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Sunday, December 22, 2024
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New AI Systems Increase Efficiency in Identifying Contaminants

By
Nate Talley
-
Engineer with Ai

The escalation of pharmaceutical consumption globally has led to an increasing presence of trace substances in sewage and wastewater treatment plants. These substances, often remnants from metabolized pharmaceuticals, pose significant challenges due to their potential harmful effects on both environmental and human health. A groundbreaking approach by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and predict the behavior of these emerging contaminants. 

The KIST team’s innovative use of AI represents a significant leap forward in the water treatment sector’s ability to manage and mitigate pharmaceutical contaminants. By employing self-organizing maps, a form of AI that clusters data based on similarities, researchers can now classify known trace substances, such as medicinal compounds caffeine, and even illicit drugs, by their physicochemical properties. This method not only streamlines the identification process but also enables the prediction of how these substances behave in water sources. 

Further enhancing this AI application, the KIST research team utilized random forests, another machine learning technique, to predict the properties and concentration changes of new trace substances with remarkable accuracy. This predictive model far surpasses the capabilities of traditional AI techniques, offering a precision level of about 0.75 compared to the previous 0.40. This advancement allows for a more efficient understanding of how new contaminants might affect wastewater treatment processes. 

Traditional methods of analyzing trace substances in wastewater are not only time-consuming and costly but also require extensive expert knowledge. The AI model developed by KIST, however, offers a data-driven alternative that efficiently predicts the concentration changes of new trace substances based on their physicochemical properties. This approach represents a significant improvement in both speed and accuracy over conventional prediction methods. 

The potential applications of this AI model extend beyond laboratory research. Water treatment facilities dealing with emerging contaminants can benefit from this technology, enabling them to quickly adapt treatment processes in response to new threats. Moreover, this model can aid in the formulation of regulations and policies by providing rapid, accurate data on the behavior of pharmaceutical contaminants. 

The integration of AI into the identification and prediction of pharmaceutical contaminants in wastewater signals a new era in water treatment technology. As this model continues to evolve, its increasing accuracy—bolstered by the accumulation of relevant data—will offer water treatment professionals a powerful tool in safeguarding environmental and public health. The work of Dr. Seokwon Hong, Dr. Moon Son, and their team at KIST not only highlights the potential of AI in environmental management but also paves the way for future advancements in water treatment efficiency and safety.  

Resources: EPA, Environmental Chemistry Branch EPA, PHYS ORG

More Trouble for Jackson’s Water Supply

By
Nate Talley
-
E.coli Water Contamination

The city of Jackson, Mississippi, finds itself grappling with yet another water crisis. Following last year’s significant water supply challenges and a crisis that made national news in August of 2022, the recent boil water notice issued for the city and surrounding areas has reignited concerns over the reliability of its water infrastructure. City officials say that they are doing everything in their power and making improvements, however some residents are still wary.  

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) issued a citywide boil water notice for Jackson on Thursday after E. coli was detected in two water samples submitted by JXN Water, Jackson’s third-party water manager. This notice coincided with a similar advisory for Flowood, raising questions about the water quality in the region. The Health Department’s decision was met with criticism from JXN Water’s Ted Henifin, who questioned the validity of the results and criticized the MSDH for not confirming the results before public announcement, as allowed under federal guidelines through the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Henifin, during a press conference, argued against the likelihood of both Jackson and Flowood having E. coli contamination simultaneously and suggested the results could be false positives. In response, MSDH maintained confidence in the test results’ validity. However, the boil water notice for Jackson was lifted swiftly, diverging from the usual protocol that typically requires two consecutive days of clean samples. MSDH officials affirmed their stance behind the initial test results, citing a history of E. coli instances in Jackson’s water system since 2003. This quick reversal in decision-making contrasts starkly with last year’s prolonged water crisis, reflecting ongoing challenges in managing Jackson’s water safety effectively. 

The lifting of the citywide notice did not mark a complete resolution, as Jackson still faces active boil water notices due to loss of pressure in certain areas, affecting hundreds of customers. These ongoing issues are a stark reminder of the fragility of Jackson’s water infrastructure, which has been a point of contention and difficulty for years. In preparation for the ongoing cold weather JXN Water has been proactively upgrading the city’s water treatment facilities after a severe failure last winter. These upgrades, including covering and insulating the facilities, are direct responses to the December 2022 water shutdown, when exposed equipment failed amid freezing temperatures, leading to a significant drop in water pressure throughout Jackson. 

Jackson’s officials, including Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, are also advising residents to take preventive measures at home, like letting faucets drip and opening cabinets to prevent pipe freezing. The city is preparing for potential snow and icy conditions by cautioning residents to stay home and by setting up a temporary shelter for those in need. The recent boil water notice in Jackson, coming on the heels of last year’s prolonged water crisis, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the city in ensuring a reliable and safe water supply. While the quick resolution of the recent notice shows an improvement in response, the underlying issues of aging infrastructure and vulnerability to extreme weather conditions remain pressing concerns.  

SOURCES: Mississippi Today, WAPT, MSDH MS

Modern Contaminants Require Modern Solutions

By
Nate Talley
-
Water Sample

Pharmaceuticals, personal care products, microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become the new frontier of contaminants that traditional treatment methods often fail to fully address, and the detection and removal of these substances are paramount for protecting public health and preserving environmental integrity. 

Emerging contaminants, which include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, microplastics, and PFAS, are often found in trace amounts in water sources. Pharmaceuticals enter waterways through human excretion and improper disposal, while personal care products wash off into sewage systems. Microplastics, derived from the breakdown of larger plastic items and products like cosmetics, pose a significant challenge due to their minute size. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence, are used in a variety of industrial and consumer products and have been linked to numerous health issues. 

Traditional water treatment systems, designed to handle well-known pollutants like pathogens and heavy metals, often struggle to effectively remove these complex and resilient contaminants. Pharmaceuticals, with their intricate molecular structures, and microplastics, with their tiny size, often bypass standard treatment processes. PFAS compounds, resistant to heat, water, and oil, present a particular challenge due to their chemical stability and persistence. 

The role of enhanced analytical techniques in water treatment has become increasingly significant, especially in the context of emerging contaminants. Advanced methods, such as mass spectrometry, are now pivotal in the accurate identification and quantification of these contaminants, including PFAS, in water sources. These sophisticated techniques offer a higher degree of sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional testing methods, enabling water treatment professionals to detect even trace amounts of harmful substances and make informed decisions about treatment processes. 

Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) are gaining traction as a promising solution for degrading complex organic compounds commonly found in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. These processes, which include techniques like ozonation and photocatalysis, involve the generation of highly reactive species capable of breaking down pollutants into simpler, less harmful compounds. AOPs are particularly effective against contaminants that are resistant to conventional treatment methods, making them a valuable tool in the modern water treatment arsenal. 

In the realm of emerging contaminants, membrane technology has emerged as a key player. Techniques such as nanofiltration and reverse osmosis are proving effective in addressing challenges posed by microplastics and PFAS. These membrane-based methods work by filtering out these minute particles and significantly reducing the concentrations of PFAS in water. Their ability to provide a physical barrier and selectively remove contaminants from water makes them an essential component of advanced water treatment processes, especially in scenarios where traditional filtration methods fall short. 

The regulatory landscape for emerging contaminants like PFAS is still evolving. There is a pressing need for comprehensive guidelines and standards that reflect the latest scientific understanding of these contaminants and their potential health impacts. The presence of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, microplastics, and PFAS in water sources is a growing concern that requires immediate and innovative responses. Advancements in detection methods and treatment technologies are essential in tackling these challenges. Equally important is the development of regulatory frameworks that address these contaminants effectively. For water treatment professionals, staying informed and adaptable is crucial in this evolving landscape, where safeguarding public health and the environment is of paramount importance. 

Staffing Shortages During Emergencies: A Crisis for Water Treatment Professionals 

By
Nate Talley
-
Water Emergency

In the world of water treatment, maintaining a consistent and trained staff is crucial. Clean water is a fundamental necessity for health, safety, and economic well-being. However, when emergencies strike and staffing levels are already strained, the consequences can be dire. For example, in 2022, water treatment plants in Jackson were facing severe staffing challenges, prompting local officials to implement emergency measures. The city had to approve the hiring of contract workers from Los Angeles-based WaterTalent LLC to supplement the workforce at the O.B. Curtis and J.H. Fewell treatment plants, tanks, and well facilities. 

When there is a lack of staffing at water treatment facilities, several challenges arise: overworked staff, delayed maintenance, and increased risk of contamination, to name a few. With fewer hands on deck, there is also a higher likelihood of oversights, which can lead to contamination and public health risks. Also, emergencies, whether they are natural disasters like floods or hurricanes or human-made crises, exacerbate staffing challenges. 

Possible Solutions 

While the challenges are significant, several strategies can be employed to mitigate staffing shortages, especially during emergencies: 

  1. Cross-Training: Training staff in multiple roles ensures that, in times of shortages, personnel can perform a variety of tasks, ensuring that essential functions are not neglected. 
  2. Temporary Staffing Agencies: Contracting with agencies that specialize in water treatment professionals can provide a quick boost in staffing during critical times. 
  3. Remote Monitoring: Implementing technology that allows for remote monitoring and control can ease the need for on-site staff. 
  4. Community Partnerships: Collaborating with neighboring municipalities or private entities can provide mutual aid in times of need. 
  5. Emergency Protocols: Having a clear, regularly updated, and rehearsed emergency plan ensures that, when a crisis hits, the team knows how to respond swiftly and effectively. 

While the importance of water treatment professionals cannot be overstated, neither can the challenges they face, especially during emergencies compounded by staffing shortages. As our reliance on clean, safe water remains paramount, so does the need for investment in the professionals and systems that ensure its consistent delivery. With strategic planning and a focus on both immediate and long-term solutions, municipalities can navigate these challenges and ensure the health and safety of their communities. 

Sources: AP News

Drinking Water Contamination Incidents: Is Your PR Team Ready?

By
Desirée Sykes
-
City Water Contamination

Most water treatment professionals are used to the day-to-day analysis of water and maintenance that comes with the job. Howbeit, not all are prepared for a drinking water contamination incident such as E.coli. Is your team ready to respond when an emergency strikes?

Unfortunately, this topic hits close to home for me. As a resident of Tyler and customer of TWU, I was quick to learn about a boil notice issued by the City of Tyler for E.coli contamination, and of course, was mildly horrified. The boil notice didn’t last long, though; the city lifted it the following day at 11 am. After talking with other residents and customers of TWU, to my surprise, this was not the first time the city has had water quality issues. Feeling concerned, I reached out to the City and asked if it was normal after E.coli detection in a water sample to only have a 24-hour boil notice for customers?

The City of Tyler released this statement:

“It is not normal for us to have a water sample test positive for E.coli.  We take dozens of samples everyday at various points around the City. Those samples got to the North East Texas Public Heath Regional Laboratory in Tyler to be tested according to TCEQ requirements.  

The boil water notice had to be issued  as the result of a single routine sample site tested showing the presence of e. coli, followed by a repeat sample at the same site in Central Tyler showing the presence of total coliform. E. coli was only found in one sample site out of many tested.   

Tyler water meets and exceeds all State and Federal standards. Our water system is safe.”

Famed environmental activist, Erin Brockovich, has long expressed concerns over the safety of the city’s water. In 2015, responding to another TWU water contamination incident, she posted on Facebook that the City was downplaying the incident. City officials were quick to respond to her post, “Our drinking water is the No. 1 priority of this department,” Assistant City Manager Susan Guthrie said. “We followed exactly what TCEQ requires us to do.”

No matter your opinion on the safety of Tyler’s water, the fact remains that the city was quick to respond in both situations. When disaster strikes, water facilities need to be prepared to react assuredly and quickly to ease customers’ minds. To avoid being caught unprepared, the EPA offers this guidance on how to react in situations like these. The City of Tyler followed the guidance of The Distribution System Contamination Response Procedure (DSCRP) outlined by the EPA, does your facility have a plan in place to do the same?

Sources: EPA.gov, City of Tyler, Tyler Morning Telegraph

Something’s Rotten in the State of California

By
Nate Talley
-
Tijuana Sewage Crisis

Over the last few years in the heart of the United States-Mexico border region, an international crisis has been steadily gaining momentum, casting a shadow of concern over communities on both sides. The Tijuana River sewage crisis has thrust water treatment professionals into a pivotal role in safeguarding public health and the environment. 

For years, the Tijuana River Valley has grappled with sewage pollution. However, recent developments have elevated this issue into a full-blown crisis. Last Tuesday, California Senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein called on the senate to fund the river’s clean up in an upcoming emergency funding bill, which includes $4 Billion for border issues, as well as $24 Billion for Ukraine and 12 billion for FEMA.

As Tijuana’s population grows, its aging water treatment infrastructure simply cannot keep up with the trash and sewage, as well as heavy rainfall events that can overwhelm the system. Contaminated waters from the Tijuana River flow from Mexico into the United States, affecting San Diego County in California. The sewage pollution in the Tijuana River brings with it an array of health risks. Exposure to harmful. pathogens, toxins, and pollutants in these contaminated waters can lead to a variety of health issues, particularly for those residing near the affected areas. This crisis not only jeopardizes the well-being of residents, but also poses a grave threat to coastal ecosystems, including delicate estuaries and the vast Pacific Ocean. 

Governor of California Gavin Newsom has also asked President Joe Biden to free up $300 million of the estimated $650 million it will take to solve the problem; however, he stopped short of declaring an official emergency. “I want to thank President Biden, U.S. EPA, and the IBWC for their commitment to move this critical project forward on expedited timelines. This has been an issue that San Diego communities have dealt with for far too long. It’s an important step forward that the work on this critical project will finally begin.” Newsom said in a Press Release Friday. 

Sources: CA.gov, The San Diego Union-Tribune

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