| 1 |
Author(s):
M. K. C. Sridhar , Joshua D. Adeniyi.
Page No : 1-20
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The Impact of Public Health on the Nigerian Environment and Communities
Abstract
This paper examines the global developments in public health and
how the concepts and practices have been changing in Nigeria from
pre-independence time to the new millennium. Public Health has
emerged into various disciplines with central focus on epidemiology
and disease prevention and control. Nigeria has a long history of
developments in public health and the creation of Federal Ministry of
Environment has broadened the scope. The crisis of environmental
exploitation due to industrial revolution and developmental activities
has degraded the environment considerably through several policies
and international treaties; environment has become an essential part
of public health.
| 2 |
Author(s):
David Musoke, Miph Boses Musoke, Abdullah Ali Halage, John Ssempebwa.
Page No : 23-30
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Physical and Bacteriological Quality of Selected Water Sources in Wakiso District, Uganda
Abstract
Poor water quality continues to pose a serious threat to human health,
and is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in low income
countries. The objective of the study was to assess the physical and
bacteriological quality of selected water sources in Wakiso district,
Uganda. Water samples were collected from 16 purposively selected
water sources in 8 villages and analysed for pH, turbidity and selected
bacteria (total coliforms and E. coli). Membrane filtration method was
used for bacteriological analysis while portable meters were employed
for pH and turbidity. During sample collection, physical inspection of
the water sources was carried out to identify any potential risk factors
for water source contamination. The majority of water sources, 14
(87.5%) were contaminated bacteriologically as they had total
coliforms and E. coli count above zero; and 12 (75%) of them had pH
that was not within the national recommended standards. Turbidity of
all the sources (100%) was below 5 Nephelometric Turbidity Units
(NTU) although 4 sources (25%) had NTU above 0. From the physical
inspection, it was observed that some protected springs had poor
drainage of waste water which accumulated in the collection area
thereby increasing the risk of contamination of water being collected.
Environmental Health practitioners and other concerned authorities
need to ensure communities treat their water before drinking such as by
boiling. Local authorities should also improve drainage at water
sources to reduce the risk of water contamination
| 3 |
Author(s):
Oluokun, G.O., Salau, O.B.E., Agbede, O.A., Akanbi O.I., Idenyi, A.A..
Page No : 31-40
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Assessment of Pollution Level in the Rivers of Idah Town, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria
Abstract
Water from river and spring are vulnerable to different kinds of
pollutions. Hence, there is need to intensify research on pollution in
rivers. This paper presents the pollution level in four major selected
rivers in Idah town; Inchalo, Idu – Okoliko, Ofiayi and Ocheche.
These rivers are sources of domestic water supply in Idah town, Kogi
State. Water samples taken from these rivers were analysed for
physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters. Parameters
assessed included temperature, colour, turbidity, TDS, pH, Nitrate
and Sulphate. Others were Iron, Alkalinity, Chloride, TSS, Hardness
and Coliform bacteria. The result of the analyses indicates that the
o
water in the rivers have an ambient temperature of 27 C and are
slightly acidic. The colour of the water in Idu – Okoliko and Ocheche
were above 50PCU.Inchalo and Ofiayi were slightly turbid whileIdu – Okoliko was the most turbid. Iron content in each of the rivers was in
excess of WHO's limit of 0.3mg/l. The results further revealed that
Coliform bacteria are present in all the rivers. Even though other
parameters fall within the WHO/NIS standards for potable water, the
waters were generally unfit for human consumption without treatment.
This possibly has a reflection in the water bornediseasespatient records
collected from Idah General Hospital. It is therefore recommended that
government and other related agencies, sensitize people in Idah town
on the treatment of the water before it is used for drinking purpose.
Government should also intensify effort on the provision of potable
water for the people in this environment
| 4 |
Author(s):
D. U., Olannye , E. O.,Oloruntoba, G. R. E. E., Ana .
Page No : 41-50
|
Effectiveness of Indigenous Household Water Treatment on the Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water in Illah Community, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State, Nigeria
Abstract
A combination of dried fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and Tetrapleura
tetraptera are used for indigenous household water treatment in Illah
Community without information on its effectiveness in water
purification. This study therefore, assessed the effectiveness of
treatment method on the bacteriological quality of drinking water in
Illah community. Raw water samples were collected from commonly
used borehole and stream sources in the community using separate
sterile containers. Total Coliform (TC) and E. coli Counts (EC) were
determined using standard methods by American Public Health
Association (APHA) (1998). Treated samples were also collected
using sterile containers for analyses. Results obtained for TC and EC
were compared with the WHO guideline limits of 10.0 and 0 Most
Probable Number (MPN)/100mL. The WHO performance target of =4
(highly protective) and =2 (protective) bacteria log removal was used
to assess potential effectiveness of the treatment. Data were analysed
using descriptive statistics and t-test at p=0.05. The TC and EC of water
from borehole (129.4±7.8; 23.8±5.2 MPN/100mL) and stream
(280.0±95.3; 133.3±37.5 MPN/100mL) sources exceeded the
guideline limits. After treatment, TC and EC counts from borehole
sources were 67.0±11.0 and 11.3±9.9 MPN/100mL showing a
significant difference when compared with baseline. The TC and EC
from treated stream were 203.0±54.9 and 83.3±24.7 MPN/100mL
respectively. The log removal of TC and EC were 0.3 and 0.2 for
borehole and stream sources respectively. The indigenous household
water treatment method was non-protective. There is a need to upgrade
the indigenous method through inclusion of simple and affordable
methods
| 5 |
Author(s):
Oluwafikemi T. Iji, Jan G. Myburgh, Lyndy J. McGaw.
Page No : 51-60
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Assessing the Potential of Cell lines as Tools for the Cytotoxicity Testing of Acid Mine Drainage Effluent Impacting a Natural Water Resource
Abstract
In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using mammalian (Vero) and fish
(RTgill-W1) cell lines in a water compartment impacted by acid mine
effluent from a coalmine. Physico-chemical characterisation of the
stream showed that Al, Mn, Fe and sulphates were much higher than the
maximum recommended values established by South African legislation
regarding effluent in receiving streams. Water collection points selected
was immediately following a wetland (U) and another downstream (T) of
the mixing zone where alkali is used to increase water pH to reduce
acidity and precipitate metals. Another unaffected site served as the
reference site (Ref). Cell viability assays were employed to detect effects
of water samples on cells following exposure for 24h, 48h and 72h,
namely the neutral red (NR), tetrazolium-based (MTT) colorimetric
assays and the lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH) which assess
lysosomal, mitochondrial functions and cellular necrosis respectively.
Toxicity was detected in U and T water samples against both cell lines
using the NR and MTT techniques, being maximal at 72h with IC values
50
of 23.9% and 20.5% (MTT), and 32.2% and 49.4% (NR) for Vero cell lines
(U vs. T). IC values for the RTgill-W1 cell lines were 8.4% and 7.19%
50
(MTT), and 10.5% and 35.3% (NR) for U and T respectively, but no
cytotoxicity was recorded for Ref. The loss of cell viability resulting in
damage to cellular functions gives rise to concerns regarding the potential
risks for aquatic animals and downstream end users
| 6 |
Author(s):
Ala, A. A, Abdulkareem, A. O., Akomolafe D. F., Ohia, C.M.D..
Page No : 61-68
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Anti-anaemia Potential and Safety of Morinda lucida Leaf Extracts in Balbc Mice Induced with Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells
Abstract
Anaemia, a major health challenge, results from factors including
dietary deficiencies and malaria. Although reports from previous
studies show that Morinda lucida is effective in the treatment of
anaemia resulting from these conditions, little information exist to
suggest its beneficial effects in treating anaemia resulting from cancer.
This study therefore examined the anti-anaemia potential of M. lucida
leaf extracts in Balb/c mice inoculated with rhabdomyosarcoma (RD)
cells. Forty mice inoculated intra-peritoneally with RD cells were
randomly divided into eight groups: A (untreated); Treatment groups
—B1, B2 and B3 (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg aqueous M. lucida extracts
respectively); C1, C2 and C3 (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg M. lucida
ethanolic extracts respectively) and D (Cisplatin). The mice were treated
for 2 weeks and thereafter, blood samples were collected through the
orbital sinus for haematological and serum biochemical analyses.
Compared with group A (3.25 ± 0.03), ethanolic leaf extracts of M. lucida
3
increased white blood cell count (x10 ul) significantly (p?0.05) in groups
C1, C2, and C3 (5.45 ±0.03, 6.00 ±0.05, and 5.60 ±0.10 respectively) but
there was no significant increase of the packed cell volume in groups C
and D. Compared with group A, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels
were significantly lowerin all treatment groups, and alkaline phosphatase
levels (ALP) significantly lower in group B. The treatments therefore did
not improve all haematological parameters in RD cell-bearing mice but
elicited increased immune responses, were safe at the doses administered
and consequently may be beneficial in cancer therapy.
| 7 |
Author(s):
B.I., Yusuf , O.M. Bolaji.
Page No : 69-77
|
Concentration of Pesticide Residue in Beans and Maize Grains in Bodija Market, Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Excessive pesticide application for food preservation constitutes a
public health hazard. Cases of food poisoning from pesticide residue
have been reported but little effort has been made on good pesticide
application practices and Pesticide residue analysis. This study
assessed levels of Pesticide residue in beans and maize grains in Bodija
market, Ibadan. Nine composites, each comprising 14 grab samples of
beans were collected from 3 sources: A, B, C, from 126 beans sellers. Six
composites, each comprising 24 grab samples of maize were collected
from 2 sources: X and X, from 144 maize sellers. Samples were
1
2
collected in triplicate by Systematic Sampling Technique. Collected
samples were prepared and analyzed with Gas Chromatography- Mass
Spectrometry. Mean concentration of Pesticide residue in food samples
were compared with codex standard (2ppm). Data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics. Mean concentration of Pesticide residue in beans
A,B and C were:253+34.9ppm, 4.8+3.2ppm,16.2+13.6ppm (p<0.05),
while that of maize X1 and X2 were 0.62+0.04 ppm and 0.65+0.06 ppm
respectively. The concentration of Pesticide residue in the beans was
high, thus toxic to human while that of maize was within Codex
acceptable limits. Therefore, education on pesticide use and promotion
of good pesticide application should be adopted
| 8 |
Author(s):
Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi, Adefisoye O. Adewole, Abisola M. Oladimeji , Peter A. Adewuyi, Olufunmilayo Fawole , Patrick Nguku, Akin Oyemakinde, Darlington T. Falana.
Page No : 79-86
|
Investigation of Suspected Carbon monoxide Poisoning Outbreak in Akure, Ondo State, 2014
Abstract
On 11 June, 2014, a cluster of deaths of unknown cause suspected to be
food poisoning were reported in Oke Ogba, Akure South Local
Government Area of Ondo State. We investigated to identify the source
and to propose recommendations. A case was defined as a resident of the
affected house that died or was hospitalized on 11th June, 2014.We line
listed suspected cases and conducted environmental investigations. We
collected and sent specimens of food for toxicology testing to identify a
possible aetiological agent. Blood samples likewise underwent testing.
th
th
Between 11 June and 28 June, 2014, 8 cases (5 children and 3 adults)
were identified in the household (attack rate: 100%). Six deaths were
recorded (case fatality: 75%). The case fatality rate was higher among
children, 4 out of 5 (80%). More females (4/6, 67%) died than males.
Food samples were not positive for any tested pathogen. There was
evidence that an electricity generating set had been used prior to the
incident. A walk through survey showed a poorly ventilated house with
the generating set placed within the house. The switch of the generating
set was at the on position. There was no fuel in the generator. The
outbreak most likelyoccurred as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning
from the fumes of a generating set used within a poorly ventilated
house. There is a need for public education about proper housing
ventilation, potential hazards of improperly used generating sets, and
the effects of carbon monoxide.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Adeleke A. Adeniyi.
Page No : 87-92
|
Adaptation to Climate Change Vulnerabilities
Abstract
This paper revealed that increased human population and
industrialisation have aggravated vulnerabilities to climate change
consequences like flooding, drought and desertification among others.
It also emphasised that climate change poses a global existential
challenge. The basic concepts of climate change such as vulnerability,
adaptation and mitigation were discussed. Existing climate change
protocols originating from various United Nations facilitated meetings
and future action plans such as low carbon emissions and adoption of
cleaner technologies were highlighted. Recommendations were made
among others that mitigation and adaptation to climate change be part
of the key objectives of government at all levels, local to national.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Aiyelokun Oluwatobi , Olutimehin Adeyemi, Opatoki Ayodeji , Agbede Oluwole.
Page No : 103-109
|
Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination in Soils from Open Dumpsite in Sagamu, Southwest Nigeria
Abstract
Concerns over the possible health and ecological effects of accumulation
of heavy metals contaminants in the soil have prompted numerous
researches in recent times. This study assessed the environmental quality
of soils from an open dumpsite in Sagamu to investigate the ecological
risk of heavy metals. A total of 13 soil samples were collected and air
o
dried at 30 C. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using atomic
absorption spectrophotometer. Mean heavy metal concentration in the
soil were of the order Cu >Pb> Zn > Cd, which were higher than their
control concentrations. It was revealed that Copper had the highest
concentration (2214.25 mg/kg); based on Nemerow's Synthetical
Pollution Index (NSPI), the soils were polluted by Cu and Cd, while Pb
and Zn were within the safety domain. The correlation coefficient of the
heavy metals showed that Cu correlated positively with Cd and Zn (0.53
and 0.17 correlation coefficient respectively), while Pb correlated
positively with Cd (correlation coefficient of 0.17). The lack of a
significant correlation between Pb and other heavy metals shows that
its sources were quite different from those of the others. The study
further shows that Cu and Cd had high ecological risk factor than Pb and
Zn. It was concluded that open dumpsite in Sagamu poses great
environmental risk to water and land resources. While it was
recommended that Open dumpsites should not be only sited far from
residential areas but integrated waste management should be encouraged
to reduce soil pollution.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Wadinga Audu.
Page No : 111-121
|
Empowering Environmental Health Officers for Malaria Control in Nigeria
Abstract
The over a century old mosquito-malaria theory which posits that
malaria is transmitted from human to human through mosquito bites is
already an established fact. But the certainty that greeted this discovery
is yet to be matched with a breakthrough in malaria eradication. To
date, malaria poses one of the greatest challenges to public health,
particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. For Nigeria, in spite of 15 years
Roll Back malaria programme, it remains a risk factor for about 97% of
the population, accounting for 25%–40% of all outpatient clinic visits,
and between 20% and 50% of all hospital admissions in the country.
This paper aimed at examining the environmental determinants and
control of malaria, and the role of Environmental Health Officers in the
process. Review of relevant literature and historical records were
undertaken drawing much from unique experiences in the Unites
States in the control of mosquito population through habitat
management and the roles of Environmental Health Officers in the
process. Results indicate habitat management in which Environmental
Health Officers play active roles as the most sustainable malaria
control strategy. The paper therefore recommends habitat management
for the control of mosquito population and the empowerment of
Environmental Health Officers for ensuring citizen participation and
compliance with environmental rules and regulations for sustainable
malaria control in Nigeria.
