Hydrogeochemical study of the drinking water from the Khaybar village,SW Saudi Arabia

This paper presents the results of chemical analysis of four drinking waters from the Khaybar village, SW Saudi Arabia. Four main water‐wells in the Khaybar village were investigated. The Khaybar ground water is clear without odour but its taste differs according to the amount of total dissolved solids (T.D.S.). The pH values of such water are slightly alkaline. T.D.S. of the Khaybar water is higher than the Saudi highest desired level, but it is generally within the Saudi maximum permissible level.

Good drinking quality water can be found in Al Mazaab and Al Tilah water‐wells in the Khaybar village. The other two water‐wells can be used for irrigation purposes only.

The geological features of the Khaybar area suggest a meteoric origin for the Khaybar ground water which has been stored in the fractured metamorphic and igneous rocks and in alluvial deposits.     

Responses of bacterial strains isolated from drinking water environments to N-acyl-L-homoserine lactones and their analogs during biofilm formation

Often as a result ofbiofilm formation, drinking water distribution systems （DWDS） are regularly faced with the problem of microbial contamination. Quorum sensing （QS） systems play a marked role in the regulation of microbial biofilm formation; thus, inhibition of QS systems may provide a promising approach to biofilm formation control in DWDS. In the present study, 22 bacterial strains were isolated from drinking water-related environments. The following properties of the strains were investigated： bacterial biofilm formation capacity, QS signal molecule N-acyl-L-homoserine lactones （AHLs） production ability, and responses to AHLs and AHL analogs, 3-chloro-4-（dichloromethyl）-5-hydroxy-2（5H）- furanone （MX） and 2（5H）-furanone. Four AHLs were added to developed biofilms at dosages ranging from 0.1 nmol.L J to 100nmol.L1. As a result, the biofilm growth of more than 1/4 of the isolates, which included AHL producers and non-producers, were significantly promoted. Further, the biofilm biomasses were closely associated with respective AHLs concentrations. These results provided evidence to support the idea that AHLs play a definitive role in biofilm formation in many of the studied bacteria. Meanwhile, two AHLs analogs demon- strated unexpectedly minimal negative effects on biofilm formation. This suggested that, in order to find an applicable QS inhibition approach for biofilm control in DWDS, the testing and analysis of more analogs is needed.     

Spring water quality and usability in the Mount Cameroon area revealed by hydrogeochemistry

Groundwater is the only reliable water resource for drinking, domestic, and agricultural purposes for the people living in the Mount Cameroon area. Hydrogeochemical and R-mode factor analysis were used to identify hydrogeochemical processes controlling spring water quality and assess its usability for the above uses. Main water types in the study area are Ca-Mg-HCO(3) and Na-HCO(3). This study reveals that three processes are controlling the spring water quality. CO(2)-driven silicate weathering and reverse cation exchange are the most important processes affecting the hydrochemistry of the spring waters. While tropical oceanic monsoon chloride-rich/sulfate-rich rainwater seems to affect spring water chemistry at low-altitude areas, strong correlations exist between major ions, dissolved silica and the altitude of springs. In general, the spring waters are suitable for drinking and domestic uses. Total hardness (TH) values indicate a general softness of the waters, which is linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Based on Na?%, residual sodium carbonate, sodium adsorption ratio, and the USSL classification, the spring waters are considered suitable for irrigation. Though there is wide spread use of chemical fertilizers and intense urban settlements at the lower flanks of the volcano, anthropogenic activities for now seem to have little impact on the spring water quality.     

北方某市城区水环境中轮状病毒的初步检测

轮状病毒(Rotavirus,RV)是引起全世界婴幼儿肠胃炎的最主要病原体.在我国,儿童秋季腹泻发病达到高峰,也主要由轮状病毒引起.论文改进了RT-nested-PCR检测水中轮状病毒的方法,于2006年10月对北方某市城区水环境(包括污水、地表水和饮用水)中的轮状病毒进行了初步检测.结果表明,该市某污水厂进水和不同工艺段出水、主要公园的景观水体、主要自来水厂进水和出水以及城区管网水,均检出轮状病毒.综合分析从水源到管网的过程,认为管网水中的轮状病毒可能与水源水污染有关.管网水中有轮状病毒检出,说明秋季该市饮用水中存在潜在的轮状病毒传染源.同期对管网水进行的细菌学指标检测,没有发现总大肠菌群、耐热大肠菌群、粪链球菌,可见目前城市供水水质标准中的细菌学指标并不能准确反映病毒污染状况.     

Perfluorierte Tenside (PFT) in der aquatischen Umwelt und im Trinkwasser

Recent scientific research on perfluorinated surfactants (PS) revealed their ocurrence in German surface and drinking waters (Skutlarek, Exner, Färber 2006). Since several years, PS have been found in the global environment, especially in animal and human tissues. PS possess extreme persistence against microbiological and chemical degradation and are able to bioaccumulate in animals and humans (Houde et al. 2006). PS concentrations (sum of 12 components) in the Rhine river and its main tributaries were determined below 100 ng/L, but the rivers Ruhr (tributary of the Rhine) and Möhne (tributary of the Ruhr) showed remarkable high concentrations (Ruhr: up to 446 ng/L, Möhne: up to 4385 ng/L). The maximum concentration in drinking waters was 598 ng/L with the major component perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The PS concentrations decreased similarly to the PS concentrations of the raw waters along the flow direction of the Ruhr river. Therefore it seems to be necessary to install legal regulations for these compounds.     

饵料加标研究二甲苯麝香在鱼体内的蓄积和清除能力

二甲苯麝香(musk xylene,MX)是一种人造麝香,具有强烈的麝香气,可用作化妆品香精和皂用香精等的定香剂。由于其持续不断地输入环境,它们在水、土壤、大气中的浓度逐渐升高,并且在动物和人体组织中产生了蓄积,其蓄积效应相当于有机氯农药(organochlorine pesticides,OCPs)等持久性有机污染物,因而研究MX在鱼体内的蓄积特征是十分必要的。本文用含浓度为50 mg·kg-1和100 mg·kg-1的MX的饵料投喂斑马鱼(Danio rerio)和稀有鮈鲫(Gobiocypris rarus)14 d,继而进入为期28 d的清除实验。通过快速溶剂萃取(accelerated solvent extraction,ASE)、凝胶渗透色谱(gel permeation chromatography,GPC)、气相色谱-质谱联用法(gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,GC-MS)测定斑马鱼和稀有鮈鲫体内MX的浓度,继而评估鱼对MX的清除能力。结果表明,饵料中MX浓度越高,鱼体内MX的蓄积水平越高,100 mg·kg-1浓度组的蓄积水平为50 mg·kg-1浓度组的蓄积水平的2~3倍。在整个试验阶段的不同时间点分析鱼的体重和脂肪与鱼体内MX浓度的关系,数据显示,MX在鱼体内的蓄积水平与鱼的体重存在正线性关系,而与鱼体内脂肪含量的关系还有待进一步研究。经28 d的清除,鱼体内的MX残留量接近于零,说明斑马鱼和稀有鮈鲫对MX的清除能力较强。     

Occurrence of pharmaceuticals and hormones in drinking water treated from surface waters

The levels of a wide variety of pharmaceuticals and hormones, in source and potable-water supplies of French drinking water treatment plants, were assessed. In surface waters, 27 of the 51 target compounds were determined at least once. Paracetamol, salicylic acid and carbamazepine were quantified in more than 80% of samples. The highest concentration of 71 ng/L was observed for paracetamol. Twelve other substances were widely found in the surface waters studied, contaminating between 33 and 80% of the samples. These compounds include analgesics, psychotropic drugs, antibiotics and beta-blockers consistent with the French consumption, as well as natural hormones (oestrone, progesterone and androgens) and synthetic progestatives. In drinking water supplies, 25 compounds were also present, salicylic acid being the most frequently detected. Carbamazepine and the β-blocker atenolol found at lower levels (maximum 2 ng/L), are also present in more than 30% of the contaminated drinking waters. The pharmaceuticals exhibit different reactivity towards the treatments, while progestagens and androgens seem resistant to most of them. The effectiveness of the treatments is discussed, as well as the consequences of the presence of all these compounds on human health. This is the first time that such a long list of compounds (51) is proposed to assessment, and consequently this study provides the first data on pharmaceuticals and steroids occurrences in French drinking waters and represents a basis for the assessment of risks for humans. Moreover, at the international level, this is the first time that so many substances are quantified in drinking water, due to the very low detection limits, especially in the case of the hormones.     

Variability in the chemistry of private drinking water supplies and the impact of domestic treatment systems on water quality

Tap water from 497 properties using private water supplies, in an area of metalliferous and arsenic mineralisation (Cornwall, UK), was measured to assess the extent of compliance with chemical drinking water quality standards, and how this is influenced by householder water treatment decisions. The proportion of analyses exceeding water quality standards were high, with 65 % of tap water samples exceeding one or more chemical standards. The highest exceedances for health-based standards were nitrate (11 %) and arsenic (5 %). Arsenic had a maximum observed concentration of 440 µg/L. Exceedances were also high for pH (47 %), manganese (12 %) and aluminium (7 %), for which standards are set primarily on aesthetic grounds. However, the highest observed concentrations of manganese and aluminium also exceeded relevant health-based guidelines. Significant reductions in concentrations of aluminium, cadmium, copper, lead and/or nickel were found in tap waters where households were successfully treating low-pH groundwaters, and similar adventitious results were found for arsenic and nickel where treatment was installed for iron and/or manganese removal, and successful treatment specifically to decrease tap water arsenic concentrations was observed at two properties where it was installed. However, 31 % of samples where pH treatment was reported had pH < 6.5 (the minimum value in the drinking water regulations), suggesting widespread problems with system maintenance. Other examples of ineffectual treatment are seen in failed responses post-treatment, including for nitrate. This demonstrates that even where the tap waters are considered to be treated, they may still fail one or more drinking water quality standards. We find that the degree of drinking water standard exceedances warrant further work to understand environmental controls and the location of high concentrations. We also found that residents were more willing to accept drinking water with high metal (iron and manganese) concentrations than international guidelines assume. These findings point to the need for regulators to reinforce the guidance on drinking water quality standards to private water supply users, and the benefits to long-term health of complying with these, even in areas where treated mains water is widely available.     

气相色谱-质谱联用测定母乳中合成麝香

建立了凝胶渗透色谱(GPC)柱和硅胶柱净化,气相色谱-质谱(GC/MS)测定母乳中合成麝香的分析方法.实验结果表明:GC/MS在0.01μg.ml-1到1μg.ml-1的浓度范围内对4种常见合成麝香(佳乐麝香HHCB、吐纳麝香AHTN、二甲苯麝香MX和酮麝香MK)均有良好的线性响应,4种合成麝香的基质加标回收率为76%—115%,相对标准偏差为2.8%—7.4%.利用信噪比(5/1)确定该方法的定性检测限,HHCB,AHTN,MX为5ng.g-1脂重,MK为4ng.g-1脂重,定量检测限为定性检测限的2倍.采用上述方法分析了上海母乳样品中合成麝香的浓度和分布特征,发现母乳中普遍存在这4种合成麝香,浓度分别为HHCB92±70;AHTN16±12;MX26±22;MK16±14ng.g-1脂重,与欧美国家的污染水平相比,总体含量偏低.     

Occurrence and problems of high fluoride waters in Turkey: an overview

Endemic dental fluorosis was first observed in Turkey in Isparta Province, located in the SW of Anatolia, with mottled enamel related to the high levels of fluoride (1.5–4.0 ppm) in drinking waters, about 55 years ago. The origin of fluoride was attributed to the contents of minerals in volcanic rocks, consisting of pyroxene, hornblende, biotite, fluorapatite and glassy groundmass minerals. It was also reported about 35 years ago that severe dental and skeletal fluorosis has been observed in human beings and livestock in Dogubeyaz?t and Caldiran areas, located around Tendurek Volcano in eastern Turkey, where natural waters contained fluoride levels between 2.5 and 12.5 ppm. It was hypothesised that fluoride, which might be transported by fumaroles or escaped from devitrified lavas, could be held on the surface of some minerals and then exchanged with OH^- in ground waters with high pH at the foothills of the young Tendurek Volcano. Endemic dental and skeletal fluorosis was also observed in the inhabitants in Kizilcaoren Village of Beylikova Town in Eski?ehir Province situated in the midwest of Turkey, where the fluoride content of the drinking waters ranged from 3.9 to 4.8 ppm. The origin of high fluoride in the natural waters was related to the fluorspar deposits, occurring in the catchment area near the village. During the survey in the Güllü Village of Esme-Usak, located in south-midwest of Turkey, it was observed that most of the inhabitants born and raised in the village and aged between 10 and 30 years, showed mild to moderate levels of mottled enamel. The fluoride contents of the deep well waters used for drinking in the village, varied from 0.7 to 2.0 ppm. Amorphous microscopic fluorite existing in the Pliocene lake limestones was considered as a possible origin of fluoride in the waters.     

氯化消毒饮用水中强致突变物MX[3-氯-4-(二氯甲基)-5-羟基-2(5H)-呋喃酮]的形成

利用一系列XAD吸附树脂及大孔阴、阳离子交换树脂,将太湖水中溶解态有机物分离为溶解态富里酸类、腐殖酸类、憎水弱酸类、憎水碱类、憎水中性物类、亲水酸类、亲水碱类七种组分,分别对不同组分的有机物进行氯化处理后,用GC/MS选择离子峰面积法测定了产物中的MX[3-氯-4-（二氯甲基）-5-羟基-2（5H）-呋喃酮]。结果表明,太湖水体中的溶解态腐殖酸类可能是生成MX的重要前驱物。     

Hydrogeochemical and biomedical insights into germanium potential of curative waters: a case study of health resorts in the Sudetes Mountains (Poland)

Germanium is considered to be a non-essential element; however, little is still known about its significance for living organisms. It exerts prophylactic and therapeutic effects in the treatment of serious diseases such as cancer, HIV infection, and others. Germanium does not exhibit acute toxicity, but, as it tends to accumulate in various organs and tissues, undesirable and even dangerous side effects have been reported after prolonged and/or high dosage application. In general, inorganic compounds of germanium are more toxic than its organic compounds. Further studies should be performed to elucidate the exact molecular mechanism of germanium action, to determine the safe and effective dose of germanium via curative/mineral waters, and to understand the applications and benefits of using germanium-enriched waters in balneotherapy. The geochemistry of curative (cold CO₂-rich, thermal) waters from spas in the Sudetes (Poland) was clarified in terms of components and mineral phases which might govern germanium. Germanium and silicon in thermal (above 20 °C) waters presumably result from the solubility of silicates in crystalline (granites, gneisses) aquifer rocks and might be controlled by neo-formed quartz. The cold CO₂-rich waters revealed a significant diversity of aqueous chemistry and relationships of germanium with iron, silicon, or arsenic. Locally, both in sedimentary (sandstones) and metamorphic (gneisses) aquifer rocks, primary (silicates) and/or secondary (oxides) iron-containing minerals likely release germanium into solution. In the CO₂-rich waters of the western part of the K?odzko Region, germanium distinctly correlates with arsenic. It is hypothesized that both elements are co-sourced from crystalline basement and/or migration of substances of post-magmatic origin along deep-seated dislocations related to the seismically active Po?í?í-Hronov fault zone. This area was proposed as the most prospective one for finding waters rich in germanium in the Sudetes.     

Chronic kidney disease in two coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, India: role of drinking water

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been reported in a few coastal regions of Srikakulam district and Chimakurthy mandal (~30–40 km away from the coast) in the Prakasham district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Some medical experts and the local population have apprehensions that the drinking water is the sole reason for this disease in these areas. As the source of drinking water for these two regions is only groundwater, major ions and trace elements were measured on waters from different sources to identify the causative element(s), if any. Comparison of hydrochemical data of both the areas indicates that groundwater in Srikakulam coastal region is less mineralized than that of the Prakasham region, which may be due to geological, hydrological and climatic reasons. However, the concentrations of various inorganic chemicals are within the permissible limits of drinking water. Hence, for the inorganic chemicals to cause ill health, including CKD, is unlikely or is ruled out in the study areas.     

Human risk assessment of As,Cd, Cu and Zn in the abandoned metal mine site

The cancer risk and the non-cancer hazard index for inhabitants exposed to As, Cd, Cu and Zn in the soils and stream waters of the abandoned Songcheon Au–Ag mine area were evaluated. Mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in agricultural soils were 230, 2.5, 120, 160, and 164 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Mean concentrations of As, Cd and Zn of the water in the stream where drinking water was drawn was 246 μg L⁻¹, 161 μg L⁻¹ and 3899 μg L⁻¹, respectively. These levels are significantly higher than the permissible levels for drinking water quality recommended by Korea and WHO. The resulting human health risks to farmers who inhabited the surrounding areas due to drinking water were summarized as follows: (1) the non-cancer health hazard indices showed that the toxic risk due to As and Cd in drinking water were 10 and 4 times, respectively, greater than those induced by the safe average daily dosages of the respective chemicals. (2) the cancer risk of As for exposed individuals through the drinking water pathway was 5 in 1000, exceeded the acceptable risk of 1 in 10,000 set for regulatory purposes.     

Biochemical studies on the role of lycopene in the protection of mice against microcystin toxicity

The presence of cyanobacterial toxins in drinking and recreational waters represents a potential risk to public health. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a potent cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxin produced by the blue-green alga Microcystis aeruginosa. Chemoprotectant studies suggest that membrane-active antioxidants may offer a protection against microcystin toxicity. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential benefits of dietary supplementation of lycopene as antioxidants on microcystin toxicity in mouse liver. A group of Balb/c was pre-treated for 2 weeks with lycopene (10 mg/mouse/d) before an intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of MC-LR. The potential benefits of lycopene were evaluated based on lipid peroxidation, alanine transaminase (ALT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels. Therefore, lycopene supplied as a dietary supplement may have a protective effect against chronic exposure to MC-LR.     

淡水水体溶解有机氮对有毒藻种的生物有效性

溶解有机氮（Dissolved organic nitrogen,DON）是多数天然水体中溶解氮的主要组成部分。天然水体DON是许多微生命体包括有毒藻种的氮营养源,在供水安全以及水体富营养化等方面的生态环境效应不容忽视。文章系统地介绍了淡水水体DON含量与来源、生物有效性与估算方法,以及对有毒藻种生长的影响。DON的来源是影响水体中DON含量动态特征的关键因素。DON来源包括陆地径流,植物碎屑,土壤淋溶液,沉积物释放,大气沉降,藻类、大型植物、细菌与细胞死亡或自我分解,微型及大型浮游动物捕食和排泄、分泌物释放等。研究表明约有12％～72％的DON可迅速被生物所利用,具显著差异,究其原因可能是其来源组成、化学本质（分子质量与极性）、测试生物组成、是否有细菌作用等因素造成的。不同藻种具有不同氮源利用能力,DON对藻类生长具有直接或间接的作用,并可能影响藻类群落结构（有毒藻类成为优势种）。考虑到水环境保护与饮用水安全供水的重要性,未来研究应重视淡水水体DON生物有效性与其化学本质的揭示,尤其是对有毒藻种。     

Environmental Impact on Coastal Waters off Rio De Janeiro Due to Sewage Discharge via Submarine Outfall

A survey was made in an area of 28 km² around the outlest of Ipanema's submarine outfall in order to evaluate the impact of the raw domestic sewage effluent on coastal waters. Nutrient concentrations, dissolved oxygen, particulate matter and other physico-chemical parameters were measured monthly for 15 months. Copper and lead concentrations were also determined for two of the samplings.

The outfall has been in operation for 18 years, and the parameters measured within the observation area appear to be in steady state. From the observed radial concentration gradients within the survey area, a real extension of the steady state distribution of particulate matter and of sewage-derived nitrogen was estimated. the stationary cloud of particulate organic matter was about 150 km². From its total inventory and the discharge rate, a mean residence time of the particles in the sea of 56 days is estimated, prior to their being decomposed by bacterial action or settling to the bottom. for sewage derived N (as ammonia or nitrate), the steady state amount (above background) covers an area of about 60 km² and leads to a mean residence time of 5 ± 1 days in the ocean. Phosphorus is readily absorbed by the phytoplankton.

The presence of temperature gradients established by cold upwelling waters controls the dispersion of the sewage material and the rising of the sewage plume to the surface waters.     

A health risk assessment for fluoride in Central Europe

Like many elements, fluorine (which generally occurs in nature as fluoride) is beneficial to human health in trace amounts, but can be toxic in excess. The links between low intakes of fluoride and dental protection are well known; however, fluoride is a powerful calcium-seeking element and can interfere with the calcified structure of bones and teeth in the human body at higher concentrations causing dental or skeletal fluorosis. One of the main exposure routes is via drinking water and the World Health Organisation currently sets water quality guidelines for the element. In Central Europe, groundwater resources that exceed the guideline value of 1.5 mg l⁻¹ are widespread and effects on health of high fluoride in water have been reported. The aim of the current project was to develop a geographic information system (GIS) to aid the identification of areas where high-fluoride waters and fluorosis may be a problem; hence, where water treatment technologies should be targeted. The development of the GIS was based upon the collation and digitisation of existing information relevant to fluoride risk in Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary and Slovakia assembled for the first time in a readily accessible form. In addition, geochemistry and health studies to examine in more detail the relationships between high-fluoride drinking waters and health effects in the population were carried out in Moldova and Ukraine demonstrating dental fluorosis prevalence rates of 60–90% in adolescents consuming water containing 2–7 mg l⁻¹ fluoride.     

Nitrite and Freshwater Fish

Nitrite occurs naturally in fresh waters as a result of nitrification of ammonia and denitrification of nitrate, and its concentration can be enhanced by partial oxidation of ammoniacal discharges. Nitrite is toxic to vertebrates including fish and a principal effect is the conversion of haemoglobin to methaemoglobin which is incapable of oxygen transport although there are circulatory and tissue effects as well. The toxic species is the nitrite ion (NO₂) which is believed to enter the blood via the branchial chloride/bicarbonate exchange and fish such as salmonids with high chloride uptake rates are more susceptible than those with low chloride uptake rates, for example carp. Nitrite toxicity is strongly aleviated by chloride and the concentration ratio of these ions is of great importance in assessing toxicity. Short term and long term toxicity data for a variety of fish species are presented. There are no field data on fish populations in waters where nitrite was the only pollutant. However extensive field surveys indicated that, waters with a mean chloride concentration of 25 mg l^-1 in good salmon fisheries were associated with concentrations of nitrite below 50 μg l^-1 N · NO₂, good coarse fisheries below 100 μg l^-1 N · NO₂.     

Microcystin-LR detection based on indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Microcystins (MCs) are a group of closely related toxic cyclic heptapeptides produced by common cyanobacteria, which cause lots of accidents and threatens human health. In this paper, an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) was established and used to detect microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in drinking and surface waters. The concentration of coating antigen was 5 μ/mL, the dilution of monoclonal antibody MC10E7 was 1:3 000, the dilution of enzyme tracer (goat anti-mouse IgG-peroxidase) was 1:3 000, the standard concentration of MC-LR ranged from 0.001 μg/L to 30 μg/L, and o-phenylenediamine was used as substrate. The assay showed high relativity with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a correlation coefficient of more than 99%. The relative standard deviation was less than 10%, the detection limit was achieved down to 0.01 μg/L and up to 5.1 μg/L. The quantitative detection range was from 0.03 μg/L to 3 μg/L, and the antibody had high specificity for [4-arginine] microcystins. It performed well in spite of the influence of the real samples.