Bottled Water from National Manufacturers in Somaliland: Water Quality and Health Implications

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Espen Heen ◽  
Ahmed Ali Madar
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Chemical Analysis ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Production And Distribution ◽  
Water Companies ◽  
Composition Table

(1) Background: Somaliland, the breakaway republic of Northern Somalia, has a growing, commercial bottled water industry, but no available data on end-user water quality. The objective of this study was to do a public health quality assessment of popular brands of bottled water available in Somaliland. (2) Method: Between June and December 2010, 36 bottles with water from eight brands were purposefully sampled from shops in all four parts of Hargeisa city and analysed for 22 physico-chemical, five microbiological and nine informational variables. The findings were compared with international guidelines and the composition tables of the respective brands. (3) Results: The production and expiry dates on 50% of the bottles were inadequately presented. All of the physico-chemical measurements were within healthy limits; however, average pH was 5.6. Discrepancies between the physico-chemical analysis results and the composition table values provided on the bottles were large and significant (p = .018): Individual mineral concentrations could be as low as 1% of labelled values. Undesirable growth of total coliforms where found in 50% of all samples. (4) Conclusions: This study indicates a need for improved cleanliness in the production and distribution system, consistent production date labelling and regular physico-chemical analysis leading to accurate composition tables. There is a need for external monitoring of the quality of water delivered from the bottled water companies in Somaliland in order to prevent adverse public health effects.

scholarly journals Physioloigical and Morphological Parametrers of Cultivated Plants as Indicators of Water Quality

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 44-52
Author(s):  
Antonije Žunić ◽  
Slavica Vuković ◽  
Maria Fatima De Alpendurada ◽  
Sanja Lazić ◽  
Sonja Gvozdenac ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Chemical Analysis ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Test Plants

Summary By using biological assay in the laboratory were tested quality and impact of the water to the selected test plants: buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea). Water was analyzed from two locations from the River Douro in Portugal. Physico-chemical analysis of general parameters in the water samples indicate that electrical conductivity and ammonium were detected in values exceeding MAC, according to Portuguese regulations on water quality. Also, in the analyzed samples of water in quantities that exceed the maximum allowable concentration values are: arsenic (As), selenium (Se), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg). In tested samples several pharmaceuticals were detected. The obtained results indicate differences in tolerance of the test plants towards the quality of water. Physiological parameters (germination energy and germination) are not good indicators of water quality and more reliable can be considered some morphological traits (length, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot), that reacted in inhibition or stimulation, depending on water quality.

The use of the Biological Diatom Index (BDI) for the assessment of water quality in the Pilica River, Poland

2013 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bogusław Szulc ◽  
Katarzyna Szulc
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Chemical Analysis ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Central Section ◽  
Diatom Index ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Good Ecological Status

AbstractThe main aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of the Biological Diatom Index (BDI) (Lenoir & Coste 1996) for the estimation of water quality in the central section of the Pilica River, located in central Poland in Łódź province. The BDI has never been used before to monitor Polish surface waters. An analysis of the correlations between the values of the BDI and selected physico-chemical parameters was performed, as was an assessment of water quality using the BDI. On the basis of value ranges proposed by Descy and Ector (1996), a good ecological status in the Pilica River was obtained, but this did not correspond with the results achieved from the physico-chemical analysis. This study proposes new value ranges for the BDI. With these new values, the ecological state of the Pilica River changed from good to moderate, which corresponded with the physico-chemical analysis of the water. The new, proposed value ranges for the BDI assess more precisely the quality of water in lowland Polish rivers.

scholarly journals Study of Compliance of Sealed Bottled Water with Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standard: A Case of Bhaktapur Municipality, Nepal

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Prasidha Raj Neupane ◽  
Iswor Bajracharya ◽  
Meera Prajapati ◽  
Hishila Sujakhu ◽  
Pramod Awal
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Quality Standard ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Drinking Water Quality ◽  
Water Quality Standard ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Physico Chemical

Bottled water is generally considered safe for drinking. However, several studies have reported the substandard quality of bottled water. Physico-chemical assessment of ten different brands of bottled water distributed in Bhaktapur Municipality was carried out from January 2018 to March 2018. In total, one hundred bottled water samples consisting of ten different brands were collected randomly from various retail outlets. Eight selected physico-chemical and microbiological parameters were analysed following standard methods, and the results were compared with the Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standard (NDWQS) (2005). Out of one hundred samples, sixty-nine samples did not comply with the standard pH limit. Other physico-chemical parameters were found to comply with the standard though variations were observed in the concentrations among different brands. Microbial contamination was not found in any brands of the bottled water samples considered in this study. However, it is necessary to examine other contaminants such as heavy metals, minerals, and chemicals to know the overall quality of water. Moreover, the regulatory bodies are required to strictly monitor water processing companies for the maintenance of the quality of bottled water.

scholarly journals Detecting community response to water quality violations using bottled water sales

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (42) ◽  
pp. 20917-20922
Author(s):  
Maura Allaire ◽  
Taylor Mackay ◽  
Shuyan Zheng ◽  
Upmanu Lall
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
The United States ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Water Contaminants ◽  
Averting Behavior ◽  
National Analysis ◽  
Public Notification

Drinking-water contaminants pose a risk to public health. When confronted with elevated levels of contaminants, individuals can take actions to reduce exposure. Yet, few studies address averting behavior due to impaired water, particularly in high-income countries. This is a problem of national interest, given that 9 million to 45 million people have been affected by water quality violations in each of the past 34 years. No national analysis has focused on the extent to which communities reduce exposure to contaminated drinking water. Here, we present an assessment that sheds light on how communities across the United States respond to violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act, using consumer purchases of bottled water. This study provides insight into how averting behavior differs across violation types and community demographics. We estimate the change in sales due to water quality violations, using a panel dataset of weekly sales and violation records in 2,151 counties from 2006 to 2015. Critical findings show that violations which pose an immediate health risk are associated with a 14% increase in bottled water sales. Generally, greater averting action is taken against contaminants that might pose a greater perceived health risk and that require more immediate public notification. Rural, low-income communities do not take significant averting action for elevated levels of nitrate, yet experience a higher prevalence of nitrate violations. Findings can inform improvements in public notification and targeting of technical assistance from state regulators and public health agencies in order to reduce community exposure to contaminants.

Microbiological and physico- chemical assessment of the sacred river Alaknanda, India

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (01) ◽  
pp. 102-107
Author(s):  
Nidhi Sharma ◽  
R. C. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Monsoon Season ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Viable Count ◽  
Chemical Methods ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Autumn And Winter ◽  
Habitat Environment

The Alaknanda River is one of the main rivers of Alaknanda sub- system which bubbles out from Alkapuri Glacier. Water quality of the sacred river Alaknanda was evaluated by microbiological and physico- chemical methods. The sampling was undertaken from various sites of lower stretches, including Rudraprayag (530 m a.s.l.), Srinagar (560 m a.s.l.) and Deoprayag upstream (457 m a.s.l.) on the river Alaknanda. A perusal of the data revealed that total viable count (CFU.ml-1) was recorded minimum (25,850 CFU.ml-1) in winter season and then it increased during summer (45,730 CFU.ml-1) and attained peak (56,110 CFU.ml-1) during monsoon season, when the maximum degradation in the water quality was observed. Due to the onset of autumn and winter seasons, the quality of water improved substantially and the density of the bacteria decreased (32,120 CFU.ml-1) significantly during autumn from the monsoon season. It is revealed that the myriad of physico- chemical environmental variables and nutrient load from various sources in the habitat environment are responsible for density and diversity in the sacred river Alakanda.

Nanofiltration: improvements of water quality in a large distribution system

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 193-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Peltier ◽  
M. Cotte ◽  
D. Gatel ◽  
L. Herremans ◽  
J. Cavard
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
System A ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Doc Concentration ◽  
Improved Stability ◽  
Microbiological Water Quality ◽  
Large Distribution

A nanofiltration (NF) treatment was introduced during the autumn of 1999 in the Méry-sur-Oise treatment plant which feeds the northern Parisian suburbs distribution system. A study was conducted over 4 years to compare the water quality before and after nanofiltration. The results confirmed that NF treatment produced a low DOC concentration in water (average 0.7 mg C/L). This reduction of DOC concentration levels enabled an improved stability of chlorine residual that has been reduced to 0.2 mg/L at the outlet of the plant. The formation of trihalomethanes was thus reduced by 50% in the network. Moreover, the reduction of BDOC enabled an improved biological stability in the water and enhanced the microbiological water quality during distribution. In addition, the NF treatment enhanced the physico-chemical water quality.

scholarly journals The Dutch secret: safe drinking water without chlorine in the Netherlands

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. W. M. H. Smeets ◽  
G. J. Medema ◽  
J. C. van Dijk
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Drinking Water Treatment ◽  
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment ◽  
Safe Drinking Water ◽  
Microbial Risk Assessment ◽  
Production And Distribution ◽  
Water Companies

Abstract. The Netherlands is one of the few countries where chlorine is not used at all, neither for primary disinfection nor to maintain a residual disinfectant in the distribution network. The Dutch approach that allows production and distribution of drinking water without the use of chlorine while not compromising microbial safety at the tap, can be summarized as follows: Use the best source available, in order of preference: – microbiologically safe groundwater, – surface water with soil passage such as artificial recharge or bank filtration, – direct treatment of surface water in a multiple barrier treatment; Use a preferred physical process treatment such as sedimentation, filtration and UV-disinfection. If absolutely necessary, also oxidation by means of ozone or peroxide can be used, but chlorine is avoided; Prevent ingress of contamination during distribution; Prevent microbial growth in the distribution system by production and distribution of biologically stable (biostable) water and the use of biostable materials; Monitor for timely detection of any failure of the system to prevent significant health consequences. New developments in safe drinking water in the Netherlands include the adaptation of the Dutch drinking water decree, implementation of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) by water companies and research into source water quality, drinking water treatment efficacy, safe distribution and biostability of drinking water during distribution and \\textit{Legionella}. This paper summarizes how the Dutch water companies warrant the safety of the drinking water without chlorine.

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