| 1 |
Author(s):
Sridhar, M. K. C..
Page No : 1-9
|
COVID-19 and the Environment
Abstract
This paper reviews the pandemic caused by SARS-Cov-2 virus. It covers
the beginning of the spread, the devastating effects on health and
wellbeing, the environment and measures taken to prevent further spread
by developing coping strategies and control. It also examines the global impact
of the pandemic on the short- and long-term as well as the gains and pains.
Travel and social distancing have contributed to faster transmission
across the continents. The main points emerged from the reports to date
which re-emphasized the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
(WASH) and the use of soap and sanitizers for hand hygiene, air pollution
through aerosols, and contact as the major determinants in the widespread
of the infection. The causative agent, the non-living virus has no life but
needs a host to replicate as it is short lived in the environment. Lockdown,
closure of schools and institutions, social distancing and quarantine
protocols generated a variety of wastes; the significant component is
more plastics in the form of face masks, face shields, gloves, Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) and other packaging materials. They need to
be properly managed through innovative methods and recycling. Due to
travel bans and movement restrictions, air pollution considerably reduced
impacting a positive gain for climate change. Lessons learnt from the
developed countries should guide the low income countries in effectively
coping with the pandemic through increased environmental consciousness,
ecosystem balance and attitudinal change in our way of thinking and living.
COVID-19 pandemic is indeed a wakeup call to improve our environment
through ecological balance.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Serunjogi, D.T. , Musoke, D.
Page No : 21-31
|
Risk Factors for Indoor Air Pollution Exposure in Households in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District, Uganda
Abstract
Globally, indoor air pollution is an increasing environmental and public
health problem due to several factors such as inefficient burning of solid
and fossil fuels including wood, charcoal and kerosene. Indoor air
pollution is particularly a significant problem in Sub-Saharan Africa
(SSA) including Uganda where the use of such solid fuels is common.
This study therefore assessed the risk factors for indoor air pollution
exposure in households in Bulamu Ward, Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso
District, Uganda. A cross-sectional study involving quantitative data was
carried out among 96 households. Systematic sampling was employed to
obtain the households involved in the study. Data were collected using a
researcher-administered questionnaire by means of Epi-collect 5 software
on a mobile phone and analysed using STATA version 13.0. The most
common sources of indoor air pollution were solid-fuel smoke (99.0%),
dust (89.6%) and indoor smoking (60.4%). The most mentioned potential
health effects due to indoor air pollution were cough/cold (79.2%),
difficulty in breathing (59.4%), and lung complications (53.1%). The
majority of households (87.5%) used charcoal for cooking and 11.5% of
respondents cooked inside their houses. Over half of the respondents
(54.2%) lived in a house with only one window and only 30.2% houses
had windows that allowed cross or through ventilation. The measures
suggested against indoor air pollution included cooking outdoors
(95.8%) and stopping smoking indoor (70.8%). There was considerable
knowledge on common sources, potential health effects and measures to
reduce indoor air pollution. However, risk factors identified such as poor
house ventilation need to be addressed to reduce the potential effects of
indoor air pollution.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Ana, 2 G. R. E. E, Olamijulo, J.O..
Page No : 33-45
|
Exposure to Respirable Particulate Matter and Pulmonary Function Status of Traffic Wardens in Two Selected Local Government Areas in South-Western Nigeria
Abstract
Traffic wardens have been reported to be at higher risk of respiratory
impairment due to exposure to ambient emissions. This study determined
the levels of suspended particulate matter at major road intersections and
its effect on the pulmonary function of traffic wardens. A comparative
study was conducted involving traffic wardens and regular policemen.
Concentrations of particulate matter (PM10) were measured using
personal respirable dust sampler model APM 801 within 30cm range of
Traffic Wardens and regular Policemen nasal region. A calibrated spirometer
was used to determine the Force Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV )
1
and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) of selected respondents. Analysis
3
was done at P <0.05. The mean concentration of 58.39± 2.22µg/m was
reported in one of the locations. This location is one of the busiest traffic
intersections in the study area. There was a significant difference between
the observed FEV and PEFR of the traffic wardens as against the control
1
group. A significant negative correlation was observed between PM and
10
the actual FEV of traffic wardens (r= -0.5). Traffic wardens are highly
Corresponding Author:
Olamijulo, J.O., as above
Keywords:
Traffic Wardens,
Particulate matter,
Pulmonary function,
Urban communities, Ibadan.
Mots clés:
Agents de la circulation,
matières particulaires,
fonction pulmonaire,
communautés urbaines, Ibadan
1
vulnerable to respiratory impairment due to their exposure to particulate
matter. The use of nose masks and regular health checkup is recommended
| 4 |
Author(s):
Okoya, A. A, Awofisayo, O. F., Oginni, O. A., Akinyele, A. B..
Page No : 57-66
|
Assessment of Selected Heavy Metal Concentrations in Water and Sediment around Ikirun Iron-Smelting Industry, Ikirun, Osun State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study was carried out on a stream, three ponds, and two wells located
within the vicinity of the Iron-smelting industry in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local
Government Area of Osun State. Water samples were collected from
seven sampling points along the stream, two hand-dug wells, and three
ponds. A total of 72 water samples were taken at two-month interval
between January and November. Sediments' samples (60) were also
collected from the same locations where water was sampled, except for
the hand dug wells. Heavy metals (Fe, Zn, As, Pb, and Cd) were analysed
using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Cadmium (0.01 ± 0.00
mg/l), Pb (0.01 ± 0.00 mg/l), and As (0.01 ± 0.00 mg/l) had concentrations
above both World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Industrial
Standards (NIS) limits in both the surface and underground waters while
Zn (0.13 ± 0.03) and Fe (0.18 ± 0.00 mg/l) had concentrations below the
maximum permissible limits of WHO and NIS in both surface and
underground water samples. Pb (0.01 ± 0.00), Zn (0.12 ± 0.00), and As
(0.01 ± 0.00 mg/l) were observed to be lower in water than their
corresponding values in sediment (0.05 ± 0.00, 0.23 ± 0.00, and 0.04 ±
0.00 mg/kg) respectively. The study concluded that the water bodies
around the iron-smelting industry have high heavy metal contents above
the regulatory standards and the water could not be recommended for
drinking purpose
| 5 |
Author(s):
Oloruntoba, E. O..
Page No : 67-77
|
Earthenware Sand Water Filter for Drinking Water Treatment
Abstract
The need for effective household water treatment and safe storage among
low-income vulnerable populations cannot be overemphasized. This
study assessed the efficacy of earthenware sand water filter in the
treatment of groundwater from low-income community in Ibadan
metropolis. A two-unit filter consisting of a sand filter and storage pot
were constructed for the assessment over a two-week period. Results
showed about 83% reduction of Escherichia coli which is equivalent to
0.78 log reduction value. Hence the filter did not meet the performance
target of > 2 and 4 for protective or highly protective systems. The
estimated cost per filter (N4,386.52) is comparatively low and may be
lower with bulk production. The sand filter has good prospect for
household use if operated for longer period to enable the biolayer to
mature. Further research is recommended to determine the optimum
conditions for performance, evaluate removal of bacteria, protozoa, and
viruses and determine community viability and sustainability
| 6 |
Author(s):
James-Akinsulure, V.O., Cham, M.K., Uyamadu, E. A.
Page No : 79-89
|
Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity and Associated Risk Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in the Kanifing Municipality, The Gambia
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity is a critical public
health problem for women of reproductive age. The main objective of the
study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity as well
as associated risk factors among women in Kanifing Municipality, in The
Gambia. A cross-sectional design was used. Data on socio-economic
factors of the women, their physical activity and dietary intake patterns, as
well as anthropometric measurements were collected from 150 women
aged 15-44 years from twelve wards, using the convenient sampling
method. Two indicators [body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference]
were used to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Data
were analysed using the SPSS Software. Analytical statistics test was
done using Chi-square with the significant level of 95%. The combined
prevalence of overweight and obesity was high using the two indicators
(40.7% by BMI and 41.3% by waist circumference). Age and parity were
significant predictors of overweight and obesity. There were significant
differences between the mean values of the indicators at different physical
activity levels (P0.05).
The findings have shown an evidence of the rising trends of overweight
and obesity among women in urban areas of The Gambia. Efforts should
be made to address the problem of overweight and obesity
| 7 |
Author(s):
Ogbeba, J., Adeosun, F.F, Iruolaje, F. O, Yohanna, L. Z..
Page No : 91-99
|
Comparative Study on Efficacy of Aloe Vera Leaf and Gel Extracts against Tinea Corporis and Malasezia Furfur
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical constituents
and comparative antifungal effects of the leaf and gel of Aloe vera (Aloe
barbadensis) against some dermatophytes. The antifungal efficacy of
Aloe barbadensis leaf and gel extract was tested against Tinea corporis
and Malassezia furfur using agar well diffusion assays. The phytochemical
screening revealed the presence of saponin, alkaloid, tannin, flavonoid
and glycoside in both leaf and gel extracts of Aloe barbadensis, while
steroid was absent in both extracts. Antifungal test was carried out for
both leaf and gel extract at 100% concentration. It was observed that the
Aloe vera gel extract (GE) showed high activity against Tinea corporis
and Malassezia furfur with zones of inhibition of 10.5±0.2mm and
10.1±0.2mm respectively, while the leaf extract (LE) had zones of
8.7±0.2mm and 6.4±0.1mm for both Malassezia furfur and Tinea
corporis respectively. The positive control (Zinc pyrithione) had slightly
higher antifungal effect (10.9±0.5mm) in comparison with that of gel
extract (GE) against Tinea corporis (10.5±0.2mm) and Malassezia furfur
(10.1±0.2mm). The MIC of gel extract against both Tinea corporis and
Malassezia furfur was 25%, while the leaf extract had 25% for
Malassezia furfur and 50% for Tinea corporis. The result obtained from
the study revealed that both leaf and gel extracts of Aloe barbadensis have
high antifungal effect against the test organisms and could be potent in the
production of alternative new antifungal agents.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Okon, A.J., Aluko, O.O., Tom, U.E., Essien, N.E.
Page No : 101-109
|
Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Liver of Albino Wistar Rats Exposed to Single and Heavy Metal Mixture
Abstract
Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and arsenic pose health hazards to
animals and humans globally. These tend to bio-accumulate in body
tissues andorgans and interfere with the functioning of vital cellular
components. This study was conducted to evaluate the bioaccumulation
of these metals in the liver of albino Wistar rats following a sub-chronic
exposure to single and heavy metal mixture.Twenty mature male Albino
Wistar rats weighing 192 -200g were randomly assigned into five groups
of four rats each. Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were treated for 12 weeks with
60mg/kg bodyweight of lead acetate, 22.5 mg/kg bodyweight of
cadmium dichloride, 18.8mg/kg bodyweight of arsenic trioxide, and
group 4 treated with a mixture of lead acetate (60mg/kg bodyweight)
cadmium dichloride (22.5 mg/kg body weight) and arsenic trioxide (18.8
mg/kg bodyweight) while group 5 served as the control. Both treated
groups of animals and the control group were fed with rat chow and water
throughout the experimental period. At termination, there was significant
accumulation of metals in the liver of animals in the intoxicated groups
when compared with the control group. Lead accumulation in the liver
was found to be (41.41 + 33.72 kg/mg) in lead only group. Cadmium (Cd)
accumulation in the liver was found to be 40.16 + 21.41 kg/mg in the
Cadmium alone group. Arsenic (As) accumulation in the liver was found
to be 26.59 + 10.12 kg/mg. The co-metal exposure group had Arsenic (As)
concentration of 51.89 + 11.12kg/mg which was significantly (P < 0.05)
á
higher than that of As alone group and even other metals in the co-metal
exposure group. There was a decrease in liver weight especially in As
exposed groups and a greater decrease in the co-exposure group.
Similarly, change in body weight was higher in the mixed heavy metal
group followed by the arsenic exposed group.The elevated levels of these
metals in the liver of experimental suggests potential toxic effects. A
greater bioaccumulation of the metals in the co-exposure group suggests a
synergistic interaction which implies increased toxicity. There is need to
limit human exposure to these heavy metals.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Badjie, A. B, Uyamadu, E.A..
Page No : 111-123
|
Injuries and Usage of Personal Protective Equipment among Welders in Brikama, The Gambia
Abstract
Globally, injuries have not been recognized as a public health concern.
Welding has been identified as a high-risk profession according to the
ranking of occupations-based injuries. Adherence to safety measures and
practice among welders are potential ways of preventing occupational
injuries. The study aimed to describe welding-related injuries and
utilization of safety measures among welders in Brikama. The study is a
descriptive cross–sectional study. A structured and semi-structured
questionnaire was administered as well as direct observation and
interview. The study population consisted of 271 welders within
Brikama, in The Gambia. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package
for Social Sciences (SPSS 20.0).The descriptive statistics was used to
summarize the data. Analytical statistic test was used to test for
association using the chi-square at 95% significant level. Multivariable
regression analysis was done to examine the predictors of welding
related injuries. The prevalence of occupational injuries was found to be
91.1%. Only 57.6% of the study participants were found to have always
used personal protective equipment (PPE) with goggles (94.8%) as the
most protective device utilized; 97.8% of the respondents reported that
the welding profession is hazardous. Educational status and type of
training on-the-job among respondents were found to be statistically
associated (p=0.032, 0.042) with those who suffered from welding
related injuries. Occupational injuries are preventable during welding.
The training type, level of experience and attitude during work can
significantly reduce injuries
| 10 |
Author(s):
Adewole, M.B, Ilesanmi, A.O., Odesola, I.F, Isichei, A.O.
Page No : 125-135
|
Effect of Biochar Application Rates on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Maize under Greenhouse Conditions
Abstract
A greenhouse experiment was conducted two consecutive times to assess
the effects of biochar from different sources on the growth of maize (Zea
mays) with a view to determining the biochar rate that would give
optimum growth performance of the test crop. The experiment consisted
of six different biochar as treatments [cocoa pod husk (CPH), maize
stovers (MAS) and maize cobs (MAC) applied singly and in equal
combination (CPH MAS , CPH MAC and MAS MAC )]. All the
50
50
50
50
50
50-1
treatments were applied at different rates (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 t ha ), each
replicated thrice and arranged in completely randomized design. Highest stem girth of 4.2 ± 0.21 cm was obtained with 5 t ha of MAS biochar application. Similar results were obtained with the plant height and
number of leaves. However, highest grain yield of 21.37 g 10 kg of soil -1-1
(4.27 t ha ) at 15 t ha , which was not significantly (F-1-1
70, 107 -1
= 1.88; p > 0.05) -1
different from 16.16 g 10 kg of soil (3.23 t ha ) at 10 t ha of MAS
application was obtained during the first cultivation. The repeat
experiment without further biochar additions gave lower and comparable
values. Soil pH, organic carbon, nitrogen and available phosphorus increased
+
with biochar addition to soil. Also, except for Na , concentrations of Ca , Mg and K increased with biochar addition, and with high concentrations
of these cations at high levels of biochar application. It was concluded that
addition of biochar to sandy loam soil increased soil chemical properties,
growth and yield of maize.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Jallow, M., Uyamadu, E.A. .
Page No : 137-151
|
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Health Care Waste Management among Healthcare Workers in Health Facilities in Central River Region, The Gambia
Abstract
Healthcare waste (HCW) poses a great danger to public health and the
environment if it is not properly managed. This study was carried out to
identify gaps in the knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare
workers on healthcare waste management. An institution based cross
sectional study design was used in this study. A total of 148 self
administered questionnaires were used in 13 health facilities including
Bansang Hospital. Respondents were drawn from different cadres of
health staff (nurses, public health officers, laboratory technicians and
other auxiliary staff). Univariate analysis was used to summarize the data
in frequency tables, percentages and proportions while bivariate analysis
through the use of chi-square was used to determine statistically significant
associations with the study outcome variables at 95% confidence level and
p<0.05. The study revealed that 79.7% of the participants had poor
knowledge (awareness) about HCW. Majority of the participants (95.3%)
had good attitude towards HCW while 62.2% had good practice towards
HCW. Educational level and cadre were found to be significantly associated
with participants’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards HCW
management (P<0.05). The study therefore concludes that it is necessary
for healthcare workers to be continuously trained on health and safety
issues while managing hazardous healthcare waste. It also establishes the
need for healthcare institutions to conduct continuing education on health
and safety in the management of healthcare waste.
| 12 |
Author(s):
Ana, G.R.E.E., Morakinyo, O.M., Adesokan, K, Adejumo, M., Laniyan, T.A,, Olatoye, O, Sridhar, M.K.C..
Page No : 153-163
|
A Community Evaluation of Compliance, Commitment and Constraints towards Strategies for Minimizing the Spread of COVID-19 in Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
The number of infected persons from COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria
continues to increase daily in the face of proven recommended preventive
measures. There is paucity of information on community compliance,
constraints and commitment towards minimizing the spread of Coronavirus.
Hence, this study was designed to address this gap in knowledge. Forty-eight
randomly selected houses, facilities comprising majorly residential and
business premises were assessed in Agbowo, Ibadan, Nigeria. On-site
observations, key informant interviews and informal discussions were
employed to elicit information on the use of personal protective
equipment (PPE), awareness and factors responsible for the spread of
COVID-19 and hygiene practices. Relatively high use of nose mask,
hand-washing with soap and hand sanitizer were observed in the facilities
assessed. Some participants believed that COVID-19 is a myth while a
few believed it can be contracted through animals, unhygienic behaviour.
Factors hindering compliance to COVID-19 guidelines include the
current economic situation, inadequate knowledge and lack of belief. The
level of compliance to recommended preventive measures to curtail the
spread of COVID-19 is low. Government and relevant organizations
should engage in more sensitization and education of masses on the
preventive measures in a way and language they will understand.
