Acanthamoeba Infection and Nasal Rinsing, United States, 1994-2022

We describe 10 patients with nonkeratitis Acanthamoeba infection who reported performing nasal rinsing before becoming ill. All were immunocompromised, 7 had chronic sinusitis, and many used tap water for nasal rinsing. Immunocompromised persons should be educated about safe nasal rinsing to prevent free-living ameba infections.

Melioidosis in Patients with COVID-19 Exposed to Contaminated Tap Water, Thailand, 2021

In September 2021, a total of 25 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 developed acute melioidosis after (median 7 days) admission to a COVID-19 field hospital in Thailand. Eight nonpotable tap water samples and 6 soil samples were culture-positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. Genomic analysis suggested contaminated tap water as the likely cause of illness.

Characterization of Fe-Containing and Pb-Containing Nanoparticles Resulting from Corrosion of Plumbing Materials in Tap Water Using a Hyphenated ATM-DMA-spICP-MS System

Single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) has been used to characterize metallic nanoparticles (NPs) assuming that all NPs are spherical and composed of pure element. However, environmental NPs generally do not meet these criteria, suggesting that spICP-MS may underestimate their true sizes. This study employed a system hyphenating the atomizer (ATM), differential mobility analyzer (DMA), and spICP-MS to characterize metallic NPs in tap water. Its performance was validated by using reference Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and Ag-shelled AuNPs. The hyphenated system can determine the actual size and metal composition of both NPs with additional heating after ATM, while stand-alone spICP-MS misidentified the Ag-shelled AuNPs as smaller individual AgNPs and AuNPs. Dissolved metal ions could introduce artifact NPs after heating but could be eliminated by centrifugation. The hyphenated system was applied to characterize Fe-containing and Pb-containing NPs resulting from the corrosion of plumbing materials in tap water. The mode sizes of Fe-containing and Pb-containing NPs were determined to be 110 and 100 nm and the particle number concentrations were determined to be 4.99 × 107 and 1.40 × 106 #/mL, respectively. Cautions should be paid to potential changes in particle size induced by heating for metallic NPs with a low melting point or a high organic content.

Ti3C2Tx MXene-Based Fluorescent Aptasensor for Detection of Dimethoate Pesticide

Dimethoate contaminants in food pose a threat to human health. Rapid and sensitive trace detection methods are required to keep food safe. In this study, a novel fluorescent aptasensor was developed for the sensitive detection of dimethoate based on carbon quantum dots labeled with double-stranded DNA (CQDs-apt-cDNA) and Ti3C2Tx flakes. Under optimal conditions, the aptasensor showed a good linear range of 1 × 10-9 to 5 × 10-5 M for dimethoate with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.996. Besides, a low detection limit of 2.18 × 10-10 M was obtained. The aptasensor showed high selectivity in interference samples and good reproducibility with an RSD of 3.06% (<5%) for dimethoate detection. Furthermore, the proposed aptasensor was applied to the detection of dimethoate in apple juice and tap water with satisfactory recoveries from 96.2 to 104.4%. Because of these benefits, this aptasensor has the potential and promise for detecting food contaminants in the food industry.

A deep-red xanthene-based highly sensitive fluorescent probe for detection of hypochlorite

As an oxidant, deodorant and bleaching agent, the hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hypochlorite (ClO- ) are widely used in corrosion inhibitors, textile dyes, pharmaceutical intermediates and in our daily lives. However, excess usage or aberrant accumulation of ClO- leads to tissue damage or some diseases and even cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a fluorescent probe that specifically identifies ClO- . In this article, we synthesized a deep-red xanthene-based fluorescent probe (XA-CN). The strong electron deficient group dicyano endows the probe XA-CN deep-red fluorescent emission with high solubility, selectivity and sensitivity for ClO- detection. Studies showed that the probe demonstrated turn-off fluorescence (643 nm) at the presence of ClO- in dimethylsulfoxide/phosphate-buffered saline 1:1 (pH 9) solution with a limit of detection of 1.64 μM. Detection mechanism investigation revealed that the electron deficient group -CN and the hydroxyl group was oxidized into aldehyde or carbonyl groups at the presence of ClO- , resulting ultraviolet-visible absorption of the probe blue shifted and turned-off fluorescence. Furthermore, XA-CN was successfully used for the detection of ClO- in tap water samples.

Persistence of cellular material after exposure to water

Disposing of items of forensic relevance in bodies of water is one countermeasure offenders can use to avoid detection. The impact of immersion in water has been explored for blood, saliva, and semen; however, few studies have assessed touch DNA. Here we report on the effect of exposure to water on the persistence of touch DNA over prolonged periods of time. To evaluate the persistence of cells from touch DNA, after water exposure, three substrates and two water types were tested: plastic, metal, and ceramic, submerged into seawater or tap water. Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye was used to stain cells deposited by touch. Cell counts before and after water exposure were compared to investigate cell loss over time, ranging from 6 hours to 5 days. A logarithmic increase in the percent of cells lost was observed over time when the data for substrate and water type conditions were combined. Substrate type influenced the persistence of cells, with the metal substrate retaining cells longer than plastic or ceramic. The influence of water type appeared dependent on the substrate, with varied cell persistence on metal whereas plastic and ceramic recorded similar cell loss over time between water types. The ability to visualize cells after exposure to water could assist in triaging evidence within operational forensic laboratories and allow for targeted sampling. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that greater than 50% of cells can persist on various items submerged in aqueous environments for at least 5 days, highlighting the possibility for downstream DNA testing.

Water Insecurity Indicators Are Associated with Lower Diet and Beverage Quality in a National Survey of Lower-Income United States Adults

BACKGROUND

Tap water distrust and avoidance, indicators of water insecurity, are prevalent in marginalized United States populations. As future environmental challenges stress water resources, further understanding of the scope of water insecurity and its impact on diet quality is needed, particularly in vulnerable United States populations.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate associations between 3 potential indicators of water insecurity-1) perception of tap water safety for drinking, 2) perception of tap water safety for cooking, and 3) tap water avoidance-and dietary quality and beverage intake in lower-income United States adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, web-based survey was fielded to 1798 lower-income (<250% federal poverty guidelines) United States adults. Participants answered questions detailing tap water safety perceptions and avoidance, beverage intake, dietary intake (30-d prime diet quality score), and sociodemographic covariates. Sociodemographic differences in drinking water insecurity measures were evaluated using chi-square and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests. Associations between water insecurity measures and dietary outcomes were assessed using generalized linear models adjusted for sociodemographic covariates, and effect modification by sociodemographic covariates was assessed.

RESULTS

Over half of the adults surveyed experienced some aspect of water insecurity. Measures of water security differed significantly by sociodemographic covariates (Ps < 0.05), with higher percentages of women and gender-nonconforming persons, minoritized racial and ethnic groups, lower-income groups, and food-insecure adults reporting indicators of water insecurity. Presence of any water insecurity was associated with lower diet quality (β = -1.07; 95% CI: -2.11, -0.03; P = 0.04), lower tap water intake (relative difference [RD] = 0.35; 95% CI: 1.28, 2.12; P < 0.0001), higher bottled water intake (RD = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.28, 2.12; P = 0.0001), and higher sugar-sweetened beverages intake frequency (frequency ratio = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.27; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Water insecurity indicators are associated with poorer diet quality and beverage intake in a population of United States adults with lower-incomes. Addressing the intersection of water insecurity, food security, environmental impacts, and nutrition may help to improve the well-being and resiliency of vulnerable populations.

Effectiveness of Tap Water in Reducing the Generation of Ultrafine Wear Particles from the Wheel-Rail Contact by Eliminating the Water Vapor Effect

This study aimed to assess the impact of tap water application on reducing the generation of ultrafine particles from the wheel-rail contact using a twin-disk rig under dry and wet conditions, with train velocities of 45 and 80 km/h. A small amount of 0.3 L/min tap water was applied at the wheel-rail contact, and a diffusion dryer was used to eliminate water vapor. The Fast Mobility Particle Sizer measured the number concentration (NC) of nano-sized wear particles in the range of 6 to 560 nm. The tap water application method effectively reduced the NC of ultrafine and fine particles by 67-72% and 86-88%, respectively. Positive reduction rates were observed for all diameters at 45 km/h and for most diameters, except for approximately 70 nm and 80 nm, at 80 km/h. Even with a small amount of water, this approach successfully decreased nano-sized wear particle generation. However, the potential influence of mineral crystals in tap water on NC requires further investigation. Overall, this method shows promise for enhancing air quality and public health by mitigating nano-sized wear particle generation in subway systems.

The Behavior of Polymeric Pipes in Drinking Water Distribution System-Comparison with Other Pipe Materials

The inner walls of the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) are expected to be clean to ensure a safe quality of drinking water. Complex physical, chemical, and biological processes take place when water comes into contact with the pipe surface. This paper describes the impact of leaching different compounds from the water supply pipes into drinking water and subsequent risks. Among these compounds, there are heavy metals. It is necessary to prevent these metals from getting into the DWDS. Those compounds are susceptible to impacting the quality of the water delivered to the population either by leaching dangerous chemicals into water or by enhancing the development of microorganism growth on the pipe surface. The corrosion process of different pipe materials, scale formation mechanisms, and the impact of bacteria formed in corrosion layers are discussed. Water treatment processes and the pipe materials also affect the water composition. Pipe materials act differently in the flowing and stagnation conditions. Moreover, they age differently (e.g., metal-based pipes are subjected to corrosion while polymer-based pipes have a decreased mechanical resistance) and are susceptible to enhanced bacterial film formation. Water distribution pipes are a dynamic environment, therefore, the models that are used must consider the changes that occur over time. Mathematical modeling of the leaching process is complex and includes the description of corrosion development over time, correlated with a model for the biofilm formation and the disinfectants-corrosion products and disinfectants-biofilm interactions. The models used for these processes range from simple longitudinal dispersion models to Monte Carlo simulations and 3D modeling. This review helps to clarify what are the possible sources of compounds responsible for drinking water quality degradation. Additionally, it gives guidance on the measures that are needed to maintain stable and safe drinking water quality.

Using tap water compared with normal saline for cleansing wounds in adults: a literature review of the evidence

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this literature review was to establish the evidence for using tap water as opposed to normal saline for cleansing wounds in adults. Tap water is widely available and non-toxic to wounds, making it a cost-effective solution for wound cleansing. Despite that, contrary opinions exist with regard to its safety, such as: fear of wound colonisation by Pseudomonas spp. found in plumbing systems of healthcare facilities; damage to the wound bed; or increased pain when tap water is used for wound cleansing.

METHOD

A PICO model was used as a guide to form the title, and the standards for inclusion and exclusion of studies were prespecified to form the eligibility criteria. The search was conducted using a range of databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

RESULTS

Included were seven studies: five randomised controlled trials (RCTs), a quasi-RCT and a cross-sectional study. Of these, six studies demonstrated that use of tap water had no significant influence on wound infection rates when compared to normal saline; four studies established no adverse results or benefits when using tap water or normal saline for wound cleansing; and one study demonstrated that tap water did not increase wound contamination. Also, one study reported no impact on wound healing when tap water or normal saline were used for cleansing; four established that tap water was cost-effective compared to normal saline; and one demonstrated increased patient satisfaction when tap water was used for wound irrigation.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence supports tap water as a safe and cost-effective solution for wound cleansing.

Mycobacterial contamination in tap and shower waters in Thailand

Waterborne disease is increasingly becoming associated with opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs), which can resist residual chlorination, regrow throughout drinking water distribution systems, and colonize premise plumbing. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) include clinically important species and exert a high burden on healthcare systems. We briefly report a qPCR-based survey of Mycobacterium spp. numbers in tap, POU-treated, and shower waters from Bangkok, Thailand. Non-stagnant tap waters and non-stagnant shower waters had mean numbers of 1.3 × 103 and 2.4 × 103 copies/mL, respectively. Water stagnation resulted in mean numbers higher by up to 1.0 log. The lowest number, 25 copies/mL, was obtained from a POU-treated sample, while the highest number, 2.0 × 104 copies/mL, came from a stagnant tap. Comparing with international data, mean numbers in this study were greater than those in nine out of 11 (82%) comparable studies, and the maximum numbers in this study were also high. Our samples of Bangkok waters exhibited relatively high Mycobacterium spp. numbers, suggesting the need for appropriate POU treatment systems where NTM infection is a health concern. This survey data can be used to set inactivation performance targets in POU water disinfection system design and may also lead to quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) studies.

Knowing Is Not Doing: A Qualitative Study of Parental Views on Family Beverage Choice

OBJECTIVE

Sugary drink consumption is associated with adverse health outcomes in children, highlighting the need for scalable family interventions that address barriers to water consumption. To inform development of a scalable, health-care-system-based intervention targeting family beverage choice, a formative qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with parents whose children were identified as over-consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and/or fruit juice (FJ). The first goal of these interviews was to understand, in a diverse real-world patient population, what parents viewed as the primary drivers of their family's beverage choices, and explore how these drivers might need to be addressed in order to make changes to beverage consumption. A second goal was to explore parental preferences for planned intervention components. An exploratory goal of the interviews was to examine whether knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs around family beverage choice differed across racial and ethnic groups in this sample.

DESIGN

Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted and interviews audio-recorded and transcribed.

PARTICIPANTS

39 parents/caregivers of children ages 1-8 who over-consumed sugary drinks as determined by screenings at pediatric visits.

PHENOMENON OF INTEREST

Parents were interviewed about family beverage choices and preferences to inform development of a multi-component intervention.

ANALYSIS

Thematic analysis was performed, including comparison of themes across racial/ethnic groups.

RESULTS

Parents expressed that sugary drinks were unhealthy and water was a better alternative. Most were familiar with the health consequences of excess sugar consumption. They identified many reasons why sugary drinks are chosen over water despite this knowledge. One common reason was concern about tap water safety. Few differences were noted across racial and ethnic groups in our sample. Parents were enthusiastic about a technology-based intervention to be delivered through their child's doctor's office.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Knowledge is not enough to change behavior. Beverage interventions need to be easy to access, make water more appealing, and elevate beverage choice above the "white noise" of everyday life. Delivering an intervention in a clinical setting could provide an extra level of care, while technology would reduce the amount of live contact and decrease the burden for clinicians and parents.

Insights into Anthropogenic Micro- and Nanoplastic Accumulation in Drinking Water Sources and Their Potential Effects on Human Health

Anthropogenic microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are ubiquitous pollutants found in aquatic, food, soil and air environments. Recently, drinking water for human consumption has been considered a significant pathway for ingestion of such plastic pollutants. Most of the analytical methods developed for detection and identification of MPs have been established for particles with sizes > 10 μm, but new analytical approaches are required to identify NPs below 1 μm. This review aims to evaluate the most recent information on the release of MPs and NPs in water sources intended for human consumption, specifically tap water and commercial bottled water. The potential effects on human health of dermal exposure, inhalation, and ingestion of these particles were examined. Emerging technologies used to remove MPs and/or NPs from drinking water sources and their advantages and limitations were also assessed. The main findings showed that the MPs with sizes > 10 μm were completely removed from drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). The smallest NP identified using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS) had a diameter of 58 nm. Contamination with MPs/NPs can occur during the distribution of tap water to consumers, as well as when opening and closing screw caps of bottled water or when using recycled plastic or glass bottles for drinking water. In conclusion, this comprehensive study emphasizes the importance of a unified approach to detect MPs and NPs in drinking water, as well as raising the awareness of regulators, policymakers and the public about the impact of these pollutants, which pose a human health risk.

Visualizing stimulus-responsive dual-ligand fluorescent probe for hypochlorite: A novel strategy for real application in tap water

As an effective ingredient of disinfectant, ClO^- inevitably remains in the water, which induces potential health hazards including lung damage, kidney disease. Herein, stimulus-responsive dual-ligand luminol-Tb-GMP coordination polymer nanoparticles (luminol-Tb-GMP CPNPs) were prepared as highly selective fluorescent probes for the real-time and visual detection of ClO^- . CPNPs consisted of Tb³⁺ as a nuclear metal coordinating with GMP and luminol as an auxiliary ligand. In the presence of ClO^- , GMP can be oxidized by ClO^- to damage its structure, resulted in the fluorescence quenched of CPNPs. The two-ligand CPNP sensor has fast fluorescence response, significant fluorescence color change and high sensitivity, with a linear range of 2 to 18 μM and a detection limit of 0.14 μM. It has been successfully applied to the detection of ClO^- in tap water, fountain water and drinking water. At the same time, the portable filter paper strip was prepared to expand the range of applications outside the laboratory, which will provide a promising application for the real-time and semi-quantitative analysis of ClO^- .

Spherulitic Lead Calcium Apatite Minerals in Lead Water Pipes Exposed to Phosphate-Dosed Tap Water

Phosphate dosing is the principle strategy used in the United Kingdom to reduce the concentration of lead in tap waters supplied by lead water pipes. The mechanisms of phosphate-mediated lead control are not fully understood, but solid solutions of lead calcium apatite are thought to play an important role. This study investigated the microstructure of a lead pipe, supplied with high-alkalinity tap water, in which the lead calcium apatite crystals were spherulitic having rounded and dumb-bell-shaped morphologies. XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy showed that the lead pipe had a well-established inner layer of litharge; a middle layer containing lead calcium apatite spherulites, plumbonacrite, and some hydrocerussite; and an outer layer containing iron, lead, phosphorus, calcium, silicon, and aluminum. It was found that spherulitic lead calcium apatite could be grown in the laboratory by adding hydrocerussite to synthetic soft and hard water-containing phosphate, chloride, and citrate ions at pH 5.5 but not when the citrate was absent. This suggests that dissolved organic molecules might play a role in spherulite formation on lead water pipes. These molecules might inhibit the formation of lead calcium apatite, reducing the effectiveness of phosphate dosing in lead water pipes.

Revisiting Disinfection Byproducts with Supercritical Fluid Chromatography-High Resolution-Mass Spectrometry: Identification of Novel Halogenated Sulfonic Acids in Disinfected Drinking Water

High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) coupled to either gas chromatography or reversed-phase liquid chromatography is the generic method to identify unknown disinfection byproducts (DBPs) but can easily overlook their highly polar fractions. In this study, we applied an alternative chromatographic separation method, supercritical fluid chromatography-HRMS, to characterize DBPs in disinfected water. In total, 15 DBPs were tentatively identified for the first time as haloacetonitrilesulfonic acids, haloacetamidesulfonic acids, and haloacetaldehydesulfonic acids. Cysteine, glutathione, and p-phenolsulfonic acid were found as precursors during lab-scale chlorination, with cysteine providing the highest yield. A mixture of the labeled analogues of these DBPs was prepared by chlorination of ¹³C₃-¹⁵N-cysteine and analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for structural confirmation and quantification. A total of 6 drinking water treatment plants utilizing various source waters and treatment trains produced sulfonated DBPs upon disinfection. Those were widespread in the tap water of 8 cities across Europe, with estimated concentrations up to 50 and 800 ng/L for total haloacetonitrilesulfonic acids and haloacetaldehydesulfonic acids, respectively. Up to 850 ng/L haloacetonitrilesulfonic acids were found in 3 public swimming pools. Considering the stronger toxicity of haloacetonitriles, haloacetamides, and haloacetaldehydes than the regulated DBPs, these newly found sulfonic acid derivatives may also pose a health risk.

Influence of Brewing Method on the Content of Selected Elements in Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguarensis) Infusions

In this paper, the effect of the extraction method on the concentrations of selected elements in yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) infusions is presented. Seven pure yerba mate samples (without additives) were selected, representing various types and countries of origin. An extensive sample preparation procedure was proposed: ultrasound-assisted extraction using two types of extractants (deionized and tap water) at two different temperatures (room and 80 °C). In parallel, the above extractants and temperatures were carried out for all samples by the classical brewing method (without ultrasound). In addition, microwave-assisted acid mineralization was carried out to determine the total content. All the proposed procedures were thoroughly investigated with certified reference material (tea leaves, INCT-TL-1). For the total content of all the determined elements, acceptable recoveries (80-116%) were obtained. All digests and extracts were analyzed by simultaneous ICP OES. For the first time, it was assessed how tap water extraction affects the percentage of extracted element concentrations.

Examination of amino acid hydrogen isotope measurements of scalp hair for region-of-origin studies

RATIONALE

Hydrogen isotope (δ2 H) analysis of keratinaceous bulk tissues has been used in forensic science to reconstruct an individual's travel history or determine their region-of-origin. Here, we use a compound-specific approach to examine patterns of individual amino acid δ2 H values in relation to those of local tap water, bulk scalp hair tissues, and region-of-origin.

METHODS

We measured δ2 H values of amino acids in anonymously collected scalp hair (n = 67) and tap water from 28 locations in the United States. Samples were hydrolyzed into their constituent amino acids, derivatized alongside in-house reference materials, and analyzed in triplicate using a GC-C-IRMS system.

RESULTS

Non-essential amino acid (AANESS ) δ2 H values and their corresponding tap water samples varied systematically across continental regions. Hydrogen isotope values of alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine were significantly correlated with tap water and an estimated 42%-51% of the hydrogen atoms in these AANESS were derived from tap water. We used linear discriminate analysis (LDA) to explore regional patterns in scalp hair bulk tissue and amino acid δ2 H values. For the model that included AANESS data, 87% of the variance was explained by the first linear discriminant axis (LD1), and was driven by bulk hair tissue, alanine, and proline. This model had an overall 72% successful reclassification with samples from the south and northwest regions reclassifying correctly 92% and 78% of the time, respectively. For the model that included AAESS data, LD1 explained 81% of the variation and was driven bulk hair, threonine, valine, phenylalanine, and isoleucine. The overall reclassification rate for the model that included AAESS was 70%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that δ2 H analyses of AANESS and AAESS could help improve geolocation models for human and wildlife forensics by simultaneously providing information about both dietary and tap water inputs of hydrogen to tissue synthesis.

Feasibility of a Heterogeneous Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Fenton-like Process for the Removal of Glyphosate from Water

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, and it is an important environmental pollutant that can have adverse effects on human health. Therefore, remediation and reclamation of contaminated streams and aqueous environments polluted by glyphosate is currently a worldwide priority. Here, we show that the heterogeneous nZVI-Fenton process (nZVI + H₂O₂; nZVI: nanoscale zero-valent iron) can achieve the effective removal of glyphosate under different operational conditions. Removal of glyphosate can also take place in the presence of excess nZVI, without H₂O₂, but the high amount of nZVI needed to remove glyphosate from water matrices on its own would make the process very costly. Glyphosate removal via nZVI--Fenton was investigated in the pH range of 3-6, with different H₂O₂ concentrations and nZVI loadings. We observed significant removal of glyphosate at pH values of 3 and 4; however, due to a loss in efficiency of Fenton systems with increasing pH values, glyphosate removal was no longer effective at pH values of 5 or 6. Glyphosate removal also occurred at pH values of 3 and 4 in tap water, despite the occurrence of several potentially interfering inorganic ions. Relatively low reagent costs, a limited increase in water conductivity (mostly due to pH adjustments before and after treatment), and low iron leaching make nZVI-Fenton treatment at pH 4 a promising technique for eliminating glyphosate from environmental aqueous matrices.

Calculation of the contribution of water to calcium intake in low- and middle-income countries

Dietary calcium intake is low in many countries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Water is often overlooked as a source of dietary calcium despite it being universally consumed and providing good calcium bioavailability. Our objective was to assess water distribution systems in LMICs and to develop a formula to simulate the contribution of different water sources to calcium availability. We calculated the contribution of drinking water considering different calcium concentration levels to estimate total calcium availability. We consider a country's households' access to drinking water sources and the distribution of the country's population by age and gender. Calcium availability could be increased by an average of 49 mg of calcium per person per day in the 62 countries assessed if calcium in drinking water was considered. In 22 (31%) of the countries studied, 80% of households are supplied by water sources that could increase calcium availability. Improving calcium concentration in water could be considered as a strategy in LMICs to slightly improve calcium availability.

Perceptions of Water Safety and Tap Water Taste and Their Associations With Beverage Intake Among U.S. Adults

OBJECTIVES

Examine differences in perceptions of tap water (TW) and bottled water (BW) safety and TW taste and their associations with plain water (PW) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake.

DESIGN

Quantitative, cross-sectional study.

SETTING

United States.

SUBJECTS

4,041 U.S. adults (≥18 years) in the 2018 SummerStyles survey data.

MEASURES

Outcomes were intake of TW, BW, PW (tap and bottled water), and SSB. Exposures were perceptions of TW and BW safety and TW taste (disagree, neutral, or agree). Covariates included sociodemographics.

ANALYSIS

We used chi-square analysis to examine sociodemographic differences in perceptions and multivariable logistic regressions to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for consuming TW ≤ 1 cup/day, BW > 1 cup/day, PW ≤ 3 cups/day, and SSB ≥ 1 time/day by water perceptions.

RESULTS

One in 7 (15.1%) of adults did not think their home TW was safe to drink, 39.0% thought BW was safer than TW, and 25.9% did not think their local TW tasted good. Adults who did not think local TW was safe to drink had higher odds of drinking TW ≤ 1 cup/day (AOR = 3.12) and BW >1 cup/day (AOR = 2.69). Adults who thought BW was safer than TW had higher odds of drinking TW ≤1 cup/day (AOR = 2.38), BW > 1 cup/day (AOR = 5.80), and SSB ≥ 1 time/day (AOR = 1.39). Adults who did not think TW tasted good had higher odds of drinking TW ≤ 1 cup/day (AOR = 4.39) and BW > 1 cup/day (AOR = 2.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Negative perceptions of TW safety and taste and a belief BW is safer than TW were common and associated with low TW intake. Perceiving BW is safer than TW increased the likelihood of daily SSB intake. These findings can guide programs and services to support water quality to improve perceptions of TW safety and taste, which might increase TW intake and decrease SSB intake.

Poly(caffeic acid) Redox Couple Decorated on Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide for Electrocatalytic Sensing Free Chlorine in Drinking Water

Regular water quality measurements are essential to the public water supply. Moreover, selective free chlorine (disinfectant) level monitoring without an interfering agent is necessary. The present work aimed to fabricate poly(caffeic acid) (p-CFA) coated on an electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) surface for the selective detection of free chlorine. Electron microscopy and various spectroscopic techniques confirmed the p-CFA@ERGO/glassy carbon (GC) electrode. The p-CFA@ERGO/GC coated probe surface coverage was calculated to be 4.75 × 10^-11 mol cm^-2. The p-CFA@ERGO/GC showed superior catechol/o-quinone oxidation/reduction peaks for electrocatalytic free chlorine determination. The performance of the developed sensor electrode was outstanding, with an extensive range of free chlorine detection (20 μM to 20 mM), high sensitivity (0.0361 µA µM^-1), and low detection limit (0.03 µM). The p-CFA@ERGO/GC capability of the realist water samples, such as the tested commercial and tap water, yielded a good range of recovery (from 98.5% to 99.9%). These values align with the standard N,N'-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine reagent method results.

Bacterial diversity across four drinking water distribution systems in Croatia: impacts of water management practices and disinfection by-products

Several factors may impact bacterial diversity in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) including the origin of the raw water, the water treatment technologies, and the disinfection practices applied. 16S rRNA metabarcoding was used for the in-depth characterization of bacterial communities in the four studied Croatian DWDSs (A, B, C, D) two of which had residual disinfectant (A, B) and two were without (C, D), while only B utilized the conventional water treatment technology. Significantly higher diversity and species richness were evidenced in non-disinfected DWDSs (p<0.05) compared to disinfected DWDSs. The phylum Proteobacteria was the most abundant in all the DWDSs, being proportionately higher in non-disinfected systems (p<0.05). The most abundant genera in DWDS-A Mycobacterium and Sphingomonas both positively correlated, whereas Lactobacillus negatively correlated with the concentration of disinfection by-products (DBPs) as a sum of haloacetic acids (HAAs). Conversely, the genus Ralstonia positively correlated with the individual DBP dichloroacetic acid. These results indicate that genera Sphingomonas, Mycobacterium, Lactobacillus and Ralstonia could have an effect on promoting the formation of DBPs, in a similar manner to how negatively correlated taxa may influence their degradation.

Association between water source and chronic gastrointestinal diseases in Chinese: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study

Background

Gastrointestinal health is closely associated with the quality of the water supply. However, long-term associations between the water supply type and chronic gastrointestinal disease (CGD) are unclear.

Method

The water supply was categorized as "tap-water" or "non-tap water" use. Changes in water source use were categorized into four types: "non-tap water both at baseline and in follow-ups," "non-tap water at baseline and tap-water in follow-ups," "tap-water at baseline and non-tap water in follow-ups," or "tap-water at baseline and in follow-ups." We explored the association between tap-water use (and changes therein) and the risk of CGD in a cross-sectional and longitudinal population study based on national cohort data from 2011 to 2018.

Results

After the inclusion and exclusion process, 13,332 and 9,688 participants were included in the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively. Tap-water use was associated with fewer CGD cases at baseline (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.07). Tap-water use at baseline was associated with significantly lower incidence of CGD in follow-ups (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.90). Compared with consistent non-tap water use in both baseline and follow-ups, switching from non-tap water to tap-water use in follow-ups was associated with a lower risk of CGD (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.97), tap water use at both baseline and in follow-ups was associated with a lower risk of CGD (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.88). The decreased risk of CGD followed a linear trend (P _fortrend < 0.01). Adjustment for indoor solid fuel use and outdoor air pollution exposure to PM_2.5 did not change the association between tap water use and CGD.

Conclusion

Tap water use was associated with a reduced risk of incident CGD. The results from this study should aid in effect assessment for water purification strategies and public decision support for gastrointestinal health management.

Quantitative Assessment of Full Size Microplastics in Bottled and Tap Water Samples in Hong Kong

Human exposure to microplastics (MPs) through drinking water has drawn serious concern recently because of the potential adverse health effects. Although there are reports on the occurrence of MPs in bottled water, little is known about the abundance of a whole spectrum of MPs with sizes ranging from 1 µm to 5 mm due to the restrictions of conventional MPs detection methods. Some studies using micro-Raman spectroscopy can achieve MPs with a size of <10 µm, however, quantitation of all MPs was extremely time consuming and only a small portion (<10%) of MPs would be analyzed. The present study quantified MPs from nine brands of bottled water using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry for MPs with a size of ≥50 µm and a size of <50 µm, respectively. The average abundance of MPs with a size of ≥50 µm in bottled water samples was found ranging from 8-50 particles L^-1, while MPs with a size of <50 µm were found to be 1570-17,817 particles L^-1, where the MPs abundance from mineral water samples were significantly more than distilled and spring water samples. The modal size and shape of MPs were found at 1 µm and fragments, respectively. Besides, three tap water samples obtained locally were analyzed and compared with the bottled water samples, where less MPs were found in tap water samples. In addition, contamination of MPs from bottle and cap and interference by addition of mineral salts were studied, where no significant difference from all these processes to the control sample was found, suggesting the major contamination of MPs was from other manufacturing processes. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of MPs increased substantially when data of small MPs are included, suggesting that previously reports on exposure of MPs from drinking water might be underestimated, as only large MPs were considered.

Mineral content variations between Australian tap and bottled water in the context of urolithiasis

Objectives

The objective of this study is to investigate the variations in mineral content of tap drinking water across major Australian cities, compared with bottled still and sparkling water, and discuss the possible implications on kidney stone disease (KSD).

Materials and Methods

The mineral composition of public tap water from 10 metropolitan and regional Australian cities was compared using the drinking water quality reports published from 2019 to 2021 by the respective water service utilities providers. Specifically, average levels of calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and sulphates were compared with published mineral content data from bottled still and sparkling drinking water in Australia.

Results

The median or mean (depending on report output) mineral composition was highly variable for calcium (range 1.3 to 20.33 mg/L), magnesium (range 1.1 to 11.2 mg/L), bicarbonate (range 12 to 79 mg/L), sodium (range 3 to 47.1 mg/L), potassium (range 0.4 to 3.23 mg/L) and (sulphates range <1 to 37.4 mg/L). Calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate levels in tap water were lower than in bottled sparkling water. Consumption of 3 L/day of the most calcium rich tap water would fulfil 4.7% of the RDI, compared with 8.7% with bottled sparkling water. Consumption of 3 L of the most magnesium rich tap water would fulfil 8% of the RDI, compared with 13.6% with bottled sparkling water.

Conclusion

The mineral content of tap drinking water varied substantially across major Australian city centres. Bottled sparkling water on average provided higher levels of calcium, bicarbonate and magnesium and may be preferred for prevention of calcium oxalate stones. These findings may assist counselling of patients with KSD depending on geographic location in the context of other modifiable risk factors and 24‐h urine analysis results.

Efficacy of washing produce in removing human coronavirus OC43 and murine norovirus

AIMS

Fresh produce is often a vehicle for the transmission of foodborne pathogens such as human norovirus. Thus, it is recommended to wash the surface of produce before consumption, and one of the most common ways to wash produce is by rinsing under running tap water. This study determined the effectiveness of removal of human coronavirus-OC43 (HCoV-OC43), as a surrogate for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and murine norovirus-1 (MNV-1), as a surrogate for human norovirus, from contaminated lettuce, apples and cucumbers.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The produce surfaces were artificially inoculated in conjunction with faecal material to represent natural contamination. Rinsing under tap water for 10 s at 40 ml/s removed 1.94 ± 0.44, 1.42 ± 0.00 and 1.42 ± 0.42 log of HCoV-OC43 from apple, cucumber and lettuce respectively. The same washing technique removed 1.77 ± 0.17, 1.42 ± 0.07 and 1.79 ± 0.14 log of MNV-1 from apple, cucumber and lettuce respectively. This washing technique was effective at reducing a significant amount of viral contamination, however, it was not enough to eliminate the entire contamination. There was no significant difference in the reduction of viral load between the two viruses, nor between the three surfaces tested in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that washing under tap water would be an efficient way of reducing the risk of foodborne viral transmission only if the level of contamination is less than 2 log PFU.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

This study demonstrates that running tap water was effective at reducing the amount of infectious HCoV-OC43 and MNV on produce surfaces, and washing produce continues to be an important task to perform prior to consumption to avoid infection by foodborne viruses, particularly for foods which are eaten raw.

Variation in Tap Water Mineral Content in the United Kingdom: Is It Relevant for Kidney Stone Disease?

Introduction: The dissolved mineral content of drinking water can modify a number of excreted urinary parameters, with potential implications for kidney stone disease (KSD). The aim of this study is to investigate the variation in the mineral content of tap drinking water in the United Kingdom and discuss its implications for KSD. Methods: The mineral composition of tap water from cities across the United Kingdom was ascertained from publicly available water quality reports issued by local water supply companies using civic centre postcodes during 2021. Water variables, reported as 12-monthly average values, included total water hardness and concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulphate. An unpaired t-test was undertaken to assess for regional differences in water composition across the United Kingdom. Results: Water composition data were available for 66 out of 76 cities in the United Kingdom: 45 in England, 8 in Scotland, 7 in Wales and 6 in Northern Ireland. The median water hardness in the United Kingdom was 120.59 mg/L CaCO3 equivalent (range 16.02−331.50), while the median concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulphate were 30.46 mg/L (range 5.35−128.0), 3.62 mg/L (range 0.59−31.80), 14.72 mg/L (range 2.98−57.80) and 25.36 mg/L (range 2.86−112.43), respectively. Tap water in England was markedly harder than in Scotland (192.90 mg/L vs. 32.87 mg/L as CaCO3 equivalent; p < 0.001), which overall had the softest tap water with the lowest mineral content in the United Kingdom. Within England, the North West had the softest tap water, while the South East had the hardest water (70.00 mg/L vs. 285.75 mg/L as CaCO3 equivalent). Conclusions: Tap water mineral content varies significantly across the United Kingdom. Depending on where one lives, drinking 2−3 L of tap water can contribute over one-third of recommended daily calcium and magnesium requirements, with possible implications for KSD incidence and recurrence.

Quantitative Assessment of First Nations Drinking Water Distribution Systems for Detection and Prevalence of Thermophilic Campylobacter Species

Water is considered a major route for transmitting human-associated pathogens. Although microbial water quality indicators are used to test for the presence of waterborne pathogens in drinking water, the two are poorly correlated. The current study investigates the prevalence of thermophilic DNA markers specific for Campylobacter spp. (C. jejuni and C. coli) in source water and throughout the water distribution systems of two First Nations communities in Manitoba, Canada. A total of 220 water samples were collected from various points of the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) between 2016 and 2018. Target Campylobacter spp. were always (100%) detected in a home with a fiberglass (CF) cistern, as well as the community standpipe (SP). The target bacteria were also frequently detected in treated water at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) (78%), homes with polyethylene (CP) (60%) and concrete (CC) (58%) cisterns, homes with piped (P) water (43%) and water truck (T) samples (20%), with a maximum concentration of 1.9 × 10³ cells 100 mL^-1 (C. jejuni) and 5.6 × 10⁵ cells 100 mL^-1 (C. coli). Similarly, target bacteria were detected in 68% of the source water samples with a maximum concentration of 4.9 × 10³ cells 100 mL^-1 (C. jejuni) and 8.4 × 10⁵ cells 100 mL^-1 (C. coli). Neither target Campylobacter spp. was significantly associated with free and total chlorine concentrations in water. The study results indicate that there is an immediate need to monitor Campylobacter spp. in small communities of Canada and, particularly, to improve the DWDS in First Nations communities to minimize the risk of Campylobacter infection from drinking water sources. Further research is warranted in improving/developing processes and technologies to eliminate microbial contaminants from water.

Drinking natural water unchangeably is associated with reduced all-cause mortality in elderly people: A longitudinal prospective study from China

Objective

Because of rapid economic growth and followed urban expansion in China, many people drinking natural water had to change their water sources to tap water. We aimed to test the unknown association that whether continued use of natural water for drinking is different from switching to tap water in all-cause mortality risks in elderly people.

Methods

In total, based on Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, 26,688 elderly participants drinking natural water from childhood to young-old were included in the final analyses. Associations between whether changing drinking water sources or not and all-cause mortality risk were then estimated by Cox regression models with the use of multiple propensity score methods, and the primary analysis used propensity score matching, with other propensity score methods confirming the robustness of the results.

Results

Baseline characteristics were fairly well balanced by the three post-randomization methods. During a median follow-up period of 3.00 (IQR: 1.52, 5.73) years, 21,379 deaths were recorded. The primary analysis showed people using natural water unchangeably was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality than those switching to tap water in later life (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91-0.97, p < 0.001). Other propensity score methods, as well as Cox regression analysis without using propensity score methods, showed similar results.

Conclusions

Among elderly people depending on natural water for drinking from their childhood to young-old in China, continued use of natural water was associated with a lower all-cause mortality risk than conversion to tap water later. Further studies in different countries and populations are needed to verify our conclusions.

Effect-Directed Analysis Based on the Reduced Human Transcriptome (RHT) to Identify Organic Contaminants in Source and Tap Waters along the Yangtze River

Since a large number of contaminants are detected in source waters (SWs) and tap waters (TWs), it is important to perform a comprehensive effect evaluation and key contributor identification. A reduced human transcriptome (RHT)-based effect-directed analysis, which consisted of a concentration-dependent RHT to reveal the comprehensive effects and noteworthy pathways and systematic identification of key contributors based on the interactions between compounds and pathway effects, was developed and applied to typical SWs and TWs along the Yangtze River. By RHT, 42% more differentially expressed genes and 33% more pathways were identified in the middle and lower reaches, indicating heavier pollution. Hormone and immune pathways were prioritized based on the detection frequency, sensitivity, and removal efficiency, among which the estrogen receptor pathway was the most noteworthy. Consistent with RHT, estrogenic effects were widespread along the Yangtze River based on in vitro evaluations. Furthermore, 38 of 100 targets, 39 pathway-related suspects, and 16 estrogenic nontargets were systematically identified. Among them, diethylstilbestrol was the dominant contributor, with the estradiol equivalent (EEQ) significantly correlated with EEQ_water. In addition, zearalenone and niclosamide explained up to 54% of the EEQ_water. The RHT-based EDA method could support the effect evaluation, contributor identification, and risk management of micropolluted waters.

Exposure to Chloramine and Chloroform in Tap Water and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Shanghai

Chloramine and chloroform are widespread in tap water due to water disinfection processes. This study was designed to explore the associations between trimester-specific exposure to chloramine and chloroform in tap water and adverse outcomes. This retrospective cohort study included 109,182 mother–infant singleton pairs in Shanghai. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the associations of chloramine and chloroform concentrations averaged over the whole pregnancy and in each trimester with adverse outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertensive disorders (GHD), low birthweight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), preterm birth (PTB) and prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM). The use of tap water with elevated chloramine levels in the first trimester was associated with GDM (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.09), while that in the second trimester was related to GHD (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.17). Chloroform levels in the third trimester were associated with LBW (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.16), PTB (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.08) and PROM (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.01). However, tap water chloroform exposure in the second trimester was negatively associated with LBW (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93, 0.98) and PTB (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.99). In conclusion, there are probably no casual associations between current tap water chloroform and chloramine levels and perinatal outcomes. However, more research focusing on the effect of chloramine and chloroform on perinatal outcomes are still warranted.

Occurrence of Microplastics in Tap and Bottled Water: Current Knowledge

A narrative review was carried out to describe the current knowledge related to the occurrence of MPs in drinking water. The reviewed studies (n = 21) showed the presence of microplastics (MPs) in tap (TW) and bottled (BW) water, increasing concerns for public health due to the possible toxicity associated with their polymeric composition, additives, and other compounds or microorganism adsorbed on their surface. The MP concentration increase by decreasing particles size and was higher in BW than in TW. Among BW, reusable PET and glass bottles showed a higher MP contamination than other packages. The lower MP abundance in TW than in natural sources indicates a high removal rate of MPs in drinking water treatment plants. This evidence should encourage the consumers to drink TW instead of BW, in order to limit their exposure to MPS and produce less plastic waste. The high variability in the results makes it difficult to compare the findings of different studies and build up a general hypothesis on human health risk. A globally shared protocol is needed to harmonize results also in view of the monitoring plans for the emerging contaminants, including MPs, introduced by the new European regulation.

The Effect of Denture Cleansing Solutions on the Retention of Precision Attachments: An In Vitro Study

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different cleansing solutions on the retention of precision attachments. A precision attachment patrix was embedded into acrylic resin and the matrix was placed onto the patrix. The red (high retention, 8 N), yellow (regular retention, 6 N), and green (reduced retention, 4 N) plastic matrixes of the attachments (n = 32) were soaked in three different denture cleansing solutions (sodium laureth sulfate, sodium bicarbonate-sodium perborate, sodium bicarbonate) for a duration simulating 6 months of clinical use. The control group was soaked in tap water. A universal testing machine was used to measure the retention values of attachments after they were soaked in denture cleansers. The retention values were compared among the groups with repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by the Tukey HSD test (p = 0.05). Yellow attachments were affected by sodium laureth sulfate, sodium bicarbonate-sodium perborate, and water (p = 0.012). Green attachments’ retention increased after immersion in sodium laureth sulfate (p = 0.04) and water (p = 0.02). Red attachments’ retention increased after immersion in sodium laureth sulfate or sodium bicarbonate-sodium perborate (p = 0.045). Water did not affect the retention of red attachments. Because sodium bicarbonate tablets did not affect the retention of attachments, clinicians may recommend their use as a cleanser. Clinicians also may inform patients using fixed and removable partial prostheses with precision attachments of a possible increase in retention after the use of sodium laureth sulfate or when using sodium bicarbonate-sodium perborate with yellow and red attachments.

Using Water Intake Dietary Recall Data to Provide a Window into US Water Insecurity

BACKGROUND

In the United States, problems with the provision of safe, affordable water have resulted in an increasing number of adults who avoid their tap water, which could indicate underlying water insecurity. Dietary recalls provide critical nutritional surveillance data, yet have been underexplored as a water insecurity monitoring tool.

OBJECTIVES

This article aims to demonstrate how water intake variables from dietary recall data relate to and predict a key water insecurity proxy, that is, tap water avoidance.

METHODS

Using 2005-2018 NHANES data from 32,329 adults, I examine distributions and trends of mean intakes of total, plain (sum of tap and bottled water), tap, and bottled water, and percentage consuming no tap and exclusive bottled water. Second, I use multiple linear and logistic regressions to test how tap water avoidance relates to plain water intake and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. Next, I use receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves to test the predictive accuracy of no plain water, no tap, and exclusive bottled water intake, and varying percentages of plain water consumed from tap water compared with tap water avoidance.

RESULTS

Trends indicate increasing plain water intake between 2005 and 2018, driven by increasing bottled water intake. In 2017-18, 51.4% of adults did not drink tap water on a given day, whereas 35.8% exclusively consumed bottled water. Adults who avoided their tap water consumed less tap and plain water, and significantly more bottled water and SSBs on a given day. No tap intake and categories of tap water intake produced 77% and 78% areas under the ROC curve in predicting tap water avoidance.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that water intake variables from dietary recalls can be used to accurately predict tap water avoidance and provide a window into water insecurity. Growing reliance on bottled water could indicate increasing concerns about tap water.

A pilot nationwide baseline survey on the concentrations of Neonicotinoid insecticides in tap water from China: Implication for human exposure

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) have become the most widely used insecticides in the world. However, information on the NEO concentrations in tap water based on nationwide surveys is limited in China. In this study, the levels of six NEOs were measured in tap water samples collected from 38 cities in China. Across all sampling locations, the overall frequency of detection for at least one NEO was 100%, indicating that NEOs are ubiquitous in tap water from China. Imidacloprid was the most abundant NEO (median: 7.59 ng/L), followed by (in decreasing order) clothianidin (5.46 ng/L), dinotefuran (4.55 ng/L), thiamethoxam (4.50 ng/L), acetamiprid (2.72 ng/L), and thiacloprid (0.38 ng/L). Significantly positive correlations (r = 0.655-0.902, p < 0.001) among all pairs of NEOs were observed, which showed that the sources of NEOs in tap water were common or related. Across all sampling locations, regional differences in concentrations (ΣNEOs; sum of six NEOs varied from 0.79 ng/L to 415 ng/L) were observed within China, showing an increasing trend from northern to southern China. Although the estimated daily intake of NEOs were much lower than the reference dose, the potential health risk of NEOs via tap water consumption should raise more public concern considering the high detection rates of NEOs in tap water.

Demographic differences in use of household tap water in a representative sample of US adults, FallStyles 2019

Tap water that is safe to consume may cause respiratory illness (e.g., Legionnaires' disease) when water conditions allow for proliferation and aerosolization of biofilm-associated pathogens. This study assessed household tap water consumption, exposure to aerosolized tap water, and associated demographics. A nationally representative FallStyles survey administered by Porter Novelli Public Services was sent to 4,677 US adult panelists in October 2019. There were 3,624 adults who completed the survey (77.5% response rate). Respondents were asked about self-reported use of household tap water for consumption (i.e., drinking, rinsing produce, or making ice) and use through water-aerosolizing devices (e.g., showerheads, humidifiers). Demographics included gender, age, race/ethnicity, education, income, region, and health status. Weighted analyses using complex sample survey procedures were used to assess tap water exposure by route and demographics. Most US adults are exposed to aerosolized tap water through showering (80.6%), and one in five are exposed through other water-aerosolizing devices (20.3%). Consumption and showering were greatest among older, White, higher educated, and higher-income adults. Aerosolized tap water can transmit waterborne pathogens and cause respiratory illness, especially among older age groups and people with weakened immune systems. These results will help target health messages for using water-aerosolizing devices safely.

Tap Water Consumption and Perceptions in United States Latinx Adults

Insufficient water intake is associated with adverse health outcomes, including chronic disease prevalence and mortality. Adherence to Institute of Medicine total water intake (TWI) recommendations has been low in recent decades, and TWI has been consistently lower in Latinx adults compared with non-Hispanic (NH) white adults. While overall plain water intake is similar between Latinx and NH white adults, Latinx adults consistently consume significantly more bottled water and less tap water. The purpose of this review is to identify factors that may contribute to low water intake and low tap water intake, particularly in Latinx adults. The decision to drink water is complex and is influenced by a myriad of factors including context, environment, eating behaviors, geography, and beverage attributes. Plain water preferences appear to be related, in part, to perceptions of tap water safety as Latinx adults are significantly more likely to perceive their tap water as unsafe compared to NH white adults. Although recent investigations have not consistently or comprehensively evaluated the same factors, we have compiled their findings to describe the complex, interrelated determinants of tap water safety perceptions in Latinx adults. The present review proposes that perceptions are influenced by water insecurity, demographics, prior experiences, organoleptic (sensory) perceptions and availability and sources of information. Existing interventions designed to improve TWI primarily focus on improving access to water and/or educating individuals on the importance of hydration. However, this may not be sufficient in Latinx populations where water is not trusted. Future work should comprehensively assess these factors in Latinx samples and include validated plain water intake, TWI, and hydration status measures. A greater understanding of these relationships could inform interventions to improve TWI and hydration status in Latinx adults.

Using a Community-Based Participatory Mixed Methods Research Approach to Develop, Evaluate, and Refine a Nutrition Intervention to Replace Sugary Drinks with Filtered Tap Water among Predominantly Central-American Immigrant Families with Infants and Toddlers: The Water Up @Home Pilot Evaluation Study

Descriptions of the implementation of community-based participatory mixed-methods research (CBPMMR) in all phases of the engagement approach are limited. This manuscript describes the explicit integration of mixed-methods in four stages of CBPR: (1) connecting and diagnosing, (2) prescribing-implementing, (3) evaluating, and (4) disseminating and refining an intervention that aimed to motivate Latino parents (predominantly Central American in the US) of infants and toddlers to replace sugary drinks with filtered tap water. CBPMMR allowed for co-learning that led to the identification of preliminary behavioral outcomes, insights into potential mechanisms of behavior change, and revisions to the intervention design, implementation and evaluation.

Tap Water Avoidance Decreases Rates of Hospital-onset Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

We analyzed the impact of a hospital tap water avoidance protocol on respiratory isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). After protocol implementation, hospital-onset episodes of respiratory NTM isolation on high-risk units decreased from 41.0 to 9.9 episodes per 10 000 patient-days (incidence rate ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, .17-.34; P < .0001).

Tuning Electrocatalytic Aptitude by Incorporating α-MnO2 Nanorods in Cu-MOF/rGO/CuO Hybrids: Electrochemical Sensing of Resorcinol for Practical Applications

In this study, Cu-MOF/rGO/CuO/α-MnO₂ nanocomposites have been fabricated by a one-step hydrothermal method and used in the voltammetric detection of resorcinol (RS). The poor conductivity of MOFs in the field of electrochemical sensing is still a major challenge. A series of Cu-MOF/rGO/CuO/α-MnO₂ nanocomposites have been synthesized with varying fractions of rGO and with a fixed amount of α-MnO₂ via a facile method. These nanocomposites are well characterized using some sophisticated characterization techniques. The as-prepared nanohybrids have strongly promoted the redox reactions at the electrode surface due to their synergistic effects of improved conductivity, high electrocatalytic activity, an enlarged specific surface area, and a plethora of nanoscale level interfacial collaborations. The electrode modified with Cu-MOF/rGO/CuO/α-MnO₂ has revealed superior electrochemical properties demonstrating linear differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) responses from a 0.2 to 22 μM RS concentration range (R² = 0.999). The overall results of this sensing podium have shown excellent stability, good recovery, and a low detection limit of 0.2 μM. With excellent sensing performance achieved, the practicability of the sensor has been evaluated to detect RS in commercial hair color samples as well as in tap water and river water samples. Therefore, we envision that our hybrid nanostructures synthesized by the structural integration strategy will open new horizons in material synthesis and biosensing platforms.

A Series of Tattoo-associated Mycobacterium Fortuitum Infections

Mycobacterium fortuitum is a rapidly growing mycobacterium known to spread through many sources, including tap water. This organism can have variable presentation between patients which can lead to a delay in diagnosis. Here, we report a series of eight cases of tattoo-associated M. fortuitum infections that presented between December 2010 and January 2011, which were later linked to a single tattoo provider using gray tattoo ink made by diluting black ink with nonsterile tap water. In this case series, we emphasize the lack of pathognomonic features of these infections, the variability in culture and biopsy results, the importance of obtaining a culture in addition to a biopsy, and the importance of identifying the source of infection when determining management.

Characteristics of Raw and Acid-Activated Bentonite and Its Application for Improving Electrical Conductivity of Tap Water

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of acid-activated bentonite by focusing on its capability of improving the quality of tap water used during wire electrical discharge machining. Raw bentonite (RB) was activated using sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid solutions with concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 mol/L, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images, specific surface area, pore volume, cation exchange capacity, X-ray diffraction patterns, and binding energy of RB and acid-activated bentonites were also evaluated. The specific surface area and pore volume of acid-activated bentonites exceeded those of RB. Conversely, the cation exchange capacity of acid-activated bentonites exhibited an opposite trend. The electrical conductivity of tap water was decreased significantly due to bentonite activated with sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid solution (removal percentage of approximately 31-39%), as compared to that due to RB. Therefore, the relationship between electrical conductivity and the removed concentration of anion/cation ions was evaluated; the correlation coefficient was -0.950 for the experimental condition in this study. Additionally, the amount of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium ions were decreased after the treatment. These results indicated that acid-activated bentonite can be produced from RB via acid activation and that it can be used to decrease electrical conductivity of tap water.

Mycobacterium Mucogenicum Bacteremia and Nodular Soft Tissue Infection in a Person Who Uses Tap Water to Inject Drugs

The ongoing North American epidemic of intravenous opioid and methamphetamine use increases the occurrence of bacteremia from environmental organisms. In this study, we report a case of Mycobacterium mucogenicum bacteremia and associated nodular soft tissue infection in a person who uses tap water to inject drugs.

Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality in Schools in a District Area in Hanoi, Vietnam

BACKGROUND

Drinking water quality affects directly human health. Assessment and prevention of water-borne diseases are crucial for primary prevention, especially for children.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this study was to investigate the quality of drinking water from tap water in preschools and primary schools in a district area in Hanoi City, Vietnam.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed from August to October 2019. Water samples from tap water of 154 schools in a district area of Hanoi were collected to determine the quality of drinking water. From each school, at least 2 bottles of water samples were collected on the basis of a standard operating procedure (SOP). Each water sample was analyzed for microbial and physicochemical parameters, including Color, Taste and Odor, Turbidity, pH, Nitrite, Nitrate, Ammonium, Total Iron, Permanganate, Chloride, Hardness, Total Manganese, Sulfate, Arsenic, Coliform, and E.coli, by analytical methods. The obtained values of each parameter were compared with the standard values set by WHO and National Technical Regulation on Domestic Water Quality of Vietnam.

RESULTS

All of the schools employed community water system as a main source for drinking water. The results showed that all tested samples were found to be within the standards for some physicochemical properties, including Color, Taste and Odor, Hardness, Chloride, Total Iron (Fe²⁺ và Fe³⁺), Total Manganese (Mn), Nitrate (NO₃ ^-), Sulfate (SO₄ ^2-), and Total Arsenic (As). On the other hand, some samples did not meet the allowable limits of the national standard, due to pH (3.9%), Turbidity (0.6%), Nitrite (3.2%), Permanganate (6.5%), and Ammonium (5.8%). Furthermore, the microbial data revealed that the substandard water samples from municipal water systems were contaminated by Coliform (9.7%) and/or E.coli (7.8%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Contaminants such as bacterial and chemical agents in to drinking water could be occurred during transport, storage and handling before using by the consumer without regular surveillance. A periodic treatment procedure and monitoring system to keep the level of microbial and chemical contamination of drinking water in schools under control should be performed.

Physical Measures to Reduce Exposure to Tap Water-Associated Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that cause human disease can be isolated from household tap water. Easy-to-use physical methods to reduce NTM from this potential source of exposure are needed. Filters and UV disinfection have been evaluated for their ability to reduce numbers of waterborne non-NTM organisms from drinking water, but their efficacy in reducing NTM counts are not well-established. Thus, five commercially available disinfection methods were evaluated for their potential as practical, efficient, and low-cost methods to reduce NTM from tap water. First, suspensions of tap water–adapted Mycobacterium smegmatis were passed through either a point-of-use, disposable, 7-day or 14-day Pall-Aquasafe filter. The 7-day filter prevented passage of M. smegmatis in effluent water for 13 days, and the 14-day filter prevented the passage of M. smegmatis for 25 days. Second, a granular activated carbon filter system failed to significantly reduce Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium avium numbers. Third, suspensions of tap water–adapted M. abscessus, M. avium, and M. chimaera (“MycoCocktail”) were passed through the “LifeStraw GO” hollow-fiber, two-stage membrane filtration system. LifeStraw GO prevented passage of the MycoCocktail suspension for the entire 68-day evaluation period. Finally, two different water bottle UV sterilization systems, “Mountop” and “SteriPEN,” were evaluated for their capacity to reduce NTM numbers from tap water. Specifically, MycoCocktail suspensions were dispensed into Mountop and SteriPEN water bottles and UV treated as per the manufacturer instructions once daily for 7 days, followed by a once weekly treatment for up to 56 days. After 4 days of daily UV treatment, both systems achieved a >4 log reduction in MycoCocktail CFU. After the 56-day evaluation period, suspension and biofilm-associated CFU were measured, and a >4 log reduction in CFU was maintained in both systems. Taken together, physical disinfection methods significantly reduced NTM numbers from tap water and may be easy-to-use, accessible applications to reduce environmental NTM exposures from drinking water.

[Simultaneous determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in source water and tap water by performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector tandem fluorescence detector combined with solid phase extraction]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a rapid method for simultaneous determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) in source water and tap water by performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) with ultraviolet detector(UV) tandem fluorescence detector(FLR).

METHODS

Source water was filtered by GF/C glass fiber filters and tap water were added ascorbic acid of 60 mg per liter to remove the residual chlorine when sampling. 500 mL water sample were sampled and adjusted pH 2 with phosphoric acid, then 10 mL methanol were added. Then samples were concentrated by styrene stilbene polymer solid phase extraction column, after loading samples, 50 percent methanol aqueous solution adjust pH 2 were used for washing bottle and the washed solution were continuum loaded. Then 80 percent methanol aqueous solution was used for removing impurity interference and elution with dichloromethane. The eluent was nitrogen blow to near dry after adding 100 μL 10 percent tween-20 methanol solutions(m/V). Acetonitrile was used for reconstitution, and then separated by PAH chromatography column using acetonitrile and pure water at gradient elution, and detected by UV tandem FLR detector.

RESULTS

The linear ranges of 16 PAHs were 0. 5 to 500 ng/mL and the correlation coefficients were greater than 0. 999. The method detection limit and limits of quantification were 0. 3 to 5. 0 ng/L and 1. 2 to 20. 0 ng/L, respectively. The recoveries were in the range of 67. 2%-114. 1% with the relative standard deviations ranging from 1. 5%-14. 0%(n=6). Then the established method was used for the determination of 17 water samples, 8 kinds, 6 kinds and 7 kinds of PAHs were detected in source water, tap water and pipe net tap water, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The method is rapid, sensitive and selective, and has been successfully applied for determination of 16 PAHs in source water and tap water.

Comparison of Whole-Genome Sequences of Legionella pneumophila in Tap Water and in Clinical Strains, Flint, Michigan, USA, 2016

During the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, USA (2014-2015), 2 outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease occurred in Genesee County, Michigan. We compared whole-genome sequences of 10 clinical Legionella pneumophila isolates submitted to a laboratory in Genesee County during the second outbreak with 103 water isolates collected the following year. We documented a genetically diverse range of L. pneumophila strains across clinical and water isolates. Isolates belonging to 1 clade (3 clinical isolates, 3 water isolates from a Flint hospital, 1 water isolate from a Flint residence, and the reference Paris strain) had a high degree of similarity (2-1,062 single-nucleotide polymorphisms), all L. pneumophila sequence type 1, serogroup 1. Serogroup 6 isolates belonging to sequence type 2518 were widespread in Flint hospital water samples but bore no resemblance to available clinical isolates. L. pneumophila strains in Flint tap water after the outbreaks were diverse and similar to some disease-causing strains.

Effect of Denture Cleansing Solutions on the Retention of Locator Attachments Over Time

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the alterations in retention of three Locator attachments after immersion in various denture cleansers at defined time intervals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two implants were embedded in an acrylic block. Pink, blue, and clear Locator attachments (n = 10 for each subgroup) were immersed into three different cleansing solutions (Corega, Protefix and NaOCl) and tap water (control) at different time intervals that simulate 1 (T₁ ), 6 (T₂ ), and 12 (T₃ ) months of clinical use. Universal testing machine set at a crosshead speed of 50 mm/min was used for pull-out tests. After the immersion procedure, the peak force to dislodgement was recorded to demonstrate the changes in retention of Locator attachments. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA followed by Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) tests (α = .05).

RESULTS

All denture cleansing solutions affected the retentive values of all Locator attachments at defined time intervals (F = 4.299, p = 0.001). NaOCl affected all groups significantly after 12-month immersion time (p = 0.001). The least retention loss at all subgroups was observed in Corega for clear Locator attachments (106.17 ± 5.21 N). The difference in retention values for pink attachments were not statistically significant for tap water, Protefix and Corega immersion at all time intervals (p > 0.05). Following NaOCl (blue; 33.31 ± 4.72 N, clear; 52.3 ± 8.5 N), tap water decreased the retention value of blue (41.14 ± 3.93 N) and clear (76.72 ± 8.42 N) Locator attachments at T₃ . Corega caused the least retention loss to clear attachments at T₁ (106.17 ± 3.55 N).

CONCLUSION

The retention of Locator attachments decreases over time after exposure to various denture cleansing solutions. As NaOCl significantly decreased the retentive values of all attachments, patients must be informed about that disadvantage. Also, tap water remarkably decreased retentive ability of all attachments. Periodic addition of an effervescent tablet into tap water may be recommended to patients that wear implant retained overdentures with Locator attachments.