invited to be the guest editor, and to oversee the refereeing process and subsequent selection of timely, relevant and high quality papers highlighting particularly novel aspects concerned with sustainability issues in environmental studies. Contributions that have a significant impact on solving public health problems were particularly encouraged. It follows that major public health issues, su...

To assess water contamination and the relative effectiveness of three options for point-of-use water treatment in South India, we conducted a 6-month randomized, controlled intervention trial using chlorine, Moringa oleifera seeds, a closed valved container, and controls. One hundred twenty-six families participated. Approximately 70% of public drinking water sources had thermotolerant coliform...

Abstract Water treatment technologies have evolved over the past few centuries to protect public health from pathogens and chemicals. As more than a billion people on this earth have no access to potable water that is free of pathogens, technologies that are cost effective and suitable for developing countries must be considered. Sustainable operation of these treatment processes taking into co...

The corrosion inhibition efficiency of the vasaka leaf extract for protecting mild steel in potable water (neutral aqueous medium) was studied by weight loss, Open circuit potential monitoring and potentiometric polarization methods. The inhibition test was performed in potable water rather than deionized water because inhibitors are normally applied in neutral and industrial waters. The extrac...

Since 1990, more than 1.8 billion people have gained access to potable water and improved sanitation worldwide. Whilst this represents a vital step towards improving global health and well-being, accelerated population growth coupled with rapid urbanization has further strained existing water supplies. Whilst South Africa aims at spending 0.5% of its GDP on improving sanitation, additional fact...

Giardia and Cryptosporidium have emerged as waterborne pathogens of concern. Thirty-one water samples were collected from nine potable water treatment plants in Taiwan and investigated for the presence of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts. The immunofluorescence assay was used for the simultaneous detection of cysts and oocysts. The frequency of occurrence of cysts was 77.8% for Giardia...

Cryptosporidum can be transmitted via water that is contaminated with human or animal faeces. There have been a number of documented outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis attributed to potable water, well water, spring water and surface water. Several outbreaks have also been associated with contaminated recreational water in swimming pools. Cryptosporidium are a particular risk in swimming pools beca...

In many developing countries like India and Thailand and also developed countries like USA and Holland many studies were conducted, concerning slow sand filters as a means for water treatment that has many advantages that suit the abilities of these countries either economically or technically. These studies indicate that slow sand filters are markedly affected by the climatic conditions and th...

Water obtained from any source may contain impurities induced by erosion, dissolved minerals, dissolved gases and material produced from organic matter decomposing. If the amount of these substances exceed a certain limit, not only the water would not be potable, but the water containing the material will not be suitable to be used in most applications, or at least before treatment cannot be ap...