Microbial pollution in water bodies poses a significant health risk. Current monitoring methods, like turbidity measurements, have limitations. This review examines the origins and behavior of waterborne microorganisms, existing optical detection methods, and proposes new research avenues, particularly in light of increased heavy rainfall due to climate change.

This study investigated the effectiveness of various porous materials (birch bark, cork, glass wool, and polyurethane foam) in removing petroleum substances from water. Both static and dynamic methods were employed, using model water with different concentrations of petrol and diesel fuel. Results indicated that birch bark and glass wool consistently outperformed cork and polyurethane foam in reducing mineral oil index and n-alkane concentrations. The removal efficiency for n-alkanes was notably higher than that of the mineral oil index across all materials and methods tested.

This resource aids in selecting suitable water containers for various purposes. It details ideal container features, biofilm prevention, and compares common emergency water containers with their pros, cons, and cleaning methods.

This guide serves as a comprehensive manual for the operations and maintenance (O&M) of solar powered water systems (SPWS). It targets system operators, service providers, and technicians, offering practical checklists, protocols, and planning tools to ensure the long-term sustainability and reliability of SPWS. The publication emphasizes that many SPWS fail due to inadequate O&M, not poor design. By enhancing routine practices, assigning clear responsibilities, and professionalizing maintenance roles, the guide aims to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure uninterrupted access to safe water.

Pitahaya, guasimo, and nopal plant extracts effectively remove turbidity, color, chlorides, and nitrites from surface water. The combination of pitahaya and guasimo extracts even removed 100% of nitrites. These plants show potential for treating water for human consumption and industrial use.

This paper presents a low-cost system for real-time water quality monitoring using in-pipe sensors. It combines electrochemical and optical sensors to detect contaminants like E. coli and arsenic at low concentrations. The system is designed for large-scale deployment and provides valuable data to consumers, companies, and authorities, serving as an early warning system for contamination.

This review article compares various sustainable adsorbents for removing pollutants from water. It covers natural, carbon, waste, biomass, biopolymer, nanocomposite-based adsorbents, as well as metallic organic frameworks and other novel materials. The review discusses characterization, modification, adsorption capacities, isotherm models, kinetics, and the impact of factors like pH, temperature, and particle size. It also addresses adsorbent formulation, optimization, cost-effectiveness, thermodynamic parameters, regeneration, reusability, molecular modeling, and future perspectives.

Micropollutants are a growing concern in drinking water. This review evaluates biological treatment and bioaugmentation as potential solutions for their removal. It summarizes the occurrence of micropollutants in drinking water sources, discusses current treatment processes and their limitations, and critically examines the technical challenges and scientific considerations for implementing biological treatment in drinking water.

Plastic waste, particularly microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), poses a significant threat to the environment and human health. The COVID-19 pandemic further increased plastic production and waste. This review examines the sources, interactions, ecotoxicity, exposure routes, toxicity mechanisms, and detection methods for MPs and NPs, aiming to better understand their impact and find solutions to address this global issue.