Development of Ecologically Acceptable Chlorpyrifos Formulation for Effective and Safe Application

Application of the commercial formulation of chlorpyrifos has resulted in considerable environmental contamination. This study was designed to develop environmentally acceptable chlorpyrifos formulation for safe and effective application. This involved the modification of clay surfaces from hydrophilic to hydrophobic via ion-exchange reaction with organic cations. The resulting organo-clay complexes were tested for adsorption and release of chlorpyrifos. HPLC and FTIR measurements showed considerable adsorption and strong interaction between chlorpyrifos molecules and the organo-clay complexes. Basal spacing results emphasized the formation of suitable micro-pores for chlorpyrifos molecules. HPLC and bioassay techniques confirmed the slow release of chlorpyrifos. Leaching potential showed retention of chlorpyrifos in the top soil. Therefore application of organoclay formulation of chlorpyrifos may reduce their potential environmental contamination and produce safe applications.

Cardiotoxicity among Children Accidentally Exposed to Organophosphate Insecticides Coupled with Scorpion Bites in Gaza

Insecticides are toxic chemicals used at homes for controlling insects of public health importance and controlling agricultural pests at home gardens. Their application may result in accidental poisoning. Four accidental insecticide-poisoning children coupled with a scorpion bitten child were brought to the main hospital in southern Gaza for medical treatment. Primary investigation showed severe breath shortness, low heartbeat, and low blood pressure (hypotension). These symptoms are indications of potential cardiotoxicity among children. Electrocardiograms were measured and indicated various heart complications between cases. Complete blood count (CBC) determination showed the highest white blood cells (WBC) in the scorpion-bitted child suggesting the development of immune defense system. Blood electrolyte (Na+, K+, Ca2+) concentrations indicated disturbances due to poisoning. An interesting outcome of the study is the dramatic alteration in blood glucose concentration. Additionally, activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) indicated normal activity in poisoning case 1, moderate inhibition in poisoning case 2 and case 3, normal activity in poisoning case 4 and severe inhibition in poisoning case 5. The levels of Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) were within the acceptable range whereas the level of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) was above the acceptable reference range suggesting potential Hepato-toxicity. Scorpion bitten child did not receive atropine whereas two poisoned cases were successfully cured by atropine injection. Additionally, alternative safe medical management may be used for cardiotoxicity using vitamin C, vitamin E, quercetin, and curcumin. These vitamins may be recommended as alternative medical treatments for cardiotoxicity.

A New Field Protocol for Determination of Forest Structure, Biodiversity and Heath Status by Means of GPS Tools: A Case Study from Gaza Forest

This article describes the application of GPS, image processing analysis and statistical tools for determination of forest structure and biodiversity. The idea is based on determination of forest area using GPS tools, then taking representative plots “samples” about 5% - 10% of the forest and counting the tree species in each plot (sample). This process enables the estimation of species population in each plot. The sum of all species population enables the calculation of relative density of each species. Multiplying species population with plot number of the forest enables the calculations of total species population in the forest. Calculating the relative density enables the determination of dominant, co-dominant, suppressed and flour structure of the forest. To determine the age of the forest, we apply our method on determining the diameter of trees and grouping them to four groups, this enables the estimation of dominant age within single species. From these data, we can estimate the age of the forest. This field protocol is easy and applicable and provides good results in estimating structure, age and biodiversity in the forest.

Physicochemical Properties of Sewage Sludge from Gaza

This study characterized the physicochemical properties of sewage sludge collected from Gaza wastewater treatment plant. Sludge samples were collected from the drying beds, air-dried, sieved through 2 mm and stored in plastic bags at room temperature. Sludge density, particle size distribution, water holding capacity, void volume, pH, EC, total organic carbon and hydrophobicity were determined. Results showed the bulk density is about 1.18 g/cm3 whereas the real density is 2.12 g/cm3 and void volume is 50%;Particle size distribution showed that the major size of sludge is sand-like size (630 - 200 μm) and the minor size is silt-like size (200 - 20 μm) and clay-like size is less than 20 μm. Sludge has an acidic pH reaction (6.78 ± 0.02) with an electric conductivity equal to (2.49 ± 0.04) mS?cm-1. The hydrophobicity of sludge is very high, water drop penetration time (WDPT) is 114.77 ± 18.78 sec with a radius of 0.44 ± 0.08 cm. In the way around, oil drop penetration time (ODPT) of sludge is 5.05 ± 1.28 sec with a radius of 1.25 ± 0.14 cm. The WDPT/ODPM ration has very high value 22.73 indicating extreme hydrophobicity. High value of hydrophobicity may reduce water filtration in soil when sludge applied for agriculture. These results suggest that sludge application to soil may change the physicochemical properties of soil.

Leaching Potential of Diuron and Linuron in Gaza Soils

This study investigated the leaching potential of diuron and linuron in different soil types in Gaza Strip, Palestine under laboratory and field conditions. Leaching potential was evaluated by tin columns and bioassay technique using Molokhia as test plant. The responses of the test plant were regressed versus concentrations of the herbicide to estimate linear regression equation and the regression coefficient. The obtained results indicate strong positive association between Molokhia and concentrations of diuron or linuron;accordingly it was used in the bioassay and estimation of the concentrations of the tested herbicides in the leaching depth. Leaching potential was very low in North Gaza and Kkan Younis soil, whereas in the Meddle zone soil was very large. Leaching potential under laboratory conditions was larger that under field conditions. The bioestimated concentrations in soil layer under field conditions were sever folds of magnitude lower than those under laboratory conditions. The interesting outcome of this study is that leaching potential is dependent on soil clay fraction, soil organic matter, and soil pH. These results provided answers to the questions raised by farmers in Gaza Strip.

Cations and Anions in Sewage Sludge from Gaza Waste Water Treatment Plant

This paper determined cations and anions concentrations, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), and heavy metals content in sewage sludge collected from the drying beds of wastewater treatment plant in Gaza. The aim was to test the possibility of using this sewage sludge as an alternative source of mineral fertilizers. Many instruments were used in this work: flame photometry (K, Na), EDTA titration (Ca, Mg), the turbidity method () , spectrophotometer (turbidity), ascorbic acid method (orthophosphate), titrimetric method (Cl﹣), inductive coupled plasma analyzer (ICP, heavy metals). All the processes of experiments and analyses were described clearly for reference. Results showed that concentrations of Na﹢, K﹢, Ca2﹢ and Mg2﹢ were 28.93, 2.53, 271 and 177 mg/kg respectively whereas? were 0.434, 18.59, 0.87 and 0.026 g/kg respectively. The concentrations of Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn and Mn were 125.12, 172.56, 76.88, 218.73 and 157.56 mg/kg respectively. These results indicate that sewage sludge from Gaza contained high fractions of most plant nutrients accordingly, and it may be advantageous to use the sludge as a natural source of plant fertilizers.

Effect of Treated Waste Water Irrigation on Plant Growth and Soil Properties in Gaza Strip, Palestine

This study investigated the effect of treated wastewater (TWW) irrigation on growth of Chinese cabbage and corn and on soil properties in Gaza Strip, Palestine. Chinese cabbage and corn were planted in winter and summer seasons respectively in a sandy soil. The experimental design was a randomized complete block using 2 treatments with 4 replicates. Soil samples were collected from 0.0-120 cm depths from all plots and analyzed for pH, electric conductivity (EC) and nutrient contents. The plants were irrigated with either TWW or fresh water (FW) fortified with NPK, while control used drip irrigation system. The biomass (total fresh weight of the plants) was used as an indicator of the plant yields. Concentration of heavy metals on plant leaves was determined by Inductive Coupled Plasma Analyzer (ICP) and was taken as an indicator of plant quality. Biomass of Chinese cabbage and corn grown in plots irrigated with TWW was higher than those grown in plots irrigated with FW. These results indicate the ability of TWW supplying the necessary nutrients for plant growth. Heavy metal content in plant leaves in all treatments (TWW and FW) was nearly similar and below EPA standards, indicating high quality of plants. Soil analysis showed great changes in soil properties due to irrigation with TWW. The interesting outcome of this study is that TWW is an effective source for plant nutrients. It is encouraging to reuse TWW in agricultural system after full treatment.

Bioremediation of Acetochlor in Soil and Water Systems by Cyanobacterial Mat

This study investigated the bioremediation of organic pollution in soil and water systems by cyanobacterial mats collected from Wadi Gaza. Acetochlor, a model compound of herbicide, was used as a standard organic pollutant. Various concentrations of acetochlor were injected in soil and water samples pre-treated with cyanobacterial mat for several periods of time. Percentage of growth of wheat as a test plant was taken as indicator of bioremediation of acetochlor. Results showed that acetochlor was degraded in both soil and water systems. Degradation was?much?faster in the water system than in the soil system. Concentrations of acetochlor above the field rate did not affect the bioremediation process in the water system whereas it did in soil pots. Furthermore, bioremediation in water system was nearly completed in 15 days whereas it did not reach high percentage?in the soil system. These encouraging results are new contribution in field of bioremediation of pesticide by cyanobacterial mats and suggest that application of cyanobacterial mat could be a fast and suitable methodology for bioremediation of organic pollutant in the ecosystem.

Adsorption of Diuron and Linuron in Gaza Soils

This study investigated the adsorption potential of diuron and linuron in selected soil samples collected from agricultural area of Gaza Strip, Palestine and correlated the adsorption results to the soil properties. The adsorption experiments are based on the batch equilibrium technique and UV-Spectrophotometer method to determine the equilibrium concentration of both herbicides. Results of adsorption experiment showed that linuron and diuron are adsorbed in various amounts in Gaza soils according to the variation in pH, organic matter and clay content. Adsorption isotherms of both herbicides were linear in the tested concentration. Fitting the adsorption data to Freundlich equation showed good fitting and Freundlich constants were less than one indicating physical adsorption processes. It is concluded that soil organic matter and pH affect the adsorption of both herbicides. These results provided a better understanding of the behavior of diuron and linuron in Gaza soils.

Particle Size Distribution and Hydraulic Conductivity in Coastal Non-Agricultural Land in Gaza Coastal Plain

Background: Particle size distribution and hydraulic conductivity of coastal no-agricultural lands are not available. This study characterized the particle size distribution and hydraulic conductivity on coastal non-agricultural land along the coastal plain of Gaza. Materials and Methods: Six soil profiles were digged along the coastal plain in Gaza Strip and soil samples were collected from 0 - 150 cm depth. Four soil plots around each site were used to determine the hydraulic conductivity using Infiltrometer method. Four particle size groups were identified, group 1 (630 nm), group 2 (200 nm), group 3 (63 nm) and group 4 (20 nm). Results: Dominancy of particle size group 2 was noticed in all sites followed by group 3. Groups 1 and 4 were less dominant in all sites. Hydraulic conductivity ranged from lower value 0.27 in the control soil plot in Khan Younis (site 1) to the highest value 1.76 m/s in disturbed soil plot in Shakhejjlen (site 3) with regression coefficient (R2) range of 0.9725 - 0.997 indicating strong positive association. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the coastal non-agricultural land is sandy with various hydraulic conductivity values due to different particle size distribution. These data are useful to the scientific community around the world and will be helpful to speculate potential risk factors to life of ecosystem.

Bioremediation of Diuron in Soil Environment: Influence of Cyanobacterial Mat

Diuron is a herbicide widely used in the Middle East;its field application creates many environmental problems. This study investigated the bioremediation of Diuron in soil environment by Cyanobacterial mats collected from Gaza Wadi. Various concentrations of Diuron were injected in water saturated soil samples pre-treated with Cyanobacterial mat for several periods. Percent growth of Jews mallow as a test plant was taken as indicator of biodegradation of Diuron. Results showed that Diuron was degraded in soil and degradation was more pronounced when Diuron was incubated with Cyanobacterial in the irrigation water. Larger applied rate of Cyanobacterial mat did not affect the biodegradation of Diuron. These encouraging results suggest that application of Cyanobacterial mat could be a suitable method to remediate soil pollution.

Influence of Biogas Production on Bioremediation of Animal Manures

This study investigated the effect of biogas production on the removal hazardous waste properties. Biogas was produced from caw, chicken and mixed manure. Samples were taken before and after biogas production and tested for removal of total solid (TS), removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and fecal coliform bacteria (FC). Results showed tremendous removal of the above mentioned parameters after biogas production. Chemical analysis of digestate indicates the advantages of using them as plant nutrients. Application of digestate in soil dramatically changed the chemical and physical properties of soil. It can be concluded that biogas production, is not only producing biogas but also removing waste parameters (TS, COD, BOD, FC) and producing plant nutrients.

Accidental Zinc Phosphide Poisoning among Population: A Case Report

The use of rodenticides in Gaza in the past years becomes easy due to rodent outbreak. The municipalities allow the use of rodenticides without quality control or technical supports. This situation leads to an easy purchasing of zinc phosphide or its analog. This resulted in acute poising among adults and children. Herein we reported an accidental zinc phosphide poisoning to an adult man and discussed the associated medical complications with this case. Gastric lavage followed by atropine and vitamin K gavage on the 1st day of poisoning (hospital admission) resulted in a slight improvement of the case. Clinical symptoms included severe abdominal colic without losing conscious. Complete blood count (CBC) showed elevated levels of white blood cells (WBCs) and granulocytes (GRAN) levels indicating medical complication of the case. Biochemical analysis showed elevated levels of liver and cardiac biomarkers indicating potential liver and heart injuries. Continuous gavage of vitamin K, resulted in a gradual improvement of the case. On the 4th day of medical period, abdominal colic disappeared and CBC parameters became near the reference range. Consequently, the patient was set free from the hospital.

Acidity, Electric Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen Total Dissolved Solid and Salinity Profiles of Marine Water in Gaza: Influence of Wastewater Discharge

Effects of wastewater discharge on the coastal area in Gaza strip Palestine are not fully investigated. This study investigated the effect wastewater discharge of the physical and chemical properties of marine water in the coastal area over a period of 2 year. Sea water and sediment samples were collected from about 20 different sites. The water and the sediments were collected wastewater/sea water mixing zone at depth 0, 2.5 and 5 m water column depth at a direct wastewater discharging pipe line from different location and similarly from other locations. Water temperature T, electric conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total dissolved solid (TDS) and salinity were determined for water samples using field equipment such as pH-meter, DO meter, TDS-/ and EC-meter. On the other hand, NO3-, SO42-, PO43- were determined in the laboratory using chemical methods, details are described in materials and method section. Results showed average and standard deviation of T, EC, DO, pH, TDS and salinity were 22.02°C ± 4.1°C, EC: 58.41 ± 4.8 ms/cm;DO: 6.96 ± 1.8 mg/L;pH: 7.69 ± 0.37;TDS: 30.51 ± 3.29 and salinity 4.39 ± 0.12 (%);whereas, average and standard deviation of NO3-: were 299.8 ± 204.1 mg/L;SO42-, 5736.9 ± 817.1;and PO43-: 164.35 ± 120.7 mg/L. The measured values indicate significant differences due to high value of standard deviation of some measured parameters. This indicates the influence of wastewater discharge in sea water as shown inside the manuscript in the appropriate section. The study recommends efficient treatment of wastewater and reuses it for agricultural purposes instead of discharging it in sea.

Extraction Methods of Cyanotoxins Aqueous Media and Sediments

Cyanotoxins are chemical compounds produced by cyanobacterial mats grown in aquatic ecosystems. These may threaten human health and aquatic organisms. Extraction of these toxins is usually associated with many difficulties due to their concentration in aquatic ecosystems. This study is designed to provide suitable and effective extraction procedures that can effectively extract low concentration cyanotoxin from water and bacterial cells. The methodology is based on collecting raw material of cyanobacterial mats from naturally growing sites such as Wadi Gaza along with 16 liters of aquatic surrounding media. The materials were left in the Lab for 24 - 48 h for stabilization of the mats. The floating mats were collected using special funnel and allowed to air drying. The aqueous phase was extracted by liquid/liquid extraction using solvent mixture (hexane + ethylacetate 10% w:w), and by liquid solid extraction using several types of organoclays complexes. The solid phase was extracted by acetone and ultrasonic device. Results showed some difficulties were associated with liquid/liquid extraction whereas effective and easy extraction procedures were obtained by liquid solid extraction using either organoclay complex or activated charcoal. In contrast combination of both solid materials did not show improvement in the extracted cyanotoxin. Thus we recommend the use of organoclays or activated charcoal separately for extracting cyanotoxin. Further improvement of extraction can be tailored by using a specific organoclay complex that has some similarity in the chemical structure between the pre-adsorbed organic cation to the clay mineral and the chemical structure of cyanotoxin.

Nitrate Residues in Fruits, Vegetables and Bread Samples and Their Health Consequences

Application of mineral fertilizers such as Nitrate or urea derivatives to crops is an essential agricultural step for fruits and vegetable production. This step may lead to accumulation of Nitrate levels in fruit and vegetables creating health risks such as cancer. This study aimed to determine nitrate residues in beard, fruits, vegetable and water samples collected from different locations and to correlate them with potential cancer cases in Gaza. Results showed elevated levels of Nitrate in some breads samples and all fruits, vegetable and water samples. This suggests high potential risk of population to cancer cases. So far, the growing incidence of cancer cases in Gaza strip may be attributed to high level of nitrate contents in bread, fruits, vegetable and water samples. It is recommended to exclude nitrate fertilization from agricultural process or replace it with other N-fertilizer source.

Enhancing Biogas Production: Influence of Mixing Cow and Chicken Manures

The objectives of this study were to enhance the production of biogas through using a mixture of cow and chicken manure and to investigate the effect of digested manure on plant growth. Biogas digester consisted of a plastic polyethylene tank with a volume of 0.25 cubic meters. Cow and chicken manures were collected from certified animal and chicken farms. Mixture of manure was prepared by mixing 5 kg of chicken manure and 5 kg of cow manure together in 100 L plastic tank containing 90 L water free from chlorine. Percentage of manure in all cases was 10% (w/v). The manures were transferred to the digesters and kept in greenhouse to insure warm conditions (30°C - 39°C). Produced biogas was measured each two days and digestate samples were taken every two days for pH, EC, BOD, COD determination. Results showed increased biogas production and reached the highest quantity after 28 days and the amount of biogas produced from the mixture of cow and chicken manures was higher than the amount produced from each manure individually. Decreases in pH values were observed during biogas production followed by BOD, COD reduction. On the other hand, increases on EC values were observed. Application of digested manure in agriculture increased yield of lettuce by 75% comparing with the control sample. The study recommended using cow manure mixed with chicken manure to increase the production of biogas and to use the digested manure in agricultural.

Risk Factors among Greenhouse Farmers in Gaza Strip

Greenhouse farmers are exposed to many risk factors during work. This paper characterized the risk factors and discussed their health impacts among greenhouse farmers. Risk factors under greenhouse conditions emerged from pesticide application and greenhouse gas emission from soil during day. Risk factors among farmers were determined by recording toxicity symptoms, acute and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study targeted 67 greenhouses in Gaza Strip and found 169 farmers doing many agricultural activities without protective clothes. We documented nine highly toxic insecticides and five moderately toxic fungicides being applied for insect and fungal control. A large number of farmers (55%) revealed that they visited respiratory health clinic quite two to three times a month immediately after insecticide application. About 8.88% (n = 15) of farmers stated that they had unrecoverable lung disease due to working in greenhouses during winter season. Personal health records of farmers showed variety of cholinergic symptoms, severe reduction on acetyl choline esterase activity (ACHE), many cases of COPD and some pneumonia cases. Classification of farmers according to risk factors indicates that 18% of farmers are at high risk due to extreme to insecticides. It is recommended to seasonally investigate the activity of ACHE of greenhouse farmers and to routinely check their chests and lungs to avoid any potential health risk factors due to works in greenhouse environment.

Successful Management of Carbamate Poisoning among Children: Case Report from Gaza Strip

A bad management of pesticide marketing and use resulted in using extreme toxic pesticides inside houses for controlling public health insects such as cockroaches. A child of two years old was poisoned with pesticide residues after application of pesticides at home for cockroach control. The child with a semi-conscious status was brought to the European hospital in south Gaza with his father along with the empty container of pesticide which was used at home. It appeared that Carbaryl (a carbamate insecticide) was the reason for poisoning. In the intensive care unite the child was washed out with clean water and his cloths were removed to reduced the possible hazards. Blood analysis showed that moderate inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) on addition became more sever on due time. Then the child was given several doses of atropine but without any improvement in AChE activity. Then the child was given Obedoxim as an antidote. This resulted in significant improvement of AChE activity. The child continued to receive Obedoxim every day until AChE activity reached the normal range. Blood analysis did not show any traces of Carbaryl. It is recommended to give Obedoxim to the carbamate immediately when someone is poisoned instead of atropine for successful management of the poisoned case.

Acute Poisoning among Farmers by Chlorpyrifos: Case Report from Gaza Strip

Spraying of organophosphorus insecticides (OPI) using high volume technique may result in poisoning cases among farmers or inhabitants in the spraying zone. This study reported a case among farmers in Gaza Strip, Palestine and discussed the follow up treatments. Results showed sever fasciculation of tongue and all muscle, pinpoint pupils not reacting to light, losing consciousness and disoriented, irritability, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and severe inhibition of acetyl choline esterase (ACHE). Irritability and low level of ACHE activity were the unique syndromes of this case. Management of the poisoning with Atropine injection was not successful treatment to cure the case. Treatment with Toxogonin as intravenous injection resulted in relieved the irritability of the poisoned case and cure the patient at the end point. During the six weeks of follow up period, the case was severely poisoned in the 1st week, moderate poisoned in the 2nd week and slightly poisoned at the 3rd week. A medical decision to release the patient was made after ACHE activity level reached 4750 U/L, which very close to the normal range. The farmers left the hospital after three weeks of medical treatments and follow up. It is recommended to use Toxogonin in the management of poisoned cases with OPI immediately on arrival of cases with losing consciousness.