Improving Project Results Through Integration By Plan International USA

Slow progress on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), particularly sanitation, in developing countries is holding back progress on all other MDGs, according to researchers at the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Review Summit. Achieving the water and sanitation MDGs contributes an average 30 percent toward other MDGs such as girls’ education, maternal and child health, and gender empowerment. Addressing the causes of under 5 child mortality through maternal and child health interventions can be hindered if progress is not also made in the areas of access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. Hygiene promotion is the most cost effective health intervention according to the World Bank.

Link : https://www.planusa.org/docs/WASHMCH.pdf

Hogenakkal Water Supply and Fluorosis Mitigation Project

In India, development of water supply facilities has not been able to keep up with the increase in water usage due to the population growth, leading to a serious imbalance in the supply and demand of water. Also, excess dependency on groundwater forced by delays in the development of water supply facilities utilizing surface water has caused groundwater level depletion, resulting in such problems as contamination of fluoride, arsenic, and other harmful substances in groundwater. In India, the number of patients suffering from fluorosis due to drinking water contamination by fluoride is as high as 66 million. Prolonged consumption of groundwater containing more than the maximum fluoride level (1.5 mg/L) permitted under WHO guidelines has caused serious damage to people’s teeth, bones, internal organs as well as to unborn children. The 11th 5-Year Plan (April 2007–March 2012) by the Government of India, incorporates a “National Fluorosis Mitigation Programme” which deals with the fluoride issue on a national scale for the first time.

Link : http://www.cmie.com/kommon/bin/sr.php?kall=wclrdhtm&nvdt=20130611152704523&nvpc=099000000000&nvtype=TIDINGS

Impacts Of Groundwater Contamination With Fluoride And Arsenic: Affliction Severity, Medical Cost And Wage Loss In Some Villages Of India By Rajnarayan Indu , Sunderrajan Krishnan and Tushaar Shah

In India, high Fluoride concentrations in groundwater (greater than 1 mg/l – milligrams per litre) are widespread in the arid to semi-arid western states of Rajasthan and Gujarat and in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. A field research study conducted at 6 areas severely affected by Fluorosis shows that affordability of safer drinking water is related with higher income level and that the severity of Fluorosis affliction is higher for lower income levels. The cost incurred from medicines and loss of wages is a significant proportion of the earnings and has a general debilitating impact on the affected families. As compared with Fluorosis, the skin afflictions of Arsenicosis carry greater social stigma and incur higher costs on patients. In Nadia district in West Bengal, the impacts of Arsenic contamination are more severe with increasing age. Cumulatively over the entire afflicted population, both Fluoride and Arsenic contamination have a high cost on society and addressing the problem would require more attention from government agencies and society apart from individual awareness.

Link : http://irm.sagepub.com/content/3/1/69.full.pdf+html

Status Of Fluoride In Ground Water By Mr.A.Kulasekaran.,M.Sc.,M.A.,A.M.I.E. , Mr.P.Balakrishnan.,B.Sc.

 Fluoride is one of the critical chemical parameters, which influences the quality of ground water in most of the districts in Tamilnadu. The data for fluoride in ground water sources in Tamilandu is now available for the following programs: 

(i) Fluoride testing campaign in 11 districts of Tamilnadu (1994-1995) 

(ii) Periodical water quality monitoring for Observation wells (1991-1999) 

(iii) Testing of water samples for Hand Pump sources (12% coverage) (2000-2001) 

(iv) Testing of water samples for Power Pump sources (100% coverage) (2000-2001)
(v) Testing of water samples for Hand Pump sources (100% coverage) (2001-2002)

Water, Sanitation, And Hygiene By World Vision

Water is the basis of all life. But for millions of children, the water they drink can also be a source of persistent illness, leading to an early grave. A child dies of diarrheal disease every 30 seconds 1 and for every child who dies of diarrheal disease, three more children die of other diseases passed along by unwashed hands, or made more deadly by chronic malnutrition resulting from constant bouts of diarrheal disease and intestinal parasites.2, 3 Thus, every 7 seconds, a child in the developing world dies of WASH-related disease or WASH-related malnutrition.

Fluoride In Groundwater: Causes, Implications And Mitigation Measures By K. Brindha and L. Elango

Groundwater is the major source for various purposes in most parts of the world. Presence of low or high concentration of certain ions is a major issue as they make the groundwater unsuitable for various purposes. Fluoride is one such ion that causes health problems in people living in more than 25 nations around the world. Fluoride concentration of atleast 0.6 mg/l is required for human consumption as it will help to have stronger teeth and bones. Consumption of water with fluoride concentration above 1.5 mg/l results in acute to chronic dental fluorosis where the tooth become coloured from yellow to brown. Skeletal fluorosis which causes weakness and bending of the bones also results due to long term consumption of water containing high fluoride. Presence of low or high concentration of fluoride in groundwater is because of natural or anthropogenic causes or a combination of both. Natural sources are associated to the geological conditions of an area. Several rocks have fluoride bearing minerals like apatite, fluorite, biotite and hornblende. The weathering of these rocks and infiltration of rainfall through it increases fluoride concentration in groundwater. Fluoride which is present in high concentration in volcanic ash is readily soluble in water and forms another natural source. Anthropogenic sources of fluoride include agricultural fertilisers and combustion of coal. Phosphate fertilisers contribute to fluoride in irrigation lands. Coal which is a potential source of fluoride is used for combustion in various industries and in brick kilns. The aerial
emission of fluoride in gaseous form during these activities reaches the surface by fall out of particulate fluorides and during rainfall they percolate with the rainwater thus reaching the groundwater table. Also the improper disposal of fly ash on ground surface contributes to fluoride in groundwater. Since ingestion of high fluoride has a long term effect on human health it is essential to monitor its concentration in groundwater used for drinking periodically and take steps to bring them within the permissible range of 0.6 to 1.5 mg/l. There are several methods available for the removal of fluoride from groundwater which is insitu or exsitu. To dilute the groundwater contaminated with fluoride, artificial recharging structures can be built in suitable places which will decrease its concentration. Rainwater harvesting through existing wells also will prove effective to reduce the groundwater fluoride concentration. Exsitu methods which are conventional treatment methods like adsorption, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, coagulation and precipitation etc can be practiced at community level or at households to reduce fluoride concentration before ingestion. But the choice of each method depends on the local conditions of the region such as the quality of groundwater and the source of contamination whether it is natural or anthropogenic. Fluoride contamination being a prominent and widespread problem in several parts of the world and as causes for this are mostly natural and unpreventable, educating the people and defluorinating the groundwater before consumption are essential for a healthy world.

 Link : https://www.academia.edu/1360978/Fluoride_in_Groundwater_Causes_Implications_and_Mitigation_Measures

Incidence of Renal Stone: An Investigation among the Aimol Tribe of Manipur by Khangembam Somibabu Meitei and M.P. Sachdeva

The present study is based on the demographic data collected from December 2007 to February 2008
among the Aimol tribe of Chandel district, Manipur. A questionnaire schedule was administered among 163-households of nine villages covering 496 adult individuals of either sex ranging in age from 18-90 years. A total of 34 adult individuals (6.86%) were found to have kidney stones and Chi–square (χ2 = 0.48; 0.50 < p < 0.30), comparison showed non significant sexual differences. The majority of the renal stone cases were found among the age range of 33-37 years and none was reported before 22 years of age and among individuals above the age of 58. Water hardness of both the water streams in the area due to CaCO3 content in mg/l was found to be 74 mg/l and 92 mg/l, respectively, which indicates that the water resources that they are using is moderately hard. A high meat intake indicating a high animal protein consumption, which is associated with increased risk of renal stone formation, and less fluid intake may be the main cause of renal stone formation among Aimol.

Link : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282504326_Incidence_of_Renal_Stone_An_Investigation_among_the_Aimol_tribe_of_Manipur

Hyperaccumulation And Mobility Of Heavy Metals In Vegetable Crops In India By Nirmal Kumar J.I. , Hiren Soni , Rita N. Kumar and Ira Bhatt

The heavy metals or trace elements play an important role in the metabolic pathways during the growth and development of plants, when available in appreciable concentration. The heavy metal concentration of Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb) and  Zinc (Zn) was analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Analyzer (ICPA) (Perkin-Elmer ICP Optima 3300 RL) in 18 vegetable crop plants and their parts along with their soil, collected from various agricultural fields around Anand province, Gujarat, India. The vegetables crop plants were Anthem (Anthum graveolens), Beat (Brassica oleracea), Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia), Brinjal (Solanum melongena), Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), Chilli (Capsicum annum), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum), Garlic (Alium sativum), Coccinia indica, Lufa (Luffa acutangula), Lady's Finger (Abelmoschus esculentus), Mint (Mentha piperata), Radish (Raphanus sativum), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum), Vetches (Cyamopsis soralioides) and White Gourd (Lagernaria vulgaris). The Accumulation Factor (AF) and Mobility Index (MI) were calculated for assessment of mobility of heavy metals from soil to various plant parts: roots, stems and leaves through different levels: Level 1 (Soil-Roots), Level 2 (Roots-Stems) and Level 3 (Stems-Leaves) in studied vegetable crop plants. The results showed concentration dependent variables of heavy metal levels among vegetable crop plants. The lower and higher concentration gradient alongwith their mobility gradient was also determined. A perusal of data reflects that accumulation gradient of each crop plant component vary according to their nature, properties and podsol climate of a particular crop plant. The data on accumulation and mobility of heavy metals such as Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn from soil to leaves through roots and stems, suggested that all the metals were highly mobile.

Brown Rice-Beyond the Color Reviving a Lost Health Food - A Review by P. Dinesh Babu, R.S. Subhasree, R. Bhakyaraj and R. Vidhyalakshmi

Rice is a staple food for over half of the world's population. Today people are going for whole food, to the days our forefather had been eating. You hardly heard of cancer, heart attack and diabetics and so on. All these degenerative deceases in our present society are caused by the pollutants from within and without. White food, better known as refined carbohydrates was once a delicacy affordable only to the financially wealthy. However, financial wealth does not equate to a wealth of health. A primary reason for the development of refining wheat for white flour products is to establish a longer shelf life. Whole wheat flour left in sacks for long periods of time cause bugs to appear within it. In their natural form, whole grains contain natural nutrients vital to our health.

Link :  http://www.idosi.org/aeja/2%282%2909/4.pdf

Social Inclusion: A Study On The Rajasthan Integrated Fluorosis Mitigation Programme In India By Mr. John Hustedt, Ms. Natasha Mistry, Ms. Anne-Line Sandaker, Ms. Sakshi Saini, and Mr. Aji John

Fluorine is a chemical contaminant that is present in water, and depending on the amount that is ingested, it can be either beneficial or detrimental to a person’s health. Overconsumption of fluorine over long periods of time can cause a disease known as fluorosis. This illness can lead to irreparable damage to the body such as permanent staining of teeth and frequently crippling disfiguration of bones. Fluorosis also poses non-skeletal threats such as constant diarrhea, stomach pains and loss of appetite that can ultimately lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Fluorosis is of growing interest in the field of water sanitation and medicine, and governments around the world have made efforts in its prevention. This paper presents and explores the efforts of the Rajasthan state government of India in tackling the problem of fluorosis and, furthermore, ensuring that project objectives touch all segments
of the population including the Dalits. The Dalits are considered the lowest caste individuals in Indian society, and have frequently held the lowest social and economic position in society.

Link : http://www.indiawaterportal.org/sites/indiawaterportal.org/files/a_study_of_the_extent_of_social_inclusion_in_the_government_of_rajasthan_integrated_fluorosis_mitigation_programme_2008.pdf

WHO Meeting of Experts on the Possible Protective Effect of Hard Water Against Cardiovascular Disease by WHO

Both calcium and magnesium are essential to human health. Inadequate intake of either nutrient can impair health. Standards for recommended daily intakes of each element have been set at national and international levels. Food is the principal source of both calcium and magnesium. Dairy products are the richest sources of dietary calcium, contributing over 50% of the total calcium in many diets. Some plant foods, including legumes, green leafy vegetables and broccoli, can also contribute to dietary calcium, but the content is lower than in dairy products, and the bioavailability calcium in plant foods can be low if the concentration of oxalate or phytate is high. Dietary sources of magnesium are more varied; dairy products, vegetables, grain, fruits and nuts are important contributors. Individuals vary considerably in their needs for and consumption of these elements. Available evidence suggests that, because of food habits, many people in most countries fail to obtain from their diets the recommended intakes of one or both of these nutrients. While the concentrations of calcium and magnesium in drinking-water vary markedly from one supply to another, mineral-rich drinking-waters may provide substantial contributions to total intakes of these nutrients in some populations or population subgroups.

Link : http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/gdwqrevision/cardiofullreport.pdf

Eradication Of Fluorosis In India By Dr. R. Jagadiswara Rao

This article describes the details of eradication of fluorosis in India.

• Endemic fluorosis in the world
• Endemic fluorosis in India
• Geographical distribution of fluorosis in India
• Geochemistry of fluorine
• Factors responsible for fluorosis
• Fluoride cycle in human beings
• Symptoms of dental fluorosis
• Types of dental fluorosis
• Symptoms of skeletal fluorosis
• Symptoms of Genu Valgum
• Fluorosis and gender
• Fluorosis in cattle
• Methods used to eradicate fluorosis
• Eradication of fluorosis in Karnataka
• Conclusion

 Flouride is one of the commonly and major contaminants of water in India. Excessive levels of fluoride can cause fluorosis, especially dental fluorosis.

Link : http://www.indiawaterportal.org/sites/indiawaterportal.org/files/FluorosisEradication.pdf

Position Paper On Urine Alkalinization By A. T. Proudfoot, E. P. Krenzelok and J. A. Vale

This Position Paper was prepared using the methodology agreed by the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT) and the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT). All relevant scientific literature was identified and reviewed critically by acknowledged experts using set criteria. Well-conducted clinical and experimental studies were given precedence over anecdotal case reports and abstracts were not considered. A draft Position Paper was then produced and presented at the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology in October 2001 and at the EAPCCT Congress in May 2002 to allow participants to comment on the draft after which a revised draft was produced. The Position Paper was subjected to detailed peer review by an international group of clinical toxicologists chosen by the AACT and the EAPCCT, and a final draft was approved by the boards of the two societies. The Position Paper includes a summary statement  (Position Statement) for ease of use, which will also be published separately, as well as the detailed scientific evidence on which the conclusions of the Position Paper are based. Urine alkalinization is a treatment regimen that increases poison elimination by the administration of intravenous sodium bicarbonate to produce urine with a pH 7.5. The term urine alkalinization emphasizes that urine pH manipulation rather than a diuresis is the prime objective of treatment; the terms forced alkaline diuresis and alkaline diuresis should therefore be discontinued. Urine alkalinization increases the urine elimination of chlorpropamide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, diflunisal, fluoride, mecoprop, methotrexate, phenobarbital, and salicylate. Based on volunteer and clinical studies, urine alkalinization should be considered as first line treatment for patients with moderately severe salicylate poisoning who do not meet the criteria for hemodialysis.

 Link : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8619235_Position_Paper_on_Urine_Alkalinization

Parisara Envis Newsletter State Environment Related Issues

Water is an elixir for the mankind and its quality determines health of communities. As all the water that is available on the earth is not suitable for consumption, understanding its quality becomes has a geographical context, study of its quality, quantity and variation of both over large region is very important. The National Water Policy (2002) states “Water is a prime natural resource, a basic human need and a precious national asset”. As such, the policy emphasizes that planning, development and management of water resources should be governed by national perspectives. The Karnataka State Water Policy, 2002, highlights the limited availability of water resources, which are stressed and depleting due to increasing sectoral demands in the State. the prime concern. As groundwater is found to be most appropriate source and at the same time

Hydration Of Γ-Alumina In Water And Its Effects On Surface Reactivity By Gregory Lefevre , Myriam Duc, Patrick Lepeut, Renaud Caplain and Michel Fe doroff

The stability of γ-alumina suspensions in water has been investigated by long-duration experiments (1 day to 6 months). Several complementary methods were used to characterize the solid (acid-base titration and dissolution rate measurements,X-rayphotoelectronspectroscopy, X-raydiffraction, gravimetric/ differential thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy). It appears that γ-alumina, which is widely used as a model oxide in sorption experiments, thanks mainly to its high specific surface area and to the presence of aluminol groups on its surface, is progressively transformed to bayerite (â-Al(OH)3). This transformation was characterized by an induction period of about 4 days, corresponding to the formation of a transient amorphous hydrated phase, followed by an increase in the bayerite concentration, which levels off after about 2 months. This transformation results in a dramatic decrease in the surface density of sites reactive to protons. Thermodynamical calculations predict the hydration reaction of γ-alumina leading to a more stable phase (bayerite, gibbsite, or boehmite). Since the surface reactivity and sorption properties of solids are factors controlling the transport of elements in water, it is necessary to take into account the stability of solids when modeling sorption experiments. These factors are important for the long-term prediction of the effectiveness of barriers placed around radioactive  waste depositories.

Link : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/231674566_Hydration_of_g-Alumina_in_Water_and_Its_Effects_on_Surface_Reactivity

Fluorosis In Developing Countries Remedial Measures And Approaches by A.K Susheela

The review article is focusing on Fluorosis disease, its clinical manifestations and diagnostic procedures. The article is focusing on the magnitude of the public health problem due to consumption of fluoride contaminated water in India and some of the other developing nations. The article throws light on the activities carried out since 15 years under the Government of India initiative for prevention and control of the disease. The significant contributions emerged from India in combating Fluorosis through practice of safe drinking water and adequate intake of essential nutrients viz. calcium, vitamin C, E and other antioxidants, have been described in the detail. The  article provides comments on the perceptions of the World Health Organization on fluoride in drinking water, WHO monograph, York University Medical Centre(U.K) review on water fluoridation and the fallacies. A five point advocacy package for prevention of Dental Caries instead of promotion of a chemical poison (fluoride) through water, milk, fruit juice and toothpaste is dealt with.

Link : http://www.insa.nic.in/writereaddata/UpLoadedFiles/PINSA/Vol68B_2002_5_Art02.pdf

Standard Transition Aluminas. Electron Microscopy Studies by P. Souza Santos , H. Souza Santos , S.P. Toledo

The aim of this paper is to present the results of characterization of the particle shapes of six standard transition aluminas samples using transmission and scanning electron microscopies; selected area electron diffraction, in parallel with X-ray powder diffraction were used for confirmation of the different transition aluminas types. The transition aluminas - chi; kappa; gamma; theta; delta; and eta were supplied by ALCOA Central Laboratory. The chi-; kappa-;gamma- and delta-Al203microcrystals are pseudomorphs from their respective precursors gibbsite and boehmite. However, theta-Al203 microcrystals are not pseudomorphs after the standard delta-Al203 sample. Also, eta-Al203 are not pseudomorphs after bayerite somatoids.

Link : http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-14392000000400003