A scoping review of the links between early childhood caries and clean water and sanitation: the Sustainable Development Goal 6.

INTRODUCTION: The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 calls for universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), which are crucial elements of health and well-being and fundamental for a life in dignity. Early childhood caries (ECC) is a preventable disease affecting health and quality of life of millions of young children worldwide. This scoping review aims to explore the connection between ECC and access to clean water and sanitation. METHODS: This scoping review, registered on the Open Science Framework and following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, conducted a thorough search in databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, SciELO) and websites (via Google) in November 2023. The search, without date limitations, targeted studies in English and Spanish linking ECC to SDG6. Exclusions were made for studies solely focusing on ECC without a direct connection to clean water and sanitation. Descriptive statistics summarized the retrieved papers. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 303 articles. After removing duplicates, 264 articles remained for title and abstract screening after which 244 were excluded and one report was added through citation searching. The 21 remaining articles underwent full text review. There were no studies on a direct association between access to clean water and sanitation and the prevalence of ECC. There were nine studies that showed indirect associations between ECC and access to clean water and sanitation through the links of: water and sanitation access as a marker for poverty (n = 1), water consumption as a feeding practice (n = 4), and the effectiveness of water fluoridation (n = 4). These were used to develop a conceptual model. CONCLUSIONS: While it is conceivable that a direct link exists between ECC and access to clean water and sanitation, the available body of research only offers evidence of indirect associations. The exploration of potential pathways connecting water access to ECC warrants further investigation in future research.

High efficiency azo dye removal via a combination of adsorption and photocatalytic processes using heterojunction Titanium dioxide nanoparticles on hierarchical porous carbon.

Amidst the rapid development of the textile industry, wastewater problems also arise. High-performance materials for reactive black 5 (RB5) dye treatment by adsorption and photocatalysis were evolved using Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on carbon media. Herein, the synthesis of spherical carbon via the water-in-oil emulsion method alongside a sol-gel process and the production of TiO2 nanoparticles using the precipitation procedure of Titanium isopropoxide and carbonization at 700-900°C for 2 h are a novel approach in this work. The characterization of these materials indicates that different temperatures result in distinct properties, for instance, raised pores on the surface of the media and changes in the crystal structure of TiO2. The results show that the as-synthesized material carbonized at 900°C had distinguished dye adsorption, up to 430 ppm in 1 h, due to their high surface area and pore volume. On the contrary, the calcined 700°C condition had the prominent photocatalytic efficiency on account of the heterojunction band gap between anatase and rutile crystal structure. A mixed phase minimizes the charge recombination, subsequently increasing the photocatalytic capability.

Daily Use Water Bottles as a Hub for Microbial Population: A Comparative Study of PET vs. Stainless Steel Water Bottles and Outcome of Washing Strategy Intervention.

Water bottles for everyday usage are a typical addition to people's life and offer a practical way to stay hydrated. Even though safe and clean water is preferred for consumption, the water bottle or container used to drink water was never considered to be cleaned. Here, we examined the adhering microbial populations in water bottles composed of stainless steel (SS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A total of 30 water bottles-15 PET and 15 SS-were gathered from different users. To identify and quantify the adhering microbial populations, microbial swabs from the inside surface of the bottles were collected and later cultivated on certain growth media. Overall the microbial load of PET is significantly higher than the SS water bottles of 68.8 + 19.1 cfu/ml and 35.4 + 8 cfu/ml respectively at initial sampling (P = 0.0027). We also evaluated the efficiency of various cleaning procedures in eliminating adherent bacteria populations. The cleaning strategy significantly reduced the microbial load (P<0.0001). The mean load observed was 11.2 + 2.3 cfu/ml post-wash. This comparison study offers important new information about the adherent microbial populations found in SS and PET water bottles used every day, in the end. This finding emphasizes the necessity of routine cleaning and upkeep of these bottles to reduce the possibility of microbial contamination and the accompanying health risks.

Numerical modeling of PFAS movement through the vadose zone: Influence of plant water uptake and soil organic carbon distribution.

In this study, we investigated the effects of soil organic carbon (SOC) distribution and water uptake by plant roots on PFAS movement in the vadose zone with a deep groundwater table under temperate, humid climate conditions. Two series of numerical simulations were performed with the HYDRUS computer code, representing the leaching of historical PFOS contamination and the infiltration of water contaminated with PFOA, respectively. We considered soil profiles with three distributions of SOC (no SOC, realistic SOC distribution decreasing with depth, and uniform SOC equal to the content measured in topsoil), three root distributions (bare soil, grassland, and forest), and three soil textures (sand, sandy loam, and loam). The SOC distribution had a profound impact on the velocity of PFOS movement. The apparent retardation factor for realistic SOC distribution was twice as large as for the scenario with no SOC and more than three times smaller than for the scenario with uniformly high SOC content. We also showed that the root distribution in soil profoundly impacts the simulations of PFAS migration through soil. Including the root zone significantly slows down the movement of PFAS, primarily due to increased evapotranspiration and reduced downward water flux. Another effect of water uptake by plant roots is an increase of PFAS concentrations in soil water (evapo-concentration). The evapo-concentration and the slowdown of PFAS movement due to root water uptake are more significant in fine-textured soils than in sand.

Shared sanitation in informal settlements: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, preferences, and quality.

Shared sanitation facilities are not considered a type of basic sanitation by the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), though they may be the only alternative to open defecation in urban informal settlements. Additionally, JMP indicators for sanitation do not cover aspects related to the quality of shared sanitation, such as those outlined in the Human Right to Water and Sanitation (HRTWS) framework. Data on the prevalence of shared sanitation within informal settlement areas is limited, and there is a need to understand user preferences, experiences, and barriers to the use of shared sanitation to inform effective policy and practice. This systematic review aims to summarize the prevalence and number of households sharing sanitation in informal settlements globally, as well as user experiences and barriers to successful implementation of shared sanitation. We included studies available in English and published after January 1, 2000. We retrieved 4741 articles from seven databases and included a total of 167 relevant publications. Among included studies, 54 reported the prevalence of shared sanitation in informal settlements, and 138 studies reported on user perceptions and experiences related to shared sanitation quality. A meta-analysis of studies reporting the prevalence of shared sanitation in informal settlements globally revealed an estimated overall prevalence of 67% [95% CI: 61%-73%]. Commonly reported user preferences included cleanliness to promote continued use of shared facilities, privacy with a lockable door, facilities for menstrual hygiene management, safety and protection against violence, 24/7 access, proper lighting, and shared responsibility for facility management - which align with the HRTWS framework and represent barriers to shared sanitation use. Based on the findings of this review, we recommend including the number of households or people sharing a sanitation facility in monitoring of shared sanitation quality, locating sanitation facilities within compounds, where applicable, and promoting safety, dignity, and privacy of all users in the development of shared sanitation quality indicators.

Does WASH FIT improve water, sanitation, and hygiene and related health impacts in healthcare facilities? A systematic review.

Introduction: Environmental health services (e.g., water, sanitation, hygiene, cleaning, waste management) in healthcare facilities are important to improve health outcomes and strengthen health systems, but coverage gaps remain. The World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund developed WASH FIT, a quality improvement tool, to help assess and improve environmental health services. Fifty-three countries have adopted it. However, there is little evidence of its effectiveness. This systematic review evaluates whether WASH FIT improves environmental health services or associated health outcomes and impacts. Methods: We conducted database searches to identify relevant studies and extracted data on study design, healthcare facility characteristics, and inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts associated with WASH FIT. We summarized the findings using a logic model framework and narrative synthesis. Results: We included 31 studies in the review. Most inputs and activities were described qualitatively. Twenty-three studies reported quantitative outputs, primary WASH FIT indicator scores, and personnel trained on WASH FIT. Nine studies reported longitudinal data demonstrating changes in these outputs throughout WASH FIT implementation. Six studies reported quantitative outcomes measurements; the remainder described outcomes qualitatively or not at all. Common outcomes included allocated funding for environmental health services, community engagement, and government collaboration, changes in knowledge, attitudes, or practices among healthcare staff, patients, or community members, and policy changes. No studies directly measured impacts or evaluated WASH FIT against a rigorous control group. Conclusions: Available evidence is insufficient to evaluate WASH FIT's effects on outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Further effort is needed to comprehensively identify the inputs and activities required to implement WASH FIT and to draw specific links between changes in outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Short-term opportunities exist to improve evidence by more comprehensive reporting of WASH FIT assessments and exploiting data on health impacts within health management information systems. In the long term, we recommend experimental studies. This evidence is important to ensure that funding invested for WASH FIT implementation is used cost-effectively and that opportunities to adapt and refine WASH FIT are fully realized as it continues to grow in use and influence.

Mozambique public investment in the water and sanitation sector and the targets of SDG6.

Many developing countries may not reach the targets of providing access to safe water sources and sanitation services for all by 2030. Census data from Mozambique show that the country's population is one of fastest growing in the Sub-Saharan region. Between the 2007 and 2017 censuses more than seven million people were added to the total population. By 2030 about 11 million people will be added to Mozambique's population. This will pose a huge challenge for the water and sanitation services. Access to these services is a fundamental requirement for the wellbeing of individuals and the development of nations. The last data from a Survey on Mozambique Family Budgets (IOF 2019/20), show that 55.7% of a total population has access to safe water sources. In contrast, access to sanitation services (31% of the population), has not kept pace with the progress made in water access. In this study, based on data from the General State Account of Mozambique, which includes the description of the annual investment made by the government and using the results of the Family Budget Surveys, it can be seen that if the average percentage values of public investment of 2009 to 2021 are the same in the following years as regards the water and sanitation sector, Mozambique will not reach the Sustainable Development Goals 6 targets in 2030.

Conversion of seaweed waste to biochar for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution: A sustainable method to address eutrophication problem in water bodies.

The present study investigated the sustainable approach for wastewater treatment using waste algal blooms. The current study investigated the removal of toxic metals namely chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) from aqueous solutions in batch and column studies using biochar produced by the marine algae Ulva reticulata. SEM/EDX, FTIR, and XRD were used to examine the adsorbents' properties and stability. The removal efficiency of toxic metals in batch operations was investigated by varying the parameters, which included pH, biochar dose, initial metal ion concentration, and contact time. Similarly, in the column study, the removal efficiency of heavy metal ions was investigated by varying bed height, flow rate, and initial metal ion concentration. Response Surface Methodology (Central Composite Design (CCD)) was used to confirm the linearity between the observed and estimated values of the adsorption quantity. The packed bed column demonstrated successful removal rates of 90.38% for Cr, 91.23% for Ni, and 89.92% for Zn heavy metals from aqueous solutions, under a controlled environment. The breakthrough analysis also shows that the Thomas and Adams-Bohart models best fit the regression values, allowing prior breakthroughs in the packed bed column to be predicted. Desorption studies were conducted to understand sorption and elution during different regeneration cycles. Adding 0.3 N sulfuric acid over 40 min resulted in the highest desorption rate of the column and adsorbent used for all three metal ions.

Efficient adsorption of chloroquine phosphate by a novel sodium alginate/tannic acid double-network hydrogel in a wide pH range.

In this work, a novel double-network composite hydrogel (SA/TA), composed of sodium alginate (SA) and tannic acid (TA), was designed and fabricated by a successive cross-linking method using Ti(IV) and Ca(II) as crosslinkers. SA/TA exhibited reinforced mechanical strength and anti-swelling properties because of the double-network structure. SA/TA was used as an adsorbent for removal of a popular antiviral drug, chloroquine phosphate (CQ), in water. The adsorption performance of SA/TA was systematically investigated, to study various effects including those of TA mass content, solution pH, adsorption time, and initial CQ concentration. Adsorption was also examined in presence of inorganic and organic coexisting substances commonly found in wastewater, and under different actual water samples. Batch experimental results indicated that SA/TA could maintain higher and more stable CQ uptakes within a wide solution pH range from 3.0 to 10.0, compared to its precursor, SA hydrogel, owing to the addition of TA-Ti(IV) coordination network. The maximum experimental CQ uptake exhibited by the 1:1 (by wt) SA/TA (SA/TA2) was as high as 0.699 mmol/g at the initial pH of 9.0. A high concentration of coexisting NaCl evidently reduced the CQ uptakes of SA/TA2 due to the electrostatic shielding effect, moreover, divalent cations including Ca(II) and Mg(II) also inhibited the adsorption of CQ due to competitive adsorption. However, humic acid had little effect on this adsorption. Considering the apparent adsorption performance, the aforementioned effects of various factors and the spectroscopic characterizations, multi-interactions are suggested for adsorption including chelation, electrostatic interactions, π-π electron donor-acceptor interaction and hydrogen bonding. SA/TA showed a slight loss in adsorption capacity toward CQ and sustained physicochemical structural stability, even after six adsorption-desorption cycles. In addition to CQ, SA/TA could be efficiently used for adsorption of two other antivirus drugs, namely, hydroxychloroquine sulfate and oseltamivir phosphate. This work provides an effective strategy for the design and fabrication of novel adsorbents that can effectively adsorb antiviral drugs over a wide pH range.

Geographical Origin, WASH Access, and Clinical Descriptions for Patients Admitted to a Cholera Treatment Center in Northwest Syria between October and December 2022.

Background On September 10, 2022, a cholera outbreak was declared in Syria for the first time in over a decade of protracted conflict. As of May 20, 2023, 132,782 suspected cases had been reported, primarily in northwest and northeast Syria. We aim to provide a detailed description of water sources and clinical status of a patient cohort seen at a cholera treatment center (CTC) in northwest Syria. Methods We retrospectively identified patients with confirmed cholera who presented to the CTC in Idlib governorate between October 8 and December 18, 2022. Data were obtained from clinical case records and analyzed in R v4.0.4. Results Ninety-four patients (55.3% men) were treated at the CTC. Thirty-five patients were severely dehydrated (Plan C treatment), 54 had some dehydration (Plan B), and 5 had no dehydration (Plan A). Most patients were between 11 and 20 years old ( n = 25, 26.6%) or 31 and 40 years old ( n = 19, 20.2%). Note that 70.2% ( n = 66) of patients were seen in November 2022 and most were from Harim district ( n = 44, 46.8%). Public wells ( n = 46, 48.9%) and water trucking ( n = 41, 43.6%) were the most commonly used water sources. Note that 76.6% ( n = 72) did not have access to chlorine-treated water. Forty-seven patients (50%) had more than five water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related cholera risk factors. Following treatment, six patients were transferred to another treatment center, three died (case fatality rate: 3.2%), and the remainder were discharged. Conclusion Most patients reported WASH-related risk factors for cholera, reflecting the poor state of WASH in northwest Syria after over a decade of conflict. This relates to the direct and indirect impacts of urban and periurban violence as well as the underfunded humanitarian response. Strengthening WASH and health promotion are important components to control the outbreak.

Effluent toxicity study using biomarkers for ciprofloxacin photoelectrocatalytic degradation by bismuth-doped titanium dioxide nanotubes.

Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIP) is a broad-spectrum synthetic antibiotic often found in domestic sewage and industrial waste due to the inefficiency of conventional treatments. Given the potential risk of drug accumulation, this study presents coatings of titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2) doped with different bismuth (Bi) concentrations to degrade CIP through photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processes. Characterization studies revealed that bismuth (Bi) doping affected the morphology of the materials, with concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05 mol L-1, resulting in collapsed materials with a smaller active surface area. Photocatalysis tests for all the materials exhibited a similar degree of efficiency to photolysis, approximately 33%. Ecotoxicity tests using the biomarkers Lactuca sativa L., Lemna minor, and Artemia salina indicated that, although they were similar to photolysis in terms of efficiency, the effluents generated when employing the doped catalysts showed lower levels of toxicity, with the best results achieved for the material doped with 0.005 mol L-1 of Bi, with a toxicity level approximately 40% lower. Photoelectrocatalysis proved to be the most efficient CIP degradation technique. The highest degradation rate was observed for materials doped with 0.005 mol L-1 of Bi, with an efficiency of 46%, which is 1.4 times more efficient than photolysis. These results demonstrate that materials doped with low amounts of Bi can be effectively used as photoanodes for drug degradation, as their performance is superior, and the final product generated exhibits low toxicity to living organisms.

Machine learning based prediction and experimental validation of arsenite and arsenate sorption on biochars.

Arsenic (As) contamination in water is a significant environmental concern with profound implications for human health. Accurate prediction of the adsorption capacity of arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)] on biochar is vital for the reclamation and recycling of polluted water resources. However, comprehending the intricate mechanisms that govern arsenic accumulation on biochar remains a formidable challenge. Data from the literature on As adsorption to biochar was compiled and fed into machine learning (ML) based modelling algorithms, including AdaBoost, LGBoost, and XGBoost, in order to build models to predict the adsorption efficiency of As(III) and As(V) to biochar, based on the compositional and structural properties. The XGBoost model showed superior accuracy and performance for prediction of As adsorption efficiency (for As(III): coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.93 and root mean square error (RMSE) = 1.29; for As(V), R2 = 0.99, RMSE = 0.62). The initial concentrations of As(III) and As(V) as well as the dosage of the adsorbent were the most significant factors influencing adsorption, explaining 48 % and 66 % of the variability for As(III) and As(V), respectively. The structural properties and composition of the biochar explained 12 % and 40 %, respectively, of the variability of As(III) adsorption, and 13 % and 21 % of that of As(V). The XGBoost models were validated using experimental data. R2 values were 0.9 and 0.84, and RMSE values 6.5 and 8.90 for As(III) and As(V), respectively. The ML approach can be a valuable tool for improving the treatment of inorganic As in aqueous environments as it can help estimate the optimal adsorption conditions of As in biochar-amended water, and serve as an early warning for As-contaminated water.

Diarrheal disease and associations with water access and sanitation in Indigenous Shawi children along the Armanayacu River basin in Peru.

INTRODUCTION: Diarrheal disease, particularly in children under 5 years old, remains a global health challenge due to its high prevalence and chronic health consequences. Public health interventions that reduce diarrheal disease risk include improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. Although Peru achieved the 2015 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) indicators for water access, less progress was achieved on sanitation. Furthermore, many Indigenous Peoples were overlooked in the MDG indicators, resulting in a prioritization of Indigenous Peoples in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of childhood diarrhea, characterize access to water and sanitation, and determine the association of childhood diarrhea with water access and sanitation indicators in 10 Shawi Indigenous communities along the Armanayacu River in the Peruvian Amazon. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey (n=82) that captured data on diarrheal disease, sociodemographic variables, and water and sanitation exposures was conducted in 10 Shawi communities. Nutritional status of children under 5 was also assessed via physical examination. Descriptive and comparative statistics were conducted. RESULTS: A small proportion (n=7; 8.54%) of participating children reported an episode of diarrhea in the previous month. Almost half (46.30%) of participating children had stunting, wasting, or both. Although not statistically significant, children living in households that used latrines were 4.29 times (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-18.19) more likely to report an episode of diarrhea than children living in households that practiced open defecation. Although not statistically significant, children living in households that used water treatment methods were 4.25 times (95%CI 0.54-33.71) more likely to report an episode of diarrhea than children living in households that did not. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of childhood diarrhea was lower for Shawi than for other Amazon areas. The higher prevalence of childhood diarrhea in households that used latrines and water treatments warrants further investigation into local risk and protective factors. These Shawi communities scored low for the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme indicators for water and sanitation, indicating that they should be prioritized in future water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives. Research will be required to understand and incorporate local Indigenous values and cultural practices into water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives to maximize intervention uptake and effectiveness.

The Status of School Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Progress Towards Achieving the SDG 6.

Background: The provision of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and services for schools is vital to students' health, development, and educational performance. However, school WASH coverage in developing countries remains low. This study aimed to assess the adequacy of WASH services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A school-based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2020 in 98 schools. A multistage sampling technique was used to select schools included in the study. Data were collected using observational checklists and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. We entered the data into EPI Info version 7.2.2.6 and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Logistic regression was used to examine the associated factors with school WASH services. Results: The basic school water, sanitation, and hygiene services were found to be 65.3%, 31.6%, and 36.7%, respectively. The facility-to-student ratio was 1:48 for drinking water point, 1:59 for toilet stance, and 1:147 for handwashing point. The analysis of facilities access by sex revealed that the toilet to student ratio was 1:68 for females and 1:49 for males, whereas the handwashing point-to-student ratio was 1:179 for females and 1:114 for males, indicating disparities in facilities access by sex. The non-functionality rates for drinking water, toilets, and handwashing facilities were 22.5%, 8%, and 19.5%, respectively. School ownership was significantly associated with the availability of basic water services [COR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.466-14.426] and basic sanitation services [COR = 15, 95% CI: 3.27-68.28]. Moreover, the results demonstrate training on WASH [COR = 5, 95% CI: 1.087-23.018] and teaching programs on WASH [COR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.056-0.810] were significantly associated with basic hygiene services. Conclusions: The provision of WASH facilities and services in schools was inadequate and not on track to meet the targets of SDG 6. Training, WASH education program, and stakeholder commitment and cooperation at all levels are required to achieve the goal.

Towards cholera elimination in Zanzibar: analysis of evidences on what have worked.

Cholera, an enteric disease caused by Vibrio cholera claims thousands of lives yearly. The disease is a disease of inequality that affect populations which have poor access to safe water and sanitation facilities. Zanzibar, an archipelago in the Indian ocean which is part of the United Republic of Tanzania has been affected by recurrent cholera outbreak for the past decades. A multi-sectoral and multi-year three pillar approach namely Enabling Environment, Prevention and Response, for the elimination of cholera were initiated by the stewardship of the government, engagement of the community and technical and financial support of partners. The approach has enabled Zanzibar to interrupt the recurrent cholera outbreak for the past five years. The analysis of evidences have proven that creating an enabling environment through multi-sectoral involvement, mobilizing communities, intensifying surveillance complemented by the traditional disease prevention and control interventions has resulted to interruption of cholera transmission in the country.

Enhancing chromium removal and recovery from industrial wastewater using sustainable and efficient nanomaterial: A review.

Water contamination can be detrimental to the human health due to higher concentration of carcinogenic heavy metals such as chromium (Cr) in the wastewater. Many traditional methods are being employed in wastewater treatment plants for Cr removal to control the environmental impacts. Such methods include ion exchange, coagulation, membrane filtration, and chemical precipitation and microbial degradation. Recent advances in materials science and green chemistry have led to the development of nanomaterial that possess high specific surface areas and multiple functions, making them suitable for removing metals such as Cr from wastewater. Literature shows that the most efficient, effective, clean, and long-lasting approach for removing heavy metals from wastewater involves adsorbing heavy metals onto the surface of nanomaterial. This review assesses the removal methods of Cr from wastewater, advantages and disadvantages of using nanomaterial to remove Cr from wastewater and potential negative impacts on human health. The latest trends and developments in Cr removal strategies using nanomaterial adsorption are also explored in the present review.

Elution and disinfection of silver and zinc nanoparticles in co-fired ceramic water filters.

Ceramic water filters (CWFs) are decentralized water treatment technologies commonly used in resource-restricted geographies. Inclusion of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) assists with disinfection but can substantially increase costs. This research investigates AgNP supplementation with zinc oxide (ZnO) as a low-cost bactericide alternative. CWF disks were impregnated with varying AgNP and/or ZnO concentrations and challenged against Escherichia coli. Effluent bacteria were enumerated and monitored over 72 h while eluted metal concentrations were measured and scaled according to surface area to establish 'pot-equivalent' estimates (0-50 ppb Ag and 0-1200 ppb Zn). Ag addition correlated to subsequent measured release values, though Zn impregnation did not. Background Zn was thus evidently present. Meanwhile, the eluted metal concentration related to disinfection: a CWF with a pot-equivalent elution estimate of 2 ppb Ag and 156 ppb Zn achieved a Log Removal Value (LRV) of 2.0 after 60 min of filtration and 1.9 after 24 h of storage while a CWF with a pot-equivalent elution estimate of 20 ppb Ag and 376 ppb Zn achieved LRVs of 3.1 and 4.5 after the same filtration and storage times, respectively. Clay elemental composition may therefore impact filter performance more than previously considered This trend was further confirmed by batch experiments with Ag and Zn in concentrations of 0-20 ppb Ag and 0-800 ppb Zn, respectively: bacterial regrowth was only observed when Ag and Zn were each below 5 ppb and 160 ppb while 1 ppb Ag and 800 ppb Zn maintained complete disinfection for 72 h. Increased Zn concentrations thus reduced Ag required to maintain disinfection over time. Overall, it is recommended to include Zn with Ag for CWF to improve short-term and long-term disinfection efficacy and associated water safety.

Removal of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid from wastewater using heterogeneous photocatalysis.

Due to its high solubility in water, a large amount of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid persisting in the soil of treated crops enters surface water or groundwater. The aim of this study was to investigate the photocatalytic degradation of acetamiprid in an aqueous medium. The experiments were carried out in an annular suspension reactor operating in recirculated batch mode and using a UV-A lamp as the radiation source. An appropriate modification of the commercial TiO2-P25 photocatalyst was carried out to reduce its band gap energy and electron-hole recombination as well as to extend the visible light range of TiO2. The photodegradation study was carried out using a three-factor two-stage Box-Behnken experimental design to investigate the main effects and interactions between the operating variables, such as solution pH, initial concentration of acetamiprid, and amount of photocatalyst. The efficiency of the processes was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The first-order pseudo-reaction kinetic model, as a simplification of the models of Langmuir-Hinshelwood under conditions of relatively low acetamiprid concentration, was applied and the reaction rate constants were estimated. The results of the study showed that the initial concentration of the pollutant was the most influential factor for the photocatalytic degradation process. Using ANOVA analysis, a linear model was established to predict the system behaviour at different operating conditions. The highest conversion and rate constant of acetamiprid degradation were recorded in the experiment with the lowest tested concentration of acetamiprid (2 mg/L), the average concentration of photocatalyst (60 mg) and at pH 8.

Maximise your impact: Sustainable Development Goals-Focussed content in communication intervention and teaching.

PURPOSE: Communication specialists strive to develop communication skills of students and clients using evidence-based practices. There is limited discussion of the topic content of speech-language pathology interventions and language education strategies that act as the vehicle to deliver intervention/education. In this commentary we demonstrate ways materials based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs; United Nations, 2015) can be integrated into daily practices when working with people with communication disability and people acquiring additional languages. RESULT: Examples are provided as to how any or all SDGs can be used as the content base within speech-language pathology interventions and language education. A number of situations are presented illustrating SDG-focussed content across diverse settings. CONCLUSION: This commentary paper focusses on how content from all 17 SDGS that can be embedded into speech-language pathology and language education services to enhance the speech, language, and literacy skills and SDG knowledge of both children and adults. In addition, educational and therapy resource developers are called to rise to the challenge of creating materials based on the SDGs.