Implications of Dynamic Interactions between Meteorological Patterns and Surface Water Quality on Environmental Health—A Case Study of the Nairobi River

Urban areas face significant challenges in maintaining water quality amidst increasing urbanization and changing climatic patterns. This study investigates the complex interplay between meteorological variables and water quality parameters in Nairobi City, focusing on the impacts of rainfall and temperature on surface water quality. Data from multiple sources, including the Water Resources Authority, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, and the World Bank’s Climate Change Knowledge Portal, were analyzed to assess the relationships between meteorological variables (rainfall and temperature) and water quality parameters (such as electroconductivity, biochemical oxygen demand, chloride, and pH). The analysis reveals varying impacts of rainfall and temperature on different water quality parameters. While parameters like iron and pH show strong relationships with both rainfall and temperature, others such as ammonia and nitrate exhibit moderate relationships. Additionally, the study highlights the influence of runoff, urbanization, and industrial activities on water quality, emphasizing the need for holistic management approaches. Recommendations encompass the establishment of annual publications on Nairobi River water quality, online accessibility of water quality data, development of hydrological models, spatial analysis, and fostering cross-disciplinary research collaborations. Implementing these recommendations can enhance water quality management practices, mitigate risks, and safeguard environmental integrity in Nairobi City.

Assessment of Rainwater Quality in Warri and Environ, Southern Nigeria for Domestic Purposes

The study aimed at assessing the physiochemical characteristics of rainwater in Warri and it environ was investigated. Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and Cr concentrations in rainwater from roof and non-roof sources were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Three geospatial locations comprising Jakpa, Udu, and Ubeji were selected based on prevailing anthropogenic activities. The rainwater samples were systematically collected from (aluminum) roof and non-roof sources for the months of April, June, and August and October 2022, treated and analyzed in the laboratory for sixteen physicochemical parameters. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, and T-test for the determination of the level of relationships and variations across geospatial locations. Significant correlations (r = 0.72) exist between Cr in rainwater from roof and non-roof sources. Implying point-source contaminations and may be emanating from the influence of roof materials. Furthermore, high concentrations of Cd and Pb in roof source above WHO standards were mostly in Jakpa and Ubeji. Calculated Health Risk Index (HRI) for children and adult is greater than 1. The results showed that most samples from the locations are considered not safe (HRI > 1) especially for Cd, which means that there are potential health risks consuming rainwater from Jakpa, Udu and Ubeji. Therefore, there is need for prompt sensitization program to dissuade people from directly drinking rainwater from these locations.

Assessment of Nitrates and Nitrites in Borehole Water from the Southern and the Northern Region of Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of water from village boreholes by measuring physicochemical parameters such as nitrates, nitrites, and total organic carbon (TOC). Forty-five (45) village pumps from the Southern (Basse Côte) and the Northern (Korhogo) region of Cte d’Ivoire (west Africa) were sampled. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity at 25˚C, and turbidity were determined in situ, while nitrite and nitrate were analyzed according to ISO 10304-1 (2007) standard and total organic carbon (TOC) by NF EN 1484 (1997) standard. The results showed that the borehole waters of the Basse Côte and Korhogo analyzed are acidic, with an average temperature of 27.51˚C ± 0.16˚C and 29.95˚C ± 0.51˚C respectively for the Basse Côte and Korhogo regions. The borehole waters of the Basse Côtedo not contain nitrites, while those of Korhogo have average nitrite contents of 0.32 mg/l. The average nitrate rate in the waters of the Basse Côte and Korhogo are 12.08 ± 2.11 mg/l and 11.03 ± 3.18 mg/l respectively. The average TOC concentration of the waters of the Basse Côte is 1.28 ± 0.32 mg/l and that of Korhogo is 0.56 ± 0.09 mg/L. The study showed that the borehole waters of the Basse Côte and Korhogo have average temperatures between 27.4˚C and 29.95˚C with a slightly acidic pH value and acceptable salinity. The TOC concentrations obtained at the different sampling points were all below the French standard (2 mg/L) except for certains pumps of the Basse Côte. The water samples from the Basse Côte were devoid of nitrite. On the other hand, those from Korhogo revealed the presence of nitrite. Also, the borehole waters of the regions of the Basse Côte and Korhogo contain relatively high nitrate contents, presumably due to anthropometric activity. Overall, our study on the quality of drinking water showed that the waters analyzed are in compliance with international standards and safe for consumption.

Rural Resilience: A Comprehensive Study on Water Supply, Sanitation, Disease Patterns, and Hygiene Practices in Munshiganj, Bangladesh

This research project investigates the current status of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene practices in Munshiganj District, Bangladesh. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire and a reconnaissance survey. Findings reveal that 30% of individuals rely on surface water (hand-tube wells, rivers, and ponds), prioritized as canal > river > pond, while 70% depend on groundwater (subterranean electric motor, deep tube-well). Drinking water is generally sufficient, with 95% reporting adequacy throughout the year. About 45% use hand tube-well water, 28% use deep tube-well water, and 11% use supply tap water for various purposes. Bathing trends include underground water through electric motor > pond > hand tube-well water > river, while for cooking, the order is underground water through electric motor > pond > hand tube-well water > river. Toilet water supply ranks as supply tap water > hand tube-well water > deep tube-well water. Although sanitation awareness is high, some lack knowledge of good hygiene practices. After defecating, handwashing methods include soap, ash, soil, or water. Children’s waste disposal varies, with some discarding it in open areas. Approximately 40% suffer from diseases like Diarrhoea due to unsafe water, primarily affecting children and elders. Training exists, but a significant portion lacks sanitation education. Dry skin or exposure to cold water may cause temporary irritation. Local government involvement in sanitation efforts is less active compared to non-governmental organizations. Results emphasize the need to enhance community awareness of safe water supplies and sanitation practices. .

Health Risk Assessment on Rural Drinking Water Safety —A Case Study in Rain City District of Ya’an City of Sichuan Province

Taking Rain City District of Ya’an for example, this paper based on ComGIS (Component Object Model Geographic Information System) platform takes comprehensive and systematic detection on the exposure dose of chemical carcinogens and non-carcinogens from drinking water sources in this region and discusses health risk assessment of single factor and the whole health risk assessment. As, Hg, Cr, Pb, Cd and fluorides in some drinking water sources of Rain City District are analyzed according to Standards For Drinking Wa-ter Quality (GB5749-2006). A health risk assessment model called USEPA is also applied to drinking water health risk assessment and management countermeasure is proposed. The results show that the greatest health risk for individual person per year is caused by Cr(VI). The health risk of carcinogens is much higher than that of non-carcinogens: the greatest risk value due to non-carcinogen pollutants is caused by fluoride (F), achieving 1.05×10-8/a. The ranking of risk values due to non-carcinogen pollutants by drinking water is Pb>fluoride (F)>Hg, within Pb accounting for 44.77%, fluo-ride (F) accounting for 34.30% and Hg accounting for 20.92%. The average individual carcinogenesis annual risk of Cr(VI) is the greatest, achieving 8.91×10-4/a. The ranking of risk value due to chemical carcinogen by rural drinking water of Ya’an is Cr6+>As>Cd, within Cr6+ accounting for 91.12%, As accounting for 5.89% and Cd accounting for 3.00%. Based on this, the strategy and measures of the health risk management are put forward. This study has worked efficiently in practice. Compared with the same kind of methods which have been found, the paper has the outstanding results for the health risk assessment of the rural drinking water safety.

Environmental Occurrence of Selenium in Waters and Related Health Significance

Appreciable amounts of selenium in spring and well waters can be found due to geological occurrence. Concentrations of as much as 400 9000 μg/l have been reported in U. S. waters.These levels are 8 to 180 times the current EPA drinking water standard and approximate dietary exposures of 4900μg in selenosis regions of China. Reviews of health significance of the elevated drinking water exposures to U. S. populations revealed elevated concentrations of selenium in urine and blood. A decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity in such instances was noted. However noticeable symptoms and signs seem absent in studies reviewed. A comparison of intake levels (diet or drinking water) to urinary excretion for residents of China and the U. S. produced a correlation coefficient, r = 0. 82 (P < 0. 01 ) for the three research studies available

Study of coastal water zone ecosystem health in Zhejiang Province based on remote sensing data and GIS

The coastal ecosystem health assessment is a field of increasing importance.In this paper,a preliminary assessment of ecosystem health in Zhejiang coastal water zone was made,mainly based on remote sensing data and GIS technique.Its spatial and quantitative evaluation was facilitated by the progress of remote sensing and GIS technique development.Firstly,human activities,hydrology and ecosystem problems in the study area were discussed and analyzed.Secondly,from 4 aspects of human stress,physical,chemical and biological responses to anthropogenic activities and natural stress,several indicators such as water transparency（Secchi Disk Depth,SDD）,suspended substance concentration,dissolved inorganic nitrogen,active phosphate,chlorophyll,harmful algae bloom,as well as distribution of sewage,sea lanes and port were employed.Thirdly,the Analytic Hierarchical Process was used for indicator weight calculation,and the ecosystem health criteria were established according to the integrative analysis of national water quality criteria,similar coastal ecosystem health research in other places or data inherent properties.The results indicated that from 2005 to 2007 the coastal water ecosystem health value in Zhejiang Province was unhealthy and needs ecological restoration by human intervention.

Spatial variation of health risk of groundwater for drinking water supply in Mingshan County,Ya'an City,China

Rural drinking water safety is a growing concern in China. This study investigated the health risk of pollution of groundwater for the drinking water supply in Mingshan County, Ya＇an City, in Sichuan Province, China, using 46 samples from the years 1991 to 2010. Carcinogenic, non-carcinogenic, and total risks were assessed by the model recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency （U.S. EPA）. Thematic maps of the risks caused by single and multiple factors were generated from inverse distance weighting interpolation （IDW） and the geostatistical analysis functions of ArcGIS. The results show that the carcinogenic risks caused by chemicals in groundwater for drinking water supply are low, within the acceptable interval for risk management. However, non-carcinogenic risks are high and the number of sampling sites with risk values exceeding the standards amounted to 29. Non-carcinogenic risks of Cr6＋, nitrate, fluoride, and Fe at sites 43, 46, 50, 64, 67, and 74 were the sources that caused high total health risk. This study reveals the risk level of groundwater quality and orders of treatment of pollutants, and provides a scientific basis for groundwater management in this area.

Trace Elements in the Drinking Water and Their Possible Health Effects in Aligarh City, India

Environmental degradation and unethical human intervention in the natural system has increased the concern for the betterment of healthy living. The deterioration of aquatic system is commonplace in the developing world. The present paper shows the trace elements (Ni, Zn, Fe, Pb, Cd, Co, Cu and Mn) concentrations in the drinking water of Aligarh city and their possible effect on the health of the inhabitants. The higher concen- tration of some elements in the drinking water and the poor health of inhabitants are found correlated. The statistical analysis of the data shows positive correlation between some elements. The principal component analysis of the data gives four factors with significance level of 42%, 29%, 15% and 12% respectively.

ArcGIS-Based Rural Drinking Water Quality Health Risk Assessment

Aiming at the unsafe of water quality which is the core problem in rural drinking water safety, the study col-lected 221 water samples of rural drinking water sources in Ya'an and detected the concentrations of the car-cinogen and the non-carcinogen. Based on the analysis of water environment characteristics and the identifi-cation of water environment health risk source of Sichuan Ya’an City, which includes seven counties and a district and is the typical region of the western margin of Sichuan Basin, this study calculated and analyzed the carcinogenic risk (R) and non-carcinogenic risk (hazard index, HI) by applying the health risk model recommended by the US National Research Council of National Academy of Science. Then, taking advan-tage of the geo-statistic spatial analysis function of ArcGIS, this study analyzed the assessment result data (R and HI), selected the proper interpolation approach and educed R and HI spatial distribution maps of the study area. R and HI of the single factor and integrate factors were evaluated and thus obtained the following conclusions: For one thing, the cancerous risk indexes of the vast majority of water sources (about 94%) is the level of 10-7 and it belong to the safety extension. The main carcinogen in the water sources are As, Cr6+ and Pb, their concentrations are in the ranges of 0.004-0.01, 0.005, 0.01mg/l respectively and such water source mainly distributed in Yucheng district and Mingshan county. For another, the non-cancerous hazard indexes of the vast majority of water sources (about 98%) is also less than the limit value 1 and will not harm the local residents. The health risk of non-carcinogen comes mainly from As and fluoride, their concentra-tions are in the ranges of 0.004-0.01 and 0.1-4.2mg/l respectively. The results of the integrate factors health risk assessment showed that the total cancerous risk were still at the level of 10-6, only 12 drinking water source investigation sites (5%) exceeded the drinking water management standard value of EPA (the limit value is 10-6);the total non-cancerous hazard indexes are still in the range of 10-2-10-1, and will not harm the local residents either, only 18 drinking water source investigation sites (8%) exceeded the drinking water management standard value of EPA(the limit value is 1).The densely populated areas such as Yucheng Dis-trict, Tianquan County, Yingjing County and Shimian County are where the four contaminating materials, i.e., As, Cr6+, Pb and fluoride should be monitored with emphasis. Study results disclosed the health risk control indexes of source water quality of the studied area and thus provided the scientific basis for the water quality control of water sources. This study had worked efficiently in practice. Compared with the same kind of methods which had been found, the paper had the outstanding results for the health risk assessment of the rural drinking water safety.

Classification and Health Risk Assessment for Borehole Water Contaminated by Metals in Selected Households in Southwest Nigeria

Samples of borehole water were randomly collected from twenty households in the Lagos-Ogun axis of southwestern Nigeria. The samples were analyzed for silver, iron, manganese, lead, nickel, magnesium, cadmium, zinc, sodium, potassium, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, total hardness, chloride, nitrate and sulphate following standard methods of water analysis. Results obtained were compared with global background values and WHO guidelines for drinking water. The pH values ranged from 4.17 ± 0.26 to 6.07 ± 0.27 while the metal pollution indexes are between 0.01 and 0.11. Cadmium, manganese, iron and nitrate (mg/L) levels were found to be relatively high in most of the water samples. Results obtained were analyzed statistically. Health risk assessment for exposure to cancer and non-cancer indices was evaluated. Kempster and co-workers classification of drinking water quality was applied;nineteen of the twenty household water samples were found to fall short of the ideal water quality suitable for lifetime use.

Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Drinking Water Consumed in Dakar, Senegal

Water contamination by chemical pollutants is increasingly associated with waterborne diseases worldwide. The objective of this study is to assess the chemical health risk associated with drinking water consumption in Dakar, Senegal. The methodology adopted in this study is based on the determination of trace metals (Cd, Pb, Fe, Cu and Mn) in human drinking water by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, the estimation of the exposure of populations of the study area on the basis of the quantity of water consumed daily and the determination of the hazard quotient which allows estimating the health risk. The results indicate unacceptable levels of Pb and Cd in the water according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, while the concentrations of Fe, Cu and Mn are below the regulatory values. The hazard quotient (HQ) is in the majority of samples higher than 1 in children and infants for scenario 1 (based on WHO data), reflecting a high risk for this target. In scenario 2 based on consumption data from the populations studied, the HQ is greater than 1 only in heavy consumers. The drinking water consumed by Dakar population presents health risks related to Pb and Cd, particularly for infants, children and heavy consumers, hence the need to strengthen the water treatment system before home consumption.

The Challenges of Water Pollution, Threat to Public Health, Flaws of Water Laws and Policies in Pakistan

In an era of unprecedented urbanization, population and industrial growth pressure is serious threat for the water management in Pakistan in present days. Water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff limited natural fresh water resources in the country. Human health is facing serious problems due to deteriorating drinking water quality. Current review paper provides an insight to the water quality problems in Pakistan with an attempt to emphasize the challenges of water laws enforcement. Although Pakistan has developed many water laws the state of implementation is dominant, intermediate pollution crises are still remaining. We could come to the conclusion that strictly enforcement is compulsory for water environment regulations in Pakistan. Moreover, it is necessary to establish a reliable risk assessment system for water quality, human health and ecological safety.

The Monte Carlo-Based Uncertainty Health Risk Assessment Associated with Rural Drinking Water Quality

In this study, Triangular Fuzzy-number of the Fuzzy Set Theory was introduced to reform parameters of those previous health risk assessment (HRA) models, Monte Carlo simulation parameter was applied to lower the randomness and fuzziness of the HRA system, and the Monte Carlo-United States Environmental Protection Agency (MC-EPA) model was employed to evaluate the health risk associated with water quality (HRWQ), so as to solve the uncertainty HRA associated with rural drinking water quality. Results showed that the water in Mingshan was contaminated mainly by Cr(VI), nitrate, fluoride and Fe. The health risk primarily embodied in the carcinogenic risk (CR) caused by Cr(VI) that generally exceeds the limit while little non-carcinogenic toxic effected presents. However, non-carcinogenic risk (NCR) in some water resources was high, exceeding the limit “1”. The results revealed the health risk level of the water quality and the health risk degree caused by the pollutants, providing scientific support for the management of the HRWQ of the WR. It also indicated the significance of MC-EPA model’s application.

Impact of artificial waterfall using reclaimed water to VOCs and its health risk assessment

To study the impact of an artificial waterfall using reclaimed water on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air, air samples around the waterfall sight and over the CASS pond of a wastewater treatment plant were collected and VOCs were analyzed by MC-MS with USEPA Method TO-14. The total volatile organic compounds (TOVCs) concentration of a background sample is 2112 μg/m3, and the sample over the CASS pond has a TVOC concentration of 1858 μg/m3. The TVOC concentrations of air samples within 10 m of the artificial waterfall are between 3216 μg/m3 and 6362 μg/m3, which are 1.52-3.0 times that of the background sample. The VOCs in air sample impacted by reclaimed water or waste water exhibit a relatively high proportion of toluene but low proportion of benzene. B/T/E/X (Benzene/Toluene/Ethylbenzene/Xylene) ratio of the air sample around the artificial water fall is(0.36/11.78/1/1.10). Health risk assessment (HRA) was done with the USEPA four-step approach. The result indicates that the artificial waterfall using reclaimed water indeed leads to the increase of human risk value. The total risk value of the sample around the waterfall is 2.8-1.6 times that of the background sample. However, the total risk value of the air sample around the waterfall (2.8×10-6) for common people is still lower,compared to the acceptable public risk level(10-5). For occupational workers of the wastewater treatment plant, the sum of lifetime non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk values(1.26×10-5) is higher than that of the acceptable public risk level.

Health Risk Assessment after Exposure to Aluminium in Drinking Water between Two Different Villages

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Mukim Parit Lubok (MPL) and Parit Raja (PR), Batu Pahat, Malaysia. The main objective of this study was to determine the aluminium concentration in drinking water and to perform health risk assessment prediction among respondents from these two residential areas. A total of 100 respondents were selected from the study areas based on inclusive and exclusive criteria. Two duplicates of treated water samples were taken from each respondent’s house using 200mL high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles and 0.4 mL (69%) pure concentrated nitric acid were added as a preservative. Aluminium concentrations were analyzed using a Lambda 25 UV/V spectrophotometer. The result showed that aluminium concentration in drinking water from MPL was 0.18 ± 0.022 mg/L and 0.22 ± 0.044 mg/L for PR. Statistical analysis showed that 14 (28%) water samples collected from MPL and 35 (70%) from PR recorded concentration of aluminium above the standard limit set by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia for drinking water guideline (0.2 mg/L). The mean value of Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) of aluminium in drinking water from PR (0.00707 mg/kg/day) was significantly higher compared to MPL (0.00164 mg/kg/day). Hazard Index (HI) calculation showed that all respondents had “HI” of less than 1. In conclusion, there was an unlikely potential for adverse health effects from aluminium intake in drinking water from both study areas. However, it was necessary for some actions to be taken in order to reduce aluminium levels found in drinking water for both locations.

SPECTROFLUORIMETRIC DETERMINATION OF GERMANIUM WITH MORIN IN WATER AND HEALTH DRINK

A highly sensitive and fairly selective spectrofluorimetric method has been developed for the determination of germanium with morin in tap water and health drink. The fluorescent reaction and optimal conditions of germanium with morin in phosphoric acid medium were studied. The detection limits of germanium in tap water and health drink were found to be 0.2 and 0.7μd/L respectively.