, and chemical properties of natural drinking and bottled mineral waters and examines their mechanism of effect on human health. It provides information on the criteria that drinking water must meet to be considered safe and offers a comparative analysis of mineral waters. The use of various types of mineral waters in the treatment of specific diseases is investigated. The physical and chemical indicators of mineral waters produced in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and their benefits are described. The research concludes that while proper and effective use of mineral waters is beneficial to human health, improper use without considering their composition can lead to serious safety issues.

PSXII-10 Post-weaning energy balance in dual-purpose replacement heifers (Giroland-Brown Swiss cross) confined-raised and grazing-raised before and after rainy season in tropical systems livestock

Abstract Common management of dual-purpose (Giroland-Brown Swiss cross) cattle in the Mexican Tropical region is to rear heifer replacement post-weaning in group pens. It is assumed that placing post-weaning heifers in group pens has more access to higher energy reserves due to the reduced foraging behavior. This study compared β-hydroxy-butyrate (BHB), body condition score (BCS), and average daily gain (ADG) in the post-weaning barn-raised and grazing-raised calves. Giroland-Brown Swiss cross (n = 8) were divided into 2 groups: confined-group (CG; n = 4) and grazing-group (GG; n = 4) for 4 mo (June to September). Both groups had ad libitum access to the same pasture (star grass; Cynodon plectostachyus) containing 6.5 % and 12.4 % crude protein (CP) during 2 regional seasons (drought and rainy season). Commercial concentrate was offered daily (0.5 kg; 17.5 % CP and 1 881 Mcal/kg net energy) at 1000 h. CG bunk feeders were refilled with pasture when empty during the day and mineral salts and water were provided at libitum to both groups. BHB was estimated monthly using a test strip (Freestyle Optium Neo, Witney UK). Additionally, BCS and ADG were estimated twice per month. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with a factorial design was implemented to assess BHB, BCS, and ADG as dependent variables and group treatment (GG and CG), month (4 levels), and season (drought and rainy) as independent variables. BHB values were not significant in the 2 treatment groups (GG: 300 ± 40 and CG: 230 ± 20 µmol/L; P > 0.05). The ADG (LS Means ± SEM) did not differ between treatment groups during drought season (GG: 419 ± 115 g compared with CG 310 ± 15 g; P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the ADG was significantly different between treatment groups during the rainy season (GG 790 ± 131 g compared with CG - 110 ± 63 g; P < 0.05). In addition, BCS was significantly different at the end of the experiment among treatment groups (GG: 3.13 ± 0.22 compared with CG: 2.6 ± 0.19). Our conclusion is that both management (grazing and confined) were equal to rear calves after weaning during the drought season. However, grazing the calves performed better (> ADG, and BCS) than confined management during the rainy season.

The Temporal Change in Ionised Calcium, Parathyroid Hormone and Bone Metabolism Following Ingestion of a Plant-Sourced Marine Mineral + Protein Isolate in Healthy Young Adults.

Background: An increase in plant-sourced (PS) nutrient intake is promoted in support of a sustainable diet. PS dietary minerals and proteins have bioactive properties that can affect bone health and the risk of fracture. Methods: In a group randomised, cross-over design, this study evaluated the post-ingestion temporal pattern of change in arterialised ionised calcium (iCa), parathyroid hormone (PTH), C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) for 4 h following ingestion of a novel supplement (SUPP) containing a PS marine multi-mineral + PS protein isolate. A diurnally matched intake of mineral water was used as a control (CON). Results: Compared to baseline, the change in iCa concentration was 0.022 (95% CI, 0.006 to 0.038, p = 0.011) mmol/l greater in SUPP than CON, resulting in a -4.214 (95% CI, -8.244 to -0.183, p = 0.042) pg/mL mean reduction in PTH, a -0.64 (95% CI, -0.199 to -0.008, p = 0.029) ng/mL decrease in the biomarker of bone resorption, CTX, and no change in the biomarker of bone formation, P1NP. Conclusions: When used as a dietary supplement, or incorporated into a food matrix, the promotion of PS marine multi-mineral and PS protein isolates may contribute to a more sustainable diet and overall bone health.

Perylene Diimide-based Fluorescent Aptasensor for Quantitative Analysis of Pb2+ Based on Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase-assisted Formation of Elongated Aptamer and Gold Nanoparticles.

Due to the exceedingly poisonous properties of Pb2+, it is imperative to conduct a thorough assessment of its quantity in both biological and environmental samples, as this is crucial for safeguarding public health. This study describes an economic turn-off fluorescent aptasensor for the quantitative analysis of Pb2+ employing 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic acid diimide (PTCDI) as a cost-effective fluorophore, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as separating agent and an elongated aptamer as both targeting agent and PTCDI loading site. The fundamental principle of the suggested fluorescent aptasensor, which is based on PTCDI, relies on detecting variations in the fluorescence intensity of PTCDI when an elongated aptamer (as single-stranded DNA) is present or absent. The advanced aptasensor is advantageous due to the elongation of the lead aptamer sequence length induced by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), resulting in enhanced sensitivity. The presence of Pb2+ and the centrifugation process causes the separation of the poly A-modified aptamer/Pb2+ conjugate from the poly T sequence. Hence, the interaction of PTCDI with the poly A moiety in the modified aptamer leads to a decrease in its fluorescence emission. The findings showcased that the fluorescent aptasensor exhibited exceptional specificity towards Pb2+ ions, while the biosensing platform accomplished an impressive detection limit of 3.7pM. Moreover, the suggested aptasensor utilizing PTCDI exhibits a commendable capability in quantitatively analyzing Pb2+ within human serum samples and mineral water.

Photochemical Origins of Iron Flocculation in Acid Mine Drainage.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) raises a global environmental concern impacting the iron cycle. Although the formation of Fe(III) minerals in AMD-impacted waters has previously been reported to be regulated by biological processes, the role of abiotic processes remains largely unknown. This study first reported that a photochemical reaction coupled with O2 significantly accelerated the formation of Fe(III) flocculates (i.e., schwertmannite) in the AMD, as evidenced by the comparison of samples from contaminated sites across different natural conditions at latitudes 24-29° N. Combined with experimental and modeling results, it is further discovered that the intramolecular oxidation of photogenerated Fe(II) with a five-coordinative pyramidal configuration (i.e., [(H2O)5Fe]2+) by O2 was the key in enhancing the photooxidation of Fe(II) in the simulated AMD. The in situ attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (ATR-FTIR), UV-vis spectroscopy, solvent substitution, and quantum yield analyses indicated that, acting as a precursor for flocculation, [(H2O)5Fe]2+ likely originated from both the dissolved and colloidal forms of Fe(III) through homogeneous and surface ligand-to-metal charge transfers. Density functional theory calculations and X-ray absorption spectroscopy results further suggested that the specific oxidation pathways of Fe(II) produced the highly reactive iron species and triggered the hydrolysis and formation of transient dihydroxo dimers. The proposed new pathways of Fe cycle are crucial in controlling the mobility of heavy metal anions in acidic waters and enhance the understanding of complicated iron biochemistry that is related to the fate of contaminants and nutrients.

Role of Gender in Shaping Consumer Responses to Doctor Influencer: Insights into Brand Perceptions and Repurchase Intentions in the Indonesian Mineral Water Industry

This study investigates the effectiveness of influencer marketing, focusing on Dr. Reisa's endorsement of Le Minerale mineral water in Indonesia. It examines how influencer attributes, such as physical attractiveness, familiarity, expertise, success appeal, and congruency, influence consumer attitudes and repurchase intentions. This study examined the impact of influencer marketing on brand perception and consumer behavior, particularly in the digital era. It challenges traditional marketing theories by analyzing the role of various influencer attributes in shaping consumer attitudes. The primary aim of this study is to assess the unique effects of influencer characteristics on brand attitudes and repurchase intentions, with a special focus on the role of gender as a moderating variable in influencer marketing. This study utilized a survey-based approach to evaluate the impact of influencer attributes—physical attractiveness, familiarity, expertise, success appeal, and congruency on consumer attitudes and repurchase intentions toward Le Minerale’s mineral water. Targeting consumers familiar with Dr. Reisa's endorsement, the survey collects quantitative data to analyze how these attributes, along with gender as a moderating variable, influence brand perception in the digital marketing context. This study reveals that Dr. Reisa's physical attractiveness does not significantly impact brand attitudes, challenging traditional marketing beliefs. However, gender has emerged as a key moderator influencing how attractiveness affects brand perception. Contrary to expectations, familiarity with the influencer has no significant effect on brand attitudes, suggesting a shift in digital audience engagement. Notably, expertise, success appeal, and congruency significantly influence brand attitudes, with gender enhancing the impact of congruency. These insights offer a new perspective on influencer marketing, emphasizing the importance of expertise, success appeal, congruency, and gender considerations, thereby providing marketers with strategic guidance in the digital landscape.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF HYDRATE FORMATION PECULIARITIES FOR CONDITIONS OF THE TURNO AND CENOMANIAN DEPOSITS: Part II

This paper is the second part of the research devoted to the study of hydrate formation features for the conditions of Turonian and Cenomanian deposits. The launch of new gas projects at the Turon and Senoman production facilities in Western Siberia provided a good opportunity to critically analyze the known methods of protecting production, gathering and transportation facilities of the gas field from the formation of solid gas hydrates. The paper presents the experience of implementing a program of laboratory studies of conditions of gas hydrate formation with their subsequent processing and in-depth analysis. The research program covered the area of thermobaric parameters typical for the conditions of Turon-Senoman deposits exploitation with localization of hydrate-hazardous areas in the conditions of Technological Regimes for full development. The description of laboratory studies is given, in which two gas compositions of Senoman and Turon objects, different variants of mineralization and ionic composition corresponding to formation and condensation water, as well as hydrate formation conditions under changing dosages of basic inhibitor on the basis of methanol were considered. The details of the experiment based on the method of swinging cells and the subsequent analysis of the results of the completed experiments to determine the thermobaric conditions of formation and decomposition of hydrates are given. The main features of the experiment are specified, estimates of the rate of change of the influencing parameters of the experiment on its quality are given. In the process of implementation of the experimental program, the optimal values of these parameters were selected, which allowed us to significantly reduce the variation of experimental results to determine the thermobaric conditions of hydrate formation. It is experimentally established that the temperature of hydrate decomposition is higher than the temperature of its formation at all investigated gas compositions and water mineralization.

Verification and application of qPCR and viability-qPCR for Legionella monitoring in evaporative cooling systems complementing the conventional culture method

To date, in many countries the only legally valid method for evaporative cooling system (ECS) monitoring is the culture method. However, a duration of up to 14 days and a risk of underestimation of Legionella concentrations are seen as limitations of cultivation methods. Rapid cultivation-independent methods are an important step towards a more practicable monitoring of ECS to quickly control interventions if elevated concentrations of Legionella are found.Two commercial kits for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and viability-qPCR (v-qPCR) were studied, comprising sample filtration and DNA extraction. Cryopreserved Legionella pneumophila were established as calibration standard with intact (ILC) and total Legionella count (TLC) determined by flow cytometry before conducting spiking experiments in commercial mineral water and artificial process water. Final assessment was carried out using real ECS samples.Recovery and robustness ranged from 86 to 108 % for qPCR with a drop to 40–60 % for v-qPCR when compared to direct extraction, possibly attributable to cell damage during sample concentration. All methods including culture did perform well regarding linearity with R2 ≥ 0.95 for most trials. Detected concentrations in comparison to spiked Legionella counts differed with culture averaging 25 ± 7 % of spiked ILC and v-qPCR being closest to spiked concentrations with 65–144 %. In comparison, qPCR was several fold above spiked TLC concentrations. For real ECS samples Legionella spp. were detected in concentrations above 103 GU/100 mL by v-qPCR in 70–92 % of samples, depending on the kit used. Most of these samples were either culture-negative or not evaluable on agar plates.This study showed that a cryopreserved bacterial standard based examination is applicable and can be used for future v-qPCR verification. For assessment of differences in results between culture and v-qPCR/qPCR in ECS samples expert knowledge about the operating mode and used analytical methods is required. Guidelines addressing this issue could be a solution.

Perceived and Physical Quality of Drinking Water in Pavlodar and Akmola Rural Regions of Kazakhstan

Water quality in rural areas of developing countries is a notable problem. In this article, drinking water quality from eleven villages in the Pavlodar and the Akmola region of Kazakhstan was analyzed. Questionnaires of village respondents and chemical components of drinking water were analyzed to identify the quality of drinking water. In each of the villages, the chemical content varied depending on the source of drinking water. In the rural Pavlodar region, we observed that some cations and anions exceed the MPC. Respondents’ perceptions of water quality are associated with water sources and physical components. For example, respondents’ satisfaction by inside tap of central water systems’ water was high, the answers of those whose water source was private wells showed more mixed satisfaction levels. The drinking water physical quality indicators are closely related to water mineralization and general hardness. The total microbial count of drinking water has a significant relationship with respondents’ complaints about unpleasant taste, odor, and salinity. The relationship between perceived and physical water quality is a critical aspect of water resource management. By bridging the gap between scientific assessments and public perceptions, we can enhance public health, build trust in water management systems, and promote sustainability of water use.

Chemical and isotopic constraints on fluid origin and genesis of geothermal systems in the Tingri-Tangra Yumco rift, southern Tibetan Plateau

Numerous geothermal systems are hosted by extensional rifts that transect the Himalayas and Lhasa block in the Himalayan–Tibetan orogen. However, the relationships between hydrogeological processes and geothermal fluid circulation in different tectonic units remain unclear. Here, we report an integrated dataset of chemical and isotopic compositions (including major and trace elements, δD, δ18O, and 87Sr/86Sr) of thermal spring water from the Tingri-Tangra Yumco rift to assess their origins and circulation processes. δ18O (− 21.3 to − 17.0‰) and δD (− 166 to − 135‰) values of thermal springs indicate dominant recharge of meteoric waters from areas with elevation of > 6000 m and minor addition of magmatic fluids. Meteoric water could infiltrate to depths of about 1700–2900 m along the faults, whereby it is influenced by geothermal gradient and/or conductive heat transfer of magmatic fluids. The thermal spring waters are mainly Na-HCO3 type and are controlled by dissolution of silicate and carbonate minerals and mixing with deep fluids. The results of chemical and multicomponent geothermometers indicate reservoir temperatures of 115 − 195 ℃, corresponding to a convection heat flux of 3.96 × 105 J/s to 1.78 × 107 J/s from geothermal systems, which are comparable to that of the low-enthalpy geothermal systems in southern Italy. Geochemical modeling is conducted to assess the water–mineral equilibria in the reservoir. Trace elements and 87Sr/86Sr data suggest spatially variable controlling factors for the rift-related geothermal systems: (1) interaction with granitoid and carbonate in the Himalayas; (2) cold groundwater mixing with that leaching from granite and volcanic rocks in the Lhasa block; (3) the input of vapors from magmatic degassing. The geochemistry of thermal springs associated with extensional rift is largely induced by the interaction between fluid and different reservoir rocks in the Himalayas and Lhasa block. Based on these findings, a genetic model is proposed for exploration and development of geothermal resources in the Tingri-Tangra Yumco rift.

The Effects of Peloid and Balneotherapy on Arthritis: A Systematic Review

Background: Over the decades, the prevalence of arthritis in the United States has skyrocketed. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. According to the National Arthritis Data Workgroup, more than 22% of American adults (which is equivalent to over 52.5 million people) suffer from arthritis or a rheumatic condition. Of those diagnosed with arthritis, 7.3% of people are aged 18-44, 30.3% are 45-64 years old, and 49.7% are over the age of 65. Women are also more prone to developing this disease than men; 26% of women have been diagnosed with arthritis whereas 19.1% of men have been diagnosed with arthritis. Researchers estimated that by 2030, the number of people who will be diagnosed with arthritis will increase to 67 million. There are three most common types of arthritis, two of which will be the focus of this systematic literature review, these include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by degeneration of cartilage as well as bony overgrowth while rheumatoid arthritis, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease affecting the joints of the body. Peloid and balneotherapy dates to the ancient past. Humans searching for healing remedies in the surrounding nature, discovered the healing effects of heat, cold and radiation solar and mineral waters. Instinct and observation of the world paved the way for natural but effective ways to treat pain. This literature review will be focused on the effects of peloid and balneotherapy on reducing the symptoms of arthritis and thus improving quality of life. Purpose: The purpose of this targeted systematic literature review is to examine the relationship between the treatment of peloid and balneotherapy on patients with arthritis in reducing pain, arthritic symptoms and increasing their quality of life. Methodology: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Science Direct databases. The search terms included balneotherapy, peloid therapy, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, quality of life, rehabilitation, physical activity, and pain management. Inclusion criteria: 18-65 years, published within the last 10 years, interventions related to peloid and balneotherapy, or both. An evidence level of 2b or higher was required for the inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria includes not evaluating interventions of interest and therapeutic interventions for arthritis which are not peloid or balneotherapy related. A total of five articles (n = 5) were included in this systematic literature review. The original search criteria yielded 61 research articles related to the topic, which were then screened with the inclusion criteria with a remaining of five articles which were utilized in this review. Results: A systematic literature review of five studies was performed. Five clinical studies measured the effectiveness of balneotherapy and/or peloid therapy and there was significant difference between the groups in WOMAC pain, stiffness, and function scores and in the VAS. Discussion: This review indicates that balneotherapy and peloid therapy were effective in reducing pain, stiffness, improving function as assessed by the WOMAC and VAS scores.