Environmental Health Insights最新文献

Biogas production uses microorganisms to degrade organic material in the absence of oxygen to produce CH₄, CO₂, and other residual gases. Anaerobic digestion of cattle manure and human feces for biogas production is an important technology in Ethiopia's National Energy Strategy. Thus, this study aimed to analyze determinants and characteristic composition of biogas product at different agroecological zones in Southern Ethiopia. In this study, biogas plants were categorized based on agroecology, size, age, and design type. A total of 32 biogas plants were included and their gas composition were analyzed using OPTIMA Biogas Analyzer. One-way ANOVA and paired-wise comparison were widely used for data analysis. ANOVA results for CH₄ revealed that agroecology, temperature, and biogas plant design were statistically significant whereas biogas plant size and age of biogas plants were not statistically significant. From this study, the authors concluded that agroecology, biogas plant design, and temperature significantly affect biogas yield quality. Future research needs to focus on seasonal variation of biogas product at different agroecological zones and evaluation of the rural household biogas plants' performance.

Background: The scarcity of safe drinking water affects individuals living in low income areas, increasing their vulnerability to waterborne diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between socio-economic factors, water handling practices and microbial water quality in Kitwe District, Zambia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 households using a semi-structured questionnaire along with microbiological analysis of water samples during the dry and wet season. A total of 44 water samples (per season) from the point of use and 16 source samples were analyzed for pH, temperature, residual chlorine, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between socio-economic factors, water handling practices, and water quality.

Results: The prevalence of Escherichia coli contamination was 61.3% during the dry season and 77.3% during the wet season. Key factors associated with household water quality included, household monthly income, education level, family size, season, storage container design, water withdrawal method, covering storage containers, water treatment practices, and hand washing with soap. Notably, households that used narrow-mouthed containers (AOR = 0.090, 0.014-0.580), covered their storage containers (AOR = 0.113, 0.014-0.889), and practiced water treatment (AOR = 0.120, 0.022-0.656) showed significantly reduced risks of E. coli contamination.

Conclusion and recommendations: The findings highlight the importance of socio-economic factors and proper water handling practices in improving household water quality. To enhance water safety and reduce water-related diseases, targeted interventions should focus on educating communities about the effective handling of water. Furthermore, addressing socio-economic factors and improving access to safe water are essential for mitigating contamination risks in low-income areas.

Background: Long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLITNs) are a key malaria prevention method, but their consistent use in Ethiopia, particularly among rural mothers, remains challenging. Information on LLITN usage among pregnant women in resource-limited settings is especially scarce. This study investigated LLITN utilization and the factors influencing its use among pregnant women in the Gechi district, Southwest Ethiopia, in 2024.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2024, including 422 randomly selected pregnant women. Data collection employed a pretested questionnaire, and logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify factors influencing LLITN usage. Variables with a P-value < .25 in univariable analysis were incorporated into the multivariable logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed, and statistical significance was set at P ⩽ .05. The model's performance was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.

Results: The finding of this study revealed that 93.9% of the respondents had LLITN, and the current utilization status of pregnant women was 46.5% [41.7%-51.3%]. The low level of utilization was significantly associated with women' education, parity, antenatal care (ANC) attendance, and family size. Accordingly, women without formal education were 52% less likely [AOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28-0.81]; those with primipara were 1.98 times more likely [AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.30-3.03]; a family size of less than 5 was 2.53 times [AOR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.61-3.87] more likely, and women who attended at least 1 ANC visit were 2.08 times more likely [AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.21-2.58] to use LLITN.

Conclusion: The pregnant women's LITN utilization in settings was low, associated with women's education, parity, antenatal care attendance, and family size. Key players should focus on awareness creation and ANC follow-up to reduce illness during pregnancy, particularly in rural, hard-to-reach settings.

Water and sanitation facilities in schools are directly linked to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6; however, these facilities are often grossly inadequate in both quality and quantity in public primary schools (PPS) in developing countries. This study examined the existing water and sanitation facilities in PPS in Oyo State, Nigeria, to identify disparities. Using ANOVA, variables extracted from the 2020 Oyo State Annual School Census report were analyzed and mapped to reveal spatial distribution at the local government level. Five water sources and 4 types of sanitation facilities were identified. Significant variations were observed across local government types (urban, semi-urban & rural, and rural) with respect to enrollment (P = .000), total number of toilets (P = .033), PPS with wells (P = .002), PPS with no water source (P = .001), PPS with flush toilets (P = .001), and PPS with other toilet types (P = .011). With sanitation facility availability below 20%, open defecation is likely to be prevalent in these schools. For the well-being of the pupils and the entire population of the state, the government needs to prioritize the provision of potable drinking water and improved sanitation facilities in PPS, while considering the need for facilities to be gender sensitive.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of predicted particulates with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM_2.5) using the satellite data on Years of Life Lost (YLL) as a health burden of air pollution. A 2-stage methodology was used in order to predict PM_2.5 using Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD). The predicted PM was corrected for its bias through Bland-Altman method and observed data. Relative Risk (RR), Attributable Fraction (AF), and Attributable Number (AN) of YLL were estimated as the effect of PM_2.5 on health. Based on the minimum value as the optimum value of PM, statistically a significant cumulative dose-response association was found. The significant association was mainly observed between lags 4 and 13. Also, based on the scenario, the total estimated YLL attributable to air pollution was 74227 years, with an AF of 0.45 which was statistically significant (95% CI: 0.14, 0.65). Based on the median value as the second scenario, there was not cumulative significant dose-response association. The subgroup analysis revealed that females and the elderly exhibited higher PM_2.5-related YLL compared to males and younger, respectively. Totally, the study revealed that impact of the predicted PM on YLL was significant when we selected the minimum value as reference. While, the impact was insignificant when we changed it to median value. This result highlights the important effect of reference value selection on the interpretation of dose-response and lag-response associations between PM_2.5 and YLL which should be addressed in next studies.

Aim: This study aimed to characterize ESBL-producing E. coli isolates obtained from apparently healthy captive wild birds from selected zoological gardens in Nigeria.

Materials and methods: A total of 121 freshly deposited faecal samples were collected from captive wild birds in seven major zoological gardens and pooled into 50 samples. The samples were screened for the presence of E. coli. The isolates obtained were tested against a panel of antibiotics and screened for ESBL production using the double disc synergy test (DDST). Primer-specific PCR was used to detect the carriage of ESBL genes (bla _CTX-M, bla _TEM and bla _SHV) by the isolates.

Results: A total of 26 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates (52%, n = 26/50) were obtained from the pooled faecal samples of captive wild birds. The highest resistance rate to antibiotics was observed with amoxicillin-clavulanate (88.5%), while the lowest resistance rate was observed with fosfomycin (3.8%). The isolates had Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) values ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 across the tested antibiotics. Approximately 65.4% of the isolates carried bla _CTX-M, while bla _TEM and bla _SHV were detected in 15.4% and 34.6% of the isolates, respectively.

Conclusion: This study revealed a significant prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in captive wild birds in Nigeria and highlighted the need to institute control measures in zoological gardens to prevent the transmission of antibiotic resistance.

Background: The public health risk of microbial contamination of fomites is evident from the numerous fomite-associated outbreaks that have occurred in several countries. Despite the high-touch nature of door handles across various settings, no comprehensive synthesis of contamination rates and microbial profiles has been performed.

Aim: The aim of this work was to assess the prevalence and types of microbial contamination on door handles in public and healthcare settings.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published up to July 2024. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated via a random-effects model, and subgroup analyses were performed to assess differences on the basis of pathogen type, handle location, and setting.

Results: A total of 27 studies met the eligibility criteria. The overall estimation of microbial contamination of door handles revealed a prevalence of 9.96% (95% CI: 5.87‒14.11). Compared with viral contamination which was observed to be 17.73% (95% CI: 9.24‒27.81), bacterial contamination was less common at 6.20% (95% CI: 2.90‒10.42). The most predominant bacterial agent was Bacillus spp. (55.74%), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (25.00%); the most prevalent virus was rotavirus (62.50%). The rate of contamination was higher for toilet door handles (23.04%) than for other public and healthcare handles (7.75%). Hospitals presented slightly higher contamination rates (10.82%) than did public settings (8.97%).

Conclusion: This systematic review highlights the widespread microbial contamination of door handles, particularly in public and healthcare environments. While bacterial contamination is predominant, the finding of viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus and even SARS-CoV-2 highlights the stringency of cleaning that has to be applied. These findings emphasise the need for targeted hygiene interventions to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission via door handles, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Background: The problem of toxic industrial waste impacting soil and water quality remains a significant environmental threat, yet comprehensive solutions are lacking. This review addresses this gap by exploring the effects of industrial waste on ecosystems and proposing strategies for remediation. Its aim is to provide a thorough understanding of the issue and suggest actionable solutions to minimize environmental damage.

Methods: A comprehensive scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were sourced from major academic databases, including Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Academic Search Premier, Springer Link, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. A total of 105 relevant articles were included based on strict eligibility criteria. The review process encompassed identification, screening, and eligibility checks, followed by data abstraction and analysis.

Results: The scoping review highlights the severe impact of toxic industrial waste on soil and water quality, emphasizing pollutants such as heavy metals (cadmium, lead, chromium), organic contaminants, and excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). These pollutants degrade aquatic ecosystems, causing acidification, eutrophication, and oxygen depletion, leading to biodiversity loss and the mobilization of toxic metals. Soil health is similarly compromised, with heavy metal contamination reducing fertility and disrupting microbial communities essential for nutrient cycling. Mitigation strategies, including cleaner production technologies, effluent treatment, bioremediation, and phytoremediation, offer promising solutions. These eco-friendly approaches effectively reduce pollutants, restore ecosystems, and enhance environmental sustainability, thus mitigating the long-term risks posed by industrial waste on soil and water quality.

Conclusions and recommendations: The findings confirm that toxic industrial waste is a critical environmental threat that impacts both aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial soils. Immediate action is necessary to address ecological degradation. Recommended strategies include banning harmful raw materials, pre-treatment of waste, riparian buffering, bioremediation, and stricter regulations to control pollution and safeguard ecosystems.

Background: Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are vital for pollination, plant survival, and crop production. Poor disclosure of farmers' perceptions of bee health and mortality limits interventions for risk reduction. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of beekeepers on pesticide risk mitigation and bee mortality in Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 randomly selected beekeepers. The data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire. Factors associated with their intention and action to mitigate the risks were analyzed using logistic regression. Explanatory variables with a P-value of .05 or less were included in the multivariable model, and variables with a P-value less than .05 were reported as factors associated with the outcome variable. The Hosmer and Lemeshow tests were used to check model fit.

Results: The study found that overall 54.3% of beekeepers practice safe beekeeping and adopt risk mitigation measures. The study found that beekeeping training [AOR: 3.85; 95% C.I. 2.19-6.76], knowledge of pesticide risks on bee health [AOR: 4.18; C.I. 2.44-7.16], and attitudes toward risks of pesticides on bee health [AOR: 2.41; 95% C.I. 1.51-3.84] significantly influenced bee mortality risk mitigation practices. Those with training were 3.85 times more likely to practice risk mitigation, while those with good knowledge were 4.18 times more likely, and those with positive attitudes toward risks of pesticides on bee health were 2.41 times more likely to practice.

Conclusion and recommendations: The study reveals that half of beekeepers practice safe beekeeping and adopt risk mitigation measures, influenced by training, knowledge of pesticide risks, and attitudes. Key apiculture players can benefit from behavioral interventions to improve knowledge and attitudes, thereby mitigating bee mortality risks.

Paternal lead exposure has emerged as a potential contributor to adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet its impact remains underexplored compared to maternal exposure. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesize evidence on the association between paternal lead exposure and pregnancy outcomes to inform public health interventions and future research. To evaluate the association between paternal lead exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age, and congenital anomalies. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted up to August 2024. Observational studies examining paternal lead exposure (⩾15 µg/dL) and its effects on pregnancy outcomes were included. Data synthesis adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to compute pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eleven studies were included in the systematic review, with 7 contributing to the meta-analysis. The pooled OR for congenital anomalies associated with paternal lead exposure was statistically significant (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 2.09-3.35; P < .01), indicating a strong association. However, no significant associations were observed for other outcomes: spontaneous abortion (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.75-1.64), low birth weight (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.68-1.39), preterm birth (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 0.61-4.05), and small-for-gestational-age infants (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.78-1.09). Heterogeneity was low for most outcomes, except for spontaneous abortion (I ² = 39%) and preterm birth (I ² = 52%). This study highlights a significant association between paternal lead exposure and congenital anomalies, emphasizing the need for occupational and environmental regulations targeting lead exposure among men of reproductive age.