Water & Health
According to Ke, the compound could be used in a
manner similar to applying salt to contaminated water.
Since it is lighter than water, the material floats to adsorb
iodine and then sinks as it becomes heavier. After taking
on the iodine, the compound can be collected, cleaned and
reused while the radioactive elements are sent for storage.
The lab research used non-radioactive iodine in salted
water for the experiment, but researchers say that it will
also work in real-world conditions. Ke and his team hope
that through continued testing the material will prove
to be effective against cesium and other radioactive
contaminants associated with nuclear plants.
“It would be ideal to scrub more radioactive species
other than iodine -- you would want to scrub all of the
radioactive material in one go,” said Ke.
Researchers at Dartmouth’s Ke Functional Materials
Group are also hopeful that the technique can be used
to create materials to target other types of inorganic
and organic pollutants, particularly antibiotics in water
supplies that can lead to the creation of super-resistant
microorganisms.
Source: Dartmouth College.
Human Health and Contaminated Water
Naturally sources of contamination
The first step to protect your health and the health of your
family is learning about what may impact the quality of
your source of drinking water.
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•
Microorganisms are bacteria, viruses, and parasites
sometimes found in water. Shallow wells are
at greater risk of contamination. Runoff, or
water flowing over the land surface, may pick up
contaminants from wildlife and soils. This is often
the case after a flood. These organisms can cause a
variety of illnesses.
Radionuclides are radioactive elements such as
uranium and radium. They may be present in
underlying rock and ground water. Radon is a gas
that is a natural product of the breakdown of
uranium in the soil and can also pose a threat.
Naturally-occurring heavy metals include:
o
o
o
o
o Arsenic
Cadmium
Chromium
Lead
Selenium
• Fluoride: High levels of fluoride occur naturally
in some areas and can contaminate private wells.
Fluoride is helpful in preventing tooth decay;
however, excessive consumption of fluoride can
damage bone tissue. Too much fluoride can also
cause tooth discoloration in young children.
Contamination from human activity
Radon is most dangerous when inhaled and
contributes to lung cancer. Although soil is the
primary source, using household water containing
radon contributes to elevated indoor radon levels.
Radon is less dangerous when consumed in water,
but remains a risk to health.
• Nitrates and nitrites are inorganic compounds.
Usually from human activities, they may also be
found naturally in ground water. They come from
the breakdown of nitrogen compounds (such as
fertilizers) in the soil. High levels of nitrates and
nitrites in drinking water have a more significant
health impact on fomula-fed infants.
• Heavy metals occur naturally in underground
rocks and soils. Heavy metals from natural sources
may be a concern in some areas, but are not often
found in household wells at dangerous levels.
Septic tanks are designed to have a “leach field” around them — an area
where wastewater flows out of the tank. This wastewater can also move into
the ground water.
Africa Water, Sanitation & Hygiene • July - August 2017
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