After sex, religion is one of the most popular and pervasive topics of interest online, with over three million Americans turning to the internet each day for religious information and spiritual guidance. Tens of thousands of elaborate websites are dedicated to every manner of expression. "Religion Online" provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to this burgeoning new religious reality, from cyberpilgrimages to neo-pagan chatroom communities. A substantial introduction by the editors presenting the main themes and issues is followed by sixteen chapters addressing core issues of concern such as youth, religion and the internet, new religious movements and recruitment, propaganda and the countercult, and religious tradition and innovation. The volume also includes the "Pew Internet and American Life Project" "Executive" "Summary," the most comprehensive and widely cited study on how Americans pursue religion online, and Steven O'Leary's field-defining "Cyberspace as Sacred Space,"

Treatment Marshes for Runoff and Polishing represents the most comprehensive and up-date-date resource for the design, construction, and operation of marsh treatment systems. This new edition represents a complete rewrite of the surface flow sections of previous editions of Treatment Wetlands. It is based on the performance hundreds of treatment marshes over the past 40 years. Treatment Marshes focuses on urban and agricultural runoff, river and lake water improvement, and highly treated municipal effluents. New information from the past dozen years is used to improve data interpretation and design concepts. Topics included in this book are Diversity of marsh vegetation Analyses of the human use of treatment marshes New concepts of underground processes and functions Spectrum of marsh values spanning mitigation, restoration, enhancement, and water quality improvement Improved methods for calculation of evapotranspiration and wetland water temperatures Hydraulics of surface and subsurface flows in marshes Analysis of long track records for deterministic and probabilistic behavior Consideration of integrated microbial and vegetative contaminant removals via mass balances Uptake and emission of gases Performance of urban and agricultural wetlands Design procedures for urban and agricultural wetlands Reduction of trace metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, and trace organics Updated capital and O&M economics, and valuation of ancillary benefits An updated list of over 1900 references

This book shows the effectiveness of DRASTIC model in a geographical setting for validation of vulnerable zones and presents the optimization of parameters for the development of precise maps highlighting several zones with varied contamination. Impact of vadose zone has also been assessed by considering every sub-surface layer. Exclusive title covering effectiveness of DRASTIC model for groundwater vulnerability assessment Reviews of the strengths and limitations of assessment methods Presents multi-criteria evaluation of hydro-geological and anthropogenic factors Discusses integration with geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) Includes application of groundwater governance framework with a case study study of a geographical setting

This research focused on the use of sonication to destroy surfactants and surface tension properties in industrial wastewaters that affect traditional water treatment processes. We have investigated the sonochemical destruction of surfactants and a chelating agent to understand the release of metals from surfactants during sonication. In addition, the effects of physical properties of surfactants and the effect of ultrasonic frequency were investigated to gain an understanding of the factors affecting degradation. Successful partial or total destruction of surfactants resulting in the release of metals bound to surfactants may result in a significant cost savings of treatment plants. Sonochemical degradation of surfactants was observed to be more effective than nonsurfactant compounds. In addition, as the concentration is increased the degradation rate constant does not decrease as significantly as with nonsurfactant compounds in the NAP reactor. In fact, the total number of molecules degraded increases with concentration. The degradation of metal complexes is not as effective as in the absence of the metal. However, this is likely an artifact of the model complexing agent used at the hot bubble interface, significantly increasing ligand exchange kinetics and thus degradation of the complex. This publication can also be purchased and downloaded via Pay Per View on Water Intelligence Online - click on the Pay Per View icon below

This investigation reviewed and evaluated methodologies used for microbial risk assessment with respect to their applicability for reclaimed water applications. The investigation was comprised of five primary components: a comprehensive database of articles, reports and books describing microbial risk assessment methodologies was established and reviewed. Risk assessment techniques and models were identified for estimating the public health risk from exposure to microorganisms via reclaimed water applications. Two models were identified for further evaluation: a static (individual based) and a dynamic (population based). In the third component, the two models were evaluated to differentiate between the conditions under which models predict similar and substantially different estimations of risk. Through numerical simulation, exposure/pathogen combinations were identified when it may be appropriate to use the less complex, static model. Case study risk assessment scenarios demonstrated the model selection process for three realistic, yet hypothetical reclaimed water scenarios.The fourth component presents a constraint analysis for existing reuse regulations. The constraint analysis is carried out by documenting the existing reuse regulations. The constraint analysis is carried out by documenting the existing regs in three states for landscape irrigation and uses that comparison as a starting point to identify how microbial risk assessment may be useful within the context of existing and potential future water reuse regulations. The investigation concludes by identifying criteria for a computer interface that would allow regulatory and/or municipal agencies/utilities to take advantage of the analysis discussed in the report. This publication can also be purchased and downloaded via Pay Per View on Water Intelligence Online - click on the Pay Per View icon below

Contamination of water supplies, whether by chemical, biological or radioactive agents, requires a rapid and effective response in order to reduce or avoid impact on the environment or consumers. Using seven major incident case studies (including the Milwaukee Cryptosporidium incident, Chernobyl and the UK Foot and Mouth outbreak), Water Contamination Emergencies: Can We Cope? looks at the complete handling of emergency incidents relating to water contamination emergencies. With contributions from experts involved in real life international incidents, the book also looks at: monitoring requirements; trying to prove the absence of contamination; novel approaches to screening analysis; health risks; the importance of efficient communication; the perception of the public; and the international height of alert situation with respect to potential terrorist acts. Anyone involved in water contamination emergencies, whether researchers and professionals in the water or health industries, or government agencies, should welcome this title as a review of lessons learnt in the past and as an identification of ways in which to improve response in the future.

This project examined the development of ambient water quality criteria (AWQC) for the protection of wildlife for mercury. Mercury is considered a serious risk to wildlife in many areas. As a result, the Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative and others have developed AWQC. These AWQC have been controversial, however, because (1) the AWQC were single values that did not account for site-specific conditions; (2) derivation of the AWQC relied on a single NOAEL, and (3) the AWQC had an unknown level of conservatism because of reliance on both average and conservative assumptions and uncertainty factors. Rather than develop a single value AWQC for total mercury, we derive an AWQC model that explicitly incorporates factors controlling bioavailability, methylation rates and bioaccumulation in the aquatic environment (e.g., pH, DOC, sulfate). To derive our AWQC model, field data was collected including numerous water quality parameters and total mercury and methylmercury concentrations in whole body fish tissue from 31 lakes in Ontario and an additional 10 lakes in Nova Scotia. An independent dataset consisting of 51 water bodies in the United States was then used to confirm the validity and robustness of the AWQC model. Next we combined the results of chronic-feeding studies with similar protocols and endpoints, in a meta-analysis to derive a dose-response curve for mink exposed to mercury in the diet. Using this approach, one can derive an LD5 or other similar endpoint that can then be used as the basis for deriving -wildlife AWQC. In the final step, we used a probabilistic risk model to estimate the concentrations of methylmercury in water that would lead to levels in fish sufficient for there to be a 10% probability of exceeding the mink LD5. This analysis was repeated for various combinations of pH and DOC. The result is an AWQC model for mercury for the protection of wildlife that can be used for a variety of site-specific conditions. This publication can also be purchased and downloaded via Pay Per View on Water Intelligence Online - click on the Pay Per View icon below

A scientifically sound approach is needed to ensure that flushable consumer products are compatible with household plumbing fixtures, as well as wastewater collection and treatment systems. In addition to assessing disposal system compatibility, an assessment approach should also ensure that flushable consumer products do not become an aesthetic nuisance in surface waters and soil environments. This document presents an overall approach for assessing the fate and compatibility of consumer products in wastewater disposal systems. While the focus of this document is on the United States, it is believed that the conceptual approach and many of the test methods could be used to assess the compatibility of flushable consumer products in wastewater disposal systems throughout the world.

Rapid growth of cities and industries in China is having a dramatic impact on the environment. To counteract further decrease of water quality of rivers, lakes and groundwater bodies, an ambitious environmental remediation programme needs to be designed and brought into action. Intensive research and development activity are required to provide tailored solutions.The articles compiled in the book describe the current situation in China with respect to surface water quality and wastewater treatment, and provide results of specific research projects, leading the way to a China-specific up-to-date water treatment technology. Discussed are lessons to be learnt from the experience made in other countries, particularly with respect to regulations and management practices.

The purpose of this research project was to examine construction projects that successfully reduced Rainfall Dependent Infiltration/Inflow (RDII). The research began with a literature review of all published records describing RDII removal projects. Initially, the review identified many projects; however, subsequent evaluation of available information revealed several important realities. First, most RDII removal projects in the country go undocumented. Second, of the RDII removal project summaries that have been published, few provide good data. Third, data gathering and analyses for this report were hampered by lack of documentation, lost or unavailable monitoring data, and weaknesses in monitoring techniques. Projects with sufficient information describing the conditions before the RDII removal project received a detailed analysis. In all, the case studies from the six agencies presented in this report (1) document before-and-after RDII levels, (2) quantify the RDII reduction achieved, and (3) describe the cost-effectiveness of the removal. As more than one project was documented for some agencies, a total of 12 RDII projects received review. The projects examined include both those that ?successfully? reduced RDII and those that did not. In general, the conclusion was that utilities run the risk of not removing significant RDII unless they address private sewer laterals. The only cases examined where significant RDII was removed were those that addressed private sewers or inflow sources. A major recommendation of this report was to establish a standard reporting protocol for documenting RDII removal projects. This protocol details what specific information should be provided when documenting an RDII removal project and how to perform an evaluation of RDII removal effectiveness. The protocol touches on issues ranging from flow meter maintenance to statistical analysis of flow data. By using the proper documentation recommended in this report, communities allow others who are preparing to perform similar work to examine and utilize the results of any RDII removal project. This publication can also be purchased and downloaded via Pay Per View on Water Intelligence Online - click on the Pay Per View icon below

Non-potable and potable (principally in-direct potable) water reuse initiatives in the United States have faced increasing public opposition. Several high-profile initiatives have been halted after several years of planning and tremendous expenditures. To understand why the public holds the perceptions they do and what public participation options exist to address water reuse more constructively, a multidisciplinary analysis was undertaken by a team of social scientists, engineers, and water professionals. Through a comprehensive literature review, three in-depth case studies, and a 2-day interactive symposium this framework was developed for water professionals. The framework summarizes five underlying principles that contribute to shaping public perception and acts as a guide for water professionals in their selection of public outreach, education, and participation activities. Adhering to the principles outlined in this report contributes to building public confidence and trust, which in turn helps water utilities engage constructively with the public on challenging, contentious issues. The five principles are: ? Manage information for all ? Maintain individual motivation and demonstrate organizational commitment ? Promote communication and public dialog ? Ensure fair and sound decision making and decisions ? Build and maintain trust However, no checklist of "to-do's" exists for establishing public confidence and trust. Quite the opposite, this research suggests that a one-size-fits-all model cannot work because the most appropriate ways to achieve the principles can vary from case to case. Thus, the framework includes an analytical structure to assess the community in which a water reuse initiative is underway. Using diagnostic questions and analytical techniques, a comprehensive picture of the community can be generated and monitored over time. Through application of the diagnostic tools and a commitment to the principles outlined above, water professionals can build the public confidence and trust they need to engage with the public on difficult water reuse issues.

The objectives of this project were to develop (1) a better understanding of the effects of storage on reclaimed water quality, (2) a methodology to help understand/predict water quality changes during storage, and (3) effective management tools for minimizing water quality problems. The research team reviewed approximately 120 published articles, conducted a gray literature survey to analyze the impact of surface storage on reclaimed water quality. The team also evaluated federal guidelines for reclaimed water and developed a brief update on what individual states are doing. It was determined that state and federal water quality objectives can be met at the treatment site. However, because of the seasonal nature of reclaimed water use, water often must be stored in open reservoirs, where changes occur that can affect water quality. The nature of these changes was evaluated, including physical, chemical, and biological processes. The research team evaluated several reservoir management strategies to improve water quality, and reviewed water quality models to assess their applicability for open reclaimed water storage reservoirs. It also developed procedures to evaluate and select management strategies and reservoir water, along with matrices to distill the information learned in the study into a useful format for risk assessors and water quality managers. These tools will enable users to readily equate their specific storage reservoirs to representative examples, and to identify actions most applicable to their specific reclaimed water systems.

Under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), many municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities must perform Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Testing. Regulatory agencies determine the level of compliance of each facility by making inferences about the results of these tests. There has been some concern regarding appropriate ways to integrate WET tests into NPDES permits. The central issue of this concern involves determining the relationship between WET tests and instream biological conditions. Previous research (WERF project 95-HHE-1) has examined this issue using historical data. Because of issues with data comparability, i.e. questionable data quality, and project design, results were inconclusive. This study plan was designed to collect new data on method performance for both WET and bioassessment that would help answer the outstanding question. The study plan was designed using a Data Quality Objective (DQO) approach in which DQOs and MQOs were defined. These DQOs and MQOs were characterized using technical input from many scientists from federal, state, and private organizations. It was through this effort that certain technical design issues arose that needed further investigation before implementing the definitive study. Among these issues were determining if DQOs and MQOs were achievable, and determining appropriate biological assessment methods for various ecoregions (e.g. effluent dependent streams in the arid west). In order to appropriately address these issues, it was determined that a pilot study would be implemented before the definitive study. The pilot study is designed as a one-year study in which participating facilities will perform quarterly WET tests (Ceriodaphnia, P. promelas, Selenastrum) and at least one bioassessment (macroinvertebrate, fish, algae) as well as providing other prescribed data requirements. Results of the pilot will provide answers to technique design issues and will ultimately determine the most appropriate study design for the definitive study.

Newport Bay (Orange County, California) is listed by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) as a water quality limited receiving water body because of sporadic exceedances of the fecal coliform water quality objectives for body contact recreation. Consistent with federal and state requirements, a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is being implemented in the watershed. The fecal coliform TMDL in Newport Bay is a phased approach for understanding and controlling the microbiological water quality in the to ensure the reasonable protection of the Bay?s beneficial uses. An important initial step within that TMDL was to assess the impairment of the body contact recreation beneficial use (REC-1) of Newport Bay receiving waters through characterizing the risk of illness associated with REC-1 exposure. A health risk assessment investigation was developed to characterize that risk. The health risk assessment investigation involved the integration of a population based model of disease transmission, a water quality modeling component necessary for estimating pathogen dose as part of the exposure assessment, and site-specific population use and receiving water data collection. The Water Environment Research Foundation funded the water quality modeling component of the health risk assessment investigation, which is the focus of this report. Also provided within this report is an overview of the health risk assessment methodology, a summary of the major findings from the risk assessment investigation, and a discussion of how the health risk methodology may be applied to other watersheds where impairment of the REC-1 beneficial use is in question. The major findings of the health risk assessment investigation indicated that (1) the risk of illness from REC-1 use in Newport Bay, estimated using two separate methods was generally below levels considered tolerable by US EPA, and (2) the reduction of controllable sources of pollution would not appreciably reduce the existing risk. Based on the collection of site-specific exposure data and the health risk characterization, it was determined that evaluating the impairment of the REC-1 beneficial use requires a more rigorous and comprehensive health based approach than that prescribed by the current regulations for recreational waters.

During wet weather events, separate and combined wastewater collection systems deliver substantial amounts of storm water runoff to wastewater treatment plants. Often these flows inundate collection systems and treatment works creating bypasses of untreated or partially treated wastewater. The federal Clean Water Act (CWA), its amendments, and associated regulations have been attempting to address these concerns for nearly 30 years. These regulations, coupled with the wastewater treatment standards under the CWA, are posing immense challenges to the owner/operators of wastewater systems, who are also driven to provide the most cost-effective service to customers. This project (WERF Project 00-CTS-6, "Best Practices for the Treatment of Wet Weather Wastewater Flows") undertook a review of currently available technologies to improve the performance and efficiency of wet weather wastewater treatment and also identified potentially beneficial technologies and methodologies that are emerging in this area. The project report includes the types and characteristics of current technologies and methodologies available to ensure treatment of wet weather wastewater flows. The following are the categories of technologies are assessed in report: vortex separation, enhanced clarification, operational enhancements, flushing systems, and disinfection.

Chromatography of Natural, Treated and Waste Waters is the first book to bring together information of a range of chromatographic techniques in all types of water, precipitation to sewage effluents. Organic and inorganic compounds, cations, anions and elements are all discussed. Particular attention is paid to multi compound analysis of water, and the analysis of minute traces of pollutants. Gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry are included, and this book is well referenced and easy to use.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203301862

This work contains peer-reviewed papers presented at the International Symposium on Groundwater Problems related to geo-Environment, held in Okayama, Japan in May 2003. The symposium was organized to promote the exchange of ideas, and the latest developments in research and practice in the fields of geo-environment and groundwater from all over the world. The papers in the book have been grouped into six major themes: dewatering in excavation sites; subsurface water and stability of slopes; preservation of natural groundwater flow; contamination of soil and groundwater investigation; prediction and remediation; field survey and determination of hydraulic properties; modeling and analysis of groundwater flow.

The world's water resources are being tapped at an ever increasing rate, to the extent that sustainability and water quality are being compromised. This book provides accounts of the technology used for managing water resources to reduce risks. Besides controlling floods, overcoming droughts and reducing pollution, the reader will learn to plan and maintain hydraulic structures, and to appreciate the diverse demands on water, including those of the environment. The topics considered include hydrology and assessment of water resources; drought management and flood management tools; and the interaction between land use and water resources, including surface runoff, groundwater and water quality. The second half of the book focuses on water use, demand management and the infrastructure required to manage water. Consideration is also given to the tools needed for planning, including economics and computer modelling. This book is aimed at a postgraduate level, suitable for students in water engineering and science. It will also serve as a reference for practitioners concerned with water resources and water supply.

This collection of papers is aimed at both the research community and the professional involved with water supply systems within the context of integrated urban water systems as a whole. Based on both field expertise and research results, this book offers a range of innovative techniques such as diagnostics, demand management, uncertainty analysis and transients models, alongside more traditional methods such as optimisation and network analysis, designed to enable the practitioner to devise the most sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Topics discussed include data management; management and detection of leakage; analysis, design and rehabilitation of distribution networks; water quality management; effectiveness of water conservation; water economics; consumption trends and demand forecast; specific country experiences with demand management.

Natural and constructed wetlands play a very important role on the landscape and their ecological services are highly valuable. In fact, some wetland types are regarded as one of the most valuable ecosystems on the Earth. Water management, including flood water retention, biomass production, carbon sequestration, wastewater treatment and biodiversity sources, are among the most important ecological services of wetlands. The book is aimed at the use of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment and for the evaluation of various ecosystem services of natural wetlands. Special attention is paid to the role and potential use of wetlands on the agricultural landscape. The book presents up-to-date results of ongoing research and the content of the book could be used by wetland scientists, researchers, engineers, designers, regulators, decision-makers, universities teachers, landscape engineers and landscape planners as well as by water authorities, water regulatory offices or wastewater treatment research institutions.

Equipment used for the analysis of water is frequently insufficiently sensitive to be able to detect the low concentrations of organic and inorganic substances present in samples. Applying preconcentration to the sample prior to analysis means the results gained are more accurate and can be used to report trends more effectively.
Each chapter of Preconcentration Techniques for Natural and Treated Waters discusses a different method of preconcentration and its application to the preconcentration of cations, anions, organic substances and organometallic compounds. Drawing together the recent world literature available on the subject, this book provides detailed discussion of the need for reducing detection limits in analytical chemistry and ways of achieving this aim. Throughout the book emphasis is laid on providing practical experimental detail, facilitating further development of procedures. Numerous tables present information clearly and accessibly.
This book will be an invaluable reference for biologists, chemists, agriculturists, toxicologists, oceanographers, and environmentalists dealing with the analysis of water in industry and academia.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203303385

Process Science and Engineering for Water and Wastewater Treatment is the first in a new series of distance learning course books from IWA Publishing. The new series intends to help readers become familiar with design, operation and management of water and wastewater treatment processes without having to refer to any other texts. Process engineering is considered fundamental to successful water and wastewater treatment and Process Science and Engineering for Water and Wastewater Treatment provides the fundamental chemistry, biology and engineering knowledge needed to learn and understand the underlying scientific principles directly relevant to water and wastewater treatment processes. Units in the text covering chemistry and biology include: fundamentals of water chemistry; chemical kinetics and equilibria; colloid and surface chemistry; fundamentals of microbiology; fundamentals biochemistry and microbial kinetics. The concept of Process Engineering is introduced through units on: mass and heat balances; mass and heat transfer; reactor design theory; engineering hydraulics and particle settlement. The text is designed for individual study at the learner?s own pace. Each section contains multiple features to aid learning, including: boxes highlighting key learning points exercises and problems with fully worked solutions to help the reader test their understanding as they progress through the text a comprehensive set of self-assessment questions (with answers) at the end of each unit Designed as a starting point for the other books in the Water and Wastewater Process Technologies Series, this book also provides a self-contained course of learning in the science and engineering for water and wastewater treatment processes. It forms part of the Masters degree programme taught in the School of Water Sciences at Cranfield University, UK.

Watershed Health Monitoring: Emerging Technologies is a concise reference that defines the concept of watershed health and explains that monitoring the health of watersheds is a critical precursor to adaptive resource management on a watershed basis. The focus of the text is a clear description of an innovative "Closed Loop" model that specifies four key aspects of successful monitoring programs: political linkages and support, sound scientific assessment techniques, a community education and awareness component; and a sustainable cost-recovery framework achieved through partnership.

Divided into two sections, the book begins with an introduction that defines watershed health, explains how monitoring fits into watershed planning and management, describes frequent shortfalls of monitoring programs around the world (with an emphasis on North America) and proposes a "Closed Loop" approach that will help ensure successful programs. Subsequent chapters detail each component of the "Closed Loop" model with special emphasis on scientific assessment. The second part features a set of six case studies that describe successful real-world applications of the "Closed Loop" approach to watershed monitoring.

Written in an easily understood manner with the practitioner in mind, Watershed Health Monitoring balances the need for a detailed yet concise treatment of the topic of watershed health monitoring. It is the first book to recognize the multidisciplinary nature of successful monitoring programs-programs that go far beyond science.

Experience has shown that when maintenance operators can understand an d properly use blueprints and schematics they have little difficulty i n correctly interpreting and using plant unit process drawings. Bluepr int Reading bridges the gap between available training materials and t he information water and wastewater maintenance operators need to know . It covers basic principles of blueprint reading and deals with princ iples and applications of schematics and symbols. Each chapter present s essential, practical knowledge vital to understanding and interpreti ng plant operations and that enhances the reader's ability to properly maintain plant systems.