#Potable water distributed by local bodies

[mineralwaterbusiness]

How To Start a Water Manufacturing Plant?

Starting a water manufacturing plant, a bottled water business is a complex but potentially lucrative venture. This business involves producing and packaging water for distribution and sale, and it requires careful planning, significant investment, and adherence to various regulatory standards. Here is a comprehensive guide to starting a water manufacturing plant:

1. Understanding the Industry

The bottled water industry has grown exponentially due to increasing consumer demand for clean, safe, and convenient drinking water. The market is driven by rising health consciousness, increasing urbanization, and the scarcity of potable water in some regions. To capitalize on this demand, it is essential to understand the industry dynamics, market trends, and consumer preferences.

2. Market Research and Feasibility Study

Before diving into the business, conduct thorough market research to understand the demand in your target area. Identify your potential competitors, their product offerings, and pricing strategies. A feasibility study is crucial to assess the viability of the business in your chosen location. This study should include:

Demand Analysis: Estimate the demand for bottled water in your target market.

Competitor Analysis: Identify existing players, their strengths, and market share.

SWOT Analysis: Assess the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to your business.

Cost Analysis: Calculate the total cost of setting up the plant, including machinery, raw materials, and labor.

Profitability Analysis: Estimate potential revenue, profit margins, and return on investment (ROI).

3. Business Plan Development

A detailed business plan serves as a roadmap for your venture. It should outline the following:

Executive Summary: A brief overview of your business idea, mission, and vision.

Market Analysis: Insights from your market research and feasibility study.

Operational Plan: Details about the plant location, size, capacity, and production process.

Financial Plan: Budget estimates, funding requirements, and financial projections for the first five years.

Marketing Strategy: Plans for product positioning, branding, pricing, distribution, and promotion.

Risk Management: Identification of potential risks and strategies to mitigate them.

4. Legal Requirements and Licensing

Operating a water manufacturing plant involves compliance with various legal and regulatory requirements. These include:

Business Registration: Register your company with the appropriate government authorities.

Water Extraction Permit: Obtain permission from local authorities for water extraction.

Health and Safety Certifications: Ensure your plant meets the health and safety standards set by food and beverage regulatory bodies.

Environmental Clearance: Secure necessary environmental clearances to ensure your operations do not harm the environment.

Trademark Registration: Protect your brand by registering your product name and logo.

5. Location and Infrastructure

Choosing the right location for your water manufacturing plant is critical. Consider the following factors:

Proximity to Water Source: Ensure easy access to a reliable and clean water source.

Availability of Utilities: Ensure the availability of electricity, transportation, and other essential utilities.

Logistics: The location should be easily accessible for raw material supply and distribution of finished products.

Space Requirements: The plant should have adequate space for production, storage, and administrative functions.

6. Water Sourcing and Treatment

Water quality is the most crucial factor in this business. The water you source should be free from contaminants and meet the standards for potable water. The process typically involves:

Source Identification: Identify a reliable water source, such as groundwater, springs, or municipal supplies.

Water Treatment: Implement a multi-stage purification process, which may include:

Filtration: Remove suspended solids and large particles.

Reverse Osmosis: Eliminate dissolved salts and impurities.

UV Sterilization: Kill bacteria and pathogens.

Ozonation: Ensure long-term purity by eliminating any remaining microorganisms.

Regular testing and monitoring of water quality are necessary to ensure compliance with health standards.

7. Plant Machinery and Equipment

Investing in the right machinery is crucial for efficient production. Key equipment includes:

Water Treatment Plant: For purification and filtration of water.

Filling and Packaging Machines: For bottling, capping, labeling, and packaging.

Storage Tanks: For holding raw and purified water.

Cooling Systems: To maintain the required temperature during production.

Quality Control Equipment: For testing water quality at various stages of production.

8. Human Resources and Training

Skilled labor is essential for the efficient operation of your plant. You will need:

Production Staff: For operating machinery and managing the production process.

Quality Control Experts: For testing and ensuring the quality of water.

Administrative Staff: For handling logistics, procurement, and office management.

Marketing and Sales Team: For promoting and selling your products.

Provide regular training to your staff on safety protocols, equipment handling, and quality control measures.

9. Branding and Packaging

Branding is crucial for differentiating your product in a competitive market. Consider the following:

Product Name and Logo: Choose a catchy, memorable name and design a logo that reflects your brand values.

Bottle Design: Invest in high-quality, visually appealing bottles that are easy to handle and eco-friendly.

Labeling: Ensure your labels are informative, including details like water source, purification process, and nutritional content.

Eco-Friendly Packaging: Consider using biodegradable or recyclable materials to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

10. Marketing and Distribution

Effective marketing and distribution strategies are key to reaching your target customers. Strategies include:

Retail Distribution: Partner with supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores to stock your products.

Online Sales: Set up an e-commerce platform or partner with online retailers to reach a broader audience.

Direct Sales: Supply directly to businesses, hotels, and restaurants in bulk.

Brand Promotion: Use a mix of digital marketing, social media, print ads, and promotional events to build brand awareness.

Pricing Strategy: Set competitive pricing based on market research and cost analysis.

11. Quality Control and Compliance

Maintaining high-quality standards is non-negotiable in the water manufacturing business. Implement a stringent quality control system to ensure consistency in product quality. Regularly audit your processes to comply with regulatory standards and obtain certifications like ISO, HACCP, or other relevant quality management systems.

12. Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

In today’s environmentally conscious market, adopting sustainable practices can enhance your brand image and appeal to consumers. Consider the following:

Water Conservation: Implement water-saving technologies and practices to reduce wastage.

Waste Management: Properly manage waste, including plastic bottles, by recycling or reusing materials.

Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient machinery and explore renewable energy options like solar power.

Eco-Friendly Packaging: Offer products in biodegradable or recyclable packaging to reduce your environmental footprint.

13. Financial Planning and Investment

Starting a water manufacturing plant requires substantial capital investment. Key areas of expenditure include:

Land and Building: Costs associated with purchasing or leasing land and constructing the plant.

Machinery and Equipment: Investment in water treatment systems, bottling lines, and other equipment.

Working Capital: Funds needed for day-to-day operations, including raw materials, labor, and utilities.

Marketing and Distribution: Expenses related to product promotion and distribution.

Contingency Fund: Set aside a reserve for unforeseen expenses or emergencies.

Explore funding options such as bank loans, venture capital, government grants, or private investors to secure the necessary capital.

14. Challenges and Risk Management

The water manufacturing business comes with its share of challenges. Some common risks include:

Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex regulations and ensuring ongoing compliance.

Quality Control Issues: Maintaining consistent water quality and avoiding contamination.

Market Competition: Competing with established brands and dealing with pricing pressures.

Environmental Impact: Managing the environmental impact of water extraction and plastic waste.

Develop a risk management plan to identify potential risks and outline strategies to mitigate them.

15. Monitoring and Expansion

Once your plant is operational, it’s important to continuously monitor performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Key metrics to track include:

Production Efficiency: Monitor output rates and identify bottlenecks in the production process.

Sales Performance: Analyze sales data to understand market trends and customer preferences.

Financial Health: Regularly review financial statements to track profitability and cash flow.

Customer Feedback: Gather feedback from customers to improve product quality and service.

As your business grows, consider expanding your product line or entering new markets. Diversifying into flavored or enhanced water, offering larger packaging sizes, or expanding distribution to other regions can help drive growth.

Conclusion

Starting a mineral water plant is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning, significant investment, and a commitment to quality and sustainability. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can establish a successful bottled water business that meets consumer demand and generates substantial returns on investment. Remember, the key to long-term success lies in maintaining high standards of quality, adhering to regulatory requirements, and continuously innovating to stay ahead of the competition.

[kiratrajsingh]

Kirat Raj Singh’s Guide to Sustainable Water Management for Combating Global Warming

Water is a crucial resource that is increasingly impacted by global warming. As temperatures rise and weather patterns change, the challenges related to water resources become more complex. Kirat Raj Singh, an environmental advocate dedicated to sustainable practices, offers a guide on how communities can effectively manage their water resources to mitigate the effects of global warming. This guide emphasizes practical strategies that can be implemented at the local level to promote water conservation, efficiency, and sustainability.

Understanding the Impact of Global Warming on Water Resources

Global warming influences water resources in several significant ways. Increased temperatures lead to higher rates of evaporation, reduced snowpack, and altered precipitation patterns. These changes can result in more frequent and severe droughts, reduced water availability, and compromised water quality. Effective water management is essential to adapt to these challenges and ensure a sustainable supply for future generations.

Strategies for Sustainable Water Management

1. Promoting Water Conservation

Water conservation is a fundamental aspect of managing water resources effectively. Communities can adopt several strategies to conserve water:

Educating Residents: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of water conservation. Provide practical tips for reducing water use, such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient fixtures, and reducing water waste in everyday activities.

Implementing Water-Saving Technologies: Encourage the installation of water-saving technologies, such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. These technologies can significantly reduce household water consumption.

Adopting Xeriscaping: Promote xeriscaping, a landscaping technique that uses drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation practices. This approach reduces the need for excessive watering and minimizes water use in landscaping.

2. Enhancing Water Efficiency

Improving water efficiency in various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and households, is crucial for sustainable water management. Communities can take the following actions:

Efficient Irrigation Practices: Encourage farmers to adopt efficient irrigation practices, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. These methods reduce water usage and minimize water waste in agriculture.

Industrial Water Efficiency: Advocate for water-efficient practices in industries, such as recycling and reusing process water. Support the implementation of technologies that reduce water consumption and improve water treatment.

Residential Water Efficiency: Promote the use of water-efficient appliances and fixtures in homes. Educate residents on the benefits of water-efficient technologies and provide incentives for their adoption.

3. Investing in Water Infrastructure

Upgrading and maintaining water infrastructure is essential for ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply. Communities can focus on:

Repairing Leaky Infrastructure: Address and repair leaks in water distribution systems to prevent water loss. Regular maintenance and monitoring of infrastructure can help identify and fix leaks promptly.

Upgrading Treatment Facilities: Invest in modern water treatment facilities that utilize advanced technologies to ensure clean and safe water. Upgrade existing facilities to improve their efficiency and capacity.

Developing Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Encourage the installation of rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses, such as irrigation and landscaping.

4. Protecting and Restoring Natural Water Bodies

Healthy natural water bodies are vital for maintaining water quality and availability. Communities can take steps to protect and restore these essential resources:

Preventing Pollution: Implement measures to prevent pollution of rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This includes regulating industrial discharges, reducing runoff from agricultural fields, and managing wastewater effectively.

Restoring Riparian Zones: Support the restoration of riparian zones—areas of vegetation along water bodies. These zones act as natural buffers that filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife.

Protecting Wetlands: Advocate for the protection of wetlands, which play a crucial role in water filtration, flood control, and biodiversity conservation.

5. Encouraging Sustainable Water Practices

Adopting sustainable water practices at the community level can help manage water resources more effectively:

Promoting Water-Positive Initiatives: Encourage initiatives that contribute to water sustainability, such as community-led clean-up drives, water recycling programs, and conservation projects.

Fostering Community Engagement: Engage community members in water management efforts by forming local water committees and organizing events that promote water conservation and efficiency.

Supporting Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies and regulations that support sustainable water management practices. Collaborate with local authorities to develop and implement water management strategies that address the impacts of global warming.

Sustainable water management is a critical component of addressing the challenges posed by global warming. By implementing the strategies outlined in Kirat Raj Singh's guide, communities can effectively manage their water resources, reduce their environmental impact, and promote resilience to climate change. Through education, technological advancements, infrastructure investment, and community engagement, we can work together to ensure a sustainable and secure water future for all.

[davidrichard11]

The Importance of Hydrant Inspection and Flushing: Ensuring Water Safety and Fire Protection

The Importance of Hydrant Inspection and Flushing: Ensuring Water Safety and Fire Protection

Introduction:

Hydrants are an essential component of any community's infrastructure, serving as crucial access points for firefighters in the event of emergencies. However, their reliability hinges on regular inspection and maintenance. Hydrant inspection and flushing are vital processes that ensure these critical components remain in optimal working condition. hydrant inspection & flushing In this article, we'll delve into the significance of hydrant inspection and flushing in maintaining water safety and bolstering fire protection measures.

Ensuring Water Quality:

Hydrants play a dual role in communities, not only facilitating firefighting efforts but also serving as outlets for potable water distribution. Over time, sediment, rust, and other contaminants can accumulate within hydrant pipelines, compromising water quality. hydrant flow testing Regular inspection and flushing help mitigate these issues by removing accumulated debris and ensuring the flow of clean, safe water to consumers. This proactive approach safeguards public health and prevents potential waterborne illnesses.

Maintaining Fire Protection:

Effective firefighting relies heavily on the accessibility and functionality of hydrants. In emergency situations, firefighters must be able to swiftly connect hoses to hydrants and access adequate water flow to combat blazes effectively. Neglected hydrants with clogged valves or obstructed pipelines can impede firefighting efforts, leading to delays that could prove catastrophic in critical situations. hydrant flushing Regular inspection and flushing identify and address issues promptly, ensuring that hydrants remain fully operational when they are needed most.

Preventing Infrastructure Damage:

Beyond their immediate firefighting and water distribution roles, hydrants also contribute to the overall integrity of a community's water infrastructure. Neglected hydrants are susceptible to deterioration, which can result in leaks, pipe bursts, or other structural failures. hydrant flushing By conducting routine inspections and flushing procedures, authorities can identify and rectify potential issues before they escalate, thereby prolonging the lifespan of hydrants and reducing the likelihood of costly repairs or replacements.

Compliance with Regulations:

Municipalities are often subject to regulations and standards governing the maintenance of hydrants and water distribution systems. Failure to adhere to these requirements not only compromises public safety but also exposes governing bodies to potential legal liabilities. Regular inspection and flushing not only demonstrate compliance with regulatory mandates but also serve as a proactive measure to uphold the highest standards of safety and service delivery within communities.

Community Awareness and Engagement:

Hydrant inspection and flushing initiatives offer an opportunity for community engagement and education. hydrant inspection Local authorities can communicate the importance of these maintenance activities to residents, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for water safety and fire protection. Additionally, transparency regarding inspection schedules and procedures can instill confidence in residents, assuring them that measures are in place to safeguard their well-being and property.

Conclusion:

Hydrant inspection and flushing are indispensable practices that uphold water safety, bolster fire protection measures, and preserve critical infrastructure within communities.  hydrant inspection & flushing By prioritizing regular maintenance and adhering to established protocols, authorities can ensure that hydrants remain reliable assets in emergency situations while also safeguarding public health and property. Through proactive engagement and education, communities can collectively contribute to the effective management and maintenance of this vital component of urban infrastructure.

[syscomme]

Water Treatment Plants

Water treatment plants consist of several essential components:

a. Intake Structures: These structures collect water from rivers, lakes, or groundwater sources and prevent large debris from entering the treatment system.

b. Pre-Treatment Units: Pre-treatment units, including screens, grit chambers, and sedimentation basins, remove large particles, debris, and settleable solids before further treatment.

c. Treatment Units: These units house the processes mentioned above, such as coagulation and flocculation units, sedimentation basins, filtration units, disinfection systems, and chemical dosing systems.

d. Storage and Distribution: Treated water is stored in reservoirs or clear wells before being distributed through a network of pipes to consumers. Pumping stations are used to maintain adequate water pressure.

e. Sludge Management: Sludge generated during the treatment processes is treated separately. It may undergo processes like thickening, dewatering, and drying before disposal or beneficial reuse.

Water treatment facilities play an essential role in guaranteeing access to clean and safe water for communities around the globe. They are crucial in safeguarding public health, preserving the environment, and advancing sustainable development. The following key points underscore the significance of water treatment facilities:

1. Ensuring Public Health: The availability of clean and safe drinking water is of utmost importance in preventing waterborne diseases. Water treatment facilities purify raw water sources by removing contaminants like bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemicals. This renders the water fit for consumption, significantly diminishing the likelihood of illnesses and outbreaks associated with contaminated water.

2. Elimination of Contaminants: Water treatment facilities utilize various processes such as coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to eradicate impurities and pollutants from water. These include heavy metals, organic compounds, pesticides, and industrial waste, all of which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

3. Environmental Preservation: The responsible treatment of water, subsequently released into natural water bodies like rivers and lakes, serves to avert pollution and environmental deterioration. By removing harmful substances from wastewater, water treatment facilities contribute significantly to the preservation of aquatic ecosystems and the safeguarding of aquatic life.

4. Resource Preservation: Water is a finite resource, and with growing populations, the demand for water escalates. Water treatment plants actively participate in recycling and reusing water, alleviating pressure on freshwater sources. Through the treatment and reuse of wastewater for activities like irrigation, industrial processes, and other non-potable uses, these facilities contribute significantly to water conservation endeavors.

5. Industrial and Agricultural Support: Industries and agriculture rely on clean water for their processes and activities. Water treatment plants provide the necessary infrastructure to treat water for industrial use and irrigation, helping to maintain the efficiency and sustainability of these sectors.

6. Economic Advantages: Water treatment plants generate job opportunities and foster local economies. They sustain a variety of positions, from engineers and technicians to administrative staff, thus driving economic progress in the communities they cater to.

7. Adherence to Regulations: Regulatory authorities and governments implement water quality standards to protect public health and the environment. Water treatment plants guarantee that the treated water aligns with these standards before it is distributed for consumption or released back into the environment.

8. Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness: Water treatment plants play a critical role during natural disasters or emergencies. They can quickly adapt their processes to address contamination or disruptions in water supply, helping communities recover more swiftly.

9. Sustainability Over Time: Through the responsible treatment of water and the prudent management of water resources, water treatment plants play a role in fostering the enduring sustainability of water supplies. They play a part in guaranteeing that forthcoming generations can avail themselves of clean and safe water, thereby promoting the overall welfare of society.

10. Promoting Education and Awareness: Water treatment plants also contribute to educating the public about water conservation, pollution prevention, and the significance of responsible water use. This heightened awareness can lead to more informed and sustainable behaviors among individuals and communities.

[recharge1seo]

MCG Water Bill Payment

MCG, Municipal Corporation of Gurugram, is a local government body responsible for providing various civic services to Gurugram, India. Among the services provided by MCG is the supply of water. The MCG is responsible for distributing potable water to the city's residents through its water supply lines and storage facilities. MCG is also responsible for maintaining water supply infrastructure and providing new connections and meter readings.Customers can pay their water bills in various ways, such as online, through authorized dealers or by visiting the MCG office. But visiting the office is a hustle task. Go to the Recharge 1 website for an easy and authorized payment of your mcg water bill payment.

[manasmicro52]

When precise flow measurement is required in remote regions where mains power is unavailable, our solar-powered flow meters can be used. They can be designed to get back up even up to one week in absence of solar power, especially in monsoon season.

Solar-powered devices might be an excellent way to save money when it comes to powering flow meters in distant regions.

This solar power system can be used to power both an electromagnetic flow meter and an ultrasonic flow meter.

[watertreatmentcf]

Pharmaceuticals in Potable Water Supplies

In recent years the number of people concerned about the prevalence of chemicals from pharmaceuticals and personal care products, such as cosmetics, in the nation's streams and rivers has grown. In 2002, the USGS performed the first significant examination and discovered an average of seven chemical compounds in the streams they looked at. The cause of this contamination is that American medication use has skyrocketed in recent years. In America alone, on average, doctors give out around 3.5 billion prescriptions each year. After being expelled from the body or when unneeded medicine is flushed down the toilet, the chemicals in these pharmaceuticals wind up in waterways. For this reason, today, we will discuss the most common pharmaceuticals in potable water supplies.

Beta Blockers

The first pharmaceuticals we are going to mention today are Beta-blockers. The four main compounds found in potable water supplies are sotalol, atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol. Doctors prescribe these medications to individuals suffering from excessive blood pressure and those recuperating from heart attacks. Unfortunately, water safety tests found Beta-Blockers in surface water on multiple occasions. These findings show that Beta Blockers do not degrade completely in sewage treatment facilities.You can sign up for the water testin Longwood, Florida, to check the water in your home.

Cardiovascular Medications and Lipid-lowering Medicines

Over the last several decades, cardiovascular medicines and lipid-regulating chemicals have become prominent environmental pollutants classes. However, information on their presence in freshwaters and ecotoxicity remains inadequate. This medication helps with heart physiology, lipid metabolism, growth, and reproduction, and its presence in potable water supplies is not ideal. Research has found the existence of 82 cardiovascular medications and lipid regulating agents worldwide. These pharmaceuticals are so far-reaching that they even affect aquatic life. Only 71% of these medications in use have had their residues in aquatic environments studied, and only about 24% have evaluated their effects. Researchers have found these pharmaceuticals on surface waters ranging from 12 ng/L to over 100 ng/L. In wastewater, the amounts were even higher. 

Antiepileptics

Surface waters frequently contain pharmaceuticals, such as antiepileptic pharmaceuticals. However, many water treatment and purification systems are still looking for a way to remove these compounds from the water effectively. Furthermore, antiepileptics are found in wastewater as well. As a result, extensive research into sophisticated compound elimination systems has been underway for several years. The main reason is that antiepileptic pharmaceuticals tend to transform into more dangerous compounds when improperly handled. Unfortunately, this sort of chemical in the water supply can be hazardous and hard to deal with.

Antibiotics

The geographical and temporal distribution of antibiotics in water sources varies greatly throughout the United States, but the fact stands, they are there. Most of this variation is a direct result of the local industrial structure. Antibiotic disposal methods in the pharmaceutical sector and antibiotic usage in the livestock business have greatly influenced the number of Antibiotics in potable water supplies. In some parts of the US, chloramphenicol, a highly effective antibiotic with proportionally significant side effects, is a big issue. 

The pharmaceutical sector is concentrated in economically developed areas of the US. Because of this, research has found a high concentration of antibiotic contamination in these areas. The main reason for this is the substantial volume of antibiotic wastewater that is discharged here. Additionally, the rise of the livestock sectors has resulted in much greater levels of sulfonamides and tetracycline antibiotics in the environment. In addition to that, Quinolone antibiotics are common in medical therapy as broad-spectrum anti-infective medications. Research has found traces of it in most local drinking water sources. 

Ways To Treat Water

There is currently no definitive method for removing these compounds from potable water supplies. There are, however, a few methods that can assist with certain pharmaceuticals. Among them are:

1. Treatment With Activated Sludge

Activated sludge is a compound made up of microorganisms attached to organic and inorganic materials. This material can help with antibiotic biosorption, antibiotic biodegradation, and flocculation. The diverse bacteria in activated sludge establish a complicated food chain with organic nutrients in the wastewater. This microbial activity can eliminate the antibiotics in the wastewater supply without much issue.

2. Filtration by Membrane

The membrane separation technique uses micro- and nanoporous membranes to intercept or reverse osmosis antibiotics in water for purification. That being said, Membrane separation is often only one part of a water purification procedure. You will often see it in combination with activated sludge treatment and general water treatment.

3. Filtration via Physical Adsorption

Physical adsorption refers to the process in which antibiotic molecules attach to surfaces through intermolecular interactions. In many applications, scientists use adsorbents with a molecular sieve pore structure, such as activated carbon or a modified form of activated carbon to accomplish this. Physical adsorption can significantly reduce the number of antibiotic molecules in water. However, it can't get it all in one swoop.

4. Filtration via Plants Adsorption

Plants absorb antibiotics from river water and bottom sediments through their roots, stems, and leaves. They subsequently transmit them to animals that consume them or into the sediment where their roots are. While this can help reduce the number of pharmaceuticals in water, the environment for this type of filtration must be ideal for it to work. It is almost impossible to create it in a home environment.

Are Pharmaceuticals in Potable Water Supplies Dangerous?

Many people are aware of water contamination these days. Indeed, in recent years, 24/7 Logistics Services experts have noticed an increase in homes equipped with sophisticated water filtration systems. People are doing everything they can to make their water cleaner and safer. That being said, are pharmaceuticals in the water supply that dangerous?

Findings show that exposure to trace amounts of medicines that may theoretically be present in drinking water had a very low risk of causing significant adverse health effects. Pharmaceutical concentrations in drinking water are often more than 1000 times lower than the MTD, which is the lowest clinically active dose. This indicates that the health hazards of exposure to trace quantities of pharmaceuticals in potable water supplies are exceedingly low. However, we recommend contacting professionals for water treatment in Central Florida and equipping your home with a modern filtration system to be safe.

[biomedres]

In Search of Water…! Need to Revise Overreaching Provincial Water Policy

In Search of Water…! Need to Revise Overreaching Provincial Water Policy Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research

https://biomedres.us/fulltexts/BJSTR.MS.ID.006043.php

Sindh is a lower riparian province and its total dependency based on Indus River for water. But since last few decades, Sindh is vulnerable and faces quiet water shortage from upstream overreaching water flow. Even though, Sindh still receives 42 percent of the water share from the Indus Basin just according to Water Accord of 1991 (an agreement signed on the sharing of water between the provinces of Pakistan) whereas Sindh’s population was roughly 30 million in 1998. According to recent census of 2017, Sindh’s headcount about 50 million populations. Yet, the water availability has not been fairly revised and nor transparently ensured to practice in accordance with the current population growth, increased water consumption, rapid industrialization and urbanization occupies in the province. An unfair water distribution in country has already created concerns in the provinces. State policies and actions still seems fails in dealing with water crisis and proved water conflict which further resulted in appearance of internal political proxy war between the provinces inside the country. Generally, in rural and especially in deltaic areas of Sindh, the potable water is unavailable. The surface water is an invisible while the underground water is saline in the most part of deltaic villages. Women and girls have no any access to collect or fetch safe drinking water from nearby distance. The common rural women with village girls almost covers a far and long distance and seems roaming in search of water for their homes and families. While the local migration is going on towards Garo and Karachi as a result of unavailability of fresh water and the area gradually becomes deserted.

The local settlements have great concerns and expressed with sorrow that state must listen our grievances and ensure the availability of water which is our prime and first priority need. The waterborne diseases such as; Diarrhea, Typhoid, Cholera, Dysentery, Salmonella and Skin Infection are found most prevalent in children, women and elderly persons due to stagnant water surrounded by the settlements. Even though, local inhabitants are compelled to use saline water for drinking and cooking purpose which is unfit for human consumption and could lead to common health crisis. The people of the area are severely malnourished by inability to grow food due to unavailable fresh water. With such a scenario, Pakistan is far from achieving its adopted Sustainable Development Goal number six which promises access to safe, affordable and available drinking water for all by the year 2030. The agriculture sector is considered as a backbone of the country’s economy has been completely destroyed due to unavailability of fresh water and intrusion of sea in the whole deltaic region. Even the cultivated land has been converted into water logging and saline land. The farmers of Indus delta sadly expressed that their lands are unable to further cultivate any crop. Sindh requires a minimum environmental flow of water to maintain the proper functioning and health of its water bodies such as the Indus Delta mangroves and coastal wetlands. These mangroves and freshwater lakes have to be safeguarded from degradation and over-exploitation as they not only serve as fishery grounds but are vital to maintaining the natural balance of the water ecosystems [1-18].

For more articles in Journals on Biomedical Sciences click here

bjstr

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[cplus902]

Also, regarding it all tasting the same, it does not all taste the same, and cannot all taste the same.  Spring water will taste of the minerals in the ground where it’s pulled from, and those minerals vary by region.  Florida water has a higher (though still safe) sulfur content than New England water, for example.

As for purified water, most companies put a unique mineral blend in after the purification process to create their particular taste.  Since each company uses a different mineral blend, the end result is different tastes.

Now, to the main assertion of water being a human right, you know what, I agree.  Just like food, you have the right to go out and acquire water.  Of course, your local stream or river may not be safe to drink from, whether due to pollution or just local natural conditions.  Or it may not be near enough to your home to make it convenient to visit each day.  Maybe you don’t even have a local body of water.  You could set up rain barrels, if you get enough rain and your local municipality hasn’t enacted laws banning them.  Or you could always dig your own well.  Of course, you’ll need a system for getting the water out of the well, or out of the buckets, or out of the local body of water, and you’ll need to make it potable before it can be used.

Or you can just let your city or town handle that, paying your water bill and/or your taxes to cover the very real cost of collecting, transporting, purifying, and distributing water.  And if you don’t trust your local government to do a good job with the water in your tap, you could pay someone to do all of that for you outside of the government.  They’ll even put the water in convenient bottles for you.

Water is a human right

[biogenericpublishers]

In Search of Water….! Need to Revise Overreaching Provincial water Policy by Hari Das*

Mini Review

Sindh is a lower riparian province and its total dependency based on Indus River for water. But since last few decades, Sindh is vulnerable and faces quiet water shortage from upstream overreaching water flow. Even though, Sindh still receives 42 percent of the water share from the Indus Basin just according to Water Accord of 1991 (an agreement signed on the sharing of water between the provinces of Pakistan) whereas Sindh’s population was roughly 30 million in 1998 (Figure 1).

According to recent census of 2017, Sindh’s headcount about 50 million populations. Yet, the water availability has not been fairly revised and nor transparently ensured to practice in accordance with the current population growth, increased water consumption, rapid industrialization and urbanization occupies in the province. An unfair water distribution in country has already created concerns in the provinces. State policies and actions still seems fails in dealing with water crisis and proved water conflict which further resulted in appearance of internal political proxy war between the provinces inside the country [1-3].

Generally, in rural and especially in deltaic areas of Sindh, the potable water is unavailable. The surface water is an invisible while the underground water is saline in the most part of deltaic villages. Women and girls have no any access to collect or fetch safe drinking water from nearby distance. The common rural women with village girls almost covers a far and long distance and seems roaming in search of water for their homes and families. While the local migration is going on towards Garo and Karachi as a result of unavailability of fresh water and the area gradually becomes deserted [4]. The local settlements have great concerns and expressed with sorrow that state must listen our grievances and ensure the availability of water which is our prime and first priority need. The waterborne diseases such as; Diarrhea, Typhoid, Cholera, Dysentery, Salmonella and Skin Infection are found most prevalent in children, women and elderly persons due to stagnant water surrounded by the settlements. Even though, local inhabitants are compelled to use saline water for drinking and cooking purpose which is unfit for human consumption and could lead to common health crisis [5] (Figure 2).

The people of the area are severely malnourished by inability to grow food due to unavailable fresh water. With such a scenario, Pakistan is far from achieving its adopted Sustainable Development Goal number six which promises access to safe, affordable and available drinking water for all by the year 2030.

The agriculture sector is considered as a backbone of the country’s economy has been completely destroyed due to unavailability of fresh water and intrusion of sea in the whole deltaic region. Even the cultivated land has been converted into waterlogging and saline land. The farmers of Indus delta sadly expressed that their lands are unable to further cultivate any crop [6] (Figure 3).

Sindh requires a minimum environmental flow of water to maintain the proper functioning and health of its water bodies such as the Indus Delta mangroves and coastal wetlands. These mangroves and freshwater lakes have to be safeguarded from degradation and over-exploitation as they not only serve as fishery grounds but are vital to maintaining the natural balance of the water ecosystems [7].

There is an urgent need for paradigm shift that promotes more judicious use of water and thinking about water resources management and highlight the social and environmental aspects of poor water resources management across the country, particularly in Sindh [8]. It is time now to put people at the center of the discourse. It is absolutely possible to introduce an overarching Sindh water policy, a detailed master plan for each district and city of Sindh, should be conceived where decision making with equal representation and input of all segments of society is ensured and incorporated. At least, nationally agreed 30 Million Acre Foot (MAF) water should release immediately in downstream Indus Delta. In the light of above context, the issue of water crisis can be resolved through adopting and practicing modern technologies such as; water conservation and management technologies, recycling wastewater, improving irrigation and agricultural practices, graphene filter, solar impulse efficient solution and introducing energy efficient desalination plants [9-15].

Additionally, press, electronic and social media activists all are requested to raise and highlight Sindh’s water crisis issue in media and start media campaign so that new debate may start in parliament and legislators and policymakers pass and implement new laws or bring reforms in its current water policy in the light of recent population growth, poverty and socio-economic circumstances of the province only with aim to ensure availability of fresh water in the deltaic area of Sindh and we may hope to see good future of our generation [15-18] (Figure 4).

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Juniper Publishers-Open Access Journal of Environmental Sciences & Natural Resources

Distribution of Arsenic Species in Surface Water Using Flow Injection Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Furnace Method

Authored by Swapnila Roy

Abstract

Arsenic has been considered detrimental to human health when accumulated in the body beyond the tolerance level. The toxicity level of certain species (like As3+) of Arsenic is higher than others, making the situation worse for human health with its presence. In this study, we used a combination of two principal atomic absorption spectroscopic methods, namely Flame-FIAS and the Furnace technique, to determine the distribution of inorganic Arsenic species in a synthetic sample. The Flame-FIAS technique was employed to determine the amount of toxic As3+ present in the samples and the Furnace method was used to measure the total Arsenic content. Following standardization of this experimental process, we used the technique to determine the distribution of inorganic Arsenic species in environmental samples with high total Arsenic content. Since the samples were collected from surface water systems, the conditions are supposed to be oxidizing. As per the natural geochemical distribution phenomena of Arsenic species, As5+ was found predominantly (around the range of 10-18 μg/l) in all samples, validating the process of species identification. In groundwater samples, conditions being reducing, the As3+ species is supposed to be predominant. These findings can guide future bioremediation strategies to be effectively designed, as per the distribution of Arsenic species in the surface water.

Keywords: As3+; As5+; FIAS; Furnace; Environmental Samples; Arsenic Speciation

Highlights

a) Standardization of Arsenic speciation in synthetic samples using FIAS (Flame Ionisation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) and Graphite Furnace methods.

b) Application of Arsenic speciation in environmental samples with total arsenic content.

c) Determination of predominant inorganic Arsenic species in surface water system.

Introduction

Arsenic is a ubiquitous metalloid found in lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere [1]. Natural minerals are the key source of arsenic. The soil arsenic concentration ranges from 0.1 to 40 mg/kg around the world, while, in water, it ranges from <0.05 to 5000 μg/l [2,3]. Arsenic and its compounds are highly toxic. Studies have shown that consumption of water with high arsenic content can lead to arsenical skin lesions [4]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recommended arsenic concentration in potable water is 10 μg/l. Prolonged exposure to arsenic can lead to skin cancer, neurological disorders, lung cancer, liver cancer and adverse obstetric effects [5-9]. Groundwater arsenic contamination has become an issue of great concern across the world. A number of countries have been affected by high arsenic concentration in groundwater, when it is a source of drinking water. Of them, Bangladesh and India (West Bengal) have been affected the worst [4,10,11]. The elevated presence of arsenic in the groundwater of the Bengal Delta Plain (BDP) has been termed as “the worst mass poisoning in human history” [12]. Other affected countries are Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Taiwan, Mongolia, China (Xinjiang region), Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, Ghana, Germany, Greece, Spain, Canada and the United States [13]. In West Bengal, six districts are adversely affected by arsenic contamination in groundwater: North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Burdwan, Murshidabad and Malda. The total affected area is around 34,000 km2 with a population of about 30 million (44.4% of the total population of West Bengal). About 800,000 people in this region drink arsenic contaminated water and about 175,000 people are suffering from arsenic related diseases [10]. Other Indian states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Assam are also affected by the issue. Out of 64 districts in Bangladesh, 51 have been detected with arsenic contamination. The total area of these 51 districts is 121,145 km2 and population of about 113 million (87% of the total population of Bangladesh) [5]. Excessive use of hand tube wells for drinking water and other purposes has caused the major outbreak of arsenic contamination in these regions. The biogeochemical cycle of arsenic involves a number of physicochemical processes, such as redox reactions, adsorption, desorption, ion exchange, solid phase precipitation and dissolution. Microbiological processes play a crucial role in these processes [14]. Several factors like redox potential, pH, organic carbon and chemical speciation play important roles in these processes [14,15]. Arsenic occurs in four oxidation states: elemental arsenic (As0), arsenite (As3+), arsenate (As5+) and arsenide (As3-). Among these species, As3+ and As5+ are the most common ones found in aquatic environment [16]. Distribution and mobility of these arsenic species depend upon local physicochemical conditions as well as biological processes. The pKa values of arsenic acid (H3AsO4; contains arsenic in the form of As5+) are – pKa1 = 2.19, pKa2 = 6.94 and pKa3 = 11.5. Therefore, at low pH (i.e., below 6.9) and oxidizing condition, H2AsO4 - is the predominant form, whereas, at higher pH levels, HAsO4 2- is the predominant form. Arsenate, being negatively charged, gets adsorbed easily on the oxidized minerals [17]. The lowest pKa value for As3+ is 9.22. In most natural water with pH below 9.2 as well as reducing condition, As(OH)3 is the predominant form. Solubility of arsenic depends upon its speciation [18]. Elemental arsenic is not very common in the environment, and organic forms of arsenic are found only in extremely reducing conditions (within live biomass) [19].

Objectives of This Study

This study aims to identify the method of selective determination of As3+and the total Arsenic in a solution where Arsenic exists in both trivalent and pentavalent state, by combining two methods:

a) Hydride generation through Flame – FIAS technique. (PinAAcle 900H Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Perkin Elmer)

b) Furnace method (PinAAcle 900H Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Perkin Elmer)

Application of the method in determination of As species in environmental samples (river water samples).

Subtracting the result of trivalent arsenic from total Arsenic, pentavalent Arsenic concentration of the solution can be measured. Presence of other forms of Arsenic is assumed to be negligible.

Methodology and Methodology

Basic Reagent Preparation

a) As3+ standard 50 μg/l : From stock 1000mg/l NIST As3+ soln. 0.1 ml was added to 100 ml volumetric flask and volume made up to 100 ml with milli Q water resulting 1000 μg/L of As3+ solution. From it 5 ml was added to 100 ml volumetric flask yield to 50 μg/l of As3+ soln. by volume make up with milli Q water.

b) As5+ standard 50μg/l : From stock 1000mg/l NIST As5+ soln. 0.1 ml was added to 100 ml volumetric flask and volume made up to 100 ml with milli Q water resulting 1000 μg/L of As5+ solution. From it 5 ml was added to 100 ml volumetric flask yield to 50 μg/l of As3+ soln. by volume make up with milli Q water.

c) Calibration standard: from 1000 μg/L of As3+ solution 4,10,20,30,40 μg/L of calibration standards were prepared.

d) Tris - Buffer (2.5 M, pH 6.2) : 75.69 gm Tris Base was dissolved in 130 ml of milli Q water. Then Conc. HCl was added continuously by checking the pH in pH meter and final pH was maintained at 6.2. Then volume was made up to 250 ml with milli Q water in a 250 ml volumetric flask.

Specific Reagent for Flame-FIAS Method

Sodium Borohydride (Reductant): 6 gm of Sodium Borohydride was dissolved in 1000 ml vol. flask with 0.6 gm of NaOH with milli Q water

Carrier Acid (3% HCl): 30 ml Conc. HCl is dissolved in 1000 ml milli Q water in 1 L volumetric flask.

Specific Reagent For Furnace Method

Chemical modifier :1%(10g/L) Pd stock solution & 1%(10g/L) Mg stock solution were prepared. 3ml of Pd stock & 0.3 ml of Mg stock solution is added to 10 ml of MQ water.

Collection of Samples:

Sampling Sites: The sampling sites were selected based on the As contamination results obtained from routine monitoring procedure undertaken by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board. Typically, two surface water streams in the lower Gangetic delta exhibited high Arsenic contamination, namely Churni and Jalangi. Three sampling points were identified in River Churni and one point from River Jalangi. Both rivers are trans-boundary and are tributaries of the River Ganges. Sampling points on River Churni are located at Majdia (23° 23’ 60’’ N, 88° 42’ 0’’ E), Shantipur- Ranaghat (23° 10’ 12’’ N, 88° 32’ 60’’ E) and Mathabhanga Govindapur (23° 23’ 56.4’’ N, 89° 43’ 15.6’’ E) of the Nadia district. Sampling points on River Jalangi (23° 49’ 12’’ N, 88° 28’ 19.2’’ E) are located at Krishnanagar of Nadia District.

Sampling Procedure: The water samples were collected from the sampling points in sterile containers and were transported to laboratory on ice for further analysis. The samples were immediately transported to the laboratory in ice cold condition in heat insulated container. The samples were refrigerated at 4⁰C, if not processed immediately.

Experimental Procedure

1st Experiment

Two sets of mixed solutions were prepared according to the Table 1 – named as Set A (A1-A8) & Table 2 for Set B (B1-B8). 1 ml Tris buffer was added to each solution of Set A. The following experimental solutions are prepared from 50 μg/l of both As3+and As5+stock solutions.

2nd Experiment

For checking interference, two sets of mixed solutions were prepared according to the Table 3 – named as Set C (C1-C7) & Set D (D1-D7). 1 ml Tris buffer was added to each solution of Set C. The concentrations of Set A, B, C & D solutions were measured by Flame FIAS method against the calibration curve.

3rd Experiment

Two set of samples were prepared according to Table 4 & named as Set E (1-8) & F (1-8).Undigested synthetic samples were used in Set E. And in Set F, synthetic samples were digested with Conc. HNO3 by Microwave Digestion System (Anton PAAR). (Digestion Method: 15 ml sample + 0.75 ml conc. HNO3. Run Program- USER 004M) Then Set E & F, are analyzed by furnace method.

4th Experiment Applied on Environmental Samples

Eight environmental samples were taken for Arsenic speciation study. 50 ml aliquot of each sample was taken in 50 ml test tube. The pH of each sample was checked to neutral. Then samples were analyzed by Flame FIAS method to get As3+ concentration.

The same 8 environmental samples were subject to digestion. 15 ml of sample was digested in MDS with 0.75 ml conc. HNO3. Then samples were analyzed by Furnace method to get total Arsenic concentration. Subtracting As3+concentration from total Arsenic concentration, As5+ concentrations were obtained.

Results and Discussion

Several mixtures (As3+ + As5+) were analyzed both in the presence and absence of buffer. Reported values of As3+in both set A2 & B2 are 4.632μg/l & 4.804μg/l, respectively. However, the mixture (As3+/As5+ in sets A1 & B1) actually contains 0 μg/l As3+ & 30 μg/l As5+. Hence, it may be assumed that a positive interference (artifact) may be due to reduction of any As5+present or any impurities.

Whether the reported value of As3+in sets A2 and B2 (at actual value of 0 μg/l of As3+ in mixed solution As3+/As5+) depends on As5+ concentration or not, can be ascertained by analyzing different solutions with varying concentrations of As5+ against As3+ calibration curve in Flame-FIAS method. Blank concentrations in the presence and absence of buffer, i.e for A1 & B1 are reported as 0.006 μg/l & 0.096μg/l respectively

It can be presumed that a value due interference (obtained in case of seta A1 and B1) coming from As5+NIST Standard in mixed solutions of As3+/As5+are appeared. To check the interference, the solutions of As5+ of different concentrations are may be measured against As3+ standard curve by Flame FIAS method.

From the above experimental data (Table 5) it was observed that the interference value due to As5+ was not increasing proportionately & also reported below our lowest calibration standard value. Hence, the quantification of interference value due to As5+ is not possible at pH 6-7.

Chemistry Behind This Phenomenon

In the hydride generation method through Flame-FIAS, the total As (As3+ and As5+) was reduced to As3+ (followed by simultaneous conversion to arsine, AsH3 gas) using a reducing agent (Sodium borohydride). If the pH was maintained at near neutral range (6- 7), the reduction (As5+ to As3+) did not occur, and only the portion of the As present in trivalent form was selectively converted to AsH3. Using TRIS buffer, the pH of the solution was maintained at 6.2, where As5+ was expected not to get reduced to As3+, and only the fraction of As present in trivalent form gets converted to AsH3, As3+ (and not total As) was selectively determined by Flame – FIAS method. In this study, several mixtures (As3+ + As5+) are analysed both in the presence and absence of buffer to understand the effect of pH on the reduction of As5+ to As3+.

Chemical Reaction behind this conversion may be:

It was observed (as indicated in Figure 1) that on increasing the concentration of As3+ in the mixtures, the same was reflected in the spectrometric data, for both the sets (A & B), i.e. As3+ fraction in the solution gets converted to AsH3. It was also observed (as indicated in Figure 2) increasing pH (in the experimental range from pH 5 to pH 7) the interference of As 5+ decreased in arsenic solution in Flame FIAS method. From the Table 6, concentration of total Arsenic (given 30 μg/l) was varying from 23.25 to 24.6 μg/l in the undigested samples (set E) even at pH=2, due to unknown chemical interferences. But in case of digested samples at same pH (Set F) the concentration of Total As was around 30μg/l. In case of environmental samples the presence of total Arsenic went above the range of WHO standards (=10μg/l) but the more toxic species of Arsenic (i.e., As3+) varied from 1.66 to 3.94 μg/l following natural chemical phenomenon (Tables 7 & 8).

Therefore, we can apply this method for speciation of Arsenic in this kind of environmental samples.

Conclusion

We conclude that the FLAME-FIAS method can be used to determine As3+ in the mixed solution of As3+/As5+ at neutral pH as Arsenic speciation technique by plotting As3+ NIST standard calibration curve. An interfering value, due to transformation of As5+ to As3+ to some extent, is reflecting in the above experiment which cannot be nullified in this experimental condition. Additionally, in the case of the Furnace method, undigested synthetic samples have a certain amount of interference in comparison to the digested ones. Through application of this speciation study in environmental samples following standardized protocol, the concentration of As3+ is found to be low. Therefore, future remediation processes in this region should be planned according to the distribution of inorganic species reported here.

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Contaminated Irrigation Water: A Source of Human Pathogens on Growing Vegetables- Juniper Publishers

Abstract

People are being more comprehensive to the nutritional benefits of raw vegetables and have changed their eating habits. Undoubtedly, fresh vegetables are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals essential for health but with a downside of both epiphytic non-pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella enterica and Bacillus cereus causing illness. Soils irrigated with sewage water for raising crops and a soil nearby sewage disposal sites possesses the potential pathogenic load. The faecal index of such sewage water used for agriculture was above the maximum permissible limit of 100 MPN/ml (Recommended by Indian Environment Ministry). These food pathogens are predominately found on vegetables sourced from those regions and were characterized as highly virulent due to presence of disease causing genes in them. They have high multiple drug resistance index which pose a grave threat to public health. There is need to monitor the quality of irrigation water for public health safety. Further, the vending operations should be critically controlled to decrease the risk of contamination by improper storage and handling of the vegetables.

Keywords: Agriculture; Faecal; Sewage; Fresh vegetables; Pathogen

Abbreviations: Most Probable Number (MPN)

Introduction

The reported outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease in recent years are directly linked to contamination of fresh produce like tomatoes, spinach, lettuce and seed sprouts with Enterobacteriaceae members viz. Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Shigella spp. Other bacteria associated with the food poisoning outbreaks are Campylobacter spp. and Listeria monocytogenes [1,2]. Bacteria use plants as a vector/ vehicle for their dissemination to new areas. They tend to become dormant due to low population threshold but nutrient availability from vegetables and temperature abuse during storage soar up their threshold to the state of pathogenicity in human or animals. Bacteria manage to survive adverse environmental conditions as localize in protected niches via root internalization, stomata, or during physical or biological damage to plant organs [3,4]. Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 have high survival ability on fresh herbs for at least 24 days at refrigeration temperature [5]. Horizontal transfer of resistance contributes to multiple antibiotic resistances in epiphytic as well as pathogenic microorganisms in fresh produce [6]. The survival of disease causative agent under different environmental conditions represents one of the factors which determine the spread of diseases between the consumers of contaminated water or food[7] . Untreated sewage water is being used for crop irrigation in many developing countries. Sewage irrigated Ready-to-eat (RTE) samples drawn from Hidalgo, Mexico, harboured faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli[8] . In Punjab - Buddha Nallah and its sewage polluted water is distributed throughout the Ludhiana District via irrigation canals and used for agriculture purpose. The vegetables grown in such regions are at high risk of carring the disease causing microorganisms. The surface water analysis of one of the water channels of Budha Nallah reveals high values of total dissolved solids up to 1642 mg/L, chlorides up to 400 mg/L, Chemical Oxygen Demand values up to 448mg/L, Biochemical Oxygen Demand 52-195 mg/L, Most Potable Number varying from 240+ upto 2400+ per 100ml, heavy metal like Cr in the Budha Nallah has value 0.031 mg/L, Fe 0.913 mg/L, Mn 0.043 mg/L and Ni 0.222 mg/L [9]. The groundwater quality, however in recent time has got deteriorated due to the percolation of polluted water along Buddha nallah. High MPN index (upto 2400) of water samples collected from adjoining regions along Buddha nallah was reported [7]. The limit of faecal coliform at 10MPN/ ml is desirable as recommended by Indian environment ministry with maximum permissible limit at 100 MPN/ml for discharge of treated sewage into a water body or reuse for agriculture.

Decaying organic matter is one ofthe most frequent reservoirs of human pathogens that cause the contamination of growing vegetables through soil leading to the transient colonization ofthe human intestine. According to Bureau of Indian standards (BIS), fresh produce must be microbiologically safe for consumption, regardless of any processing or transportation. According to the report of Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2016 [10], an outbreak related to contaminant Salmonella in cucumber was expected in America. Many researchers have found Salmonella in lettuce, spinach, tomato, radish [1,11]. Due to changing eating habits and increase in consumption of Continental and Chinese cuisines using indigenous vegetables, risk associated with virulent food borne pathogens is also increasing. The present study was conducted involving epidemiological surveillance of seven fresh vegetables generally consumed as raw due to their higher nutraceutical properties. Evaluation of the microbiological quality of seven fresh vegetables being grown along the Buddha Nallah, Salmonella enterica count in range of 4.32 to 5.09 log cfu g-1 and Bacillus cereus count from 2.69 to 4.35 log cfu g-1 was recorded in samples of carrot, radish, cucumber, tomato, cabbage, spinach and long melon [12,13]. Many other human pathogens were also found including E. coli, A. hydrophila, S. flexneri, L. monocytogenes, Y. enterocolitica, C. jejuni, V. cholera, K. pneumonia and S. aureus were also detected on fresh vegetables.

The source linked with the risk of contamination can be the irrigated water, improper handling, storage and transportation. The presence of bacterial pathogens in irrigated water and soil is also a cause of drug resistance among microbial community. So, constant efforts were made to evaluate the persistence of pathogens on the basis of virulence factors and antibiogram profiling involving the clustering analysis for diversity study. Certain epidemiological studies have illustrated the Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica and Bacillus cereus predominately present in fresh produce [12-15] (Annexure I, II). Resistance to antibiotics like ampicillin, Cloxacillin, Tetracycline, chloramphenicol and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole [12,13,15] against salmonella strains has been cited which can reflect the seriousness of the drug resistance issues. The mobility of these pathogens from field to fork and their virulence expression in mammalian cells can detrimentally effect the public health and safety.

The detection of pathogens in food is always cumbersome and food related illness often go unrecognised in India. Traditional culturing methods take 4-7 days for confirmation and are not much reliable. Many molecular tools have been used now-a-days to circumvent such issues and detect the pathogens present in their minimum concentration. A PCR based detection protocol has been developed and effective remedial measures have been suggested to counter the risk of health hazards associated with fresh vegetables [16]. A rapid yet inexpensive detection technique based on the Multiplex PCR was devised in which hblD gene (430bp fragment) of B. cereus; ystA gene (79bp fragment) of Y. enterocolitica; invA gene (280bp fragment) of S. enterica and iap gene in L. monocytogenes (225bp fragment) were targeted. This approach can be used as an alternative method for the routine microbiological analysis of food samples. The high sensitivity, specificity and cost effectiveness can make this an ideal test for screening of possible contaminated food samples.

The quality of water used for irrigation of fields along Buddha nallah was assessed by drawing out the samples from the hand pumps of village fields. The results with high MPN index of >10ml-1 were found in 75.6-98.5% of samples for total coliforms and 59.6-91.2% for faecal coliforms [12]. This substantiates the fact that ground water is contaminated with faecal coliforms due to the percolation of sewage water of Buddha nallah. Very little attention was given to the traditional processing methods. The vending operations in the city attempting to meet the food demand of the inhabitants pose their health in risk as the street food contain human pathogens in suffice to cause a serious disease [17]. India witness many food borne illness cases due to consumption of food from street vendors [17,18]. Such trading practices without any hygiene interventions may help these epiphytic pathogens to flourish and reach a virulence threshold.

Conclusion

The study conducted so far for the quality of fresh produce in the village fields along Buddha nallah apparently indicates the risk of illness associated with its consumption. This further led the researchers to evident the ground water in village fields near Buddha nallah as immediate source of contamination which the plants are inheriting. The high level of BOD, COD and nutrient availability to human pathogens in sewage water can increase the threshold of their virulence. The farming practice in those regions cannot be avoided as many families rely for income on this trade only. The efforts should be made in treating the water of Buddha nallah so as to reduce the organic matter and the faecal coliform content to permissible level for agriculture use.

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[invwater]

Water Shortage Reason

What is Water Shortage?

To emphasize the severity of water shortages both locally and on a global scale, it is necessary to inform the public of this startling statistic. Every continent around the world is affected, not just those regions that are traditionally dry. At least two billion people are affected for at least one month of the year. And more than 1 billion people have no access to clean drinking or potable water. Here is an extension of what water shortages entail and what it means to be without it.

There is a lack of necessary resources to meet current needs Water shortages are also known as – water scarcity, water stress, water crisis Apart from the lack of resources, there is difficulty in obtaining access to fresh water Due to the lack of resources and access to water, further deterioration of existing resources occurs Due to dry weather conditions, further depletion occurs Pertinently, water shortages refers to regions’ existing unpolluted water treatment in pakistan being far less than its demand A distinction needs to be made between what is in demand and what is reasonably needed Clean water has become like a luxury for the people in places like sub-Saharan Africa. Most of the people spend entire day searching for it which limit their ability to try to their hand in some other things. By the year 2025, the situation may become worse when two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages.

“Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet water needs within a region. It affects every continent and around 2.8 billion people around the world at least one month out of every year. More than 1.2 billion people lack access to clean drinking water. Water scarcity involves water osmosis stress, water shortage or deficits, and water crisis.”

We all know that about 70% of the Earth is covered with water. Only 2.5-3% of this water is fresh. Rest of the water is salty and ocean-based. Of that 3% freshwater, two-thirds of that is trapped in glaciers and snowfields and is not available for our use. The rest one-thirds of that freshwater is available for human consumption and to feed the entire population on this planet. As a result, freshwater – the water that we drink, take bath is rare and makes up a very small fraction of all water on the planet.

The global problem of water shortages needs to be highlighted and re-emphasized over and over again until such time that everyone is fully aware of this and does their part to responsibly save water, even in areas where it is perceived that there are already sufficient supplies of water. To further the cause of this awareness, this short but extensive article provides readers with an informative but easy to understand explanation of what water shortage entails.

It begins by describing what is meant by water shortage. It then moves on to highlight the critical causes of this. Following that, to highlight the need to move towards conserving water, it features some of the effects and severe consequences of water shortages. Ending the article on a positive note, solutions to addressing these shortfalls are highlighted. The structure of this note is more informational than anything else. Motivations for curbing excessive water use occur on a daily basis. Helping to raise awareness also means educating the public by dispensing important information.

Some of the Main Causes of Water Shortage Environmentalists and small-scale activists these days have field days naming global warming and climate change as the root cause for the world’s water shortages. But this analogy is not entirely correct. What also needs to be examined is what is causing global warming and the current climate crisis today. This next list highlights the main causes of water shortages around the globe.

Excess and unnecessary demands outstrip available and scarce resources Increased pollution due to excessive and unsustainable human consumption There is overuse of water across the board and in all forms of industrial processes Non-sustainable domestic practices such as leaving taps running when water is not needed and needs to be stopped Economic scarcity caused by poor or lack of management of existing water resources Uneven distribution of water resources – regions that have excess supplies do not divert resources to areas where it is needed more Aquifers over-pumped and not re-charging quickly enough Pollution remains one of the biggest problems in which governments don’t do nearly enough to penalize industrial use companies that illegally dump chemicals and oils into stressed water systems Fair access to land presents challenges of conflict where many people are restricted or denied access to land, whether privately or government owned, and on which precious water resources may be found The challenge of distance remains acute in some parts of the world where regions have historically experienced dry climates and have had to rely on neighboring countries to supply them. Effects and Severe Consequences of Water Shortages To emphasize the severity of water cleaning companies shortages it is incumbent to highlight some of the many effects and consequences of this. This list is as broad-based as it can be right now, from chronicling how it impacts domestic life to the global picture referred to as a tipping point when seen in relation to rising temperatures.

Water restrictions imposed across the board Poorer communities and informal settlements still lack access to potable water systems Negative impact on greening and domestic gardening initiatives due to water restrictions Increased fire hazards Polluted river beds and lakes harm ecosystems, including flora and fauna Water tariffs and/or prices increased across the board Particularly in drought-stricken areas, farmers unable to produce vital crops Due to extensive over-pollution, ice glaciers melting and contributing towards rising sea levels and/or temperatures Global increase in temperatures further exacerbates water shortages Mainly due to both lack of access and poverty, disease is the sum consequence. Clean water is needed to revive and sustain the human body while polluted river beds near informal settlements are the breeding ground for malevolent diseases Added to this severe lack of water resources comes the problem of basic sanitation needs being exacerbated A lack of education and access to all other areas of life has also been added as severe consequences to not having access to water

[phgq]

Laguna residents assured of enough potable water supply

#PHnews: Laguna residents assured of enough potable water supply

SANTA ROSA CITY, Laguna – Water consumers from the Laguna Water service areas in this city, Biñan, Cabuyao, and Pagsanjan are assured of enough supply of potable water.

Dustin Ibañez, Laguna AAAWater Corporation Communications and Branding Manager, assured consumers their water firm has enough water well fields and groundwater sources in their service areas.

“We would like to assure our customers that we have enough buffer stocks or supply to meet the requirements of our growing number of customers. In fact, as of today, we have more than 50 percent in our buffer,” Ibañez said in an interview.

He added that the Laguna well field capacity could produce around 100 million liters per day.

Laguna Water is the largest water, used water and environmental services provider in Laguna with more than 100,000 service connections, although other local government units operate their own water districts to serve constituents.

A joint venture of the Laguna provincial government and Manila Water Philippine Ventures, the water firm is wholly-owned subsidiary of the Ayala-led water industry service provider Manila Water Company.

He said the water company is continuously finding sources through feasibility studies to meet water demands even tapping water from Laguna Lake in the near future to ensure there’s enough water for the Laguna households while repairing pipe leaks and replacement of worn-out pipe lines.

Ibañez said the company invested more than PHP5 billion in various improvement and expansion projects.

“In 2015, nabigyan na kami ng (we were given the) authority to offer our services to the entire province. So, hindi siya (this is not) exclusive and we are undergoing negotiations with water districts and LGUs,” he added.

He also expressed optimism that in the future the entire Laguna province could be serviced, subject to negotiations with water districts and local government units.

“Since September last year, we have treatment facilities for used water and siphoning of septic tanks, and treated water which must pass the standards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) before the treated water is discharged into natural bodies of water,” he said.

He also assured their water firm’s internal testing and a third party that conducts the water testing and discharge policies to ensure the water quality before releasing this to the body of water.

“As water service provider, we cater to domestic wastewater because the industrial and commercial establishments are required by law to have their own water treatment facilities,” he said.

At the media roundtable discussions in observance of the Ayala Corporation’s 185th anniversary business milestone, Ibañez presented their business model on diversified portfolio on products and services in the entire water supply chain from source and development, treatment and distribution, wastewater treatment and pipe-laying and purified bottled water.

He said they started with 3.1 million in water services in customer base in 1997 for the East of Manila service areas and the water firm has grown to 6.8 million to date, where some 1.8 customers are from the low-income segment.

“We have sustainability programs to connect the low-income bracket through “Tubig para sa Barangay” under the Manila Water Foundation to provide access to the poor communities to connect for a safe, clean and potable water network,” he said. (PNA) 

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Laguna residents assured of enough potable water supply." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085957 (accessed November 14, 2019 at 07:02PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Laguna residents assured of enough potable water supply." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085957 (archived).

[cmfelatestarticle]

Marine Desalination System Market to Observe Strong Development | 2024

Marine, referred to sea or ocean water bodies with salt water, covers around 71% of the Earth’s surface. 96% of the water on the Earth is salt water with an average salinity of 3% to 3.5 %. Freshwater sources are unevenly distributed across the planet, making sea water an alternative source in various regions. However, it is not feasible to use sea water directly for drinking and agricultural purposes due its salinity. Demand for fresh water has increased due to the rise in population and urbanization. Hence, a number of processes or systems are being implemented according to available resources in order to meet the demand for fresh water. Marine desalination system is one of them. The system is primarily implemented when the area is close to the sea coast or on ships or in submarines.

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https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/marine-desalination-system-market.html

Desalination takes away the salts and mineral compounds from saline water. Sea water is desalinated to produce water fit for human consumption or agriculture purposes. Desalination is an energy-intensive process; high energy is required to break water and salt bonds. Furthermore, renewable energy sources are used as preferable energy sources to reduce the energy impact on the environment, local communities and economy for desalination process. Marine desalination system is one of the major sources of potable water when the region is in close vicinity of the sea. The marine desalination system plays a vital role on ships and submarines by providing potable water in the middle of the ocean. Sea water desalination vessel (SDV) technology is used in merchant ships to generate fresh water to meet the regular needs of the crew.

Marine Desalination System Market: Key Segments

The global marine desalination system market is segmented based on type, end-use, and region. In terms of type, the market can be bifurcated into thermal distillation and membrane distillation. The thermal distillation process uses excess heat to remove salt compounds from the sea water. Heat energy can be sourced from the nearby power plants or process plants to distill the water. There are three types of thermal distillation: multi-stage flash distillation (MSF), multi-effect distillation (MED), and vapor compression distillation (VCD).

The membrane distillation process uses semipermeable membranes. Saline water is forced onto the semipermeable membrane with certain amount of pressure. The membrane filters the water while rejecting salts present in the water. Membrane distillation uses less energy vis-à-vis thermal distillation. There are three types of membrane distillation: electro dialysis (ED), electro dialysis reversal (EDR), and reverse osmosis (RO). Reverse osmosis (RO) is the widely used method. Based on end-use, the marine desalination system market can be classified into ships, submarines, and coastal areas.

Marine Desalination System Market: Regional Outlook

In terms of region, the global marine desalination system market can be segregated into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Middle East & Africa is projected to lead the global market during the forecast period. The water scarcity in the region and close vicinity to the ocean have led to the growth of marine desalination systems in the region. The market in North America and Asia Pacific is expected to expand at a substantial pace during the forecast period. Europe and Latin America are estimated to account for moderate share of the global marine desalination system market in the near future.

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https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=62442

Marine Desalination System Market: Key Players

Global players operating in the marine desalination system market include DuPont, The Dow Chemical Company, SUEZ, Koch Membrane Systems, Inc., TOYOBO CO., LTD, NITTO DENKO CORPORATION, TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC., Time Wharton Technology Co.Ltd., Kurita Water Industries Ltd., Veolia, IDE Technologies, and Aquatech International LLC.

[kansascityhappenings]

For 10 years, a chemical not EPA approved was in their drinking water

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For 10 years, some residents in Denmark, South Carolina, have been suspicious of the rust-colored water coming from their taps. They’ve been collecting samples in jars and using bottled or spring water, even though the local and state government assured them it was safe.

But through a Freedom of Information Act request and a one-year investigation, CNN has found new information that may cast doubts on those assurances.

The state government was adding a substance to one of the city’s four wells, trying to regulate naturally occurring iron bacteria that can leave red stains or rust-like deposits in the water. The substance, known as HaloSan, was not approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency to disinfect drinking water.

The city’s mayor says that all of the city’s wells flow into one system to be distributed throughout the city.

The EPA and the state of South Carolina have confirmed to CNN that there is now an open investigation into how this happened, although neither would comment on the target of the probe or the scope.

It’s unclear what the effects of HaloSan might have been on the almost 3,000 people who live in this rural, tight-knit community, but a group of about 40 residents believe the water is to blame for illnesses and maladies they say they’re suffering from.

The chemical is typically used as a disinfectant for pools and spas, but several experts contacted by CNN said they could not find another instance where it was added to a drinking water system.

One thing is clear — the state of South Carolina approved its use, and it should not have. It was used for 10 years.

CNN was told by the state that it has been adding HaloSan to the water in Denmark since 2008.

A spokesman for South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control told CNN in an email that it believed HaloSan was EPA-approved for drinking water based on the way the system was “advertised.”

“The Berry Systems HaloSan treatment unit had been advertised as an effective treatment in the control of iron bacteria and was certified … ” said Tommy Crosby, director of media relations for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Berry Systems, the makers of HaloSan, has not responded to multiple phone calls and emails by CNN requesting comment.

“It was our thinking that it was an approved chemical to be used,” said Gerald Wright, mayor of Denmark, South Carolina. “We rely totally on DHEC because they have the responsibility and expertise to test, monitor and advise.”

An EPA spokesperson tells CNN that HaloSan is not approved to be used to treat drinking water.

“HaloSan has not undergone the necessary evaluations as part of the pesticide registration process and, therefore, EPA cannot confirm the safe use of this product for the disinfection of drinking water,” according to the EPA.

An EPA risk assessment from 2007 shows that HaloSan can be a “significant eye and skin irritant.” Other effects can include “burning, rash, itching, skin discoloration/redness, blistering, allergic type reactions including hives/welts, allergic contact dermatitis, and bleeding also have been reported. … Eye pain and swelling of eyes also has been reported in some incidences.”

Disinfectants fall under the EPA pesticide program.

The EPA told CNN that HaloSan is not a registered pesticide product and has not been reviewed by EPA’s pesticide program. By law, “a product intended to be used to disinfect drinking water must be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency,” and have scientific data that demonstrates that the product “can perform its intended function without undue harm to people or the environment.”

The EPA also says that dosage must be regulated when being used for its intended purposes in pesticides. In Denmark’s drinking water, it’s unclear if it was regulated or filtered.

Wright tells CNN that he defers to South Carolina’s DHEC.

“The Berry Systems treatment unit … was specifically designed to treat the Cox Mill Well at the proper level,” the DHEC’s Crosby said. He did not say how, or if, the standard for daily monitoring was met.

Marc Edwards, a Virginia Tech engineer and researcher who first learned of HaloSan’s usage in a sampling report about Denmark, said he was “dumbfounded” when he saw it was being added to one of Denmark’s wells.

“I did a thorough search, and I’ve never seen it approved for a public water supply before,” he said. “And the EPA approvals that I saw, none of them were for municipal potable water.”

In addition, Edwards noted that he sees no evidence in any reports that the dosage was being regulated.

“You have to make sure you don’t put too much of it in the water. And there was no way that they could prove that they weren’t exceeding the recommended dose,” he said. “There’s a maximum allowed amount, even for industrial applications. And they have no way of proving that, that level is not being exceeded.”

Wilma Subra, a chemist and environmental health scientist, told CNN that HaloSan appears to be sold with a kit that regulates dosage. The state Department of Health and Environmental Control says it required daily monitoring, “performed by the certified system operator,” of “any chemical” added to the drinking water, ensuring that the maximum dosage is not exceeded.

Joe Charbonnet, science and policy associate at the Green Science Policy Institute, said without knowing the concentration levels in the water, it’s hard to know the health effects. He said he is concerned about HaloSan being used as a water disinfectant because it could produce compounds that are toxic.

Like many small towns, Denmark’s water bills have been rising since its population dropped, along with its revenue. Maintenance of old water lines has fallen victim, leaving pipes to rust and turn the water brown. It’s unappealing to look at, even if the discolored water isn’t violating the law.

A $2 million federal grant to repair and upgrade water pipes here just wasn’t enough, according to Wright, Denmark’s mayor. “[O]ne grant itself is not adequate to replace all of the necessary pipes. We prioritize the ones that should be replaced first,” he told CNN. “At no time have we not responded to a need that was urgent. We’ve done that. So what we’ve done is all we know we can do.”

Water is a problem in thousands of towns across the United States. But in Denmark, it’s not just the water pipes that are eroding — so has trust in government officials who claimed the water was properly treated when it apparently was not.

Denmark residents Paula Brown and Eugene Smith have been calling for more government oversight since their water tested high for lead in 2010. Subsequent tests were below the legal limit for lead. But, the couple says there have been concerns about skin rashes and kidney problems among residents for years, although a link has not been made directly to the water.

Brown calls into the local radio station almost every day in an attempt to warn her neighbors that she doesn’t believe the water is safe to drink.

“How can they say it’s good to drink?,” Smith told CNN. “I’m not gonna drink it, and I know other people drink it, but a lot of people are drinking it because they have no other choice.”

The couple drives 20 miles roundtrip each month to collect local spring water in cases of gallon jugs and uses that to cook, drink and brush their teeth.

In 2016, Brown saw Virginia Tech’s Edwards on television, talking about the lead crisis in Flint, Michigan. Edwards has spent nearly two decades testing water and challenging federal, state and local governments on water quality, and his work helped to reveal high levels of lead in Flint’s water.

Brown picked up the phone and asked him to sample the water in Denmark, too.

Edwards took samples at 44 homes and six other locations and found lead levels were at the legal limit. It wasn’t enough to sound alarm bells.

However, medical experts say there is no safe level of lead in the body.

South Carolina’s DHEC tested Brown and Smith’s home in 2010, and found about twice the legal level of lead in the water. When it returned to test a few months later, it found levels had dropped below the legal limit.

But, in 2011, Eugene Smith, was told by his doctor that the level of lead in his blood was high, and he should avoid his own water.

“They are not to be exposed either by ingesting nor skin exposure,” reads a medical report that Smith shared with CNN.

“I was shocked,” Smith said. “Because I hadn’t felt like I had it in me. I got kind of upset and very angry at the time.”

Documents from his doctor show his blood lead levels were elevated and he says he was diagnosed with partial kidney function. Although he can’t say his health problem was caused by the water, he suspects it.

But Edwards says he couldn’t let go of a nagging feeling that there was something missing, especially after finding red flags, like a 2010 local newspaper story where a city official declared the water had safe lead levels nine days before the testing was conducted. Wright, Denmark’s mayor, later told CNN that officials were relying on 3-year-old data when talking to the newspaper because that was what was available at the time.

Skeptical of the town’s transparency, Edwards decided to request to test the town’s water at its source — the drinking water wells — for certain bacteria that might be causing some of the rashes and illness that residents described.

Wright wavered, and eventually, Edwards says he was denied access to the wells.

Wright said he had no reason to prevent Edwards from sampling. He said the state was required to do its own testing.

“I told him I thought it would be a waste of his time and resources to get the same samples,” he told CNN. “I guess you have to decide if you gonna believe him or believe me.”

Instead, the mayor allowed a team from the University of South Carolina to accompany state testers at the well sites, and the resulting report revealed that HaloSan was being added to the drinking water supply at one of the four wells.

After Edwards began asking questions, the state was ordered by Clemson University, which oversees pesticide registration in South Carolina, to stop adding HaloSan to the water. The well remains offline and is not in use.

“I mean it has stopped, but what the effects that did to people who been using this water through and through?” Eugene Smith said. “I’m real kind of upset. People won’t know until they go get tested and find what’s happened to your body. Oh my god.”

Denmark’s mayor told CNN he believes he has done everything to make sure the water is safe.

“I live here,” he said. “I use water every day. Drink it. Washing in it. I would be extremely foolish if I didn’t make certain it was safe. I care about myself as much as anybody cares about themselves. We have not been derelict or negligent with anything related to water. Those persons complaining, you will find out they are bogus complaints. We don’t have any reason at all to provide anything less than quality water.”

A group of about 40 residents, including Smith and Brown, are now considering litigation, claiming they’ve been harmed by the water. They’ve hired Charleston, South Carolina, attorney John Harrell to represent them.

Harrell tells CNN one of his clients, a 12-year-old, had to have her gall bladder removed because she had 4,000 stones in it, and another 15-year-old client had so many bladder-related illnesses that she had to have her bladder removed.

“There are so many residents that have been diagnosed with kidney dysfunction. I am convinced that there is some serious contamination,” he said.

South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control, when asked about the potential litigation, said it would be “inappropriate” to comment.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/2018/11/11/for-10-years-a-chemical-not-epa-approved-was-in-their-drinking-water/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2018/11/11/for-10-years-a-chemical-not-epa-approved-was-in-their-drinking-water/