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White detection remains a critical limitation in using colorimetry to determine substances with microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs). Here, we introduced a simple, safe alcohol ink-modified µPAD for the straightforward and facile detection of white color in precipitation reactions. Although absolute alcohol ink was found to cause device leakage, dilution of the ink with water was the key to successfully precoat wax-created µPADs. Device utility was demonstrated through simultaneous detection of sulfate, phosphate, and water hardness via precipitation reactions. While phosphate interfered with sulfate detection by Ba2+, in situ distance-based quantification of phosphate was implemented. Aside from anions, the modified µPADs could be extended to detect cationic analytes such as total hardness. The limits of detection (LODs) for sulfate, phosphate, and hardness were 0.005 mmol L−1, 0.005 mmol L−1, and 0.5 mmol L−1, respectively, with the linear ranges of 0.01–10.0 mmol L−1, 0.005–1.0 mmol L−1, and 0.001–0.5 mol L−1. The µPADs were applied to real water samples, demonstrating results that were consistent with standard methods at a 95% confidence level. By incorporating white detection, these alcohol ink-modified µPADs offer enhanced versatility for addressing a broader array of analytical challenges in real-world settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's increasing demand for aquaculture production is accompanied by various challenges such as diseases, broodstock improvement, domestication, development of suitable pellets and feeding methods, hatchery technology, and water quality management. Thus, probiotic usage has been reported as the ideal alternative to antibiotics, other chemotherapeutics, and additional supplements to other alternative ingredients. The main beneficial roles of probiotics include the enhancement of disease and stress resistance, immunity, promotion of growth and reproduction, improvement of digestion, provide several nutrients, and enhancement of water microbial composition. To guarantee safety, the probiotics provided must be noninvasive and non-pathogenic. The use of probiotics in aquaculture, either directly or in combination with alternative materials such as plant protein diets, vitamins, microalgae, fermented products, and so on, has been shown to improve the health and growth of aquatic animals and offer significant benefits to the sustainability of the industry. There is advocacy for a systematic approach to conducting innovative research to unearth new putative strains, which is substantial in ensuring sustainable probiotic usage and, thus, can help in the continuous development of the aquaculture industry especially in China. Some examples of the probiotics found in China are mainly photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) which are autotroph bacteria capable of photosynthesis, antagonistic bacteria (Pseudoalteromonas sp., Flavobacterium sp., Alteromonas sp., Phaeobacter sp., Bacillus sp., etc.), bacteria that contribute nutrients and enzymes during digestion (lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, etc.), bacteria that improve water quality (nitrifying bacteria, denitrifying bacteria, etc.), Bdellovibrio, and other probiotics. This review also focuses on the potential use of probiotics in aquaculture, especially in China, and probiotics' prospective future role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today’s increasing demand for aquaculture production is accompanied by various challenges such as diseases, broodstock improvement, domestication, development of suitable pellets and feeding methods, hatchery technology, and water quality management. Thus, probiotic usage has been reported as the ideal alternative to antibiotics, other chemotherapeutics, and additional supplements to other alternative ingredients. The main beneficial roles of probiotics include the enhancement of disease and stress resistance, immunity, promotion of growth and reproduction, improvement of digestion, provide several nutrients, and enhancement of water microbial composition. To guarantee safety, the probiotics provided must be non-invasive and non-pathogenic. The use of probiotics in aquaculture, either directly or in combination with alternative materials such as plant protein diets, vitamins, microalgae, fermented products, and so on, has been shown to improve the health and growth of aquatic animals and offer significant benefits to the sustainability of the industry. There is advocacy for a systematic approach to conducting innovative research to unearth new putative strains, which is substantial in ensuring sustainable probiotic usage and, thus, can help in the continuous development of the aquaculture industry especially in China. Some examples of the probiotics found in China are mainly photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) which are autotroph bacteria capable of photosynthesis, antagonistic bacteria (Pseudoalteromonas sp., Flavobacterium sp., Alteromonas sp., Phaeobacter sp., Bacillus sp., etc.), bacteria that contribute nutrients and enzymes during digestion (lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, etc.), bacteria that improve water quality (nitrifying bacteria, denitrifying bacteria, etc.), Bdellovibrio, and other probiotics. This review also focuses on the potential use of probiotics in aquaculture, especially in China, and probiotics’ prospective future role.

The water quality of Nanliujiang River basin, which is an important river entering the sea in the south of Guangxi, has a very important impact on the ecological environment around the surrounding areas of rivers and even the entire Beibu Gulf. Based on measured data, this study analyzed the pollution characteristics that affect the spatio-temporal distribution of the main water quality indicators( i. e., ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus) in the Nanliujiang River basin. Statistical analysis shows that the total phosphorus is the limiting indicator leading to unqualified water quality, and the primary pollution source is the pollution of livestock and poultry breeding. Meanwhile, the pollution load of pollutants from livestock and poultry breeding sources in Bobai County was much higher than that in other administrative regions. The results of correlation analysis between livestock and poultry production and tributary water quality show that the livestock and poultry activities in Bobai County directly affect the concentration of ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus in the tributaries of the Nanliujiang River basin. And in addition, the impact of free-range farming activities was greater than that of large-scale farming activities. After the prevention and control of livestock breeding pollution has been promoted, the water quality of Nanliujiang River basin has obviously improved. At the same time, the key areas that need to be focused on and strenghthened in the future are in Bobai County which is a key breeding area in Nanliujiang River basin, with the key tributaries including Xiaobai River, Wudou River, Shuiming River, Yashan River, Zhoucun River, Heshui River, Chunshi River, Dongping River, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The construction of reservoirs for water supply alters the riverine ecology and changes water quality. It is, therefore, imperative to estimate and provide the riverine environmental flow requirement to prevent irreversible environmental damage and to maintain suitable water quality. Water releases from reservoirs constitute the means for meeting environmental flow and water quality requirements downstream from reservoirs. These requirements can be realized through the modification of the reservoir operation programmes by reallocating a percentage of the reservoir releases otherwise dedicated to quantitative objectives. This is performed in this study by considering the qualitative (i.e. pertaining to water quality) objectives alongside quantitative objectives of reservoir releases in order to achieve a general coverage for an operating programme that balances in the most rational manner the interests of riverine environmental protection and quantitative functions. The case study area is located in the river reach between the Gotvand reservoir and Shooshtar city in the Gotvand‐Karoon reservoir‐river system in Iran. The range of riverine environmental flow is calculated in the study river reach with hydrologic methods. Water quality is simulated and included reservoir operation with the QUAL‐2K simulation model. The existing quantitative and qualitative objectives for reservoir operation are determined and classified. The best reservoir releases corresponding to three scenarios are determined by the Nash theory considering all possible objectives in the reservoir‐river system. These scenarios allocate relative weights to defined objectives and releases were determined to be equal to 183.8, 141.8 and 206.8 m3/s for three scenarios.

In Malaysia, the Stormwater Management Manual for Malaysia (Manual Saliran Mesra Alam or MSMA) was introduced to manage stormwater and solve water-related problems. However, massive development caused the conventional stormwater system to be unable to cater to the excessive runoff and led to flooding, also affecting residential areas. This shows that there is an urgent requirement for a sustainable stormwater management practice (SSMP) in residential areas. This study is conducted to evaluate stormwater practitioners' opinions on the proposed SSMPs, including green roofs, rain gardens/bioretention systems, and porous pavements, based on Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) factors through surveys and correlation analysis. The questionnaire was distributed to 14 branches of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), 14 branches of the City Council, and 28 selected private engineering companies. In total, 118 respondents were targeted to obtain their perspectives on the SWOT factors for each selected SSMP according to the Likert scale. The survey showed that the respondents agreed with most of the SWOT factors on the selected SSMPs. The results of the distributed questionnaire were used as the data for the correlation analysis. The analysis indicated that green roofs, rain gardens/bioretention systems, and porous pavements have a strong positive relationship, with a p-value of less than 0.05 for the Strength and Opportunity factors, and a weak positive relationship, with a p-value of more than 0.05 for the Weakness and Threat factors. This shows that the proposed SSMPs are suitable to implement in residential areas. Observations were conducted to obtain the residents' opinions on the performance of stormwater management in their residential areas and to evaluate the suitability of the proposed SSMPs to be implemented in the observed areas. Based on the observations, it can be concluded that only rain gardens/bioretention systems and porous pavements are suitable when compared to green roofs. An interview session was conducted with practitioners in stormwater management to gain their opinions on the studies and the proposed SSMPs. The interviewees agreed with the issues and that the SSMPs should be implemented in landed residential areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report the restoration of a polluted urban stream by employing the multistage vortex aerator (MVA), an in-line mixer device that improves the dissolved oxygen concentration of polluted streams and accelerates the water purification rate. It was observed during the field experiment that the dissolved oxygen was enhanced up to 7.05 mg/L and the water quality was improved to a good grade. As a result, the complex odor was successfully eliminated and reduced by up to 71.9%, while the water quality grade was also improved by more than two grades on average. Stream water quality indicators monitored for twelve months revealed high removal rates of total phosphorous (56.4%) and suspended solids (61%). The study demonstrated MVA as a promising eco-friendly technology for significant improvement in urban stream water quality. Moreover, the MVA process creates no secondary pollution and is believed to be a sustainable treatment option for odorous water bodies. Overall, the MVA process is technically feasible for implementation, and this study provides a specific reference as a basis for the treatment of polluted water bodies in urban settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well-known that the error of a measurement result can increase at each step of a laboratory procedure, as well as because of the sample character of partial measurements. To overcome these difficulties, close cooperation between hydrologists and analytical chemists is required in order to obtain reliable information about the composition and properties of natural waters, which are extremely unstable. The study focuses on details that are of importance for both the client-hydrologist and the performer—chemist-analyst. The article gives different variants of conclusions regarding the compliance or non-compliance with the established requirements. The cost of reliable measurements is calculated, and variants of optimization of enterprise's payments for discharges are proposed. Recommendations are given to customers regarding the choice of a competent analytical laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective disinfection is essential for maintaining water quality standards in distribution networks. Chlorination, as the most used technique, ensures safe water by maintaining sufficient chlorine residuals but also leads to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). These DBPs pose health risks, highlighting the need for chlorine injection control (CIC) by booster stations to balance safety and DBPs formation. Prior studies have followed various approaches to address this research problem. However, most of these studies overlook the changing flow conditions and their influence on the evolution of the chlorine and DBPs concentrations by integrating simplified transport-reaction models into CIC. In contrast, this paper proposes a novel CIC method that: (i) integrates multi-species dynamics, (ii) allows for a more accurate representation of the reaction dynamics of chlorine, other substances, and the resulting DBPs formation, and (iii) optimizes for the regulation of chlorine concentrations subject to EPA mandates thereby mitigating network-wide DBPs formation. The novelty of this study lies in its incorporation of time-dependent controllability analysis that captures the control coverage of each booster station. The effectiveness of the proposed CIC method is demonstrated through its application and validation via numerical case studies on different water networks with varying scales, initial conditions, and parameters. • Disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation from chlorine injections poses health risks. • We develop spatiotemporal advection–dispersion–reaction model of (de)contaminants. • Near real-time chlorine injections are computed under varying network conditions. • Case studies reveal that optimized injections reduce DBP formation and health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofloc technology (BFT) is extensively used in the treatment of water quality in intensive shrimp aquaculture systems. However, the rapid accumulation of biofloc in middle-to-late culture stages poses challenges for system management, impacting the economic yield of aquaculture operations. To address this issue, an advanced biofloc system (A-BS) that integrates a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) with BFT was constructed, and the biofloc system (BS) was used as a control group. During a 100-day pilot-scale operation, the A-BS group effectively regulated water quality and enhanced the growth rate of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In the A-BS group, the average concentrations of ammonia, nitrite, chemical oxygen demand, and mixed liquor suspended solids were substantially reduced compared to those in the BS group, measuring 0.19, 0.55, 36.36, and 229 mg/L, respectively, across the middle-to-late culture stages. Notably, the final stocking density and survival rate of shrimp in the A-BS group, reached 7.04 kg/m3 and 81.22 %, surpassing those in the BFT group. Furthermore, microbial community and functional gene analyses revealed more in-depth insights into the related mechanisms. Bacterial abundance and diversity, as well as the presence of denitrification genes such as Unclassified_f_Rhodobacteraceae and Paracoccus , were markedly higher in the A-BS group than in the BS group. The integration of MBBR into A-BS significantly increased the abundance of amoA and nirK genes, which are crucial for water quality stability during later culture stages. This proof-of-concept investigation confirms that the MBBR–BFT coupling process in A-BS holds promise for advancing sustainable aquaculture practice and provides strategic guidance for the modernization of the industry. [Display omitted] • The water quality in A-BS remained very stable throughout the culture process. • The A-BS enhances the abundance of amoA and nirK genes. • The SGR and SR of shrimp in A-BS are significantly better than in BS. • The MBBR-BFT process improves the stability and economic efficiency of shrimp culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urgent water and food security challenges, particularly in continental and boreal regions, need to be addressed by initiatives such as the Horizon 2020-funded project WATer retention and nutrient recycling in soils and streams for improved AGRIcultural production (WATERAGRI). A new methodological framework for the sustainable management of various solutions resilient to climate change has been developed. The results indicate that the effect of the climate scenario is significantly different for peatlands and constructed wetlands. The findings also highlight that remote-sensing-based yield prediction models developed from vegetation indices have the potential to provide quantitative and timely information on crops for large regions or even at the local farm scale. Verification of remotely sensed data is one of the prerequisites for the proper utilization and understanding of data. Research shows that current serious game applications fall short due to challenges such as not clarifying the decision problem, the lack of use of decision quality indicators and limited use of gaming. Overall, WATERAGRI solutions improve water and food security by adapting agriculture to climate change, recycling nutrients and providing educational tools to the farming community. Farmers in small agricultural catchments benefit directly from WATERAGRI, but over the long-term, the general public does as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The waters of rivers are not only used for consumption, industry and agriculture but have also found their way into the transport and energy generation sectors. Many disturbances introduced into the aquatic environment are of the natural variety, which are the result of "admixtures" contained in water, e.g., through contact with soil, and of man-made types, which are directly related to humanities destructive influences. In the presented examinations, the most important processes affecting the spread and transport of these pollutants are taken into account, i.e., advection and diffusion. The authors present observations on the influence of the diffusion phenomenon on river flow modelling processes. Such an approach allows for the separation of the dynamics of water flow and the dynamics of transport of the dissolved substance mass. Specifically, phenomena occurring in relation to spatial coordinates, time and variable parameter values in the proposed mathematical model were analysed. Ultimately, this research will contribute to the correct design and implementation of a complementary diffusion module as an extension to an intelligent water quality control and monitoring system. The Intelligent Analytical Computing Control System architecture under development already includes other modules such as the Intelligent Filtration and Prediction Module and, complemented by the Intelligent Diffusion Module, provides a complementary tool for monitoring river hydromorphology. Implementation of the above solution will help to improve water quality, thus preventing and eliminating the appearance of undesirable pollutants in rivers, and increase the standard of living in the current threatened environmental world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use the ICM model as a tool to investigate, analyze and summarize the basic data of the sewage system to form a sewage system database to construct the sewage pipe network model topology. Use the model checking tool to check and carry out the error data in the pipe network during the model building process. The second re-survey makes the topology of the model more accurate. Determine the relevant parameters of the model through on-site investigations, query relevant information and relevant literature, use the basic data provided by relevant departments to set the flow process line and delimit the population of the catchment area, and use the measured daily cumulative flow data of the pumping station and the sewage treatment plant. The average value of the influent water quality index is used to calibrate and check the model, and build a credible hydraulic model and water quality model of the sew-age pipe network. The checked sewage pipe network model is used to evaluate the current status of the sewage system. The current water delivery capacity of the pipe network is analyzed from the three perspectives of pipeline overload status, flow rate, and pump station operating status. The pipeline is at fa load or even Overload operation, the current operating state is poor. A simulation comparison of different sediment depths shows that the clogging seriously affects the water delivery capacity and regulation and storage capacity of the pipeline network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, there are enterprises that use a direct-flow cooling system without treatment of used water before discharging it into a water body. Most of these enterprises use outdated equipment in the cooling system (including oil cooling systems). As a result, there is a high probability of oil products getting into the natural water body. An oil product in a stream of water can be dissolved and undissolved (emulsion). The design of the flow damper proposed in this work is part of a functioning industrial water quality control system. The flow damper is designed to register undissolved oil products in the water flow from the cooling system of a CHP plant. Measurements are conducted at the control points. The research model includes the development of a solid model of the flow damper (including the analysis of its use in a natural environment modelled by software package with the possibility of CFD analysis) and the calculation of oil particles ascent time inside the damper. The result of the study is the design of the flow damper, which ensures oil film detection in the cooling system effluents discharged into the water body.

Abstract The corrosion and especially microbial corrosion in thermal power plants due to the frequent use of contaminated water sources has long been a source of economic problems, efficiency reduction, equipment and technical failure. The main reasons of these problems are a of existence of microbial organism in the water of cooling tower. In this work, the aim is to collect information on the microbial corrosion in the cooling water of Shahid Beheshti power plant of Lushan and to provide several solutions to reduce the occurrence of microbial corrosion Therefore, physicochemical properties, microbial tests and ion measurement are conducted in order to investigate the parameters affecting this phenomenon for the cooling tower of Shahid Beheshti power plant of Lushan. The microbial tests include the TBC test to measure the total number of bacteria (general test) and specific tests to measure specific bacteria such as APB, FP, IRB, NRB, Aero, SRB and TRB. Moreover, physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, salinity percentage, hardness and water temperature), anions and cations are determined. It is observed that the calcium ion in the sample is in the range of high concentration (517 ppm) which leads to increase sedimentation and retention of water in the cooling cycle. On the other hand, the high concentration of sulfate (2126 ppm) causes the growth of SRB in the sample. For this purpose, it is very important to control and tackle these problems by applying sediment-forming and destructive microbial agents in the cycle. Common methods such as chlorination and ozonation are the first priority to deal with microbial corrosion in this power plant. Due to the high concentration of sulfate ions, it is suggested that selective removal of sulfate ions counts as a second priority. High concentration of calcium ion might be resolved by applying the chemical regimes in the clarifier such as adding CaOH, FeCl3 and coagulant and control and inhibit the microbial corrosion.

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In water disinfection and treatment, rapid detection and monitoring of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, as important water quality indices, are of prime importance. On the other hand, continuous monitoring and detection of pathogens have encountered the problems such as low concentration of bacteria and viruses in water, low sensitivity of the conventional detection methods, complex sample matrices and insufficient selectivity of the conventional methods, and inability of these methods in fast and cheap detection and continuous monitoring of pathogens. These indicate the importance of considering new sciences and technologies in fabrication of biosensors in order to achieve higher sensitivity, response rapidity, and selectivity. In this paper, briefly, new nanoscience approach and application of nanostructured materials in design and fabrication of nanobiosensors in order to detecting and monitoring of bacteria and viruses in water have been introduced and some examples of the applications of nanobiosensors have been also presented.

Real‐time water quality control (WQC) in water distribution networks (WDN), the problem of regulating disinfectant levels, is challenging due to lack of (i) a proper control‐oriented modeling considering complicated components (junctions, reservoirs, tanks, pipes, pumps, and valves) for water quality modeling in WDN and (ii) a corresponding scalable control algorithm that performs real‐time water quality regulation. In this paper, we solve the WQC problem by (a) proposing a novel state‐space representation of the WQC problem that provides an explicit relationship between inputs (chlorine dosage at booster stations) and states/outputs (chlorine concentrations in the entire network) and (b) designing a highly scalable model predictive control (MPC) algorithm that showcases fast response time and resilience against some sources of uncertainty. Key Points: A novel control‐theoretic water quality model is proposed and testedThe model allows for high‐fidelity simulations without using a water quality simulation toolbox, paving the way for many control‐theoretic technologies to be implementedA model predictive water quality control algorithm for adjusting chlorine dosages is investigated under different scenarios [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The waters of rivers are not only used for consumption, industry and agriculture but have also found their way into the transport and energy generation sectors. Many disturbances introduced into the aquatic environment are of the natural variety, which are the result of “admixtures” contained in water, e.g., through contact with soil, and of man-made types, which are directly related to humanities destructive influences. In the presented examinations, the most important processes affecting the spread and transport of these pollutants are taken into account, i.e., advection and diffusion. The authors present observations on the influence of the diffusion phenomenon on river flow modelling processes. Such an approach allows for the separation of the dynamics of water flow and the dynamics of transport of the dissolved substance mass. Specifically, phenomena occurring in relation to spatial coordinates, time and variable parameter values in the proposed mathematical model were analysed. Ultimately, this research will contribute to the correct design and implementation of a complementary diffusion module as an extension to an intelligent water quality control and monitoring system. The Intelligent Analytical Computing Control System architecture under development already includes other modules such as the Intelligent Filtration and Prediction Module and, complemented by the Intelligent Diffusion Module, provides a complementary tool for monitoring river hydromorphology. Implementation of the above solution will help to improve water quality, thus preventing and eliminating the appearance of undesirable pollutants in rivers, and increase the standard of living in the current threatened environmental world.

Introduction: The quality of water for human consumption is a determining factor in the health conditions of populations. The difference between preventing and transmitting waterborne diseases depends on several factors, such as the quality and continuity of the water supply service. Objective: To determine the performance of the índice de riesgo de la calidad del agua (water quality risk index, irca) for human consumption in urban areas of the department of Boyacá from 2004 to 2013. Methodology: Descriptive study. 122 aqueducts of the urban zones of the municipalities of the Boyacá department were included in the irca evaluation. The sample was taken according to established regulations and for this, technicians were trained in environmental sanitation. Physical, chemical and microbiological analyses were carried out (total coliforms, Escherichia coli, visible color, turbidity, pH and free residual chlorine). The variables analyzed were recorded in the water quality monitoring information system for human consumption (sivicap, as per its Spanish acronym). Statistical analysis of central trend measures and averages was also performed. Results: In 2004, in 122 municipalities of Boyacá, 77% had an irca at high risk and 23% at medium risk. Over time, there has been a decrease in the level of risk, 3% had high risk, 14% medium risk, 29% low risk and 54% were without risk in 2013. Conclusions: In the period studied in the department of Boyacá, the irca showed a tendency to decrease, going from high risk to low risk, possibly due to the implementation and intensification of environmental health surveillance actions carried out by the department’s Ministry of Health, such as health inspection visits, verification of good health practices, personalized training for treatment plant operators and permanent monitoring.

Background and objective: Biological assessment of water resources is of particular importance and the presence of pathogens in these resources affects the health of consumers. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial contamination of water including total coliforms, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci in the Azad dam lake. Methods and Materials: In this study, Sanandaj Azad dam water was evaluated for the indicator bacteria during one year (from May 2015 to June 2016). Sampling was performed from five stations in the areas of lake, transients and river. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was accomplished by ANOVA and Duncan tests using SPSS 18 software (P

One of the main problems in the scope of public health is poor identification of the waterborne diseases and their etiology. One of the aims of the new directive concerning the quality of water intended for human consumption is to implement the principles of hazard assessment in water supply systems (WSS) in the member states, on the basis of water quality monitoring and analyses of the system functioning conditions. The implementation of risk management procedures in WSSs is to ensure an increase in the water supply safety and, in turn, protect the consumer's health against the harmful effects of any potable water contamination. At present, the secondary legislation to the Polish acts implementing the Directive of the Council of Europe is the Regulation of the Minister of Health on the quality of water intended for human consumption, which also sets forth the scope of monitoring the quality of hot water for Legionella spp., which can be an etiological factor of legionellosis. Another act regulating the water quality in terms of Legionella spp. is the Regulation of the Minister of Health on water quality in swimming pools. These acts, referring to the parameter of Legionella spp., are complementary. This paper presents the results of evaluating the change in the sanitary status of hot water quality in terms of contamination with Legionella spp. bacteria in the selected swimming pool facilities in southern Poland (Silesian Voivodship). On the basis of the available water quality test from state inspections (Chief Sanitary Inspectorate), an analysis of the microbiological quality of hot water in swimming pools was conducted. The analyses included a spatial distribution of those facilities, which results from the regionalisation subject to the territorially competent public health authority exercising supervision over the water quality in the Silesian Voivodship. The methods were presented for determination of the health risk of swimming pool users as a result of contamination of swimming pool water with Legionella spp. in relation to the availability of a given recreation facility. The final result of these studies is the use of GIS (Geographic Information System) tools in spatial risk interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoretação da água de abastecimento público é a adição de compostos de flúor nas estações de tratamento da água como uma das formas de prevenção da cárie dentária. Este estudo avaliou a situação da fluoretação das águas de abastecimento no município de Lages, Santa Catarina, sistematizando dados de 10 anos de heterocontrole (2004–2013). Mensalmente, em dias alternados, foram coletadas 67 amostras de água de 11 pontos de abastecimento, totalizando 737 amostras. Para a determinação da concentração de flúor nas amostras de água utilizou-se o método eletrométrico. Após análise, as amostras foram classificadas, segundo os critérios da Portaria nº 635/Bsd, de 26/12/1975 (adequadas ou inadequadas), e os critérios propostos pelo Centro Colaborador do Ministério da Saúde em Vigilância da Saúde Bucal (Cecol) da Universidade de São Paulo (benefícios e riscos à saúde da população). Das amostras analisadas, 58,6% apresentaram teores adequados de flúor e 51,1% máximo benefício e baixo risco apresentaram, de acordo com cada critério. Nas amostras inadequadas de concentração de flúor, 34,7% situou-se nos teores acima de 1,0 mg.L-1 e 6,7%, baixos teores de flúor na água (< 0,7 mg.L-1). Pelos critérios do Cecol, 45,0% das amostras caracterizaram-se por risco moderado a muito alto de desenvolvimento de fluorose (teores de flúor entre 0,95 e ≥ 1,45 mg.L-1). Recomenda-se a adoção de medidas efetivas para garantir à população o consumo de água tratada com qualidade, o que inclui teores adequados de flúor na água e manutenção de ações de vigilância sanitária por parte das autoridades de Saúde Pública. ==================================================== The public water supply fluoridation is the addition of fluorine in the water treatment plants, as a way of preventing tooth decay. This study evaluated the situation of fluoridation of public water supply in the city of Lages, of the State of Santa Catarina, systematizing data from 10 years of external control (2004-2013). Monthly, every other day, 67 water samples from 11 points of supply were collected, totaling 737 samples. To determine the fluoride concentration in the water samples, an electrometric method was used. After analysis, the samples were classified according to the criteria of Ordinance nº 635/Bsd of 26/12/1975 (adequate or inadequate) and the criteria proposed by the Ministry of Health Collaborating Centre for Surveillance of Oral Health (CECOL) of the University of São Paulo (benefits and health risks of the population). Of the samples analyzed, 58.6% had adequate levels of fluoride and 51.1% had maximum benefit and low risk, according to each criterion. Of the inadequate samples of fluoride concentration, 34.7% stood at levels above 1.0 mg L-1 and 6.7% at low levels of fluoride in water (

Ulva prolifera is one of the most common macroalgae and is distributed widely off the coast of China. It is well known for its rapid growth rate and good reproduction and it has fast nitrogen removal efficiency. Integration of seaweed cultivation in shrimp farming water is considered a potential aquaculture practice since seaweeds can convert dissolved inorganic nitrogen into biomass and the biomass can be harvested easily. This study investigated the effect of integrating green seaweed (Ulva prolifera) with Litopenaeus vannamei (500 shrimp m−3) at varying levels of water exchange daily on water quality and shrimp growth performance. The four daily water exchange quantities were 5% (T1), 10% (T2), 15% (T3), and 20% (T4). The appropriate range of the stocking density of U. prolifera was 800 mg L−1. No significant differences were observed in total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentration between T2 and T3 (P > 0.05) from beginning to end. The concentrations of nitrite and nitrate in all treatment remained constant at low levels from beginning to the end. On day 35, there were no significant differences in survival rate of shrimp among T2, T3, and T4. No significant differences in FCR were observed in group T2, as compared to T1, T3, or T4. No significant differences in cumulative weight of U. prolifera were observed among T1, T2, and T3; however, they were significantly larger than that of T4. The study demonstrates that integrating U. prolifera (800 mg L−1) with L. vannamei (500 shrimp m−3) with 10% water exchange can control the water quality and enhance shrimp growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic kidney failure is a disease that affects the functions of the kidneys and can cause irreversible kidney failure over time. Among the main factors that cause this disease are hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The number of patients presenting this clinical condition has been increasing in Brazil, leading to an increase in renal replacement therapy, such as hemodialysis. Material and methods: In the state of São Paulo, a joint action between the Adolfo Lutz Institute, the Sanitary Surveillance Center, and the Sanitary Surveillance Groups have promoted the State Program for the Monitoring of Water Treated for Dialysis since 2007 to evaluate the chemical and microbiological quality of the water used in dialysis in compliance with the current legislation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the monitoring program developed between 2010 and 2016 as a tool for corrective action when unsatisfactory results are observed. Results: The level of satisfactory results during the period varied from 85.8 to 98.0%, indicating an increase in the adequacy of the dialysis services in producing water with adequate quality for patient health. Conclusion: The design adopted in the state monitoring program is highly effective based on new collections after the joint actions of the Sanitary Surveillance System and the State Dialysis Services.

This study presents a rapid microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) capable of simultaneously monitoring Gram-negative bacteria and nitrite ions (NO 2 - ) for water quality monitoring. We utilize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with polymyxin molecules (AuNPs@polymyxin) to cause color change due to aggregation for the detection of Gram-negative bacteria, and antiaggregation in the presence of o -phenylenediamine (OPD) for NO 2 - detection. In this study, Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) serves as the model of a Gram-negative bacterium. Using the developed μPADs, the color changes resulting from aggregation and antiaggregation reactions are measured using a smartphone application. The linear detection ranges from 5.0 × 10 2 to 5.0 × 10 5 CFU/mL ( R 2 = 0.9961) for E. coli and 0.20 to 2.0 μmol/L ( R 2 = 0.995) for NO 2 - . The detection limits were determined as 2.0 × 10 2 CFU/mL for E. coli and 0.18 μmol/L for NO 2 - . Notably, the newly developed assay exhibited high selectivity with no interference from Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, we obtained acceptable recovery for monitoring E. coli and NO 2 - in drinking water samples with no significant difference between our method and a commercial assay by t test validation. The sensor was also employed for assessing the quality of the pond and environmental water source. Notably, this approach can also be applied to human urine samples with satisfactory accuracy. Furthermore, the assay's stability is extended due to its reliance on AuNPs rather than reagents like antibodies and enzymes, reducing costs and ensuring long-term viability. Our cost-effective μPADs therefore provide a real-time analysis of both contaminants, making them suitable for assessing water quality in resource-limited settings.

The efficiency of water treatment for human consumption is of paramount importance to ensure its quality. On the other hand, without proper potability control, water is able to carry a large amount of physicochemical and microbiological contaminants and its consumption is a risk to health. The objective of this study was to conduct a qualitative survey of the distributed water profile and the notification of diseases in the macro-region of Picos-PI, in the period of four years. The research was done through the tabulation and reading of data provided by the Central Laboratory of Public Health of Piauí, which performs monthly the collection and analysis of water samples. Information about the prevalence of acute diarrhea and hepatitis A was made available by the Health Department of Piauí. The presence of total and fecal coliforms was observed in a large number of samples, in disagreement with the current legislation. In addition, the turbidity and residual chlorine analyzes were out of the standard of quality in 5.15% and 26.6% of the samples, respectively. The reports of acute diarrhea during the study period were abundant, making an annual average of 2,861.4. Considerable part of the analyzed samples did not reach the physical-chemical and microbiological standard required for distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a voltammetric electronic tongue for the quantitative analysis of quality parameters in spring water is proposed here. The electronic voltammetric tongue consisted of a set of four noble electrodes (iridium, rhodium, platinum, and gold) housed inside a stainless steel cylinder. These noble metals have a high durability and are not demanding for maintenance, features required for the development of future automated equipment. A pulse voltammetry study was conducted in 83 spring water samples to determine concentrations of nitrate (range: 6.9-115 mg/L), sulfate (32-472 mg/L), fluoride (0.08-0.26 mg/L), chloride (17-190 mg/L), and sodium (11-94 mg/L) as well as pH (7.3-7.8). These parameters were also determined by routine analytical methods in spring water samples. A partial least squares (PLS) analysis was run to obtain a model to predict these parameter. Orthogonal signal correction (OSC) was applied in the preprocessing step. Calibration (67%) and validation (33%) sets were selected randomly. The electronic tongue showed good predictive power to determine the concentrations of nitrate, sulfate, chloride, and sodium as well as pH and displayed a lower R2 and slope in the validation set for fluoride. Nitrate and fluoride concentrations were estimated with errors lower than 15%, whereas chloride, sulfate, and sodium concentrations as well as pH were estimated with errors below 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Flood control detention basins (DBs) can act as water quality control structures or best management practices (BMPs). A key pollutant that DBs serve to settle out is particulate phosphorus, which adsorbs onto sediment. This study examines the sediment phosphorus concentration and its relationship with the particle size of sediment microcosms from pre- and post-rain event samples obtained from six DBs located in Clark County, Nevada. DBs were allotted a land use classification to determine if there was a correlation between the sediment phosphorus concentration and surrounding land use. The curve number method was used to calculate the runoff and subsequent phosphorus carried into the DB by the runoff. Our data show sediment phosphorus concentrations to be highest in soils from undeveloped areas. Runoff amount also plays a substantial role in determining the amount of phosphorus brought into the DB by sediment. This research has implications for improvement of water quality in arid regions.

Seahorse aquaculture is challenged by insufficient feeding supply and lack of biological and nutritional knowledge, resulting in low survival rate and poor economical profitability. We report here an integrated eco-aquaculture system in which the yellow seahorse and its natural prey were co-cultured with fertilized water and seaweed in cement ponds. In the first stage, urea (10 g m−3) and chicken manure (50 g m−3) were used to fertilize the cultured water, 5-7 days later, rotifer and micro-crustaceans were flourishing. Then, seahorse juveniles were stocked at 200 ind m−3. After 2 weeks, seaweed Gracilaria lichevoides was transplanted into the ponds to regulate water quality, light and to provide holdfast attachment for seahorses. The optimal density of G. lichevoides was controlled between 0.5 and 2 kg m−3. The introduction of seaweed provides the habitat for natural food of seahorse. Within the cluster of the seaweed, small crustacean density was over 450 individuals per 100 g of fresh weight. Initial size of seahorse juvenile was 1.03 ± 0.091 cm, After the 146-day rearing period, seahorse survival rates were 70.8%, 57.7% and 42.5%, and body standard lengths were 11.33 cm, 10.84 cm and 10.04 cm in the integrated eco-aquaculture system ( GFA) and in monoculture systems of FA (fertilized + feeding) and BA (only feeding) respectively. This system incorporated traditional Chinese aquaculture technique in which feedings nature food organisms were cultivated by fertilization and ecological regulation. Results from these preliminary experiments suggest that the integrated system could be technically feasible, suitable and exemplary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a voltammetric electronic tongue for the quantitative analysis of quality parameters in influent wastewater from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that treats domestic and industrial wastewater is proposed. The electronic voltammetric tongue consists of a set of four noble electrodes (iridium, rhodium, platinum and gold) housed inside a stainless steel cylinder. These noble metals have high durability and are low maintenance-demanding, as required for developing future automated equipment. A pulse voltammetry study was conducted in 35 wastewater samples to determine ammonia (NH4+-N), nitrates (NO3−-N), total phosphate (tot-P), soluble chemical oxygen demand (CODs) and conductivity. These parameters were also determined in these samples by routine analytical methods in the WWTP laboratory. A partial least squares (PLS) analysis was run to obtain a model to predict each parameter. Twenty-five samples were included in the calibration set and 10 in the validation set. Calibration and validation sets were selected randomly, except for the extreme values of each parameter, which were included in the calibration set. Variable selection was performed on the voltammetric data using Genetic Algorithms in the calibration data set for each parameter. The electronic tongue showed good predictive power to determine the concentrations of NH4+-N, NO3−-N and tot-P and CODs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]