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The present study offers a quality assessment of the mineral and spring waters marketed in Algeria within the national and international legislations, examine the potential contribution of bottled waters to essential elements intake and effects on public health based on empirical, graphical tools, multivariate statistical techniques and (DRI) system. The study covered a dataset of 30 mineral and 33 spring brands. The parameters included, from bottle labels, were of physicochemical nature. All brands comply with national and WHO norms for the bottled waters, except for (Brand#63) in which NO2− exceeded the maximum permissible limit for mineral water and (Brands#4 and #21) where TH and TDS exceeded the Algerian recommended guidelines for spring water. Nearly 5% of the total brands were of bicarbonate nature belonging to mineral water, while 25% of all brands were suitable for low-sodium-diet. PCA and HCA showed that bottled waters could be classified into two distinct groups, according to degree of mineralization. The DRI-system revealed that Algerian bottled waters contributed substantially to the daily intake for Mg2+ with up to (63%), Na+ (40.36%) and Ca2+ (36%) for spring water for different ages and genders, whereas mineral water exceeded the maximum recommended daily intake for Ca2+ (128%) and Na+ (148.36%) for adults. HIGHLIGHTS An updated survey of the bottled water production units and consumption in Algeria was carried out.; A spatial distribution of the bottled water production units nationwide was studied.; Particularly, a quality assessment of the bottled mineral and spring waters marketed in Algeria was analyzed.; For the first time, an estimate of the bottled waters minerals contribution to dietary intake based on the DRI system was done.; Their effects on public health were studied.;

There is increasing concern for public health over inadvertent human exposure to MPs due to potential adverse health effects linked to MPs polymeric composition, toxic chemical additives, and/or harmful microorganisms adsorbing onto their surfaces. While numerous studies have reported MPs occurrence and risk in the freshwater aquatic environment and drinking water sources (e.g., rivers, lakes, and reservoirs), the current state-of-knowledge on MPs pollution in drinking water (i.e., tap water and bottled water) remains limited at a global level. This paper provides the first comprehensive study of the occurrence, concentrations, size distribution, shape, and polymer type of MPs in 177 tap water samples from 13 cities in the United Kingdom, as well as 85 samples of bottled water from 17 popular brands, with various packaging materials, on the UK market.MPs were detected in all tap water samples (range 6–100 MP/L) and bottled water samples (range 12–62 MP/L). Average MPs concentration in tap water (40 ± 16 MP/L) was statistically indistinguishable from that in bottled water (37 ± 11 MP/L). However, the average MPs particle size in tap water (32.4 μm) exceeded significantly (p

Brand design expands the connotation and extension of products, satisfying consumers' purchase needs to a maximum extent. This study aims to use the S-O-R theory to explore the key factors that stimulate consumers' behaviors in purchasing bottled water and investigate the influences of design-driven fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) on purchase intentions of consumers. A questionnaire survey was conducted for data col-lection and the bootstrapping program of PLS-SEM was used in data analysis and significance evaluation of 322 samples finally obtained. The results show that brand image and design-drive attribute can positively affect perceived value, while sensory experience and brand image can positively impact emotional attitude. However, sensory experience does not directly facilitate perceived value and design-driven attribute cannot effectively affect emotional attitude. Both brand image and design-driven attribute can significantly influence purchase intention, while sensory experience does not have such a influence. Emotional attitude has a significant mediating effect on purchase intention, with a partial mediating effect of perceived value on purchase intention. These results have enriched the research on the influence of design-driven attribute on consumer purchase behavior and empirically analyzed the relationships of product knowledge and perceived value of consumers with their purchase intentions, providing new evidence for understanding the relationship between consumer purchase intentions and design-driven brands. The importance of design-driven attribute has been emphasized in this study, which is of important practical significance in exploring the underlying mechanism of consumer purchase intention and promoting the sustainable development of product design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A notable decrease of groundwater Na/K ratios was observed several months before the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake (M6.7) at a site approximately 20 km west of the earthquake's epicenter. To investigate the cause of the decreased Na/K ratios, we analyzed groundwater samples (commercially bottled drinking water) to assess the contribution of deep-derived fluids using Li and Sr isotopic ratios, which are reliable indicators of deep fluid contributions. No pronounced changes in the 7Li/6Li and 87Sr/86Sr ratios were observed; thus, the pre-earthquake decrease of groundwater Na/K ratios did not result from the input of deep-derived fluids. The pre-earthquake decrease in the Na/K ratio observed in this study may instead be related to CO2 influx into the aquifer. The CO2 may have leaked from carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), because CCS was in operation near the epicenter of the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake. Decreases of the Na/K ratios and increases of the CO2 concentrations in groundwater have been reported before other large earthquakes; thus, CO2 influx into groundwater may be a common phenomenon preceding earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceived household water quality can affect decision-making about bottled water consumption, an issue of environmental justice. Residents who do not trust the quality of their tap water may drink bottled water as an alternative, but people also choose to drink bottled water for other reasons, such as taste or convenience. This study examines patterns of bottled water consumption and perceptions of tap water quality across neighborhoods of Greensboro, North Carolina, with differing income levels. Household surveys were used to investigate residents' consumption of bottled water and tap water and their stated reasons for consuming bottled water. Results indicate that respondents in low-income neighborhoods report drinking significantly (p=0.001) more bottled water than respondents in higher-income neighborhoods. Concerns about the safety of tap water were a significantly (p=0.00005) more important reason for respondents in low-income neighborhoods to choose bottled water compared to respondents in higher-income neighborhoods. The results of this study indicate that intra-urban differences in perceptions of household water quality are a major environmental justice issue in that concerns about safety drive low-income residents to spend their limited income on bottled water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the concentrations of anions and potentially toxic elements in thirty-four drinking water samples consumed in the Nevşehir province located in the Cappadocia region were determined to assess their chemical quality for human consumption using an ion chromatography system and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. The average concentrations of Cl, F, NO3, and SO42 analysed in tap and bottled drinking water samples were found as 19,485, 521, 31,840 and 34,456 μg L−1 and 2290, 35, 2631 and 5242, μg L−1, respectively. The average concentrations of Pb, Cd, Co, Sr, Hg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn analysed in tap water samples were found as 5.2, 2.4, 2.4, 429.0, 1.7, 12.7, 94.7, 1.7, 1.3 and 199.5 μg L−1, respectively. The chemical analysis results obtained were compared with permissible maximum concentrations set by the national and international regulations. The Pb concentrations analysed in two tap water samples are above the maximum concentration of 10 µg L−1. The Hg concentrations analysed in 54% and 62% of tap and bottled drinking water samples are above the maximum concentration of 1 µg L−1, respectively. Also, average daily dose (ADD), health quotient (HQ), and cancer risk index (CRI) were estimated for adults to assess the health hazards caused by potentially toxic elements in drinking water samples. The HQ values estimated for selected potentially toxic elements are below the risk limit of 1 and there is no significant non–carcinogenic risk to the exposed adults. The average values of CRI estimated for As in three tap water samples and Cd in tap and bottled water samples exceeded the safe index range and these elements can pose a significant carcinogenic risk to the exposed adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper-doped carbon dots and aminated carbon nanotubes (Cu-CDs/NH2-CNTs) nanocomposites were synthesized by a one-step growth method, and the composites were characterized for their performance. An electrochemical sensor for sensitive detection of bisphenol A (BPA) was developed for using Cu-CDs/NH2-CNTs nanocomposites modified with glassy carbon electrodes (GCE). The sensor exhibited an excellent electrochemical response to BPA in 0.2 M PBS (pH 7.0) under optimally selected conditions. The linear range of the sensor for BPA detection was 0.5–160 μM, and the detection limit (S/N = 3) was 0.13 μM. Moreover, the sensor has good interference immunity, stability and reproducibility. In addition, the feasibility of the practical application of the sensor was demonstrated by the detection of BPA in bottled drinking water and Liu Yang River water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine twelve potentially toxic elements (PTEs), encompassing aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn), in 120 samples of bottled water (mineral and drinking) collected from the market in Tehran, Iran, during the winter and summer seasons. The bottled water samples were assessed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Furthermore, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were evaluated for adults and children using hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR). The maximum content of PTEs was attributed to Zn in bottled drinking water in winter, and the minimum content was attributed to V in bottled mineral water in summer. There was a significant difference in the concentration of Cu and Zn in the summer and winter (p < 0.05). Also, the concentration of Ni, V, and Zn in bottled drinking water and bottled mineral water revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). In all cases, the values of THQ and HI were less than one and were acceptable. CR values for Cr and Ni were unacceptable.Article Highlights: 120 samples including drinking bottled water and mineral bottled water were collected in winter and summer. 12 trace elements were analysed in the samples by ICP-OES. There was a significant difference in the concentration of Cu and Zn in the summer and winter. The concentration of Ni, V and Zn in bottled drinking water and bottled mineral water revealed a statistically significant difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most Mexicans do not trust the water provided by the public network to be healthy enough to drink. This has made Mexico a key consumer of bottled water worldwide. Besides the inadequate quality of water and health concerns, there are other studied reasons for promoting bottled water usage among Mexicans, such as debilitated regulatory frameworks and the power of multinational corporations. Therefore, an argument arises of how much the Mexicans' distrust of the public water network is based on the actual quality of water. This article contributes to this argument by analyzing national household survey data. The association between the two dominant types of drinking water (containers/bottles and public tap water) and mental health conditions (remembering difficulty, depression, and nervousness) are studied in Chihuahua and Nuevo León states, where the usage rates of the two water types are the closest (to minimize biased results). Our results illustrate different conditions for the states demonstrating that, considering mental health conditions, not trusting the quality of public network water in all Mexican regions may not be appropriate. Nevertheless, there might be rightful health concerns in some regions. The outcomes are helpful for authorities to prioritize policies to address water quality management/education actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Klaten has the nickname of the city of a thousand umbul, with good water quality making Klaten a place for AMDK companies to operate. This research aims to describe the latent impact of groundwater exploitation carried out by PT X based on the perspective of green criminology. Green criminology highlights various phenomena that have an impact on the environment and the interests of the wider community. With the rise of AMDK (Bottled Drinking Water) companies in the Klaten Regency area, it certainly has a lot of impact on the environment and the surrounding community. Various protests have been filed by the community in the hope that the community's interest in water for their agricultural land can be considered. This research was conducted using a qualitative method with data collection techniques through interviews with all parties involved, observation, and literature study. The data collected will be studied using the perspective of green criminology. The results of this research are expected to provide a new understanding for the wider community about how the impact caused by excessive exploitation of groundwater. It is also expected that the community can take part in the process of conserving groundwater so that the amount of groundwater supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many works associating the presence of nitrate in water and the occurrence of cancer in humans. The most common method for quantifying nitrate in water is based on the use of toxic cadmium as a reductant. In this work, a new approach was developed for the quantification of nitrate in bottled water with indirect spectrophotometry using Zn0 as a reductant. Nitrate is reduced to nitrite using Zn0 in a buffered medium (acetate/acetic acid) and quantified with visible spectrophotometry using the Griess reaction between sulfanilamide and N-(1-naphthyl)-ethylenediamine. The influence of pH, buffer solution (constitution and concentration), Zn0 (mass and granulometry), and agitation time on the efficiency of nitrite generation was evaluated. The optimal conditions were an acetate–acetic acid buffer solution with a concentration and pH of 0.75 mol L−1 and 6.00, respectively, and a Zn0 particle size of 20 MESH and Zn0 mass of 300 mg. The limits of detection and quantification (LoD and LoQ) were 0.024 and 0.08 mg L−1, respectively. The method's accuracy and precision were evaluated using the analysis of commercial bottled water. In conclusion, the use of Zn0 instead of cadmium provided a green method with excellent LoD/LoQ. Further, the method proved to be simple and easy to apply during outdoor analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottled mineral and spring water constitute one of the main sources of drinking water. Relevant legal acts in each country individually regulate the highest permitted concentrations of harmful substances in these waters. However, current regulations do not take into account newly emerging contaminants such as BPA. Analysis of the chemical composition of 72 bottled waters from the Polish market showed that undesirable elements occur in quantities that do not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations. Special attention should be paid to bottled therapeutic water, which may contain elevated concentrations of some micronutrients, such as Al, B, Ba, Fe, Mn, or Sr contributing to the pattern of health risk with excessive consumption of this type of water. The presence of BPA was confirmed in 25 tested waters. The calculated hazard index values showed that the most exposed group are children up to 12 years of age. The greatest attention should be paid to waters with high mineralisation, for which the calculated risk values are the highest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health authorities are particularly concerned about water security in Enugu, southeast Nigeria and heavy metal (HM) pollution. The HM profiles of 51 samples collected from 17 different commercial bottled water brands in Enugu were examined using an flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn had mean values of 0.15+0.03, 0.03+0.02, 0.16+0.03, 0.13+0.02, and 0.02+0.01 mg/L, respectively. The highest levels of Pb2+ were 0.27 mg/L in Exalté, Ni2+ 0.26 mg/L in Jasmine, Cd2+ 0.36 mg/L in Ezbon, Cr3+ 0.07 mg/L in Trinity, Cu2+ 0.04 mg/L in Bigi, and Zn2+ 0.02 mg/L in Aquarapha. The amounts of Cr, Cu, and Zn were below the allowable limits; nevertheless, the Pb content in eight bottled water samples exceeded both the Nigerian and World Health Organization (WHO)/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) permissible limits. The Cd2+ and Ni2+ levels in the 11th and 4th bottled water samples were above the WHO/USEPAapproved limits. Statistical evaluation revealed significant differences in the amounts of HM ions in the samples (p,0.05). The findings indicated that concentration levels of Cd2+ Ni2+, and Pb2+ pose a public health concern that needs to be addressed due to potential risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Municipal water supply through truck-to-cistern systems is common in northern Canada. Household satisfaction and concerns about water services likely impact user preferences and practices. This case study explores household perspectives and challenges with regard to domestic access to water in a decentralized truck-to-cistern system. A case study was conducted in the Northern Village of Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik (Quebec, Canada). A paper-based questionnaire was completed by 65 households (one quarter of the population). Many households (37%) reported not drinking tap water from the truck-to-cistern system. Chlorine taste was a frequently reported concern, with those households being significantly less likely to drink water directly from the tap (p = 0.002). Similarly, households that reported a water shortage in the previous week (i.e., no water from the tap at least once) (33%) were more likely to express dissatisfaction with delivered water quantity (rs = 0.395, p = 0.004). Interestingly, 77% of households preferred using alternative drinking water sources for drinking purposes, such as public tap at the water treatment plant, natural sources or bottled water. The study underscores the importance of considering household perspectives to mitigate the risks associated with service disruptions and the use of alternative sources for drinking purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of phthalate ester concentrations in stored packaged water brands produced in Enugu State was carried out and the health risks evaluated. Packaged water samples were obtained in four batches from six sachet water and six bottled water factories, and stored outdoor for 1 month before analysis, while control samples were obtained and analysed immediately after purchase. Solvent extraction was carried out using dichloromethane, and phthalates concentrations were determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The range of limit of detection, recovery analysis and limit of quantitation were 0.001-0.002 mg/L, 81.26–91.47% and 0.003-0.006 mg/L respectively. The concentrations (µg/L) of DMP, BBP, MEHP, DBP and PADHE were<0.002–0.13, 0.41–1.84, <0.002–19.66, 0.76–4.22 and <0.002–0.81 in the bottled water and 0.11–0.36, <0.002–0.43, 0.21–5.75, 0.87–3.28 and <0.002–0.57 in the sachet water. Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) concentrations in the exposed and stored sachet water were significantly higher (P˂0.05) than that obtained from bottled water. There were also significantly higher (P<0.05) concentrations of Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) and phthalic acid decyl hept-2-yl ester (PADHE), and pH in exposed sachet water than the control. Non-carcinogenic hazard quotient for phthalate esters in the packaged water samples was ˂1, which indicates no carcinogenic health risk. The contribution of individual phthalates to drinking water for Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate in both adults and toddlers exceeded the 0.5% TDI in some of the packaged water brands. Results suggest that increased concentrations of phthalate esters in the exposed packaged water samples were as a result of storage temperature, while the presence of phthalate esters in few of the control samples was probably from the packaging process. Although the levels of phthalates were low, regular consumption of packaged water could be detrimental to health of the general populace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to measure tritium (3H) concentrations in different bottled drinking water around the world, understand the regional properties and their relation to tritium concentrations, and evaluate radiation dose from the consumption of bottled drinking water. A total of 41 different brands from 23 locations have an activities range of < 0.04–1.31 Bq L−1. The countries located in the northern latitudes have the higher observed value which is consistent with the latitude effect. There is a high chance that other control factors could also affect the activity concentration of the drinking water, such as the continental effect, seasonal effect, or human activities. The maximum annual effective dose of 1.7 × 10–5 mSv was calculated using the highest value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The ability to reallocate water to higher‐value uses during drought is an increasingly important "soft‐path" tool for managing water resources in an uncertain future. In most of the Western United States, state‐level water market institutions that enable reallocation also impose substantial transaction costs on market participants related to regulatory approval and litigation. These transaction costs can be prohibitive for many participants in terms of both costs and lengthy approval periods, limiting transfers and reducing allocation efficiency, particularly during drought crises periods. This manuscript describes a mechanism to reduce transaction costs by adapting an existing form of informal leases to facilitate quicker and less expensive transfers among market participants. Instead of navigating the formal approval process to lease a water right, informal leases are financial contracts for conservation that enable more junior holders of existing rights to divert water during drought, thereby allowing the formal transfer approval process to be bypassed. The informal leasing approach is tested in the Upper Colorado River Basin, where drought and institutional barriers to transfers lead to frequent shortages for urban rights holders along Colorado's Front Range. Informal leases are facilitated via option contracts that include adaptive triggers and that define volumes of additional, compensatory, releases designed to mitigate impacts to instream flows and third parties. Results suggest that more rapid reallocation of water via informal leases could have resulted in up to $222 million in additional benefits for urban rights holders during the historical period 1950–2013. Plain Language Summary: In much of the developed world, there is little ability to sustainably manage water resources by building more dams or digging new wells. Water stressed regions are increasingly adapting to droughts through agreements to conserve or reallocate water between members of the community. In some places, markets make this easier by allowing users to buy and sell water. However, in most of the Western U.S., the legal system that approves these transactions makes them very costly and time consuming, reducing the benefits from trade. In particular, it is very hard to buy and sell short‐term leases. Here, we propose a new type of leasing contract, "informal leases," that avoid the legal system by relying on contractual agreements between water users. Instead of buying water via the legal system water users pay other users to conserve, coordinated through simple index contracts. When these contracts are designed correctly, they can perfectly recreate the effect of a formal water sale, for a fraction of the price. In this manuscript, we show how contracts for informal leases can be designed and evaluated, creating savings for water buyers/sellers, additional revenue for their neighbors, and a win/win response to environmental stress (for everyone except the lawyers). Key Points: Transaction costs related to regulatory approval are a significant impediment to water market leases in the Western United StatesInformal leases enable rapid short‐term water reallocation during drought while reducing transaction costsThe State of Colorado could have accrued $222 million in benefits using informal leases to reallocate water from irrigators to urban users [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of water surface evaporation abatement and water saving benefits under different floating coverage conditions, PE bottles, HDPE balls, and plastic film panels were used as test materials, and three different water surface coverage rates were set to carry out two consecutive annual non-glacial large-scale evaporation pool tests in the central arid zone of Ningxia, to comparatively analyze the evaporation abatement rates, water surface temperatures, changes in water quality, and water-saving costs and benefits of different covering materials and coverage rates. The results show that: the evaporation abatement rate of covering materials tends to increase from April to June, and tends to decrease from July to October; under the same conditions, the evaporation rate of the three types of cover of HDPE balls is 42.14%, 56.56%, 70.15%, which is significantly higher than that of PE bottles and plastic film panels; with the increase of the coverage rate of the material, the water body warms up more obviously, and plastic film panels have the greatest impact on water temperature, followed by HDPE balls, and PE bottles; no toxic substances were found in the covered water body and the water quality is stable and getting better. Under the same coverage, the water saving cost of HDPE balls is the lowest, and that of plastic film plates is the highest: with the same coverage material, 50% coverage is the lowest, 75% coverage is the highest; the value of direct benefits of the three materials to eliminate water surface evaporation is negative, but taking into account the indirect benefits of the case, if HDPE balls are used to cover 10 000 m² of water surface, the lifetime coverage rates of 50%, 75%, and 90% can realize positive benefits of 259 400 yuan, 274 100 yuan, and 360 600 yuan, respectively. After a comprehensive consideration of water-saving effect, water-saving costs and benefits, HDPE ball is identified as the water-saving material that can be used to reduce water surface evaporation in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a life-threatening bacterium known for its rapid development of antibiotic resistance, posing significant challenges in clinical treatment, biosecurity, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Early and accurate identification of P. aeruginosa is crucial for effective intervention. Methods: The lasB gene of P. aeruginosa was selected as the target for the detection. RPA primers for recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and crRNA for CRISPR/Cas12a detection were meticulously designed to target specific regions within the lasB gene. The specificity of the RPA/CRISPR/Cas12a detection platform was assessed using 15 strains. The detection limit of RPA/CRISPR/Cas12a detection platform was determined by utilizing a pseudo-dilution series of the P. aeruginosa DNA. The practical applicability of the RPA/CRISPR/Cas12a detection platform was validated by comparing it with qPCR on 150 samples (35 processed meat product samples, 55 cold seasoned vegetable dishes, 60 bottled water samples). Results: The RPA/CRISPR/Cas12a detection platform demonstrates high specificity, with no cross-reactivity with non-P. aeruginosa strains. This assay exhibits remarkable sensitivity, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 100 copies/µL for fluorescence assay and 101 copies/µL for the LFTS method. Furthermore, the performance of the RPA/CRISPR/Cas12a detection platform is comparable to that of the well-established qPCR method, while offering advantages such as shorter reaction time, simplified operation, and reduced equipment requirements. Conclusions: The RPA/CRISPR/Cas12a detection platform presents a straightforward, accurate, and sensitive approach for early P. aeruginosa detection and holds great promise for diverse applications requiring rapid and reliable identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn a world where plastics have become an integral part of daily life, the ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) is hardly surprising. However, the emergence of MPs in one of humanity’s most vital resources—groundwater—is concerning. This review explores the widespread reports of MPs in drinking water, examining their origins and the potential effects of their associated pollutants on human health. The exploration was facilitated through an exhaustive analysis of research contributions across the topic. Instances of MPs infiltrating drinking water have been documented across 42 countries, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Iceland, Nepal, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The identification of the sources of these MPs is crucial, and this review clarifies several significant contributors. The sources encompass atmospheric contamination, the packaging and distribution processes associated with bottled water, effluents generated from laundry activities, fertilizers, and the domestic/industrial wastewater streams. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the role of MP particles as carriers, facilitating the transportation of heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and emergent contaminants into drinking water. While scientific evidence to definitively establish the impacts of MPs on human health remains an evolving field, it is paramount to recognize that their associated pollutants have tangible effects that warrant attention. Among the potential effects highlighted are anemia, brain cancer, hypertension, intestinal bleeding, methemoglobinemia, and liver cancer. Addressing the pressing need for actionable measures, this review offers practical strategies to counter the presence of existing MPs in drinking water and mitigate their further proliferation. The insights and recommendations presented herein are anticipated to provide valuable contributions toward the resolution of the menace posed by MP contamination in drinking water, as well as the broader challenge of plastic pollution at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottled water is one of the most consumed healthy beverages in the world. At a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%, bottled water sales may surpass USD 500 billion by 2030. While this indicates how popular bottled water is among consumers, it does not underscore various ethical concerns raised against the product and its business concept. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the ethics of manufacturing and supplying bottled water. It uses a systematic review of the literature through the PRISMA method to determine the major ethical concerns surrounding these topics. A total of 107 articles were identified, and 31 were subjected to further reviews and analysis. The study found that the manufacturing and supply of bottled water may be unethical if it ends in deliberate pollution and artificial scarcity. Water is an essential product that should be made available and accessible freely to support lives. The use of bottled water has benefits because pollution is removed during processing, which prevents the spread of diseases. In addition, it is practical to transport and consume it. Water bottlers, however, seek to convert water into an exclusive product for profits. This draws attention to the ethics of justice, care, and professionalism which collectively protect consumers against corporate greed and exploitation. Water bottlers contribute to significant environmental pollution and have done little to recycle or reuse plastics to minimize the potential environmental damage. More than 80% of plastic bottles end up in waste and may be washed down into the oceans where they affect the marine ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Microplastics have emerged as a significant concern amid the rise in environmental pollution. Nevertheless, the potential impacts of microplastics present in drinking water on human health remain inadequately understood. This study aims to explore the exposure to microplastics in drinking water among men who consume water from plastic bottles and carboys compared to those who consume tap water. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients were included in the study, 50 of whom used only tap water and 50 of whom used plastic bottles and carboys. In addition, this study evaluated the effects of exposure on sperm parameters and potential effects on the expression levels of the sperm nuclear protein genes transition protein 1 gene (TNP1) and TNP2. Results: According to the findings, it was observed that the incidence of amorphous headache anomalies among individuals using plastic bottled water was significantly higher compared to those using tap water. In addition, the coiled tail anomaly and the terminal droplet anomaly in the tail were also observed to be significantly higher in people using plastic bottles compared to those using tap water. The results show that exposure to microplastics in drinking water can affect male sperm parameters and alter the expression of TNP1 and TNP2 genes. Conclusion: It was found that there were differences in exposure levels between those who consumed plastic bottles and carboy water, and those who consumed municipal water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water bottles for everyday usage are a typical addition to people's life and offer a practical way to stay hydrated. Even though safe and clean water is preferred for consumption, the water bottle or container used to drink water was never considered to be cleaned. Here, we examined the adhering microbial populations in water bottles composed of stainless steel (SS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A total of 30 water bottles--15 PET and 15 SS--were gathered from different users. To identify and quantify the adhering microbial populations, microbial swabs from the inside surface of the bottles were collected and later cultivated on certain growth media. Overall the microbial load of PET is significantly higher than the SS water bottles of 68.8 + 19.1 cfu/ml and 35.4 + 8 cfu/ml respectively at initial sampling (P = 0.0027). We also evaluated the efficiency of various cleaning procedures in eliminating adherent bacteria populations. The cleaning strategy significantly reduced the microbial load (P<0.0001). The mean load observed was 11.2 + 2.3 cfu/ml post-wash. This comparison study offers important new information about the adherent microbial populations found in SS and PET water bottles used every day, in the end. This finding emphasizes the necessity of routine cleaning and upkeep of these bottles to reduce the possibility of microbial contamination and the accompanying health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, managing the drinking water supply chain and its pricing have gained significant importance. This paper presents a mathematical model using game theory for the pricing of drinking water in the competitive environment comprising a Public Water System (PWS) and a Bottled Water Plant (BWP) under government intervention. This study investigates not only the role of the government in motivating BWP to increase its green manufacturing level but also analyzes supporting the PWS to enhance the quality of tap water for households. It also evaluates the government's attempts to decrease the final price of tap water by providing subsidies for households and managing tap water demand through targeted outreach programs. This paper adopts a dynamic approach to address the time-dependent nature of precipitation and water demand, incorporating uncertainty in the tap water supply. The study also introduces models for peak and volumetric water pricing, deriving several key corollaries through parametric analysis and present a case study, modeled on real-world scenarios, to validate the proposed model. This model aids in calculating the profit for each participant and provides optimal numerical results for decision variables. Finally, the research concludes with a quantitative evaluation of the impact of these findings on key parameters, providing valuable managerial insights. The results reveal that while low tap water users benefit from cost savings due to incentives, by increasing 10% of this group PWS can accrue 23.36% more benefits. Besides, reducing the PWS's demand sensitivity to price gaps by 10% can boost PWS and BWP profits by 25% and 55%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularity of bottled drinking water stems from its convenience and purity, driving its rapid growth, but concerns about safety and quality persist. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters of bottled drinking in Dodoma City were evaluated from September to December 2023. Additionally, key informant interviews and questionnaire surveys were conducted with government regulators, producers, and consumers on regulatory frameworks, production processes, and consumer perceptions. Overall, all brands tested were suitable for drinking and met World Health Organization and Tanzania Bureau of Standards guidelines. The total dissolved solids (F = 0.86, p < 0.05), calcium (F = 5.26, p < 0.05) and chloride (F = 0.32, p < 0.05) were significantly different, while other parameters were not (p > 0.05) between measured and labelled values. The total viable and coliform counts in two brands (10%) of water were higher than the suggested levels of 100 cfu/ml and 0 cfu/ml, respectively. Bottling companies reported observance of quality control measures (93%), adherence to regulations (91%), transparency in production processes (86%), and consumer awareness of labels, expiration dates, and trust in the bottled water industry (95%). Public awareness, inspection, and testing of bottled water, as well as strengthening the existing framework, are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro–nanobubbles (MNBs) can generate ·OH in situ, which provides a new idea for the safe and efficient removal of pollutants in water supply systems. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining stable MNBs, the generation efficiency of ·OH is low, and the removal efficiency of pollutants cannot be guaranteed. This paper reviews the application research of MNB technology in water security from three aspects: the generation process of MNBs in water, the generation rule of ·OH during MNB collapse, and the control mechanisms of MNBs on pollutants and biofilms. We found that MNB generation methods are divided into chemical and mechanical (about 10 kinds) categories, and the instability of the bubble size restricts the application of MNB technology. The generation of ·OH by MNBs is affected by the pH, gas source, bubble size, temperature, and external stimulation. And the pH and external stimulus have more influence on ·OH generation in situ than the other factors. Adjusting the pH to alkaline or acidic conditions and selecting ozone or oxygen as the gas source can promote ·OH generation. MNB collapse also releases a large amount of energy, during which the temperature and pressure can reach 3000 K and 5 Gpa, respectively, making it efficient to remove ≈90% of pollutants (i.e., trichloroethylene, benzene, and chlorobenzene). The biofilm can also be removed by physical, chemical, and thermal effects. MNB technology also has great application potential in drinking water, which can be applied to improve water quality, optimize household water purifiers, and enhance the taste of bottled water. Under the premise of safety, after letting people of different ages taste water samples, we found that compared with ordinary drinking water, 85.7% of people think MNB water is softer, and 73.3% of people think MNB water is sweeter. This further proves that MNB water has a great prospect in drinking water applications. This review provides innovative theoretical support for solving the problem of drinking water safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles are common beverage containers, their safety is a matter of grave concern. In this study, migration behaviour of five elements (Ge, Ti, Sb, Co and P) used as catalysts, bluing agents and stabilizers during manufacturing from PET into beverages were assessed. Migration tests were performed on eight unused PET bottles under various conditions (food simulants: distilled water, 4% acetic acid and 50% ethanol; time: 10 days to 24 months; temperature: 25–60°C). The migration levels of two catalyst elements (Ge and Sb) under these conditions were 0.12–31.9 and <0.1–1.8, respectively, whereas Ti, Co and P were not detected (<2, <0.1 and <20 μg/L, respectively). The results showed storage temperature were positively correlated with migration of Sb and Ge in all food simulants. Different food simulants led to different levels of these elements migration at the same storage time and temperature, and the levels into 50% ethanol were higher than those into the other two food simulants. It was also shown that migration levels of Sb and Ge were below 2 and 20 μg/L even after 2 years of storage at room temperature, not exceeding the Japanese and EU regulation values. The Sb levels in distilled water were similar to those in commercially available bottled mineral waters, indicating that the migration tests provide a good reflection of the actual situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to characterise the nutritional behaviour of Gdynia Maritime University students in terms of consuming various types of drinks as a water source. Moreover, the aim was to analyse the determinants of these behaviours in the context of selected socioeconomic parameters that differentiate the studied group of respondents. Design/methodology/approach: The tool used to conduct the study was a survey questionnaire. The questions concerned the nutritional behaviour of students regarding the consumption of beverages as a source of water and the conditions for their diversity. Findings: The main source of water for students was mineral water. Unfortunately, it is associated with environmental pollution related to the packaging of this water (PET bottle). The second important source of water was tap water. This should be considered a manifestation of a developing trend in health-promoting, ecological and economic behaviours among the students. None of the socioeconomic factors differentiated students' behaviours when choosing bottled water. Research limitations/implications: Students constitute a specific group of respondents. It should be expected that their current behaviours will reflect the behaviour of a wider society group, but only in the future. Therefore, the results obtained in this study can be considered limited, especially in the short term. Thus, this study should be conducted in a group of older respondents. Then, the following study should be repeated on older respondents in the distant future. On this basis, it is possible to verify how the change behaviours of respondents over time. The obtained results should allow us to verify the assumption that students' behaviours can be treated as indicators of the behaviours of the future society. Practical implications: Consumers' eating behaviour regarding water consumption has health and environmental consequences. This approach to analysing water consumption is strategic because it concerns the direct and indirect impact on human health and quality of life. Originality/value: The study results were used to formulate conclusions regarding behaviours that determine human health, the state of the environment and, consequently, quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottled water has become a popular beverage choice worldwide, with consumers increasingly seeking healthier options. However, label elements can significantly influence consumer perception and purchasing decisions. The research aimed to assess how label elements affect the liking, purchase intention, preference and concept of healthy bottled water. Two stages involved 180 and 100 participants aged between 18 and 40, provided sociodemographic information. The first stage used a hedonic scale and ranking test to perception of nine labels with different elements. The second stage selected a consensus label from prior tests. Four labels were designed, differing in brand color and nutritional information placement. In this last stage, the acceptability, preference ranking and concept of healthy were re-evaluated and eye tracking via the Pupil Lab program. Findings showed varied responses in acceptability and purchase intention among consumers. However, significant differences were observed in preferences and healthiness perceptions based on label characteristics. The label with the highest preference and perceived healthiness featured a sky-blue design with nutritional information on the right side. Combining sensory testing and eye tracking offers valuable insights for designing labels that positively impact consumer perception. The results provide important implications for bottled water manufacturers and marketers in developing effective labeling strategies to meet consumer preferences and promote healthier choices.

At present, consumption of packaged drinking water is growing worldwide. In this regard, ensuring packaged drinking water safety, which directly depends on the composition and quality of used polymer materials, is becoming especially relevant. Bottles made of polymer materials, i.e. polyethylene terephthalate and polycarbonate, is the most common packaging for drinking water. The aim of this study was to assess population health risks caused by exposure to phthalates migrating from polymer bottles into drinking water. The study was carried out according to the requirements of the Customs Union Technical Regulation… on packaging and Instruction... on sanitary-chemical study of goods. Bottles and model media were analyzed using gas chromatography with mass-spectrometric detection. Risk assessment was performed according to the current guidelines. The study findings allow to report the following phthalate levels in bottle samples: di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), 1.7–4.2 mg/kg; di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP),

The Eastern Cape Province is a drought-prone area and it had been impacted by water service delivery problems for several decades. At the same time, there have been widespread instances of the need to supply water from alternative potable sources as to meet the drinking water demand of the population. Further to this point, there is an ongoing need to collect and evaluate water quality data from drought-affected areas in the Eastern Cape. In the current study, the authors seek to achieve two aims. Firstly, there is a need to conduct an investigation of the potable water quality from the local municipalities in the Eastern Cape where such investigations have not been common recently. Secondly, the authors seek to conduct an investigation into the carbon footprint of provision of alternative bottled water into a local municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Turbidity, pH and presence/levels of faecal contamination of drinking water were measured. In addition, the carbon footprint of the supply of bottled water was estimated for road transport of 5 litre bottles. Results indicate that microbial water quality is a problem and there is finite, but significant carbon dioxide emissions due to supply of alternative water sources. There is significant carbon footprint of the shipping of bottled water into the Eastern Cape Province, should the municipal water supply break down completely. The study results point to the need to monitor and treat the alternative sources of potable water in the study area. This is necessary protect human health and environment.

This article discusses the challenges faced by the water industry in maintaining public trust and providing safe drinking water. It emphasizes the importance of effective communication and proactive approaches in building and sustaining trust with water consumers. The article also highlights the role of technological advancements in analyzing water data and improving water systems. It suggests that a multifaceted approach, including communication, technology adoption, and collaboration, is necessary to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable water future. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the benefits of integrating ozone treatment with other water filtration methods. It explains that while ozone treatment is effective at killing bacteria and viruses, it cannot completely remove certain inorganic compounds such as iron and minerals. Therefore, combining ozone treatment with mechanical filters or water softeners is necessary for comprehensive water purification. The article also highlights the advantages of using ozone treatment, including enhanced disinfection, reduced chemical use, improved efficiency, improved water color and taste, and rapid decay within water. It acknowledges the challenges of ozone integration, such as ozone degradation, safety considerations, proper equipment, government regulations, and the potential for incorporating cold plasma water treatment. The article concludes by suggesting that various industries, such as food and beverage, municipal water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, could benefit from integrating ozone technologies into their water treatment methods. [Extracted from the article]

Due to the increasing pressures of global change, such as urbanization, climate change, population growth, and socioeconomic changes, cities around the world are facing significant water challenges, both in terms of supply and quality. This emphasizes the need for concerted effort to manage water supplies effectively for sustainable development. The driver, pressure, state, impact, and response (DPSIR) model was applied in this study to determine the underlying causes of Addis Ababa's water supply and quality issues. Field observations, key informant interviews, and previously published reports were used to identify these variables, impacts, and coping mechanisms. The model suggests that issues with urban water are caused by inadequate waste management, fast urbanization, climate change, sociodemographic shifts, economic challenges, changes in land use and land cover, and institutional pressures. As a result, aquatic ecosystems endure damage and there is also an increase in water-related diseases and unmet water demand. Some of the responses to these effects include using bottled water, digging boreholes, harvesting rainwater, planting trees, and soliciting funds. The study concludes by recommending an integrated approach to managing the risks of declining water quality and shortage. This study will advance the important empirical understanding of how urban water supply and quality are impacted by environmental stresses on a global scale. It will also positively impact the development of sustainable water management policies and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fluoridation of public water systems is known as a safe and effective strategy for preventing dental caries based on evidence from non-randomized studies. Yet 110 million Americans do not have access to a fluoridated public water system and many others do not drink tap water. This article describes the study protocol for the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) of fluoridated water that assesses its potential dental caries preventive efficacy when delivered in bottles. Methods: waterBEST is a phase 2b proof-of-concept, randomized, quadruple-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial designed to estimate the potential efficacy of fluoridated versus non-fluoridated bottled water to prevent dental caries incidence in the first 4 years of life. Two hundred children living in eastern North Carolina, USA, and aged 2–6 months at screening are being allocated at random in a 1:1 ratio to receive fluoridated (0.7 mg/L F) or non-fluoridated bottled water sourced from two local public water systems. Throughout the 3.5-year intervention, study water is delivered monthly in 5-gallon bottles to each child's home with instructions to use it whenever the child consumes water as a beverage or in food preparation. Parents are interviewed quarterly to monitor children's water consumption and health. At annual visits, the presence of dental caries is evaluated with a dental screening examination. Clippings from fingernails and toenails are collected to quantify fluoride content as a biomarker of total fluoride intake. The primary endpoint is the number of primary tooth surfaces decayed, missing, or filled due to dental caries measured by the study dentist near the time of the child's fourth birthday. Tooth decay is assessed at the threshold of macroscopic enamel loss. For the primary aim, a least-squares, generalized linear model will estimate efficacy and its one-tailed, upper 80% confidence limit. Discussion: waterBEST is the first evaluation of a randomized intervention of fluoridated drinking water in bottles to prevent dental caries in the primary dentition. This innovative method of delivering fluoridated water has the potential to prevent early childhood caries in a large segment of the US population that currently does not benefit from fluoridated public water. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04893681. Registered on March 2022. Last update posted on 10 October 2023. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04893681?cond=Dental%20Caries%20in%20Children&term=fluoride&locStr=North%20Carolina,%20USA&country=United%20States&state=North%20Carolina&distance=50&rank=1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the increasing consumption of bottled water in recent years it is essential to ensure safety measures. To this end, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the concentration of 6 toxic heavy metals, nitrate and nitrite components in the commonly sold bottled water in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: The 11 best-selling bottled water brands in Mashhad were identified. Eight bottles from each brand were randomly collected and delivered at the same day to toxicology laboratory of Imam Reza Hospital and refrigerated at 4 -6 °C. Spectrophotometry and atomic absorption spectrometry were used to measure the nitrate, nitrite, and heavy metals, respectively. The results were analyzed by SPSS version 16 and compared with the WHO and Australian guidelines. Also, the discrepancy between the measured components a nd the depicted la bels' va lues were compa red. Results: The mean and SD of concentrations of the heavy metals in 11 brands were as below: lead 1.62±0.86 [µg/L], chromium 1.03±0.84 [µg/L], cadmium 0.17±0.07 [µg/L], mercury 3.86±1.57 [µg/L], arsenic 0.89±0.46 [µg/L], aluminum 6.56±4.54 [µg/L]. The mean and SD measured quantities of nitrate, nitrite, and pH were 9.96±5.95 [mg/L], 0.01±0.03 [mg/L] and 7.92±5.95, respectively. There was a significant difference between the label values and the quantitative levels except for 3 brands, which was observ ed with a p value of 0.518 and 0.642 for nitrate level in N4 and N11 brands, as well as 0.681 for pH level in N7 brand. The measured values of heavy metals, nitrate, and nitrite in all samples were within domestic, WHO and Australian limits, except for mercury in 9 samples which exceeded the Australian standard [less than 1 µg/L]. Conclusion: The heavy metals, nitrate, and nitrite concentrations in all samples were within the domestic, WHO and Australian ranges, except for mercury in 9 samples that exceeded the Australian standard. There was a discrepancy between the entries of the bottled labels and the measured quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reviewing public health, nutrition, and social science literature, this article examines how bottled water consumption and spending in the United States differ along lines of race, ethnicity, and income, how these consumption patterns have changed in recent years, and how those shifts map onto perceptions of the safety and trustworthiness of tap water supplies, both before and since the Flint water disaster. It also addresses the differential impact of bottled water spending on household income. The findings challenge the truism that bottled water consumption is positively correlated with income, instead showing a bimodal racial and class consumption pattern that reflects widely divergent perceptions—and the uneven distribution—of threats to tap water safety. Bottled water consumption and spending, as well as distrust of tap water, are highest among low-income, Black, and Latino/a households, exacerbating social inequality. The article also addresses how the bottled water industry is responding to these dynamics, and considers potential routes to restoring both public water infrastructure and trust in tap water supplies. This contribution links several current and salient topics: the relationship between bottled water's growth and tap water consumption; the dynamics of growing racial and income inequality; historical legacies of systemic racism and economic marginalization; and the uneven effects of disinvestment in US water infrastructure on tap water safety, access, and affordability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the expansion of human activities, the consequent influx of mercury (Hg) into the food chain and the environment is seriously threatening human life. Herein, nitrogen and sulfur co-doped fluorescent carbon quantum dots (yCQDs) were prepared via a hydrothermal method using o-phenylenediamine (OPD) and taurine as precursors. The morphological characteristics as well as spectral features of yCQDs indicated that the photoluminescence mechanism should be the molecular state fluorophores of 2, 3-diaminophenothiazine (oxOPD), which is the oxide of OPD. The as-synthesized yCQDs exhibited sensitive recognition of Hg2+. According to the investigation in combination of UV-Vis absorption spectra, time-resolved fluorescence spectra and quantum chemical calculations, the abundant functional groups on the surface of yCQDs allowed Hg2+ to bind with yCQDs through various interactions, and the formed complexes significantly inhibited the absorption of excitation light, resulting in the static fluorescence quenching of yCQDs. The proposed yCQDs was utilized for Hg2+ sensing with the limit of detection calculated to be 4.50 × 10− 8 M. Furthermore, the recognition ability of yCQDs for Hg2+ was estimated in tap water, lake water and bottled water, and the results indicated that yCQDs have potential applications in monitoring Hg2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]