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This survey analysed 71 bottled water brands in Tehran, Iran. The laboratory analysis was investigated for ten physicochemical parameters and 16 elements, including heavy metals comprising (bicarbonate, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, sulphate, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), Na, Mg, Ca, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ba, and, Zn). Statistical analysis were performed with R software. The water quality index (WQI) approach was applied to investigate water quality, the carcinogen risk (CR) and hazard index (HI) methods were used for assessing the health risks, and the cumulative impacts of heavy metals were evaluated with contamination degree (Cd) and heavy metal evaluation index (HEI). The results showed that among the physicochemical parameters, EC, TDS, TH, and HCO3 and heavy metals like Sr > Zn > Cu > Ni had the Highest values. The WQI value in totals was 91.86 and had good quality class, and the order was good (60.56%), poor (35.21%), and very poor bottled water (4.22%). The correlation results demonstrated that WQI ~ Fe and Zn ~ Mn had significant correlation coefficients (r = 1). Moreover, there is a significant correlation between TH with Mg and Ca and also between HCO3 with EC, TH, and Ca, and then between SO4 with Na. Carcinogen risk for Cr in children and adults was 2 × 10−4 and 6 × 10−4, respectively. The responsible pollutants in non-carcinogen risk assessment were F and NO3, and their HI was greater than one in adult and child subgroups. The values of Cd and HEI were lower than critical limits. Also, Pb had a significant correlation with Cd and HEI (r = 1). This study revealed that bottled water contains minerals and may possess heavy metals, which pose significant human health risks, especially for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radon (222Rn), a radioactive and gaseous progeny of Uranium (238U) decay series, accounts for almost 50% of the total background radiation in our dwelling environment. Inhalation and ingestion of radon in excessive amounts pose serious health effects to humans. The first-ever measurement of radon concentration in commercial bottled water available in Dhaka city and deep well water samples from the campus of the University of Dhaka was carried out using the RAD7 Radon monitoring system. The concentration of radon in the bottled water ranged from 0.11 Bq/L to 1.30 Bq/L with a mean of 0.59 Bq/L, and the deep well water showed a mean of 4.88 Bq/L with a range of 3.02 Bq/L to 5.98 Bq/L. All twenty-five samples of water had radon concentrations within the recommended limits of USEPA and WHO. The mean annual effective doses from radon in bottled water and deep well water were evaluated to be 0.126 µSv/y and 12.481 µSv/y, respectively. Although the calculated doses indicate the least potential risk according to WHO and UNSCEAR, however, it is expected that the present results play an important role in setting up a national guideline for radon in drinking water, and the monitoring of radon for the safety of public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the analytical characterisation of a low-cost, selective and sensitive method for inorganic Hg (as Hg22+/Hg2+) determination in liquid matrices based on spectrophotometry. The novelty of the study lies in combining the pre-concentration of i-Hg with spectrophotometry after chelation with the 2-aminobenzimidazole modified amidic copolymer to increase the selectivity and sensitivity of the method. The method involves ultrasonic extraction of the samples in a dilute acid mixture of HClO4-HCl-CH3COOH and mixture of Cu(II)-oxalic acid-KCl adjusted to pH 5.0 in parallel, pre-con centration using UA-CPE process on modified amide copolymer, and absorbance measurement at 332 nm using a micro-volume UV-spectrophotometer. The figures of merit were discussed in relation with the demands in the national/international regulations and standards on the determination of toxic i-Hg in water intended for human consumption. After a pre-concentration of 62.5-fold, the limits of detection and quantification (LODs, LOQs) were 0.24 and 0.22 μg L−1 allowing the use of the method for i-Hg determination in liquid matrices such as cold-/hot-spring waters, plain soda, bottled drinking waters, and carbonated soft drinks. For concentrations of Hg22+, Hg2+ and total Hg in the range of

Drinking water is one of the primary sources of microplastic exposure in humans. However, the extent to which microplastics in drinking water contribute to overall human health remains unclear. The aim of this work is to assess the characteristics of microplastic contamination in bottled and tap water, explore and explain the geographical distribution of the selected studies, evaluate the extent of human exposure to microplastics, and suggest areas for future research. Based on the latest literature from 2018 to 2023 (n = 66), we quantified the constituent profiles of microplastics in drinking water and explored their global distribution heterogeneity. The outcomes showed that microplastics in drinking water mainly comprised polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Notably, small-sized microplastic fractions (<300 μm) dominated all microplastics, often in the form of fragments and fibers. The average microplastic abundance in tap water was 62.38 particles/L, whereas in bottled water, it was 38.45 particles/L. The abundance of microplastics in drinking water varied globally from 0.0007 particles/L to 6,292 particles/L in Germany. Therefore, common consumers are estimated to ingest 175 particles/capita/day through drinking water. As expected, this review systematically provides scientific evidence for further high-quality research using standardized methods to increase the knowledge of microplastic exposure to humans through drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most significant challenge that the world is currently facing is the development of beneficial industrial applications for solid waste. A novel strategy was implemented to produce a composite with varying loadings of glass waste nanoparticles (GWNP) in 5, 10, and 15 wt.% with recycled polyethylene terephthalate drinking water bottle waste (RPET). This strategy was based on glass and drinking water bottle waste. An analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of the composite as filaments for 3D printer applications. This study evaluated the effect of GWNP addition on the chemical structure, thermal and mechanical characteristics of the composite. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of the filament composites and RPET composites exhibited similarities. However, the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the filament composites were enhanced due to the increased GWNP content. Furthermore, the results indicated that the filament developed could be utilized for 3D printing, as demonstrated by the successful fabrication of the filament composite, including 5 wt.% GWNP, using a 3D printer pen. The production of filaments using GWNP and RPET matrix presents a cost-effective, high-yield, and ecologically beneficial alternative. The present study may pave the way for the future advancement and utilization of 3D printing filaments by treating hazardous waste and using more ecologically friendly materials in design applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the decomposition of bisphenol S (BPS) by biochar derived from banana peel (BPB) promoted by copper phosphide (Cu3P) was examined. Different materials with Cu3P loadings from 0.25 to 4.00 wt.% on biochar were synthesized, characterized using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and evaluated. Nearly all of the synthesized materials exhibited low to moderate adsorption capacity, attributable to their limited surface area (<3.1 m2/g). However, in the presence of sodium persulfate (SPS), the 2%Cu3P/ΒPB/SPS system was capable of removing 90% of 500 μg/L BPS in less than 10 min. The system's performance was enhanced under inherent pH, and the reaction rate followed pseudo-first-order kinetics with respect to BPS and persulfate concentrations. Interestingly, the presence of 250 mg/L of sodium chloride had a negligible effect, while low to moderate inhibition was observed in the presence of bicarbonates and humic acid. In contrast, significant retardation was observed in experiments performed in real matrices, such as secondary effluent (WW) and bottled water (BW). According to scavenging experiments, both radical and non-radical mechanisms participated in the BPS degradation. Four transformation products were identified using the UHPLC/TOF-MS system in negative ionization mode, with two of them having higher molecular weights than BPS, while the other two TBPs involved the ring-opening reaction, and a BPS decomposition pathway was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water security as a concept recognizes the profound connections between the physical and social aspects of water. Yet, water security research features limited perspectives from two disciplines directly concerned with human behavior—the behavioral and psychological sciences. This review aims to characterize the main areas of research on water (including floods and droughts) which do feature concepts and methods from the behavioral and psychological sciences, discuss knowledge gaps, and draw attention to their potential to contribute to water‐related research. Bibliometric mapping of published water research identifies five research clusters and associated sub‐clusters: risk perception and flood, climate change and drought, water quality and water conservation, drinking water and bottled water, and mental health and WASH. A summary of research in each cluster and sub‐cluster highlights the application of many conceptual frameworks and behavioral determinants associated with water‐related behavior. Few articles focus on the role of governance or structural factors, and studies in low‐ and middle‐income countries are less represented in some clusters. The discussion considers the scope to apply higher level organizing frameworks for structuring behavioral and psychological science applications in water security and for exploring synergies with the physical and wider social sciences. In conclusion, further engagement with behavioral and psychological science within, between, and beyond the clusters identified here, could potentially deepen understanding of human–water interactions and enhance the design of measures to promote water security. This article is categorized under:Human Water > Water GovernanceHuman Water > Water as Imagined and RepresentedScience of Water > Water and Environmental Change [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Wildfire events have increased in frequency and severity across the United States in recent decades. While a growing literature has documented the effects of wildfire smoke exposure on a wide range of health and socioeconomic outcomes, little is known about its impact on consumer behavior and household demand for adaptation in healthcare. We combine a newly developed and digitized dataset on daily wildfire smoke PM2.5 concentrations across the contiguous United States from 2006 to 2019 with weekly NielsenIQ retail scanner data to quantify how wildfire smoke exposure affects retail sales of air purifiers, bottled water, cold remedies, nasal products, cough products, and nutritional products. We find a positive and statistically significant impact of wildfire smoke exposure on the retail sales of these products. Dynamic effects are evident as wildfire smoke exposure in previous weeks also increases current sales. Nonlinear effects arising from the varying intensity of wildfire smoke exposure also reveal distinct patterns of demand for adaptation. We further explore how the effects of wildfire smoke exposure vary with socio-demographic characteristics, focusing on social vulnerability and highlighting the implications of environmental justice. Our results underscore the need for proactive policies to address the increased demand for emergency supplies and healthcare products as household adaptive measures during the wildfire season, particularly targeting socioeconomically vulnerable populations who may be prone to limited access to preventive measures against wildfire smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing highly sensitive and selective detection methods is crucial for environmental and healthcare monitoring. In this study, the chiral and fluorescent signals of L-glutathione-modified gold nanoclusters (L-GSH-Au NCs) were discovered to be responsive to Co2+, which displayed linear correlations with the concentration changes of Co2+. Notably, the chiral signal was more sensitive than the FL signal, whose limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 0.37 μM and 3.93 times lower than the LOD obtained with fluorescent signals. Moreover, the chiral signals exhibited unexpectedly high selectivity towards Co2+, effectively avoiding interference from other metal ions and biomolecules. Furthermore, the concentrations of Co2+ in various samples, such as Taihu water, tap water, bottled water, and animal serum, were accurately quantified using the chiral signals of L-GSH-Au NCs without complex pretreatment, with recoveries ranging between 95.64% and 103.22%. This study not only provides an innovative approach for Co2+ detection but also highlights the detection capabilities of chiral signals in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production and consumption of plastic bottled water have several negative environmental impacts worldwide. To identify the barriers and motivations for drinking tap and bottled water, we conducted a nationally representative questionnaire survey among 3411 respondents in the Czech Republic in 2022. People aged 18–34 are moderate consumers of bottled water and very frequent consumers of tap water. Bottled water consumption tends to be less frequent among people with a higher education, while tap water consumption is less frequent among people with lower incomes. The most important factors that explain the frequency of drinking bottled and tap water are taste perception, health concerns and habit. Health concerns about tap water and the unpleasant taste of tap water increase the consumption of bottled water. People with a strong habit of drinking tap water are less likely to consume bottled water. The constructs from the theory of planned behaviour were statistically significant. The results can guide decision-makers in promoting tap water to consumers. To encourage tap water drinking, we suggest measures to increase the availability of tap water in public places in conjunction with campaigns targeting the taste and health perception, as well as the habit, of drinking tap water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ie Jeulanga Gampong-Owned Enterprise (BUMG) in this case as the party that manages the Bottled Drinking Water (AMDK) production business and the Jeulanga Mata Ie Gampong Government as the capital owner certainly requires in-depth research regarding the governance of the feasibility of the business or business being run so that the process AMDK business development can run effectively and can be useful for the development of the village economy. However, the implementation of BUMG is not without obstacles, there are still several problems in its implementation. Apart from that, the lack of capacity or ability of BUMG managers means that BUMG Ie Jeulanga's institutional system is not running optimally and is dependent on government assistance so there is no spirit of independence. This research aims to describe and analyze the implementation of BUMG Ie Jeulanga governance policies based on Regent Regulation Number 30 of 2020 and to determine the factors that support and hinder the governance of BUMG Ie Jeulanga. The research method used was descriptive qualitative. Qualitative research was carried out to find information on the impact of empowerment strategies, obstacles, and solutions for BUMG Ie Jeulanga in improving the economy of the village community in Bandar Dua District, Pidie Jaya Regency. This model system regarding BUMG governance includes work plans, management aspects, business capital, human resources, and supporting and inhibiting factors for BUMG Jeulanga Mata Ie. In this research, BUMG policy implementation uses policy implementation formulated by Van Meter and Van Horn. Based on the results of data analysis, field findings, and propositions linked to theoretical studies, it can be concluded that BUMG Ie Jeulanga has significant potential for growth and development, but also faces challenges such as administrative management that has not been managed well, existing financial resources are still inadequate because the level of production capacity is still limited and marketing is still carried out in the sub-district area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a case of allergic contact dermatitis in an adoptive mother who developed eczema on her nipples, areolas, and fingers after using a supplemental nursing system (SNS) with infant formula to breastfeed her adopted baby. Patch testing revealed a positive reaction to the formula and nickel, with suspicions raised about metal contamination during formula preparation. The patient's eczema healed with corticosteroid treatment, and she remained lesion-free during a 14-month follow-up. This case underscores the importance of considering ACD from infant formula as a potential cause of nipple eczema in breastfeeding mothers, especially those using SNS. [Extracted from the article]

Portugal introduced a sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) tax in 2017. This study uses unique administrative accounting data for all SSB producers/importers in Portugal, and an event study design with bottled water firms as the primary comparison group, to assess the causal impacts of the tax on multiple firm-level outcomes. We find a 6.8% average decrease in domestic SSB sales, relative to bottled water. The soda tax hindered SSB firms' financial health, namely net income, ability to convert receivables into cash, and liabilities. SSB producers/importers did not decrease wages, cut jobs, or modify their workforce toward higher R&D capacity. Forgone corporate income tax appears negligible compared to the government revenue generated by the tax itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the consumption of bottled mineral waters is widespread in society, so awareness of its quality is essential to maintain public health. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical quality of two brands of mineral water M and S bottled from the same origin and 9 factors of nitrite, nitrate, magnesium, calcium, chlorine, total dissolved solids, fluoride, total hardness and pH. One sample t-test, Independent sample t- test and Pearson correlation matrix were used to analyze the data.The results of this study showed that in both brands the mean amount of all measured factors (exception of magnesium and fluoride) were within the standard range.There were also significant differences between the measured values and the values inferred from the bottle labels (exception of pH of M brand and TH of both brands).On the other hand, with a strong positive correlation between pH and Mg of S brand and a strong negative correlation between pH and F of M brand and according to the out of standard amount of these two parameters, increasing the pH can have adverse effects on water quality of both brands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) have been identified in diverse settings, including drinking water, freshwater, food, air, and marine environments. This study employed stereomicroscopic and µ-Raman techniques to analyze water samples from ten widely consumed bottled water brands, aiming to detect and characterize MPs. Additionally, the oral consumption of MPs per capita was estimated. The average abundance of MPs ranged from 9 ± 1.00 MPs/L to 3 ± 1.73 MPs/L across all brands. Various MPs shapes were observed, including fibers, fragments, films, and pellets, with fibers being predominant (58.928%). MPs were categorized by color into five groups (red, blue, black, yellow, and transparent), with red comprising approximately 35.714% of the total count. All identified MPs were less than 500 µm in size. µ-Raman analysis validated the presence of eight different polymer types in the samples, namely Polypropylene (PP) (37.5%), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (3.571%), polystyrene (PS) (33.928%), polycarbonate (PC) (3.571%), polybutylene1 (PB1) (14.2%), Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) (7.142), Nylone 6-α polymorph (αNY6) (5.357%), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) (1.785%). The estimated daily intake of MPs per person was determined to be 0.42 MPs, translating to an annual intake of 153.3 MPs per person. The origin of MPs in bottled water was likely attributed to both raw water sources and packaging materials, underscoring the need for further investigation. Given the potential health implications of human exposure to drinking water MPs, careful consideration should be given to the use of plastic packaging for potable water.

The demand for packaged drinking water is increasing day by day, so it is necessary that the quality of this water must be monitored. Our present study focuses on the determination of the concentration of minerals and trace elements present in commercialised packaged drinking water sold out in various regions of India. In total, we have analysed 41 brands. The different treatments through which this water has passed as claimed by the manufacturers are also mentioned. The average value of the total dissolved solids in these waters is found to be 101.1 mg L−1. The content of anions and cations present in water is represented by box and whisker plots. Bottled water samples are also analysed for the radioactive element uranium, which is observed in the range of

The bottled drinking water market has seen significant growth and diversification, yet the selection criteria lack scientific basis, as all must adhere to stringent health standards. Prior studies predominantly focused on chemical quality, with limited assessments of microbial quality using methods prone to underestimation. Moreover, insufficient research explores the impact of packaging materials and temperatures optimal for mesophilic growth on microbial quality. To understand the unique characteristics and justify the distinction among different types of bottled waters, a comprehensive analysis encompassing both chemical and microbiological aspects is imperative. Addressing these gaps, our study examines 19 diverse bottled water brands comprising purified, mineral, artesian, and sparkling water types from Saudi Arabia and abroad. Our findings reveal distinct chemical compositions among bottled waters, with notable variations across types. Flow cytometry analysis reveals significant differences in bacterial content among water types, with natural mineral waters having the highest concentrations and treated purified waters the lowest. Bacterial content in plastic-bottled mineral water suggests it may be higher than in glass-bottled water. Flow cytometry fingerprints highlight separate microbial communities for purified and mineral waters. Additionally, temperatures favorable for mesophilic growth reveal varying microbial responses among different types of bottled waters. Some variation is also observed in mineral water bottled in plastic versus glass, suggesting potential differences that warrant further investigation. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identifies unique microbial taxa among different mineral waters. Overall, our study underscores that all bottled waters meet health regulations. Furthermore, the combined chemical and microbial profiles may serve as authenticity indicators for distinct bottled water types. This study can serve as a basis for future research on the environmental impact of bottled water transportation, suggesting that locally produced water may offer a more sustainable option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of PFAS in drinking water may pose a serious threat to human health. This study aims to determine the levels of these compounds and their precursors in water samples from a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) located in l'Ampolla (Spain) and to assess their fate. Additionally, ten Spanish bottled waters were analyzed to compare the occurrence of PFAS in the mentioned matrices and in drinking water. Off-line solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) was applied to determine 26 PFAS and PFAS precursors after a total oxidizable precursor assay. The analytical method presents low quantification limits (0.25–5 ng/L). A total PFAS concentration of up to 16 ng/L in all the DWTP samples was obtained, and 6:2 FTS was the only precursor detected. Results are close to the quantification limits, resulting in a high degree of uncertainty, and for this, it is difficult to evaluate the DWTP PFAS removal efficiency. Regarding bottled water, total PFAS concentration found was up to 12 ng/L in one of ten samples, with no precursors detected. Exposure assessment revealed that there is no risk associated with the ingestion of the samples analyzed. Moreover, there were no differences in terms of risk between drinking water from l'Ampolla DWTP and bottled water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Plastics waster derived defective d -UiO-66 was synthesized by solvent-free routine. • d -UiO-66 possesses higher surface areas and pore volume than pristine UiO-66. • The LOM adsorption capacity of d -UiO-66 is 3.5 times of UiO-66. • d -UiO-66 exhibits the record LOM adsorption capacity of 588 g mg−1. • Defects in d -UiO-66 promote the mass transfer and create more active sites. Large amount of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics waster and emerging contaminants in water, including fluoroquinolone antibiotics, pose challenges to human survival. In this work, a green synthesis scheme is proposed in which the defective UiO-66 (d -UiO-66) is fabricated via a solvent-free routine by using PET plastics waster as raw materials for lomefloxacin (LOM) removal. In comparison with defect-free UiO-66, the created defect imparts d -UiO-66 with higher porosity and abundant defective Zr sites, which are beneficial to boost LOM adsorption. As expected, d -UiO-66 exhibited excellent LOM adsorption performances, showcasing a saturation adsorption capacity of 588 mg g−1 and a kinetic rate constant of 0.204 g mg−1 h−1, which are 3.5 and 2.0 times higher than those of the pristine UiO-66, respectively. Remarkably, the LOM saturation adsorption capacity of d -UiO-66 surpasses that of all reported adsorbents. Mechanism study reveals that this outstanding adsorption performance of d -UiO-66 is mainly ascribed to the abundant defective sites, high porosity, together with the strong hydrogen bonding interaction and π-π stacking interaction between d -UiO-66 and LOM. Therefore, the d -UiO-66 obtained by the solvent-free method can not only effectively upcycle PET plastic waster, but also efficiently remove LOM, demonstrating a potential routine to simultaneous address the solid PET waster and wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is intended to assess the type and content of 16 specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bottled drinking water available in Iraqi local markets (The study included eight local brands, one tap water sample, and three imported brands). The evaluation is conducted using gas chromatography, and the results are compared against the standards set by US Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization. The results indicate that most of the samples of bottled drinking water in Iraqi local markets contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) compounds, sample 1 contained ∑PAHs High (2.21 μg/L) and highest content of Acenaphthylene and Anthracene of concentrations 0.445 and 0.325 μg/L respectively, sample 5 contained ∑PAHs Low (0.99 μg/L), the presence of the naphthalene compound (2 rings) was observed in most of the study samples, and sample 1 contained the highest concentration (0.275 μg/L), the content of tricyclic compounds (3 rings) prevailing in most samples 31.25%, quaternary compounds (4 rings) 18.75%, five-cyclic compounds (5 rings) 12.5%, hexacyclic (6.25%). The absence of compounds such as Dibenzo (A, H) anthracene, Chrysene, Benzo (A) Pyrene, Benzo (G, H) Perylene and Benzo (K) Fluoranthenen in all the samples is a positive finding. While the compounds Anthracene, Phenanthrene (3 rings), and Benzo (A) Anthracene (5 rings), were present and did not conform to the standard specifications of US Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization in more than 50% of studied samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The contamination of natural mineral bottled drinking water with trace, heavy metals and rare-earth elements is a growing concern globally, especially in regions with limited access to safe drinking water sources. In South Africa, the safety of bottled water remains a critical issue due to potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. This study aimed to evaluate physicochemical parameters alongside to assess the health risks due to heavy metals in natural mineral bottled drinking water available in South Africa, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 21 bottled water samples from different brands were collected and analysed for heavy metal concentrations including Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Ni, Ba and Hg, as well as physicochemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids among others. The results revealed physicochemical parameters were within acceptable ranges, indicating overall water quality. Varying levels of heavy metals across different brands observed with concentrations of Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, K and Mn in some samples exceeding permissible limits set by WHO and SAWQG for drinking water quality. The mean concentration of the heavy metals is in the decreasing toxicity order of Sr > Al > Ba > Mn > Cu > Cr > Zn > Fe > As > Co > U > Ni > Cs > Pb > Cd > Hg. The mean values of the chronic daily intake (CDI) for the concentration of heavy metals for adults are in the order of Cr > Fe > Sr > Ba > Mn > Cu > Zn > Li > V > As > Ni > Be > Pb > Hg > Cd and were below acceptable limits. The estimated values of both HQ and HI (with mean of 2.07E−03 and range of 0.00 to 1.76E−02) for the heavy metals are all found to be less than 1. The total mean value of ILCR is 4.67E−06, and range of 0.00 to 2.76E−05, which is insignificant and within the permissible level of the cancer risk guidance limit of 1.00E−06 to 1.00E−04. The results show that consumption of natural mineral bottled drinking water of South Africa is safe and may not cause any significant health risk to the populace. However, the long-time potential effects due to the few exceeded metals levels needed to be considered. Our findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on water quality assurance, offering insights into the overall integrity of the natural mineral bottled water supply chain in South Africa. This research not only serves as a foundation for regulatory measures but also underscores the significance of maintaining high-quality standards in the bottled water industry for public health and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the levels of six PAEs [bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP)] were determined from four types of bottled water)non-carbonated, mineral, carbonated and carbonated flavoured) using MSPE method (magnetic solid phase extraction) and GC/MS technique (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry). The mean concentration of total PAEs was 6.11 ± 1.43 µg/L. The mean concentration of DEHP was 2.22 ± 0.76 µg/L and was lower than the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard level in drinking water (6 μg/L for DEHP). The highest mean level of total PAE was observed in carbonated water (7.43 ± 2.03 μg/L) and the lowest mean level of total PAE was observed in non-carbonated water (5.15 ± 0.41 μg/L). The Monte Carlo method was applied to calculate the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), and Incremental Life Cancer Risk (ILCR) indexes. In all samples, the rank order of the estimated THQ values based on the 95% percentile was DEHP (4.77E-4) > DBP (2.25E-5) > BBP (1.99E-5) > DEP (2.75E-6) and there would be unlikely non-carcinogenic risks for consumers (THQ<1). The incremental lifetime cancer risk assessment revealed that phthalate esters (DEHP) in evaluated bottled water samples did not pose a serious concern to humans. [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]

In the work, the contents of macrobiogenic elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) in 20 randomly selected samples of bottled water sold in commercial networks in the Slovak Republic were investigated, and these values were compared with our analyses of the same macroelements in 8 groundwater samples. The aim of the work was, except of determining the contents of the elements in the waters, also finding the existence of a mutual correlation between their contents and indirectly analysing of the geochemical composition of the rocks that are in contact with these waters. Bottled water samples obtained from retail chains originated from the Slovak Republic and also from abroad: from the Czech Republic, Austria, France and Hungary - all these monitored regions belong to the Alpine-Himalayan system from a geomorphological point of view. The highest contents of calcium and magnesium were assessed in bottled waters Gemerka (Banská Bystrica region), Salvator and Baldovská (Prešov region). High content values of sodium were determined in bottled waters Budiš and Fatra (Žilina region) and high contents of potassium in bottled waters Budiš (Žilina region) and Salvator (Prešov region). In contrary, the lowest contents of calcium and magnesium were determined in bottled waters Oravská (Žilina region) and in bottled water Aro from Czech republic. In bottled waters Zlatá studňa Jasenovo, Rajec (Žilina region), Lucka (Trnava region), Mitická and Tesco (Trenčín region) and Evian from France the low contents of sodium and potassium were determined. The analyses of 8 samples taken from subsurface water, where 4 samples were from Nitra town and its district, another 3 samples were taken from the vicinity of Vrbovce municipality and one sample from the border area with Czech republic showed following composition of all selected elements: the contents of calcium were in range 102.40 - 193.7 mg/L, the contents of magnesium were in range 10.10 - 46.30 mg/L, the contents of sodium were in range 4.10 - 37.50 mg/L and the contents of potassium 0.50 - 18.10 mg/L. In the samples of bottled waters found in stores the data for descriptive characterization were processed with the parametres of functions quantifying the mutual correlation. Strong correlation dependance between the calcium and magnesium contents that could be described by linear linear and square function was identified in analysed waters. The presence of mid strong existency correlation defined by square and non-linear function was evaluated by contents of calcium and sodium in mentioned waters by mathematical program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to investigate the actual water use of residents and the quality of well water used daily at the urban kampung located in Bandung, Indonesia. The status of wastewater treatment and residents' awareness of the water environment were also investigated in the target area. The methodology used included a survey of residents, water quality testing, and an assessment of wastewater practices. The results showed that approximately one-half of the respondents used water from the water utility, with the other half using well water as their main domestic water source. Identifying water sources by end-use revealed that residents mainly used bottled water for drinking and cooking. Since Escherichia coli was detected in many wells, it is not recommended that residents drink well water without disinfection. In addition, most of the wastewater in the area was discharged into a nearby river without treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring the quality of marine water is crucial for ensuring the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems. The conventional monitoring approach involves manual sampling using a water sampler, followed by packaging the water samples in plastic bottles and transporting them to a terrestrial laboratory for analysis. However, this method is time consuming, labor intensive, and cannot provide real-time data for addressing unforeseen circumstances. In response to these challenges, an advanced shipborne integrated platform for water quality inspection (ASIPWQI) has been proposed and implemented. This system automates the collection of multi-layer seawater samples in the vertical profile, conducts online measurements of monitoring elements, and provides real-time measurement data. In multiple sea trials, ASIPWQI successfully conducted onsite collection and measurement of a significant number of samples, meeting the water quality monitoring requirements in China’s nearshore waters. Comparative analysis of the laboratory measurement results for nutrients, heavy metals, and total phosphorus and nitrogen in water samples collected using automatic and manual methods revealed no significant differences between the two sampling approaches and demonstrated strong correlation. Further analysis using practical relative error (PRE) statistical methods showed that the data rate of most monitoring elements with relative errors less than 10% was higher than 70%, with nitrite, silicate, and phosphate even exceeding 90%. This indicate that ASIPWQI has excellent stability and applicability, offering a viable alternative to traditional manual sampling and laboratory testing. This innovation makes water quality monitoring significantly more efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to develop a combined predictive model for early pubertal development (EPD) in girls based on both non-genetic and genetic factors. Methods: The case-control study encompassed 147 girls diagnosed with EPD and 256 girls who exhibited normal pubertal development. The non-genetic risk score (NGRS) was calculated based on 6 independent biochemical predictors screened by multivariate logistic regressions, and the genetic risk score (GRS) was constructed using 28 EPD related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AROC), net reclassification optimization index (NRI) and integration differentiation index (IDI) were used to evaluate the improvement of adding genetic variants to the non-genetic risk model. Results: Overweight (OR=2.74), longer electronic screen time (OR=1.79) and higher ratio of plastic bottled water (OR=1.01) were potential risk factors, and longer exercise time (OR=0.51) and longer day sleeping time (OR=0.97) were protective factors for EPD, and the AROC of NGRS model was 83.6% (79.3-87.9%). The GRS showed a significant association with EPD (OR=1.90), and the AROC of GRS model was 65.3% (59.7-70.8%). After adding GRS to the NGRS model, the AROC significantly increased to 85.7% (81.7-89.6%) (P=0.020), and the reclassification significantly improved, with NRI of 8.19% (P= 0.023) and IDI of 4.22% (P <0.001). Conclusions: We established a combined prediction model of EPD in girls. Adding genetic variants to the non-genetic risk model brought modest improvement. However, the non-genetic factors such as overweight and living habits have higher predictive utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, tap water consumption is not highly preferred in Egypt and around the world. People prefer to consume bottled water because they believe that it is much safer and tastes better than tap water. Unfortunately, this preference can create an economic burden for many people, especially in developing countries. Clay pots can be used to provide cool, alkaline drinking water because of their porous micro-texture, which traps pollutants. This study aimed to investigate the use of clay pots to store tap water and its impact on the requirements for drinking water quality. This is done with the intent to decrease the need for bottled water as a means of offering a more sustainable and economical option. Methods: In this study, the efficiency of clay pots as sustainable storage containers for drinking water was tested by measuring physicochemical parameters (pH, TDS, EC, turbidity, DO, ammonia, chloride, total hardness, Ca hardness, Mg hardness, chlorine, Zn, and CaCO3) and biological parameters (TPC and Legionella). Results: After 7 days of storage, the quality of the water stored in clay pots met the standards set by the Egyptian law with a significant difference (p < 0.05) before and after the storage of water It was found that the dissolved oxygen increased from 6.17 ppm to 7.52 ppm after 7 days. As for total hardness, it declined from 195 to 178 ppm. There was also a significant drop in terms of TDS from 338 to 275 ppm. Furthermore, clay pots effectively filtered out both total viable bacteria and Legionella. Conclusion: This study proved the efficiency of using these containers with respect to some indicator values for tap water and tank water analysis. Clay pots are an excellent, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative for storing water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractLiquid anode glow discharge-atomic emission spectrometry (LAGD-AES) was employed for the determination of alkali metals in brine and bottled drinking water samples. The results demonstrated that the optimum operating conditions are a discharge voltage of 630 V, a flow rate of 2.0 mL min−1, a supporting electrolyte solution of pH 1.7 HNO3, and a discharge gap of 0.5 mm. Alkaline-earth ions (e.g., Ca2+, Mg2+, and Sr2+) and Cr3+ interfere with the determination of alkali metals. The limits of detection (LODs) for the alkali metals, namely cesium (Cs), potassium (K), lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and rubidium (Rb) are 135, 6.21, 3.15, 7.57, and 31.1 µg L−1, respectively. The relative standard deviations are less than 5%, and the power consumption is approximately 13 W. The obtained results are in good agreement with the certified standard value for Li in the certified reference material and are consistent with the values obtained by ICP-OES and reference standards for K and Na in real samples. The concentrations of the Cs and Rb are considerably below the LAGD-AES detection limit. Consequently, they can be considered negligible. The results of the spiked water analysis are broadly consistent with the spiked values, with recoveries from 82% to 112%. LAGD-AES is an excellent technique for the sensitive determination of alkali metals due to its compact design, no requirement for inert gas, and low energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to examine the quality of bottled water intended for human consumption in Ecuador and its impact on the health of the population. Through a detailed analysis of various brands of bottled water available in the Ecuadorian market, the importance of generating quality standards to safeguard the health of the population, the guarantees required by consumers and the characteristics of the population based on a need generated by the private company. With the main measurements, microbiological and physicochemical parameters are evaluated to determine their compliance with national and international regulations, the quality of water and the need of the user to consume a product of vital importance in the population under study are analyzed. The results of the study reveal significant variations in the quality of bottled water, with some samples that do not meet the established standards, which could represent risks to the health of consumers. In addition, the relationship between the consumption of bottled water and the incidence of diseases associated with water quality is explored, highlighting the need for greater regulation and control by the competent authorities. The article highlights the importance of ensuring that bottled water is safe for human consumption, proposing measures to improve oversight and ensure public health in Ecuador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the willingness to pay (WTP) for a large set of improvements in water service related to quality, continuity, and securing access for people with no house piped water during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using primary survey data from urban Peru, and the contingent valuation method, we estimate a mean WTP of around PEN 4.3 (USD 1.05), 3.7 and 1.8, respectively, for the aforementioned sets of improvements, with the combined WTP representing a 23% increase in the households' water service monthly bill. The WTP for all sets of improvements is influenced by the expenditure in bottled water (a substitute for tap water, generally perceived as unsafe) and a proxy for household assets. The influence of the individual characteristics typically scrutinized by the literature (e.g., sex, age, and education) varies with the type of improvement examined. We find a significant heterogeneity in WTP across providers and calculate the users' contribution to a water fund that could crowd-in the public investment in water services' upgrades. We further discuss the implementation of such water fund. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottled water consumption has risen despite its economic and environmental costs. This study assesses the level of knowledge about the impact of bottled water consumption and the extent to which it leads to a reduction in consumption. We analyse a sample of 454 students at the University of Granada, Spain, using descriptive analysis, Spearman's correlation and ordinary least squares (OLS). Results indicate that students have a low level of knowledge about the amount of water required to produce bottled water, the energy used to produce it and the water source. The knowledge of the last two issues is negatively associated with bottled water consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to quantify the levels of radon gas (222Rn) in several commercially available brands of bottled water (specifically RO drinking water) in Wasit Governorate. A total of 17 samples were collected in 2023 for analysis. 222Rn concentrations were determined using RAD-7 detector with the appendix (RAD-7, H2O). Also, Annual Effective Doses from radon concentrations in all water samples at five age groups (3 months, 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, and Adult) were calculated. The concentration of radon gas in the study area ranged from 16.6±4.1 Bq/mL to 379.0±19.5 Bq/mL, with an average value of 188.8±13.7 Bq/mL. Meanwhile, the average values of Annual Effective Doses (µSv/y) in five age groups; 3 months, 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, and Adults were 0.86, 0.29, 0.33, 0.39, 0.66, and 0.48, respectively. The safe limits of 222Rn concentrations and Annual effective dose in drinking water are 500 mBq/L(Bq/m3) according to WHO 2008 and 1 mSv/y according to UNSCEAR 2000, respectively. Therefore, the values of 222Rn concentrations and Annual effective dose in RO water samples in the present were within the safe limit. Then, it may be concluded that all bottled water in Wasit Governorate is safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey is abundant in natural mineral water sources, thanks to its location on the Alpine-Himalayan belt. Natural mineral water is drinking water characterized by its natural mineral, trace elements, and carbon dioxide content. Because of quite insufficient data, the boron content in bottled natural mineral waters in Turkey was analyzed by three different methods and compared: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique, carminic acid, and azomethine-H methods, in this study. The boron levels in mineral waters ranged from a minimum of 0.05 mg/L to a maximum of 8.61 mg/L. It was also safe by the upper limit level estimated by the World Health Organisation. As boron plays a beneficial role in human physiology, consuming natural mineral water may offer a positive contribution to public health by supporting boron intake in our country. The other outcome of our research was that the spectrophotometric carminic acid method can yield results similar to those obtained using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique since the boron level of Turkish mineral water was within the limits level of the carminic acid method. However, the result of the azomethine-H method was found not to be suitable. Cross-sensitivity with other elements in mineral water might have caused this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing environmental awareness has triggered a significant shift in consumer purchasing preferences in Indonesia. Consumers now tend to choose green products that have minimal impact on environmental damage. This study was conducted to examine the influence of Greenwash, Green Skepticism, Green Trust on Green Purchase Intention as well as the mediation effect produced and how information and knowledge can moderate Greenwash on Green Purchase Intention on consumers of bottled drinking water products (AMDK) recycled plastic bottles PET. This type of research is a quantitative approach using primary data with a sample of 129 respondents. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling. The data collection method used is an online questionnaire. The approach used in this study is the Structural Equation Model (SEM) with the Smart-PLS 3.2.9 analysis tool. The results showed that Greenwash had a positive effect not significantly on Green Purchase Intention but was significant on Green Skepticism and had a significant negative effect on Green Trust. Green Skepticism also plays a significant role in influencing Green Purchase Intention. Green Trust has a non-significant positive effect on Green Purchase Intention. As a mediator, Green Skepticism fully mediates Greenwash and Green Purchase Intention, while Green Trust does not act as a mediator. Information and Knowledge does not moderate the influence of Greenwash on Green Purchase Intention on rPET bottled water products [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-sized microplastics (MPs) pose concerns about potential risks to both the environment and human health. However, research on MP pollution is hampered by limitations in the detection techniques. Also, few studies have provided insight into the release of small-sized MPs from disposable polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-bottled drinks for outdoor usage. Thus, PET bottles' potential to release small MPs sized 1–100 μm outdoors was studied in relation to physical and chemical parameters (temperature, sunlight irradiation, and drink characteristics) using flow cytometry and Nile Red dye. The results showed that temperatures below 80 °C had little effect on the release of MPs from PET bottles. Sunlight irradiation and alkalinity were prone to promote the generation of MPs, mostly 1–5 μm in size. Moreover, the combined impact test implied that two pairings—acidity with temperature and alkalinity with sunlight—positively affected MP release, with maximum releases of 21,622 ± 2477 particles/L and 31,081 ± 7173 particles/L, respectively. Based on the rapid quantification of small-sized MPs using flow cytometry after Nile Red selection, the results hereby presented will assist researchers in reducing MP release and aid them in the evaluation of MPs' contamination of aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Heavy metals, nitrate, and nitrite pose significant risks to public health and have raised substantial concern worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the content of nitrate, nitrite, and heavy metals, including Ba, Be, Ca, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, and Na, in 30 bottled water brands in winter and summer in Tehran, Iran. Heavy metal contents in the samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and nitrate and nitrite contents were analyzed using Ion Chromatography (IC). Nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.28 to 38.87 mg/L, and nitrite contents ranged from 0.001 to 0.13 mg/L. The mean concentration of Ba, Ca, K, Li, Mg, Mn, and Na in the bottled drinking water brands were 11.30, 7874.40, 121.27, 2.52, 4960.49, 0.22, and 12321.70 μg/L; and in the bottled mineral water brands were 15.71, 12262.05, 166.38, 4.13, 3747.07,

Bottled water (BW) is widely used and distributed in South Africa (SA), with limited assessment of its quality. Different brands are distributed and sold in formal (licensed i.e. supermarkets, restaurants, convenient shops) and informal (unlicensed i.e. street and food vendors, Spaza) shops with less accountability for their safety. Counterfeit BW of well-known brands was purported to be distributed in the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) which could have been exacerbated by drinking water contamination reported in the area. A total of 15% diarrhoea cases for children under the age of 5 was recorded. Although there were concerns of poor quality of BW in the community, no comprehensive study has assessed the microbiological quality of both bottled water and tap water (TW). The aim of the study is to determine the compliance of TW and BW to SANS 241 & 1657 standards for total coliform (TC) and E.coli. The Colilert method was used to assess TC, E.coli, and HPC. Observations were carried out using a checklist to observe how BW for sale was handled and stored. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. TW was free of TC and E. coli. In contrast, TC and E. coli were detected in BW. The HPC was found in 47 out of 84 samples (56%) of tap and 95 out of 117 samples (81%) of BW, respectively. TW was of a better quality to BW. Stringent measures on BW should be intensified to protect public health.

PAE and PC polymers, such as BPA, are utilized to make water bottles. Due to the lack of polymer-chemical interaction, PAE can enter drinking bottles during production, wrapping, and keeping. Phthalates can transfer from the bottle to the water depending on keeping conditions (temperature, time, sunlight intensity), pH, and bottle capacity. Since there haven't been previous studies published on the subject, the aim of this meta-analysis and systematic review research is to determine the level of phthalates in drinking water consumed in Iranian cities. Web of Science, Science of Direct, Scopus, and PubMed, databases have been used in this study. Eight studies were selected from 556 initial publications after screening for duplication and irrelevant information. Articles from January 1, 2000, to February 10, 2024, were found in the mentioned databases. Among the types of phthalates, the concentration of DEHP was reported higher than the others Because its concentration has been reported in seven out of eight studies. The highest concentration of DEHP was reported by Mehraie(2.22 µg/l), Zare Jeddi (0.8 µg/l), Yousefi (0.77 µg/l), Abtahi (0.76 µg/l), Zare Jeddi (0.42 µg/l), Abdolahnejad(0.15 µg/l), and Pourzamani (0.08 µg/l). The highest concentration of DEP, DBP, BBP, and PA was reported by Abtahi (0.77 µg/l) and Esteki (2.25 µg/l), Mehraie(0.93 µg/l), and Pourzamani (0.83 µg/l). The results of this study showed that the most important phthalates measured in drinking water include DEP, DEHP, DBP, BBP, and PA. According to the results of the present studies, the most important factor in the increase of phthalates is the storage conditions of drinking water (temperature, sunlight, and the type of pipe or bottle)