Of recent concern is the degradation of plastics from macro- to micro- and even nanosized. This study investigates the content of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) particles in raw water sources for the local population and in tap and drinking water as treated water. A total of 189 samples were selected and analysed for the quality and quantity of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs). The results found MNPs in all water samples, with an average abundance ranging from 204 ± 54 to 336 ± 87 particles/L in raw water, from 22 ± 7 to 33 ± 12 particles/L in tap water, and from 25 ± 15 to 73 ± 30 particles/L in drinking water. MNPs were divided into three categories according to their shape. Fragments and fibres clearly dominated in all samples. The majority of particles with sizes greater than 125 μm are found in raw water, while those with ranging sizes from 20 nm to 125 μm are mostly found in treated water. The MNPs were domains of fibres and fragments. The majority of the MNPs were composed of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polyethylene (PE). This study contributes to filling the knowledge gap in the field of emerging MNPs pollution of raw and treated water, which is of concern due to the potential human exposure to MNPs.

This investigation aimed to assess the microbial quality of drinking water produced by drinking water filtration dispenser toll machines (DFTMs) to assess the health risk of DFTMs water. A total of 210 samples were randomly collected of 70 DFTMs within a radial distance of 500 metres around Mahasarakham University. The prevalence of E. coli and S. aureus in the DFTMs water was 54.17% and 16.67% with an average concentration of 1.04 log cfu/ml and 0.26 log cfu/ml, respectively. The risk calculation (using the @Risk program based on drinking water consumption of 2 L/day) indicated that the probability of exposure were 1.67 E-01, while the probability of illness due to E. coli and S. aureus as 2.08 E-03 and 1.58 E-05 and the risk of illness was 1.13 E-03 and 2.64 E-06, respectively. The sanitation status and drinking water quality related to health would be influenced by other pathogens due to poor hygienic conditions of DFTMs and improper environments.

Background: Optimal glycemic management is critical since it can predict all associated essential causes of death, even after accounting for other risk factors. Objectives: This study investigated the factors associated with glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly self-care behaviors. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study examined 385 patients with T2DM in 1 general and 17 community hospitals in Kalasin Province. The samples were collected using mixed-method sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire with six parts and laboratory examination records between September 2021 and December 2022. Descriptive statistics (e.g., percentages and means ± SD) were used to analyze the data. The relationship between relevant factors and lack of glycemic control was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression using SPSS version 25. Results: Results showed that most patients were female (78.18%), and the mean age was 59.84 ± 9.05 years. Additionally, a significant proportion of the patients (79.74%) had poor glycemic control. Several factors are significantly associated with poor glycemic control in patients with T2DM. These factors included subjects under the age of 60 years (OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.57 to 5.54; p-value < 0.001), a diabetes duration of over 10 years (OR = 3.95, 95% CI: 1.90 to 8.22; p-value < 0.001), poor knowledge about diabetes (OR = 3.92, 95% CI: 1.59 to 9.67; p-value < 0.003), and inadequate self-care behaviors (OR = 6.12, 95% CI: 3.20 to 11.68; p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, proper interventions for controlling glycemic level behaviors are necessary to improve proper self-care behaviors in patients who have a low knowledge level of T2DM, have had diabetes for over ten years, and are aged < 60 years. This approach can reduce the likelihood of experiencing disabilities and economic hardship.

Nano- and microplastic particles (NMPs) in drinking water have raised concern about health risks. The objectives of this study were to measure the abundance and characteristics of NMPs in household tap water, vending machine water, bottled water, and ice, and to assess exposure of NMPs via the consumption of water types. We analyzed NMPs using the SEM-EDS and micro-Raman imaging microscope. The study found that NMPs were most common in ice (86 ± 24.7 particles/L), followed by vending machine water (78 ± 20.4 particles/L), household tap water (65 ± 11.2 particles/L), and bottled water (32 ± 10.1 particles/L), respectively. The particles of 125–300 μm were the predominant size in all water types except for bottled water, where 0.02–45 μm was the predominant size. Fragments were the dominant shape in all water types. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the predominant polymer type in all water types except for ice samples, where polypropylene (PP) was the predominant polymer type. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Estimated Annual Intake (EAI) were the highest values via ice consumption (2.96–6.32 particles/kg/day for EDI and 1079.22–2305.48 particles/kg/year for EAI). The EDI and EAI of children were higher than those of adolescents and adults. Female children had higher EDI and EAI than their male counterparts. Male adolescents and adults exhibited higher EDI and EAI compared to their female counterparts. This discovery revealed NMP contamination in various water types and health risks, particularly in ice.

This cross-sectional study assessed ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among 42 solid waste collectors from 11 local administrative organizations in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Data were collected using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), the Nordic Body Discomfort Questionnaire, and electromyography (EMG) to evaluate posture-related risks, discomfort, and muscle fatigue. Results showed that 59.5% of workers had high ergonomic risk, while 33.4% were at very high risk. Moderate to severe lower back discomfort was reported by 76.1% of participants, with the lower back most affected (37.8%), followed by the shoulders (27.0%). EMG analysis confirmed back muscle fatigue in 54.3% of workers. Tasks involving bending, dragging, and lifting were associated with high to very high ergonomic risks. The findings highlight that repetitive manual handling, awkward postures, and inadequate work design contribute to significant MSD risks, and ergonomic interventions are recommended to reduce physical strain and prevent long-term injuries.