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Over the last decades, as a consequence of wastewater discharges and other anthropogenic sources, severe nitrate (NO3−) pollution has developed in municipal environment causing global concern. Thus, eliminating the potential sources of pollution is one of the major challenges of the twenty-first century, whereby sanitation services are essential for ensuring public health and environmental protection. In the present study, long-term monitoring (2011–2022) of shallow groundwater NO3− contamination in municipal environment was carried following the construction of the sewerage network (2014) in the light of the pre-sewerage situation. Our primary aim was to assess the long-term effects of sewerage on nitrate NO3− levels in the shallow groundwater and evaluate the efficiency of these sanitation measures over time. Based on the results, significant pollution of the shallow groundwater in the municipality was identified. During the pre-sewer period, NO3− concentrations exceeded the 50 mg/L limit in the majority of monitoring wells significantly, upper quartile values ranged between 341 and 623 mg/L respectively. Using Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI) and interpolated NO3− pollution maps, marked spatial north–south differences were detected. In order to verify the presence of wastewater discharges in the monitoring wells, the isotopic ratio shifts (δ) for 18O and D(2H) were determined, confirming municipal wastewater effluent. Variations in NO3−/Cl− molar ratios suggest also contamination from anthropogenic sources, including septic tank effluent from households and the extensive use of manure. Data series of 7 years (2015–2022) after the investment indicate marked positive changes by the appearance of decreasing trends in NO3− values confirmed by Wilcoxon signed rank test and ANOVA. By comparing the pre- and post-sewerage conditions, the mean NO3− value decreased from 289.7 to 175.6 mg/L, with an increasing number of monitoring wells with concentrations below the limit. Our results emphasise the critical role of sanitation investments, while also indicating that the decontamination processes occur at a notably slow pace. Detailed, long-term monitoring is therefore essential to ensure accurate follow-up of the ongoing changes. The results can provide information for local citizens and authorities to improve groundwater management tools in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is one of the most significant processes for treating fecal sludge. However, a substantial amount of microplastics (MPs) have been identified in septic tanks, and it remains unclear whether they impact the resource treatment of feces. To investigate this, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was used as an indicator of MPs to study their effect on the anaerobic digestion of fecal sludge (FS). Two digestion systems were developed: FS mono-digestion and FS co-digestion with anaerobic granular sludge. The results indicated that the effects of PET varied between the two systems. PET inhibited volatile fatty acid synthesis in both systems, but the inhibition period differed. During mono-digestion, PET slightly increased gas and methane production, in contrast to the co-digestion system, where PET reduced methane production by 75.18%. Furthermore, in the mono-digestion system, PET increased soluble chemical oxygen demand and ammonia nitrogen concentrations while blocking phosphorus release, whereas the co-digestion system showed the opposite effects. Ultimately, the choice of digestion method is crucial for the resource utilization of septic tank sludge, and the impact of MPs on AD cannot be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater affordability is a pressing concern in the US as the cost of collecting and treating wastewater continues to rise rapidly, and reports have revealed that millions of residents are experiencing a lack of equitable access to affordable wastewater management. The USEPA has established an affordability metric based on 2.5% of median household income (MHI) and affordability is typically interpreted as the monthly utility bill. However, this approach is not applicable to the 25% of US households that are not connected to networked sewer. This study developed the first statewide methodology for mapping wastewater affordability for users of both networked and onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) based on USEPA guidelines. The methodology used local data from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), utilities, and the US Census Bureau. This article presents a novel methodology for quantifying water and wastewater affordability challenges for large geographical areas while maintaining the accuracy of small-spatial scale analysis. This study also incorporated income inequalities by using census tract-level household income data to estimate the number of households in Alabama with unaffordable wastewater access. This study revealed that wastewater access affordability challenges are more widespread than indicated by traditional MHI-based analysis and are likely affecting approximately 445,000 households in Alabama (23.7%). This study also showed that expansions in the available funding and types of eligible applicants for grant programs that subsidize OWTS capital costs could reduce OWTS affordability challenges eightfold. We propose using this methodology to quantify affordability challenges alongside a suite of approaches to address wastewater affordability in the US at the utility and household levels to preserve the human right to affordable sanitation. Practical Applications: Wastewater affordability is a key aspect of providing sustainable wastewater collection and treatment for US residents. The ongoing discussions about wastewater access affordability are often centered around customers of sewer utilities and neglect to consider the affordability challenges of residents with OWTS (commonly known as septic tank systems). This study develops a methodology for analyzing statewide wastewater access affordability for both residents with sewer bills and users of OWTS based on annual household incomes at the census tract level. This study reveals that wastewater affordability challenges affect both users of centralized sewer networks and OWTS including approximately 445,000 households in Alabama (23.7%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the central region of Chile, the Mega-Drought together with the demographic increase near the coast threatens groundwater availability and the hydrogeological functioning of coastal wetlands. To understand the hydric relationship between an aquifer and a wetland in a semi-arid coastal region of Central Chile (Valparaíso, Chile), as well as its geoenvironmental effects, four data collection campaigns were conducted in the wetland–estuary hydric system and surroundings, between 2021 and 2022, including physical, hydrochemical, and isotopic analyses in groundwater (n = 16 sites) and surface water (n = 8 sites). The results generated a conceptual model that indicates a hydraulic connection between the wetland and the aquifer, where the water use in one affects the availability in the other. With an average precipitation of 400 mm per year, the main recharge for both systems is rainwater. Three specific sources of pollution were identified from anthropic discharges that affect the water quality of the wetland and the estuary (flow from sanitary landfill, agricultural and livestock industry, and septic tank discharges in populated areas), exacerbated by the infiltration of seawater laterally and superficially through sandy sediments and the estuary, increasing salinity and electrical conductivity in the coastal zone (i.e., 3694 µS/cm). The Del Sauce subbasin faces strong hydric stress triggered by the poor conservation state of the riparian–coastal wetland and groundwater in the same area. This study provides a detailed understanding of hydrological interactions and serves as a model for understanding the possible effects on similar ecosystems, highlighting the need for integrated and appropriate environmental management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variation in the population of pathogenic microorganisms in wastewater over time can be predicted by single-spectral analysis, which outperforms conventional multivariate methods. This type of information is important for the performance of sewage treatment plants. The objective of this study was to monitor the variability of the population of microorganisms and the removal of microbiological attributes of sanitary wastewater in a treatment plant equipped with a septic tank and solar reactor. Effluent samples were collected monthly upstream of the septic tank and inside the solar reactor, and the effluent was exposed to solar radiation. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were analyzed by means of descriptive analysis and singular spectrum analysis. Solar disinfection obtained bacterial inactivation levels of 99.94%, equivalent to 4 log units for the Escherichia coli population, and 99.45%, equivalent to 3 log units for the total coliform population. For the inlet effluent, the prediction showed a trend of growth alternating with periods of stability. For the outlet effluent, the prediction was able to provide regular data up to the first six months, showing error and overestimation of the data for the final six months of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three-chamber septic tank has become essential in the middle rural areas of China, although its drainage serves as a potential source of groundwater contamination. A photosynthetic electrochemical system using Chlorella vulgaris was developed to treat synthetic sewage, and the impact of environmental factors on treatment performance was investigated. The results showed that the removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH4+-N and PO43−-P reached maximum value under 1.00 times/day−1 hydraulic circulation, 0.3·g L−1 initial algae dosage and 4,350 Lux light intensity. When the optimal condition were applied to treat the effluent of three-chamber septic tank, the removal efficiencies of COD, NH4+-N , and PO43−-P were 61.95%, 88.32%, and 95.36%, respectively. This study provided an optional treatment technology of rural sewage, and future research should focus on the algae separation and recovery in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper disinfection treatment is the basic guarantee for safe utilisation of sewage. However, the commonly used disinfection methods are not suitable for nutrients containing reclaimed water. In this work, the microwave disinfection method assisted by a microwave-absorbing material in recycled water samples was investigated. Magnetic corn stalk biochar (MCSB), the microwave absorbing material, was prepared by high temperature carbonisation of corn stalk particles impregnated with ferrous sulfate. Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms were selected as target microorganisms to investigate the disinfection efficiency of MCSB assisted microwave radiation (MW/MCSB). The addition of microwave absorbing materials significantly improves the disinfection effect of water samples. Compared with the microwave radiation (MW) without MCSB, the bactericidal rate by using 107 CFU/L E. coli suspension increased from 63.5% to 100% at 480 W for 30 s after adding 4 g/L MCSB. Besides, the effects of MCSB dosage, microwave power, microwave radiation time, and initial bacterial concentration on disinfection efficiency were explored. Moreover, the bactericidal efficiency for actual sewage samples was also demonstrated by treating the effluent from septic tank sewage. The residual fecal coliforms in treated water samples met China's farmland irrigation water standard (GB 5084-2021). The result indicates that the proposed method of microwave disinfection strengthened by MCSB has a promising application prospect for reclaimed water disinfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micropollutants also known as "emerging micropollutants" (EMPs) have gained significant attention in research, with a particular emphasis on the ocean, marine water, and river pollution. The interest arises from the impact of EMPs on aquatic ecosystems, often originating from sources such as wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and septic tanks leakage. However, EMPs pollution in surface water can also be caused by leakage of septic tanks. In Indonesia, where septic tanks maintenance is generally neglected, there is a potential risk of EMPs contamination. The outcome and transformation of EMPs, as well as their potential transport pathways, are influenced by sanitary conditions and the effectiveness of existing septic tanks. This concern has escalated to the point of causing fecal contamination in drinking water sources. Therefore, this research focuses on EMPs, specifically pharmaceutical EMPs, leakage from septic tanks, and their possible fate and transport. It also discusses related perspectives of previous research related to EMPs contamination due to leakage of septic tanks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reuse of wastewater from the combined wastewater effluents of the soy sauce, bread, and sticker peeling industries presents significant challenges due to high organic content and various pollutants. The highest problem is the very high organic content, which is the black organic color of soy sauce that causes a very high total dissolved solids (TDS) (809 mg/L) exceeding the total suspended solid (TSS) (320 mg/L). In addition, BOD5, COD, total phosphate, color, and total nitrogen are high (2415.08 mg/L; 3019.23 mg/L; 21.79 mg/L, 1477 PtCo, and 458.1 mg/L). The purpose of this research is to analyze anoxic-aerobic biofilter technology, by comparing the effectiveness of biofilters plus pretreatment, namely septic tanks with no pre-treatment, the best effluent that meets the standards, followed by an ultrafiltration process, to recycle it into clean water. The research method used a pilot-scale anoxicaerobic biofilter reactor with a total volume of 110 L of wastewater. The results showed that the optimal removal of pretreatment modification of septic tank plus biofilter, which can reduce organic content by 90%, this value is greater than without pretreatment, by 78%. The best growing medium is the serrated bioball which has a large surface so that bacteria are easily attached due to the serrations on the surface of the bioball, which is then processed with ultrafiltration, obtained processed water quality according to established standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater-based epidemiology has expanded as a tool for collecting COVID-19 surveillance data, but there is limited information on the feasibility of this form of surveillance within decentralized wastewater systems (e.g., septic systems). This study assessed SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater samples from a septic system servicing a mobile home park (66 households) and from two pumping stations serving a similarly sized (71 households) and a larger (1,000 households) neighborhood within a nearby sewershed over 35 weeks in 2020. Also, raw wastewater from a hospital in the same sewershed was sampled. The mobile home park samples had the highest detection frequency (39/39 days) and mean concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (2.7 × 107 gene copies/person/day for the N1) among the four sampling sites. N1 gene and N2 gene copies were highly correlated across mobile home park samples (Pearson's r = 0.93, p < 0.0001). In the larger neighborhood, new COVID-19 cases were reported every week during the sampling period; however, we detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 12% of the corresponding wastewater samples. The results of this study suggest that sampling from decentralized wastewater infrastructure can be used for continuous monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infections. HIGHLIGHTS Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid is feasible within shared septic systems.; Wastewater-based epidemiology should be extended to small-scale decentralized systems to expand monitoring to populations that may experience health crises in unique ways.; The effectiveness of sub-sewershed monitoring (e.g., neighborhood pump stations) for COVID-19 surveillance is influenced by the scale of populations being served.;

The Living Wall (LW) garden system has been employed as a post-treatment system to improve the effluent quality of septic tanks. This improvement primarily involves reducing nutrient levels, as well as facilitating the removal of organic matter and solids in accordance with effluent discharge guidelines. The objective of this study was to investigate the treatment performance of the LW system connected to a septic tank, along with an examination of the microbial communities within the LW units. A laboratory-scale LW system, comprising LW1, LW2, and LW3 units, was employed. The system was fed with effluent obtained from septic tanks and varied by theoretical hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6, 12, and 24 h. The TCOD, SCOD, TSS, TVS, TKN, and TP removal efficiencies of the LWs were achieved at 62 ± 24, 42 ± 19, 72 ± 21, 66 ± 15, 80 ± 15, and 58 ± 21%, respectively. To classify microbial communities in the soil and gravels collected from each LW unit, the Illumina MiSeq System Sequencer was employed. Nitrospirota was consistently found in all LW units, aiding in the conversion of nitrogen. Fusobacteriota were detected in specific layers of the LW units, indicating varying oxygen levels in the LW system. Highlights: • Living Walls (LWs) effectively eliminate organics, nutrients, and solids to meet the national discharge standard. • Expanding LW units improves nitrogen removal, and microbial communities are crucial for nitrogen removal in LW units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a valuable tool for COVID-19 monitoring, especially as the frequency of clinical testing diminishes. Beyond COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19), the tool's versatility extends to addressing various public health concerns, including antibiotic resistance and drug consumption. However, the complexity of sewage systems introduces noise when measuring chemical tracer concentrations, potentially compromising their applicability for modeling. In our study, we detail the approach adopted to determine the concentration of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) ribonucleiec acid (RNA) in wastewater from the Ponte a Niccheri wastewater treatment plant in Tuscany (Italy), with a sample size of N = 13,935 inhabitants. The unique characteristics of this wastewater system, including mandatory pretreatment in septic tanks with extended retention times, the presence of a hospital for COVID-19 patients, and mixed sewage networks, posed additional challenges. Nevertheless, our results highlight a robust and significant correlation between our measurements and the number of infections within the wastewater treatment plant’s catchment area at the time of sampling. A simple linear model also shows promising results in estimating the number of infected people within the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global urbanisation, industrialisation, and population growth escalate, the production of wastewater also increases, leading to significant water pollution on a global scale. This pollution poses severe threats to environmental health, wildlife, and human communities. In rural areas where centralised sewage systems are often absent, septic tanks play a crucial role in managing wastewater. They separate solids from liquids and facilitate the biological decomposition of organic matter. This paper utilises a Patent Landscape Review (PLR) to analyse the scope and direction of innovations in septic tank technology. Conducted on 23 September 2022, the patent search targeted filings from January 2001 through June 2022 to identify prevailing trends and advancements within this field. Through a detailed examination of 889 patents, categorised by keywords, processes, materials, and designs, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the patent landscape for septic tanks. Key findings indicate that fibreglass cylindrical tanks dominate the market due to their durability and efficiency. This review also highlights a growing trend towards modular septic systems, which offer scalable solutions adaptable to specific environmental conditions. Furthermore, some patents propose the repurposing of various objects as septic tanks, demonstrating a move towards sustainability by reducing waste and enhancing environmental conservation. This paper emphasises the importance of continued innovation in septic tank technology to address the challenges of effective wastewater management in underserved rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased food production and consumption patterns have resulted in higher urban food phosphorus footprints, leading to a series of resource and environmental problems worldwide. We quantified the food phosphorus footprint of the African city of Kisumu using substance flow analysis. Our aim was to develop Kisumu's sustainable phosphorus management framework so that the city would reduce phosphorus losses into the food system. Our results show that in the year 2023, the import and export of food phosphorus in the Kisumu food system was 2730.26 ± 2.7% t P yr−1 and 3297.05 ± 2.4% t P yr−1, respectively. There was −566.79 ± −18% t P yr−1 food phosphorus deficit in the Kisumu food system. Crop planting subsystem runoff/leaching/erosion loss, household consumption subsystem waste loss, and pit latrine subsystem blackwater loss are the major pathways of phosphorus losses into the environment and the main contributors to the food phosphorus footprint in the city. The 2030 scenario analysis shows that implementing a comprehensive scenario scheme throughout the entire lifecycle process from phosphorus input to waste disposal is the best choice for reducing phosphorus losses and suppressing the growth of food phosphorus footprint in the future. Our study shows that the food phosphorus footprint in the Kisumu food system was 0.67 kg P cap−1yr−1 in 2023, which is still at a low level but may enter a continuous upward trend with the improvement of socio-economic development of the city. In our framework, we have proposed a few essential measures that include urine separation, installation of septic tank, adjustment of dietary structure, flexible layout of sanitary disposal facilities, and separation of organic waste streams to reduce food phosphorus footprints in Kisumu. Given the similarity of cities along the shores of Lake Victoria, our calculation methods and management strategies can be applied to other cities in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wastewater output has increased considerably as a result of global population growth. Efforts to manage wastewater are expanding globally. Bio-based methods are useful and effective for treating a wide range of wastewaters, especially those from homes. In this research, the gray water stream at Sari Agricultural College in the north of Iran was treated using an anaerobic biological method. The purpose of this study was to determine whether using treated gray water for landscape irrigation was feasible or not. A fine screening pre-treatment system and a septic tank system were created in order to achieve this goal. After the first stage screening of superfluous solid components, anaerobic digestion was carried out for 26 hours at a temperature of between 14 and 16 °C in a 5 m³ septic tank. Treatment method function was revealed by measuring and comparing the pollutant indices with the permissible rates. The obtained data were: BOD of 19.5 mg/L, COD of 185 mg/L, suspended solid (SS) 90 mg/L, organic matter (OM) 80 mg/L, NO3 26 mg/L, PO4-3 of 6.25 mg/L, oil and grease (O&G) of 9.3%, pH of 5.9-7.1. The permissible rates for these indices are 100, 200, 200, 300, 30, 6.75, 10, and 6.8-7.1, respectively. The treated gray water was allowed to be utilized as irrigation water. After irrigating, the landscape did not face any negative effects. Nonetheless, the high acidity was owing to the detergents in effluent and this was the main reason provides a vast range of microelements leading to poisoning plants in a long period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experimental study was to analyze the performance of the wastewater treatment plant located on the bank of a river in the province of Cotopaxi, Ecuador. To begin the evaluation, essential information was collected such as the socioeconomic activity of the community, the location and size of the plant, the population served, and the available treatment units, among other data. Field work was then carried out, which included measuring the treatment units and the inflow and outflow using the volumetric method to identify the time of highest demand. Samples were taken, whose laboratory analysis revealed that some physicochemical parameters did not comply with the standards established by TULSMA (Unified Text of Secondary Environmental Legislation) for discharges into freshwater bodies, especially in the levels of surfactants and actual color. With all the information gathered and the theoretical calculations for sizing the treatment units performed, it was concluded that the FAFA (Ascending Flow Anaerobic Filter) system was not working properly and that there were cracks in the septic tank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantitative measurement of urinary biomarkers in wastewater has emerged as a robust tool for estimating alcohol and tobacco consumption in populations. In this study, we applied the wastewater‐based epidemiology (WBE) approach to compare alcohol and tobacco use between university students and urban inhabitants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Ethyl sulfate and cotinine serve as markers for alcohol and tobacco use, respectively. Our findings reveal that urban inhabitants aged 15 and above consume 1.56 ± 0.23 mL of pure ethanol and 2.8 ± 0.33 mg of nicotine per day, while university students consume 0.69 ± 0.13 mL of pure alcohol and 1.2 ± 0.2 mg of nicotine per day. This indicates that, on average, students consume less alcohol and tobacco compared with urban adults. A Monte Carlo simulation indicated that, on average, university students in our study smoke 1.5 cigarettes per day, while urban residents aged 15 and above smoke 4.3 cigarettes per day. Considering the smoking prevalence, a student smoker in this study consumes 6.5 cigarettes per day, a level high enough to establish addiction. On the other hand, alcohol use estimation is significantly lower than previous survey‐based reports, likely due to degradation within on‐site septic tanks. Future research should aim to extend the sampling period to capture seasonal variations and improve the understanding of tobacco and alcohol consumption patterns. The results from this study are crucial for decision‐makers in Ho Chi Minh City to develop effective public health strategies and interventions. Practitioner Points: Wastewater‐based approach is applicable to estimate the tobacco consumption in Ho Chi Minh City.Each current smoker in the urban area of Ho Chi Minh City smokes nearly a package a day.The estimated consumption for student smokers in U‐town is 6.5 cigarettes per day, a level high enough to establish addiction.The existence of septic tanks within Vietnam's drainage systems prevents reliable estimation of alcohol consumption for the entire population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In South China, karst groundwater is an important water resource for industrial, agricultural, and drinking purposes. However, karst aquifers are highly vulnerable to pollution, leading to deteriorating karst groundwater quality and posing potential health risks to local residents. In this study, 22 groundwater samples were collected from a karst aquifer in the southwestern part of Hubei Province. The hydrogeochemical characteristics and their controlling factors were examined, and the potential health risks associated with groundwater pollutant concentrations in karst groundwater were assessed. The results showed that the groundwater is slightly alkaline with low chemical oxygen demand values, indicating good water quality. The groundwater facies type was identified as HCO3‐Ca at most sample spots, showing low total dissolved solids concentrations. Substantial spatial variations in Na+, CO32−, and NO2− concentrations were found, whereas spatial variations in the K+, Ca2+, Cl−, HCO3−, and F− concentrations were small. In addition, the dissolution of gypsum deposits and magnesium carbonate sedimentary rocks at sampling sites resulted in groundwater facies types of HCO3•SO4‐Ca and HCO3‐Ca•Mg, with low total dissolved solids concentrations. The karst groundwater chemistry in the study area was mainly controlled by water–rock interactions, as well as by the dissolution of gypsum deposits and magnesium carbonate sedimentary rocks at specific groundwater sampling sites. The groundwater Cl− concentrations were mainly affected by atmospheric precipitation. NO3− was mainly derived from atmospheric precipitation, domestic sewage, septic tanks, and industrial activities, whereas SO42− was derived from atmospheric precipitation, sulfate rock dissolution, and sulfide mineral oxidation. These results highlight the absence of potential human health risks of NO3− and F− to infants, children, and adults, as their concentrations are below the corresponding regional background values. In contrast, the potential health risks of Cl− cannot be ignored, particularly for infants. This study offers scientific guidelines for protecting and allocating local groundwater resources. Practitioner Points: The dissolution of gypsum deposits and magnesium carbonate sedimentary rocks resulted in groundwater facies types of HCO3 + SO4‐Ca and HCO3‐Ca·Mg.The karst groundwater chemistry in the study area was mainly controlled by water–rock interaction.The groundwater Cl− concentrations were mainly affected by atmospheric precipitation.The potential health risks of Cl− were not negligible, particularly for infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the future of inorganic contaminants in drinking water and the challenges that water utilities may face in the coming years. It highlights that while the number of regulated inorganic contaminants has remained relatively stable over the past 26 years, compliance with current regulations can be difficult for some water systems. The article also identifies three inorganic contaminants, hexavalent chromium, arsenic, and manganese, that are likely to pose new challenges in the future. It emphasizes the importance of preparing for the future by developing innovative treatment technologies and addressing issues such as climate change and changing consumer expectations. [Extracted from the article]

Air, soil, and water are the major and most important components of the environment and thus should always be protected. The state of these three environmental components directly or indirectly affects life. Pit latrines and septic tanks systems are simple and affordable solutions for onsite sanitation in many underdeveloped and developing parts of the world, especially in peri-urban areas. These have also been identified as culprits for environmental pollution, releasing nitrates, phosphates, ammonia, dissolved solids, and heavy metals into the environment. This paper investigates the negative impacts of pit latrines and septic tanks on soil and water in peri-urban areas of Africa. It highlights that these systems are responsible for soil and water contamination in many areas, leading to the spread of water-borne diseases and other health risks. This paper further highlights the factors that influence the performance of pit latrines and septic tanks on the environment as well as realistic, cost-effective approaches to mitigate the negative environmental effects of septic tanks and pit latrines. The study also serves as a basis for further studies to build on for making pit latrines and septic tanks more environmentally safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater-based epidemiology has expanded as a tool for collecting COVID-19 surveillance data, but there is limited information on the feasibility of this form of surveillance within decentralized wastewater systems (e.g., septic systems). This study assessed SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater samples from a septic system servicing a mobile home park (66 households) and from two pumping stations serving a similarly sized (71 households) and a larger (1,000 households) neighborhood within a nearby sewershed over 35 weeks in 2020. Also, raw wastewater from a hospital in the same sewershed was sampled. The mobile home park samples had the highest detection frequency (39/39 days) and mean concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (2.7 x 107 gene copies/person/day for the N1) among the four sampling sites. N1 gene and N2 gene copies were highly correlated across mobile home park samples (Pearson's r ¼ 0.93, p,0.0001). In the larger neighborhood, new COVID-19 cases were reported every week during the sampling period; however, we detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 12% of the corresponding wastewater samples. The results of this study suggest that sampling from decentralized wastewater infrastructure can be used for continuous monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The significant potential of microorganisms for fecal sludge degradation is an interesting area for investigation, primarily due to its current lack of attention. This study involved the identification of indigenous bacteria in septic tank fecal waste with the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) 16S rRNA gene. Subsequently, selected bacteria strains were subjected to a potential assessment using a single method. Variables in this experiment included the addition of 2% (v/v) bacteria and sample sterilization. The results showed that the use of PCR 16S rRNA analysis led to the identification of Priestia aryabhattai, a member of the phylum Firmicutes, as the dominant species in the samples. This bacteria exhibited adaptability to both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Sterile samples with the addition of P. aryabhattai 2% (v/v), showed the best removal efficiency percentages of 79.77%, 79.62%, 62.91%, and 70.48% for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS). Meanwhile, the total carbon and nitrogen decreased to 2895 mg/L C and 794.12 mg/L NH3‐N, respectively. Based on the results, Priestia aryabhattai has the potential to degrade organic waste but is not suitable for fecal sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chile has numerous areas that lack sewage collection, including in the capital city. Sanitation in these cases is managed through individual solutions like septic tanks or small wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that use biological treatment, usually activated sludge with extended aeration. In general, the design of these systems adheres to the quality standards mandated by regulations for discharge, infiltration, or irrigation. In this scenario, traditional methods like increasing dissolved oxygen (DO) or hydraulic retention time (HRT) were unable to effectively reduce excessive nutrients. Therefore, literature related to nutrient excess and denitrification systems is consulted and reviewed to compile different solutions suitable for the presented issue. Potential solutions were modeled and verified using the free simulation software WRc STOAT. The software accurately predicted the unsatisfactory results of the current setup and provided parameters for the proposed modifications. Experience, precise user definition, influential characteristics, and modeling are essential in the design of WWTPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollution of surface water and groundwater is a real public health problem that is currently receiving particular attention throughout the world. The use of water for food or hygiene purposes requires excellent physicochemical and microbiological quality. Well water is used for many purposes by the inhabitants of M'pody, a village in the Anyama district of Côte d'Ivoire. In this village, an epidemic of diarrhoea was detected in January 2020. This epidemic claimed sixty-nine (69) victims. This study aims to evaluate well water quality controls using the methods of principal component analysis (PCA), correspondence factorial analysis (CFA), analysis of variance (ANOVA) and self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm. The parameters studied were, turbidity (Tur), conductivity (Cond), hydrogen potential (pH), temperature (T), nitrate ( N O 3 - ), nitrite ( N O 2 - ), ammonium ( N H 4 + ), phosphates ( P O 4 3 - ), chlorides (C l -) , total hydrotimetric degree (DHT), sulfates ( S O 4 2 - ), bicarbonate ( H C O 3 - ), total alkalinity contents (TAC), escherichia coli (E.coli), thermotolerant coliforms (CTH) and enterococcus faecalis (E.faecalis). Data were collected from seventy-two (72) wells in the village during four campaigns in 2020. Physicochemical parameters were determined by electrochemical and spectrophotometric methods. Microbiological analysis was carried out using membrane filtration technique. Descriptive statistics revealed that Tur, Cond, pH and T parameters did not meet world health organization (WHO, 2017) standards. However, the parameters N O 3 - , N O 2 - , N H 4 + , P O 4 3 - , C l - , DHT, TAC, S O 4 2 - and H C O 3 - comply with WHO standards. The results of bacteriological analyzes confirm the presence in very significant numbers of indicators of faecal contamination (CTH, E.coli and E.faecalis) in all wells. The logical explanations for faecal pollution would come from the infiltration of septic tanks located near the wells and the run-off of waste water carrying human and animal faecal matter. The diarrhea epidemic would therefore be caused by the consumption of this polluted water. PCA, FCA and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were jointly employed to identify the structure of wells and deduce the principal factors controlling the parameters of these well waters. ANOVA revealed the effect of human-induced activities as the main factors influencing the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of the studied well waters. Further studies should focus on multivariate statistical techniques for effective forecasting and monitoring of emerging pollution for improved water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objectives of this research are to assess groundwater, a primary source of drinking water in the urban areas of Hawler (Erbil) and Bnaslawa in northern Iraq, and the non-carcinogenic human health risks of nitrate contamination associated with drinking water quality. For this purpose, twenty-seven groundwater samples were collected from wells to assess the hydrogeochemical characteristics and groundwater quality for both natural and anthropogenic purposes during the wet (May 2020) and dry (September 2020) seasons. During the wet and dry seasons, NO3− in groundwater ranged from 14.00 to 61.00 mg/L and 12.00 to 60.00 mg/L, with an average value of 35.70 and 29.00 mg/L, respectively. Approximately 25.92% of the samples exceeded the permissible limit of the WHO (2011) drinking water standard. The ratios of NO3−/Na+ vs. Cl−/Na+ and SO42−/Na+ vs. NO3−/Na+ indicate the effect of agricultural activities and wastewater leaking from cesspools or septic tanks on the quality of groundwater during the wet and dry seasons. The entropy weighted water quality index method ranked 62.5% and 75% of the urban groundwater as not recommended for drinking, and the remaining samples are moderately suitable in both wet and dry seasons. The non-carcinogenic human health risk assessment displayed that during the wet and dry seasons, 29.6% and 25.9% of adults, 48% and 30% of children, and 48.1% and 29.6% of infants were exposed to increased concentrations of nitrate in groundwater. Due to high nitrate in drinking water, non-carcinogenic human health risk levels vary as infant > child > adults. The main findings obtained from this study can assist policymakers in better understanding the hydrogeochemical properties of groundwater in terms of drinking water safety, thereby facilitating the management of water resources to take the necessary measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the efficiency of TSS and organic pollutants (BOD5 and COD) removal in a hybrid constructed wetland wastewater treatment plant (VF-HF type) with an aeration system. This study was conducted over 6 years (2017–2022) in a facility with a capacity of 4.5 m3/day located in southeastern Poland and designed to treat real domestic wastewater from a school building. The studied facility consists of a three-chambered septic tank, a pumping station with an aeration system, and two beds with vertical and horizontal flow planted with giant miscanthus and willow. As a result of artificial aeration, the dissolved oxygen concentration in wastewater after mechanical treatment increased significantly, by an average of 1.18 mg O2/L, and was negatively correlated with wastewater temperature. The cumulative pollutant removal effects of the treatment plant (primary settling tank + VFCW + HFCW) were 81% for TSS, 98% for BOD5, and 89% for COD. There was no statistically significant effect of aeration on the organic pollutant removal effects in the VF bed, and such an effect was found for the temperature of wastewater entering the VF bed. The TSS, BOD5, and COD removal effects in the VF bed and BOD5 in the VF-HF system were positively correlated with air temperature. The technological reliability of the treatment plant was 98% for TSS and 100% for BOD5 and COD. The use of artificial aeration of wastewater makes it possible to achieve high organic pollutant removal efficiency in SSF CWs and to compensate for limitations due to the reduction in the area of constructed wetland beds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Septic tanks as used in the management of sewage systems may result to both surface and/or subsurface (groundwater) pollution. While remediation and repairs of surface sewage spillage in septic tanks is feasible, the reverse is the case with subsurface pollution of porous media through sewage seepages. 2-D Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERT) was used to determine the nature of sewage contamination of subsurface rocks in the premises of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) Okolobiri in Bayelsa State, Southern Nigeria. It was observed that in the presence of contaminant fluids, geoelectrical resistivity signatures behave anomalously in most cases being more conductive than the clean rock/fluid system. Also, that contaminant fluid, in the course of time, finds its way into groundwater to alter the electrical and chemical properties of pristine rock/fluid as seen in this investigation. The observed subsurface contaminant (leachate) migrate in the direction of groundwater flow and decreases in concentration away from the source (septic tank) which in the current study is in the North - South direction as represented in the 2-D resistivity contouring of the three (3) geoelectrical profiles in this report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of infrastructure for collecting, managing, and disposing of wastewater in Kabul is currently the most serious environmental concern. Additionally, the Battelle approach was used to examine the environmental effects of Kabul City's lack of a sewage collection network. Through a questionnaire, information was collected from 10 reputable public and private hospitals about patients suffering from diseases caused by polluted water, and data were collected from 460 points, such as wells, tanks, and faucets, in different seasons between 2022 and 2023 to identify the biological and physical characteristics of water consumed by residents. The total population of Kabul Province is 5,304,667 people; of these numbers, 85% live in urban areas, and 15% live in rural areas. While the majority of countries are at the peak of civilization, only 82% of Kabul's population uses vault toilets or dry toilets, 14.75% uses septic tanks or access pour flush toilets, and 3.25% uses the sewerage system. Validation of this method was checked by the Environmental Impact Units (EIUs) of the current situation of the sewer system in Kabul city. The results of these judgments revealed that these issues had − 23.82% impacts on ecology, − 33.53% impacts on environmental pollution, − 21.72% impacts on esthetics, and − 21.72% impacts on human interest. The study also exposed that 75% of Antoni Hospital patients suffer from waterborne illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs) and private wells are commonly used in Eastern North Carolina, USA. Water from private wells is not required to be tested after the initial startup, and thus persons using these wells may experience negative health outcomes if their water is contaminated with waste-related pollutants including bacteria, nitrate or synthetic chemicals such as hexafluoropropylne oxide dimer acid and its ammonium salt (GenX). Water samples from 18 sites with OWTSs and groundwater wells were collected for nitrate, Escherichia coli (E. coli), total coliform, and GenX concentration analyses. Results showed that none of the 18 water supplies were positive for E. coli, nitrate concentrations were all below the maximum contaminant level of 10 mg L-1, and one well had 1 MPN 100 mL-1 of total coliform. However, GenX was detected in wastewater collected from all 18 septic tanks and 22% of the water supplies tested had concentrations that exceeded the health advisory levels for GenX. Water supplies with low concentrations of traditionally tested for pollutants (nitrate, E. coli) may still pose health risks due to elevated concentrations of emerging contaminants like GenX and thus more comprehensive and routine water testing is suggested for this and similar persistent compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Tanzania, firewood, charcoal, and agricultural waste play a crucial role in daily life as sources of cooking energy, especially in rural areas. Using these energy sources contributes to deforestation and the emission of harmful substances, leading to health problems. This study highlights the potential of faecal sludge briquettes as an innovative, environmentally friendly, and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources to meet the increasing demand for cooking energy in Tanzania. The process involved sludge characterization, drying, sorting, carbonization, milling, briquette making, and characterization. Results: A study was conducted to assess the presence of zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in faecal sludge collected from households. The results indicates that the levels of these metals were all within the acceptable limits set by the Tanzanian Standards (TZS) for sludge disposal and use in the environment, which are 5.00 mg/L, 5.00 mg/L, and 30.00 mg/L, respectively. Septic tanks and pit latrines sludge had a concentration of 0.5 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L for Zn, 0.55 mg/L, and 0.6 mg/L for Cd, and 10.01 mg/L and 4.87 mg/L for Pb, respectively. Adding 75% charcoal dust improved the gross and net heating values from 10.47 and 10.16 to 19.29 and 18.86 MJ/kg, respectively. Similarly, adding 50% charcoal dust improved the gross and net heating values to 19.24 and 18.78 MJ/kg. The emission of particulate matter (micrograms/m3) was reduced from 30.4 and 35 to 10.3 and 11.8 for PM2.5 and 7 and 8 for PM10, while carbon monoxide emission decreased from 51.2 to 19.7 ppm. Conclusion: The results strongly suggest that briquettes made of carbonized faecal sludge mixed with other biomass materials could offer an alternative to traditional solid fuels, with the added benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and longer burning times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in Chad's cities, especially N'Djamena, is a persistent and significant challenge. This study aimed to assess current practices in water, sanitation, and hygiene in N'Djamena's third and ninth districts. We surveyed 395 households, conducted water source identification, and analyzed seven water samples at the National Water Laboratory. Temperature, ammonium, total coliforms, and aerobic flora values exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Ammonium and temperature averaged 0.7 mg/L and 30.1-31.93 °C, respectively. Bacterial contamination (>100 MPN/100 mL) exceeded the WHO's 0 MPN/100 mL guidelines, rendering the water unfit for consumption. Survey results indicate that 78.7% use hand pumps, 21.1% have tap water access, and 0.2% rely on rivers for water. Regarding toilets, 92.8% have traditional models, 2.9% have modern facilities, and 4.3% practice open defecation. 95% dispose of untreated wastewater into nature, with only 5% using septic tanks. For solid waste, 72% use illegal dumpsites, 18% rely on public services, and 10% burn waste. Finally, 95.5% of households wash their hands with clean water and soap after using the toilet. It is crucial to treat drinking water and implement proper hygiene and sanitation measures to safeguard the population's health in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrochemical study of groundwater has carried out for the Al-Khassa Sub-Basin during the October 2020 and May 2021 seasons for estimating the impacts of seasonal variation and human activity on water quality and using the isotope to determine the main source of recharge. It was found that Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) were out of the standard indicating that the groundwater environment was reduced and difficult to recover from pollution. Physical and chemical properties that were high (Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Total Suspended Solid (TSS), Electrical conductivity (EC), Total Hydrocarbon (THC)). Partial pollution by nitrate and phosphorous due to the use of fertilizers for these elements. The contamination by manganese, molybdenum and boron was present in allsamples of the two seasons, and partly for lead and mercury due to fertilizers, agricultural activities, the presence of animal and poultry,ranchesbesides the poor sewage system in the basin based on a septic tank. Washing polluted agricultural soil by rain lead to polluting groundwater. From the environmental isotope analysis (δ²H and δ18O), the isotopic compositions of precipitation were used to construct a local meteoric water line for the study area. The isotopic compositions of groundwater samples were situated to the left of the Global meteoric water line (GMWL), suggesting input of local rainfall that derives from weather front originating from the Mediterranean Sea. Comparing the isotope composition of groundwater and precipitation showed that the infiltrated precipitation that was the main source of recharge to the aquifer system in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of two percentages of inoculum used for the startup of high rate algal ponds (hrap) in the postreatment of effluent of septic tank. The HRAP1 and HRAP2 were inoculated by the substitution of 3.25 % and 6.50 % of the effective volume with liquid from a HRAP operated with a hydraulic retention time of eight days. During seven consecutive days the variables organic nitrogen (on), total ammonia nitrogen (tan), total phosphorous (TP), chemical oxygen demand (cod) and chlorophyll-α were measured; the phytoplankton was quantified and characterized. The chlorophyll-α concentrations in the HRAPi varied between 451.2 and 1,802.2 µg/L and in the HRAP2 between 339.1 and 2,194.7 µg/L, the final densities of phytoplankton were respectively of 683,200 and 5'535,130 organisms/mL, with presence of individuals of the Chlorophyceae, Cryptophyceae and Euglenophyceae classes in the two ponds. The calculated removal efficiencies for the HRAPi and HRAP2 were respectively: 37.1 and 51.6 % for ON; 89.6 and 97.3 % for TAN; 30.4 and 30.3 % for TP; -1.3 and -53.2 % for COD; 1495 and 2398 Log units for E. coli. The inoculation promoted the rapid growth of the phytoplankton communities, with best results for nitrogen removal and E. coli inactivation due the use of higher amounts of inoculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of long-term studies on the concentrations of total nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen in a septic tank effluent. A statistical analysis concerning the sampling day and the season was performed. The mean concentration of total nitrogen in the effluent was 47±9 g N/m3 and the mean concentration of ammonium nitrogen was 33±11 g N/m3. Results on the cumulative distributions of total nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen in the outflow from the septic tank have also been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to provide adequate living conditions, it is crucial for each building to have access to essential utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage systems. In some regions, they may experience isolation, but they can still establish connections to distribution networks and fulfill basic living requirements. In such cases, local solutions like wells and septic tanks are implemented. The water sourced from these sources contains a multitude of viruses and bacteria that can have a detrimental effect on the health of anyone who consumes it. Numerous water filtration/sterilization options are available on the market, but they come with significant installation, maintenance, and operating expenses. The use of ultraviolet C (UVC) rays generated by mercury lamps for sterilization by irradiation is becoming increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness in terms of installation and maintenance. The main drawbacks of this technique are the high energy consumption and the potential danger of mercury exposure. This article describes the processes for designing, making, and testing two water filtration probes that use light-emitting diodes (LED) diodes to emit UVC rays. This solution lowers energy consumption eliminates the risk of mercury contamination, and leads to a decrease in maintenance costs, as the lifespan of diodes is longer than that of mercury vapor lamps. The two probes have LED diodes that emit at a wavelength of 275 nm, with a total radiant flux of 12 mW and 100 mW, respectively. Biological tests were carried out in the laboratory to assess the effects of these probes on an artificially contaminated water sample. The results obtained are satisfactory and comparable to those of sterilization devices with LED lamps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-compartment septic tanks are a prominently advocated environmentally sustainable sanitation facility in rural China. However, the comprehensive elimination efficacy and underlying mechanisms of pathogenic bacteria within septic tanks remain incompletely understood. In particular, the operational performance in low-temperature conditions has received limited attention in the existing literature. In this work, a simulation of the three-compartment septic tank treatment system was conducted under low-temperature conditions (15 °C). The operational results exemplify the synergistic interplay of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), NH3-N, and bacterial communities, culminating in a partial reduction in Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis, within the three-compartment septic tank. Their respective population abundances were decreased by magnitudes of 2.2, 1.3, 0.03, and 1.46 logarithmic units (copies/mL), respectively. Through the utilization of qPCR and physicochemical indicators, it was observed that the bactericidal effect of VFA primarily occurred during the initial 0–21-day period, while NH3-N consistently proved to be the most vital sterilizing agent throughout the operation of the three-compartment septic tank. Predominant bacterial communities within the septic tank, such as Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Brevundimonas, Acinetobacter, and Saccharimonadales, exerted substantial inhibitory impacts on Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enteritidis through niche competition and suppression. In essence, this study elucidated the actual efficiency of elimination and the underlying mechanisms of typical pathogenic bacteria within three-compartment septic tanks in low-temperature conditions, thereby providing compelling evidence supporting the viability of environmentally sound treatment using such septic tanks. Concurrently, it also shed light on several limitations associated with this treatment approach, aiming to contribute valuable insights for the assessment of ecological risks and health hazards associated with the environmentally benign treatment of rural toilet waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]