Implications of Dynamic Interactions between Meteorological Patterns and Surface Water Quality on Environmental Health—A Case Study of the Nairobi River

Urban areas face significant challenges in maintaining water quality amidst increasing urbanization and changing climatic patterns. This study investigates the complex interplay between meteorological variables and water quality parameters in Nairobi City, focusing on the impacts of rainfall and temperature on surface water quality. Data from multiple sources, including the Water Resources Authority, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, and the World Bank’s Climate Change Knowledge Portal, were analyzed to assess the relationships between meteorological variables (rainfall and temperature) and water quality parameters (such as electroconductivity, biochemical oxygen demand, chloride, and pH). The analysis reveals varying impacts of rainfall and temperature on different water quality parameters. While parameters like iron and pH show strong relationships with both rainfall and temperature, others such as ammonia and nitrate exhibit moderate relationships. Additionally, the study highlights the influence of runoff, urbanization, and industrial activities on water quality, emphasizing the need for holistic management approaches. Recommendations encompass the establishment of annual publications on Nairobi River water quality, online accessibility of water quality data, development of hydrological models, spatial analysis, and fostering cross-disciplinary research collaborations. Implementing these recommendations can enhance water quality management practices, mitigate risks, and safeguard environmental integrity in Nairobi City.

On the Extent of Environmental Health

Background: Main purpose of this article is to offer information, criteria and conceptual proposals that could clarify the extent or scope of environmental health, and systematize the approaches for its institutional stewardship by environmental health services. Hopefully, it will be useful to managers, professionals, technicians and academics involved in the management, implementation, teaching or research of this multidisciplinary field. Methods: The notion of “environment” is examined, a definition is proposed, and a look is taken at the “green” and “blue” sides of environmental problems. A number of understandings in various countries for “environmental health” are put forth and lists of basic areas for environmental health are analyzed. Results: One finding is that all lists are, in reality, unsystematic groupings of three different constituents: determinants, processes and functions. Consideration of these groupings leads to a homogeneous list of 18 areas and 77 sub-areas. Sets or series are provided for each type of constituent (64 determinants, 18 processes and 25 functions), and their aggregation forms the enormous universe of environmental health activities. On the other hand, certain rules of operation are proposed which make it possible, through a form of algebra, to construct expressions based on the provided sets of constituents. And it becomes possible to employ a common symbolic language for describing or assigning activities in the environmental health services. Conclusions: The article analyses the contemporaneous extent of environmental health.

Environmental health perspectives for low- and middle-income countries

In recent decades, the ecological environment has been increasingly challenged by the development of global industrialization and urbanization all over the world, even as global attention for health has raised dramatically. Common global environmental issues, such as air pollution and noise pollution, are associated with lasting impacts on health and contribute significantly to the overall burden of disease. Moreover, a global disparity exists between the burden of such environmental health issues and the global resources available to address this issue. To alleviate the environmental health impacts and ensure a sustainable future for human beings, China has made an important contribution to improving access to ecological protection, environmental governance, patriotic health campaigns, smart city construction, and so on. Experiences gained in China may be useful for some other countries, particularly the low- and middle-income countries with limited sources.

Empirical study of the dilemma regarding preliminary proof of causality and methods used by victims in China's environmental health litigation

Environmental health incidents have occurred frequently in recent years;in China,however,litigation has not been effective in protecting the rights and interests of victims due to their heavy burden of proof.In order to mitigate the burden of proof for victims,the environmental judicature in China introduced the rule of inversion of burden of proof;this means that the victim only assumes the preliminary burden of proof,but in practice it has not been sufficient.Victims in environmental health litigation still face many difficulties in proving causality.Based on the statistical analysis of judicial big data,this paper demonstrates three dilemmas faced by victims.First,the preliminary burden of proof of causality has a high standard.Second,the victim's ability to produce evidence is low.Third,the casual relationship between pollution behaviors and health damage is difficult to identify.When examining the possible legal instruments,there are three aspects to the causes of these dilemmas:theory,judicial practice,and society.The theoretical aspect manifests as the differences between the rule of inversion of burden of proof and the presumption of causality;the practical aspect manifests as the lack of an identification system for personal injury;and the social aspect manifests as the victim's lack of economic,scientific,technological,and information resources,as well as the absence of assistance from government sectors and social organizations.Combining Chinese law with judicial practice,this paper proposes a solution to the dilemma of victims needing to prove causality in environmental health litigation.On the basis of clarifying the theoretical differences between the inversion of burden of proof and the presumption of causality,China should adhere to the rule of inversion of burden of proof,establish an identification system for personal injuries caused by environmental pollution,and use methods such as epidemiological causality,indirect counterevidence,and prima facie bewies.Furthermore,the full functions of the government and social organizations must be brought into play.This will not only help victims demonstrate causality,it can also help victims achieve equitable relief.

Study on Environmental Health Strategy after Earthquake

The first task in prevention of diseases after an earthquake is to quickly provide an adequate source of safe drinking water.Otherwise,the incidence of infectious intestinal diseases in the disaster area residents will increase rapidly.Additional health measures,such as disinfecting drinking water,protecting the water source,and treating disaster area residents,must be taken at the same time.The sensory test of meat is a useful index of meat decomposition levels.Corpse alkali is a kind of toxic chemical,and personal protective measures must be taken in handling corpses.In general,all of these measures are important not only for achieving the goal of“no severe epidemic after strong earthquake disaster”in the affected areas,but also for enriching knowledge of disaster medicine.1989 Academic Press.Inc.

INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND ENGINEERING CHINESE ACADEMY OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

The Institute of Environmental Health and Engineering,consisting of the previousDepartment of Environmental Health and the Department of Sanitary andEnvironmental Engineering of the Institute of Health founded in 1954,was establishedin1986.This Institute has around 220 staff in total and 11 departments,namely,theDepartment of Environmental Epidemiology;Department of EnvironmentalChemistry;Department of Environmental Toxicology;Department of EnvironmentalMicrobiology;Department of Soil Hygiene;Department of Water Treatment;

Legal response to environmental health risks in a risky society

The protection of public health is one of the legislative purposes of China’s environmental legal system.Article 39 of the Environmental Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China establishes an environmental and health risk assessment system.The health risk assessment system has biases in understanding,and it fails to face up to the functional transformation from the ex-post relief of environmental damage to the pre-prevention prevention of health risks in the environmental legal system;lack of a complete environmental and health legal system,unclear environmental and health risk assessment framework,and unclear environmental and health risk assessment frameworks.Health risk management capabilities need to be improved,there is a lack of specialized environmental and health risk assessment institutions,and there is a lack of supporting risk assessment technical standard system construction.It is necessary to combine practical experience with China’s national conditions and actual needs,construct an environmental health risk assessment system with Chinese characteristics from both the entity and the procedure,strengthen legislative support,and improve my country’s environmental and health laws on the basis of objective and scientific protection of the assessment process.Institutional system,establish a national environmental health risk assessment expert committee as soon as possible,improve my country’s environmental and health risk assessment framework,strengthen environmental and health management capacity building,improve the environmental and health risk assessment technical system,and promote the development of China’s environmental and health risk assessment system develop and give play to the institutional mission of safeguarding public health.

Quantifying China's iron and steel industry's CO2 emissions and environmental health burdens:A pathway to sustainable transformation

Assessing the iron and steel industry's(ISI)impact on climate change and environmental health is vital,particularly in China,where this sector significantly influences air quality and CO_(2)emissions.There is a lack of comprehensive analyses that consider the environmental and health burdens of manufacturing processes for ISI enterprises.Here,we present an integrated emission inventory that encompasses air pollutants and CO_(2)emissions from 811 ISI enterprises and five key manufacturing processes in 2020.Our analysis shows that sintering is the primary source of air pollution in the ISI.It contributes 71%of SO_(2),73%of NO_(x),and 54%of PM_(2.5)emissions.On the other hand,81%of total CO_(2)emissions come from blast furnaces.Significantly,the contributions of ISI have resulted in an increase of 3.6 mg m^(-3)in national population-weighted PM_(2.5)concentration,causing approximately 59,035 premature deaths in 2020.Emissions from Hebei,Jiangsu,Shandong,Shanxi,and Inner Mongolia provinces contributed to 48%of PM_(2.5)-related deaths in China.Moreover,the transportation of air pollutants across provincial borders highlights a concerning trend of environmental health inequality.Based on the research findings,it is crucial for ISI manufacturers to prioritize the removal of outdated production capacities and adopt energy-efficient and advanced techniques,along with ultra-low emission technologies.This is particularly important for those manufacturers with substantial environmental footprints.These transformative actions are essential in mitigating the environmental and health impacts in the affected regions.

Canine on the Couch:The New Canary in the Coal Mine for Environmental Health Research

Human health is intimately connected and tied to the health of our environment and ecosystem,with only a very small fraction of the risk for chronic diseases explained by genetics alone.Companion animals are prone to disease types that are shared with people,including cancers and endocrine disorders,reinforcing the thought that environmental factors contribute to the risks for chronic diseases.These factors include air and water pollution and the built environment.As such,there is increasing interest in pursuing research with companion animals,and specifically dogs,as sentinel species to inform comparative health assessments and identify risk factors for disease.Of the canine diseases for which environmental exposure research has been published,cancers have received the most attention.This review summarizes two main aspects of this comparative approach:(1)cancers that occur in dogs and which are similar to humans and(2)research investigating environmental exposures and health outcomes in dogs.The goal of this review is to highlight the diverse conditions in which pet dogs may provide unique perspectives and advantages to examine relationships between environmental exposures and health outcomes,with an emphasis on chemical pollution and cancer.Furthermore,this review seeks to raise awareness and stimulate discussion around the best practices for the use of companion animals as environmental health sentinels.

Health Risk Assessment of Employees Exposed to Chlorination By-products of Recreational Water in Large Amusement Parks in Shanghai

Objective Chlorination is often used to disinfect recreational water in large amusement parks;however,the health hazards of chlorination disinfection by-products(DBPs)to occupational populations are unknown.This study aimed to assess the exposure status of chlorinated DBPs in recreational water and the health risks to employees of large amusement parks.Methods Exposure parameters of employees of three large amusement parks in Shanghai were investigated using a questionnaire.Seven typical chlorinated DBPs in recreational water and spray samples were quantified by gas chromatography,and the health risks to amusement park employees exposed to chlorinated DBPs were evaluated according to the WHO's risk assessment framework.Results Trichloroacetic acid,dibromochloromethane,bromodichloromethane,and dichloroacetic acid were detected predominantly in recreational water.The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of the five DBPs did not exceed the risk thresholds.In addition,the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of mixed exposure to DBPs were within the acceptable risk limits.Conclusion Typical DBPs were widely detected in recreational water collected from three large amusement parks in Shanghai;however,the health risks of DBPs and their mixtures were within acceptable limits.

Planning for Health: Complexity of Environmental Health and Planning Responses

China's rapid urbanization has led to increasing environmental health problems, which poses great challenges to urban sustainable development. In order to explore the scientific issue of planning for health, this paper firstly analyzes the challenges of spatial planning caused by environmental complexity in terms of health risk, environmental impact, and residents' behavior. And then it puts forward an analytic framework that includes three basic modules, i.e., theoretical model, regional health risk identification, and planning performance assessment, thereby finally proposing six spatial planning strategies according to the objectives of health protection, health promotion, and health equity, on the basis of the actual situation of health risk exposure, environmental friendliness, and the aging level in different cities of China.

Socio-economic, Environmental and Health Aspects of Farm Workers Engaged in Mango Plantations

A cross-sectional survey of 489 male subjects in the age group 15 to 65 years engageddirectly or indirectly in mango cultivation along with 208 control subjects was carried out to find their socio-economic, environmental and health conditions. The conditions like high illiteracy rate (49.5%), poverty (PCI less than Rs 100 per month, 52.2%), poor housing (mud houses, 66.7%) unsafe water supply (78.6%) were prevailing in the surveyed population. The high respiratory morbidity may be attributed to high prevalence of smoking andprolonged inhalation of organic dusts during farming operation associated with illiteracyand poor socio-economic status. Gastrointestinal disorders were related to poor hygienic conditions, smoking and consumption of contaminated water. The symptoms pertaining to CNS, skin and eyes were found to be associated with exposure to pesticides

Environmental Occurrence of Selenium in Waters and Related Health Significance

Appreciable amounts of selenium in spring and well waters can be found due to geological occurrence. Concentrations of as much as 400 9000 μg/l have been reported in U. S. waters.These levels are 8 to 180 times the current EPA drinking water standard and approximate dietary exposures of 4900μg in selenosis regions of China. Reviews of health significance of the elevated drinking water exposures to U. S. populations revealed elevated concentrations of selenium in urine and blood. A decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity in such instances was noted. However noticeable symptoms and signs seem absent in studies reviewed. A comparison of intake levels (diet or drinking water) to urinary excretion for residents of China and the U. S. produced a correlation coefficient, r = 0. 82 (P < 0. 01 ) for the three research studies available

Minimizing Environmental and Health Impacts in Developing Countries through Adoption of Sustainable Energy Options： A Case Study

An extensive review and analysis of the available global energy sources data and information from 38 countries including Pakistan, and their impacts （socio-economic, environmental, and health） shows that one of the most sustainable and environment friendly energy options （especially considering rural areas） is renewable energy （solar and wind）, while other options （in descending order） are hydro, nuclear and coal. The use of ＂oil and gas＂ as energy option is not cost effective due to its serious environmental, health and financial implications. The cost of producing 1 KWh of energy from oil and gas in Pakistan is around Rs. 20 （U.S. $ 0.19）, while the same costs for hydro power and coal are 1/10th and ~nd respectively. Appropriate and suitable energy options are proposed in view of the current energy situation, available natural resources （water, coal, wind and sun）, serious energy conservation efforts and efficient usage of available energy.

Assessment of Phytosanitary Practices in Peri-Urban Agriculture and Associated Environmental and Health Impacts in Developing Countries: Case of Abengourou City (Côte d’Ivoire)

The use of phytosanitary products remains uncontrolled and abusive in the practice of market gardening in most developing countries. However, it remains one of the potential sources of environmental contamination and public health problems. This study examines the health and environmental risks associated with the use of phytosanitary products in market gardening in the town of Abengourou in Cote d’Ivoire. Field surveys carried out among all (30) market gardener sites housed 150 farmers showed that when the products were spread, no health and safety measures were observed. Approximately 80% of the respondents did not wear gloves or face masks. Some products used were not approved for market gardening. Farmers had itching, dizziness, headaches, colds and vomiting on a regular basis when applying the products. The study also revealed the presence of empty packaging in the surrounding surface water and on the ground. In addition to producers, this type of uncontrolled market gardening likely exposes consumers to high health risks and also contributes to environmental degradation. Raising awareness among stakeholders of good agricultural practices could help promote sustainable market gardening. However, studies of the effects of products in such an environment on the health of consumers deserve to be carried out.

Characterization of Wastewater in School Environments for an Ecological Treatment Solution: A Case Study of Ndiebene Gandiol 1 School

The study conducted at Ndiebene Gandiol 1 school in Senegal has unveiled serious environmental and public health challenges. The wastewater analysis revealed high levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and fecal coliforms, signaling potential risks to the well-being of students and staff. This situation mirrors a wider issue in rural educational settings, where inadequate sanitation persists. Intensive wastewater treatment options are known for their effectiveness against high pollutant loads but are resource-intensive in both energy and cost. Conversely, extensive treatment systems, while requiring more land, provide a sustainable alternative by harnessing natural processes for pollutant removal. The research suggests a hybrid treatment approach could serve the school’s needs, balancing the robust capabilities of intensive methods with the ecological benefits of extensive systems. Such a solution would need to be tailored to the specific environmental, financial, and logistical context of the school, based on comprehensive feasibility studies and stakeholder engagement. This study’s findings underscore the urgency of addressing sanitation in schools, as it is intrinsically linked to the health and academic success of students. Quick, effective, and long-term strategies are vital to secure a healthier and more prosperous future for the youth. With proper implementation, the school can transform its sanitation facilities, setting a precedent for rural educational institutions in Senegal and similar contexts globally.

The environmental influences on the bacteriological quality of red and chicken meat stored in fridges

Objective: To investigate the environmental influences on the bacteriological quality of red and chicken meats on fridges.Methods: The environmental health status was determined by reliable and valid researcher-made checklist.Then 264 samples were gathered in two phases(at the entrance and three months later) and examined for total bacteria count, Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp.Results: The result revealed that the mean of total bacteria count, E.coli and S.aureus densities had significant differences in two steps on chicken and the red meat samples(P < 0.05).Among the environmental factors, sanitary status, temperature and personal hygiene had significant effects on total bacteria count and S.aureus densities in chicken samples(P < 0.05), and between wastewater and solid waste disposal with E.coli density in red meat samples(P < 0.05).Conclusions: The results implied that the bacteriological quality of red and chicken meat fluctuates with environmental status(especially temperature, sanitary status and personal hygiene).Regular control, improving of sanitary health, and staff training are necessary for elimination of bacterial contamination.

Health Impact Assessment of Air Pollution in Some Regions in Albania

Air is the ocean we breathe. Air supplies us with oxygen which is essential for our bodies to live. 99.9% air is nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor and inert gases. Human activities can release substances into the air, some of which can cause problems for humans, plants and animals. There are several main types of pollution and well-known effects of pollution which are commonly discussed. These include smog, acid rain, the greenhouse effect, and ＂holes＂ in the ozone layer. Each of these problems has serious implications for our health and well-being as well as for the whole environment. The age and health condition are more important also at the response opposite the pollution of air. During the last decade in our country such as result of freely population movement, development and growth of their industrial activities, growth of vehicle number, collapse of roadway infrastructure etc., an increase of air quality pollution is evident. In this study, we exhibited the causers, such as increasing of number of the old cars, which is an important factor of the air pollution and, at the same time, we exhibited the pollution indicators of the air quality, such as PM I 0, total dust, dust levels outdoors and indoors, which are in the high levels. These factors indicated on human health. We have observed the health indicators, especially lung diseases such as bronchial asthma with higher percentage, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer. There was consistency in the finding that relates the acute increases in urban air pollution and the short-term health effects or patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Microbe/Bug-Busters Visit the Interactive House: An Itinerant Scenographic Device for Health Education

The term Ecology is derived from οἶκος (Greek “house” or environment), but our habitations usually overlooked in ecology or environmental studies. The expression “at home” usually means safety and comfort, but at home we are under risk of innumerous parasitic/microbial infections and contaminations/ envenomation. During the COVID-19 pandemic we were forced to stay at home, but the virus and other pathogens were also home-delivered. Education for health is highly effective in health promotion, particularly in poor areas. Thus, prophylactic interventions approaching household environment are required. The present activity aims community empowerment and engagement in controlling parasitic diseases and other infections such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, arboviruses etc. Inspired on the use of a house maket by Dr. Virgínia Schall to demonstrate Aedes mosquitoes breeding sites. We also employ house makets displaying pathogen vectors breeding/hiding sites. Although some makets can be opened, revealing intradomiciliary milieu, we intended to offer the public a literally “insider” view of this largely overlooked scenery. The “Interactive House”, also known as “House with no viruses and other bugs” is an educative, interactive, ludic device elaborated on an inflatable igloo, with furniture and utensils crafted using reused/recycled or low-cost materials. Live mosquito larvae were placed at peridomicile in water-accumulating plant pot saucer, leaves-clogged gutter, used tire, dog water bowl as well as within the domicile, in the shower drain trap. Evidengue®, crafted in cloth to block mosquito oviposition developed is presented. Participants enjoy taking part in the activity, seem amused, play, laugh and smile while enthusiastically take pictures. This educative activity permits health communication in a ludic interactive way, which may contribute to health promotion in areas with public health problems.

Geological and Geochemical Investigation of Low Grade Basement Rocks: Implication to Human Health in and around Asgeda Tsimbla, Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

The increase in the number of liver related disease patients from north western region of Ethiopia has been an environmental health issue of national concern. As the disease is restricted to a specific geographical terrain, particularly to Shire area, northwestern dry zone of the country, detail research studies are required to identify possible etiology and risk factors. The aim of the study is to determine the level of trace element and heavy metal concentrations and distributions in water and stream sediments of the area and identify the possible sources in relation to human health. During the study, geochemical sampling (20 water, 20 stream sediment and 6 rock samples) was carried out in March 2011. The collected samples were analyzed for their major and trace element contents using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, Ion Chromatography (IC), and XRF. Analytical data were organized and treated using Excel, SPSS, ArcGIS and Aquachem softwares. Analytical data results with respect to trace element contents in surface and ground waters are compared with the Maximum Acceptable Concentration or Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) of World Health Organization (WHO) and Ethiopian standards for drinking water. The comparison reveals that there are problematic elements that pass over the quality standards set for drinking water. One of these is: Bromine (Br), for which 100% all samples have value above 0.01 mg/l and up to 1.475 mg/l. Other problematic elements including aluminum (Al)—30%, fluorine (F)—20%, arsenic (As)—10%, and nitrate (NO3)—10% are examples of elements which have above WHO-MAC for drinking water. Selenium (Se) deficiency may be the other problematic element in the area for its deficiency is associated with liver damage and heart muscle disorder. The metal contaminations (i.e. heavy metals) were also evaluated by world geochemical background value in average shale and sediment quality guideline proposed by US EPA. The concentration of Co and Cr exceeded average shale value at most sample stations indicated that these stations ware in potential risk. Geochemical factors are mostly considered to explain the etiology of this liver related disease.