Studies were carried out to assess the effect of distance of sanitary pits on the microbial and heavy metal levels in hand dug well water samples consumed by people living in Akwuke, Enugu South Local government area ...Studies were carried out to assess the effect of distance of sanitary pits on the microbial and heavy metal levels in hand dug well water samples consumed by people living in Akwuke, Enugu South Local government area of Enugu State, using standard biochemical and spectrophotometric analysis. The well water samples were digested with aqua-regia and four heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn) were assayed in the well water samples at sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits. The range of mean bacterial counts (cfu/g) for the four detected pathogenic bacteria;<em> S. aureus</em>, <em>Klebsiella pnemeoniae</em>, <em>Echerichia coli</em> and <em>Salmonella enteritidis </em>were 83 - 3730, 510 - 870, 50 - 2535 and 240 - 3420 Cfu/g at sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits. The mean bacteria counts of the four detected pathogenic organisms in the well water sample at sampling distances of 3 and 6 m respectively from the sanitary pits were above the WHO recommended threshold limits for a safe drinking water. The mean bacterial counts of <em>Salmonella enteritidis</em> in the well water samples of sampling distance of 10 m from the sanitary pits was above the WHO recommended permissible limits. At sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m from the sanitary pits, the mean range of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in the well water samples were, 0.03 - 0.3, 0.02 - 0.05, 0.46 - 1.71 and 1.63 - 7.03 μg/g respectively. The mean levels of Pb and Cd in the well water samples at sampling distances of 3 and 6 m respectively from the sanitary pits were above their respective WHO recommended threshold limits. The mean heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) in the well water samples at sampling distances of 3, 6, and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits were statistically significant at p < 0.05.展开更多
Hand dug well water remains the major source of domestic (drinking) water in the city of Wukari. This study was aimed at the assessment of heavy metal concentration in hand dug well water from four land uses of abatto...Hand dug well water remains the major source of domestic (drinking) water in the city of Wukari. This study was aimed at the assessment of heavy metal concentration in hand dug well water from four land uses of abattoir (A), waste dump site (B), residential (C) and commercial (D) in Wukari Town, Wukari, Taraba State. There are about 76 hand dug wells in the study area and for the purpose of this study. Yamane (1967) sample size technique was adopted. Based on this, 95% confidence level and an error limit of 5% were adopted. Thus, four (4) samples A, B, C and D of hand dug well water purposively drawn from the study area used sterilized bottles. The heavy metals tested for in the water samples include: zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), potassium (K), phosphate, and chromium. The results of the analyses were compared with the NSDWQ*MPL and FEPA (2001) standards. The results shows that the concentration of magnesium and manganese in hand dug well water samples A, B, C and D had higher concentrations than the maximum permissible limits of NSDWQ*MPL and FEPA (2001) standards and the concentration of zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphate and chromium in hand dug well water sample A, B, C and D was at different compliance level with NSDWQ*MPL and FEPA (2001) standards. ANOVA (F-ratio) statistics at P_0.05 for variation in heavy metal concentration in hand dug well water from land uses A, B, C and D were insignificant. For now, it can be concluded that hand dug well water in Wukari Town is fit for domestic use, but that efforts should be made to reduce the magnesium and manganese concentration by having control on the anthropogenic factors that lead to such high concentration levels or else, soon this source of water may become unfit for domestic use. It was recommended that aggressive public awareness and enlightenment on possible impacts of hand dug well water pollution from human activities should be embarked upon by relevant agencies.展开更多
Background: Kinshasa’s peri-urban settings have a low rate of water access, which has significant consequences for the WASH infrastructures in schools and preventative measures against the spread of waterborne diseas...Background: Kinshasa’s peri-urban settings have a low rate of water access, which has significant consequences for the WASH infrastructures in schools and preventative measures against the spread of waterborne diseases and pathogens. This study aimed to assess the availability, functionality, and gender sensitivity of WASH infrastructures of Kinshasa’s peri-urban schools. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in three of the four educational provinces of Kinshasa, targeting 165 peri-urban schools. Data were collected using a questionnaire and an observation grid. Results: An overall proportion of 10.9% of schools possessed a water point, and therefore time-consuming water chores are a necessity in 89.1% of schools. Girl students provided 30% of the labor collecting water during punishments. A total of 98.2% of schools had functional latrines of which 3.6% were found hygienic, associated with water reserve next to the latrines (P = 0.040). Only 2.4% of schools displayed posters raising awareness of latrine hygiene, and 3.6% displayed posters on hand hygiene. The ratios of latrines units for girls were 58:1 for toilets and 115:1 for urinals, justifying open defecation and urination reported in 62.4% of schools. Also, 43% of schools had hand-washing facilities whose functionality was significantly associated with the presence of water points in the school’s inner courtyard (P = 0.032), with water (P P Conclusion: The majority of schools had limited drinking water services, which negatively impact the functionality and gender sensitivity of other WASH provisions. The current evidence as a public health concern would raise government and school authorities’ attention to address these environmental threats.展开更多
Since COVID-19 was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), wearing of protective equipment, hand washing using soap and frequent use of antiseptic solution are being applied globally to reduce the transmissio...Since COVID-19 was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), wearing of protective equipment, hand washing using soap and frequent use of antiseptic solution are being applied globally to reduce the transmission rate. This study was intended to investigate handling of after wash waste water and masks among Tanzanian residents on the COVID-19 pandemic after it has been, declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) that, wearing of protective equipment, hand washing using soap and frequent use of antiseptic solution should be applied globally to reduce the transmission rate. The assessment of health care waste management in the facilities was conducted in all the 26 regions of Tanzania Mainland. A standardized checklist and tools were used to assess and monitor various aspects related to healthcare waste using open source software for collection (ODK). Data were analyzed using SPSS computer software. It has been indicated that before disposing the used mask, the best protocol is to spray 0.5% (5000 ppm) of chlorine disinfectant on the surface. In this study, about 46% consider used mask as normal municipal waste and 3% do not care they throw away the face masks in the street. Only 18% and 5% of reported to disposal as infectious and highly hazardous waste respectively. It is well documented that due to potential infectious disease like SARS-CoV-2, wastewater should be treated either on-site or conveyed off-site and treated in well-designed method or technology to kill the micro-organisms. The analysis revealed that majority of respondents (74.7%, 73.8%, 48.1% and 65% for healthcare center, district hospitals, regional hospitals and consultant hospitals respectively);dispose the waste in the open space. Continuous awareness creation programs about the negative impact of contaminated face masks and waste water on the health of individuals and introducing laws that can prohibit improper disposal are among the solutions that could help reduce the problem.展开更多
文摘Studies were carried out to assess the effect of distance of sanitary pits on the microbial and heavy metal levels in hand dug well water samples consumed by people living in Akwuke, Enugu South Local government area of Enugu State, using standard biochemical and spectrophotometric analysis. The well water samples were digested with aqua-regia and four heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn) were assayed in the well water samples at sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits. The range of mean bacterial counts (cfu/g) for the four detected pathogenic bacteria;<em> S. aureus</em>, <em>Klebsiella pnemeoniae</em>, <em>Echerichia coli</em> and <em>Salmonella enteritidis </em>were 83 - 3730, 510 - 870, 50 - 2535 and 240 - 3420 Cfu/g at sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits. The mean bacteria counts of the four detected pathogenic organisms in the well water sample at sampling distances of 3 and 6 m respectively from the sanitary pits were above the WHO recommended threshold limits for a safe drinking water. The mean bacterial counts of <em>Salmonella enteritidis</em> in the well water samples of sampling distance of 10 m from the sanitary pits was above the WHO recommended permissible limits. At sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m from the sanitary pits, the mean range of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in the well water samples were, 0.03 - 0.3, 0.02 - 0.05, 0.46 - 1.71 and 1.63 - 7.03 μg/g respectively. The mean levels of Pb and Cd in the well water samples at sampling distances of 3 and 6 m respectively from the sanitary pits were above their respective WHO recommended threshold limits. The mean heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) in the well water samples at sampling distances of 3, 6, and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits were statistically significant at p < 0.05.
文摘Hand dug well water remains the major source of domestic (drinking) water in the city of Wukari. This study was aimed at the assessment of heavy metal concentration in hand dug well water from four land uses of abattoir (A), waste dump site (B), residential (C) and commercial (D) in Wukari Town, Wukari, Taraba State. There are about 76 hand dug wells in the study area and for the purpose of this study. Yamane (1967) sample size technique was adopted. Based on this, 95% confidence level and an error limit of 5% were adopted. Thus, four (4) samples A, B, C and D of hand dug well water purposively drawn from the study area used sterilized bottles. The heavy metals tested for in the water samples include: zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), potassium (K), phosphate, and chromium. The results of the analyses were compared with the NSDWQ*MPL and FEPA (2001) standards. The results shows that the concentration of magnesium and manganese in hand dug well water samples A, B, C and D had higher concentrations than the maximum permissible limits of NSDWQ*MPL and FEPA (2001) standards and the concentration of zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphate and chromium in hand dug well water sample A, B, C and D was at different compliance level with NSDWQ*MPL and FEPA (2001) standards. ANOVA (F-ratio) statistics at P_0.05 for variation in heavy metal concentration in hand dug well water from land uses A, B, C and D were insignificant. For now, it can be concluded that hand dug well water in Wukari Town is fit for domestic use, but that efforts should be made to reduce the magnesium and manganese concentration by having control on the anthropogenic factors that lead to such high concentration levels or else, soon this source of water may become unfit for domestic use. It was recommended that aggressive public awareness and enlightenment on possible impacts of hand dug well water pollution from human activities should be embarked upon by relevant agencies.
文摘Background: Kinshasa’s peri-urban settings have a low rate of water access, which has significant consequences for the WASH infrastructures in schools and preventative measures against the spread of waterborne diseases and pathogens. This study aimed to assess the availability, functionality, and gender sensitivity of WASH infrastructures of Kinshasa’s peri-urban schools. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in three of the four educational provinces of Kinshasa, targeting 165 peri-urban schools. Data were collected using a questionnaire and an observation grid. Results: An overall proportion of 10.9% of schools possessed a water point, and therefore time-consuming water chores are a necessity in 89.1% of schools. Girl students provided 30% of the labor collecting water during punishments. A total of 98.2% of schools had functional latrines of which 3.6% were found hygienic, associated with water reserve next to the latrines (P = 0.040). Only 2.4% of schools displayed posters raising awareness of latrine hygiene, and 3.6% displayed posters on hand hygiene. The ratios of latrines units for girls were 58:1 for toilets and 115:1 for urinals, justifying open defecation and urination reported in 62.4% of schools. Also, 43% of schools had hand-washing facilities whose functionality was significantly associated with the presence of water points in the school’s inner courtyard (P = 0.032), with water (P P Conclusion: The majority of schools had limited drinking water services, which negatively impact the functionality and gender sensitivity of other WASH provisions. The current evidence as a public health concern would raise government and school authorities’ attention to address these environmental threats.
文摘Since COVID-19 was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), wearing of protective equipment, hand washing using soap and frequent use of antiseptic solution are being applied globally to reduce the transmission rate. This study was intended to investigate handling of after wash waste water and masks among Tanzanian residents on the COVID-19 pandemic after it has been, declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) that, wearing of protective equipment, hand washing using soap and frequent use of antiseptic solution should be applied globally to reduce the transmission rate. The assessment of health care waste management in the facilities was conducted in all the 26 regions of Tanzania Mainland. A standardized checklist and tools were used to assess and monitor various aspects related to healthcare waste using open source software for collection (ODK). Data were analyzed using SPSS computer software. It has been indicated that before disposing the used mask, the best protocol is to spray 0.5% (5000 ppm) of chlorine disinfectant on the surface. In this study, about 46% consider used mask as normal municipal waste and 3% do not care they throw away the face masks in the street. Only 18% and 5% of reported to disposal as infectious and highly hazardous waste respectively. It is well documented that due to potential infectious disease like SARS-CoV-2, wastewater should be treated either on-site or conveyed off-site and treated in well-designed method or technology to kill the micro-organisms. The analysis revealed that majority of respondents (74.7%, 73.8%, 48.1% and 65% for healthcare center, district hospitals, regional hospitals and consultant hospitals respectively);dispose the waste in the open space. Continuous awareness creation programs about the negative impact of contaminated face masks and waste water on the health of individuals and introducing laws that can prohibit improper disposal are among the solutions that could help reduce the problem.
