Estimation of radon concentrations and associated radon doses by using active technique in drinking water sources of Abbottabad, KPK, Pakistan

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 682-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Khan ◽  
Z. Wazir ◽  
N. Ali ◽  
S. A. Khattak

In-situ measurement of radon concentration was carried out in three types of drinking water sources (spring, surface and bore/well). Water samples from all three sources were collected from the city of Abbottabad and its surroundings. Radon concentrations were measured through active technique, using the AB-5 series of portable radiation monitor (Pylon). The mean concentrations (ranges) of radon in the phosphate region were 13.4 ± 2.0 (9.1–23.6), 11.2 ± 1.5 (6.2–20.1) and 7.1 ± 0.9 (4.3–14) kBq m−3 in well, spring and surface waters, respectively. Similarly, the mean concentrations (ranges) of radon outside the phosphate region were 7.2 ± 1.0 (3.4–11.5), 5.4 ± 0.7 (2.5–8.9) and 3.1 ± 0.4 (1.7–5.8) kBq m−3 in well, spring and surface waters, respectively. The arithmetic mean values of radon concentration in drinking waters in the phosphate and non-phosphate parts or rocks were 10.76 ± 1.5 and 5.10 ± 0.70 kBq m−3, respectively. Respective doses of radon taken in by the people via water ingestion and inhalation were calculated as 0.029 ± 0.004 and 0.014 ± 0.002 mSv. The mean values of radon concentrations in drinking water samples collected from Abbottabad phosphate and non-phosphate rocks were below the US EPA Maximum Contamination Level (MCL) of 11.1 kBq m−3. The annual mean effective doses of all samples are lower than the reference level of 0.1 mSv a−1 for drinking water as recommended by WHO. Thus, the drinking water of Abbottabad and its surroundings is generally below the recommended levels as regards to radon-related health hazards.

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 221-229
Author(s):  
Sisay Derso Mengesha ◽  
Abel Weldetinsae ◽  
Kirubel Tesfaye ◽  
Girum Taye

Background: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of drinking water sources in Ethiopia and compare the water quality with the health-based target. For this purpose, the water quality database of Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) from 2010 to 2016 was used. Methods: The concentration and other properties of the water samples were analyzed according to the Standard Methods of Water and Wastewater analysis. Quality control and quality assurance were applied in all stages following our laboratory standard operation procedures (SOPs). Results: The concentration of the selected parameters varied based on the type of water sources. The mean concentration of turbidity was higher in spring water (21.3 NTU) compared to tap (12.6 NTU) and well (3.9 NTU) water sources. The mean concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), sodium (Na+), and sulfate (SO4 -2) was found to be higher in spring water sources than tap and well water sources. Comparably, the concentration of hardness, calcium, and magnesium was found to be higher in well water sources than spring and tap water sources. The bivariate analysis indicated that out of 845 analyzed water samples, more than 50% of the samples from Oromia region had turbidity, pH, TDS, hardness, Ca++, K+, and Na+ within an acceptable limit. In addition, the logistic regression analysis showed that water quality parameters were strongly associated with the type of water sources and regional administration at P<0.05. Conclusion: More than 80% of the samples analyzed from drinking water sources were in agreement with WHO guidelines and national standards. However, the remaining 20% specifically, pH (25%), calcium (20%), hardness (18.1%), TDS (15.5%), and turbidity (13.3%) analyzed from improved water sources did not comply with these recommendations. Due to objectionable or unpleasant taste, people may force to look for alternative unprotected water sources that lead to health concerns.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Hamwiinga ◽  
Chisala D. Meki ◽  
Patricia Mubita ◽  
Hikabasa Halwiindi

Abstract Background: One of the factors impeding access to safe water is water pollution. Of particular concern is heavy metal contamination of water bodies. This study was aimed at determining the levels of heavy metals in drinking water sources of Chingola District of Zambia. Methods: A cross sectional study was employed. A total of 60 water samples were collected. Thirsty (30) samples were collected in the dry season in the month of October 2016 and another 30 in the wet season in the months of February and March, 2017. For each season 10 water samples were collected from each of the three water sources. i.e. Tap water, Urban ground water sources and Rural ground water sources. Heavy metal analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).Results: This study revealed that the concentrations of Iron, Manganese, Lead, Nickel and Arsenic were beyond maximum permissible levels in various water sources. Combined averages for both dry and wet seasons were as follows: Iron: 2.3, Copper: 0.63, Cobalt: 0.02, Manganese: 0.36, Lead: 0.04, Zinc:3.2, Nickel: 0.03, Arsenic: 0.05. Chromium and Cadmium were below detection limit in all water samples. The median concentrations of iron, arsenic, copper, manganese in drinking water from the Tap, rural and urban ground water sources were different, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The median concentrations of arsenic, nickel, manganese and cobalt were different between dry and wet season, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: Sources of heavy metals in water seems to be both natural and from human activities. The concentration of heavy metals in different water sources in this study was found to be above the recommended levels. This calls for improvement in water monitoring to protect the health of the public. Therefore, there is need for continuous monitoring of heavy metals in drinking water sources by regulatory authorities.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goyitom Gebremedhn ◽  
Abera Aregawi Berhe ◽  
Abraham Aregay Desta ◽  
Lemlem Legesse

Abstract Background Fecal contamination of drinking water sources is the main cause of diarrhea with estimated incidence of 4.6 billion episodes and 2.2 million deaths every year. Methods A total of 145 water samples of different source type were collected from different areas in Tigray region from August 2018 to January 2019. The water samples from each site were selected purposively which involved sampling of water sources with the highest number of users and functionality status during the study period. Most Probable Number (MPN) protocol was used for the bacteriological analysis of the samples. Results A total of 145 water samples were collected from six zones in Tigray region, Ethiopia from August 2018 to January 2019. The study indicated that 63(43.5%) of the water samples were detected to have fecal coliform which is E.coli. In Mekelle city, which is the capital city of Tigray region, three in five 34(60.7%) of the collected samples were confirmed to have fecal coliform. Water samples from health facilities were 9.48 times [AOR=9.48, 95%CI: (1.59, 56.18)] more likely to have fecal coliform. Water samples from wells were 10.23 times [AOR=10.23, 95%CI: (2.74, 38.26)] more likely to have fecal coliform than water samples from Tap/Pipe. Similarly, water samples from hand pumps were 22.28 times [AOR=22.28, 95%CI: (1.26, 393.7)] more likely to have fecal coliform than water samples from Tap/Pipe. Water samples reported to be not chlorinated were 3.51 times [AOR=3.51, 95%CI: (1.35, 9.13)] more likely to have fecal coliform than water samples from chlorinated sources. Conclusion In this study all water source, including the chlorinated drinking water sources, were found highly contaminated with fecal origin bacteria. This may be mainly due to constructional defects, poor sanitation inspection, poor maintenance, intermittent water supply and irregular chlorination.


2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (23) ◽  
pp. 7413-7418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eiji Haramoto ◽  
Masaaki Kitajima ◽  
Naohiro Kishida ◽  
Yoshiaki Konno ◽  
Hiroyuki Katayama ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTPepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) is a plant virus that has been recently proposed as a potential indicator of human fecal contamination of environmental waters; however, information on its geographical occurrence in surface water is still limited. We aimed to determine the seasonal and geographic occurrence of PMMoV in drinking water sources all over Japan. Between July 2008 and February 2011, 184 source water samples were collected from 30 drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs); viruses from 1 to 2 liters of each sample were concentrated by using an electronegative membrane, followed by RNA extraction and reverse transcription. Using quantitative PCR, PMMoV was detected in 140 (76%) samples, with a concentration ranging from 2.03 × 103to 2.90 × 106copies/liter. At least one of the samples from 27 DWTPs (n= 4 or 8) was positive for PMMoV; samples from 10 of these DWTPs were always contaminated. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of PMMoV among geographical regions but not a seasonal difference. PMMoV was frequently detected in samples that were negative for human enteric virus orEscherichia coli. A phylogenetic analysis based on the partial nucleotide sequences of the PMMoV coat protein gene in 12 water samples from 9 DWTPs indicated that there are genetically diverse PMMoV strains present in drinking water sources in Japan. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the occurrence of PMMoV in environmental waters across wide geographical regions.


2007 ◽  
Vol 56 (11) ◽  
pp. 151-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.T. Lange ◽  
M. Wenz ◽  
C.K. Schmidt ◽  
H.-J. Brauch

Different homologues of C4 to C8 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFASs) were detected in German surface waters, bank filtrates, artificially recharged groundwaters, and drinking waters. If no point sources are located nearby, the typically measured levels are in the low ng/L range. In the presence of point sources, such as a fluorochemical production site, a leaching agricultural fertilizer contaminated with PFCAs and PFASs, or drained PFC containing fire-fighting foams, much higher concentrations in the μg/L range occur. This situation is similar in Germany and other countries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 003685042110359
Author(s):  
Eugene Appiah-Effah ◽  
Emmanuel Nketiah Ahenkorah ◽  
Godwin Armstrong Duku ◽  
Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko

Drinking water in Ghana is estimated at 79%, but this only represents the proportion of the population with access to improved drinking water sources without regard to the quality of water consumed. This study investigated the quality of household drinking water sources in the Oforikrom municipality where potable water requirements are on the rise due to an ever-increasing population. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in this study. One Hundred households were randomly selected and interviewed on the available options for drinking water and household water treatment and safe storage. A total of 52 points of collection (POC) and 97 points of use (POU) water samples from households were collected for physicochemical and microbial water quality analysis. Amongst the available drinking water options, sachet water (46%) was mostly consumed by households. Water quality analysis revealed that the physicochemical parameters of all sampled drinking water sources were within the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) recommended values expected for pH (ranging from 4.50 to 7.50). For the drinking water sources, bottled (100%, n = 2) and sachet water (91%, n = 41) showed relatively good microbial water quality. Generally, POC water samples showed an improved microbial water quality in comparison to POU water samples. About 38% ( n = 8) of the households practicing water quality management, were still exposed to unsafe drinking water sources. Households should practice good water quality management at the domestic level to ensure access to safe drinking water. This may include the use of chlorine-based disinfectants to frequently disinfect boreholes, wells and storage facilities at homes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 326 (2) ◽  
pp. 1437-1446
Author(s):  
Mostafa Shamsaddini ◽  
Ali Negarestani ◽  
Mohammad Malakootian ◽  
Neda Javid

2006 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maggy N. B. Momba ◽  
Veronica K. Malakate ◽  
Jacques Theron

In order to study the prevalence of enteric pathogens capable of causing infection and disease in the rural communities of Nkonkobe, bacterial isolates were collected from several surface water and groundwater sources used by the community for their daily water needs. By making use of selective culture media and the 20E API kit, presumptive Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Vibrio cholerae isolates were obtained and then analysed by polymerase chain reaction assays (PCR). The PCR successfully amplified from water samples a fragment of E. coli uidA gene that codes for β-D-glucuronidase which is a highly specific characteristic of enteropathogenic E. coli, enterotoxigenic E. coli and entero-invasive E. coli. The PCR also amplified the epsM gene from water samples containing toxigenic V. cholerae. Although E. coli was mostly detected in groundwater sources, toxigenic V. cholerae was detected in both surface and groundwater sources. There was a possibility of Salmonella typhimurium in Ngqele and Dyamala borehole water samples. The presence of these pathogenic bacteria in the above drinking water sources may pose a serious health risk to consumers.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suntorn Sudsandee ◽  
Natthathida Patthanacheroen

Abstract Hill tribe villages are located in mountainous and remote areas. Primary water supply and drinking water sources are mountain water from a small weir on the mountain. Most mountain waters found turbidity higher than 1 NTU, and water quality was unclean to use and drink. This research applied different concentrations of alum doses to observe turbidity reduction. Optimum alum does apply to reduce turbidity for mountain water samples from Hmong, Karen, Lahu, and Lisu for three seasons. The optimum alum dose is between 20 - 40 mg/l in rainy seasons and 10 – 40 mg/l in summer. The cold season was low optimum alum dose at 10 mg/l for all hill tribe villages. Therefore, alum coagulants can be used to treat the mountain water supply and drinking that can implement the main problem of mountain water in hill tribe village.


Author(s):  
Tersoo-Abiem Evelyn Mnguchivir ◽  
Ariahu Charles Chukwuma ◽  
Igyor Micheal Agba

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Aeromonas hydrophila in selected drinking water sources in Makurdi. A total of 100 water samples (Tap, river, stream, well, pond and borehole water) were collected from different locations in Makurdi. Isolation and identification of the organism was performed using standard microbiological techniques. Further confirmation of the isolates as Aeromonas hydrophila was carried out using the Microbact 24E detection kit and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A. hydrophila was detected in 12 (12%) out of the 100 samples; 6.67%, 8.82%, 7.14%, 25%, 30% and 20%  of tap, well, borehole, river, pond and stream water samples respectively. The highest isolation rate of A. hydrophila (30%) was from pond water. All A. hydrophila isolated exhibited heamolysin, protease and lipase activity. The findings of this study revealed that treated and untreated drinking water sources in Makurdi are contaminated with potentially virulent A. hydrophila strains which may pose a health risk to consumers. Therefore, basic water treatment should be applied to drinking water to reduce public health threat posed by this finding.


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