scholarly journals Assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices of hikers on drinking surface water while hiking

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne Perrich ◽  
BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health ◽  
Helen Heacock
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Outdoor Education ◽  
School Health ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Safe Drinking Water ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Treated Drinking Water

Background: Hiking is a popular outdoor activity among British Columbians. Within this group of hikers there is bound to be a wide range of knowledge for what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ in terms of health and safety practices while hiking. Assessing hiker’s knowledge, attitude and practices regarding drinking water while hiking can help identify whether education for safe drinking water for hikers is needed to aid in the prevention of waterborne illnesses. In addition, potential barriers to hikers treating their water in the wilderness can be determined, with the goal of being able to reduce these barriers in the future. Methods: The survey was created using Survey Monkey and distributed as an online self-administered survey through Facebook and email. The survey contained 18 questions which consisted of demographic and knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questions regarding drinking surface water while hiking. Chi-square statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Of the 328 participants; 72.7% were female, 26.1% male, 0.6% other and 0.6% preferred not to answer. The distribution of age groups was as follows: 31.4% were 19-30 years old, 27.6% were 31-45 years old, 26.4% were 46-60 years old, 14.0% were 61+ years old, and 0.6% preferred not to answer. This study found that the more outdoor knowledge hikers had, the more often they treated surface water used for drinking water (P=0.000), that hiker’s attitude on how risky they thought drinking untreated surface water was affected how often they treated drinking water from surface water sources (P=0.000). The more advanced hikers had more outdoor knowledge (P=0.001), younger hikers thought that drinking untreated surface water was less risky (P=0.025), post-secondary education did not determine how much outdoor knowledge hikers had (P=0.088) and males treated their water less often than females (P = 0.014). Conclusion: This study identified a need for accessible outdoor education with respect to safe drinking water. This education can help hikers make informed decisions to safeguard their health while hiking. This information can be distributed by outdoor organizations, government organizations, high school health education classes, and integrated into outdoor advertisements.

Feasibility assessment of surface water disinfection by ultrafiltration

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 522-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Iannelli ◽  
S. Ripari ◽  
B. Casini ◽  
A. Buzzigoli ◽  
G. Privitera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Disinfection ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Safe Drinking Water ◽  
Feasibility Assessment ◽  
Microbiological Parameters ◽  
Maintenance Policies ◽  
Uf Membranes ◽  
Chemical Disinfection

Ultrafiltration (UF) has been presented as an alternative to chemical disinfection to obtain safe drinking water, for its ability to remove microbiological contamination. Hollow-fiber UF membranes are designed as an effective barrier to microorganisms, for their high manufacturing integrity and for the ‘potting’ method adopted to seal fibers to the feeding/extraction manifold. While the main advantage over chemical disinfection is the drastic reduction of disinfection-by-product (DBP) formation, some chemicals are still required to control fouling and related sanitary risks. This study aims at an up-to-date assessment of UF use for surface water disinfection by compact, minimally-attended, automated plants. A 3.5 m3/h automated UF pilot-plant was run for 8 months for drinking quality purification of surface water from Pescia stream. Standard drinking water parameters, as well as specific microbiological parameters (Legionella, Mycobacterium, Adenovirus, coliphage) and DBP formation were monitored. Final results highlighted that the plant could reach a good removal of bacteria and a significant reduction of viruses. However, the adopted operation/maintenance policies had a strong impact on energy and water consumption, efficacy of bacterium/virus barrier and DBP formation. Hence, an accurate and competent operation, as well as the assistance of chemical disinfection, are still required for safe drinking water production.

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.

scholarly journals Impact of the Provision of Safe Drinking Water on School Absence Rates in Cambodia: A Quasi-Experimental Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (Suppl. 3) ◽  
pp. 31-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul R. Hunter ◽  
Helen Risebro ◽  
Marie Yen ◽  
Héléne Lefebvre ◽  
Chay Lo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Free Water ◽  
Safe Drinking Water ◽  
School Absence ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Water Provision ◽  
Treated Drinking Water

Background: Education is one of the most important drivers for helping people in developing countries lift themselves out of poverty. However, even when schooling is available absenteeism rates can be high. Recently, focus is being given on whether or not WASH interventions can help reduce absenteeism in developing countries. However, none has focused exclusively on the role of drinking water provision. We report a study on the association between absenteeism and provision of treated water in containers maintained in schools. Methods and Findings: We undertook a quasi-experimental longitudinal study of absenteeism rates in 8 schools, 4 of which received one 20 l container of treated drinking water per day. The water had been treated by filtration and ultraviolet disinfection. Weekly absenteeism rates were compared across all schools using the negative binomial model in generalized estimating equations. There was a strong association between the provision of free water and reduced absenteeism (Incidence rate ratio = 0.39 (95% confidence intervals 0.27-0.56)). However, there was also a strong association with season (wet versus dry) and a significant interaction between receiving free water and season. In one of the intervention schools, it was discovered that the water supplier was not fulfilling his contract and was not delivering sufficient water each week. In this school, we showed a significant association between the number of water containers delivered each week and absenteeism (IRR = 0.98 95% CI 0.96-1.00). Conclusion: There appears to be a strong association between providing free and safe drinking water and reduced absenteeism, although only in the dry season. The mechanism for this association is not clear but may be in part due to improved hydration leading to improved school experience for the children.

scholarly journals Groundwater–Surface Water Interactions: Recent Advances and Interdisciplinary Challenges

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörg Lewandowski ◽  
Karin Meinikmann ◽  
Stefan Krause
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Drinking Water Resources ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

The interactions of groundwater with surface waters such as streams, lakes, wetlands, or oceans are relevant for a wide range of reasons—for example, drinking water resources may rely on hydrologic fluxes between groundwater and surface water. However, nutrients and pollutants can also be transported across the interface and experience transformation, enrichment, or retention along the flow paths and cause impacts on the interconnected receptor systems. To maintain drinking water resources and ecosystem health, a mechanistic understanding of the underlying processes controlling the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of groundwater–surface water interactions is crucial. This Special Issue provides an overview of current research advances and innovative approaches in the broad field of groundwater–surface water interactions. The 20 research articles and 1 communication of this Special Issue cover a wide range of thematic scopes, scales, and experimental and modelling methods across different disciplines (hydrology, aquatic ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental pollution) collaborating in research on groundwater–surface water interactions. The collection of research papers in this Special Issue also allows the identification of current knowledge gaps and reveals the challenges in establishing standardized measurement, observation, and assessment approaches. With regards to its relevance for environmental and water management and protection, the impact of groundwater–surface water interactions is still not fully understood and is often underestimated, which is not only due to a lack of awareness but also a lack of knowledge and experience regarding appropriate measurement and analysis approaches. This lack of knowledge exchange from research into management practice suggests that more efforts are needed to disseminate scientific results and methods to practitioners and policy makers.

scholarly journals The Böhler’s angle in population of central Serbia - a radiological study

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivana Zivanovic-Macuzic ◽  
Maja Vulovic ◽  
Radisa Vojinovic ◽  
Milan Jovanovic ◽  
Aleksandar Radunovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Differences ◽  
Normal Values ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Calcaneal Fracture ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Gender And Age Differences ◽  
Böhler’S Angle

Background/Aim. The values of the B?hler?s angle (BA) are relevant parameters for diagnosis, management and prognosis of the calcaneal fracture and the outcome. Range of normal values of B?hler?s angle (BA) in adults varies depending on the examined population, age, gender or ethnicity. The aim of this study was to determine the range of normal values of the B?hler?s angle in the central part of Serbia. Methods. The lateral foot radiographs of 225 subjects (111 males and 114 females) without calcaneal fractures, divided into 6 age groups were observed to determine the normal values of the B?hler?s angle by using the IMPAX 6.5.2.114 Enterprise software. Obtained values for B?hler?s angle were compared among gender and groups using appropriate statistical tests. Results. The mean of B?hler?s angle in observed population was 34.06?, ranging from 25.1? to 49.5? and was higher in males than in females included in our study. Gender difference was statistically significant. The distribution of the mean BA across the age groups showed tendency of decreasing with age and the highest BA was found in the youngest group. Conclusion. The findings presented in this paper confirmed the existence of wide range of BA values as well as its gender and age differences.

scholarly journals Assessment of groundwater quality in the Al- Burayhi and Hedran sub-basin, Taiz, Yemen – A GIS approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 ◽  
pp. 01005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramzy Naser ◽  
Mohammed El Bakkali ◽  
Nabil Darwesh ◽  
Khadija El Kharrim ◽  
Driss Belghyti
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Safe Drinking Water ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Water Interaction ◽  
The World ◽  
Over Exploitation ◽  
Health Organization

In many parts of the world, groundwater sources are the single most important supply for the production of drinking water, particularly in areas with limited or polluted surface water sources. Fresh water has become a scarce commodity due to over exploitation and pollution of water. Many countries and international organizations, including Wolrd Health Organization, are seeking to promote people's access to safe drinking water. The situation in Yemen is no exception. Although we rely on groundwater significantly in our lives and our survival, we do not manage it in a way that ensures its sustainability and maintenance of pollution. The objective of this study is to determine the suitability of the groundwater in Al Burayhi and Hedran sub-basin (one of the sub-basins of the Upper Valley Rasyan) as a source of drinking water in the shade of the expected deterioration due to natural processes (water interaction with rocks, semi-dry climate) and human activities.

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