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Fractionation of the phosphates in a sodium hydroxide extract of an arable soil has shown the presence of a number of esters of a type not previously detected in soils. These included several mono-phosphorylated carboxylic acids with C to P ratios of approximately 7 or 8 to I and two esters each containing glycerol, myoinositol, chiroinositol and an unidentified component. Another ester, probably containing two phosphate groups, was also detected but was not completely separated from other compounds containing no P. These esters constituted only approximately 3 per cent of the total soil organic P but considerable losses of organic P occurred during the extraction and isolation procedures. The amounts of the inositol phosphates, nucleoside phosphates, and inorganic pyrophosphate in the extract were also measured.

Small drinking-water supplies face particular challenges in terms of their management. Being vulnerable to contamination but often not monitored regularly nor well-maintained, small drinking-water supplies may pose consequences for health of users. Sanitary inspection (SI) is a risk assessment tool to identify and manage observable conditions of the water supply technology or circumstances in the catchment area that may favour certain hazardous events and introduce hazards which may become a risk to health. This qualitative research aimed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the SI tool as published by the World Health Organisation to inform a review and update of the forms and to improve their robustness. The study identified a number of benefits of the approach, such as its simplicity and ease of use. Challenges were also identified, such as potential for inconsistencies in perception of risk between inspectors, in interpreting questions, and lack of follow-up action. The authors recommend a revision of the existing SI forms to address the identified challenges and development of complementary advice on possible remedial action to address identified risk factors and on basic operations and maintenance.

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