Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.8
3.0
Journals
Water
Special Issues
Water Quality Monitoring and Public Health
water-logo
Submit to Water Review for Water Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Water Quality Monitoring and Public Health

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Water Quality and Contamination".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 October 2024) | Viewed by 8324

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Mirna Habuda-Stanic

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Food Technology Osijek, Josip Juraj University of Osijek, Franje Kuhaca 18, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
Interests: water quality monitoring; drinking water and wastewater treatment; adsorption; arsenic; nutrients
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change and the increase in the world population will cause increased demands for pure and safe water, and ensuring sufficient water quantities will be a demanding task for many governments worldwide and one of the biggest challenges for humankind.

The World Economic Forum ranks the water crisis in the top three global risks, while the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) has proclaimed the period from 2018 to 2028 as the UN Water Action Decade to improve educational outreach related to water and water pollution control and to improve communication to achieve water-related goals.

For the achievement of those ambitious goals, it is necessary to constantly monitor water qualities of the surface water and groundwater, as well as drinking water, as well as to monitor the quality of effluents that have been discharged from wastewater treatment plants to the environment every day.

As the Guest Editor for this Special Issue, “Water Quality Monitoring and Public Health”, I have the honor of inviting you to publish a feature paper in Water, as a contribution to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially regarding Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Within this framework, for this Special Issue, I would like to invite original research contributions, review articles, as well as short communications that emphasize and give an overview of the water qualities of the surface waters, as well as groundwaters. I would also like to invite scientists and professionals who are dealing with drinking and bottled water monitoring and monitoring of other water types (swimming pool water, sea water, irrigation water, process water) that directly or indirectly significantly can affect public health to present the results of their latest research. Please feel free to reach out to me or [email protected] should you have any questions.

Prof. Dr. Mirna Habuda-Stanic
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • monitoring of water quality
  • monitoring of wastewater quality
  • pollutants occurrence
  • water pollution
  • heavy metal pollution
  • nutrients pollution
  • emerging contaminants
  • microbiology contamination
  • environmental health
  • biomonitoring of water quality
  • public health
  • surface water quality
  • groundwaters quality
  • bottled water quality
  • swimming pool water quality
  • sea water quality
  • irrigation water quality
  • process water quality

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

17 pages, 11844 KiB  
Article
Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment Based on Stream Sediments from Coastal Oecusse (Timor)
by Victor A. S. Vicente, Marina Cabral Pinto, Pedro Dinis and João A. M. S. Pratas
Water 2024, 16(21), 3020; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16213020 - 22 Oct 2024
Viewed by 645
Abstract
Timor Island is located in a geologically complex region strongly affected by the collision of the Australian margin with the Banda volcanic arc. In Oecusse, an enclave of East Timor in the western part of Timor, crop out several lithological units of the [...] Read more.
Timor Island is located in a geologically complex region strongly affected by the collision of the Australian margin with the Banda volcanic arc. In Oecusse, an enclave of East Timor in the western part of Timor, crop out several lithological units of the Banda Terrane that are associated with the obduction of oceanic crust and upper mantle on the Australian continental crust. This study reports the geochemistry of stream sediments from the coastal region of the Oecusse enclave, where the Banda Terrane is best represented, employing statistical analyses to discern the sources of metal(oid)s and assessing ecological and health risks. Arsenic, Cr, and Ni are the elements with higher potential ecological risk factors. The potential ecological risk index (PERI), which combines single indexes of ecological risk factors for multiple elements, is very high in a stream sourced by the Lolotoi-Mutis Complex. Significant risks for human health were found for As (sourced by the Lolotoi-Multis Metamorphic Complex and basalts of the Barique Formation), Mn (sourced by the Maubisse and Barique formations), and V (sourced by the Manamas Formation). The highest values of hazard index (HI), however, were determined with Cr, in particular for children (HI higher than 10 in 12 sediments sourced by ultramafic units and their covering sedimentary units). This investigation shows that high geogenic concentrations of several elements, particularly those derived from the oceanic crust and the upper mantle, raise significant cancer and non-carcinogenic risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Monitoring and Public Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1812 KiB  
Article
Pathogen Contamination of Groundwater Affecting Drinking Water Quality with Potential Health Effects in Pavlodar Region, Kazakhstan
by Seitkhan Azat, Erzhan Kuldeyev, Bostandyk Khalkhabay, Ainur Baikadamova, Shynggyskhan Sultakhan and Ronny Berndtsson
Water 2024, 16(20), 2970; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16202970 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 588
Abstract
Groundwater is becoming increasingly important as surface water is decreasing and becoming more and more polluted. In particular, rural areas in the arid region of Central Asia face problems with both water quantity and quality. In view of this, we investigated the drinking [...] Read more.
Groundwater is becoming increasingly important as surface water is decreasing and becoming more and more polluted. In particular, rural areas in the arid region of Central Asia face problems with both water quantity and quality. In view of this, we investigated the drinking water quality in the Maysky district in the Pavlodar region, Kazakhstan. The organoleptic properties, together with microbiological indicators, as well as organic and inorganic substances of drinking water before and after treatment, and tap water were studied and compared to recommended levels. The bacteriological indicators of the drinking water, especially, showed that the water represents health risks since the presence of bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas aeruginosa was confirmed. Water treatment reduced the total microbial count (TMC) indicator by 3.6 times. However, TMC still exceeded permissible levels in the tap water, indicating that the drinking water is sanitary and epidemiologically not acceptable. Pathogenic contamination of drinking water can severely affect weaker individuals and children. It has been estimated that the infant mortality rate in Kazakhstan is six times higher as compared to the EU and less than 30% of Kazakhstan’s population have access to safe water. Also, 50% of the population drink water that does not comply with the international standards, e.g., bacteriological levels. Thus, it is important to continuously monitor the groundwater quality to minimize health risks and work towards access to safe drinking water, in line with the UN SDGs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Monitoring and Public Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 5611 KiB  
Article
Applying Microbial Source Tracking Techniques for Identification of Pathways of Faecal Pollution from Water Sources to Point of Use in Vhembe District, South Africa
by Opelo Tlotlo Wryl Mochware, Mathoto Lydia Thaoge-Zwane and Maggy Ndombo Benkete Momba
Water 2024, 16(14), 2014; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16142014 - 16 Jul 2024
Viewed by 757
Abstract
A safe water supply is a necessity, but it remains one of the backlogs of services rendered in rural areas of developing countries. This leads to vulnerable communities using water from available sources that is unsafe as it is contaminated with faecal matter. [...] Read more.
A safe water supply is a necessity, but it remains one of the backlogs of services rendered in rural areas of developing countries. This leads to vulnerable communities using water from available sources that is unsafe as it is contaminated with faecal matter. Microbial source tracking (MST) methods are gold-standard techniques that detect the exact sources of faecal contamination. This study, therefore, tracked and identified the exact sources of faecal contamination from the catchment to the point of use in rural areas of Vhembe District Municipality. Collected water samples (n = 1048) were concentrated by membrane filtration for the enumeration and detection of E. coli, followed by DNA extraction. The extracted DNA was subjected to a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to track target host-specific Bacteroidales genetic markers from the water source to the point of use. Rivers and dams exhibited maximum E. coli counts of up to 90 CFU/100 mL during the wet season and up to 50 CFU/100 mL during the dry season. Due to the effective treatment of these water sources, no E. coli bacteria were detected in any of the sampled municipal drinking water treatment plants at the point of treatment, while this indicator bacterium was detected at the point of use (households), with a maximum of 4 CFU/100 mL recorded during both the wet and dry seasons. Overall, the most prevalent MST marker exhibited during the wet season was BacCan (dog-associated, 6.87%), followed by BacCow (cow-associated, 5.53%), while Pig-2-Bac (pig-associated, 2.48%) was the least prevalent. The most prevalent marker exhibited during the dry season was BacCan (5.34%), followed by BacCow, with Pig-2-Bac (1.72%) being the least prevalent. A positive correlation (r = 0.31, p = 0.001) was established between the presence of the MST markers and detected E. coli from water sources to the point of use. The knowledge of the faecal contamination attributes in both public and domestic domains will assist in developing prevention and control strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Monitoring and Public Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 4948 KiB  
Article
On-Site Chlorine: A Promising Technology in Drinking Water Treatment in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
by Guzmán Siomara, Quispe Wilber, Esenarro Doris and Ramiro Torrico-Irahola
Water 2024, 16(12), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16121738 - 20 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1212
Abstract
Water availability and quality are still challenges around the world, but access to safe drinking water is essential for human development. This study analyzed the chemical parameters of drinking water quality in the Santa Cruz de la Sierra region of Bolivia. Residual chlorine, [...] Read more.
Water availability and quality are still challenges around the world, but access to safe drinking water is essential for human development. This study analyzed the chemical parameters of drinking water quality in the Santa Cruz de la Sierra region of Bolivia. Residual chlorine, pH and concentration of dissolved solids were measured in water supplied by drinking water and basic sanitation service providers (EPSA). The water quality results indicated that the water supplied met the requirements established by the Bolivian Standard NB 512 in terms of residual chlorine, pH and concentration of dissolved solids. However, a decrease in residual chlorine concentration was observed as the water moved away from the disinfection point. Microbiological testing is recommended to ensure the absence of viable organisms in the distributed water. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of chlorination, as the only treatment performed in the study area, the pH and the concentration of dissolved solids as indicators of drinking water quality. Automation of chlorination processes and continuous monitoring of these parameters is suggested to ensure a safe and high-quality water supply in the study area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Monitoring and Public Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 282 KiB  
Article
Water Intrusion: An Analysis of Water Sources, Categories, and the Degradation Science of Building Materials
by Charles R. Norman, Kaysea L. Kelley, Colton Sanner, Sam Lueck, Jon Norman and Chuck Norrow
Water 2024, 16(11), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111576 - 31 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1167
Abstract
Water intrusion into a building envelope describes the unwanted movement of water or vapor into a building, where it causes damage. Various factors dictate water intrusion category determination and classification. These factors include, but are not limited to, the type and degree of [...] Read more.
Water intrusion into a building envelope describes the unwanted movement of water or vapor into a building, where it causes damage. Various factors dictate water intrusion category determination and classification. These factors include, but are not limited to, the type and degree of water intrusion, the source and route of the contamination, and exposure time, as well as geographical environmental conditions. This comprehensive research paper looked at the literature and the science to explore the bases for indoor environmental professional (IEP) classification and category determination, but also the science behind the effects of water intrusion on building materials (BM). The efficacy of building materials once degradation has occurred and any accelerating effects impacting the efficiency of building materials and their loss of integrity were closely examined in terms of material microstructural and compositional changes. The damaging effects of moisture and heat on building materials are called hygrothermal damage, which compromises the properties and use of materials. Both aspects of building integrity, i.e., water intrusion and structural deterioration, should be of concern when mitigating and remediating the intrusion of moisture. Previous research on the clarification of water categories for water intrusions is lacking. Past approaches to water classification have lacked universal scientific clarity and understanding. In addition to a need to understand the effects that water category might have on building materials and their corresponding degree of degradation, more science and reviews are needed. The need for proper class and category determination for the remediation of water intrusion within buildings is the first step toward achieving correct mitigation to ensure human health and safety. The possible adverse health effects of water intrusion need focus and cohesion for the determination of categories. We know that the final determination of water categories differs according to the degree of contamination over time and the degree of a given class of water intrusion; however, what role do the route and initial water contamination play in the determination of the category? The following paper aims to provide not only a review of the science but also an elaboration of the category determination process and the degradation effects on building materials which should be considered, as well as possible avenues of scientific research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Monitoring and Public Health)
12 pages, 1163 KiB  
Article
Monitoring and Assessment of the Quality of Chlorinated Water in Schools
by Vanessa Stein, Alessandro Cazonatto Galvão, Alexandre Tadeu Paulino, Alex Molina Manfredi, Edmar Martendal, Tainara Vieira and Weber da Silva Robazza
Water 2024, 16(10), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16101415 - 16 May 2024
Viewed by 1208
Abstract
All water destined for human consumption must be subjected to disinfection processes via chlorination with the aim of eliminating the risk of the transmission of waterborne diseases. However, the treatment of water using this method leads to the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs), which [...] Read more.
All water destined for human consumption must be subjected to disinfection processes via chlorination with the aim of eliminating the risk of the transmission of waterborne diseases. However, the treatment of water using this method leads to the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs), which are toxic compounds that may be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin, increasing the risk of carcinogenic and mutagenic processes. High trihalomethane concentrations in water may be directly related to physicochemical properties, such as temperature, pH, hardness, and potentially toxic metal concentrations. In this work, physicochemical characterization was performed and water quality was assessed with regard to the presence of trihalomethanes in 17 samples collected from points before and after storage in reservoirs. Atomic absorption spectroscopy to determine potentially toxic metals and the measurement of physicochemical properties demonstrated that all results were in accordance with the standards established by Brazilian legislation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to determine levels of trihalomethanes in the water samples (trichloromethane, bromodichloromethane, chlorodibromomethane, and bromoform), which were also in accordance with the limits established by Brazilian legislation. Hierarchical clustering on principal components confirmed changes in the water quality depending on location. This work constitutes a paradigm for future studies on the monitoring of toxic organic compounds in water to avoid health problems in humans and animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Monitoring and Public Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 712 KiB  
Article
Presence and Distribution of Sun-Blocking Agents in the Danube River: Implications for Aquatic Ecosystem Health
by Florinela Pirvu, Iuliana Paun, Ioana Antonia Cimpean, Luoana Florentina Pascu and Florentina Laura Chiriac
Water 2024, 16(7), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16070945 - 25 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1668
Abstract
Organic sun-blocking agents are recognized as emerging pollutants of the aquatic environment. The consequences and effects of these harmful substances on aquatic organisms are not fully understood, particularly in the context of Romania. This study examines the presence and environmental hazards posed by [...] Read more.
Organic sun-blocking agents are recognized as emerging pollutants of the aquatic environment. The consequences and effects of these harmful substances on aquatic organisms are not fully understood, particularly in the context of Romania. This study examines the presence and environmental hazards posed by ten UV filters found in the Danube River. Six of the ten targeted contaminants were detected in surface water samples: 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone (BP-3), 2,4-dihydroxy benzophenone (BP-1), 2,3,4-trihydroxy benzophenone (234HBP), 2,2′-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone (BP-8), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4′-methyl-benzophenone (BP-10), and benzyl salicylate (BS). In sediment samples, seven of the ten compounds were identified: BS, BP-3, 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4HBP), BP-1, 234HBP, 2,2′,4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzophenone (BP-2), and BP-10, with different frequencies. The correlation coefficients showed strong relationships between benzophenone derivatives in surface water samples and a common contamination source for BP-3 and BS in sediment samples. In the assessment, the risk quotient (RQ) for BP-1 in fish was determined to be 1.81. Similarly, RQ values for BP-3 were calculated as 1.24 for Daphnia magna and 57 for fish, suggesting that these UV filters could potentially present substantial hazards to the aquatic ecosystem. The study findings indicate that additional research is needed to investigate the presence and potential risks of organic sun-blocking agents in surface waters, with a particular emphasis on densely populated areas in Romania. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Monitoring and Public Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop