Catálogo de publicaciones - libros

This work has been attempted to show actual and potential danger of contamination of drinking water by bacteria and chemicals that may occur due to the act of terrorists or due to environmental pollution by toxic chemicals. Whatever it is, the consequences of such an emergency will have devastating effect on the health and life of the general population and its most vulnerable groups, women, children aging people, to say nothing of reproductive health which will also be at great risk.

The goal of the paper is increasing food safety through the improvement of the drinking water quality used in processing and distribution of food products. Provide water that is safe and adequate from the perspectives of technological requirements in every stage of food processing/distribution.

Surface water and groundwater compartments are of a particular interest for public health due to their use for drinking purposes. The extensive use of pesticides in agriculture can entail risks of contamination of these two specific compartments.

The adsorption behaviour of three substituted nitrophenols, 2-nitrophenol (2-NP), 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP), on different type natural materials, yellow/white bentonite, expanded perlite, perlite insulation filter, zeolite, and on the biosorbent was studied. The experimental results were analyzed on the basis of the effect of nitrophenol removal, , calculated from the kinetic curves, as well as on the basis of the values of the equilibrium adsorption capacity, . According to the equilibrium and kinetic data, the adsorption capacity of the studied materials follows the order:

The main concern of the paper is to actualize water uses ethics among various stakeholders in the Arab region. The approach is cultural, that is propagating social learning and have “bottom-up” education and communication functions, as well as “top down” high level applied research aspects with industry and technology participation. The paper examines the key factors in the Arab water crisis, and assesses the progress made in implementing initiatives, programs of action based on the “Arab water vision” 2025, and best water ethics could contribute to its realization? The central question is how we, as Arabs, can set in motion a process that actualizes our vision? And applying new tools and techniques based on participation of relevant stakeholders in decision making, knowledge and experience transfer among water institutions and organization, and through benchmarking and bench-learning of best practices.

Water, the common symbol of humanity, valued and respected in all religions and cultures, has also become a symbol for social equity. Common ethical principles in water use and water management should be accepted as applicable in all geographies, in all stages of economic development and for all time. We need to recognize that in implementing these principles there can and will be different strategies and methods, which will be appropriate for different situations. However, the ethical principles, which inform such policies, will be consistent throughout the world.

Extreme water pollution is a severe environmental accident, endangering the local or even regional safety of human community and of the entire environment as well. Adequate awareness and preparedness to respond to such emergency situations must be reached in all strata of population. Developing a national training and education strategy is the responsibility of all level authorities. Training and education endeavors must offer basic knowledge about epidemiology, prevention and control measures to be taken efficiently and promptly. Training must be addresses to all individuals having direct responsibility for protecting the environment, who may affect the environment in the performance of their job, or who have overall responsibility for environmental performance. Education or training has to ensure such individuals could meet their environmental responsibilities.

Microbiological agents can appear in the drinking water network by accidental events like breaking the pipe and the drinking water can be contaminated with sewage or contaminated soil, or neglected procedure and handling of water treatment plant and pipe system. On the other hand bioterrorism should be considered when different biological agents like viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, fungi, toxins, chimeras and prions can be used as biological weapons. If producing biological weapons is supported by governments like in the period of cold war this term of production can be regulated and controlled by international contracts, agreements. But nowadays the main threat is bioterrorism when agreements are ineffective. The primary goal of terrorism is to erode the security of a nation, to disrupt the continuity of society, and to destroy the nation’s social capital – its morale, cohesion, and values. In case only the international collaboration can decrease the efficiency of bioterrorism.

Water safety has always been of the highest priority however communities and the water industry are now engaging in how to develop a specific program for water security. In particular, research is needed on new analytical methods which can address water contaminants of concern and an improved understanding of the risks. There are a number of disease causing microorganisms which have characteristics that would facilitate their use as agents for terrorist type of activities or as biological weapons. The prevention and control of these potential biological agents of concern (BAC) requires an understanding of the ways bacteria, viruses and parasites are spread. The scientific mathematical calculations support an amount in grams depending on where the contamination takes place.