Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alvaro Ramirez, Martin Munoz-Morales, Alfonso de la Morena, Nieves Sanchez, Lucia Penuela, Ana Sanchez, Javier Llanos
Summary: This study investigates the challenge of providing safe tap water while limiting the occurrence of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in a full-scale drinking water treatment plant. Different technologies, such as aeration, coagulation, hydrogen peroxide dosage, ion exchange, and ultrafiltration, were studied in a real surface water matrix. The results show that agitation aeration is most effective in removing DBPs directly, while ion exchange resin is the best at inhibiting their formation. Hydrogen peroxide dosage also shows promising results in preventing the formation of bromate. This study serves as a reference for selecting optimal treatment technologies in full-scale drinking water treatment plants to limit DBP occurrence.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
R. Alvarez-Arroyo, J. Perez, L. M. Ruiz, M. A. Gomez
Summary: One of the main drawbacks of ultrafiltration membranes is their limited capacity to remove organic matter, which can lead to the development of biofilm and deterioration of water quality. This study evaluated the water quality evolution in a experimental drinking water distribution system (DWDS) fed with water treated by spiral-wound-polyvinylidenefluoride UF membranes. The findings showed that ozonation treatment caused a higher increase in the formation of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, leading to poorer water quality and raising doubts about the potability of the water in DWDS.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Water Resources
Minashree Kumari, S. K. Gupta
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish THMs levels in drinking water and identify the major pathways of THMs risk exposure. The findings highlight the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to THMs and emphasize the importance of proper risk assessment and mitigation measures.
EXPOSURE AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristina M. Villanueva, Ana Espinosa, Esther Gracia-Lavedan, Jelle Vlaanderen, Roel Vermeulen, Antonio Jose Molina, Pilar Amiano, Ines Gomez-Acebo, Gemma Castano-Vinyals, Paolo Vineis, Manolis Kogevinas
Summary: The study investigates the association between exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) and nitrate in drinking water, inflammation markers, and colorectal cancer risk. Results suggest that recent residential levels of brominated THMs, chloroform and/or total THM are associated with increased serum concentrations of EGF, IL-8, IL-17E, and eotaxin. Inflammation markers did not show associations with nitrate or long-term residential THM levels. Most residential exposures, except chloroform, were positively associated with colorectal cancer risk. Serum concentrations of VEGF and periostin were positively associated with colorectal cancer, while EGF showed an inverse association. Additionally, one protein-exposure combination (periostin-recent ingested brominated THMs) was found to slightly mediate the association with colorectal cancer risk, suggesting that estimated THM exposure may play a role in inflammation processes.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hui Zhang, Junzeng Xue, Qiong Wang, Lin Yuan, Huixian Wu
Summary: Chlorination of ballast water may lead to the production of halogenated disinfection by-products (DBPs), with factors such as holding time, pH, temperature, and bromine/iodine concentration influencing their formation. A positive correlation was found between total residual oxidant consumption and the formation of halogenated DBPs. Humic acid contributed more DBPs than algae in disinfected ballast water.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Alvaro Ramirez, Alfonso de la Morena, Nieves Sanchez, Lucia Penuela, Ana Sanchez-Carretero, Martin Munoz, Javier Llanos
Summary: This study presents a collaboration between the Gasset Service Association and researchers from the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain, aiming to comprehensively characterize the formation and removal of disinfection by-products in a drinking water treatment plant and water distribution network. The results indicate that bromate is formed during pre-oxidation and is not eliminated throughout the treatment plant, while total organic carbon is partially removed during clarification. Additionally, the study demonstrates the importance of residence time and water storage type in the distribution network for the generation, stripping, hydrolysis, and biological removal of THMs.
APPLIED WATER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xingya Wei, Bangjun Han, Renzheng Gu, Weimin Geng, Naiyun Gao
Summary: This study found that the commonly used polypeptide antibiotic, polymyxin B sulfate (PBS), can form cytotoxic and genotoxic disinfection by-products (DBPs) during chlorination and chloramination. The formation of DBPs was influenced by various factors including disinfectant dose, contact time, solution pH, temperature, bromide concentration, and chloramination mode. Different DBPs exhibited different characteristics as the disinfection conditions changed.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stefania Avvedimento, Sara Todeschini, Sauro Manenti, Enrico Creaco
Summary: This study provides a numerical comparison of different techniques to ensure sufficient disinfectant residuals in a water distribution network. Operational measures such as booster stations and nodal blowoffs are effective solutions to address the problem of low disinfectant residuals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shengnan Zhang, Yimei Tian, Yajing Guo, Jinlin Shan, Ran Liu
Summary: The release of manganese from corrosion scales in drinking water distribution systems is influenced by factors such as pH, alkalinity, temperature, and sulfate concentration, with disinfectants found to inhibit manganese release. Sulfate concentration and alkalinity are significantly important in controlling manganese release, while pH and disinfectant type also play a significant role. Further investigation of the impact of disinfectants on manganese release in DWDSs is necessary for better understanding and management of water quality.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chiqian Zhang, Jingrang Lu
Summary: Municipal water utilities should consider health risks of both opportunistic pathogens (OPs) and disinfection by-products (DBPs) while selecting disinfectant residual dosages in engineered water systems. Maintaining disinfectant residuals at an optimal level is effective in minimizing overall health risks of OPs and DBPs in drinking water.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Pin Wang, Shunke Ding, Rong Xiao, Guangyu An, Chao Fang, Wenhai Chu
Summary: This article introduces the properties of DBP precursors and the control of DBP formation through enhanced coagulation. Metal-based coagulants can reduce the formation of DBP to some extent, while organic polymers and hybrid coagulants have the potential to mitigate DBP formation. In addition, integrated treatment methods are also evaluated for their efficiency in enhancing DBP precursor removal.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ying Yu, Guiwei Li, Ruya Chen, Baoyou Shi
Summary: The transformation and deposition of manganese in drinking water distribution systems can increase the formation risks of disinfection byproducts, primarily due to the accumulation of organic substances in manganese deposits and the inhibitory effect of manganese oxides on the conversion of chlorine and iodine.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paula E. Redondo-Hasselerharm, Dora Cserbik, Cintia Flores, Maria J. Farre, Josep Sanchis, Jose A. Alcolea, Carles Planas, Josep Caixach, Cristina M. Villanueva
Summary: This study aimed to estimate exposure to regulated and non-regulated disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water. The results showed high concentrations of chlorate, THMs, HAAs and HANs in water samples, with multivariate linear regression models demonstrating good predictive ability for non-regulated DBPs.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cristina M. Villanueva, Iro Evlampidou, Fathelrahman Ibrahim, Carolina Donat-Vargas, Antonia Valentin, Anca-Maria Tugulea, Shinya Echigo, Dragana Jovanovic, Albert T. Lebedev, Mildred Lemus-Perez, Manuel Rodriguez-Susa, Arben Luzati, Telma de Cassia dos Santos Nery, Pablo A. Pasten, Marisa Quinones, Stig Regli, Richard Weisman, Shaoxia Dong, Mina Ha, Songkeart Phattarapattamawong, Tarek Manasfi, Shaibu-Imodagbe Egbenya Musah, Amanda Eng, Karel Janak, Samantha C. Rush, David Reckhow, Stuart W. Krasner, Paolo Vineis, Susan D. Richardson, Manolis Kogevinas
Summary: This study evaluated the regulations and concentrations of trihalomethanes (THM) in drinking water globally, and found significant disparities in THM regulation and monitoring practices among countries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Efforts should be made to improve regulation, standardize water quality testing, and enhance data transparency.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chong Liu, Carmen Messerlian, Ying-Jun Chen, Vicente Mustieles, Li-Li Huang, Yang Sun, Yan-Ling Deng, Ying-Hui Cheng, Jing Liu, A-Mei Liu, Wen-Qing Lu, Yi-Xin Wang
Summary: The study revealed that exposure to high levels of disinfection by-products during specific trimesters of pregnancy can lead to impaired neonatal neurodevelopment, especially in male infants and mothers aged 25 or older. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Jessica Stanhope, Filip Maric, Paul Rothmore, Philip Weinstein
Summary: This article introduces the concept of ecosystem services to physiotherapists and discusses the potential benefits of understanding and utilizing ecosystem services in improving patient care and population health. It highlights the role physiotherapists can play in promoting ecosystem conservation and restoration.
PHYSIOTHERAPY THEORY AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Ergonomics
Jessica Stanhope, Dino Pisaniello, Angus Cook, Philip Weinstein
Summary: Musicians, particularly music students, are at a higher risk of experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms, especially in the wrist/hand region. Additionally, these symptoms have a greater emotional impact on music students compared to non-music students.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS
(2023)
Review
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Jessica Stanhope, Philip Weinstein
Summary: Many systematic reviews in ecology lack appropriate critical appraisal of included studies, which is important in applied ecology. We identified a lack of independent development, validity and reliability testing, and completeness in the available critical appraisal tools and hierarchies of evidence for ecology studies. Reviews that included critical appraisal have taken applied ecology further in the direction of evidence-based practice, but there are still shortcomings compared to best practice, highlighting the need for new tools that reflect a range of questions posed in ecology.
RESEARCH SYNTHESIS METHODS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jessica Stanhope, Philip Weinstein
Summary: Ear punching and notching are common methods of identification for laboratory rodents, but they come with potential adverse events. This case report describes an unusual complication of ear punching in a laboratory mouse and suggests using ear notching instead. It also highlights the importance of daily checks to minimize the risk of any adverse effects from unpredictable events.
VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
J. T. Draper, S. Delean, J. G. Conran, P. Weinstein, B. S. Simpson
Summary: This study investigated the life-history traits of dioecious plant species in central southern Australia and found that woodiness, abiotic pollination, and endozoochory were more prevalent in dioecious taxa. The proportion of dioecy varied among different subregions and was correlated with climate factors. Areas with higher proportions of dioecious plants could be targeted for future research to aid conservation and ecosystem management.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jessica Stanhope, Jeremy J. Austin, Emily Skelly, Philip Weinstein
Summary: Methods guides are helpful for researchers, but they should be based on up-to-date scientific evidence to avoid outdated methodologies. A recent example of recommending UV sterilization for sample collection in microbiota restoration studies highlights the importance of accurate recommendations. Omissions or inaccurate guidance materials may lead to inaccurate research findings.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Vivek C. Velaga, Angus Cook, Kirsten Auret, Tom Jenkins, Geoff Thomas, Samar M. Aoun
Summary: This paper explores the challenges faced by MND patients and carers in receiving optimal end-of-life care, including the insufficient integration of services, poor access to coordinated palliative care, and a lack of person-centred care. It suggests a shift towards a public health approach to palliative care, such as the Compassionate Communities Connectors model, which engages local communities in partnership with health services.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Georgia Chaplyn, Liz A. Saunders, Ashleigh Lin, Angus Cook, Sam Winter, Natalie Gasson, Vanessa Watson, Dani Wright Toussaint, Penelope Strauss
Summary: This study aimed to understand the experiences of parents accessing medical and mental health services with and for their trans children within Australia. The findings showed that parents faced multiple barriers in accessing these services, including long wait times, complicated pathways, and lack of experience in trans health from doctors. Parents reported feeling ill-equipped to support their child in their gender affirmation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Anesthesiology
Cameron Dickson, Rutger M. J. de Zoete, Carolyn Berryman, Philip Weinstein, Kexun Kenneth Chen, Paul Rothmore
Summary: The objective of this study was to identify and synthesize patient-related barriers to and enablers of high-value physiotherapy for chronic pain. The study also aimed to review patient-related interventions for facilitating the implementation of high-value physiotherapy for chronic pain and assess their efficacy.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Naomi Gleadle, Angus Cook, Claire E. Johnson, Grace Walpole
Summary: This study investigates the adverse effects of antidepressant use in palliative care inpatients approaching death, and finds a significant association between antidepressant use and hyperactive delirium. Patients prescribed antidepressants also experienced longer durations of delirium in the final 2 weeks of life.
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2023)
Review
Primary Health Care
Jessica Stanhope, Philip Weinstein
Summary: The term "green prescription" has inconsistent usage in the literature, leading to misuse of research evidence. It is recommended to continue using "green prescription" only for written prescriptions for physical activity and/or diet. For prescriptions involving spending time in nature, the term "nature prescriptions" is suggested.
JOURNAL OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
(2023)