Water quality

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

A rosette sampler is used for collecting water samples in deep water, such as the Great Lakes or oceans, for water quality testing.

Water quality refers to the

ecosystems, safety of human contact, extent of water pollution and condition of drinking water. Water quality has a significant impact on water supply and oftentimes determines supply options.[3]

Impacts on public health

See also: Drinking water § Quality

Over time, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of drinking water quality and its impact on public health. This has led to increasing protection and management of water quality.[4]

The understanding of the links between water quality and health continues to grow and highlight new potential health crises: from the chronic impacts of

infectious diseases on child development through stunting to new evidence on the harms from known contaminants, such as manganese with growing evidence of neurotoxicity in children.[4] In addition, there are many emerging water quality issues—such as microplastics, perfluorinated compounds, and antimicrobial resistance.[4]

Categories

The parameters for water quality are determined by the intended use. Work in the area of water quality tends to be focused on water that is

restoration (of an environment/ecosystem, generally for health of human/aquatic life).[5]

Human consumption

Regional and national contamination of drinking water by chemical type and population size at risk of exposure

Contaminants that may be in untreated water include

radioactive contaminants. Water quality depends on the local geology and ecosystem, as well as human uses such as sewage dispersion, industrial pollution, use of water bodies as a heat sink, and overuse (which may lower the level of the water).[citation needed
]

The United States Environmental Protection Agency[6] (EPA) limits the amounts of certain contaminants in tap water provided by US public water systems. The Safe Drinking Water Act authorizes EPA to issue two types of standards:

  • primary standards regulate substances that potentially affect human health;[7][8]
  • secondary standards prescribe aesthetic qualities, those that affect taste, odor, or appearance.[9]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water. [10] Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of these contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk.

In urbanized areas around the world, water purification technology is used in municipal water systems to remove contaminants from the source water (surface water or groundwater) before it is distributed to homes, businesses, schools and other recipients. Water drawn directly from a stream, lake, or aquifer and that has no treatment will be of uncertain quality in terms of potability.[3]

The burden of polluted drinking water disproportionally effects under-represented and vulnerable populations.[11] Communities that lack these clean drinking-water services are at risk of contracting water-borne and pollution-related illnesses like Cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio.[12] These communities are often in low-income areas, where human wastewater is discharged into a nearby drainage channel or surface water drain without sufficient treatment, or is used in agricultural irrigation.

Industrial and domestic use

heaters or boilers.[13] Hard water may be softened to remove these ions. The softening process often substitutes sodium cations.[14] For certain populations, hard water may be preferable to soft water because health problems have been associated with calcium deficiencies and with excess sodium.[15] The necessity for additional calcium and magnesium in water depends on the population in question because people generally satisfy their recommended amounts through food.[3]
: 99, 115, 377 

Environmental water quality

E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis.
Urban runoff
discharging to coastal waters
See also: Environmental monitoring and Freshwater environmental quality parameters

Environmental water quality, also called ambient water quality, relates to water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and oceans.[16] Water quality standards for surface waters vary significantly due to different environmental conditions, ecosystems, and intended human uses. Toxic substances and high populations of certain microorganisms can present a health hazard[17] for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation, swimming, fishing, rafting, boating, and industrial uses. These conditions may also affect wildlife, which use the water for drinking or as a habitat. According to the EPA, water quality laws generally specify protection of fisheries and recreational use and require, as a minimum, retention of current quality standards.[18] In some locations, desired water quality conditions include high dissolved oxygen concentrations, low chlorophyll-a concentrations, and high water clarity.[19]

There is some desire among the public to return water bodies to pristine, or pre-industrial conditions.

water contamination as long as the particular type of contamination is not harmful to the designated uses. Given the landscape changes (e.g., land development, urbanization, clearcutting in forested areas) in the watersheds of many freshwater bodies, returning to pristine conditions would be a significant challenge. In these cases, environmental scientists focus on achieving goals for maintaining healthy ecosystems and may concentrate on the protection of populations of endangered species
and protecting human health.

Sampling and measurement

See also: Analysis of water chemistry, analytical chemistry, Water sampling station, and Regulation and monitoring of pollution § Water pollution

Sample collection

See also: Environmental monitoring § Sampling methods
An automated sampling station installed along the East Branch Milwaukee River, New Fane, Wisconsin. The cover of the 24-bottle autosampler (center) is partially raised, showing the sample bottles inside. The autosampler collects samples at time intervals, or proportionate to flow over a specified period. The data logger (white cabinet) records temperature, specific conductance, and dissolved oxygen levels.

The complexity of water quality as a subject is reflected in the many types of measurements of water quality indicators. Some measurements of water quality are most accurately made on-site, because water exists in

dissolved oxygen, conductivity, oxygen reduction potential (ORP), turbidity, and Secchi disk
depth.

Sampling of water for physical or chemical testing can be done by several methods, depending on the accuracy needed and the characteristics of the contaminant. Sampling methods include for example simple random sampling, stratified sampling, systematic and grid sampling, adaptive cluster sampling, grab samples, semi-continuous monitoring and continuous, passive sampling, remote surveillance, remote sensing, and biomonitoring. The use of passive samplers greatly reduces the cost and the need of infrastructure on the sampling location.

Many contamination events are sharply restricted in time, most commonly in association with rain events. For this reason "grab" samples are often inadequate for fully quantifying contaminant levels.[21] Scientists gathering this type of data often employ auto-sampler devices that pump increments of water at either time or discharge intervals.

More complex measurements are often made in a laboratory requiring a water sample to be collected, preserved, transported, and analyzed at another location.

Issues

The process of water sampling introduces two significant problems:

  • The first problem is the extent to which the sample may be representative of the water source of interest. Water sources vary with time and with location. The measurement of interest may vary seasonally or from day to night or in response to some activity of man or natural populations of aquatic
    maxima and minima require individual measurements over a range of times, locations or events. The sample collection procedure must assure correct weighting of individual sampling times and locations where averaging is appropriate.[23]: 39–40  Where critical maximum or minimum values exist, statistical methods must be applied to observed variation to determine an adequate number of samples to assess the probability of exceeding those critical values.[24]
  • The second problem occurs as the sample is removed from the water source and begins to establish chemical equilibrium with its new surroundings – the sample container. Sample containers must be made of materials with minimal reactivity with substances to be measured; pre-cleaning of sample containers is important. The water sample may dissolve part of the sample container and any residue on that container, and chemicals dissolved in the water sample may sorb onto the sample container and remain there when the water is poured out for analysis.[23]: 4  Similar physical and chemical interactions may take place with any pumps, piping, or intermediate devices used to transfer the water sample into the sample container. Water collected from depths below the surface will normally be held at the reduced pressure of the atmosphere; so gas dissolved in the water will collect at the top of the container. Atmospheric gas above the water may also dissolve into the water sample. Other chemical reaction equilibria may change if the water sample changes temperature. Finely divided solid particles formerly suspended by water turbulence may settle to the bottom of the sample container, or a solid phase may form from biological growth or chemical precipitation. Microorganisms within the water sample may biochemically alter concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and organic compounds. Changing carbon dioxide concentrations may alter pH and change solubility of chemicals of interest. These problems are of special concern during measurement of chemicals assumed to be significant at very low concentrations.[22]
Filtering a manually collected water sample (grab sample) for analysis

Sample preservation may partially resolve the second problem. A common procedure is keeping samples cold to slow the

negative control) and spiked sample (positive control) are carried with the sample of interest and analyzed by the same methods at the same times to determine any changes indicating gains or losses during the elapsed time between collection and analysis.[25]

Testing in response to natural disasters and other emergencies

Testing water in the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

After events such as earthquakes and tsunamis, there is an immediate response by the aid agencies as relief operations get underway to try and restore basic infrastructure and provide the basic fundamental items that are necessary for survival and subsequent recovery.[26] The threat of disease increases hugely due to the large numbers of people living close together, often in squalid conditions, and without proper sanitation.[27]

After a natural disaster, as far as water quality testing is concerned, there are widespread views on the best course of action to take and a variety of methods can be employed. The key basic water quality parameters that need to be addressed in an emergency are bacteriological indicators of fecal contamination, free chlorine residual, pH, turbidity and possibly conductivity/total dissolved solids. There are many decontamination methods.[28][29]

After major natural disasters, a considerable length of time might pass before water quality returns to pre-disaster levels. For example, following the

2004 Indian Ocean tsunami the Colombo-based International Water Management Institute (IWMI) monitored the effects of saltwater and concluded that the wells recovered to pre-tsunami drinking water quality one and a half years after the event.[30] IWMI developed protocols for cleaning wells contaminated by saltwater; these were subsequently officially endorsed by the World Health Organization as part of its series of Emergency Guidelines.[31]

Chemical analysis

A gas chromatograph-
mass spectrometer measures pesticides and other organic pollutants

The simplest methods of

heavy metals. Water analysis for heavy metals must consider soil particles suspended in the water sample. These suspended soil particles may contain measurable amounts of metal. Although the particles are not dissolved in the water, they may be consumed by people drinking the water. Adding acid to a water sample to prevent loss of dissolved metals onto the sample container may dissolve more metals from suspended soil particles. Filtration of soil particles from the water sample before acid addition, however, may cause loss of dissolved metals onto the filter.[32] The complexities of differentiating similar organic molecules
are even more challenging.

Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy is used to measure mercury
and other heavy metals

Making these complex measurements can be expensive. Because direct measurements of water quality can be expensive, ongoing monitoring programs are typically conducted and results released by government agencies. However, there are local volunteer programs and resources available for some general assessment.[33] Tools available to the general public include on-site test kits, commonly used for home fish tanks, and biological assessment procedures.

Biosensors

Biosensors have the potential for "high sensitivity, selectivity, reliability, simplicity, low-cost and real-time response".[34] For instance, bionanotechnologists reported the development of ROSALIND 2.0, that can detect levels of diverse water pollutants.[35][36]

Real-time monitoring

Although water quality is usually sampled and analyzed at laboratories, since the late 20th century there has been increasing public interest in the quality of drinking water provided by municipal systems. Many water utilities have developed systems to collect real-time data about source water quality. In the early 21st century, a variety of sensors and remote monitoring systems have been deployed for measuring water pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and other parameters.[37] Some remote sensing systems have also been developed for monitoring ambient water quality in riverine, estuarine and coastal water bodies.[38][39]

An electrical conductivity meter is used to measure total dissolved solids

The following is a list of indicators often measured by situational category:

Environmental indicators

See also: Environmental indicator, Wastewater quality indicators, and Salinity

Physical indicators

Chemical indicators

Biological indicators

See also: Biological integrity and Index of biological integrity

refineries, mines, municipal sewage treatment plants) are required to conduct periodic whole effluent toxicity (WET) tests.[40][41]

Individuals interested in monitoring water quality who cannot afford or manage lab scale analysis can also use biological indicators to get a general reading of water quality. One example is the IOWATER volunteer water monitoring program of Iowa, which includes an EPT indicator key.[42]

Bivalve molluscs are largely used as

bioindicators to monitor the health of aquatic environments in both fresh water and the marine environments. Their population status or structure, physiology, behaviour or the level of contamination with elements or compounds can indicate the state of contamination status of the ecosystem. They are particularly useful since they are sessile so that they are representative of the environment where they are sampled or placed. A typical project is the U.S. Mussel Watch Programme,[43]
but today they are used worldwide.

The Southern African Scoring System (SASS) method is a biological water quality monitoring system based on the presence of benthic macroinvertebrates (EPT). The SASS

Department of Water Affairs
as a standard method for River Health Assessment, which feeds the national River Health Programme and the national Rivers Database.

Climate change impacts

This section is an excerpt from Water security § Reduced water quality due to climate change.[edit]

Weather and its related shocks can affect water quality in several ways. These depend on the local climate and context.[45] Shocks that are linked to weather include water shortages, heavy rain and temperature extremes. They can damage water infrastructure through erosion under heavy rainfall and floods, cause loss of water sources in droughts, and make water quality deteriorate.[45]

Climate change can reduce lower water quality in several ways:[46]: 582 

  • Heavy rainfall can rapidly reduce the water quality in rivers and shallow groundwater. It can affect water quality in reservoirs even if these effects can be slow.[47] Heavy rainfall also impacts groundwater in deeper, unfractured aquifers. But these impacts are less pronounced. Rainfall can increase fecal contamination of water sources.[45]
  • Floods after heavy rainfalls can mix floodwater with wastewater. Also pollutants can reach water bodies by increased surface runoff.
  • Groundwater quality may deteriorate due to droughts. The pollution in rivers that feed groundwater becomes less diluted. As groundwater levels drop, rivers may lose direct contact with groundwater.[48]
  • In coastal regions, more saltwater may mix into freshwater aquifers due to sea level rise and more intense storms.[49]: 16 [50] This process is called saltwater intrusion.
  • Warmer water in lakes, oceans, reservoirs and rivers can cause more eutrophication. This results in more frequent harmful algal blooms.[46]: 140  Higher temperatures cause problems for water bodies and aquatic ecosystems because warmer water contains less oxygen.[51]
  • Permafrost thawing leads to an increased flux of contaminants.[52]
  • Increased meltwater from glaciers may release contaminants.[53] As glaciers shrink or disappear, the positive effect of seasonal meltwater on downstream water quality through dilution is disappearing.[54]

Standards and reports

In the setting of standards, agencies make political and technical/scientific decisions based on how the water will be used.

Environmental lawyers and policymakers work to define legislation
with the intention that water is maintained at an appropriate quality for its identified use.

Another general perception of water quality is that of a simple property that tells whether water is

Industrial and commercial activities (e.g. manufacturing, mining, construction, transport) are a major cause of water pollution as are runoff from agricultural areas, urban runoff and discharge of treated and untreated sewage.[citation needed
]

See also: Drinking water quality standards

International

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) published updated guidelines for drinking-water quality (GDWQ) in 2017.[3]
  • The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published [when?] regulation of water quality in the section of ICS 13.060,[57] ranging from water sampling, drinking water, industrial class water, sewage, and examination of water for chemical, physical or biological properties. ICS 91.140.60 covers the standards of water supply systems.[58]

National specifications for ambient water and drinking water

European Union

Further information: Water supply and sanitation in the European Union

The water policy of the

directives
:

India

South Africa

Further information: Water supply and sanitation in South Africa

Water quality guidelines for South Africa are grouped according to potential user types (e.g. domestic, industrial) in the 1996 Water Quality Guidelines.[59] Drinking water quality is subject to the South African National Standard (SANS) 241 Drinking Water Specification.[60]

United Kingdom

In England and Wales acceptable levels for drinking water supply are listed in the "Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000."[61]

United States

Main articles: Drinking water quality in the United States, Drinking water quality legislation of the United States, and Water supply and sanitation in the United States

In the United States,

Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for the pollutant(s) impairing the use of the water. These TMDLs establish the reductions needed to fully support the designated uses.[66]

Drinking water standards, which are applicable to public water systems, are issued by EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ Cordy, Gail E. (March 2001). "A Primer on Water Quality". Reston, VA: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). FS-027-01.
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  5. ^ "Other Uses and Types of Water". Atlanta, GA: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 10 August 2021.
  6. ^ "What is water quality? Eight key characteristics". Water Rangers. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
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  8. ^ a b "Drinking Water Regulations". Drinking Water Requirements for States and Public Water Systems. EPA. 20 September 2022.
  9. ^ "Secondary Drinking Water Standards: Guidance for Nuisance Chemicals". EPA. 17 February 2022.
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    . Plastic is the most common type of marine debris found in oceans, and it is the most widespread problem affecting the marine environment. It also threatens ocean health, food safety and quality, human health, and coastal tourism, and it contributes to climate change
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  32. ^ State of California Environmental Protection Agency Representative Sampling of Ground Water for Hazardous Substances (1994) pp. 23–24
  33. ^ An example of a local government-sponsored volunteer monitoring program: "Monitoring Our Waters". Watershed Restoration. Rockville, MD: Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. Retrieved 11 November 2018..
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  39. ^ "Eyes on the Bay". Annapolis, MD: Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Chesapeake Bay. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  40. ^ "Whole Effluent Toxicity Methods". Clean Water Act Analytical Methods. EPA. 1 August 2020.
  41. ^ Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms (Report). EPA. October 2002. EPA-821-R-02-012.
  42. ^ IOWATER (Iowa Department of Natural Resources). Iowa City, IA (2005). "Benthic Macroinvertebrate Key."
  43. ^ "Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment: Mussel Watch Contaminant Monitoring". Ccma.nos.noaa.gov. 14 January 2014. Archived from the original on 7 September 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
  44. ^ Dickens CWS and Graham PM. 2002. The Southern Africa Scoring System (SASS) version 5 rapid bioassessment for rivers "African Journal of Aquatic Science", 27:1–10.
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  57. ^ International Organization for Standardization (ISO). "13.060: Water quality". Geneva. Retrieved 4 July 2011.
  58. ^ ISO. "91.140.60: Water supply systems". Retrieved 4 July 2011.
  59. ^ Republic of South Africa, Department of Water Affairs, Pretoria (1996). "Water quality guidelines for South Africa: First Edition 1996."
  60. ^ Hodgson K, Manus L. A drinking water quality framework for South Africa. Water SA. 2006;32(5):673–678 [1].
  61. ^ National Archives, London, UK. "The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000." 2000 No. 3184. 2000-12-08.
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  63. ^ U.S. Clean Water Act, Section 303(d), 33 U.S.C. § 1313; Section 305(b), 33 U.S.C. § 1315(b).
  64. ^ "Overview of Listing Impaired Waters under CWA Section 303(d)". Impaired Waters and TMDLs. EPA. 31 August 2022.
  65. ^ "National Water Quality Inventory Report to Congress". Water Data and Tools. EPA. 7 December 2021.
  66. ^ More information about water quality in the United States is available on EPA's "How's My Waterway" website.

External links

Archived 24 March 2018 at the Wayback Machine – Professional association

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