bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Characterization of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Desaturases and Elongases by Co‐Expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a Protozoan Acyl‐CoA Synthetase
Authors: Tripodi Karina E. J. , Berardi Florencia , Uttaro Antonio D.
Published: February 2018

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a valuable host for the expression and characterization of eukaryotic enzymes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) biosynthesis, such as elongases and desaturases. The yeast allows a correct subcellular localization of these proteins, provides electron donors required by desaturases and is unable to synthesize PUFA that could interfere in the enzymes characterization. Unfortunately, S. cerevisiae incorporates very long chain PUFAs inefficiently, which could interfere in the characterization of enzymes using these substrates. Acyl‐CoA synthetases (ACS) are involved in fatty acids uptake, and catalyze the synthesis of the corresponding CoA thioesters. ACS provides the substrates for elongases, acyl‐CoA desaturases and acyl transferases. Transferases are required to synthesize phospholipids which in turn, are substrates for acyl‐lipid desaturases. Expression in yeast of Trypanosoma brucei ACS1 notably improves the uptake of a wide variety of PUFA. Co‐expression of ACS1 with Elo5 elongase from Leishmania major or Des4 desaturase from T. brucei showes, respectively, 2‐ and 5.6‐fold increases in the uptake of the PUFA substrates and 2.4‐ and 3.5‐fold increases in substrate conversion. It also allows to produce significant amount of Des4 desaturase product for further analysis, whereas it is obtained in trace amounts when the enzyme is expressed alone.

Practical applications: In this report, the use of yeast strains expressing ACS1 is proposed as a useful tool in the characterization of polyunsaturated fatty acids desaturases and elongases. Furthermore, this model could be used for the production of nutraceutical PUFA.

S. cerevisiae (Sc) expressing an Acyl‐CoA synthetase from T. brucei (ACS1) significantly increases the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which are unusual for the yeast. It improves the possibility to study enzymes from the PUFA synthetic pathway, such as desaturases and elongases, by co‐expression in a Sc‐ACS1 background.
Community Engagement and Field Trials of Genetically Modified Insects and Animals
Authors: Neuhaus Carolyn P.
Published: February 2018

New techniques for the genetic modification of organisms are creating new strategies for addressing persistent public health challenges. For example, the company Oxitec has conducted field trials internationally—and has attempted to conduct field trials in the United States—of a genetically modified mosquito that can be used to control dengue, Zika, and some other mosquito‐borne diseases. In 2016, a report commissioned by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine discussed the potential benefits and risks of another strategy, using gene drives. Driving a desired genotype through a population of wild animals or insects could lead to irreversible genetic modification of an entire species. The NASEM report recommends community, stakeholder, and public engagement about potential uses of the technology, and it argues that the engagement should occur as research advances, well before gene drives are deployed. Yet what “engagement” means in practice is unclear. This article seeks clarity on this problem by offering a justification for community engagement and drawing out implications of this argument for the implementation and desired outcomes of community engagement.

Community engagement is essential when it comes to research that would release genetically modified insects or animals into the environment. By contrast, obtaining informed consent from people who live near such a proposed field trial is neither necessary nor sufficient. Drawing on the epistemic and moral arguments for deliberative democracy, I propose two discrete mechanisms of community engagement: community advisory boards and deliberative forums, neither of which has been systematically incorporated into research governance. The proposed mechanisms would engender respect for persons who live near field trials, even when the results of deliberation override some individuals’ preferences. Community engagement foregrounds the community in our thinking about humans’ relationship to nature, and it implies that deciding to release genetically modified insects or animals into the wild ought to be a collective decision, not one made by product developers, policy‐makers, private companies, research funders, or scientists alone.
Systems for Documenting Student Experiences and Outcomes
Authors: Yeung Fanny PF , Fallucca Amber
Published: February 2018

This chapter illustrates two campus processes that utilized student‐level data management systems, such as student record systems, assessment platforms, and comprehensive student records, to assess student outcomes relevant to campus missions, goals, and learning outcomes.
Evaluation of Membrane Filter Technique for Appraising Ohio River Water Quality
Authors: Streeter Harold W. , Robertson David A.
Published: February 2018

Under commission authorization and staff direction, members of the Orsanco Water Users Committee, during the period November 1956‐November 1957, carried out a comparative study of the membrane filter and standard dilution methods of enumerating coliform organisms in raw waters taken from the Ohio River and two tributary rivers. Following completion of the 13‐ month period of comparative tests, the same group conducted a study of three different confirmatory MF media, in order to ascertain whether any improvement was obtainable over the one‐step HD medium that had been used throughout the 13‐month period of comparative tests. The first trial was the two‐step HD medium against the one‐step HD medium that had been previously used. This test continued for 5 months, from January through May 1958. An overall summary of the results revealed that the two‐step HD medium yielded an average of 20 per cent higher coliform counts than the one‐step HD medium. Meanwhile, interest had been aroused in a one‐step medium proposed by Fifield and Schaufus. Although only a limited time was available to test this medium, comparative tests against the two‐step HD medium, during June and July 1958, showed an average of 16 per cent higher counts than the two‐step medium – an encouraging result. It thus was indicated that substantially higher counts, amounting to nearly 40 per cent, were obtainable with the one‐step MF medium as compared to the one‐step HD medium. The conclusions drawn from this study, made by six laboratories over a period of about 20 months, were that the use of the membrane filter is an acceptable alternative method of enumerating coliform organisms in water, as compared to the standard dilution method, and is preferable because of its precision, speed, economy of space, and its freedom from statistical complications.
Suggested Method for Nitrate Determination With 2.6‐Xylenol Reagent
Authors: Hartley Arnold M. , Asai Richard I.
Published: February 2018

In Standard Methods, two methods are given for the determination of nitrate ions in water: the phenoldisulfonic acid method; and, the reduction method. In recent years, the use of brucine as a colorimetric reagent for nitrate has been reinvestigated and proposed for the determination of nitrate ions in water. The brucine method has the advantage over the standard methods in speed and simplicity. The brucine color system does not obey Beer's law, and, owing to variability of color development from one occasion to another, one must run a set of standards along with the sample. A new spectrophotometric method, employing 2,6‐xylenol as a reagent, is suggested for the determination of nitrate ions. Absorption measurements are made at 322‐324 mμ, Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration range of 0‐125 ppm nitrate, and precision, expressed as the coefficient of variation, averages about 1 per cent in this range. Direct determination of samples is possible and requires less than 10 minutes.
Installation and Maintenance of Gate Valves in St. Paul
Authors: Hoher Roy W.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the gate valves and control appurtenances used in St. Paul, Minnesota's distribution system. For several years, St. Paul has used the AWWA type of valve with the nonrising stem. The gates have iron bodies with double disk, bronze, mounted parallel seats, and open to the right. The only exception to the AWWA standard is the greater tensile strength (80,000 psi) required in the valve stem. In other words, St. Paul requires the same stem strength for valves less than 30 inches as AWWA requires for larger gates. The city's present policy is to use the vertical type of gate valve with a cast‐iron gate box for 16‐inch and smaller size valves; for gates 20 inches and larger, the horizontal type of valve with a bypass is used. For this type of installation, a precast concrete manhole is set around the gate mechanism, and a cast‐iron gate box is used for the bypass valve.
Significance of Chemical Limits in USPHS Drinking Water Standards
Authors: Welsh Gene B. , Thomas Jerome F.
Published: February 2018

The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) drinking water standards were first adopted in 1914 to regulate the quality of water supplied to the public by common carriers engaged in interstate traffic. In 1925, the standards were revised and limits were established for certain chemicals. Additional revisions were made in 1942 and again in 1946; the 1946 standards are currently under review by a committee having AWWA representation. In their present form, the standards provide two different types of chemical limits: maximum permissible limits for chemicals with known or suspected adverse physiologic effects; and, recommended permissible limits for chemicals that are generally nontoxic but have adverse qualities pertaining to color, staining, taste, and odor. In addition, there are alkalinity requirements to prevent over‐treatment of the water with chemicals. The physiologic and aesthetic significance of the present chemical limits in the USPHS drinking water standards are discussed, and certain significant chemicals are suggested for future addition to the standards.
Application of Rotary Drilling to Water Wells
Authors: McEllhiney William A.
Published: February 2018

This article begins by providing a brief overview of rotary drilling for oil wells and applying the same technique to drilling for water wells. Rotary test drilling for water wells is discussed, along with the actual process of drilling a tubular well, and reverse rotary drills for large‐bore, gravel‐packed wells.
Municipal Fire Protection Surveys as Indicators of Water System Status
Authors: Carl Kenneth J.
Published: February 2018

In 1958, the AWWA Water Utility Advancement Program was inaugurated to assist water utilities in obtaining much needed improvements, specifically to encourage planning that recognizes not only present but also future needs. This article discusses the National Board of Fire Underwriters (NBFU) surveys that conducts a thorough analysis of the water system of each city. A comparison of the results of the latest survey with those of the previous survey provides the information necessary to determine if a system has improved, is just holding its own, or has retrogressed in the intervening period. Because of the current interest in water utility advancement, a study was made to determine the number of systems in a representative group that would fall into each of these groups. In NBFU studies of water systems, the various factors that are considered fall into either of two groups, one involving adequacy, the other reliability. The article discusses “adequacy” in relation to the ability of the system to meet consumption and fire‐flow demands under normal conditions. The article also discusses “reliability” in relation to the ability to meet these demands under certain emergency or unusual conditions. Improvements in distribution, retrogressive systems, static systems, and supply of suburbs are all discussed.
Evaluating the Taste and Odor Control Problem
Authors: Kinney John E.
Published: February 2018

Studies that started in 1953 at the Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, water plant and on the Mahoning‐Beaver rivers have provided proof that a limiting concentration on phenol will not insure that a water supply is protected against taste and odor. Instead, to achieve that protection, taste and odor must be considered as entities and all sources of odorous material controlled. The conclusions are based on laboratory studies and proved by plant operating records. They are the result of studies that have added to the understanding of the role of phenol in creating taste and odor, and the importance of other organics in all taste and odor occurrences. It was found in these studies that increasing a normal discharge of 100 lh/day of phenol to the river above the water intake to 3,600 lb /day caused no trouble. Rather, taste and odor incidents were traced to cleanout of organics low in phenol concentration but high in odor intensity and chlorine demand. A discussion by Morris B. Ettinger is included and covers the following topics: phenols and water quality; and, the Beaver Falls experiment. A second discussion is included by Richard D. Hoak, covering the following topics: Orsanco findings; U.S. Public Health Service findings; and, natural sources of phenol.
Handling Customer Complaints in the Philadelphia Water Department
Authors: Frey Carl W.
Published: February 2018

This article begins by providing a brief discussion of the importance of customer relations and the development of good will between customers and their water utility. The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is presented as an example of developing a separate customer service department to handle customer complaints. Areas of customer responsibility are discussed, along with handling complaints about discolored water and short‐supply. Basic customer service procedures, billing complaints, and personnel and activities of the PWD Customer Service Department are all discussed.
Taste Threshold Concentrations of Metals in Drinking Water
Authors: Cohen Jesse M. , Kamphake L. J. , Harris E. K. , Woodward Richard L.
Published: February 2018

The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Drinking Water Standards of 1946 are currently being re‐examined in preparation for revision incorporating new knowledge acquired in the subsequent years. In establishing limits on concentrations of certain metals in drinking water, one of the several factors that must be considered is taste threshold. The technical literature is, unfortunately, lacking in such data. The study reported here was undertaken to provide taste threshold data on copper, iron, manganese, and zinc for consideration in the revised standard. The results of the study are summarized in 5 per cent and 50 per cent points on the cumulative frequency distributions of taste threshold concentrations are shown for each metal.
Physical, Chemical, and Biologic Effects of Hexadecanol on Lake Hefner, 1958
Authors: Silvey J. K. G.
Published: February 2018

In an evaporation control study made on Kids Lake, Oklahoma, in the summer of 1956, it was concluded that certain essential data on the effects of hexadecanol on water quality would be desirable. It was observed, for example, that certain types of bacteria appeared to increase rapidly in the presence of hexadecanol; and, it was inferred that the multiplication of these forms could be attributed to the utilization of the evaporation retardant. It was further noted that there was only a slight chemical change in the small lake and that the physical characteristics of the water were not greatly modified.
Use of Polyphosphates for Developing Protective Calcite Coatings
Authors: McCauley Robert F.
Published: February 2018

Success attained in work with synthetic recirculated water with a low ME of calcium carbonate and containing colloidal calcium carbonate has suggested that a practical field method might be devised for developing permanent protective coatings in relatively short periods of time. In order to explore this possibility, studies were begun with a continuous flow of Michigan State University tap water. In a series of tests, the tap water flow was divided to feed sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate to a bypassed portion. The high, 10.5 pH level in the bypassed flow resulted in the development of colloidal calcium carbonate in that line. Data and qualitative observations reported here show that a useful approach to the problem of the formation of protective calcium carbonate coatings in iron water mains has been developed. The experimental data lead to these conclusions: Michigan State University tap water develops hard, dense, calcite coatings on iron nipples within a few hours at velocities of 8.0‐13.5 fps and a momentary calcium carbonate excess of about 5 ppm. Momentary excesses as high as 60 ppm, with a flow velocity of 1.5 fps, develop similar coatings, an uncontrolled momentary excess of more than 30 ppm results in heavy deposits of loose calcite, which vary from fine to coarse grain; the addition of O.5‐1.5 ppm metaphosphate controls calcium carbonate precipitation and permits the use of momentary‐excess values as high as 100 ppm without encrustation of feed lines or piping. With a velocity of 3.0 fps, thin, translucent calcite coatings have been developed which have useful anticorrosion value; calcite coatings have been obtained with metaphosphate concentrations of 2.2 ppm and calcium levels as high as 1,500 ppm (as CaCO3); however, these coatings are not superior to those obtained at lower metaphosphate and calcium levels; the DFI and ME values have proved to be more useful for predicting carbonate deposition than Langelier's or Ryznar's indexes; microscopic examination of the coatings developed on sandblasted metal has shown imperfections and rusting in the translucent calcite coatings, it is believed that imperfections are at points of deep penetration by high‐velocity sand grains during sandblasting; and, better coatings were obtained in 2‐hr experiments at 3.0 fps than at 1.5 fps. In general, better coatings have resulted at high velocity than at low velocity, probably because of the decreased thickness of the laminar boundary film, more rapid mixing rate, and increased velocity distribution.
Suggested Method for Iodide Determination
Authors: Rossum John R. , Villarruz Primo A.
Published: February 2018

This article presents a modification of the method of iodide determination by Lein and Schwartz that takes less than an hour. The general principle is discussed, along with the following topics: interferences; apparatus including colorimetric equipment, spectrophotometer, filter photometer, and timer; reagents including acid‐permanganate solution, salt‐arsenite solution, ceric sulfate solution, stock iodide solution, working iodide solution, and hypochlorite solution; procedure; calculations; and precision and accuracy.
Electrode for Simplified Field Determination of Chloride in Ground Water
Authors: Back William
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a newly developed silver‐silver chloride electrode and a standard pH meter that provides a simple and accurate means for the field determination of chloride concentration. The electrode contains a billet of silver chloride, with a large part of its surface area exposed to the sample. In this respect it differs from earlier electrodes, which exposed only a small filament of silver chloride and were not rugged enough for field use. The new electrode is used with a saturated calomel reference electrode. The procedure is discussed, along with theory and results of measurements, and errors and limitations.
Use of Sodium Aluminate as a Coagulant at Council Bluffs
Authors: Rew Myron E.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the use of new sodium aluminate in conjunction with lime‐soda‐ash softening at the Council Bluffs treatment plant. It has proved successful and has several advantages over the use of alum, including: well defined coagulant requirements that are simple to control; although the cost of 1 ppm sodium aluminate is equivalent to the cost of 3.68 ppm alum, the smaller dosage requirements of sodium aluminate make it more economical than alum; lime requirements are smaller for alkali and magnesium reduction; soda‐ash requirements were substantially reduced, resulting in significant cash savings; and, filter beds stay in better condition.
Pollution and National Water Resources
Authors: Hollis Mark D.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the nation's need for more water, and how this is a critically urgent national problem. The problem of population growth is discussed, along with new pollutants, the need for pollution control, the responsibility of the industry, and public opinion.
Water Resources and Conservation in Florida
Authors: Wakefield John W.
Published: February 2018

Florida has more water above, below, and around it than any state in the union, and enjoys the fortunate position of having ample supplies of water to meet all foreseeable needs. This fortunate position can, however, be changed by unwise drainage practices and by overdevelopment without compensatory controls. The Central and Southern Florida Flood Control District is well started toward accomplishing control in the southeastern part of the state, but floods and droughts in recent years indicate that similar measures are needed in the west‐central and southwest sectors of the state. Studies indicate that opportunities for water control exist in the Green Swamp plateau in west‐central Florida, and efforts to take advantage of these opportunities are now being planned.
Improved Solar Still Process for Desalting Sea and Brackish Waters
Authors: Grune Werner N. , Zandi Iraj
Published: February 2018

This article discusses several new design features that have been investigated to improve the yield of existing solar stills. One of the improvements is the mechanical separation of the collector‐evaporator unit from the condenser. A further improvement is the use of air as an intermediate substance that substitutes forced convection for natural convection to increase evaporation. In addition, this design utilizes droplet evaporation in lieu of flat‐sheet evaporation to increase the interfacial area between carrier and water droplet. Another important feature of the new design is the reuse of energy in an external heat exchanger to preheat the incoming seawater while the condensate is extracted from the saturated vapor. The cooled and dewatered air can be recycled to the still. The paper discusses an experimental plant that was located on the roof of the Chemistry Annex Building on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus, Atlanta, Georgia. Collection of preliminary data was begun in March 1959. The equipment was tested and improved until May 19, when reliable data collection was started and carried through until the end of September 1959. Four experimental stills of different designs, each 9 sq ft in cross‐sectional area, with plastic film canopies, were evaluated. The paper discusses the main characteristics of the four experimental designs, along with the experimental procedure including deep basin (natural convection), and shallow basin (glass and forced convection).
Performance Records of Radial Collector Wells in the Ohio River Valley
Authors: Gidley H. K. , Millar John H.
Published: February 2018

A report on the installation and performance of radial collector wells in Ohio River gravels was published in 1952. The report covered thirteen wells located in West Virginia. In view of the continued industrial expansion in the Ohio River Valley and the installation of additional collector wells along the river, this paper discusses a report that includes the wells installed since 1952 and updates information on the performance of the collector wells previously described. Production capacities, mineral content, redevelopment and maintenance, and navigation dams are all discussed.
Controlled Deposition of Protective Calcite Coatings in Water Mains
Authors: McCauley Roberf F.
Published: February 2018

In two articles published recently, the author described a process that he developed for the controlled deposition of protective calcite deposits in water distribution lines. In these articles, the results of a series of experiments with this coating process were related to the hydraulic and chemical principles that govern the deposition rate and crystalline structure of the calcite coatings. Until recently, experimental work on this process has been with 3/4‐in. black‐iron nipples and with thin, flat, 1 X 3‐in. cast‐iron plates. Theoretical computations indicated that the procedures and techniques developed from small‐scale laboratory studies were equally applicable to water distribution mains. To determine the validity of this hypothesis, full‐scale field tests were undertaken with a 6‐in. cast‐iron water line extending from one of the campus wells at Michigan State University to a reservoir approximately 1,200 ft away. To date, six field trials have been made with the 6‐in. line under carefully controlled conditions. All trials have been remarkably successful in coating a 2‐ft section of 6‐in. pipe which was set on the end of the 1,200‐ft line as it discharged into the reservoir.
Coliform Group and Fecal Coliform Organisms as Indicators of Pollution in Drinking Water
Authors: Kabler Paul W. , Clark Harold F.
Published: February 2018

The presence of any type of coliform organism in treated drinking water suggests either inadequate treatment or access of undesirable materials to the water after treatment. Although there are some differences between strain and subgroup organisms with regard to survival under natural conditions and resistance to chlorination, in general all the coliform organisms exhibit survival and resistance patterns in the same order of magnitude. The presence of coliform organisms (as defined earlier) in treated water calls for definitive action for their elimination. Insofar as bacterial pathogens are concerned, the coliform group is considered a reliable indicator of the adequacy of treatment. As an indicator of pollution in drinking water supply systems, and indirectly as an indication of protection provided, the coliform group is preferred to fecal coliform organisms (E. coli). Whether these considerations can be extended to include rickettsial and viral organisms has not been definitely determined.
Natural Radioactivity in Ground Water Supplies in Maine and New Hampshire
Authors: Smith Benjamin M. , Grune Werner N. , Higgins Frederick B. , Terrill James G.
Published: February 2018

In April 1958, water samples from more than 45 wells in the Raymond and Windham areas of Maine were analyzed for radioactivity by the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) and the Maine State Health Department. The activity of radon and its daughter products was found to be 2,500‐583,000 μμ/l. The long‐life alpha activity‐primarily uranium, thorium, and radium‐was found to be approximately 0‐666 μƁ/l. It may also be noted that a radiologic survey of the geology of this area showed rather high background radiation. A detailed sampling program to define the occurrence and extent of natural radioactivity in groundwater supplies of Maine and New Hampshire was undertaken during the summer of 1959. The program in Maine included radioassay of groundwater supplies in the Raymond, Yarmouth, Rumford, and Lewiston areas. In New Hampshire, samples were collected from areas in and around the towns of Nottingham, Northwood, Deerfield, Crafton, and Franklin. In addition, the activity in the water supply sources and in the system of Dover, N.H., a city of about 20,000 people, was studied in some detail. After considerable experimental work, it was decided to adopt the de‐emanation‐scintillation method for the analysis of radon and radium. The method is similar to that used by Holaday and others for the detection of radon in air within uranium mines. A more comprehensive discussion of the method and techniques used in this study has been reported by Higgins and others in this issue of the Journal.
Automatic Fluoride Distillation
Authors: Bellack Ervin
Published: February 2018

Distillation of water samples prior to fluoride analysis, although often a necessary procedure, has remained a disagreeable laboratory operation. With the recent modifications in the distillation method, some of the objections have been overcome, but the procedure still is not entirely foolproof. This article discusses the direct distillation method, conversion to automatic operation, and apparatus and procedure.
Evaluation of Available Supplies in the Western United States, in Relation to Desalinization
Authors: Morris Samuel B.
Published: February 2018

This article evaluates the available water supply in the western U.S., along with the use of desalinization plants. Insofar as the United States mainland is concerned, it seems that there will be no substantial need or opportunity to use desalinization plants along the Pacific Coast. A need for these plants may develop along the Texas Gulf Coast when the lower‐cost natural waters are fully utilized. Inland in the seventeen western states, there will develop a great need for additional sources of water. This is an area with substantial quantities of saline waters, where agriculture, especially irrigated agriculture, has a prominent or predominant role in the present economy of each state. As natural freshwaters become fully developed, it will be difficult for agriculture, because of costs, to compete with urban and industrial demands for water. Any solution to water problems involving the production of freshwater from saline waters will have to be within the price range of those who need the water for irrigation. It seems that the high costs of disposing waste saline water from desalinization plants may, in many instances, offer an added problem in the use of inland saline waters as a source of freshwater. Lower costs for methods of extracting freshwater from the sea and inland saline waters are definitely needed.
Evaluation of Methods for Coliform Counts in Farm Pond Waters
Authors: Malaney George W. , Weiser Harry H. , Gerhold Robert M. , Garver Fred A.
Published: February 2018

In an effort to determine the most accurate method for estimating the density of coliform organisms in untreated farm pond water, 46 samples were analyzed in parallel by: the membrane filter technique; the MPN method with confirmation on BGB broth; the MPN‐BGB method, followed by the SMC test on all positive BGB tubes; and, the SMC test alone. If it is assumed that the MPN‐BGB‐SMC method gave the closest approximation of the true coliform population, then, in terms of both average and individual results, the SMC method was most accurate. MF results tended to be somewhat high, and the MPN‐BGB method showed a definite bias toward high values. The results emphasize the need for exercising care in the choice of method for determining coliform density of moderately polluted water in small impoundments, such as farm ponds. The BGB‐confirmed test should not be employed unless it is certain that results from this method are in accord with results from the completed test on a particular water source.
Analysis of Distribution Networks by Balancing Equivalent Pipe Lengths
Authors: Tong Annabel L. , O'Connor T. Francis , Stearns Donald E. , Lynch William O.
Published: February 2018

A method is presented here of sizing mains in water distribution networks directly, rather than by trial‐and‐ error selection of pipe sizes that is inherent in conventional methods of analysis. The method was originally suggested by O'Connor in 1944, after publication of his simplified method of analyzing water distribution systems.
Water, Salt, and Survival
Authors: Bonner James
Published: February 2018

Because the removal of salt from seawater is becoming such an important topic in the water industry, this article presents a discussion of the biologic aspects of water, salt, and survival. The importance of salt, ion transport, biologic ion requirements, salt tolerance, and water and agriculture are discussed.
Status of Fluoridation in Puerto Rico
Authors: Guzman Ramon M.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a program to add artificial fluorides to Puerto Rico's water supply. Government funding for the program is discussed, along with initiation of the program in metropolitan San Juan, and then expansion of the program into rural areas, the use of fluoride feeders at treatment plants, chemicals used, fluoride‐ion concentrations, control of the fluoride level, program supervision, and program results.
Water Supply Administration in Peru
Authors: Seidel Harris F.
Published: February 2018

This article begins by discussing how major water supplies or systems in Peru have been financed and built in the past by direct grants from the national government. However, national financial support of this nature is not able to keep up with rapid growth in demand, and few water systems in Peru are self‐supporting in operating costs alone. The author describes his experience where, during the summer of 1960, he spent 5 weeks in Peru as a short‐term consultant to the International Cooperation Administration (ICA), activities of which are known as the Point Four program. The consultation was a part of the Community Water Supply Development Program of ICA. Under this program, and in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization, ICA is assisting cooperating countries to develop or strengthen business‐type, self‐sustaining national institutions that will plan and aid financing, construction, and management of water supply systems at the community level.
Synthetic Detergents as a Criterion of Wisconsin Ground Water Pollution
Authors: Nichols M. Starr , Koepp Elaine
Published: February 2018

The presence of coliform organisms is not a satisfactory indication of intestinal virus contamination of drinking water from privately owned shallow wells where a soil absorption system is used for the disposal of domestic sewage. The presence of ABS‐type detergents, however, is a satisfactory indication of possible intestinal virus contamination of drinking water from the same wells under the same conditions. A study showed that anionic‐type detergents are present in 32.1 per cent of 2,167 waters from privately owned shallow wells. The data show that as the concentration of detergent increases in these waters, the percentage of bacteriologically unsafe waters becomes larger, until the group of waters with 3‐10 mg/l of detergents has nearly five times as many bacteriologically unsafe waters as the group free of detergents. Even when less than 1.0 mg/l of detergents was present, the percentage of bacteriologically unsafe waters was more than doubled. Therefore, according to the data, waters free of detergents are much less likely to be bacteriologically unsafe.
Relationship of Impoundment to Water Quality
Authors: Love S. Kenneth
Published: February 2018

Among the many things that affect water quality is impoundment. Water quality may be improved or degraded by impoundment. This article discusses some of the more significant beneficial and detrimental effects of impoundment and the principal factors causing changes in water quality. Important beneficial effects of impoundment on water quality include: reduction of turbidity, silica, color (in certain reservoirs), and coliform bacteria; evening out of sharp variations in dissolved minerals, hardness, pH, and alkalinity; reductions in temperature, which sometimes benefit fish life; entrapment of sediment; and, storage of water for release in dry periods for the dilution of polluted waters. In addition to benefits, impoundment also has certain undesirable effects, including: increased growth of algae, which may give rise to tastes and odors; reduction in dissolved oxygen in the deeper parts of the reservoirs; increase in carbon dioxide and frequently iron, manganese, and alkalinity, especially near the bottom; increases in dissolved solids and hardness as a result of evaporation and dissolution of rock materials; and, reductions in temperature, which, although sometimes beneficial, may also be detrimental to fish life.
Future Demands on the Water Supply Industry
Authors: Mirgain Frank C. , Skodje Marvin T.
Published: February 2018

This article begins by providing a brief overview of AWWA's objectives as set forth in its constitution. These objectives still remain the broad responsibilities and demands of the future, despite the greater knowledge and comprehension of the tasks confronting the industry now than when the Association was formed. Because of the tremendous scientific and technologic advances in the U.S., not only have the hazards to the nation's water resources become more numerous and complex, but also the potential of the water supply profession for service to society has been greatly expanded. The article suggests the promotion of greater research activity as a means of addressing the industry's water supply problems, including: government‐financed research in saltwater conversion; the study of the toxicity and solubility of cadmium and chromium supported by the National Institutes of Health; reduction of expenses caused by corrosion effects; adding fluoride and phosphates to the water supply to aid dental protection; legal protection of individual water rights; an equitable system of cost assessments for the industry; revision and expansion of water treatment methods and standards; process control automation; and, controlling runoff and construction of water storage facilities.
Electrophoretic Studies of Sludge Particles Produced in Lime‐Soda Softening
Authors: Black A. P. , Christman Russell F.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the results of electrophoretic studies of the particles of calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide produced in lime‐soda softening, along with the effects produced by the addition of small dosages of each of four coagulant aids. The primary objective of this study was to obtain information on the zeta potentials of the colloidal particles of calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide throughout the entire pH range of lime‐soda softening, in order that the basic mechanisms of their coagulation may be more fully understood. Because of widespread interest in the application of polyelectrolyte coagulant aids in water softening, a secondary objective of the research was to study the effects of several coagulant aids on the mobility and coagulation of the particles composing softening sludges.
Ground Water Replenishment in Orange County, Calif.
Authors: Crooke Howard W.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a large‐scale groundwater replenishment program by the Orange County (California) Water District. The district purchased 200,000 acre‐ft of water that was brought 275 mi from the Colorado River into the district through the aqueduct system of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). This water replenished the large groundwater basin underlying the district, and cost the Orange County Water District $2,400,000, paid for by revenue derived from two sources. Approximately one‐third was bought with money raised by an ad valorem tax on all real property within the district. Two‐thirds was purchased with money collected from a replenishment assessment levied by the district on all water produced from the groundwater supply and paid by those who pumped the water.
Suggested Method for Turbidimetric Determination of Sulfate in Water
Authors: Rossum John R. , Villarruz Primo A.
Published: February 2018

In view of the status accorded to the turbidimetric procedure in Standard Methods and the apparent popularity of the method, an investigation of some of the variables involved was undertaken and a significantly improved procedure was developed. The results of this investigation cannot be easily summarized and are too lengthy to be suitable for publication. A limited number of copies of a report of this investigation are available from the authors. This article provides a list of the variables that were investigated, and covers the following topics: experimental apparatus; reagents; procedure; calculations; and, precision and accuracy.
Attitude of US Public Health Service in Development of Drinking Water Standards, 1961
Authors: Hopkins Omar C.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the rationale for the development and use of the present revision of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) drinking water standards. Of special interest are the following three guidelines used by the committee in establishing limits for impurities in drinking water: greater attention should be given to the chemical substances encountered increasingly in both variety and quantity in water sources; in establishing limits for toxic substances, the minimum intake from food and air should be considered; and, the continuation of two types of limits used in previous editions that, if exceeded, will constitute grounds for rejection of the supply, and limits that should not be exceeded whenever more suitable supplies are, or can be, made available at reasonable cost. The basic assumptions that guided the development of the new standards are summarized as follows: domestic water supplies should protect the health and promote the well‐being of individuals and of the community, and these proposed standards are minimum requirements for reaching this goal; these minimum requirements should be based in part on compliance with good practices so as not to encourage any unnecessary contamination of drinking water; and, in many areas it will be necessary to use and reuse the same water, and to maintain quality as well as quantity.
Recruiting and Keeping Competent Engineering and Management Personnel
Authors: Baxter Samuel S.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the importance of recruiting and keeping competent engineering and management personnel in a water utility. The article discusses factors affecting personnel policies, including: a lack of continuity of management in publicly owned utilities, especially where political factors exist; salary schedules, especially in publicly owned utilities; and, a minimum of opportunity for exchange and transfer of personnel from one utility or city to another. The article also provides suggestions for improvement, including: raising the status of professional managerial work in water utilities; excellent salaries attract excellent people; good personnel should be able to transfer from one utility to another for career advancement; job rotation for personnel who demonstrate engineering and managerial ability; and, recruitment of college graduates.
Plant Facilities
Authors: Seeger William R.
Published: February 2018

This symposium paper discusses a survey on adequacy in plant facilities. Respondents were asked their opinions on the meaning of adequacy when applied to the following plant facilities: water supply; terminal storage; transmission lines; pump stations; filter plants; distribution storage; distribution lines; service connections; and, pressure zones. The survey results concluded that there were three factors that determine attitudes on adequacy, including: type of system – adequacy is dependent on the type of system and on the source of supply; economic situation – the best installations cost money; and, future adequacy – the length of time for which a system is expected to do the job.
Accounting Practices
Authors: Swingley Ralph L.
Published: February 2018

This symposium paper discusses the importance of adequate accounting practices in utility management. The paper lists three categories of good accounting practices, including: customer billing, collecting and accounting; general accounting; and, general records and statistics (usually maintained by the accounting department). The paper also recommends a rating scale that breaks each area down into a series of parts, and allows utility managers to rate their own utility in the fields mentioned above.
Public Relations
Authors: Williams Johnie E.
Published: February 2018

This symposium paper discusses the importance of maintaining a friendly relationship between a water utility and its customers and their community. The paper states that adequacy in water utility public relations is achieved when the public knows and understands what the utility is doing and is planning to do. Public relations is adequate when the people are confident that the utility's program is sound in engineering, economically feasible, and is the best program for the community. The paper provides criteria for maintaining friendly relations with water customers, along with extra services that can improve public relations.
Water Quality Definitions and Research
Authors: Love S. Kenneth
Published: February 2018

This article presents a discussion of the uses of water quality in several fields of interest, and outlines the kinds of research studies being done to satisfy major interests. The quality of natural water is discussed, along with water quality in areas such as public health, industry, agriculture, wildlife management, and water reuse. Geochemical research on water quality is discussed briefly.
Comparison of Analytical Procedures for Boron
Authors: Lishka Raymond J.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a study to find a rapid, simple, and sensitive procedure for the determination of boron in various types of surface waters. Many compounds were found to be colorimetric reagents for boron, and four were selected for further study. They include the following: the reaction with 1, 1'‐dianthrimide progresses slowly, requiring 3 hrs. for maximum color development, temperature must be closely controlled at 90°C; the carmine colorimetric method does not require temperature control, but is nearly as time consuming as the 1, 1'‐dianthrimide procedure, both reagents require concentrated sulfuric acid as a solvent; the Victoria Violet reaction takes place in aqueous solution without close temperature control, different concentrations of boron produce an absorption peak at varying wavelengths, which makes the use of a double‐beam recording spectrophotometer nearly mandatory; and, the procedure with curcumin uses a minimal amount of sample and forms an end product that is soluble in alcohol. A water bath controlled at 55°C is the only equipment required. The method produces satisfactory results in various types of surface waters.
Water Resources of Guam
Authors: Eyer Chef
Published: February 2018

This article begins by providing a brief overview of the island of Guam, and goes on to discuss the condition of water resources on the island.
AWWA Services Present and Future
Authors: Cramer John W.
Published: February 2018

In this article, AWWA President John W. Cramer expresses his views on how AWWA serves the water industry. In 1958, in response to requests to expand its services, the AWWA Board of Directors created the Committee on Aims and Objectives which made the following recommendations in its report: the creation of two new standing committees, one on education and one on research, and to support this additional activity a change in dues structure is recommended, which would be scaled generally to the volume of business such companies do in the industry; and, that AWWA retain an independent management consulting firm to examine the entire aims and objectives report, the cost of implementing it, the willingness and ability of the membership to pay the bill, and AWWA's overall operations in the light of the increased activities outlined in the report.