Efficient water-saving appliances are an essential part of changing water consumption toward a more sustainable future. Unlike previous studies, this research focuses on egoistic and altruistic values as determinants of consumers' willingness to buy efficient water-saving appliances. In this study, a convenient sampling technique was used to solicit data from 308 potential consumers. Using a two-steps structural equation model method for data analysis, the results show that both egoistic and altruistic values affect the willingness of consumers to purchase efficient water-saving appliances. However, compared with altruistic values, egoistic values had a greater influence on consumers' purchasing intention. From the Chinese perspective, this study is one of the primary efforts to understand the association and importance of ethical values and consumers' willingness to support water-saving innovations. The findings of this study put forward significant policy effects that could serve as a benchmark for measures that are likely to promote purchasing intentions toward efficient water-saving appliances.
One of the six major meteoric lakes in the world, Lake Bosomtwe, is of great ecological significance for Ghanaians and the scientific community, most importantly for agricultural and human consumption. Water samples (n = 30) were collected to analyze the hydrogeochemical characteristics and water quality of the lake. Statistical methods including correlation, principal component, cluster analysis, Gibbs ratio, and the Piper–Trilinear diagram were used to analyze parameters. The Water Quality Index revealed that the lake water is not suitable for human consumption because measured pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, color, and bicarbonate exceeded their respective thresholds on all occasions. The calculated sodium absorption ratio (13.7–14.8) and soluble sodium percentage (94.43–95.43%) showed that the lake is not appropriate for irrigation as they exceeded their respective limit of 2 and 60%. The Gibbs ratio revealed that rock–water interaction is the underlying mechanism for water evolution. The Piper–Trilinear diagram revealed that alkalies earth and weak acids dominate the water chemistry of the lake. The dominant cation is sodium (82.22%), while the dominant anion is bicarbonate (79.39%). Five monitoring stations were identified, and the water quality was influenced by diverse anthropogenic and natural sources. The findings will provide a reference for policymakers and decision-makers at Lake Bosomtwe.
The total and dissolved lead, cadmium, mercury, nickel, chromium, cobalt, and arsenic in 30 water samples collected from Bosomtwe Lake were analyzed. Arsenic bioavailability was also determined using the ARSOlux test system. Except for chromium, their mean values in the study results exceeded the WHO permissible limit for potability. Cancer and non‐cancer effects associated with exposure to dissolved and total metals by a child and an adult via oral and dermal routes were estimated. The hazard quotient (HQ) values obtained (except adult exposure to total arsenic of 1.71 × 1000) were less than unity. Between child and adult, the recorded hazard index (HI) was 0.82 and 1.75, respectively. The HI results indicate that the adult population is at risk for non‐cancer health effects. Arsenic was the element of concern, and it remained biologically available for uptake by target groups. For child and adult, respectively, arsenic contributed 96.39% and 97.29% to HI values. The risk values for cancer in a child and an adult with oral and dermal exposure to dissolved and total arsenic were lower than the USEPA range. Principal component and cluster analysis identified atmospheric deposition, geogenic, and unregulated application of agrochemicals as plausible sources of water pollution in Bosomtwe Lake.
Practitioner points
The hazard quotient (HQ) values obtained for adult exposure to total arsenic was 1.71 × 1000.
Arsenic remained biologically available for uptake by target groups.
The calculated health index (HI) indicated that the adult population is at risk for non‐cancer health effects.
Arsenic contributed 96.39% and 97.29% to HI values for a child and an adult.
Atmospheric deposition, geogenic, and unregulated application of agrochemicals were the plausible sources of water pollution in Bosomtwe Lake.
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