Bio-purification of Ascaris lumbricoides ova in a transformed Echinochloa pyramidalis wastewater treatment filter plant in the city of Yaounde (Cameroon)

Abstract

The reuse of wastewater is widespread across the globe, especially in regions with water scarcity. Recycled water can be utilized in irrigation but if not treated effectively can pose risk for public health owing to the pathogens present in the recycled water used for irrigation Ascaris lumbricoides is a major soil-transmitted helminth that is highly infective to humans. The ova of A. lumbricoides are able to survive wastewater treatment, thus making it an indicator organism for effective water treatment and sanitation. Hence, Ascaris ova must be removed from wastewater matrices for the safe use of recycled water. The results of the observations of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs indicate a general density of 88 ± 72 ova.l-1. The highest density was 338 ova.l-1 obtained in fat and oil removal basin during the LRS. Although a density of 24 larvae/L was detected at the outlet. Overall, larvae decreased at the secondary treatment level with a general purification yield of 85%.