Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment-Based Water Safety Plan for Packaged Water Production Companies in Abeokuta, South West Nigeria

Provision of quality drinking water is paramount for sustaining good public health in urban residents. Packaged water produced and consumed across cities in Nigeria lacks integrity in protecting Health. Water safety plan based on hazard identification and risk assessment in each component of the water production system is essential in providing quality water by packaged water producing companies in Nigeria. This study aims at developing water safety plan for selected packaged water manufacturing companies in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Hazard identification and risk assessment were carried out based on site inspection studies, key informant interview, questionnaire survey and water sample analysis, and risk analysis using semi-quantitative risk matrix approach. The results revealed a total of 26 possible hazardous events which may compromise water quality such as on-site septic tanks and effluents discharged at source water and improper maintenance and hygiene practices within the system. Based on these, appropriate mitigation and monitoring plans were drawn for action. The research found that water safety plan is feasible for the packaged water systems, and therefore calls on the relevant stakeholders for urgent implementation towards ensuring clean drinking water and protecting public health as more and more people are opting for packaged waters due to uncertain public water safety.

Distribution of Selected Toxic Elements in Water Phases of River Ogbere, Ibadan, Nigeria

Rivers in Nigeria are faced with increasing contamination of both solid and liquid wastes that enter the surrounding water bodies, and some of these are toxic pollutants that settle onto the riverbed (the ultimate sink of contaminants in the aquatic environment). These toxic pollutants are released into the aquatic environments and inadvertently pose serious public health risks and hazards. This study aims to assess the level of potentially toxic element in River Ogbere water in the city of Ibadan. A total of 12 surface water samples collected from River Ogbere in Ibadan during the dry and wet season of 2019 was analysed for pH, EC, Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb) and Nickel (Ni). The pH was found in the alkaline range (7.40 - 7.83) while the conductance was obtained in the range of 236.67 - 353.3 μs/cm in both seasons. Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Ni were detected in all the samples in the range 0.10 - 5.44 mg/L, 3.20 - 5.03 mg/L, 0.12 - 1.27 mg/L, 0.03 - 0.51 mg/L, 0.03 - 0.68 mg/L, 0.01 - 0.75 mg/L and 0.01 - 0.03 mg/L in both seasons respectively, whereas Cd was detected only in 75% of the samples (0.00 - 0.07 mg/L). Overall seasonal variation was significant for Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, and Cr. The maximum mean concentration of Fe (5.44 mg/L), Mn (5.03 mg/L), Zn (1.27 mg/L), Cu (0.68 mg/L), Pb (0.75 mg/L) and Ni (0.03 mg/L) were all observed during the dry season. The heavy metals also varied with the change of sampling locations. The dominance of these toxic element in the surface water of River Ogbere followed the sequence: Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd. The anthropogenic activities around the study area were observed to have increased the influx of toxic metals at both upstream and downstream sections of the river. In view of the high human activities along the river, River Ogbere appeared to have been polluted visibly. The constant water quality monitoring and development of River Ogbere safety plans is recommended.

Management of Biohazards and Pandemics: COVID-19 and Its Implications in the Construction Sector

This paper investigates the impact of biohazards and pandemics on construction workers’ health and well-being. A proper selection of control methods for biohazards and pandemics like COVID-19 pandemic will result in improved public health conditions. Occupational risks in the construction industry are also examined, with a focus on biohazards and pandemics, their containment, and the implications for health and safety. A safer work environment in the construction industry is encouraged. In this study, some statistical methods were used to analyse the data obtained from sampled questionnaire. According to the findings, fewer people in poor developing countries get routine check-ups compared to developed countries. The construction industries studied have little or no insurance plans for staff. It also demonstrates that personal protective equipment (PPE) such as nasal masks, helmets, hand gloves, and work aprons can assist in the control of biohazards in the construction sector, such as asthma, cancer, and asbestosis. There should be safety awareness programmes, conferences, and seminars, as well as first-aid kits and HSE and qualified health workers on all building sites. In addition, the government should examine the site for the usage of PPEs and verify that records of family/personal medical history are maintained.