Mapping the Complex Journey of Swimming Pool Contaminants: A Multi-Method Systems Approach

Swimming pool owners worldwide face the challenging task of keeping their water balanced and free from contaminants. However, swimming (SPW) quality management is complex with countless processes interactions interlinked system variables. For example, contamination sunscreen residues inevitable as users apply to protect skin damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) one such that have received criticism due potential human health environmental risks. Despite ongoing research studies, strategies nano-TiO2 in pools are still limited. Therefore, this paper focuses on developing a multi-method approach for identifying understanding interdependencies between TiO2 particles an aquatic environment pool. Given complexity be assessed, authors utilise systems by integrating cross-matrix multiplication (MICMAC) Systems Thinking techniques. The developed conceptual model visually depicts system, which provides basic chemistry, displaying numerous cause-and-effect relationships enabling identify leverage points can effectively change dynamics system. Such systems-level understanding, actions will help manage levels efficient manner. novelty proposed methodology, uses conceptualise contaminants important pathways elevated contaminant levels.