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Ferreira FDG, Carlon P, Fongaro G, Magri ME. Recycling composted human feces as biofertilizer for crop production: Assessment of soil and lettuce plant tissue contamination by Escherichia coli and human adenovirus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172375. [PMID: 38604372 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Using waste from sewage systems, particularly human excreta, could save resources and increase soil fertility, contributing to nutrient management. However, because of the pathogenic content in human feces, this resource can pose health risks to farmers and consumers. Therefore, this work analyzed the behavior of the microorganisms: Escherichia coli ATCC13706 and human adenovirus (HAdV-2) in the soil and the internal part of the plant tissue during the vegetative stage after applying spiked composted human feces as biofertilizer. In a greenhouse, we simulated the application of the biofertilizer in lettuce cultivation by spiking three concentrations of E. coli (6.58, 7.31, and 8.01 log10 CFU.g-1) and HAdV-2 (3.81, 3.97, and 5.92 log10 PFU.g-1). As a result, we achieved faster decay in soil at higher concentrations of E. coli. We estimated linear decay rates of -0.07279, -0.09092, and -0.115 days, corresponding to T90s of 13.7, 11.0, and 8.6 days from higher to smaller concentrations of E. coli, respectively. The estimated periods for the inactivation of 4 logarithmic units of E. coli bacteria in soil are longer than the cultivation period of lettuce for all concentrations studied. Concerning the bacterial contamination in plants, we found E. coli in the internal part of the leaves at the highest concentration tested during the first three weeks of the experiment. Furthermore, HAdV-2 was found in roots at a stable concentration of 2-2.3 log10 PFU.g-1 in five of the six samples analyzed. Therefore, bacterial infection could pose a risk, even if fresh greens are washed before consumption, especially for short-term cultures. Regarding viral infection, a positive result in the roots after disinfection may pose a risk to root and tubercule vegetables. These discoveries highlight the importance of conducting comprehensive evaluations of hygiene practices in incorporating organic amendments in crops, explicitly aiming to minimize the risk of post-contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Daniela Goncalves Ferreira
- Laboratory of Resource Recovery in Sanitation Systems Group - RReSSa, Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Technological Center, Florianopolis 88040-610, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Priscila Carlon
- Laboratory of Resource Recovery in Sanitation Systems Group - RReSSa, Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Technological Center, Florianopolis 88040-610, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Fongaro
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Biological Sciences Center, Florianopolis 88040-610, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Magri
- Laboratory of Resource Recovery in Sanitation Systems Group - RReSSa, Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Technological Center, Florianopolis 88040-610, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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Nguyen AT, Grembi JA, Riviere M, Barratt Heitmann G, Hutson WD, Athni TS, Patil A, Ercumen A, Lin A, Crider Y, Mertens A, Unicomb L, Rahman M, Luby SP, Arnold BF, Benjamin-Chung J. Influence of Temperature and Precipitation on the Effectiveness of Water, Sanitation, and Handwashing Interventions against Childhood Diarrheal Disease in Rural Bangladesh: A Reanalysis of the WASH Benefits Bangladesh Trial. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:47006. [PMID: 38602833 PMCID: PMC11008709 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally. Household water, sanitation, and handwashing (WASH) interventions can reduce exposure to diarrhea-causing pathogens, but meteorological factors may impact their effectiveness. Information about effect heterogeneity under different weather conditions is critical to refining these targeted interventions. OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine whether temperature and precipitation modified the effect of low-cost, point-of-use WASH interventions on child diarrhea. METHODS We analyzed data from a trial in rural Bangladesh that compared child diarrhea prevalence between clusters (N = 720 ) that were randomized to different WASH interventions between 2012 and 2016 (NCT01590095). We matched temperature and precipitation measurements to diarrhea outcomes (N = 12,440 measurements, 6,921 children) by geographic coordinates and date. We estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) using generative additive models and targeted maximum likelihood estimation to assess the effectiveness of each WASH intervention under different weather conditions. RESULTS Generally, WASH interventions most effectively prevented diarrhea during monsoon season, particularly following weeks with heavy rain or high temperatures. The PR for diarrhea in the WASH interventions group compared with the control group was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.68) after 1 d of heavy rainfall, with a less-protective effect [PR = 0.87 (95% CI: 0.60, 1.25)] when there were no days with heavy rainfall. Similarly, the PR for diarrhea in the WASH intervention group compared with the control group was 0.60 (95% CI: 0.48, 0.75) following above-median temperatures vs. 0.91 (95% CI: 0.61, 1.35) following below-median temperatures. The influence of precipitation and temperature varied by intervention type; for precipitation, the largest differences in effectiveness were for the sanitation and combined WASH interventions. DISCUSSION WASH intervention effectiveness was strongly influenced by precipitation and temperature, and nearly all protective effects were observed during the rainy season. Future implementation of these interventions should consider local environmental conditions to maximize effectiveness, including targeted efforts to maintain latrines and promote community adoption ahead of monsoon seasons. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13807.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna T. Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jessica A. Grembi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Marie Riviere
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - William D. Hutson
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tejas S. Athni
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arusha Patil
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ayse Ercumen
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Audrie Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Yoshika Crider
- King Center on Global Development, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Andrew Mertens
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Leanne Unicomb
- Environmental Health and WASH, Health System and Population Studies Division, ICDDR,B, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Environmental Health and WASH, Health System and Population Studies Division, ICDDR,B, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Stephen P. Luby
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Benjamin F. Arnold
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jade Benjamin-Chung
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
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Wang Y, Ma B, Zhao J, Tang Z, Li W, He C, Xia D, Linden KG, Yin R. Rapid Inactivation of Fungal Spores in Drinking Water by Far-UVC Photolysis of Free Chlorine. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:21876-21887. [PMID: 37978925 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Effective and affordable disinfection technology is one key to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6. In this work, we develop a process by integrating Far-UVC irradiation at 222 nm with free chlorine (UV222/chlorine) for rapid inactivation of the chlorine-resistant and opportunistic Aspergillus niger spores in drinking water. The UV222/chlorine process achieves a 5.0-log inactivation of the A. niger spores at a chlorine dosage of 3.0 mg L-1 and a UV fluence of 30 mJ cm-2 in deionized water, tap water, and surface water. The inactivation rate constant of the spores by the UV222/chlorine process is 0.55 min-1, which is 4.6-fold, 5.5-fold, and 1.8-fold, respectively, higher than those of the UV222 alone, chlorination alone, and the conventional UV254/chlorine process under comparable conditions. The more efficient inactivation by the UV222/chlorine process is mainly attributed to the enhanced generation of reactive chlorine species (e.g., 6.7 × 10-15 M of Cl•) instead of hydroxyl radicals from UV222 photolysis of chlorine, which is verified through both experiments and a kinetic model. We further demonstrate that UV222 photolysis damages the membrane integrity and benefits the penetration of chlorine and radicals into cells for inactivation. The merits of the UV222/chlorine process over the UV254/chlorine process also include the more effective inhibition of the photoreactivation of the spores after disinfection and the lower formation of chlorinated disinfection byproducts and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyi Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Ben Ma
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Zhuoyun Tang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Wanxin Li
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Chun He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Dehua Xia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Karl G Linden
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Ran Yin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
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Balasooriya BMJK, Rajapakse J, Gallage C. A review of drinking water quality issues in remote and indigenous communities in rich nations with special emphasis on Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166559. [PMID: 37633366 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
This review paper examines the drinking water quality issues in remote and Indigenous communities, with a specific emphasis on Australia. Access to clean and safe drinking water is vital for the well-being of Indigenous communities worldwide, yet numerous challenges hinder their ability to obtain and maintain water security. This review focuses on the drinking water-related issues faced by Indigenous populations in countries such as the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. In the Australian context, remote and Indigenous communities encounter complex challenges related to water quality, including microbial and chemical contamination, exacerbated by climate change effects. Analysis of water quality trends in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory reveals concerns regarding various pollutants with very high concentrations in the source water leading to levels exceeding recommended drinking water limits such as hardness, turbidity, fluoride, iron, and manganese levels after limited treatment facilities available in these communities. Inadequate water quality and quantity contribute to adverse health effects, particularly among Indigenous populations who may resort to sugary beverages. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive approaches encompassing testing, funding, governance, appropriate and sustainable treatment technologies, and cultural considerations. Collaborative efforts, risk-based approaches, and improved infrastructure are essential to ensure equitable access to clean and safe drinking water for remote and Indigenous communities, ultimately improving health outcomes and promoting social equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M J Kalpana Balasooriya
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Jay Rajapakse
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia.
| | - Chaminda Gallage
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD 4001, Australia.
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Sammarro Silva KJ, Lima AR, Dias LD, de Souza M, Nunes Lima TH, Bagnato VS. Hydrogen peroxide preoxidation as a strategy for enhanced antimicrobial photodynamic action against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:1922-1932. [PMID: 38153721 PMCID: wh_2023_245 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial photodynamic treatment (aPDT) is a photooxidative process based on the excitation of a photosensitizer (PS) in the presence of molecular oxygen, under specific wavelengths of light. It is a promising method for advanced treatment of water and wastewater, particularly targeting disinfection challenges, such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). Research in improved aPDT has been exploring new PS materials, and additives in general. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) a widely applied disinfectant, mostly in the food industry and clinical settings, present environmentally negligible residuals at the usually applied concentrations, making it friendly for the water and wastewater sectors. Here, we explored the effects of preoxidation with H2O2 followed by blue light-mediated (450 nm) aPDT using curcumin (a natural-based PS) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Results of the sequential treatment pointed to a slight hampering in aPDT efficiency at very low H2O2 concentrations, followed by an increasing cooperative effect up to a deleterious point (≥7 log10 inactivation in CFU mL-1), suggesting a synergistic interaction of preoxidation and aPDT. The increased performance in H2O2-pretreated aPDT encourages studies of optimal operational conditions for the assisted technology and describes potentials for using the described strategy to tackle the issue of ARB spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Jessie Sammarro Silva
- Environmental Biophotonics Laboratory, São Carlos Institute of Physics (IFSC), University of São Paulo (USP), 13563-120 São Carlos/SP, Brazil E-mail:
| | - Alessandra Ramos Lima
- Environmental Biophotonics Laboratory, São Carlos Institute of Physics (IFSC), University of São Paulo (USP), 13563-120 São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Danilo Dias
- Laboratório de Novos Materiais, Universidade Evangélica de Goiás, Anápolis 75083-515, GO, Brazil
| | - Mariana de Souza
- Environmental Biophotonics Laboratory, São Carlos Institute of Physics (IFSC), University of São Paulo (USP), 13563-120 São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Thalita Hellen Nunes Lima
- Environmental Biophotonics Laboratory, São Carlos Institute of Physics (IFSC), University of São Paulo (USP), 13563-120 São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato
- Environmental Biophotonics Laboratory, São Carlos Institute of Physics (IFSC), University of São Paulo (USP), 13563-120 São Carlos/SP, Brazil; Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University College of Engineering, 3127 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-3127, USA
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Denpetkul T, Pumkaew M, Sittipunsakda O, Sresung M, Chyerochana N, Kongprajug A, Rattanakul S, Patarapongsant Y, Mongkolsuk S, Sirikanchana K. Quantitative microbial risk assessment of the gastrointestinal risks to swimmers at Southeast Asian urban beaches using site-specific and combined autochthonous and fecal bacteria exposure data. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:165818. [PMID: 37517714 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Recreational exposure to microbial pollution at urban beaches poses a health risk to beachgoers. The accurate quantification of such risks is crucial in managing beaches effectively and establishing warning guidelines. In this study, we employed a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) framework to assess marine water quality and estimate the risks associated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, an autochthonous pathogen that causes gastrointestinal illnesses, and enterococci, a traditional fecal bacteria indicator. The microbial contamination levels of V. parahaemolyticus and enterococci were determined from 48 water samples collected at two beaches in Thailand during dry and wet seasons. The accidentally ingested water volumes were obtained through a survey involving 438 respondents. The probability of illness (Pill) was estimated using dose-response models and Monte Carlo simulation. The results revealed that enterococci posed a higher risk of illness than V. parahaemolyticus at all seven study sites. The median combined gastrointestinal (GI) risk from both bacteria at all sites met the US EPA risk benchmark of 0.036 and the 0.05 benchmark set by the WHO, but the 95th percentile risk data at all sites exceeded the benchmarks. This emphasizes the need for the continuous monitoring and management of microbial pollution at these sites. The site-specific exposure data showed higher estimated risks with increased variations compared to the WHO-referenced values, which highlights the significance of locally measured microbial concentrations and survey exposure data to avoid underestimation. Estimating the risks from recreational exposure to waterborne bacteria can inform beach management policies aimed at reducing public health risks to swimmers. The study findings improve the understanding of the risks associated with water recreation activities at Southeast Asian beaches and offer valuable insights for the development of water quality guidelines, which are crucial for the sustainable development of the blue economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thammanitchpol Denpetkul
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Monchai Pumkaew
- Environmental Engineering and Disaster Management Program, School of Multidisciplinary, Mahidol University, Kanchanaburi Campus, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
| | - Oranoot Sittipunsakda
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Montakarn Sresung
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Natcha Chyerochana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Akechai Kongprajug
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Surapong Rattanakul
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
| | - Yupin Patarapongsant
- Behavioral Research and Informatics in Social Sciences Research Unit (RU-BRI), SASIN School of Management, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Skorn Mongkolsuk
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kwanrawee Sirikanchana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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7
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Panizzolo M, Gea M, Carraro E, Gilli G, Bonetta S, Pignata C. Occurrence of human pathogenic viruses in drinking water and in its sources: A review. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 132:145-161. [PMID: 37336605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Since many waterborne diseases are caused by human pathogenic viruses, virus monitoring of drinking water (DW) and DW sources is crucial for public health. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the occurrence of human pathogenic viruses in DW and DW sources; the occurrence of two viruses proposed as novel indicators of human faecal contamination (Pepper mild mottle virus and Tobacco mosaic virus) was also reported. This research was focused on articles that assessed viral occurrence using molecular methods in the surface water used for DW production (SW-D), groundwater used for DW production (GW-D), DW and bottled-DW (BW). A total of 1544 studies published in the last 10 years were analysed, and 79 were ultimately included. In considering the detection methods, filtration is the most common concentration technique, while quantitative polymerase chain reaction is the most common quantification technique. Regarding virus occurrence in SW-D, GW-D, and DW, high percentages of positive samples were reported for adenovirus, polyomavirus and Pepper mild mottle virus. Viral genomes were frequently detected in SW-D and rarely in GW-D, suggesting that GW-D may be a safe DW source. Viral genomes were also detected in DW, posing a possible threat to human health. The lowest percentages of positive samples were found in Europe, while the highest were found in Asia and South America. Only three articles assessed viral occurrence in BW. This review highlights the lack of method standardization and the need for legislation updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Panizzolo
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Gea
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonetta
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Cristina Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
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Lenaker PL, Corsi SR, De Cicco LA, Olds HT, Dila DK, Danz ME, McLellan SL, Rutter TD. Modeled predictions of human-associated and fecal-indicator bacteria concentrations and loadings in the Menomonee River, Wisconsin using in-situ optical sensors. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286851. [PMID: 37289789 PMCID: PMC10249839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human sewage contamination of waterways is a major issue in the United States and throughout the world. Models were developed for estimation of two human-associated fecal-indicator and three general fecal-indicator bacteria (HIB and FIB) using in situ optical field-sensor data for estimating concentrations and loads of HIB and FIB and the extent of sewage contamination in the Menomonee River in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Three commercially available optical sensor platforms were installed into an unfiltered custom-designed flow-through system along with a refrigerated automatic sampler at the Menomonee River sampling location. Ten-minute optical sensor measurements were made from November 2017 to December 2018 along with the collection of 153 flow-weighted discrete water samples (samples) for HIB, FIB, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and optical properties of water. Of those 153 samples, 119 samples were from event-runoff periods, and 34 were collected during low-flow periods. Of the 119 event-runoff samples, 43 samples were from event-runoff combined sewer overflow (CSO) influenced periods (event-CSO periods). Models included optical sensor measurements as explanatory variables with a seasonal variable as an interaction term. In some cases, separate models for event-CSO periods and non CSO-periods generally improved model performance, as compared to using all the data combined for estimates of FIB and HIB. Therefore, the CSO and non-CSO models were used in final estimations for CSO and non-CSO time periods, respectively. Estimated continuous concentrations for all bacteria markers varied over six orders of magnitude during the study period. The greatest concentrations, loads, and proportion of sewage contamination occurred during event-runoff and event-CSO periods. Comparison to water quality standards and microbial risk assessment benchmarks indicated that estimated bacteria levels exceeded recreational water quality criteria between 34 and 96% of the entire monitoring period, highlighting the benefits of high-frequency monitoring compared to traditional grab sample collection. The application of optical sensors for estimation of HIB and FIB markers provided a thorough assessment of bacterial presence and human health risk in the Menomonee River.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L. Lenaker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Steven R. Corsi
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Laura A. De Cicco
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Hayley T. Olds
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Debra K. Dila
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Mari E. Danz
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sandra L. McLellan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Troy D. Rutter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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Health risks of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the application of surface water and septic tank effluent in Chinese agriculture: Impact on cancer patients identified by quantitative microbial risk assessment. Food Microbiol 2023; 111:104213. [PMID: 36681401 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2022.104213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The protozoa Cryptosporidium and Giardia are major causes of diarrhea and are commonly found on vegetables in China. They pose a health risk, particularly to immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients. A quantitative microbial risk assessment of Chinese data evaluated the risks of Cryptosporidium and Giardia exposure arising from the application of surface water and septic tank effluent to agricultural land. Exposure via agricultural produce consumption (consumers) and agricultural practices (farmers) was considered for subpopulations of cancer patients and immunocompetent people in urban and rural areas, and risk mitigation scenarios were modelled. The cumulative disease burdens attributable to cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis were, respectively, 9.68×10-6 and 5.57×10-5 disability-adjusted life years per person per year (DALYs pppy) for immunocompetent people, and 3.14×10-5 and 1.51×10-4 DALYs pppy for cancer patients. Cancer patients were approximately three times more likely to have an individual disease burden than immunocompetent people. The disease burden was higher for consumers than farmers, and higher in rural areas than urban areas (all exceeding the maximum recommended by the World Health Organization). The highest burdens were in provinces of high population, such as Henan, Guangdong, and Sichuan, while the burden associated with human and livestock fecal effluent application was higher than with surface water irrigation. Of the three vegetables studied, lettuce posed the greatest risk, followed by bok choy, while cucumber posed the least risk. Risk mitigation scenario analysis showed that pre-treatment of surface water and feces, and appropriate post-harvest handling of vegetables, including disinfection, cooking, and adequate surface heat treatment (75 °C for 60 s), should be considered when attempting to reduce disease burdens. The methodology and findings of this study are useful for evaluating and reducing the burden of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections associated with agricultural irrigation and fertilization practices, particularly on cancer patients.
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Huang Q, Huang S, Li B, Xiong Y, Kuang W, Xiao S, Yi J, Zhao F, Xiao G. Spatially explicit model of the Cryptosporidium and Giardia disease burden from surface and ground waters in urban and rural areas of the Three Gorges Reservoir watershed in Chongqing, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:37127-37142. [PMID: 36571686 PMCID: PMC10039849 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24690-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia (major causes of diarrhea) are widely distributed in Chinese source waters and threaten human health. A new spatially explicit GloWPa-TGR-Crypt-Giar C1 model is presented to simultaneously estimate mean monthly (oo)cyst concentrations in surface and ground waters in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) watershed. A quantitative risk assessment of protozoal infections considered different source waters, transmission pathways, regions, susceptible subpopulations, and drinking water treatments. Monthly mean Cryptosporidium oocyst and Giardia cyst concentrations ranged between 0.5-19.3 oocysts/10 L and 0.2-5.0 cysts/10 L in surface water, respectively, and 0.007-0.3 oocysts/10 L and 0.002-0. 2 cysts/10 L in groundwater. The cumulative disease burdens attributable to cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis were, respectively, 5.77×10-5 DALYs (disability-adjusted life years/person/year) and 4.63×10-6 DALYs in urban areas, and 6.35×10-4 DALYs and 8.84×10-5 DALYs in rural areas, which were much higher than the reference risk level recommended by the World Health Organization ([Formula: see text] DALYs). The annual burden associated with consuming surface water was calculated to be 3.84×10-4 DALYs for Cryptosporidium and [Formula: see text] DALYs for Giardia, whereas consuming groundwater entailed the lower burdens (1.26×10-5 and 3.50×10-6 DALYs, respectively). Most DALYs were a consequence of consumption of directly supplied surface water. Fifty percent of the health burden was carried by immunodeficiency with HIV. Children (0-4 years) were more likely to have an individual disease burden than adults (15-64 years). Males were more susceptible than females. Improving sanitation through adequate ozone and microfiltration treatment should be considered when attempting to reduce disease burden. Sensitivity analysis highlighted the importance of reducing (oo)cyst loads to protect the watershed. The methodology and results described will help in evaluating and reducing the burden of protozoal infection associated with surface and ground waters in the TGR and similar watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404130, China
| | - Shan Huang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404130, China
| | - Yanhong Xiong
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404130, China
| | - Weijie Kuang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404130, China
| | - Shunxin Xiao
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404130, China
| | - Jianghui Yi
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404130, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404130, China
| | - Guosheng Xiao
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404130, China.
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11
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Musaazi IG, McLoughlin S, Murphy HM, Rose JB, Hofstra N, Tumwebaze IK, Verbyla ME. A systematic review and meta-analysis of pathogen reduction in onsite sanitation systems. WATER RESEARCH X 2023; 18:100171. [PMID: 37250291 PMCID: PMC10214292 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The safe management of fecal sludge from the 3.4 billion people worldwide that use onsite sanitation systems can greatly reduce the global infectious disease burden. However, there is limited knowledge about the role of design, operational, and environmental factors on pathogen survival in pit latrines, urine diverting desiccation toilets, and other types of onsite toilets. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to characterize pathogen reduction rates in fecal sludge, feces, and human excreta with respect to pH, temperature, moisture content, and the use of additives for desiccation, alkalinization, or disinfection. A meta-analysis of 1,382 data points extracted from 243 experiments described in 26 articles revealed significant differences between the decay rates and T99 values of pathogens and indicators from different microbial groups. The overall median T99 values were 4.8 days, 29 days, >341 days, and 429 days for bacteria, viruses, protozoan (oo)cysts, and Ascaris eggs, respectively. As expected, higher pH values, higher temperatures, and the application of lime all significantly predicted greater pathogen reduction rates but the use of lime by itself was more effective for bacteria and viruses than for Ascaris eggs, unless urea was also added. In multiple lab-scale experiments, the application of urea with enough lime or ash to reach a pH of 10 - 12 and a sustained concentration of 2,000 - 6,000 mg/L of non-protonated NH3-N reduced Ascaris eggs more rapidly than without urea. In general, the storage of fecal sludge for 6 months adequately controls hazards from viruses and bacteria, but much longer storage times or alkaline treatment with urea and low moisture or heat is needed to control hazards from protozoa and helminths. More research is needed to demonstrate the efficacy of lime, ash, and urea in the field. More studies of protozoan pathogens are also needed, as very few qualifying experiments were found for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac G. Musaazi
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States
| | - Shane McLoughlin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Heather M. Murphy
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joan B. Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Nynke Hofstra
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University, the Netherlands
| | - Innocent K. Tumwebaze
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Matthew E. Verbyla
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States
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12
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Singh S, Jayaram R. Attainment of water and sanitation goals: a review and agenda for research. SUSTAINABLE WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 2022; 8:146. [PMID: 36033358 PMCID: PMC9396604 DOI: 10.1007/s40899-022-00719-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
One-fourth of the global population is without basic drinking water and half of the global population lacks sanitation facilities. The attainment of water and sanitation targets is difficult due to administrative, operational, political, transborder, technical, and policy challenges. Conducted after 5 years from the adoption of sustainable development goals by the United Nations reviews the initiatives for improving access, quality, and affordability of water and sanitation. The bibliometric and thematic analyses are conducted to consolidate the outcomes of scientific papers on sustainable development goal 6 (SDG 6). Africa is struggling in relation with water and sanitation goals, having 17 countries with less than 40% basic drinking water facilities and 16 countries with less than 40% basic sanitation facilities. Globally, the attainment of water and sanitation goals will be depended on economic development, the development of revolutionary measures for wastewater treatment, and creating awareness related to water usage, water recycling, water harvesting, hygiene, and sanitation. Behavioral changes are also required for a new water culture and the attainment of water and sanitation goals by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeet Singh
- University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab 140413 India
- University School of Business, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab 140413 India
| | - R. Jayaram
- University School of Business, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab 140413 India
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13
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Mahdhi N, Alsaiari NS, Amari A, Chakhoum MA. Effect of TiO 2 Nanoparticles on Capillary-Driven Flow in Water Nanofilters Based on Chitosan Cellulose and Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanocomposites: A Theoretical Study. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14142908. [PMID: 35890682 PMCID: PMC9320925 DOI: 10.3390/polym14142908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a novel concept of nanofiltration process of drinking water based on capillary-driven nanofiltration is demonstrated using a bio-based nanocomposites’ nanofilter as free power: a green and sustainable solution. Based on Lifshitz and Young–Laplace theories, we show that the chitosan (CS), cellulose acetate (CLA), and Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer matrixes demonstrate hydrophobic behavior, which leads to the draining of water from nanopores when negative capillary pressure is applied and consequently prevents the capillary-driven nanofiltration process. By incorporating 10%, 20%, and 30% volume fraction of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) to the polymers’ matrixes, we demonstrate a wetting conversion from hydrophobic to hydrophilic behavior of these polymer nanocomposites. Subsequently, the threshold volume fraction of the TiO2 NPs for the conversion from draining (hydrophobic) to filling (hydrophilic) by capillary pressure were found to be equal to 5.1%, 10.9%, and 13.9%, respectively, for CS/TiO2, CLA/TiO2, and PVDF/TiO2 nanocomposites. Then, we demonstrated the negligible effect of the gravity force on capillary rise as well as the capillary-driven flow for nanoscale pore size. For nanofilters with the same effective nanopore radius, porosity, pore shape factor, and tortuosity, results from the modified Lucas–Washburn model show that the capillary rise as well as the capillary-driven water volume increase with increased volume fraction of the TiO2 NPs for all nanocomposite nanofilter. Interestingly, the capillary-driven water volume was in range (5.26–6.39) L/h·m2 with 30% volume fraction of TiO2 NPs, which support our idea for capillary-driven nanofiltration as zero energy consumption nano-filtration process. Correspondingly, the biodegradable CS/TiO2 and CLA/TiO2 nanocomposites nanofilter demonstrate capillary-driven water volume higher, ~1.5 and ~1.2 times, respectively, more than the synthetic PVDF/TiO2 nanocomposite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noureddine Mahdhi
- Laboratory Materials Organizations and Properties, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
- Correspondence: (N.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Norah Salem Alsaiari
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdelfattah Amari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 61411, Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratory of Processes, Energetics, Environment and Electrical Systems, National School of Engineers, Gabes University, Gabes 6072, Tunisia
- Correspondence: (N.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Mohamed Ali Chakhoum
- Laboratoire des Sciences de la Matière Condensée (LSMC), Université Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella, Oran 31100, Algeria;
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14
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Zhang C, Liu N, Ming J, Sharma A, Ma Q, Liu Z, Chen G, Yang Y. Development of a novel solar energy controllable Linear fresnel photoreactor (LFP) for high-efficiency photocatalytic wastewater treatment under actual weather. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 208:117880. [PMID: 34837811 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Solar-energy-enabled photocatalysis is promising for wastewater treatment. However, due to the changes in the solar position and variable weather conditions, providing optimized light and temperature for photocatalysis under actual weather remains to be a technical difficulty. In this study, a novel Linear fresnel photoreactor (LFP) was firstly developed for wastewater treatment. LFP could achieve effective adjustment of sunlight by flexibly controlling 6 mirrors according to solar position and weather conditions. On sunny condition, LFP could maintain the optimal light irradiance and temperature, while on overcast condition it could provide the highest possible light irradiance and temperature. In the comparative experiments between LFP and Inclined Plate Collector (IPC) (as control reactor) which passively receive sunlight, the Rhodamine B degradation efficiencies in LFP were 2.19 folds, 1.5 folds and 2.28 folds higher than control under the temporarily overcast, totally to slightly overcast and sunny conditions, respectively. In addition, the efficiencies of Amoxicillin degradation and Escherichia coli disinfection in LFP were also 2 folds and 1.37 folds higher than control in sunny conditions, respectively. Furthermore, whole-year estimation indicated that LFP is effective to optimize light irradiance and temperature in typical densely populated areas of the world to achieve high-efficiency wastewater treatment. These results proved that LFP, as an effective solar energy controllable reactor, has great potential in promoting the development of green wastewater treatment infrastructure to improve global public health and achieve eco-friendly society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
| | - Na Liu
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
| | - Jie Ming
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
| | - Aditya Sharma
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
| | - Qiansu Ma
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
| | - Zhiyuan Liu
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
| | - Guoping Chen
- Research Centre for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Yingnan Yang
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan.
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15
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Sojobi AO, Zayed T. Impact of sewer overflow on public health: A comprehensive scientometric analysis and systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111609. [PMID: 34216613 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Sewer overflow (SO), which has attracted global attention, poses serious threat to public health and ecosystem. SO impacts public health via consumption of contaminated drinking water, aerosolization of pathogens, food-chain transmission, and direct contact with fecally-polluted rivers and beach sediments during recreation. However, no study has attempted to map the linkage between SO and public health including Covid-19 using scientometric analysis and systematic review of literature. Results showed that only few countries were actively involved in SO research in relation to public health. Furthermore, there are renewed calls to scale up environmental surveillance to safeguard public health. To safeguard public health, it is important for public health authorities to optimize water and wastewater treatment plants and improve building ventilation and plumbing systems to minimize pathogen transmission within buildings and transportation systems. In addition, health authorities should formulate appropriate policies that can enhance environmental surveillance and facilitate real-time monitoring of sewer overflow. Increased public awareness on strict personal hygiene and point-of-use-water-treatment such as boiling drinking water will go a long way to safeguard public health. Ecotoxicological studies and health risk assessment of exposure to pathogens via different transmission routes is also required to appropriately inform the use of lockdowns, minimize their socio-economic impact and guide evidence-based welfare/social policy interventions. Soft infrastructures, optimized sewer maintenance and prescreening of sewer overflow are recommended to reduce stormwater burden on wastewater treatment plant, curtail pathogen transmission and marine plastic pollution. Comprehensive, integrated surveillance and global collaborative efforts are important to curtail on-going Covid-19 pandemic and improve resilience against future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tarek Zayed
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
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16
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Pereira MA, Marques RC. Sustainable water and sanitation for all: Are we there yet? WATER RESEARCH 2021; 207:117765. [PMID: 34731660 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The lack of access to water and sanitation services (WSS) of a considerable share of the world population has been challenging the international community for decades. The proposal of the Millennium Development Goals and, later on, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations (UN) intended to act as a blueprint to achieve a more equitable future for all and, in the case of WSS, "Ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all" (SDG 6). However, the current global pandemic further emphasised the importance of WSS, given the increasing asymmetries faced by billions worldwide, and the gaps between high-income and low- and middle-income nations. For this reason, understanding whether low- and middle-income countries have been approximating towards or deviating from the SDG 6 is crucial to derive and communicate key information for the sake of improved public governance and political decision-making. In this paper, we extend a state-of-the-art methodology based on data envelopment analysis for assessing the convergence of the low- and middle-income UN Member States regarding the SDG 6 between 2016 and 2017. We find that, on average, not only did the Member States converge by decreasing the performance spread and the gap between the best and worst practice frontiers, but also the Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources was the indicator in which the majority exhibited the worst performances. In the end, we derive possible policy implications, which, as our results show, are aligned with the recent UN reports on the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Alves Pereira
- CEG-IST, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal; CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Rui Cunha Marques
- CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
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17
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Liu ZH, Dang Z, Liu Y. Legislation against endocrine-disrupting compounds in drinking water: essential but not enough to ensure water safety. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:19505-19510. [PMID: 33620688 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12901-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Since the last several decades, there has been a growing concern on the presence of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in potable water due to their negative impacts on public health of mankind. As such, more and more EDCs have been regulated in many national drinking water quality standards. Given this situation, this work attempted to deliberately offer new insights into some remaining scientific challenges, i.e., (1) what should the allowable EDC concentration be in drinking water?; (2) should the main chlorinated byproducts of EDCs be regulated in potable water?; and (3) what concentration should be regulated for each chlorinated EDC? It is expected that these could help to better design the water quality regulations for EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Hua Liu
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
- Key Lab Pollution Control & Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Cluster, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Environment Risk Prevention and Emergency Disposal, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhi Dang
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Center, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, CleanTech One, 637141, Singapore
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
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