scholarly journals Trace metal levels in drinking water on Viti Levu, Fiji Islands

2003 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarabjeet Singh ◽  
Luke M. Mosley
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Trace Metal ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Graphite Furnace ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
End Points ◽  
Fiji Islands ◽  
Metal Levels

Drinking water samples from several major source intakes and reticulation end points on Viti Levu, Fiji Islands were analysed for trace metal (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn) content. The objective of the study was to determine if metal concentrations were within the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. The concentrations of metals were determined using various atomic absorption techniques (flame, graphite furnace, hydride generation). In the source waters, concentrations of trace metals were generally very low (<0.5 mg/L) indicating that there are only small inputs of metals from anthropogenic or natural sources. Some of the reticulation end points were found to have higher levels of metals such as Cu. This is likely due to the leaching of metals from metal pipes and fittings within the distribution system. The majority of samples were within WHO guidelines indicating that Viti Levu's water appears safe for drinking from a trace metal perspective. A relatively high value for As was found at one site which was located downstream of a gold mine tailings pond discharge.

scholarly journals Comparative Studies of Water and Sediment Qualities of Some Dams in Kwara State

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Abdus-Salam
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Anthropogenic Pollution ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Total Hardness ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
Water And Sediment

Potable water is becoming progressively scarce due to anthropogenic pollution and it has necessitated monitoring of water quality of rivers and dams as a subject of ongoing concern and research. This study was conducted to assess the quality of water collected from four different dams (Agba, Igbaja, Oloru and Omu-Aran) in Kwara State, Nigeria using standard procedures. Water and sediment samples were collected from three different spatial locations on the dams. The average values of most physicochemical parameters like pH, temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Total Hardness (TH), Alkalinity, some nutrients such as chloride (Cl-), sulphate (SO42-), phosphate (PO43-), nitrate (NO3-) and some heavy metals such as Cu, Zn have values that were within World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for drinking water for each of the dams while Cd and Fe concentrations were observed to be much higher than WHO guidelines for drinking water. This could be as a result of anthropogenic input. The dams’ sediments analyzed for heavy metals showed that Mn, Zn and Cd were high in the dams, which can be easily washed into the water body through leaching, thereby causing detrimental effect to the consumers.

scholarly journals Metals Exposures of Residents Living Near the Akaki River in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Yard ◽  
Tesfaye Bayleyegn ◽  
Almaz Abebe ◽  
Andualem Mekonnen ◽  
Matthew Murphy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Urinary Iodine ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Metal Levels ◽  
Akaki River

Background. The Akaki River in Ethiopia has been found to contain elevated levels of several metals. Our objectives were to characterize metals exposures of residents living near the Akaki River and to assess metal levels in their drinking water.Methods. In 2011, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 101 households in Akaki-Kality subcity (near the Akaki River) and 50 households in Yeka subcity (distant to the Akaki River). One willing adult in each household provided urine, blood, and drinking water sample.Results. Urinary molybdenum (p<0.001), tungsten (p<0.001), lead (p<0.001), uranium (p<0.001), and mercury (p=0.049) were higher in Akaki-Kality participants compared to Yeka participants. Participants in both subcities had low urinary iodine; 45% met the World Health Organization (WHO) classification for being at risk of moderate iodine deficiency. In Yeka, 47% of households exceeded the WHO aesthetic-based reference value for manganese; in Akaki-Kality, only 2% of households exceeded this value (p<0.001). There was no correlation between metals levels in water samples and clinical specimens.Conclusions. Most of the exposures found during this investigation seem unlikely to cause acute health effects based on known toxic thresholds. However, toxicity data for many of these metals are very limited.

scholarly journals Mercury Speciation in the Water Distribution System of Skiathos Island, Greece

Proceedings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 668
Author(s):  
Alexandra Spyropoulou ◽  
Yannis G. Lazarou ◽  
Chrysi Laspidou
Keyword(s):  
Distribution System ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Water Distribution System ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Groundwater Salinization ◽  
The World ◽  
Standard Set

In recent years, mercury (Hg) concentration that exceeds the Maximum Contaminant Level Standard set by the World Health Organisation for drinking water has been detected in the groundwater of Skiathos Island in Greece. The island single source of urban water is groundwater; as a result, tap water has been characterised as unsafe for drinking and people rely on bottled water for their everyday needs. The origin and speciation of Hg in the aquifer is investigated with the use of the Pourbaix diagram, while the possible correlation with groundwater salinization due to seawater intrusion is examined.

scholarly journals Improving Risk Assessments by Sanitary Inspection for Small Drinking-Water Supplies—Qualitative Evidence

Resources ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Pond ◽  
Richard King ◽  
Jo Herschan ◽  
Rosalind Malcolm ◽  
Rory Moses McKeown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
World Health ◽  
Remedial Action ◽  
Water Supplies ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
Operations And Maintenance

Small drinking-water supplies face particular challenges in terms of their management. Being vulnerable to contamination but often not monitored regularly nor well-maintained, small drinking-water supplies may pose consequences for health of users. Sanitary inspection (SI) is a risk assessment tool to identify and manage observable conditions of the water supply technology or circumstances in the catchment area that may favour certain hazardous events and introduce hazards which may become a risk to health. This qualitative research aimed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the SI tool as published by the World Health Organisation to inform a review and update of the forms and to improve their robustness. The study identified a number of benefits of the approach, such as its simplicity and ease of use. Challenges were also identified, such as potential for inconsistencies in perception of risk between inspectors, in interpreting questions, and lack of follow-up action. The authors recommend a revision of the existing SI forms to address the identified challenges and development of complementary advice on possible remedial action to address identified risk factors and on basic operations and maintenance.

scholarly journals Human health risk assessment through the comparative analysis of diverse irrigation regimes for Luffa (Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem.)

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zafar Iqbal Khan ◽  
Ilker Ugulu ◽  
Shagufta Sahira ◽  
Naunain Mehmood ◽  
Kafeel Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risk ◽  
Trace Metal ◽  
Graphite Furnace ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Human Health Risk ◽  
Pollution Load Index ◽  
Pollution Load ◽  
Luffa Cylindrica ◽  
Untreated Wastewater ◽  
Metal Levels

Abstract In the present study, the effects of untreated wastewater and associated health risks were assessed in an abundantly consumed vegetable, Luffa cylindrica. In this direction, trace metal accumulations in L. cylindrica samples irrigated with three different water regimes (municipal wastewater, groundwater, and canal water) were determined. The metal levels were defined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer equipped with a graphite furnace and D2 corrector. Trace metal concentrations in L. cylindrica samples were in the range of 7.91–9.01, 3.78–4.22, 0.54–0.63, 39.18–43.27, 15.76–20.82, 29.04–42.49, 6.96–8.24, 5.85–7.72, 4.06–4.39 and 0.18–0.42 mg/kg for Mo, As, Se, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd and Co, respectively. The health risk index values of As, Cd, Pb, Mo, Ni, Se and Co; and pollution load index values of As, Mo, Ni, Cu, Cd and Pb were high, indicating possible phytotoxicity. As had the highest value for the pollution load index suggesting high-risk levels. High levels of some metals could be an alarm call for consumers as the vegetable is irrigated with untreated wastewater.

An Assessment Of Drinking Water Quality In Parts Of Skudai, Johor Bahru

1992 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Ir. Abd. Rasid Othman Othman ◽  
Mohd Asri Mohd Nor ◽  
Azmi Aris ◽  
Teng Keat Hui ◽  
Jagjit Singh Jora Singh
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Drinking Water Quality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Piped Water ◽  
Pipe Water ◽  
Result Show ◽  
Health Organization

In a assessment of drinking water quality in Skudai Johor Bahru, piped water samples in the distribution system from three different standpipe locations in Taman Sri Skudai, Taman Sri Pulai and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) campus were collected and tested for selected ions and bacteriological quality. The result show that pipe water supplied from a treatment plant at Gunung Pulai in Pontian was low in mineral content. No Eschericia Coli were detected expected at the UTM Campus with concentration of 3 counts/100 mL in one out of 12 sample tested. Total coliforms were found at each site with concentration ranging from 1 to 13 counts/100 mL in 15 out of 6 samples. Except for the coliforms and the fluoride levels exceeding a little over 1.5 mg/L in 8% of the samples, drinking water in the distribution system in the study area can generally be said to have met the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines during the study period. However, with the detection of coliforms and E. Coli at the household standpipes, the possibility of the distribution system in Skudai having pathogen contamination from time to time cannot be dismissed. Keywords: drinking water quality

scholarly journals Drinking water standards in South American countries: convergences and divergences

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vívian Gemiliano Pinto ◽  
Léo Heller ◽  
Rafael Kopschitz Xavier Bastos
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
World Health ◽  
South American ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
Drinking Water Standards ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Almost All

In this paper we present a comparative assessment of drinking-water standards from almost all South American countries, using the USA and the Canadian standards and the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines as references. Similarities and discrepancies between standards/guidelines were identified through descriptive analyses and, in the case of chemical standards, clustering techniques. In general, one or another of the four consecutive editions of the WHO Guidelines were shown to be quite influential in setting drinking-water standards in the region, but not so much the USA and the Canadian standards. Considerable discrepancies between South American drinking-water standards were found, mainly with respect to chemical substances. Questions are raised about their scientific basis and/or the practicalities for their enforcement. In conclusion, the paper highlights that many drinking-water regulations in South America need updating, taking on the approach of health-based targets in setting these standards, as well as that of a broader risk-based preventive management in the entire supply system to assure water safety.

scholarly journals An analysis of 1999 world health organisation (WHO) guidelines for drug donations for better donation practice in emergency situations

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-56
Author(s):  
Joep Ahmed Djojodibroto ◽  
Reinhard Huss
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Medical Supplies ◽  
Health Policy Analysis ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
2004 Tsunami ◽  
Drug Donations

In disasters and emergency situations, a lot of drug and medical supplies comes to the affected area from local or international donors. But, those donations often generate more problems for the recipients. The WHO and major humanitarian organisations developed WHO Guidelines for Drug Donations in 1996. The guidelines based on four core principles which are all donation should benefit the recipient, respect for wishes and authority of the recipient, there should not be a double standard in quality, and effective communication between donor and recipient. The guidelines influenced positively to drug donation practices for several years until 2004. The drug donation practices during 2004 tsunami relief in Sri Lanka and Aceh (Indonesia) showed that the compliance with WHO Guidelines for Drug Donations was low. This study aim was to strengthen the effectiveness of WHO Guidelines for Drug Donations in disaster and emergency situations. While the objectives are to explore the strength and weakness of the WHO Guidelines for Drug Donations and to recommend how to improve the effectiveness of drug donations. In this study, the WHO Guidelines for Drug Donations were analysed using the model of health policy analysis from Walt and Gilson, which is specifically used for analysing health policies. The framework is viewed as a tool to describe the interactions and interconnections systems between content, context, process and groups of actors. The author concludes that presence of donation operator team for drug donations is needed during the emergency situations and it should be stated in the WHO Guidelines for Drug Donations. The WHO needs to encourage donors and recipients to refer to WHO Guidelines for Drug Donations when they are making their own guidelines. The guidelines can be strengthened at country level and adjusted to regulations in the countries. The WHO Guidelines for Drug Donations should state that donations are preferred in form of New Emergency Health Kit (NEHK) or cash donations, and the necessity of information and communication centre in the WHO Guidelines for Drug Donations.

scholarly journals Detection of trace arsenic in drinking water: challenges and opportunities for microfluidics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nevetha Yogarajah ◽  
Scott S. H. Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Arsenic Contamination ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
World Health ◽  
Arsenic Detection ◽  
Routine Monitoring ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Sensitivity And Selectivity ◽  
Economic Constraints

Arsenic contamination of drinking water is a major global problem, with contamination in Bangladesh deemed most serious. Although the current World Health Organisation (WHO) maximum contamination limit (MCL) for arsenic in drinking water is 10 μg L−1, due to practical and economic constraints, the standard limit in Bangladesh and many other developing nations is 50 μg L−1. We propose that an ideal arsenic sensor, designed for routine monitoring, will have five essential qualities: sensitivity and selectivity for arsenic; speed and reliability; portability and robustness; reduced health and environmental risks; and affordability and ease of use for local technicians. It is our opinion that many of these characteristics can be accentuated by microfluidic systems. We describe candidate colorimetric, electrochemical, biological, electrophoretic, surface-sensing, and spectroscopic methods for arsenic detection; and comment on their potential for portable microfluidic adaptation. We also describe existing developments in the literature towards the ultimate creation of microfluidic total analysis systems (μTASs) for arsenic detection. The fundamental purpose of this review is to highlight the need for better portable arsenic contamination detection, and describe how microfluidic technology may be developed to address this need.

Using monochloramines to disinfect drinking water: the effects it has on lead content

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A.M. Rizzuti ◽  
L.N. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Graphite Furnace ◽  
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry ◽  
The Past ◽  
Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption ◽  
Water District ◽  
Pb Concentration

Over the past ten years, several U.S. cities have switched from using free chlorine to chloramines to disinfect drinking water. Coincident with this shift have been reports by some water districts of lead (Pb) levels in drinking water that exceed the action limit of 15ppb set by the EPA. In this paper, a study was conducted on a water district that utilizes monochloramines to disinfect drinking water. The purpose of this research was to determine the Pb content of drinking water treated in this district. Water samples were collected both from homes with and from homes without Pb plumbing. The water samples were analyzed for Pb content using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Samples obtained from homes without Pb plumbing had a Pb concentration range of 10.7 ppb − 20.3 ppb (average = 15.9 ppb), whereas samples obtained from homes with Pb plumbing had a Pb concentration range of 20.4 ppb − 73.9 ppb (average = 29.0 ppb). The average Pb concentrations for both types of homes were above the EPA action limit of 15ppb. The most plausible explanation for this is leaching of Pb from the water distribution system caused by the water treatment plants' use of monochloramines to disinfect water.

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