Environmental Health Insights最新文献

The Eleyele Reservoir is a critical water resource and a source of food and livelihood for Ibadan's local fishers. However, the reservoir has faced a lot of environmental pollution. Therefore, this study investigated the radiological risk associated with fish and sediment samples from Eleyele Reservoir in Ibadan using a NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer. Sediment samples were taken from upstream and downstream locations, characterised by different levels of waste and water clarity. The average activity concentrations for⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th in the sediment samples were found to be 597.75 ± 27.50, 40.66 ± 5.75 and 261.84 ± 5.75 Bq kg^-1, respectively, for the upstream and 114.92 ± 5.96, 16.11 ± 2.29 and 81.48 ± 2.29 Bq kg^-1, for the downstream; while 0.22 mSv/year was calculated for the annual effective dose. The absorbed dose rate has an overall mean of 181 nGy/h, which is significantly higher than the global average value of 59 nGy/h. The radiological hazard indices of the sediment from Eleyele's Reservoir (downstream) slightly exceeded the recommended limits for construction purposes. The mean activity concentrations of 244.69 ± 13.33, 21.65 ± 1.83, and 27.76 ± 1.56 Bq kg^-1 for ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th, respectively, were obtained for the fish samples. The highest Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) value for ⁴⁰K was found in the flesh of Oreochromis niloticus (1.64). The highest Committed Effective Ingestion Dose (CEID) of 24.13 mSv was obtained in Sanotherodon melanothron Gut, suggesting a significant long-term radiological hazard if consumed frequently, and the lowest CEID (1.98 mSv) was in Gymnarchus niloticus whole fish. Generally, the radiological indices are within safe limits, indicating no appreciable radiological threat to the local population consuming fish from the Reservoir. However, periodic monitoring of sediment and aquatic life is advised, especially downstream, to track long-term changes and mitigate potential exposure risks.

Aim: This study investigated the carriage of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance (PMQR) genes in fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli recovered from wastewater generated by healthcare institutions.

Materials and methods: Isolation of fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli was done on medium supplemented with 1 µg/mL of ciprofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone). Presumptive isolates were identified via the detection of uidA gene. Susceptibility of the isolates to a panel of antibiotics was done using disc diffusion method. Detection of PMQR genes in the isolates was done using primer-specific PCR.

Results: Thirty fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli were obtained from the wastewater over a period of 6 months. The resistance to each of the antibiotic tested was: ampicillin (100%), ceftriaxone (100%), nalidixic acid (100%), tetracycline (96.7%), cefotaxime (96.7%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (80%), gentamicin (60%), cefoxitin (30%), and imipenem (3.3%). The Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) ranged from 0.6 to 0.9. The detection of PMQR genes in the 30 isolates was: qnrA (76.7%), qnrB (53.3%), qnrS (63.3%), aac(6')-lb-cr (43.3%), and qepA (43.3%). All the fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli carried at least one PMQR determinant.

Conclusion: This study revealed that untreated hospital wastewaters are significant hub of multidrug-resistant and fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli, showing high carriage of PMQR genes, and may be a major contributor to the resistome of fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria in the Nigerian environment.

Straw burning remains a significant environmental and agricultural challenge, releasing harmful pollutants and depleting soil fertility. This study evaluates the effectiveness of 2 novel microbial formulations, NTT-02 and NTT-03, in promoting straw decomposition and enhancing soil quality. Field experiments demonstrated that NTT-02 application resulted in a 15% increase in total organic carbon (TOC), a 12% increase in total nitrogen (TN), and a 10% increase in total phosphorus (TP) compared to untreated controls. Additionally, total aerobic microbial counts increased by 1.5 times, and cellulose-decomposing microorganisms doubled in population, indicating enhanced soil microbial activity. The microbial treatments accelerated straw decomposition, reducing the breakdown period from 28 days to 14 to 18 days. Furthermore, rice yield improved by 8% to 10% relative to conventional practices. These results highlight the potential of microbial-based straw treatments as a sustainable alternative to open-field burning, promoting improved soil health, enhanced crop productivity, and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a major threat to public health and economic stability, particularly in Sub-Saharan African countries such as Ghana. However, limited consolidated evidence exists on the extent of exposure, associated health outcomes, and economic impacts. This systematic review aimed to summarize available studies on health effects of PAH exposure in Ghana and assess potential economic implications. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online was conducted for studies published between January 2014 and January 2025. Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria. Considerable heterogeneity was observed regarding study designs, target populations, matrices assessed, and PAH analytes measured. Most studies were ecological, limiting comparability and economic estimation. Nonetheless, findings indicate significant exposure to PAHs through environmental (soil, street dust, particulate matter) and occupational (fish smoking, urban living) sources. Urinary PAH metabolite levels among exposed groups were substantially elevated, and over 70% of studies reported carcinogenic risk indices exceeding WHO and USEPA thresholds of 1 × 10⁻⁶. Health effects such as persistent cough, chronic headaches, tachycardia, and dyspnea were reported. Although no Ghanaian study directly evaluated the economic burden, the evidence suggests increased healthcare costs, productivity losses, and environmental remediation expenses. This review identifies critical gaps, including the need for personal exposure measurements, longitudinal health assessments, and economic evaluations. Addressing these gaps is essential for informed policy development and resource allocation to reduce the health and economic impacts of PAH pollution in Ghana.

Introduction: The provision of clean drinking water and proper sanitation is essential for public health, particularly in rural areas with limited resources. The goal of Sustainable Development Goal 6 is to ensure that all people have access to clean water and adequate sanitation by 2030.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify differences in the availability of basic services such as drinking water and sanitation in rural areas of 15 African countries.

Methods: The research examines data on sanitation and clean water from 15 African countries using a well-balanced panel data technique. Key indicators such as access to drinking water, sanitation services, and healthcare coverage were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: According to the findings, there are significant differences in the availability of clean water and sanitation in rural areas. The study draws attention to several problematic issues, such as a high rate of open defecation (29.3%), inadequate sanitation services (20.1%), and limited access to safe-guarded drinking water (7.4%). The number of people who lack access to electricity, clean cooking fuel, and basic hand washing facilities is alarming (20.6%, 26.7% and 14.4%, respectively). The deficiencies cause an average mortality rate from communicable diseases of 50.3% and inadequate treatment of diarrhea in children under 5 years of age (39.3%).

Conclusions: Rural communities in 15 African countries face serious challenges when it comes to accessing clean water and sanitation, as indicated by the study. An urgent public health crisis is posed by the unavailability of safe managed drinking water for 7.4% of the population and the high prevalence of open defecation at 29.3%. To address these problems effectively, governments must establish integrated health and sanitation policies that emphasize community participation, public health education, and infrastructure improvements.

Introduction: The utilization of sanitation facilities is recognized as critical factor in disrupting the transmission of diseases associated with the fecal-oral route. Nevertheless, there exists a paucity of evidence regarding the aggregated prevalence of latrine utilization across East Africa.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of latrine utilization and its associated factors among households in East Africa.

Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed based on the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive systematic literature search focused on prevalence of latrine utilization and its associated factors in East African was conducted using the PubMed, Science Direct Cochrane Library, and African Journals Online (AJOL) databases. Gray literature was explored through Google Scholar and Google Search. Review authors independently extracted all necessary data using a standardized data extraction format. STATA 14 statistical software was used to analyze the data. A random effect model was computed to estimate the pooled level of latrine utilization in East Africa.

Results: After reviewing 1806 studies, 24 studies were finally included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The result of 24 studies revealed that the pooled prevalence of latrine utilization level in East Africa was 57.05% (95% CI: [50.51, 63.60]). The factors associated with the utilization of latrine included educational status (AOR: 3.69, 95% CI: [2.07, 6.60]), latrine distance from dwelling (AOR: 2.73, 95% CI: [1.70, 4.36]), and latrine cleanness (AOR = 5.06, 95% CI: [2.76, 9.27]).

Conclusions: In this review, the pooled prevalence of latrine utilization in East Africa was low. Factors significantly associated with latrine utilization were educational status, latrine distance from dwelling and cleanness of the latrine. Therefore, it is recommended that measures to promote behavioral change toward further improvement in sustainable and consistent latrine utilization should be carried out based on the evidence of the determinant factors found in this systematic review.

The global rise of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli poses critical public health challenges, especially in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to investigate the role of untreated hospital sewage and industrially polluted river water as reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant E. coli. A total of 40 environmental samples were collected, yielding 75 E. coli isolates identified using phenotypic methods. Due to time and resource limitations, 50 isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method against 11 antimicrobial agents. These antimicrobials were selected based on their clinical significance, availability, dominance in resistance mechanism, and utilization trends in Ethiopia. Notably, E. coli isolates from the Yerer River downstream of industrial waste discharge exhibited the highest multi-drug resistance rate (90%), while upstream isolates were fully susceptible to all tested antimicrobials. The Xadacha River isolates showed moderate multi-drug resistance (66.67%). Hospital sewage isolates displayed escalating multi-drug resistance rates across the 3 departments, including the intensive care unit (62.5%), open patient department (91.67%), and inpatient department (100%). Overall, 86.67% of hospital sewage-derived isolates and 65% of river isolates demonstrated multi-drug resistance. Polymerase chain reaction confirmed antimicrobial resistance-associated genes (tetA: 83.33%; blaTEM: 57.14% of the resistant isolates), underscoring hospital sewage and polluted water as critical reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance gene dissemination. The 2 genes were selected based on their availability, phenotypic resistance profile, and nature as sentinel markers for high-use antimicrobial classes in Ethiopia. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive wastewater treatment systems, stricter antimicrobial stewardship, and integrated One Health surveillance to mitigate AMR risks to human, animal, and environmental health.

Access to safe drinking water is essential for public health. In Arua City, Northern Uganda, boreholes serve as a primary water source, but their safety may be compromised by radionuclide contamination. This study analyzed gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) in borehole water samples from Ayivu East, Ayivu West, and Arua City Central using gamma spectrometry. Eighteen samples from 6 boreholes per division were assessed against UNSCEAR global averages. Results showed high variability in radionuclide concentrations. Several boreholes, particularly on Arua Hill's slopes, had ²²⁶Ra levels exceeding the global average of 35 Bq/L, while ²³²Th remained below 30 Bq/L in all samples. ⁴⁰K concentrations surpassed the global average of 400 Bq/L in all divisions. Absorbed dose rates in some boreholes exceeded 57 nGy/h, though annual effective doses remained below 0.41 mSv/y. Hazard indices in specific boreholes suggested health risks. The study recommends regular monitoring, geological assessments, safe drilling, public awareness, and water treatment to ensure water safety and protect public health.

Background: Healthcare workers' (HCWs') knowledge in delivering medical services is significantly influenced by their understanding of zoonotic diseases and the One Health (OH) concept. This study investigates the extent of HCWs' knowledge and experience regarding zoonosis and the One Health approach in Ghana.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 182 HCWs at the Tamale Teaching Hospital who completed questionnaires. Logistic regression was conducted to assess associations between socio-demographic factors and knowledge of zoonoses and OH. The correlation between knowledge and self-reported experience with zoonoses was assessed using Spearman's correlation.

Results: While 79.7% of HCWs correctly defined zoonoses, only 18.7% could sufficiently identify zoonotic diseases, and 59.3% were familiar with OH. The most commonly identified zoonotic disease was Ebola (75.3%), while brucellosis (12.1%) was the least recognized. Medical doctors were more likely to report previous encounters with zoonoses. Compared to medical doctors (reference HCWs), knowledge of OH was significantly higher among biomedical scientists (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 0.72-7.37) and lower among nurses (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.33-2.60). Professional experience of more than 5 years was associated with greater knowledge of rabies and tuberculosis. There was no significant correlation between knowledge of zoonoses and self-reported experience with any of the assessed diseases, except for a weak negative correlation with trypanosomiasis (Spearman's r = -0.206, P = .005).

Conclusions: The majority of HCWs have inadequate knowledge of zoonosis. Although most HCWs are aware of OH, they have limited experience with zoonosis and OH. Curricula for training HCWs should include more courses on zoonosis and arrange refresher training programs for HCWs. Enhancing HCWs' expertise in zoonotic disease surveillance and detection is crucial for early identification and control of zoonoses, aiding in the prevention of future outbreaks.

Background: Climate change globally triggers health, environmental, and socio-economic issues, leading to disasters, resource scarcity, inequality, displacement, and security risks. To address the challenges posed by climate change, green practices have emerged as a major solution. This research aimed to identify and categorize the factors that influence the adoption of green practices in healthcare centers.

Methods: This manuscript represents a qualitative thematic content analysis conducted in 2024 that systematically scrutinized literature spanning from 2000 to 2024. Multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, were utilized for the search. A quality assessment using 3 quality assessment checklists for different types of studies was conducted on the final studies, followed by a thematic analysis of the findings obtained from the systematic review.

Results: Twenty-nine references were included in the study as final studies. The quality assessment of these studies delineated their acceptable level of quality and risk of bias. The thematic analysis yielded 2 main themes: facilitators and barriers to the adoption of green practices.

Conclusions and recommendations: The study found several factors influencing the adoption of green practices within healthcare centers. Meanwhile, it was suggested that governments should collaborate with stakeholders to enforce emissions regulations, invest in clean energy, and offer financial incentives for sustainability. Technological advancements can improve renewable energy adoption; However, developing nations may struggle to integrate green practices into healthcare due to resource constraints.