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J Toxicol Environ Health A

Title:		Aquatic taste and odor: a primary signal of drinking-water integrity
Author(s):		Watson S;
Address:		"National Water Research Institute, Environment Canada, Ecology Division, Department of Biosciences, University of Calgary, Burlington, Ontario, Canada. swatson@ucalgary.ca"
Journal Title:		J Toxicol Environ Health A
Year:		2004
Volume:		67
Issue:		20-22
Page Number:		1779 - 1795
DOI:		10.1080/15287390490492377
ISSN/ISBN:		1528-7394 (Print) 0098-4108 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Aquatic taste and odor (T/O) is rarely produced by toxic contaminants or pathogens; nevertheless, it has major negative impacts on the public and the drinking-water industry. Consumers use T/O as a primary measure of drinking water safety, yet this criterion is poorly understood, and its origins and triggers often go untraced. Much surface-water T/O is produced by the increased production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by algae. These chemicals can be symptomatic of short-term problems with source, treatment, or distribution systems. At a broader level, they can signify fundamental changes in aquatic ecosystems induced by human activity. T/O varies in chemistry, intensity, and production patterns among different algal taxa, and is often linked with excessive algal growth and/or the invasion of noxious species. Some VOCs may signal the presence of potentially toxic algae and/or other associated water quality issues. Traditionally, T/O has been linked with the widespread eutrophication of many surface waters; however, there has been a recent growth in the number of T/O events reported in oligo-mesotrophic systems, for example, the Glenmore Reservoir (Calgary AB) and the Laurentian Great Lakes. From a management and public perspective, therefore, it is vitally important to monitor T/O, and to continue to work toward a better understanding of the proximal and the ultimate causes-which VOCs and algae species are involved. In the short term, odor events could be anticipated and water treatment optimized. In the long term, this approach would contribute toward more a robust management of this resource through remedial or preventative measures"
Keywords:		"Canada Environmental Monitoring/*methods Eukaryota/metabolism *Fresh Water Humans *Odorants Organic Chemicals/metabolism Seasons *Taste Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism Water Pollution/*prevention & control *Water Supply;"
Notes:		"MedlineWatson, Susan eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review England 2004/09/17 J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2004 Oct 22-Nov 26; 67(20-22):1779-95. doi: 10.1080/15287390490492377"