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Bio-cement is a green and energy-saving building material that has attracted much attention in the field of ecological environment and geotechnical engineering in recent years. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of bio-cement (enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation—EICP) in combination with admixtures for the improvement of desert sands, which can effectively improve the mechanical properties of desert sands and is particularly suitable for sand-rich countries. In addition, the suitability of tap water in bio-cement was elucidated and the optimum ratio of each influencing factor when tap water is used as a solvent was derived. The results showed that peak values of unconfined compressive strength (maximum increase of about 130 times), shear strength (increase of 27.09%), calcium carbonate precipitation value (increase of about 4.39 times), and permeability (decrease of about 93.72 times) were obtained in the specimens modified by EICP combined with admixture as compared to the specimens modified by EICP only. The incorporation of skimmed milk powder, though significantly increasing the strength, is not conducive to cost control. The microscopic tests show that the incorporation of admixtures can provide nucleation sites for EICP, thus improving the properties of desert sand. This work can provide new research ideas for cross-fertilization between the disciplines of bio-engineering, ecology, and civil engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee is part of our daily lives since it is a drink with a symbolic value, both in our social relationships and as a stimulating drink. The main objective of this paper is to conduct a risk characterization of fluoride overexposure from the consumption of these beverages; for this purpose, in the present study, the fluoride concentration was determined in 80 samples of different brands of coffee commonly consumed in the Canary Islands, and the risk derived from their intake was then evaluated. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the coffee brands soluble Nescafé Classic®, Saimaza®, Auchan®, Tirma® soft blend, and Hacendado® and the other analyzed brands. The brand that recorded the highest mean fluoride levels is "Hacendado descafeinado®" (0.308 mg/L). The problem with coffee is not the fluoride it contains but the fact that, according to the survey results, most coffee drinkers brew their coffee with tap water (over 51% of respondents use tap water). The results of the fluoride content in coffee prepared with tap water from the different areas of Tenerife in the Canary Islands (metropolitan, northern, and southern areas) have reported higher concentrations of fluoride: north (max. concentration found of 16.68 mg/L), south (max. concentration found of 8.47 mg/L) and metropolitan (max. concentration found of 4.73 mg/L). Coffee has not been identified as a risk of dietary overexposure to fluoride; however, the use of tap water for its brewing has been identified as a factor that considerably increases its concentration. Therefore, the use of bottled water is recommended, especially in regions such as the Canary Islands, which have high concentrations of fluoride in their water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sertraline is used as an antidepressant drug for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression. In the current study, a simple and effective method was developed for the sensitive monitoring of sertraline in water samples using a GC–MS system. The spray-assisted droplet formation liquid-phase microextraction (SADF-LPME) method was used as a sample preparation method for the enrichment of analytes. Accordingly, dichloromethane was used as an extraction solvent and easily dispersed into a sample/standard solution using a lab-made modified spray device without using a dispersing solvent. The significant factors affecting the SADF-LPME efficiency, including sample pH, mixing conditions, extraction solvent type, and spray cycle, were univariately optimized to ascertain the extraction performance and applicability of the system. Under the optimized conditions, the plotted calibration curve of the method was linear in the range of 100.2–2011.7 µg/kg (mass-based standard preparation) with a good correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9997. The detection and quantification limits of method were found to be 37.5 and 125 µg/kg, respectively. Validation of the method was successfully carried out using different tap water samples and applying a matrix-matching calibration strategy. The acceptable percent recoveries were recorded between 77.3 and 133.7%, with high repeatability. The recommended method is an alternative and fast extraction method with several advantages, including a simple experimental process, good dispersibility, and fast and superior extraction performance. It can be readily applicable to the monitoring and quantification of sertraline in tap water samples with good precision and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research assessed water quality, based on the purpose of water consumption, in households in the municipality of Barbaza, the Province of Antique, Philippines, according to the national water quality guidelines. The effects of the empirical/traditional water use actions taken by local people on the quality of the water they use were investigated through a descriptive study using water quality measurements. Most of the drinking water in the community did not meet the required standards of pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), or coliform. Tap water and well water samples generally met the pH and TDS standards. However, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and coliform were detected, and nitrogen pollution in well water was also confirmed. Local practices, such as using old clothes as filters for well pumps, increased the coliform concentration from 0-10 CFU/mL to too numerous to count (TNTC) levels of more than 100 CFU/mL. Storing well water in a bucket also affected both E. coli and coliform concentrations. Such empirical/traditional water use actions create a high risk of exposing local people to harmful microorganisms. This research integrated citizen science into the methodology for local water management, which could assist governors, practitioners, and citizens, particularly in Southeast Asia, where strong community relationships exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to promote the development and utilization of desert sand, this study is based on researching the most suitable ratio of bio-cement, analyzing the shear strength and permeability of improved desert sand by combining bio-cement and fly ash, and clarifying the applicability of tap water in bio-cement. The relationship between the two and the microstructural properties was investigated using the results of the straight shear test and the permeability test. The results showed that the urease solution prepared with tap water had a more pronounced temperature resistance. The urea concentration and the corresponding pH environment had a direct effect on the urease activity. The calcium carbonate yield was positively correlated with the calcium concentration, and the urea concentration was higher in the ranges of 1.0–1.5 mol/L. As the enzyme-to-gel ratio decreased, the calcium carbonate precipitate produced per unit volume of urease solution gradually converged to a certain value. The shear strength (increased by 37.9%) and permeability (decreased by about 8.9–68.5%) of the modified desert sand peaked with the increase in fly ash content. The microscopic test results indicated that the fly ash could provide nucleation sites for the bio-cement, effectively improving the mechanical properties of the desert sand. The crystal types of calcium carbonate in the modified desert sand were calcite and aragonite, which were the most stable crystal types. This study provides innovative ideas for interdisciplinary research in the fields of bioengineering, ecology and civil engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of the filtration process on Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe and Zn concentration in water, using filters from one of the leading European manufacturers, was investigated. The increase in Na (up to 300%) and K concentration (up to 320%) at the beginning of jug filter usage was reported. A decrease in Ca, Fe and Zn concentration was observed. Standard filters remove 80–90% of Mg from tap water at the beginning of the usage, while magnesium-enriching ones slightly increase its concentration – from around 8 to 12–25 mg/L. Significant changes in the filter's operating characteristics were also observed for other studied elements as they wore out. Using Mg-enriching filters can increase magnesium intake from 4–5 to 6–15% of the recommended daily dose from water consumption. The results were also discussed regarding the amounts of macroelements found in commercially available bottled water. The magnesium concentration in tap water after filtration through magnesium-enriching filters was lower compared to bottled mineral waters. The authors note a scope for the development of water filter production technology, in particular, the need to develop filters that more efficiently enrich water with magnesium and do not increase sodium concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various chemical properties and some heavy elements of wastewater discharged from Tikrit Teaching Hospital were studied during the period of October to December 2023. Some chemical properties were measured, such as pH, total hardness, calcium and magnesium hardness in addition to biological and chemical requirements. Compared to the Iraqi water standards, considering the biological and chemical requirements, an increase was recorded in most values of oxygen, pH and some heavy elements such as lead, cadmium, copper, and iron. For the total hardness and the hardness of calcium, magnesium, and chloride, they were within the Iraqi water standards. These results show that hospitals are the main source of excreta that must be taken into consideration before any action strategy to assess environmental and health threats. The quantity and type of toxins and liquid excreta produced from hospital operations pose a danger to living organisms in general, particularly humans. In many developing countries, liquid waste from hospitals is often disposed directly into the environment, such as by discharging it into rivers without treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hispanics in the United States are among those with highest consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and lowest consumption of water. These dietary disparities are rooted in systemic influences that must be identified and addressed. The study aimed to describe how Hispanic parents currently living in the greater Washington, DC, metro area and born outside of the United States, perceived upstream factors that influenced their current beverage choice. Six qualitative focus groups were conducted in Spanish in 2021. Hispanic parents (n = 31) of children enrolled in Early Head Start in the greater Washington, DC, metro area were recruited (all women, born outside the United States, and spoke Spanish as a first language). Verbatim transcripts were analyzed deductively using the Community Energy Balance Framework. The five key findings were: Growing up (in their countries of origin in Central America and Mexico) participants were used to drinking water, often gathered it from the source, and liked its flavor. Relatives passed down their knowledge about potabilization of water, the health benefits of drinking water, and health consequences of drinking SSBs. Growing up, prepackaged SSBs were not as accessible compared with where they now live in the United States. Participants perceived that sociocultural hospitality norms dictated that guests should be served SSBs and not water. Participants noted that messages regarding juice and water across US public health programs and policies were not aligned. These findings suggest there are opportunities for public health messaging and procurement of safe, palatable drinking water in lieu of SSBs and juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sertraline is used as an antidepressant drug for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression. In the current study, a simple and effective method was developed for the sensitive monitoring of sertraline in water samples using a GC–MS system. The spray-assisted droplet formation liquid-phase microextraction (SADF-LPME) method was used as a sample preparation method for the enrichment of analytes. Accordingly, dichloromethane was used as an extraction solvent and easily dispersed into a sample/standard solution using a lab-made modified spray device without using a dispersing solvent. The significant factors affecting the SADF-LPME efficiency, including sample pH, mixing conditions, extraction solvent type, and spray cycle, were univariately optimized to ascertain the extraction performance and applicability of the system. Under the optimized conditions, the plotted calibration curve of the method was linear in the range of 100.2–2011.7 µg/kg (mass-based standard preparation) with a good correlation coefficient (R 2) of 0.9997. The detection and quantification limits of method were found to be 37.5 and 125 µg/kg, respectively. Validation of the method was successfully carried out using different tap water samples and applying a matrix-matching calibration strategy. The acceptable percent recoveries were recorded between 77.3 and 133.7%, with high repeatability. The recommended method is an alternative and fast extraction method with several advantages, including a simple experimental process, good dispersibility, and fast and superior extraction performance. It can be readily applicable to the monitoring and quantification of sertraline in tap water samples with good precision and accuracy.

Abstract In order to promote the development and utilization of desert sand, this study is based on researching the most suitable ratio of bio-cement, analyzing the shear strength and permeability of improved desert sand by combining bio-cement and fly ash, and clarifying the applicability of tap water in bio-cement. The relationship between the two and the microstructural properties was investigated using the results of the straight shear test and the permeability test. The results showed that the urease solution prepared with tap water had a more pronounced temperature resistance. The urea concentration and the corresponding pH environment had a direct effect on the urease activity. The calcium carbonate yield was positively correlated with the calcium concentration, and the urea concentration was higher in the ranges of 1.0–1.5 mol/L. As the enzyme-to-gel ratio decreased, the calcium carbonate precipitate produced per unit volume of urease solution gradually converged to a certain value. The shear strength (increased by 37.9%) and permeability (decreased by about 8.9–68.5%) of the modified desert sand peaked with the increase in fly ash content. The microscopic test results indicated that the fly ash could provide nucleation sites for the bio-cement, effectively improving the mechanical properties of the desert sand. The crystal types of calcium carbonate in the modified desert sand were calcite and aragonite, which were the most stable crystal types. This study provides innovative ideas for interdisciplinary research in the fields of bioengineering, ecology and civil engineering.

It is well known that municipal drinking water may be the cause of gastrointestinal illness (GII) outbreaks, but it is still unclear to what extent drinking water contributes to endemic GII. To explore this, we conducted a prospective cohort study among 6,955 adults in five municipalities in Sweden, collecting monthly GII episodes and mean daily cold drinking water consumption through SMS (Short Message Service). When the association between drinking water consumption and GII (all symptoms) and acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI, vomiting and/or three loose stools during a 24-h period) were assessed, there were indications that the association departed from linearity, following a unimodal shape. Among consumers in surface water areas, the highest risk of GII and AGI was generally seen among the average consumers, while the opposite was seen among groundwater consumers. The association however also seemed to be affected by neighbouring communities. The results of the study indicate that there is indeed an association between drinking water consumption and endemic GII, but the nature of this association is complex and likely affected by multiple factors, for example, water source type in the home and degree of exposure to drinking water from additional sources. HIGHLIGHTS Association between drinking water consumption and endemic GII was non-linear.; Raw water type affected the association, with the risk of GII being higher in surface water areas.; Association is also likely affected by exposure to drinking water from different water sources.;

Abstract A nationwide survey of inorganic components of tap water all over Japan was conducted from 2019 to 2024. In this survey, 1564 tap water samples were collected, and an additional 194 tap water samples were collected from 33 other countries. The water samples were analyzed for 27 dissolved inorganic components, with a primary focus on the distribution of major and trace components, including Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl−, NO3 −, SO4 2−, total-hardness, Al, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn. The Japanese tap water hardness was 50.5 ± 30.2 (± 1σ SD) mg/L, classified as soft water according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The average content of each major component in Japanese tap water tended to be lower than those in other countries. Furthermore, Piper trilinear diagrams were used to categorize Japanese tap water types. The dominating water types were the Ca–HCO3 and mixed types, which had a nationwide distribution. Japanese tap water generally complied with Japanese and WHO drinking water criteria, with only 1% (17/1564 sites) of the samples exceeding water quality standards. Observations of water quality changes for 2 years at three household faucets revealed that fluctuations in major components and trace metals (Al, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) varied in different patterns. This suggests that the behavior of trace metal elements is influenced by local infrastructure, such as supply pipes, distinct from the variability in source water quality.

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

A nationwide survey of inorganic components of tap water all over Japan was conducted from 2019 to 2024. In this survey, 1564 tap water samples were collected, and an additional 194 tap water samples were collected from 33 other countries. The water samples were analyzed for 27 dissolved inorganic components, with a primary focus on the distribution of major and trace components, including Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, total-hardness, Al, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn. The Japanese tap water hardness was 50.5 ± 30.2 (± 1σ SD) mg/L, classified as soft water according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The average content of each major component in Japanese tap water tended to be lower than those in other countries. Furthermore, Piper trilinear diagrams were used to categorize Japanese tap water types. The dominating water types were the Ca–HCO3 and mixed types, which had a nationwide distribution. Japanese tap water generally complied with Japanese and WHO drinking water criteria, with only 1% (17/1564 sites) of the samples exceeding water quality standards. Observations of water quality changes for 2 years at three household faucets revealed that fluctuations in major components and trace metals (Al, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) varied in different patterns. This suggests that the behavior of trace metal elements is influenced by local infrastructure, such as supply pipes, distinct from the variability in source water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent detection of microplastics (MPs) in a large number of commercially important food items and beverages, including tap water, has drawn significant attention because of direct exposure and negative health effects on humans. Nevertheless, there is insufficient information on microplastic contamination in the tap water of developing countries. In the present study, we primarily analyzed supplied tap water samples from four major cities in Bangladesh to determine and characterize MPs using a stereomicroscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Several indices were employed to calculate human health exposures to microplastics. MPs were found in all of the water samples tested, with an overall mean of 35.33  ±  19.55 particles/L. The results of this study diverge from those of comparable research conducted globally, revealing that tap water in Bangladesh exhibited higher levels of contamination compared to other nations. MPs were found in three different shapes (fibers, fragments, and films), with fibers dominating the samples (96.2%), and 98.1% of the microplastics were less than 0.5  mm in size. Six different colors of MPs were observed, and transparent particles were dominant (63.9% of all observed MPs). FTIR infrared spectrum analysis revealed two major types of polymers: low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The projected daily consumption of microplastics was determined to be 2.65 particles per person per day, raising potential concerns for human health. The findings show that the treatment process of the water supply system is inadequate. Additionally, the sources of microplastics in tap water may come from where the water was collected for treatment and may be linked to a variety of anthropogenic activities, such as urbanization, sewage discharge, industrial waste disposal, and runoff from catchment areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the development of an innovative nanofibrous membrane to remove microplastics (MPs) from drinking water. This membrane exhibits additional functionality in removing lead (Pb), highlighting its promising potential for utilization as a point‐of‐use (POU) device. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibrous membranes are crosslinked using glutaraldehyde, and their efficiencies in the removal of MPs are evaluated. The results show that crosslinking the 7 and 10 wt% PVA nanofibers increases their average diameters to 330 and 581 nm, respectively, and enhances their surface area. The treatment efficiency of crosslinked PVA fibrous media is evaluated using polyethylene (PE) (5 μm ≤d ≤ 25 μm) and polystyrene (PS) MPs (d ≤ 1 μm). The filtration efficiencies of both 7 and 10 wt% c‐PVA nanofibrous media are found to be 99.8% ± 0.1% in the removal of PE MPs at pH 8. Further examination of the filtration efficiency in the removal of PS MPs shows that the highest removal efficiency achieved was 77.3% ± 1.4% at a pH of 6. Additionally, the lead removal efficiency of this fibrous membrane in flow‐through experiments is examined. Results show a pH‐dependent lead removal efficiency, in which the greatest efficiency of 69% is found at pH 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the association between drinking water sources and cognitive functioning among older adults residing in rural China. Methods: Data were extracted from the 2008–2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Drinking water sources were categorized according to whether purification measures were employed. The Chinese version of the Mini‐Mental State Examination was used for cognitive functioning assessment, and the score of <24 was considered as having cognitive dysfunction. Cox regression analyses were conducted to derive hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the effects of various drinking water sources, changes in such sources, and its interaction with exercise on cognition dysfunction. Results: We included 2304 respondents aged 79.67 ± 10.02 years; of them, 1084 (44.49%) were men. Our adjusted model revealed that respondents consistently drinking tap water were 21% less likely to experience cognitive dysfunction compared with those drinking untreated water (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70–0.90). Respondents transitioning from natural to tap water showed were 33% less likely to experience cognitive dysfunction (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.58–0.78). Moreover, the HR (95% CI) for the interaction between drinking tap water and exercising was 0.86 (0.75–1.00) when compared with that between drinking untreated water and not exercising. All results adjusted for age, occupation, exercise, and body mass index. Conclusions: Prolonged tap water consumption and switching from untreated water to tap water were associated with a decreased risk of cognitive dysfunction in older individuals. Additionally, exercising and drinking tap water was synergistically associated with the low incidence of cognitive dysfunction. These findings demonstrate the importance of prioritizing drinking water health in rural areas, indicating that purified tap water can enhance cognitive function among older adults. Key points: Prolonged untreated water use raised cognitive dysfunction in rural older adults.Changing untreated water to tap water is associated with low cognitive dysfunction.Exercise and tap water were synergistically associated with low cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that municipal drinking water may be the cause of gastrointestinal illness (GII) outbreaks, but it is still unclear to what extent drinking water contributes to endemic GII. To explore this, we conducted a prospective cohort study among 6,955 adults in five municipalities in Sweden, collecting monthly GII episodes and mean daily cold drinking water consumption through SMS (Short Message Service). When the association between drinking water consumption and GII (all symptoms) and acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI, vomiting and/or three loose stools during a 24-h period) were assessed, there were indications that the association departed from linearity, following a unimodal shape. Among consumers in surface water areas, the highest risk of GII and AGI was generally seen among the average consumers, while the opposite was seen among groundwater consumers. The association however also seemed to be affected by neighbouring communities. The results of the study indicate that there is indeed an association between drinking water consumption and endemic GII, but the nature of this association is complex and likely affected by multiple factors, for example, water source type in the home and degree of exposure to drinking water from additional sources. [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]

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]

This study describes the impact of surfactant molecular weights (PEG 2000 and PEG 4000) on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films, deposited via dip-coating from a PEG-stabilized suspension and silver-functionalized photo-fixation of Ag+ under UV illumination. The photocatalytic activity of pure and Ag/TiO2 films is assessed in the aqueous-phase degradation of Malachite green and Methylene blue in distilled and tap water under UV and visible illumination. The results indicate a positive effect of both the higher-molecular-weight non-ionic surfactant and Ag-functionalization yield higher photocatalytic efficiency. Notably, films photo-fixed with 10−2 M Ag+ show the highest degradation percentages in all experimental conditions. A direct correlation between the concentration of Ag+ ions and the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity is revealed: pure TiO2 < Ag, 10−4/TiO2 < Ag, 10−3/TiO2 < Ag, 10−2/TiO2. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry is used to study the Ag+ leeching from the Ag/TiO2 films. The structural properties of the nanostructures are investigated through scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Additionally, after three cycles of operation, Ag, 10−2/TiO2 (PEG 4000) films can maintain their photocatalytic activity, suggesting a potential application in the treatment of dye wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the presence of microplastics in tap drinking water and evaluates the efficacy of various sorbents for their removal in the context of Kazakhstan's water treatment system. Water samples taken in the cities of Kokshetau and Krasny Yar (Akmola region) were analyzed. Microplastics were detected in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 2.0 × 10−2 to 6.0 × 10−2 particles/dm3, predominantly in fiber form (74.1%). Outdated technologies and non-compliance with treatment regimens contribute to poor water quality, including high turbidity (87% of samples), color deviations (40% of samples), and acidity issues (20% of samples). To address these challenges, the study examined the sorption efficiency of different sorbents, with results indicating high retention rates (82.7–97.8%) for microplastic particles. Notably, aliphatic structures like PE and PP exhibited higher retention than PET. Among the sorbents tested, the synthesized carbon sorption material (CSM) demonstrated the highest efficiency in both microplastic retention and improvement in water quality parameters, making it a promising option for water treatment facilities and household filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion behavior of copper was investigated in synthetic tap water with and without sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) at different temperatures during immersion for 70 d by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical measurement techniques. The weight loss corrosion rate and pit depth of copper first increase and then decrease with the change in solution temperature from 25 to 80 °C. This is mainly related to the corrosion products formed on the copper surface. The main corrosion products change from Cu2O and Cu2(OH)2CO3 to CuO with the increase in solution temperature. The presence of 3 ppm NaClO slightly increases the weight loss corrosion rate and pit depth of copper under all temperatures except for 50 °C and reduces the temperature of the maximum corrosion rate from 50 to 40 °C. Free chlorine reduction accelerates the cathodic reaction of the corrosion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, there is an increased risk to public health and the environment due to the presence of pharmaceutically active compounds within drinking water supply and distribution networks. Owing to this, a direct injection-HPLC/MS-MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 16 active pharmaceutical compounds in tap water samples: amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalexin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, cyproterone, erythromycin, flutamide, spironolactone, sulfamethoxazole, tamoxifen, and trimethoprim. Limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.2 to 6.0 µg/L while quantification limits (LOQ) from 0.3 to 20 µg/L. Recovery percentages were between 70 and 125%. Total analysis time was short, with all compounds being resolved in less than 2.1 min. Of the 22 tap water samples collected and analyzed, the highest concentrations corresponded to amoxicillin (147 µg/L) and ciprofloxacin (44 µg/L). The findings could set a precedent for establishing safe levels of these compounds and increasing standards for tap water quality in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxide–carbon nanocomposites offer an interesting platform for electrochemical sensing due to the synergistic effect of a highly active semiconducting surface and conducting carbon as the supporting backbone. In this work, the in situ synthesis of SnO2 with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) led to the formation of small, uniform SnO2 nanoparticles, measuring 10–20 nm in size, whereas the inclusion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) resulted in the formation of (200) oriented SnO2 nanoplatelets of ∼200 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrates a chemical interaction between Sn and C rather than physical adherence. The cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of SnO2–rGO and SnO2–MWCNT display high peak current density and small ΔE in comparison to SnO2, signifying fast electron transfer, reversibility, and enhanced electrochemically active sites. Under optimized experimental conditions of square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV), the nanocomposites demonstrate high sensitivity (3.9, 9.9, 45.5, and 25.4 mA cm–1 ppb–1) and a low detection limit (in ppb) toward Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+, respectively. The high selectivity of SnO2–rGO for Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions and SnO2–MWCNT for Hg2+ and Cu2+ in a complex metal ion environment is encouraging and is probed by using density functional theory (DFT). Additionally, an artificial neural network (ANN)-based model justifies the sensor's accuracy and precision for real-time, on-site detection of heavy metal ions directly in tap water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human exposure to p-phenylenediamine derivatives (PPDs) may induce hepatotoxicity and altered glycolipid metabolism. Recent studies have demonstrated the wide presence of PPDs in environmental matrixes. However, until now, the occurrence of PPDs in tap water has not been well known. This study analyzed nine PPDs in tap water collected from Hangzhou and Taizhou, China. The results showed that seven PPDs were detected in tap water samples from Hangzhou (n = 131), with the concentration of total detected PPDs ranging from 0.29 to 7.9 ng/L (mean: 1.6 ng/L). N-(1, 3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD; mean: 0.79 ng/L,

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]

Herein, Polymethyldopamin@Fe3O4 (PMDP@Fe3O4) has been synthesized using a very simple, easy, cost-effective, efficient, and fast method. First, magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were synthesized. It was followed by accommodating polymethyldopamin (PMDP) on the prepared Fe3O4. The prepared PMDP@Fe3O4 was utilized as a sorbent in the Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction (MSPE) of six selected Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) including anthracene, fluoranthene, fluorene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene. The extracted model analytes were desorbed by a Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) and were analyzed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). The method is validated according to ICH guidelines with respect to precision, accuracy, linearity, specificity, robustness, and limits of detection and quantification. Under the optimized condition, the linearity of the method was in the range of 0.1–500 µg L−1 for the selected analytes. The calibration curves showed a determination of coefficient (r2) higher than 0.9986. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were calculated to be between 0.03–0.14 and 0.09–0.46 µg L−1, respectively. The inter-day and intra-day relative standard deviations (RSDs%) were determined to be in the range of 1.7–4.2% in three concentrations. Furthermore, the enrichment factors were found to be 76, 61, 65, 78, 69, and 67 for anthracene, fluoranthene, fluorene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene, respectively. Moreover, the calculated absolute recoveries were between 61 and 78%. The results of the real sample analysis and the obtained recoveries indicated that the method was useful and applicable in complicated real samples. PMDP@Fe3O4 nanoparticles were used for the extraction and determination of PAHs. DES was synthesized and used as a desorption solvent. The prepared sorbent showed high extraction performance, high stability, satisfactory reproducibility, and easy preparation. PMDP@Fe3O4 nanoparticles revealed satisfactory extraction recoveries for the MSPE of the PAHs. The method is effective, sensitive, cost-effective, and has wide LDRs and low LODs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-nitrosamines in reservoir water have drawn significant attention because of their carcinogenic properties. Karst reservoirs containing dissolved organic matter (DOM) are important drinking water sources and are susceptible to contamination because of the fast flow of various contaminants. However, it remains unclear whether N-nitrosamines and their precursor, DOM, spread in karst reservoirs. Therefore, this study quantitatively investigated the occurrence and sources of N-nitrosamines based on DOM properties in three typical karst reservoirs and their corresponding tap water. The results showed that N-nitrosamines were widely spread, with detection frequencies > 85%. Similar dominant compounds, including N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosomethylethylamine, N-nitrosopyrrolidine, and N-nitrosodibutylamine, were observed in reservoirs and tap water, with average concentrations of 4.7–8.9 and 2.8–6.7 ng/L, respectively. The average carcinogenic risks caused by these N-nitrosamines were higher than the risk level of 10−6. Three-dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrix modeling revealed that DOM was composed of humus-like component 1 (C1) and protein-like component 2 (C2). Fluorescence indicators showed that DOM in reservoir water was mainly affected by exogenous pollution and algal growth, whereas in tap water, DOM was mainly affected by microbial growth with strong autopoietic properties. In the reservoir water, N-nitrosodiethylamine and N-nitrosopiperidine were significantly correlated with C2 and biological indicators, indicating their endogenously generated sources. Based on the principal component analysis and multiple linear regression methods, five sources of N-nitrosamines were identified: agricultural pollution, microbial sources, humus sources, degradation processes, and other factors, accounting for 46.8%, 36.1%, 7.82%, 8.26%, and 0.96%, respectively. For tap water, two sources, biological reaction processes, and water distribution systems, were identified, accounting for 75.7% and 24.3%, respectively. Overall, this study presents quantitative information on N-nitrosamines' sources based on DOM properties in typical karst reservoirs and tap water, providing a basis for the safety of drinking water for consumers. [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]

A total of twenty-three psychiatric pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs were analyzed in tap water covering seven basins in Eastern China. The residual concentrations of these substances were detected up to 22.4 ng L-1. Among the substances, benzodiazepines were more often detected with higher median concentrations than those of illicit drugs. Generally, the higher residual levels of psychoactive substances were detected in the upstream of the basins compared with the downstream. For example, the concentrations of diazepam, temazepam, and oxazepam in the downstream were much higher than those in the upstream in OJ. Among the basins, YH was the most polluted region. Exposure assessment indicated the median exposure doses of diazepam and temazepam were from 85 to 99 and 3.5–4.1 pg kg-1 bw d-1 in the basins, respectively. Benchmark quotient for the nine detected substances was calculated in each basin with the range from 0.0001 to 0.0389, indicating low risk in the tap water for human health under current concentrations.

Milk residue and the accompanying biofilm accumulation in milking systems can compromise the microbial quality of milk and the downstream processes of cheese production. Over a six-month study, the microbial ecosystems of milk (n = 24), tap water (n = 24) and environmental swabs (n = 384) were cultured by plating decimal dilutions to obtain viable counts of total aerobic mesophilic lactose-utilizing bacteria (lactose-M17), lactic acid bacteria (MRS), yeasts and molds (Yeast, Glucose, Chloramphenicol (YGC) medium). Viable aerobic lactose-M17 plate counts of milk remained well below 4.7 log CFU/ml over five of the months, except for 1 week in November where milk at the facility exceeded 5 log CFU/ml. Swab samples of the farm milking equipment showed consistent viable counts after sanitation, while the bulk tank swabs contained the lowest counts. Viable counts from swabs of the facility were generally below the detection limit in the majority of samples with occasional residual contamination on some food contact surfaces. Extracted DNA was amplified using primers targeting the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, and the amplicons were sequenced by MiSeq to determine the shared microbiota between the farm and the processing facility (8 genera). Culture independent analysis of bacterial taxa in milk, water and residual contamination after sanitation with swab samples revealed the shared and distinct microbiota between the sample types of both facilities. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that the microbiota of milk samples had lower diversity than water or environmental swabs (279 ASVs compared to 3,444 in water and 8,747 in environmental swabs). Brevibacterium and Yaniella (both Actinomycetota) were observed in all sampling types. Further studies will include whole genome sequencing of Brevibacterium spp. isolates to determine their functionality and diversity within the system.

To systematically review the effect of different types of water sources on dental unit waterline (DUWL) contamination. 5 databases were searched from their inception to December 23, 2023. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of the literature. The risk ratio (RR) was used as measure of effect size in meta-analysis. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used for evaluating quality of the evidence. Meta-analysis was completed by RevMan 5.4.5 studies involving 561 water samples were quantified for meta-analysis. The results indicated that no significant differences were found in view of contamination rate (RR = 1.01; 95 % CI, 0.72–1.41; P = 0.96, I2 = 62 %; GRADE low)and detection rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (RR = 0.78; 95 % CI, 0.15–4.13; P = 0.77; I2 = 83 %; GRADE very low) between using purified water and tap water as water sources of DUWL. The available evidence suggests that there is no significant difference between purified water and tap water in controlling DUWL contamination. However, the conclusions need to be further validated through more randomized controlled trials with robust design and a large sample size.

In high-rise buildings, secondary water supply systems (SWSSs) are pivotal yet provide a conducive milieu for microbial proliferation due to intermittent flow, low disinfectant residual, and high specific pipe-surface area, raising concerns about tap water quality deterioration. Despite their ubiquity, a comprehensive understanding of bacterial community dynamics within SWSSs remains elusive. Here we show how intrinsic SWSS variables critically shape the tap water microbiome at distal ends. In an office setting, distinct from residential complexes, the diversity in piping materials instigates a noticeable bacterial community shift, exemplified by a transition from α-Proteobacteria to γ-Proteobacteria dominance, alongside an upsurge in bacterial diversity and microbial propagation potential. Extended water retention within SWSSs invariably escalates microbial regrowth propensities and modulates bacterial consortia, yet secondary disinfection emerges as a robust strategy for preserving water quality integrity. Additionally, the regularity of water usage modulates proximal flow dynamics, thereby influencing tap water's microbial landscape. Insights garnered from this investigation lay the groundwork for devising effective interventions aimed at safeguarding microbiological standards at the consumer's endpoint.

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

In view of the issues of environmental pollution, harm to human health, and increase in production and processing costs caused by the use of grinding fluid in traditional grinding, this paper proposes an electric antirust grinding method that utilizes tap water instead of traditional grinding fluid, The self-made electric antirust grinding system is employed to carry out research on processing performance. The differences in grinding force, grinding force ratio, grinding specific energy, grinding temperature and surface roughness between electric antirust grinding, dry grinding, and wet grinding are compared and analyzed. The results show that the average difference between electric antirust grinding and dry grinding is about 19.2%, and the average difference between electric antirust grinding and wet grinding is about 7.7%. Its processing performance surpasses dry grinding and is close to the level of wet grinding. Therefore, the electric antirust grinding method demonstrates a certain level of applicability.

The health of freshwater aquarium fish and their breeding success depend critically on the quality of tap water. In general, tap water in Japan is potable, although the properties of tap water vary among regions in Japan. The city of Niigata is located in the largest rice production region of Japan. We have faced challenges concerning the reproduction of freshwater aquarium fish in Niigata. To determine whether water properties and quality affect the reproduction of aquarium fish in Niigata, we investigated the chemical properties of water and raised zebrafish in water from three different sources, namely tap water of Niigata in May, artificial freshwater (i.e., prepared via reverse osmosis), and natural spring water of Gosen, to document any effects on their sexual maturation and reproduction. We found that the tap water of Niigata was not stable throughout a year (median electrical conductivity = 147.1 μS/cm; SD = 25.6), with springtime lower than the first quartile. We also found that low concentrations of four pesticides in the tap water have been detected in May (max. concentration in 2020, bromobutide 2,000 ng/L, butachlor 600 ng/L, pyraclonil 200 ng/L, ipfencarbazone 20 ng/L). Moreover, rearing zebrafish in tap water negatively influenced both fish growth and reproduction: The sex ratio of adults was male biased (proportion of F0 male 70.8%); the average total length (30.5 mm) and weight (182 mg) of F0 males was decreased; the GSI of F0 females (9.7%) was decreased; the fecundity (the mating success 58.7%; the number of F1 eggs 63.1) of adults was reduced. Rearing in artificial freshwater could improve these outcomes (the sex ratio 55.7%; the total length of F0 males 31.8 mm; the weight of F0 males 211 mg; the GSI of F0 females 11.7%; the mating success 72.6%; the number of F1 eggs 99.0), whereas rearing in natural spring water from Gosen could improve the sex ratio (56.3%) and the weight of F0 males (200 mg), but not the others. Therefore, artificial freshwater made via reverse osmosis should be used for breeding freshwater aquarium fish in rice production region like Niigata. Finally, our results demonstrate that the reproduction of freshwater aquarium fish can serve as a bioindicator of low levels of organic pollutants in tap water and thus provide a basis for evaluating the safety of tap water for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, microplastic pollution has been a hot topic as these compounds have been used in various production contexts such as health, food or technology due to their chemical and physical properties and "shelf-life," making them almost indispensable products in daily life. On the other hand, they have a negative impact on the environment and, consequently, on biota and human health. It is therefore necessary to assess the actual presence of microplastics in drinking water by analysing real samples in order to estimate the possible exposure through drinking water consumption. In this pilot study, drinking water from different aqueous matrices was examined for the presence of microplastics and characterized in terms of shape, size, abundance and polymer type by Raman microspectroscopy analysis. Not all samples analysed were found to be contaminated with microplastics, indeed, some, as in the case of water kiosk samples, were found to be free of such contaminants. The results for the various matrices showed that the microplastics content ranged from less than 2 particles/L to a maximum of 5 + 1.5 particles/L, with sizes ranging from 30 to 100 μm and consisted of the most common polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate. [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]

In this study, an analytical method based on UV-Vis spectrophotometer was developed for the determination of trace amounts of cadmium in tap water samples. The analyte in samples to be analyzed was firstly preconcentrated using the liquid-liquid microextraction method. (Z)-4-bromo-2[(naphthalene-2-ylimino)-methyl]phenol was used as a complexing agent in the microextraction process. Parameters affecting the efficiency of the liquid-liquid microextraction (LLME) process applied for preconcentration were optimized before starting the analysis. As a result of the analysis performed under the determined optimum conditions, linearity was observed between 0.050 and 4.0 mg/L. The detection limit was calculated as 0.017 mg/L as a result of eight repetitive analysis with the lowest concentration of cadmium in the linear region. The efficiency of our method in real samples was determined by recovery studies. As a result of the experiments performed on the tap water samples, the percent recovery values varied between 92 and 117%. These results are quite satisfactory in terms of demonstrating the applicability/accuracy of the method in the real sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete deterioration due to sulfate attack is one of the factors for early failure. Considering that sulfates in aggregates are the most important problem related to concrete in the cities of the Middle East and especially Iraq, so there was a need to develop a device to enhance the strength of concrete. In the current experimental research, we sought to discover how to treat and improve the performance of fresh concrete containing high percentages of sulfate salts in sand, using a magnetic field generation device with an electrical principle made locally. The work included the beginning of casting 27 models of concrete cubes that were treated using different magnetic intensities and examined to select the highest strength, which was 3000 Gauss, which was adopted in this research. Two groups of mixtures were prepared and poured using 72 cubes and prisms. The first group was divided into two reference mixtures not treated with a magnetic field. Two types of sand with different sulfate ratios with resistant Portland cement were used. The second group was prepared using the same method and working conditions, except for treating the concrete mixture with electromagnetic fields. The results showed an encouraging improvement in the compressive strength of magnetically treated concrete, where the rates of increase in compressive strength were (5.45, 5.5, 5.7%) with 0.15% SO3, and (7.2.7, 4.6%) with 0.6%. SO3 for a period of (7.28 and 90) days, respectively, compared to control mixtures. This technology can be applied during the pouring process on job sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work showcases a novel optical setup for water sensing based on transmission (Tx) (%) and absorbance (Ab) (AU). Four different water samples examine the sensing ability of the proposed device. These samples consist of RO water, tap water, groundwater, and pond water. The setup details the Tx (%) and Ab (AU) from different water samples. The Tx (%) obtained from the RO water (RW), tap water (TW), groundwater (GW), and pond water (PW) are 51.71%, 49.63%, 47.24%, and 45.92%, respectively. Similarly, the water sample's Ab (AU) is 0.288 AU, 0.297 AU, 0.320 AU, and 0.336 AU, corresponding to RW, TW, GW, and PW respectively. A linear relationship between Tx (%) and wavelength reaching the degree (2) provides maximum R2 = 0.9313. Similarly, a linear relationship between Ab (AU) and wavelength corresponding to a degree (2) provides maximum R2 = 0.9999. Thus, the developed setup successfully provides information about the sensing features from different water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The reasonability of using the redox potential to characterize the state of a certain water system was substantiated. Peat fulvic acids characteristic for the natural water of the Dnipro River were selected as a target compound for study before and after the adsorption processes. Fruitstone-derived activated carbon (FDAC), FDAC oxidized by hydrogen peroxide (FADC-O), and FDAC modified with iron oxides (FDAC-Fe) were used as adsorbents. All the systems with both distilled and tap water were shown to have an oxidative character for the period of study, especially after sodium azide and hydrogen peroxide were added. The introduction of fulvic acids into the system neutralized this effect due to their interaction. The redox potential was proposed to use for simplified measurement as an indicator of pollution in water of different types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Atrazine (ATZ) is a widely used triazine herbicide in agriculture, however, it negatively affects the environment and human health. Therefore, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was employed for the selective removal of ATZ. In this study, MIPs were produced by precipitation polymerization using ATZ as the target molecule, methacrylic acid (MAA), acrylamide (AAm), and 2‐vinylpyridine (2VP) as functional monomers and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross‐linker, respectively. MIP characterizations were performed using Fourier Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field Emission Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The batch binding study revealed that MIP (2VP) exhibited the highest rebinding efficiency (88.44 %) among the MIPs. Furthermore, MIP (2VP) was analyzed by Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Adsorption studies revealed that the optimum conditions for maximum adsorption efficiency were 8 ppm ATZ solution at pH 7, using 0.3 g of MIP (2VP). MIP (2VP) demonstrated higher selectivity towards ATZ than the Ametryn (AME) a competitive interferent, with a relative selectivity coefficient of 2.77. MIP (2VP) successfully removed ATZ from distilled water (95.39 %), tap water (88.16 %) and river water (86.75 %). These findings contributed for the development of MIP for the removal of ATZ, which would be helpful in the protection of ecosystem and human health in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the age of socio-ecological crises in which we live, the urgency of understanding the complicated relationship between society and nature is apparent. To achieve this, unfolding the urban metabolism of cities through metabolic flows from the perspective of urban political ecology will grow increasingly essential in the future. This paper aims to explore the concept of urban political ecology as a perspective for understanding emergence of a new urban metabolism in İstanbul in the nineteenth century through metabolic flows of water. The context of "metabolic" emphasizes labor as an agent for the very production of nature as urbanized nature through tap water, waste, and sanitation. It shows the transition and the conflict between the labor-intensive urban metabolism and capital-intensive urban metabolism of İstanbul, which started in the nineteenth century. The metabolic flows of water in terms of infrastructure were affected by the first impacts of foreign capital investments and capitalist relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On February 6, 2023, two destructive earthquakes of 7.7 MW and 7.6 MW occurred in Pazarcık (Kahramanmaraş) and Elbistan (Kahramanmaraş) at 04:17 and 13:24 hours, respectively. These earthquakes caused a surface rupture with a total length of 450 km in the region with an average displacement of 3 m between the Arabian and Anatolian plates. This study was conducted to investigate the physical deformation of the aquifer system and the current water quality characteristics in the affected region utilizing field observations and on-site analysis of water sources and tap water. The study revealed significant physical changes in the karstic springs and groundwater wells, including turbidity discharges from all karstic springs due to the limestone-covered terra rosa soils in the region, destruction of groundwater wells near the coastal alluvial aquifer due to liquification, significant intrusion of sea water due to settlements caused by liquefaction in the alluvial aquifer, presence of microbiological pathogens carried by particles creating turbidity in the water sources, and presence of microbiological pathogens in some tap waters due to contamination by pollutants resulting from damage to the water and sewerage networks. These preliminary findings suggest that the earthquake-induced shaking and physical deformation impacted the quality of groundwater sources and tap water in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]