scholarly journals Worldwide Regulations and Guidelines for Agricultural Water Reuse: A Critical Review

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 971 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farshid Shoushtarian ◽  
Masoud Negahban-Azar
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Water Reuse ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Agricultural Water ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Regulations And Guidelines

Water reuse is gaining momentum as a beneficial practice to address the water crisis, especially in the agricultural sector as the largest water consumer worldwide. With recent advancements in wastewater treatment technologies, it is possible to produce almost any water quality. However, the main human and environmental concerns are still to determine what constituents must be removed and to what extent. The main objectives of this study were to compile, evaluate, and compare the current agricultural water reuse regulations and guidelines worldwide, and identify the gaps. In total, 70 regulations and guidelines, including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), the United States (state by state), European Commission, Canada (all provinces), Australia, Mexico, Iran, Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Palestine, Oman, China, Kuwait, Israel, Saudi Arabia, France, Cyprus, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Italy were investigated in this study. These regulations and guidelines were examined to compile a comprehensive database, including all of the water quality monitoring parameters, and necessary treatment processes. In summary, results showed that the regulations and guidelines are mainly human-health centered, insufficient regarding some of the potentially dangerous pollutants such as emerging constituents, and with large discrepancies when compared with each other. In addition, some of the important water quality parameters such as some of the pathogens, heavy metals, and salinity are only included in a small group of regulations and guidelines investigated in this study. Finally, specific treatment processes have been only mentioned in some of the regulations and guidelines, and with high levels of discrepancy.

scholarly journals Assessment of Radon Levels in Drinking Water Wells in St. Catherine, Jamaica

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (16) ◽  
pp. 31-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard Smith ◽  
Mitko Voutchkov
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
The United States ◽  
Drinking Water Quality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Water Wells ◽  
Study Results

Background. Radon is a known carcinogen and contaminant in drinking water wells, but is not monitored in drinking water quality programs in Jamaica. Objective. The present study was conducted to obtain radon data in local drinking water and evaluate potential health risks. The data will contribute to determining the level of compliance to public health criteria for radon and to develop a monitoring program based on the identified risks. Methods. This study assesses the concentration of radon in 22 drinking water wells in the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica. Samples were collected for radon, with 12 other measurements gathered including pH, conductivity, TDS, alkalinity, hardness, phosphates, nitrates, chloride, sulfates, turbidity, well depth and geological features. The data were analyzed for compliance to international limits and association with geological and other parameters. Results. The average radon level was 18 Bq/L ± 2 Bq/L and varied from a low of 11 Bq/L ± 1 Bq/L to a high of 41 Bq/L ± 1 Bq/L. There was a positive correlation between radon levels and both alkalinity and turbidity. No relationship of any significance, however, was identified with the other physicochemical parameters. All the study results fell within the European Union (EU) limit of 100 Bq/L, and well within the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) limit of 147 Bq/L. Most of the wells in this parish have radon levels exceeding the proposed USEPA limit of 11 Bq/L. The proposed limits are intended to support radon mitigation programs to manage radon in air. No limits are provided in the newest edition of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Guidelines for Safe Drinking Water Quality. Conclusions. Most wells in the study area met existing international limits. Almost all, however, did not meet the proposed USEPA limit for locations without radon mitigation programs. This indicates the need to establish national screening levels for radon, consistent with WHO and USEPA recommendations. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

scholarly journals Potential Impacts on Treated Water Quality of Recycling Dewatered Sludge Supernatant during Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 99
Author(s):  
Kanarat Pinkanjananavee ◽  
Swee J. Teh ◽  
Tomofumi Kurobe ◽  
Chelsea H. Lam ◽  
Franklin Tran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Treatment ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Cyanobacterial Bloom ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cyanobacterial Blooms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Treated Water ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Dewatered Sludge

Cyanobacterial blooms and the associated release of cyanotoxins pose problems for many conventional water treatment plants due to their limited removal by typical unit operations. In this study, a conventional water treatment process consisting of coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and sludge dewatering was assessed in lab-scale experiments to measure the removal of microcystin-LR and Microcystis aeruginosa cells using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometer (LC-MS) and a hemacytometer, respectively. The overall goal was to determine the effect of recycling cyanotoxin-laden dewatered sludge supernatant on treated water quality. The lab-scale experimental system was able to maintain the effluent water quality below relevant the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for every parameter analyzed at influent concentrations of M. aeruginosa above 106 cells/mL. However, substantial increases of 0.171 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit), 7 × 104 cells/L, and 0.26 µg/L in turbidity, cyanobacteria cell counts, and microcystin-LR concentration were observed at the time of dewatered supernatant injection. Microcystin-LR concentrations of 1.55 µg/L and 0.25 µg/L were still observed in the dewatering process over 24 and 48 h, respectively, after the initial addition of M.aeruginosa cells, suggesting the possibility that a single cyanobacterial bloom may affect the filtered water quality long after the bloom has dissipated when sludge supernatant recycling is practiced.

scholarly journals Agricultural reuse: comparison between Brazilian and international quality standards

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-31
Author(s):  
Natasha Berendonk Handam ◽  
Ana Beatriz Loureiro Gonçalves da Silva ◽  
Adriana Sotero - Martins ◽  
José Augusto Albuquerque dos Santos
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Water Reuse ◽  
The United States ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
World Health ◽  
Legal Provisions ◽  
International Regulations ◽  
Microbiological Parameters ◽  
Health Organization

Reused water is increasingly requested by farmers worldwide, but there is no legislation in Brazil that contains all the parameters for assessing its quality. This study aimed to compare the legal provisions in Brazil related to the quality parameters of reused water for agriculture (microbiological, physical and chemical) with those described in the main regulations of the United States, drawing a parallel with the Brazilian reality. The study is descriptive, based on queries and collections of regulations in electronic documentary data source on Google Scholar. The existing parameters described in the Brazilian regulations for agricultural reuse have been compared with the standards established in the international regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization. The main results showed that there is a discrepancy between internationals and Brazilian legislations according to physical, chemical and microbiological parameters. Therefore, the work suggests a creation of new Brazilian legislations about agricultural reuse whereas the control of hydraulic pollutants and water reuse is immature comparing to internationals levels.

scholarly journals Picking Up Where the TMDL Leaves Off: Using the Partnership Wild and Scenic River Framework for Collaborative River Restoration

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1878
Author(s):  
Alan R. Hunt ◽  
Meiyin Wu ◽  
Tsung-Ta David Hsu ◽  
Nancy Roberts-Lawler ◽  
Jessica Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Bacterial Contamination ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Clean Water Act ◽  
The United States ◽  
Clean Water ◽  
Private Land ◽  
The Public ◽  
Wild And Scenic Rivers

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects less than ¼ of a percent of the United States’ river miles, focusing on free-flowing rivers of good water quality with outstandingly remarkable values for recreation, scenery, and other unique river attributes. It predates the enactment of the Clean Water Act, yet includes a clear anti-degradation principle, that pollution should be reduced and eliminated on designated rivers, in cooperation with the federal Environmental Protection Agency and state pollution control agencies. However, the federal Clean Water Act lacks a clear management framework for implementing restoration activities to reduce non-point source pollution, of which bacterial contamination impacts nearly 40% of the Wild and Scenic Rivers. A case study of the Musconetcong River, in rural mountainous New Jersey, indicates that the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act can be utilized to mobilize and align non-governmental, governmental, philanthropic, and private land-owner resources for restoring river water quality. For example, coordinated restoration efforts on one tributary reduced bacterial contamination by 95%, surpassing the TMDL goal of a 93% reduction. Stakeholder interviews and focus groups indicated widespread knowledge and motivation to improve water quality, but resource constraints limited the scale and scope of restoration efforts. The authors postulate that the Partnership framework, enabled in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, facilitated neo-endogenous rural development through improving water quality for recreational usage, whereby bottom-up restoration activities were catalyzed via federal designation and resource provision. However, further efforts to address water quality via voluntary participatory frameworks were ultimately limited by the public sector’s inadequate funding and inaction with regard to water and wildlife resources in the public trust.

scholarly journals Assessing clarity of message communication for mandated USEPA drinking water quality reports

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Phetxumphou ◽  
Siddhartha Roy ◽  
Brenda M. Davy ◽  
Paul A. Estabrooks ◽  
Wen You ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Water System ◽  
System Size ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Index Index ◽  
State Of The Science

The United States Environmental Protection Agency mandates that community water systems (CWSs), or drinking water utilities, provide annual consumer confidence reports (CCRs) reporting on water quality, compliance with regulations, source water, and consumer education. While certain report formats are prescribed, there are no criteria ensuring that consumers understand messages in these reports. To assess clarity of message, trained raters evaluated a national sample of 30 CCRs using the Centers for Disease Control Clear Communication Index (Index) indices: (1) Main Message/Call to Action; (2) Language; (3) Information Design; (4) State of the Science; (5) Behavioral Recommendations; (6) Numbers; and (7) Risk. Communication materials are considered qualifying if they achieve a 90% Index score. Overall mean score across CCRs was 50 ± 14% and none scored 90% or higher. CCRs did not differ significantly by water system size. State of the Science (3 ± 15%) and Behavioral Recommendations (77 ± 36%) indices were the lowest and highest, respectively. Only 63% of CCRs explicitly stated if the water was safe to drink according to federal and state standards and regulations. None of the CCRs had passing Index scores, signaling that CWSs are not effectively communicating with their consumers; thus, the Index can serve as an evaluation tool for CCR effectiveness and a guide to improve water quality communications.

scholarly journals Carbonaceous Aerosols in Fine Particulate Matter of Santiago Metropolitan Area, Chile

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Toro Araya ◽  
Robert Flocchini ◽  
Rául G. E. Morales Segura ◽  
Manuel A. Leiva Guzmán
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Fine Particulate Matter ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
The United States ◽  
Carbonaceous Aerosol ◽  
World Health ◽  
Carbonaceous Aerosols ◽  
Fine Particulate

Measurements of carbonaceous aerosols in South American cities are limited, and most existing data are of short term and limited to only a few locations. For 6 years (2002–2007), concentrations of fine particulate matter and organic and elemental carbon were measured continuously in the capital of Chile. The contribution of carbonaceous aerosols to the primary and secondary fractions was estimated at three different sampling sites and in the warm and cool seasons. The results demonstrate that there are significant differences in the levels in both the cold (March to August) and warm (September to February) seasons at all sites studied. The percent contribution of total carbonaceous aerosol fine particulate matter was greater in the cool season (53 ± 41%) than in the warm season (44 ± 18%). On average, the secondary organic carbon in the city corresponded to 29% of the total organic carbon. In cold periods, this proportion may reach an average of 38%. A comparison of the results with the air quality standards for fine particulate matter indicates that the total carbonaceous fraction alone exceeds the World Health Organization standard (10 µg/m3) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency standard (15 µg/m3) for fine particulate matter.

scholarly journals Water Quality Assessment of Cimanuk River in West Java Using Pollution Index

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 ◽  
pp. 04009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ihya Sulthonuddin ◽  
Djoko Mulyo Hartono ◽  
Suyud Warno Utomo
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Government Regulation ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Quality Standard ◽  
World Health ◽  
West Java ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Water Quality Standard

Cimanuk river is one of the seven rivers in West Java. Cimanuk river pollution is indicated to have suffered as a result of the activity of domestic waste, industrial and agricultural uncontrolled in the riparian area of Cimanuk river. This research aims to analize water quality of Cimanuk river based on water quality standard on Government Regulation of Republic of Indonesia (IDN), Regulation of the Governor of West Java (WJ), World Health Organization (WHO), Enviromental Standard of United Kingdom (UK), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Enviromental Quality Standard (EQS), and Department of Environment (DOE). This research used pollution index method. The result is water quality of Cimanuk river not meet water quality standard where the TSS (94.85±84,60 mg/L), BOD (9.61±3.16 mg/L), COD (37.69±14.01 mg/L), DO (5.12±1.22 mg/L), NH3N (0.25±0.24 mg/L). Degradation of water quality of Cimanuk river from upstream to downstream marked by increased pollution index value annually. Pollution index of Cimanuk river ranging from 1.25 to 20.31. Water quality status of Cimanuk river has been from lightly polluted to heavilypolluted.

Investigating disinfectant by-products in Harare potable water supply, Zimbabwe

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 415-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuitakwashe Nhongo ◽  
Zvikomborero Hoko ◽  
Jameson Kugara
Keyword(s):  
Water Supply ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Residual Chlorine ◽  
By Products ◽  
Trihalomethanes Formation

Abstract Formation of disinfectant by-products was investigated in the Harare water supply system from February to April 2015. Sampling sites were selected from the lake, Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Works and critical points in the distribution system. The spatial variations of trihalomethanes and selected water quality parameters were investigated for 15 sampling points in 5 sampling campaigns to assess suitability for drinking. All trihalomethane species were measured, namely chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform. Only chloroform and bromodichloromethane were detected. The study confirmed that there is trihalomethanes formation in the Harare water distribution system and that it is affected by the residence time and presence of organic matter in the system. However, the levels of trihalomethanes are generally within the levels suggested by the World Health Organization. Only bromodichloromethane presents a risk for long-term exposure as it had levels that exceeded the limit for long-term exposure suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Bromodichloromethane, turbidity and free residual chlorine levels were not suitable for drinking in some of the zones. Boosting of chlorine residuals is necessary especially in areas with free chlorine less than 0.2 mg/L. Injection of ammonia, periodic cleaning of storage reservoirs, and flushing of lines will reduce trihalomethanes formation.

A Review of the Antituberculosis Campaign in Mexico

1986 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-258
Author(s):  
Rafael Laniado Laborin ◽  
Craig A. Molgaard ◽  
John P. Elder
Keyword(s):  
Specific Treatment ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Immunization Programs ◽  
Tuberculosis Control ◽  
Marginal Groups ◽  
Health Association ◽  
Pan American ◽  
Health Organization

Tuberculosis, a major cause of death in the nineteenth century, has consistently and steadily declined in industrialized countries. Such decline antedates the introduction of specific treatment or immunization programs. In the United States of America, the tuberculosis problem is almost exclusively confined to ethnic minorities, socially marginal groups, and migratory workers. All the countries of Latin America have adopted the programs for tuberculosis control recommended by the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Association. The degree to which these programs are followed in Mexico is critically discussed. A number of suggestions are offered to improve a program that appears to be insufficient in terms of controlling this disease.

scholarly journals A sea change ahead for recreational water quality criteria

2008 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandria B. Boehm ◽  
Nicholas J. Ashbolt ◽  
John M. Colford ◽  
Lee E. Dunbar ◽  
Lora E. Fleming ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
The United States ◽  
Water Quality Criteria ◽  
Recreational Water ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Recreational Water Quality ◽  
Epidemiology Studies ◽  
New Criteria

The United States Environmental Protection Agency is committed to developing new recreational water quality criteria for coastal waters by 2012 to provide increased protection to swimmers. We review the uncertainties and shortcomings of the current recreational water quality criteria, describe critical research needs for the development of new criteria, as well as recommend a path forward for new criteria development. We believe that among the most needed research needs are the completion of epidemiology studies in tropical waters and in waters adversely impacted by urban runoff and animal feces, as well as studies aimed to validate the use of models for indicator and pathogen concentration and health risk predictions.

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