Drinking Water - Other Toxicological Studies

Real-time monitoring of bacteria at water treatment works and in downstream networks

Reference: 21/DW/02/99
ISBN: 978-1-84057-924-6
Published Date: 27/10/2021

The project reviewed current real-time bacteriological monitoring technologies through the literature, research, laboratory and field trials that have recently been carried out, or were in progress, alongside capturing practical experience gained from those using the technologies. The report provides a broad view of the technologies currently available and promising future technologies that are in development. Note that the project focused on bacteria and bacteriological indicators, not other organisms of concern like viruses or protozoa.

Consolidating the information gathered with research into sensor performance, a decision framework was synthesised to guide sensor choice, placement and overall development of a distribution network real-time monitoring system. Gaps in the available technology to were identified.

COLIPHAGES AS INDICATORS OF THE SANITARY SIGNIFICANCE OF DRINKING WATER

Reference: 21/DW/02/98
ISBN: 978-1-84057-918-5
Published Date: 15/09/2021

The requirement for improving managing the virological safety of drinking water has prompted renewed interest in the potential application of coliphages for assessing the risks posed by human enteric viruses. Coliphages are a diverse group of viruses that share the ability to infect the faecal indicator bacterium, E. coli and other closely related genera, and are shed in high numbers in faeces. This review was undertaken to examine their ability to indicate the virological quality of source waters and their potential to determine the virus elimination capacity of water treatment works.  Information is presented on various conventional and emerging methods for enumeration of coliphages. The report concludes by considering their suitability within the operational framework for monitoring drinking water quality.   

Treatment Chemicals as Sources of Contamination of Drinking Water

Reference: 96/DW/05/11
ISBN: 1 84057 057 1
Published Date: 17/04/2002

Over recent years, there has been concern over an apparent increase in the prevalence of male reproductive disorders, which may be associated with oestrogenic compounds in the environment. In order to assess the likelihood that oestrogenic compounds may be present in drinking water, a range of such compounds was exposed to water treatment processes under laboratory conditions. The compounds assessed were steroids and nonylphenols. These were exposed to chlorination, ozonation, coagulation and powdered activated carbon (PAC). This report presents the results of the laboratory study and provides an indication of the likely effects of water treatment on these compounds.