It is now universally accepted that utilization of lead for domestic purposes and water distribution presents a major health hazard. The ancient Roman world was unaware of these risks. How far the gigantic network of lead pipes used in ancient Rome compromised public health in the city is unknown. Lead isotopes in sediments from the harbor of Imperial Rome register the presence of a strong anth...

The development of agriculture in Israel is strongly dependent upon the efficient use of irrigation water. Efficient use has led to a constant decrease in water consumption from an average of 8700 m/ha in 1951 to 5600 m/ha in 1990. In 1996, the Israeli farmer applies approximately 50% of the N and P2O5, and 65% of the K2O through fertigation. The Israeli experience is also applicable in China. ...

A cross-sectional study investigated risk factors associated with choices to drink bottled water and tap water in rural Saskatchewan. Of 7,500 anonymous postal questionnaires mailed out, 2,065 responses were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. Those who reported a water advisory (p < 0.001) or living in the area for £10 years (p = 0.01) were more likely to choose bottled water. Thos...

We show that a reduction in vertical mixing applied inside the Atlantic basin can drastically increase North Antlantic Deep Water (NADW) stability with respect to fresh water perturbations applied to the North Atlantic. This is contrary to the notion that the stability of the ocean’s thermohaline circulation simply scales with vertical mixing rates. An Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) revers...

Abstract: Water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) is a recently proposed management concept, which aims to support sustainable socio-economic development in a region or basin. However, the calculation of future WRCC is not well considered in most studies, because water resources and the socio-economic development mode for one area or city in the future are quite uncertain. This paper focused o...

Nitrate in surface (187 samples) and ground (126 samples) waters collected in Sardinia (Italy) shows a large range of concentrations: from <1 to 249 mg/L. The highest median value of nitrate occurs in groundwater samples, especially in shallow wells, and spring waters circulating in granite environments. In surface waters, nitrate generally increases as flow increases following intense precipit...

This section looks back to some ground-breaking contributions to public health, reproducing them in their original form and adding a commentary on their significance from a modern-day perspective. In this issue, Michael A Lennon reviews the first trial of a fluoridated public water supply. Extracts of the report of the trial by Francis A Arnold et al. in 1956 are reproduced below by permission ...