1
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Woolf AD, Stierman BD, Barnett ED, Byron LG. Drinking Water From Private Wells and Risks to Children. Pediatrics 2023; 151:190542. [PMID: 36995188 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-060645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Drinking water for approximately 23 million US households is obtained from private wells. These wells can become contaminated by pollutant chemicals or pathogenic organisms, leading to significant illness. Although the US Environmental Protection Agency and all states offer guidance for construction, maintenance, and testing of private wells, most states only regulate the construction of new private water wells. With a few exceptions, there is little regulation after construction. Well owners are responsible for their own wells. Children may also drink well water at child care or when traveling. Illness resulting from children’s ingestion of contaminated water can be severe. This report reviews relevant aspects of groundwater and wells; describes the common chemical and microbiologic contaminants; gives an algorithm with recommendations for inspection, testing, and remediation for wells providing drinking water for children; and provides references and Internet resources for more information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Woolf
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bryan D Stierman
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth D Barnett
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lori G Byron
- Indian Health Service (retired), SCL Health, Billings, Montana
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2
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Bradley PM, Romanok KM, Smalling KL, Focazio MJ, Charboneau R, George CM, Navas-Acien A, O’Leary M, Red Cloud R, Zacher T, Breitmeyer SE, Cardon MC, Cuny CK, Ducheneaux G, Enright K, Evans N, Gray JL, Harvey DE, Hladik ML, Kanagy LK, Loftin KA, McCleskey RB, Medlock-Kakaley EK, Meppelink SM, Valder JF, Weis CP. Tapwater Exposures, Effects Potential, and Residential Risk Management in Northern Plains Nations. ACS ES&T WATER 2022; 2:1772-1788. [PMID: 36277121 PMCID: PMC9578051 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.2c00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In the United States (US), private-supply tapwater (TW) is rarely monitored. This data gap undermines individual/community risk-management decision-making, leading to an increased probability of unrecognized contaminant exposures in rural and remote locations that rely on private wells. We assessed point-of-use (POU) TW in three northern plains Tribal Nations, where ongoing TW arsenic (As) interventions include expansion of small community water systems and POU adsorptive-media treatment for Strong Heart Water Study participants. Samples from 34 private-well and 22 public-supply sites were analyzed for 476 organics, 34 inorganics, and 3 in vitro bioactivities. 63 organics and 30 inorganics were detected. Arsenic, uranium (U), and lead (Pb) were detected in 54%, 43%, and 20% of samples, respectively. Concentrations equivalent to public-supply maximum contaminant level(s) (MCL) were exceeded only in untreated private-well samples (As 47%, U 3%). Precautionary health-based screening levels were exceeded frequently, due to inorganics in private supplies and chlorine-based disinfection byproducts in public supplies. The results indicate that simultaneous exposures to co-occurring TW contaminants are common, warranting consideration of expanded source, point-of-entry, or POU treatment(s). This study illustrates the importance of increased monitoring of private-well TW, employing a broad, environmentally informative analytical scope, to reduce the risks of unrecognized contaminant exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Bradley
- U.S.
Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina 29210, United States
| | | | - Kelly L. Smalling
- U.S.
Geological Survey, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648, United States
| | | | - Robert Charboneau
- Spirit
Lake Tribe Office of Environmental Health, Fort Totten, North Dakota 58335, United States
| | - Christine Marie George
- Johns
Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Columbia
University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Marcia O’Leary
- Missouri
Breaks Industries Research Inc., Eagle Butte, South Dakota 57625, United States
| | - Reno Red Cloud
- Oglala
Sioux Tribe Natural Resources Regulatory Agency, Pine Ridge, South Dakota 57770, United States
| | - Tracy Zacher
- Missouri
Breaks Industries Research Inc., Eagle Butte, South Dakota 57625, United States
| | | | - Mary C. Cardon
- U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Christa K. Cuny
- Missouri
Breaks Industries Research Inc., Eagle Butte, South Dakota 57625, United States
| | - Guthrie Ducheneaux
- Missouri
Breaks Industries Research Inc., Eagle Butte, South Dakota 57625, United States
| | - Kendra Enright
- Missouri
Breaks Industries Research Inc., Eagle Butte, South Dakota 57625, United States
| | - Nicola Evans
- U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - James L. Gray
- U.S.
Geological Survey, Lakewood, Colorado 80228-3742, United States
| | - David E. Harvey
- Indian Health Service/HHS, Rockville, Maryland 20857, United States
| | | | - Leslie K. Kanagy
- U.S.
Geological Survey, Lakewood, Colorado 80228-3742, United States
| | - Keith A. Loftin
- U.S.
Geological Survey, Lawrence, Kansas 66049, United States
| | | | | | | | - Joshua F. Valder
- U.S. Geological
Survey, Rapid City, South Dakota 57702, United States
| | - Christopher P. Weis
- National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United
States
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3
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Romero-Reyes MA, Heemstra JM. Sequestration and Removal of Multiple Small-Molecule Contaminants Using an Optimized Aptamer-Based Ultrafiltration System. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:2043-2051. [PMID: 34478279 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Small-molecule toxins pose a significant threat to human health and the environment, and their removal is made challenging by their low molecular weight. Aptamers show promise as affinity reagents for binding these toxins, and recently, aptamers have been utilized for both sensing and remediation applications. We found that functionalization of ultrafiltration membranes with aptamers provides a convenient scaffold for toxin sequestration, but our initial efforts in this area were limited by low functionalization efficiencies and the ability to only capture a single target molecule. Herein, we describe detailed optimization of our aptamer-functionalized ultrafiltration membrane system and subsequent use for simultaneous removal of multiple small-molecule toxins. We examine multiple critical components involved in fabricating and functionalizing the membranes, including PEG polymer molecular weight for membrane fabrication, grafting conditions for pMAA attachment, and coupling reagents for aptamer functionalization. This screening enabled us to identify a set of unique conditions in which we were able to achieve high flux, near quantitative yield for DNA attachment, and effective overall depletion of both toxins and bacterial cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate the attachment of multiple aptamers and subsequent parallel removal of atrazine, bisphenol A, and microcystin-LR in a complex lake water matrix. Our rigorous evaluation resulted in depletion of multiple small-molecule toxins, contaminants, and microorganisms, demonstrating the potential of aptamer-functionalized membranes as point-of-use decontamination systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer M Heemstra
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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4
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Kim MR, Heo J, Kim SS, Shin EC, Boo CG, Kwak HS. Effect of Filter Types on Physicochemical Properties, Volatile Compounds, and Sensory Evaluations of Purified Water by Point-of-Use Water Treatment. Foods 2021; 10:1958. [PMID: 34441735 PMCID: PMC8393615 DOI: 10.3390/foods10081958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated purified water from four different filter types for removing minerals, anions, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and affecting sensory perception and consumer acceptability. Ultrafiltration (UF), CSM-ultrafiltration (CU), alumina nanofiber (AN), and reverse osmosis (RO) filters were used for a point-of-use water treatment system with a pre-carbon filter (PR) and post-carbon filter (PO). Filters efficiently removed VOCs, which could negatively affect the sensory perception of water. The total VOC concentration of tap water (TW) (14.97 µg/Kg) was reduced by 70% by the PR, 75.3-88.7% by the PR-main filter, and >97% by the PR-RO-PR. Using the polarized sensory position test, the subjects clearly discriminated TW from the samples; however, most of the purified water was not. The difference in the mean ratings of consumer acceptability among the purified samples was <1 except for PR-RO-PO in consumer testing. These results suggested that although there are differences in the capability of different filter types to eliminate minerals, anions, and VOCs, overall consumers did not identify sensory differences among them, and demonstrated similar consumer acceptability of the purified water produced. Simply applying a pre-carbon filter for TW treatment is enough to minimize VOCs, which negatively influence consumer acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Ran Kim
- Research Group of Food Processing, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun 55465, Korea; (M.-R.K.); (S.S.K.)
| | - JeongAe Heo
- Technical Assistance Center, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun 55465, Korea;
| | - Sang Sook Kim
- Research Group of Food Processing, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun 55465, Korea; (M.-R.K.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Department of Food Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si 52725, Korea; (E.-C.S.); (C.G.B.)
| | - Chang Guk Boo
- Department of Food Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si 52725, Korea; (E.-C.S.); (C.G.B.)
| | - Han Sub Kwak
- Research Group of Food Processing, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun 55465, Korea; (M.-R.K.); (S.S.K.)
- KFRI School, University of Science and Technology, Wanju-gun 55465, Korea
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5
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Bradley PM, LeBlanc DR, Romanok KM, Smalling KL, Focazio MJ, Cardon MC, Clark JM, Conley JM, Evans N, Givens CE, Gray JL, Earl Gray L, Hartig PC, Higgins CP, Hladik ML, Iwanowicz LR, Loftin KA, Blaine McCleskey R, McDonough CA, Medlock-Kakaley EK, Weis CP, Wilson VS. Public and private tapwater: Comparative analysis of contaminant exposure and potential risk, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 152:106487. [PMID: 33752165 PMCID: PMC8268049 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humans are primary drivers of environmental contamination worldwide, including in drinking-water resources. In the United States (US), federal and state agencies regulate and monitor public-supply drinking water while private-supply monitoring is rare; the current lack of directly comparable information on contaminant-mixture exposures and risks between private- and public-supplies undermines tapwater (TW) consumer decision-making. METHODS We compared private- and public-supply residential point-of-use TW at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where both supplies share the same groundwater source. TW from 10 private- and 10 public-supply homes was analyzed for 487 organic, 38 inorganic, 8 microbial indicators, and 3 in vitro bioactivities. Concentrations were compared to existing protective health-based benchmarks, and aggregated Hazard Indices (HI) of regulated and unregulated TW contaminants were calculated along with ratios of in vitro exposure-activity cutoffs. RESULTS Seventy organic and 28 inorganic constituents were detected in TW. Median detections were comparable, but median cumulative concentrations were substantially higher in public supply due to 6 chlorine-disinfected samples characterized by disinfection byproducts and corresponding lower heterotrophic plate counts. Public-supply applicable maximum contaminant (nitrate) and treatment action (lead and copper) levels were exceeded in private-supply TW samples only. Exceedances of health-based HI screening levels of concern were common to both TW supplies. DISCUSSION These Cape Cod results indicate comparable cumulative human-health concerns from contaminant exposures in private- and public-supply TW in a shared source-water setting. Importantly, although this study's analytical coverage exceeds that currently feasible for water purveyors or homeowners, it nevertheless is a substantial underestimation of the full breadth of contaminant mixtures documented in the environment and potentially present in drinking water. CONCLUSION Regardless of the supply, increased public engagement in source-water protection and drinking-water treatment, including consumer point-of-use treatment, is warranted to reduce risks associated with long-term TW contaminant exposures, especially in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mary C Cardon
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Nicola Evans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - L Earl Gray
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christopher P Weis
- U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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6
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Kidd J, Westerhoff P, Maynard A. Survey of industrial perceptions for the use of nanomaterials for in-home drinking water purification devices. NANOIMPACT 2021; 22:100320. [PMID: 35559977 PMCID: PMC9106971 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2021.100320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As businesses, specifically technology developers and industrial suppliers, strive to meet growing demand for higher quality drinking water, the use of engineered nanomaterials in commercial point-of-use (POU) in-home water purification devices are becoming an increasingly important option. Anecdotally, some businesses appear wary of developing and marketing nanomaterial-enabled devices because of concerns that they will face onerous regulation and consumer pushback. However, little of substance is known about business perceptions of and attitudes toward the use of engineered nanomaterials in POU water purification devices, or how these compare with consumer perceptions. To address this knowledge-gap, we administered a 14-question survey among 65 participants from US-based industrial companies focused on drinking water purification. Our results indicate that the dominant concerns for businesses are costs and public perceptions associated with nanomaterial-enabled POU devices for drinking water purification. Cost-specific barriers include competition from more conventional technologies, and tensions between operational versus capital costs. 57% of respondents were concerned or very concerned that public perceptions will influence the long-term viability of nanomaterial-enabled POU devices for drinking water purification. 49% of respondents stated that government regulation of nanomaterials would be the preferred approach to ensure public safety, followed by the certification of POU devices (28%). When asked about specific nanomaterials and their potential use in POU devices for drinking water purification, respondents ranked carbon nanotubes as the nanomaterial with highest concern for environmental health and safety, followed by silver, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and copper. Respondents ranked nanoclays as the nanomaterial with highest likelihood for public acceptance, followed by silica, cerium oxide, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Kidd
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-3005, United States; Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Aiken, SC 29808, United States.
| | - Paul Westerhoff
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-3005, United States
| | - Andrew Maynard
- School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-3005, United States
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7
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Under-Sink Activated Carbon Water Filters Effectively Remove Lead from Private Well Water for over Six Months. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12123584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Children who rely on private well water in the United States have been shown to be at greater risk of having elevated blood lead levels. Evidence-based solutions are needed to prevent drinking water lead exposure among private well users, but minimal data are available regarding the real-world effectiveness of available interventions like point-of-use water treatment for well water. In this study, under-sink activated carbon block water filters were tested for lead and other heavy metals removal in an eight-month longitudinal study in 17 homes relying on private wells. The device removed 98% of all influent lead for the entirety of the study, with all effluent lead levels less than 1 µg/L. Profile sampling in a subset of homes showed that the faucet fixture is a significant source of lead leaching where well water is corrosive. Flushing alone was not capable of reducing first-draw lead to levels below 1 µg/L, but the under-sink filter was found to increase the safety and effectiveness of faucet flushing. The results of this study can be used by individual well users and policymakers alike to improve decision-making around the use of under-sink point-of-use devices to prevent disproportionate lead exposures among private well users.
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8
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Sangkarak S, Phetrak A, Kittipongvises S, Kitkaew D, Phihusut D, Lohwacharin J. Adsorptive performance of activated carbon reused from household drinking water filter for hexavalent chromium-contaminated water. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 272:111085. [PMID: 32854889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Powdered activated carbon blocks (PACBs) are waste products obtained from household drinking water purification systems. In this study, we demonstrate that they can be used as adsorbents for the cost-effective and environmentally benign removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from contaminated-water and rinse electroplating wastewater. To evaluate Cr(VI) sorption onto the PACB, studies on equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics were performed using batch mode experiments. The experimental results indicated that Cr(VI) ions were efficiently adsorbed under acidic conditions (i.e., at initial pH below 3) and low initial Cr(VI) concentrations. The adsorptive behaviors of the PACB for Cr(VI) were well explained by the Langmuir isotherm, as well as pseudo-second-order kinetic models, suggesting that a Cr(VI) monolayer was adsorbed onto the PACB surface via chemisorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) onto the PACB was determined to be 6.207 mg/g. The results of thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process of Cr(VI) onto PACB was endothermic and non-spontaneous. Additionally, analysis of the PACB after Cr(VI) adsorption at an initial pH of 2 using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the interaction between the surface oxygenic functional groups on the PACB and Cr(VI) was primarily responsible for Cr(VI) sorption via surface complexation and electrostatic interactions. Based on the result of XPS analysis, the presence of trivalent chromium on the PACB surfaces indicated that some synergistic redox reactions involving Cr(VI) could have occurred during the sorption process. Although a commercially available powdered activated carbon outperformed the PACB adsorbent with respect to Cr(VI) removal from wastewater, complete Cr(VI) adsorption could be achieved using relatively large quantities of the PACB. These findings indicate that the PACB adsorbent could be used as a cheap and efficient material for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirirat Sangkarak
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Athit Phetrak
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | | | - Duangta Kitkaew
- Department of Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Doungkamon Phihusut
- Environmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jenyuk Lohwacharin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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9
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Tracy JW, Guo A, Liang K, Bartram J, Fisher M. Sources of and Solutions to Toxic Metal and Metalloid Contamination in Small Rural Drinking Water Systems: A Rapid Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7076. [PMID: 32992630 PMCID: PMC7579501 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to toxic metals and metalloids (TMs) such as arsenic and lead at levels of concern is associated with lifelong adverse health consequences. As exposure to TMs from paint, leaded gasoline, canned foods, and other consumer products has decreased in recent decades, the relative contribution of drinking water to environmental TM exposure and associated disease burdens has increased. We conducted a rapid review from June to September 2019 to synthesize information on the sources of TM contamination in small rural drinking water systems and solutions to TM contamination from these sources, with an emphasis on actionable evidence applicable to small rural drinking water systems worldwide. We reviewed publications from five databases (ProQuest, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Global Health Library) as well as grey literature from expert groups including WHO, IWA, and others; findings from 61 eligible review publications were synthesized. Identified sources of TMs in included studies were natural occurrence (geogenic), catchment pollution, and corrosion of water distribution system materials. The review found general support for preventive over corrective actions. This review informs a useful planning and management framework for preventing and mitigating TM exposure from drinking water based on water supply characteristics, identified contamination sources, and other context-specific variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Wren Tracy
- The Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.)
| | - Amy Guo
- The Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.)
| | - Kaida Liang
- The Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.)
| | - Jamie Bartram
- The Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.)
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Michael Fisher
- The Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.)
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10
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Chesley N, Meier H, Luo J, Apchemengich I, Davies WH. Social factors shaping the adoption of lead-filtering point-of-use systems: an observational study of an MTurk sample. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2020; 18:505-521. [PMID: 32833677 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2020.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Some municipalities are promoting lead-filtering point-of-use (POU) systems to minimize the risk of lead exposure through drinking water, often targeting use at racial minorities and low-income households. However, links among social inequality markers and adoption of these systems are not well understood. Survey data on adoption and use of POU systems were collected from a U.S. Mechanical Turk (MTurk) sample (N = 2,867) in March 2018. We use logistic regression to assess the association of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and lead-filtering POU adoption. We also examined key health behaviors related to POU systems. We found that race and SES are indirectly predictive of lead-filtering POU adoption through the propensity of some respondents to report a residence with a lead service line and levels of concern and knowledge about lead exposure. In addition, individuals with similar levels of concern about lead in water have lower odds of adopting a POU system if they have lower, rather than higher, incomes. Among POU adopters, while confidence in correct use of these devices was relatively high, the frequency of filtered water use for cooking was lower than drinking frequency. Overall, these findings inform health policies aimed at mitigating risk of lead exposure through water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle Chesley
- University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, 3210 N. Maryland Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA E-mail:
| | - Helen Meier
- Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jake Luo
- Health Informatics & Administration, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - W Hobart Davies
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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11
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Prakash O, Mhatre AM, Tripathi R, Pandey AK, Yadav PK, Khan SA, Maiti P. Fabrication of Conducting Nanochannels Using Accelerator for Fuel Cell Membrane and Removal of Radionuclides: Role of Nanoparticles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:17628-17640. [PMID: 32208641 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c02845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Latent tracks in pure polymer and its nanohybrid are fabricated by irradiating with swift heavy ions (SHI) (Ag+) having 140 MeV energy followed by selective chemical etching of the amorphous path, caused by the irradiation of SHI, to generate nanochannels of size ∼80 nm. Grafting is done within the nanochannels utilizing free radicals generated from the interaction of high-energy ions, followed by tagging of ionic species to make the nanochannels highly ion-conducting. The uniform dispersion of two-dimensional nanoparticles better controls the size and number density of the nanochannels and, thereby, converts them into an effective membrane. The nanoparticle and functionalization induce a piezoelectric β-phase in the membrane. The functionalized membrane removes the radioactive nuclide like 241Am+3 (α-emitting source) efficiently (∼80% or 0.35 μg/cm2) from its solution/waste. This membrane act as a corrosion inhibitor (92% inhibition efficiency) together with its higher proton conduction (0.13 S/m) ability. The higher ion-exchange capacity, water uptake, ion conduction, and high sorption by the nanohybrid membrane are explored with respect to the extent of functionalization and control over nanochannel dimension. A membrane electrode assembly has been fabricated to construct a complete fuel cell, which exhibits superior power generation (power density of 45 mW/cm2 at a current density of 298 mA/cm2) much higher than that of the standard Nafion, measured in a similar condition. Further, a piezoelectric matrix along with its anticorrosive property, high sorption characteristics, and greater power generation makes this class of material a smart membrane that can be used for many different applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Om Prakash
- School of Materials Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Amol M Mhatre
- Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India
| | - Rahul Tripathi
- Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Ashok K Pandey
- Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India
| | - Pravesh Kumar Yadav
- School of Materials Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Saif A Khan
- Inter University Accelerator Centre, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067, India
| | - Pralay Maiti
- School of Materials Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221 005, India
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K'oreje KO, Okoth M, Van Langenhove H, Demeestere K. Occurrence and treatment of contaminants of emerging concern in the African aquatic environment: Literature review and a look ahead. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 254:109752. [PMID: 31733478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Awareness about the rising detection and reported (eco)toxicological effects of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs, e.g. pharmaceuticals and personal care products - PPCPs - and modern pesticides) in the aquatic environment is growing. CECs are increasingly reported in the African aquatic environment, although the amount of data available is still limited. In this work, a comprehensive review is presented on the occurrence of CECs in wastewater, sludge, surface water, sediment, groundwater and drinking water of Africa. Further attention is given to the performance of wastewater stabilization ponds (WSPs) and trickling filters (TF) with respect to CECs removal. For the first time, we also look at the state of knowledge on the performance of point-of-use technologies (POUs) regarding the removal of CECs in drinking water. Generally, CECs in Africa occur at the same order of magnitude as in the Western world. However, for particular groups of compounds and at specific locations such as informal settlements, clearly higher concentrations are reported in Africa. Whereas antiretroviral and antimalarial drugs are rarely detected in the Western world, occurrence patterns in Africa reveal concentrations up to >100 μg L-1. Removal efficiencies of WSPs and TFs focus mainly on PPCPs and vary significantly, ranging from no removal (e.g. carbamazepine) to better than 99.9% (e.g. paracetamol). Despite the rising adoption of POUs, limited but promising information is available on their performance regarding CECs treatment in drinking water, particularly for the low-cost devices (e.g. ceramic filters and solar disinfection - SODIS) being adopted in Africa and other developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Otieno K'oreje
- Research Group Environmental Organic Chemistry and Technology (EnVOC), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium; Water Resources Authority (WRA), P.O. Box 45250, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, School of Science, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya.
| | - Maurice Okoth
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, School of Science, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya; Kenya Methodist University, P.O. Box 267-60200, Meru, Kenya.
| | - Herman Van Langenhove
- Research Group Environmental Organic Chemistry and Technology (EnVOC), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kristof Demeestere
- Research Group Environmental Organic Chemistry and Technology (EnVOC), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Verhougstraete MP, Gerald JK, Gerba CP, Reynolds KA. Cost-benefit of point-of-use devices for lead reduction. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 171:260-265. [PMID: 30690272 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead exposure represents a significant human health concern that often occurs with little warning to the consumer. Water lead levels can be mitigated by point-of-use (POU) devices such as reverse osmosis, distillation, or activated carbon with lead reduction media. OBJECTIVES This study assessed a partial cost-benefit of residential installation of POU devices to reduce lead concentrations in drinking water and examined the economic impact at the community level based on exposures reported in Flint, Michigan. METHODS We calculated the individual consumer breakeven point for each lead abatement option by subtracting the lifetime cost of device installation and maintenance from the lifetime cost of lead exposure through its impact on intelligence (IQ) and lifetime earnings. This approach was then extrapolated to the community level based on reported lead exposures in Flint, Michigan. RESULTS Based on operating POU device costs, lead absorption from water, and economic losses associated with reduced IQ, initial water lead levels associated with consumer breakeven points for reverse osmosis (7.31 µg/L), activated carbon (3.73 µg/L), and distillation (12.0 µg/L) were calculated. For example, an individual consuming water with 25 µg/L of lead, similar to the 90th percentile of concentrations measured in Flint, Michigan, would have an expected blood lead level of 1.25 µg/dL, a corresponding loss of 0.641 IQ points, and a lifetime economic earnings loss of $14,284. Over 70 years of continued use, activated carbon with lead reduction media is the least expensive device to maintain and operate as compared to reverse osmosis and distillation. CONCLUSIONS Infrastructure failures related to drinking water are unpredictable and exposure to contaminates can have significant economic ramifications. POU devices represent a cost-effective option to reduce the impact of lead exposure, particularly when water lead concentrations exceed regulated levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc P Verhougstraete
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295N. Martin Ave., PO Box 245210, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
| | - Joe K Gerald
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Charles P Gerba
- Soil, Water, and Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kelly A Reynolds
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Nriagu J, Xi C, Siddique A, Vincent A, Shomar B. Influence of Household Water Filters on Bacteria Growth and Trace Metals in Tap Water of Doha, Qatar. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8268. [PMID: 29844504 PMCID: PMC5974232 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26529-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Deteriorating water quality from aging infrastructure, growing threat of pollution from industrialization and urbanization, and increasing awareness about waterborne diseases are among the factors driving the surge in worldwide use of point-of-entry (POE) and point-of-use (POU) filters. Any adverse influence of such consumer point-of-use systems on quality of water at the tap remains poorly understood, however. We determined the chemical and microbiological changes in municipal water from the point of entry into the household plumbing system until it leaves from the tap in houses equipped with filters. We show that POE/POU devices can induce significant deterioration of the quality of tap water by functioning as traps and reservoirs for sludge, scale, rust, algae or slime deposits which promote microbial growth and biofilm formation in the household water distribution system. With changes in water pressure and physical or chemical disturbance of the plumbing system, the microorganisms and contaminants may be flushed into the tap water. Such changes in quality of household water carry a potential health risk which calls for some introspection in widespread deployment of POE/POU filters in water distribution systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Nriagu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Chuanwu Xi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Azhar Siddique
- Unit for Ain-Zibaida and Groundwater Rehabilitation, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Annette Vincent
- Biological Sciences Program, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basem Shomar
- Qatar Environmental & Energy Research Institute, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar, Saudi Arabia.
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