American Public Health Association Research Articles

Water Quality and Environmental Health of Lakes in Coimbatore, India: A Comprehensive Study of the Physicochemical Characteristics

The deterioration of lake water quality is a major national issue, particularly in regions with industrial activity. This study assesses the water quality of five lakes in Coimbatore, India: Krishnampathi, Ukkadam, Kurichi, Sulur, and Singanallur, between December 2016 and April 2017. Twenty physicochemical parameters were analysed following standard procedures outlined by the American Public Health Association. Twelve heavy metal elements concentration in the lakes was analysed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The results of this study revealed that the values of 17 physicochemical parameters fell beyond the WHO recommended pollution levels in all the study sites, except Sodium, Nitrate, and Sulphate. While, the concentration of 10 heavy metal elements determined were within acceptable limits of WHO-recommended standards for drinking water across all lakes, except Fe and Pb. F-test revealed that the concentration of all the physicochemical parameters varied significantly across all the study sites, except for pH (P = .749). Statistical analysis such as principal component analysis was adopted, and the results were discussed on the multivariate relationships of the physiochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations of the five study sites. Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need for continuous monitoring and comprehensive management strategies to mitigate the deteriorating water quality in the lakes of Coimbatore district, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing the multitude of factors contributing to this environmental challenge.

Pistia Stratiotes based heavy metals phytoremediation of a Himalayan river impacted by hydroelectric plant in an Indo Burma hotspot region

ABSTRACT Present study attempts to study the impact of Serlui-B hydroelectric dam on water quality (‘water-energy nexus’) of a Himalayan river and to devise possible phytotechnology for heavy metals remediation. Physico-chemical characteristics of water were analyzed using ‘American Public Health Association (APHA)’ methods while Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used for estimation of heavy metals. To this end, concentrations of Fe and Ni were recorded above permissible limit which can impose public health risks. Therefore, phytoremediation experiments were performed by using Pistia stratiotes L. (water lettuce) and effects of Fe and Ni concentrations (1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 mg/L) on photosynthetic pigments were observed. Phytoremediation investigations using 24 aquaria (of 40.5 L) revealed that P. stratiotes was an effective hyperaccumulator of Fe and Ni with maximum removal efficiency of 96.2% and 92%, respectively. In relation to bioaccumulation indices, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) values decreased with increase in Fe and Ni concentrations, whereas the translocation factor (TF) was noted higher at low concentrations and vice versa. Furthermore, the total chlorophyll content and carotenoid levels in P. stratiotes demonstrated negative significant correlation with the rise in Fe/Ni concentrations that may be considered as an adaptive biochemical strategy to mitigate metals induced oxidative stress. The present study can further be extrapolated to field phytoremediation for ameliorating both physico-chemical and metallic contaminants. Last, the role of microbial biodiversity associated with P. stratiotes should be elucidated in future to help achieve SDG 6 and environmental sustainability.

Analysis of Thorium (Th) and Uranium (U) in radioactive wastewater sample in accordance with American Public Health Association (APHA) 3125 method

The main issue with thorium (Th) and uranium (U) in radioactive wastewater is the potential of these elements to contaminate the water bodies. The unregulated radioactive wastewater release can affect the ecosystem and potentially harm aquatic life. Therefore, there is a need to establish the analysis of Th and U using standard method to obtain better sensitivity and good confidence in the final report. In this study, the determination of uranium and thorium was employed using the American Public Health Association (APHA) method 3125 standard method. The method performance and method detection level (MDL) samples for APHA 3125 were prepared in the deionized water and digested using hot block (APHA 3030E) and microwave digester (APHA 3030K). The quantification of 238U, 235U and 232Th in the method performance and MDL samples was performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). From the results, the method performance samples for both digestion methods were in accordance with the APHA requirement. The MDL obtained from APHA 3030E for 232Th, 238U, and 235U were 5, 7, and 8 μg L−1 respectively. Meanwhile, the MDL obtained from the microwave digester for 232Th, 238U, and 235U, and were 2, 3, and 3 μg L−1 respectively. The APHA 3030K digestion technique gives lower and better detection limit compared to the APHA 3030E technique. Based on APHA 3030K MDL, 232Th was detected in the radioactive wastewater sample while 238U and 235U were less than MDL. Meanwhile, for APHA 3030E, all elements were below MDL. This study will enhance the detection of uranium and thorium in the radioactive wastewater sample towards better environmental monitoring programs at the national and global levels.

100 Years of the American Public Health Association's Public Health Education and Health Promotion Section: Celebrating the Past, Forging the Future.

The American Public Health Association's Public Health Education and Health Promotion (APHA PHEHP) Section celebrates its 100th anniversary by reflecting on its humble beginnings and early contributions to the field of health education. This article highlights the often-unsung history of our field and its fledgling beginnings, which is important to scholars and students alike. First codified as the Health Education and Publicity Section in the early 1920s, we trace the history and challenges of using new modes of publicity such as motion pictures and innovative exhibits to help curb the spread of infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, venereal disease). Evart G. Routzahn, credited as the Section's father, worked tirelessly to increase the Section's visibility (renamed the Health Education Section in 1927 and the Public Health Education and Health Promotion Section in 1990) and in advancing the professionalization of health education during a time when there were no formal professional preparation programs in health education. Over the years, the Section has played significant roles in strengthening the practice of health education and communication; advancing APHA's overall leadership, infrastructure, and governance; and contributing to the unified voice and advocacy for the health education profession and health equity. We conclude by describing contemporary initiatives that reflect the continued spirit and vibrancy of the Section in setting the stage for the next 100 years.

Physico-Chemical Quality Assessment of Ground Water in Kathmandu Valley and Siraha District

A key element in maintaining human health is the quality of drinking water which is a vital component of natural resources. This study was conducted to assess the ground water quality in the Kathmandu Valley and Siraha district from October 2022 to March 2023 in the Water Engineering and Training Centre, Ratopul, Kathmandu. A total of 123 water samples were collected from various wells and borings around the Kathmandu Valley and Siraha district and were subjected to physicochemical investigation following the standard techniques for water sample collection and analyzed by methods as described in the American Public Health Association (1998). The pH, conductivity, turbidity, ammonia concentration, and iron content were found to exceed National Drinking Water Quality Standard guidelines value in 21.95%, 3.25 %, 53.65 %, 47.15 %, and 18.7 % of total water samples respectively. All water samples had total hardness and chloride levels within the acceptable range. The arsenic content of all samples except one well water sample from Siraha was found within a permissible level. The findings suggest that water quality is not satisfactory, which could lead to various water-borne illnesses. Therefore, proper water purification techniques should be used before consumption.

SUITABILITY OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY FOR DRINKING USING WATER QUALITY INDEX IN KANO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Groundwater is an important source of drinking water in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. This study aims to assess the suitability of groundwater for drinking using the water quality index (WQI). 960 water samples were collected from 160 sites in the Kano Metropolis and analyzed 9 physicochemical parameters, 9 heavy metals and two groups of microbial parameters using American Public Health Association standard procedures in a laboratory. The values obtained for the various parameters were then compared to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). The overall WQI for each LGA was calculated using Weighted Arithmetic Index guidelines. The results showed that overall WQI is generally unsuitable for drinking with ranged values of borehole water from 47.07 - 149.51 in Dala and Nasarawa respectively while the well water ranged from 94.17 - 251.44 at Tarauni and Kumbotso and spatially represented in map of Kano metropolis. Marginally suitable for drinking were recorded at Dala and some individual wells in well-planned and clean areas (Bompai Quarters, GRAs). The T-Test statistical analysis between borehole and well in Dala, KMC and Nasarawa LGAs showed significant variations at P = < .05 while Fagge, Gwale, Kumbotso, Tarauni and Ungogo LGAs showed no significant differences. The study recommends the need for improved water management strategies, such as desalination and water treatment, to increase access to safe drinking water.

Performance assessment of Mabula municipal wastewater plant: Zvishavane town, Zimbabwe

The characterisation and performance assessment of municipal wastewater treatment plants is very important as it provides information regarding the types of contaminants present in the water and their subsequent concentrations. It is also important in assessing gaps within the treatment process and is thus an essential step in needed when recalibrating and redesigning a plant to improve its efficiency. However, in Zimbabwe there is lack of comprehensive current data characterises effluent and influent from municipal wastewater treatment plants. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of wastewater from Mabula wastewater treatment plant, Zvishavane Zimbabwe, infer the performance of the plant and assess the implications of municipal effluent discharge on the water quality of Musavezi River. Composite water samples were collected over a 21-week sampling period from December 2022 to April 2023 from five sampling points, two from the treatment stages within the plant and three points along the course of the Musavezi River. Samples were taken to an independent laboratory and analysed for pH, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorous (TP) and Ammonium-Nitrate (NH3–N) in line with standards set by the American Public Health Association (APHA). Results from the study indicate that the plant receives and treats effluent that is of medium to high strength. Mean values of the effluent at discharge point indicated organic and nutrient concentrations that were higher than the Zimbabwe effluent discharge standards as prescribed by the Environmental Management Agency. Removal efficiencies for the plant varied from 83.01%, 83.02%, 88.26%, 36.21%, 67.43% and 51.6% for BOD5, COD, TSS, TN, TP, and NH3–N respectively. This indicates that the treatment plant is not performing very well with regards to nutrient removal. Effluent disposal was revealed to have implication on the water quality of the Musavezi River as indicated by water quality index (WQI). There is need to consistently monitor and regulate the performance of Mabula wastewater treatment plant so that it meets the national effluent discharge regulations.

Effects of Administration of Bouillon Cubes on Insulin Resistance, Lipid Profile and Renal Function Parameters in Female Albino Rats

Aim: To evaluate the effects of administration of bouillon cubes on insulin resistance, lipid profile and renal function parameters in female albino rats. Methodology: A total of thirty-five (35) female albino rats, weighing between 120 and 150 grams, were used for the study. The bouillon cubes, Star Maggi and Knorr were administered daily to the rats, using an oral gavage tube for 90days. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was determined using the Glucose oxidase method. Fasting plasma insulin (FPI) and Cystatin C levels were quantitatively determined by a rat-specific sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method. The electrolytes, sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) and were determined using ion selective electrode method. Urea was determined using Urease-bertholet method. Creatinine was determined using the Jaffe-Slot method. Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined by enzymatic methods. Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated from the Friedewald’s equation. Kidney sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique. Quantitative analysis of monosodium glutamate (MSG) content of the bouillon cubes was analyzed using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy while the sodium content was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry according to the method of the American Public Health Association. Results: There were no significant differences (P>.05) in FPG, FPI and HOMA-IR in all the treatment groups. The mean cystatin C value in group E (High Dose Knorr) was significantly higher (P <.05) than the negative control and all other treatment groups. The results also show the mean sodium values in groups D (High Dose Maggi) and E (High Dose Knorr) were significantly lower (P <.05) when compared to the negative control. There were no significant differences (P >.05) in TC and HDL-C levels in the negative control, compared to the treatment groups. There were no significant differences (P >.05) in TG levels, except for group B (Low Dose Maggi) which significantly lower (P <.05) than the negative control. Also, there were no significant differences (P >.05) in LDL-C levels, except for group B (Low Dose Maggi) which significantly higher (P <.05) than the negative control. Histologic analysis of the kidneys of the treated groups showed histological changes in the architecture of the tissues indicating tissue distortion, acute tissue damage, glomerular nephritis and distorted capillaries and degeneration compared to the negative control group which showed no tissue distortion. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to bouillon cubes did not impact fasting plasma glucose, insulin and insulin resistance in the treated rats. Chronic administration of Knorr cubes impacted the integrity of the kidney as levels of cystatin C and sodium were altered in the albino rats. Histoarchitecture of the kidneys of the treated rats showed histological changes indicating tissue distortion, acute tissue damage, glomerular nephritis and distorted capillaries. Lipid profile/metabolism was relatively not affected by the administration of bouillon cubes.

Evaluation of selected physicochemical properties of River Otamiri, Imo State

Surface water monitoring is essential, especially when the water is normally used for industrial, agricultural, and domestic purposes. The study determined the physicochemical properties of the River Otamiri using the American Public Health Association standard methods for water analysis. In this study, river water samples were collected five times during the dry season from four sampling points (WSP-1, WSP-2, WSP-3 and WSP-4) along the watercourse of the river in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. The levels of the selected physicochemical parameters were compared with the National Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) guidelines. The findings showed that the pH (4.99±0.11 – 6.30±0.08), dissolved oxygen (4.16±0.01 – 6.45±0.03), total hardness (17.10±1.78 – 27.80±2.54), chloride (68.30±0.58 – 91.90±0.64), and sulphate (39.55±3.32 – 51.21±2.11) were below the acceptable limit of the National Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). However, electrical conductivity (1116±29.75 – 1419±28.54), turbidity (18.90±2.81 – 31.70±8.13) and nitrate (45.50±3.06 – 69.90±2.11, except in water sample point-4) were above the recommended limit according to the NSDWQ guideline, while temperature levels (26.90±0.04 – 28.40±0.02) were within the acceptable limit. The study concludes that the River Otamiri is contaminated. It is therefore advisable to purify water from the river before use for domestic and industrial purposes.

Award Winning Manuscript From American Public Health Association 2022.

Award Winning Manuscript From American Public Health Association 2022.

Innovation in direct care worker training: preparing a workforce to provide in‐home care to older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

AbstractDirect care workers who provide in‐home care – such as caregivers hired by consumers of California’s Medicaid‐funded In‐Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program – are well positioned to observe changes in their consumer’s cognition, health, or behaviors to report to family members and healthcare partners, thereby helping to reduce risk of emergency department visits, avoidable hospitalizations, and other adverse outcomes that are disproportionately high among people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023). Despite their vital role in supporting people living with ADRD, direct care workers receive low wages and minimal training or supportive supervision. Strengthening the dementia care workforce is a public health priority; failure to do so will add health, social, and economic burdens to individuals, families, and society (American Public Health Association, 2020). An innovative initiative to bolster the direct care workforce is the IHSS+ADRD Training Project, which provides a 10‐week, instructor‐led, competency‐based, online training in English, Spanish, and Cantonese. The goal is to train 600 IHSS caregivers in Alameda County, California between 2020‐2024. We use a quasi‐experimental, longitudinal design to evaluate outcomes. Pre‐training, post‐training, and 3‐month follow‐up surveys are used to compare changes in IHSS caregivers’ dementia knowledge and self‐efficacy. Administrative records pulled one‐year before and after training are used to compare healthcare utilization patterns of IHSS consumers whose caregiver completed the training. This poster presents updated preliminary results from an analytic sample of 165 IHSS caregivers and consumers for whom we have complete follow‐up data to‐date. Dementia knowledge and self‐efficacy significantly increased at post‐training (p≤ 0.05), with trends suggesting retention at follow‐up. Most IHSS caregivers were very satisfied with the training (83%). Healthcare utilization data followed expected trends given COVID‐19 pandemic protocols in Alameda County. These results reveal promising signs that direct care workers do value training opportunities to better support consumers at home; however, the results need to be further understood in the context of COVID‐19 and the ADRD illness trajectory. Implications include replicating this training to other counties and beyond California to help meet the estimated 1.2 million additional direct care workers needed in the U.S. by 2030 (PHI, 2022).

Hydrogeochemical process of ions in groundwater of communities along Southern-axis Atlantic Ocean in Bayelsa, Nigeria

ABSTRACT The hydrogeochemical process of groundwater from hand-dug well within communities located along the Southern axis of the Atlantic Ocean was examined based on its major ions concentration. Fifteen (15) water samples were collected across the study area and analyzed using the American Public Health Association (APHA) laboratory standard. With the aid of ArcGIS 10.7, the spatial distribution of physiochemical parameters and major ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, HCO− 3, SO4 2-, Cl− and PO4 3-) were determined. The cations and anions of the groundwater trended as Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Na+ and HCO− 3> SO4 2- > Cl− > PO4 3-, respectively, while all values are within World Health Organization (WHO) allowable limit except Ca2+. The positive correlation among major ions illustrated similarities in the sources and distributions based on principal component analysis, while the cluster analysis established the complexity of the hydrogeochemical processes. Piper and Durov plot aided the geochemical process identification where the groundwater of the area showed the dominance of Ca2+-Mg2+-HCOˉ3, Na+- HCOˉ3 and Ca2±Mg2+- SO4 2-/Cl−; hence, the hydrogeochemical process was influenced by water–rock interaction of possible carbonate weathering characterized by the earth’s alkaline water and weak acids.

Effects of chronic administration of some bouillon cubes on oxidative stress and liver function markers in female albino rats

Aim: This study evaluated the effects of chronic administration of some bouillon cubes on oxidative stress and liver function markers in female albino rats. Methodology: A total of thirty-five (35) female albino rats, weighing between 120 and 150 grams, were used for the study. The bouillon cubes, Star Maggi and Knorr were administered daily to the rats, using an oral gavage tube for 90days. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) level were determined using a rat-specific sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were estimated quantitatively using the Reitman and Frankel Method. Total protein (TP) was estimated quantitatively using the Biuret colorimetric method. Albumin (ALB) was estimated quantitatively following the Modified bromocresol green colorimetric method. Liver sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique. Quantitative analysis of monosodium glutamate (MSG) content of the bouillon cubes was analyzed using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy while the sodium content was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry according to the method of the American Public Health Association. Results: There were no significant differences (p>.05) in SOD and GPx levels in all the treatment groups, compared to the negative control. Group D (High Dose Maggi) had lower SOD and GPx levels than the negative control, though not significant. ALT level (5.01 ± 0.53 iu/L) in group E (High Dose Knorr) was significantly higher (p<.05) when compared to the negative control. There were no significant differences (p>.05) in AST levels in all groups, even though group E had the highest AST level. There were no significant differences (p>.05) in TP and ALB levels, except for group E (High Dose Knorr), which was significantly lower (p<.05), compared to the negative control. Liver sections of the negative control showed normal histoarchitecture. The treated groups showed histological changes in the architecture of the hepatocytes indicating moderate dilation of the central vein, moderate disruption of the hepatic lobules, and mild sinusoidal dilation, with associated inflammatory cell infiltration. Conclusion: Chronic administration of bouillon cubes did not have significant impact on the levels of the oxidative stress markers, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the rats. Chronic administration of Knorr cubes impacted the liver, with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, with a reduced total protein and albumin level. There were changes in the architecture of the hepatocytes of the treated rats, indicating moderate dilation of the central vein, moderate disruption of the hepatic lobules, and mild sinusoidal dilation. Bouillon cubes should be used in moderation, taking into account their potential effects on overall health and wellbeing when consumed for long periods.

Effect of abattoir activities on the quality of water and surrounding soil of the Anwai River in Asaba, Nigeria

The Anwai River is the most important river in Asaba, Nigeria, because of its many uses, and these include abattoir activities. The aim of this study was to assess the surface water and surrounding soil of the Anwai River for the effects of abattoir activities during the wet and dry seasons of 2020. The quality of soil and water samples was analysed using standard procedures as set by the American Public Health Association. Results of water analyses showed that pH, total dissolved solids and total suspended solids varied from 6.45 to 6.67, 13.50 mg L−1 to 24.42 mg L−1, and 2.19 ± 0.04 mg L−1 to 10.79 mg L−1, respectively. Soil pH, total organic content, Pd and Cr had a range of 5.83 to 7.65 pH units, 0.15 to 2.74%, 1.88 ± 0.03 to 22.8 ± 0.28 mg kg−1, and 0.86 ± 0.03 to 4.87 ± 0.04 mg kg−1, respectively. There were significant differences between Upstream, Midstream (by the abattoir) and Downstream samples; however, there were no significant differences between dry and wet season results for most of the parameters. Midstream values for the water quality index were 104.89 and 119.34 in the dry and wet seasons, respectively, which showed that the Midstream water samples were poor. The findings of this study showed that the abattoir activities were negatively impacting river water and soil quality.

Water quality index, ecotoxicology and human health risk modelling of surface and groundwater along illegal crude oil refining sites in a developing economy

Water quality index, ecotoxicology and human health risk models were applied to surface and groundwater samples along illegal crude oil refining sites in Rivers State, Nigeria. Eight (8) surface water and four (4) groundwater sampling points were identified along illegal refining sites. Thirty-six (36) samples in triplicates were collected monthly from each of the twelve (12) sampling points over a three (3) month period. Water samples were collected and analyzed using standard methods as prescribed by the American Public Health Association. The mean pH for surface and groundwater ranged from 5.61 ± 0.15 to 7.34 ± 0.10 and 5.80 ± 0.10 to 6.39 ± 0.13, respectively. Turbidity, TDS, and BOD data for surface water samples exceeded the WHO guideline values. The ionic dominance pattern of anions for both surface and groundwater water samples were the same and in the order Cl− > SO42− > NO3− > PO42−. Mean heavy metal concentration was in the order Pb > Ni > Fe > Cd > Mn > Cu for surface water and Pb > Cd > Fe > Mn > Ni > Cu for groundwater. Cd and Pb concentrations in both sources were generally high, with Cd exceeding the WHO guideline value (GV). The CCME water quality index model ranked 62.5% of surface water as marginal, 12.5% as good, 12.5% as poor, and 12.5% as fair. The impact of heavy metals on public health was in the order Pb > Cd > Ni > Fe > Mn, with 83% of samples seriously affected by Pb pollution. The potential ecological risk index ranged from 1.61 × 103 to 2.64 × 103 for surface water and 8.10 × 102 to 2.21 × 103 for groundwater. Heavy metal contamination was very high, and the ecological risk effect was extremely high. The health risk through oral ingestion was in the order of adults > infants > children. Two principal components, PC1 and PC2, explained 50.51% and 16.00% of the variations in surface water quality, respectively. For groundwater quality data, three principal components explained the observed variations in water quality data, of which 51.39% is attributed to PC1, 26.29% to PC2, and 16.58% to PC3.

Poverty induced artisanal mining impact on municipal water utilities; the case of kpapi river in Minna, Nigeria

That unemployment, poverty, artisanal mining, and community vulnerability are interwoven is re-emphasizing the reality of life. This study assesses the effect of artisanal mining activities on River Kpapi and the adjoining settlements in Minna putting into consideration Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG8). Observatory field survey was carried out on the entire river channel, and laboratory analysis of water samples taking to determine its hydro-chemical and Water Quality Index (WQI) characteristics using the silver nitrate method of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Water Quality Index (WQI) mathematical model. Questionnaires were also administered to the adjoining communities on river water usability. The result revealed that the hydro-chemical parameters heavy metals of Cd, Pb and Cr2+ with mean concentrations of 0.04 mg/l, 0.39 mg/l and 0.44 mg/l respectively are above WHO permissible limit. Also, the WQI varies from 2045.35 at middle course, 2709.89 at the upper course and 30.87.46 at the lower course is above the tolerance level for human consumption. The study, therefore, recommended that both the riparian and the solid mineral law should be under the state government to ease implementation and that the artisanal miners and that inclusive planning should be adhere to in all policy formation.

Geochemical and Geospatial Distribution of Organic Contaminants in the Flood Plain of Ekpetiama, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This study investigated the geochemical and geospatial distribution of organic contaminants in the floodplain water and sediments of Ekpetiama in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. This study is necessary because there are limited data on the level of organic contamination in this section of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The extinction of planktons in Ekpetiama became a source of concern to the residents. This concern is because this section of the coastal plain provides fisher folks with livelihood. So, there was a need to track the source of contamination in this part of the Niger Delta region. Previous studies have suggested a high level of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon and Total Hydrocarbon Content as possible sources of reduced dissolved oxygen in similar deltaic terrain. A total of 10 water and 10 sediment samples were collected and analyzed in triplicate at an interval of 100 m in the flood plain. A particle size analyzer was used to perform particle size analyses of air-dried sediments. The American Public Health Association method (APHA) was used to do the chemical analysis of the water samples. Here, a liquid-liquid extraction procedure was performed on sediment samples using 30 mL of Dichloromethane (DCM) as the extracting agent. The results were subjected to statistical validation. The mean grain size ranged from 2.37-4.83, kurtosis (1.94-0.49), and skewness (-0.8-0.71). The contaminant indicators (pH, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen and Total Organic Carbon) point to the presence of organic contamination of the flood plain. The results indicated a total petroleum hydrocarbon range of 0.47-0.87 ppm in water and 0.69-0.96 ppm in sediments and a total hydrocarbon content range of 1.10-2.80 ppm in water and 2.56-3.90 ppm in sediment# samples. The results were above the permitted limits of the World Health Organisation. The source of ecological damage is the abnormal concentrations of organic contaminants in the flood plain. These results significantly caused ecosystem damage and human health effects in the food chain. This study provides information to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency for a cleanup process.

Geochemical and Geospatial Distribution of Organic Contaminants in the Flood Plain of Ekpetiama, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This study investigated the geochemical and geospatial distribution of organic contaminants in the floodplain water and sediments of Ekpetiama in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. This study is necessary because there are limited data on the level of organic contamination in this section of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The extinction of planktons in Ekpetiama became a source of concern to the residents. This concern is because this section of the coastal plain provides fisher folks with livelihood. So, there was a need to track the source of contamination in this part of the Niger Delta region. Previous studies have suggested a high level of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon and Total Hydrocarbon Content as possible sources of reduced dissolved oxygen in similar deltaic terrain. A total of 10 water and 10 sediment samples were collected and analyzed in triplicate at an interval of 100 m in the flood plain. A particle size analyzer was used to perform particle size analyses of air-dried sediments. The American Public Health Association method (APHA) was used to do the chemical analysis of the water samples. Here, a liquid-liquid extraction procedure was performed on sediment samples using 30 mL of Dichloromethane (DCM) as the extracting agent. The results were subjected to statistical validation. The mean grain size ranged from 2.37-4.83, kurtosis (1.94-0.49), and skewness (-0.8-0.71). The contaminant indicators (pH, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen and Total Organic Carbon) point to the presence of organic contamination of the flood plain. The results indicated a total petroleum hydrocarbon range of 0.47-0.87 ppm in water and 0.69-0.96 ppm in sediments and a total hydrocarbon content range of 1.10-2.80 ppm in water and 2.56-3.90 ppm in sediment# samples. The results were above the permitted limits of the World Health Organisation. The source of ecological damage is the abnormal concentrations of organic contaminants in the flood plain. These results significantly caused ecosystem damage and human health effects in the food chain. This study provides information to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency for a cleanup process.

Characteristics of programmes designed to link community-dwelling older adults in high-income countries from community to clinical sectors: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionResearch on effectively navigating older adults into primary care is urgently needed. Community–clinic linkage models (CCLMs) aim to improve population health by linking the health and community sectors in order...

MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESIDUES PRESENT IN TYPE C MILK SOLD IN THE CITY OF GOIÂNIA-GOIÁS-BRAZIL

The objective was to evaluate the microbiological quality, as well as the presence of antimicrobial residues in milk sold in the city of Goiânia-GO. Six milk samples were collected at four times. The experiment proceeded in two stages: 1) microbiological analysis of orientation, to verify the microbiological standards, according to the Resolution of the Collegiate Board nº12 and by the method of the American Public Health Association; and 2) detection of the presence of antimicrobial residues, using the disk-diffusion antibiogram method with control of the experiment carried out by inoculating Escherichia coli with the antibiotics ampicillin, cephalothin, penicillin and tetracycline. Negative results were observed for the presence of total coliforms and antimicrobial residues in the investigated samples. It was also observed, a total sensitivity of the microorganism Escherichia coli, against the antibiotics ampicillin, cephalothin and tetracycline, in the control experiment. However, for penicillin there was a change in behavior, and initially the bacteria was sensitive to the drug and, throughout the analysis, it showed resistance to the drug. The results suggest a good sanitary hygienic quality control of the industries that handle the milk samples selected for the present study, revealing the concern with the supply of a quality food product. And, coupled with this, it guarantees consumer health and fluidity in the technological processing of the processed milk.