Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kerton R. Victory, Amanda M. Wilson, Nolan L. Cabrera, Daniela Larson, Kelly A. Reynolds, Joyce Latura, Paloma Beamer
Summary: The study found that low-income Latinos tend to choose bottled water over tap water, fearing that tap water may lead to illness. Future efforts should focus on education and outreach to assess the safety and risks associated with tap water consumption.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luca Penserini, Beatrice Cantoni, Dirk Vries, Andrea Turolla, Patrick W. M. H. Smeets, Bas G. H. Bokkers, Manuela Antonelli
Summary: This article proposes a new method for quantitative chemical risk assessment of CEC mixtures (QCRA(MIX)). Through a case study, the potential of this method is illustrated. The method considers uncertainties in both exposure and hazard assessment to calculate a probabilistic mixture Benchmark Quotient (BQ(MIX)). The results show that the health risks posed by alkylphenols and phthalates in both tap water and bottled water are significant based on overall water consumption.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Seren Acarer
Summary: Limited research studies have found microplastics of different types, shapes, and sizes in drinking water sources, treatment plants, tap water, and bottled water. Reviewing the available information on microplastic pollution in waters is important for understanding the current situation, identifying deficiencies in studies, and taking necessary measures for public health. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the abundance, characteristics, and removal efficiencies of microplastics in the processes from raw water to tap water and/or bottled water, serving as a guide for addressing microplastic pollution in drinking water.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giacomo Russo, Sonia Laneri, Ritamaria Di Lorenzo, Ilaria Neri, Irene Dini, Roberto Ciampaglia, Lucia Grumetto
Summary: The concentration levels of thirteen organic pollutants and selected heavy metals were investigated in plastics bottled and tap water samples. Some of the selected contaminants have endocrine disrupting activity. The most frequently detected pollutants were Bisphenol AF, DEHP, and BPA, with higher concentration levels found in tap waters. The health impact of continuous intake of xenobiotics from various sources is complex and still not fully understood.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Beate Escher, Jordi Blanco, Josep Caixach, Dora Cserbik, Maria J. Farre, Cintia Flores, Maria Koenig, Jungeun Lee, Jo Nyffeler, Carles Planas, Paula E. Redondo-Hasselerharm, Joaquim Rovira, Josep Sanchis, Marta Schuhmacher, Cristina M. Villanueva
Summary: This study evaluated the neurotoxicity, oxidative stress response, and cytotoxicity of tap water samples in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. It compared the measured effects of the detected chemicals with the predicted mixture effects. The results showed that non-regulated non-volatile disinfection byproducts were the main drivers of the mixture effects.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Mohammad M. Hamed, Munjed Al-Sharif, Arwa W. Abdelhay, Mo'ayyad Shawaqfah, Abeer Abu Othman
Summary: This paper presents a new integrated approach to study household perceptions of tap water quality and its influence on the consumption of bottled water. The results show that households' perceptions of both tap and bottled water quality are important predictors of bottled water consumption.
JOURNAL OF INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Awoke Keleb, Ayechew Ademas, Tadesse Sisay, Mistir Lingerew, Metadel Adane
Summary: This study aimed to determine the bacteriological quality of bottled drinking water and municipal tap water in Northeastern Ethiopia for proper planning, monitoring, and intervention purpose. The results showed that most water samples exceeded the maximum tolerable limits recommended by the World Health Organization. Therefore, good water handling practices and water quality monitoring are crucial in preventing bacterial contamination.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joan Dalmau-Soler, Ruben Ballesteros-Cano, Ma Rosa Boleda, Miquel Paraira, Nuria Ferrer, Silvia Lacorte
Summary: This study examined the presence of microplastics in the Llobregat river basin in Catalonia, Spain, and their removal efficiency in the drinking water treatment plant (DWTP). Sand filtration was identified as the key stage in microplastic removal, with ultrafiltration/reverse osmosis proving more effective for removal than ozonation/carbon filtration. Preliminary migration tests were also conducted to identify potential sources of microplastics in each treatment step.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mykolas Simas Poskus, Audra Balunde, Lina Jovarauskaite, Goda Kaniusonyte, Rita Zukauskiene
Summary: The study compared the effects of a potential groundwater-contaminating ecological disaster on adolescents' bottled water consumption and perceived risk of tap water. The affected group tended to perceive tap water as riskier and had a higher intention to consume bottled water compared to the control group. Interestingly, affected adolescents were more successful in translating their perceived control over clean drinking water sources into an intention to consume tap water.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Md. Iftakharul Muhib, Md. Khabir Uddin, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Guilherme Malafaia
Summary: Nowadays, microplastic contamination has been found in various environmental samples, but there have been few recent studies focusing on microplastic contamination in drinking sources and food packages. This review paper briefly summarizes the findings related to microplastic contamination in plastic drinking bottles, tap water, and food packaging containers. The literature shows that different types of microplastic fragments, such as polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, etc., have been detected. Microplastic fragmentation can be caused by mechanical stress, UV radiation, low quality plastic materials, aging, and atmospheric deposition. In addition, microplastics can accumulate various chemical compounds and complex materials from the surroundings, making their accurate detection challenging. The repeated usage of plastic drinking bottles and food containers at the community level can also lead to microplastic leaching and potential health risks. This narrative study highlights the need for more high-quality research in this field to better understand potential exposure to microplastics.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter Dobosy, Adam Illes, Anett Endredi, Gyula Zaray
Summary: Due to the increase in manufacture and recycling of lithium batteries, there may be a rise in lithium pollution in aquatic environments and drinking water reservoirs. A study was conducted in Hungary to investigate the levels of lithium in tap water samples from 19 different locations. The concentrations of lithium varied depending on the water source, with median values ranging from 3.52 to 8.55 μg/L. The study also assessed the levels of lithium in bottled mineral waters and found a median concentration of 17.8 μg/L.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thuy Minh Le, Ha My Nu Nguyen, Vy Khanh Nguyen, Anh Viet Nguyen, Nam Duc Vu, Nguyen Thi Hong Yen, Anh Quoc Hoang, Tu Binh Minh, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Tri Manh Tran
Summary: The study investigated contamination levels and distribution patterns of ten typical phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in various types of water samples collected from the Hanoi metropolitan area in Vietnam. The highest concentrations of PAEs were found in wastewater, followed by lake water, tap water, and bottled water. Concentrations of PAEs in wastewater decreased significantly with distance from the wastewater treatment plants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Warda Khalid, Chen Shiyi, Mbega Ramadhani Ngata, Asmat Ali, Abdulwahed Fahad Alrefaei, Mikhlid H. Almutairi, Isma Kulsoom, Wakeel Hussain, Muhammad Yousuf Jat Baloch
Summary: Investigating drinking water quality is crucial for public health. The study found issues with Karachi's drinking water quality, including elevated levels of turbidity, chloride, coliform, and E. coli. Only a small percentage of the water supply meets health standards, posing substantial health risks. Urgent interventions are needed to improve water quality and protect public health.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Isabella Gambino, Francesco Bagordo, Tiziana Grassi, Alessandra Panico, Antonella De Donno
Summary: A narrative review was conducted to describe the current understanding of microplastic presence in drinking water. The 21 reviewed studies revealed the presence of microplastics in tap and bottled water, raising concerns about potential toxicity. The concentration of microplastics increased with decreasing particle size and was higher in bottled water. Drinking water treatment plants showed a high removal rate of microplastics. This evidence suggests that consumers should opt for tap water over bottled water to reduce exposure to microplastics and minimize plastic waste. The high variability among study results highlights the need for a globally shared protocol to harmonize findings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chenchen Wang, Panpan Huang, Chunsheng Qiu, Jing Li, Shuailong Hu, Liping Sun, Yaohui Bai, Fu Gao, Chaocan Li, Nannan Liu, Dong Wang, Shaopo Wang
Summary: The study investigated the presence, migration, and health risks of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in tap water, barreled water, and bottled water in Tianjin, China. Results showed high detection frequencies of PAEs, with DEHP having the highest concentration and positively correlated with storage time and temperature. The study also found that human carcinogenic risks of DEHP may reach the maximum acceptable level under certain conditions.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
Luis Zapana-Churata, Hug March, David Sauri
Summary: This study reveals significant differences in water demand management in Arequipa, Peru, with pricing strategies being dominant in reducing water demand. Household water-saving technologies are uncommon, and awareness campaigns are mainly conducted during periods of water stress. Residents' most demanded actions for improvement are related to water networks, such as leak repair, adequate water pressure, and continuous supply.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Geography
Lucia Arguelles, Hug March
Summary: This paper presents a vegetal political ecology of weeds, highlighting the importance of weeds in human social life and agriculture. By combining various disciplines, the study shows how weeds have shaped the industrial agriculture paradigm and suggests new research directions for understanding human-plant relationships and the socio-economic and political implications of weed management in agriculture.
PROGRESS IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Jorge Garcia-Arias, Hug March, Nuria Alonso, Mar Satorras
Summary: This paper discusses the water remunicipalization process in the city of Valladolid, Spain, with a focus on its public financing model. The process has been politically driven but technically managed through a 100% municipality-owned public company. The remunicipalization in Valladolid has been largely successful, with efficient financial and technical management, although it still faces financial challenges.
WATER INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Isabel Ruiz-Mallen, Mar Satorras, Hug March, Francesc Baro
Summary: Grassroots initiatives in cities aim to promote climate resilience and often rely on environmental education practices to have transformative impact on young people. However, challenges arise when translating these educational actions to the collective level, such as the lack of effective engagement approaches that reinforce social connectedness and local identity, and limited evaluation strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Luis Zapana-Churata, David Sauri, Mar Satorras, Hug March
Summary: During the first stage of the Covid-19 pandemic in Arequipa, Peru, the water supply providers responded differently. The public water company in the city core implemented instalment payments, suspended water shutoffs, and distributed free water, while neighbourhood associations in the unplanned periphery mainly relied on irregular and expensive water truck services. This highlighted the fragmented nature of water supply in cities of the Global South like Arequipa.
WATER INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cristina O'Callaghan-Gordo, Ariadna Moreno, Marina Bosque-Prous, Enrique Castro-Sanchez, Payam Dadvand, Carlos A. Faerron Guzman, Ana Garcia-Juanatey, Mireia Gascon, Oriol Grau, Jacint Jordana, Rachel Lowe, Hug March, F. Xavier Medina, Lela Melon, Grettel Navas, Andrea Nunez Casal, Isabel Ruiz-Mallen, Nacho Sanchez-Valdivia, Cathryn Tonne, Margarita Triguero-Mas, Christos Zografos, Josep M. Anto
Summary: Planetary Health is a new approach to address climate and global environmental crises, and education plays a crucial role in finding solutions. The Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and Barcelona Institute for Global Health have developed an online Master's program in Planetary Health to train academics and professionals who can tackle these challenges. The program is based on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary principles and aligns with the urgency of the Anthropocene challenges and the 2030 Agenda.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Maria Kaika, Angelos Varvarousis, Federico Demaria, Hug March
Summary: We propose coupling degrowth with urban studies and planning agendas, identifying it as both academically significant and politically urgent. Our objectives are to integrate degrowth concepts into everyday spatial practices, broaden its applicability beyond localized experiments, and explore its variations in the Global North and South. We outline a programmatic approach for urban degrowth with five steps, focusing on historical context, institutional engagement, scaling up grassroots initiatives, involving experts, and addressing urban social inequalities.
Article
Geography
Mar Satorras Grau, Angela Lara-Garcia, Isabel Ruiz-Mallen, Leandro del Moral, Luis Berraquero-Diaz, Elisa Oteros-Rozas, Hug March
Summary: This article aims to understand social involvement in urban climate action and governance through a comparative analysis in Barcelona and Seville. The research questions include the generation of collaborative spaces with the administration and/or other organizations, the motivations and expectations of social organizations to participate, and the extent of collaboration between active organizations and the administration for climate governance. The study combines policy review, interviews with key organizations, and highlights the expansion and differentiation of collaborative spaces for climate action and governance.
BOLETIN DE LA ASOCIACION DE GEOGRAFOS ESPANOLES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Mateus Lira, Hug March
Summary: This paper examines the importance of learning in housing activism, particularly in Barcelona's neighbourhood-based housing groups. It argues that learning is a complex and fundamental phenomenon for housing activism and achieving housing justice.
Article
Environmental Studies
Santiago Gorostiza, Hug March, Marta Conde, David Sauri
Summary: The history of hydraulic infrastructures is marked by failures and disasters, involving the substances in water such as salt that can cause infrastructure collapse and harm to humans, flora, and fauna. In the Llobregat River Basin, a brine collector was implemented to reduce river water salinization, but it reached its capacity and caused leaks, pouring salt-saturated flows into the rivers and adjacent lands. The reduction in salinity achieved was also insufficient for the drinking water plants supplying Barcelona. The interaction between private and public organizations in the management of salt pollution shifted the impacts from the private to the public sphere.
ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING E-NATURE AND SPACE
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Christopher M. Raymond, Miguel A. Cebrian-Piqueras, Erik Andersson, Riley Andrade, Alberto Arroyo Schnell, Barbara Battioni Romanelli, Anna Filyushkina, Devin J. Goodson, Andra Horcea-Milcu, Dana N. Johnson, Rose Keller, Jan J. Kuiper, Veronica Lo, Maria D. Lopez-Rodriguez, Hug March, Marc Metzger, Elisa Oteros-Rozas, Evan Salcido, My Sellberg, William Stewart, Isabel Ruiz-Mallen, Tobias Plieninger, Carena J. van Riper, Peter H. Verburg, Magdalena M. Wiedermann
Summary: This study examines inclusivity in biodiversity conservation and offers methods for addressing associated tensions. By actively engaging diverse stakeholders and creating conditions for self-reflection and partnership building, the goals of biodiversity, equity, and justice can be achieved, leading to improved management of protected areas and better implementation of global biodiversity targets.
Article
Environmental Studies
Andrea Noblega-Carriquiry, Hug March, David Sauri
Summary: This research investigates the community acceptance of nature-based solutions (NbSs) in the Tordera delta, Catalonia, and finds that unequal environmental tradeoffs exist due to socio-economic and socio-spatial differences among stakeholders. The study suggests restructuring the delta's governance through collaborative processes for a more socio-environmentally just and inclusive NbSs.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Veronica B. P. G. Lo, Maria D. Lopez-Rodriguez, Marc J. Metzger, Elisa Oteros-Rozas, Miguel A. Cebrian-Piqueras, Isabel Ruiz-Mallen, Hug March, Christopher M. Raymond
Summary: Envisioning processes are important for protected area managers, but unexpected changes are often overlooked. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed researchers to examine stakeholder visions, values, perceptions of landscape changes, and underlying drivers. Findings showed that the majority of stakeholders did not change their values, visions, or perceptions during the pandemic, but some shifted towards prioritizing biodiversity and nature conservation due to increased awareness of drivers of change.
Article
Geography
Luis Zapana, Hug March, David Sauri
Summary: Cities in developing countries are undergoing unprecedented urbanization processes that are reconfiguring their water supply systems. While urbanization favors the expansion of formal water networks, issues of availability, service quality, and affordability still persist in peripheral areas. Despite a preference for public management, challenges in accessing reliable, safe, and affordable water resources are observed in both contexts.
REVISTA DE GEOGRAFIA NORTE GRANDE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Greig Charnock, Hug March, Ramon Ribera-Fumaz
Summary: This article examines the evolution of the 'Barcelona Model' of urban transformation, particularly focusing on the new council's objectives to enhance participative democracy through digital platform technologies and secure technological sovereignty and digital rights for its citizens. Despite stressing the progressive intent of these aims, the challenge of going beyond the repurposing of smart technologies is acknowledged in order to foster new and radical forms of subjectivity among citizens.
