Portable Drinking Water Research Articles

Development of Bench Scale Water Treatment Unit for the Treatment of Medium Turbid Water: The Use of Natural Coagulant

Water purification is a process used to enhance water quality and make it more acceptable for specific end-use. The rising increase for portable drinking water has made natural coagulant application for water purification a welcome development. Most reported researches were on the use of natural coagulants in a laboratory batch scale. Because of those above, a bench-scale laboratory study was carried out on the application of Balanites Aegyptiaca seed as a natural coagulant. The outcome showed its usefulness toward water purification. This paper reported the developed bench-scale water treatment plant's performance utilising Balanites Aegyptiaca seed stock solution and the powdered kennel as bio-coagulant. Some design equations were adopted. The treatment units considered include coagulation/flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration. The total tank design capacity was 20 litres with the overflow area's actual size for sedimentation of 7.46 litres. 0.5 Hp electric motor with a speed of 600 rpm and a speed gear drop of 120 rpm were selected. 0.0127 m pipe flow line diameter connecting the tanks with a corresponding pipe flow velocity of 0.108 m/s was obtained from the design. However, in both the coagulation, sedimentation and filtration units, the material balance obtained showed a steadiness in the material flow across sedimentation and filtration units. However, among the parameters tested in the raw turbid water, the turbid water revealed turbidity of 514 NTU, the colour of 5600 CTU, the conductivity of 276 µs/cm, pH of 7.10 and total coliform bacteria count of 85 CFU/100 mL which were above the recommended set standard of WHO and NIS. The result of the treated water using the stock solution and the powdered kennel (bio-coagulant) on the developed water treatment unit showed a remarkable reduction in the tested parameters in the raw turbid water used for the treatment process. Total coliform count reduces from 85 CFU/100 ml to 10 CFU/ml in both cases. It was observed that conductivity increases after the treatment, but other inorganic constituents reduce significantly though not to WHO and NIS's recommended set standard. The 0-dosage treatment conducted also showed a reduction in all the tested parameters.

Evaluation of Pb concentrations in selected vegetables and portable drinking water, and intelligent quotients of school children in Ishiagu-a Pb mining community: health risk assessment using predictive modelling.

This study evaluates the concentrations of lead (Pb) in 6 selected vegetables and drinking water samples taken from an agricultural/mining town Ishiagu. This evaluation is important because these vegetables and water are major gateway of lead exposure through ingestion, especially children in the Pb mining environment. Pb at even very low concentrations has been shown to have adverse effect on developing brain and hence children's intellectual ability. The impact of lead-contaminated food/water intake on the cognitive function was focused on school children whose parents have lived in the Pb mining town for over 25years before they were born. Non-invasive, "target risk quotient" (TRQ) methodology, based on the principle of predictive toxicology was adopted for our analysis. Samples of these vegetables harvested in July and August 2015, and water taken from homes at 4 different villages in Ishiagu town and neighbouring community Akaeze (control), were subjected to appropriate chemical treatment/digestion procedures and the concentrations of Pb determined using AA-700 Shimadzu model atomic absorption spectrophotometer. From 642 structured questionnaire administered to the teachers/children, the daily vegetable ingestion rates for each vegetable (mg/child/day) and estimated daily intakes (EDI) of lead were obtained. The results show that the concentrations of Pb in water samples and the 6 vegetables harvested from the lead mining town vary as distances increase from the mining sites while the total target hazard quotients (TTHQs) for the vegetable crops were greater than one (˃1). The cognitive functions of 160 school children (aged 6-8years), sampled from 265 families based on their meeting the criteria for distances away from the mining site, were evaluated using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices and psychometrics. The data generated were analysed using (SPSS) version 21.0 and results expressed as mean ± standard deviation of intelligent quotient (IQ). Students' t tests for independent samples were used to compare the IQ results for children in the lead mining area and non-mining area. A model based on predictive toxicology paradigm which can show a relationship between concentrations of lead in vegetables/water and cognitive function was developed. This model shows that there is a positive correlation between total lead concentrations in vegetables/water and children's cognitive function.

Comparative Studies of Physico-chemical Properties of Water from Various Ponds in Raipur

Water is the most fundamental natural resource found on the Earth which is equally important to all living organisms. About 70% of the Earth surface is secured with water. The endurance and nature of human life depend upon the accessibility of freshwater. Natural water quality is deteriorating by utilizing various contaminants such as physical, chemical and biological components which cause a serious threat to organisms. These various contaminants decrease the quality of portable drinking water and which causes several diseases in the human beings. Physical test includes temperature, color, pH, turbidity, TDS, TSS etc. A chemical test depicts BOD, COD, dissolved oxygen (DO), alkalinity and the hardness of water. Biological quality of water is measured by the MPN test. The present investigation aimed to determine various Physico-chemical parameters of water of 5 different ponds of Raipur city.

Antibacterial effect of Solanum incanum root extracts on bacteria pathogens isolated from portable water in Egerton University, Kenya

Background: Contaminated water is a major source of enteric diseases. This study aimed at isolating pathogenic bacteria from portable drinking water in Egerton University. In addition, the study aimed at subjecting the isolates to sensitivity test of root extracts from Solanum incanum besides carrying out minimum inhibitory test of the root extracts.
 Material and methods: The bacterial pathogens were isolated from water using membrane filtration. The roots were obtained from Solanum incanum plants in the field and dried at room temperature under shade. The root extracts were obtained using methanol, ethanol and water. Sensitivity test of the isolates to the extracts was carried out using disk diffusion technique. Minimum inhibitory technique was carried out using broth tube dilution technique.
 Results: The bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. were isolated from the water samples. The crude extracts contained tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, resins, phenols and steroids. There was no significant difference between the zones of inhibition produced by the test bacterial pathogens when subjected to crude extracts obtained using methanol, ethanol and water (F=28.57 P=0.07). However, there was a significant difference between the MIC of methanol, ethanol and water extracts.
 Conclusion: Portable water in and around Egerton University is contaminated with potential bacteria pathogens. However, extracts from Solanum incanum can be used as a remedy to the problem. There is need for determination of the structure of active ingredients in the extracts obtained from Solanum incanum.

Preparation and characterization of chlorhexidine modified zinc-kaolinite and its antibacterial activity against bacteria isolated from water vending machine

Access to the portable drinking water is of paramount importance and remains major challenge globally. Water vending machine (WVM) could supplies drinking water to the community but the bacterial growth in WVM is of great health risk requires urgent attention. Chlorhexidine zinc-modified kaolinite (C-Zn-Kao-t1) was prepared, characterized and studied to inhibit the growth of isolated bacteria from WVM. The material was prepared by attaching chlorhexidine (0.5 mmol/L) on Zn-loaded kaolinite in which the loading capacity of Zn on the kaolinite (Kao-t1) satisfied 50% of cation exchange capacity of the kaolinite. The materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and dispersion behaviour analysis. The C-Zn-Kao-t1 did not cause any structural changes on the original structure and morphology of the kaolinite. The antibacterial activity of the materials was studied using disc diffusion technique (DDT) and minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) against bacteria isolated from WVM which are Stenetrophomonas maltophilia and Bacillus cereus as well Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 as a comparison. Based on these antibacterial assays, C-Zn-Kao-t1 sample has the highest DDT and the lowest MIC values against all bacteria (accept the MIC value for E. coli) showing its excellent antibacterial activity against bacteria isolated from WVM. Further test on cytotoxicity towards human fibroblast cells in vitro showed that 0.5 mg of the C-Zn-Kao-t1 is cytocompatible towards HSF 1184 cells. This concludes that chlorhexidine modified zinc-kaolinite are not cytotoxic and can be embedded safely in WVM in preventing bacteria contamination.

Multidimensional Poverty Index of Niger State, Nigeria

PPast studies have tended to focus on measuring monetary poverty based on poverty line income; thus, this study aims to investigate the monetary poverty and the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) of 432 households in Niger State, Nigeria. Interestingly, the results indicate 13 per cent of those above poverty line income (non-poor) are found to be multidimensional poor. Hence, this paper suggests that the monetary measure of poverty should be complemented with multidimensional measure. The results of this study also show poverty is apparent in essential living standard and health among the households as spelled out by inadequate access to portable drinking water, poor sanitary facilities, electricity supply, primitive cooking fuel as well as limited access to improved health facilities. The results imply that effective policies towards general infrastructural development will greatly contribute to poverty reduction.

Bacteriological Analysis of Drinking Water in Zamfara North Senatorial District, Nigeria

Provision of portable drinking water is of public health concern especially in developing countries where this is unavailable. Microbes are ubiquitous and are known to contaminate materials including food and water. Microbial contamination cannot be detected by sight, smell or taste. A basic laboratory test is the best way to tell if coliform organisms are present as they can be there with no appearance or taste difference. The microbiological quality of drinking water (DW) in Zamfara North Senatorial Zone was examined. A total of 16, two each from each of eight brands of sachet water were bought from water vendors, and were examined for total bacteria load, total coliform and presence of bacteria species using standard microbiological techniques. The result showed that the total viable count of bacteria in all the samples ranged from 6.0×102 CFU/ml to 4.0×108 CFU/ml. Total coliform was 1.8×107 MPN/100 ml for all the four tested samples (D, G, I, J). The organisms isolated were Pseudomonas maltophila, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas pseudomollia, Salmonella typhi, Shigella species, and Pseudomonas dimineta. Prevalence of different isolates revealed that Pseudomonas, C. freundii, S. typhi and E. coli were predominant in comparison to Shigella species. The present study revealed that the microbial quality often exceed World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) allowable limit of 1.0x102 CFU/ml for potable water and Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) maximum permissible level of 10 CFU/ml (total coliform) and 0 CFU/100ml. The high microbial isolates and load may have contaminated the water from the environment. These microbes found in the drinking water sources are known to cause several diseases. Present study indicate that water testing would ensure the supply and availability of contamination-free drinking water; and awareness amongst people towards sanitation and hygienic conditions for storage of drinking water is needed to keep away the use of contaminated water. The present study suggests that drinking water sources should be properly treated prior to consumption using appropriate methods; so as to reduce the occurrence of waterborne diseases.

Quality Assessment of Sachet and Bottled Water in Ogbomoso Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Access to potable water has become a difficult task in many countries of the world including Nigeria. In Nigeria, the government is trying her best to make water supply available to the masses but till now this vision has never been accomplished. If those living in urban areas could not have access to portable water supply by the government, what is the fate of the people living in rural areas? This has led to increased usage of sachet and bottled water as portable drinking water.
 Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of sachet and bottled water produced and/or sold in Ogbomoso metropolis, Nigeria.
 Place and Duration of Study: This research was carried out in Ogbomoso and Ibadan both in Oyo State Nigeria between November 2018 and February, 2019.
 Methodology: Twenty sachet and five bottled drinking water brands; making a total of 25 brands from different manufacturers were used for this study. They were purchased randomly from local markets, shops and street vendors within Ogbomoso metropolis. They were clearly marked for easy identification, and transported to the Quality Assurance Laboratory of Water Corporation, Eleyele, Ibadan for immediate analysis. The samples were examined physically and information on the packages were recorded. Each product was carefully opened to avoid contamination. The physical, chemical and bacteriological qualities as well as the mineral composition of all samples were analyzed using standard methods and results were compared with the recommended WHO/NIS guidelines for quality water.
 Results: Physical examination indicated that all the sampled water were registered with NAFDAC but 50% of the sachet water had no manufacturing and expiry dates. The results of physical, chemical and bacteriological qualities as well as the mineral composition of sachet and bottled drinking water analyzed showed that 90% of the values were within the guideline of WHO/NIS for quality water.
 Conclusion: Though, the average temperature values of both the sachet and bottled drinking water samples were significantly above the WHO/NIS standard, it did not have any effect on their microbiological quality properties. Total coliforms, faecal coliforms and enterococci bacteria that principally characterize drinking water quality were not present in any of the water samples. Generally, the results obtained in this study indicated that sachet and bottled drinking water produced and/or sold in Ogbomoso metropolis were of good quality and hygienic for consumption.

Defluoridation of Drinking Water by Activated Carbon Prepared from <i>Tridax Procumbens</i> Plant (A Case Study of Gashaka Village, Hong L. G. A., Adamawa State, Nigeria)

Water is an essential element for the sustainability of human life on earth. Thus, portable drinking water is scarce and not readily available to all. Rural communities consume contaminated water and take ill periodically, which later results in epidemics. Contamination of drinking water may be caused by natural sources or industrial effluents due to domestic, agricultural and industrial activities. One of such contaminants is fluoride which is a salt of the element fluorine. Several treatment technologies for removing fluoride from groundwater have been investigated. This study focused on providing potable drinking water with fluoride level within the limit specified by the World Health Organization (WHO) to the people of Gashaka village. To achieve this, fluoride concentration and some physical properties in the water sample were determined. Subsequently, treatment of the sample by herbal means using activated carbon prepared from the stem of Tridax procumbens was carried out to prevent or minimise the effects of fluoride on human health such as skeletal fluorosis, dental fluorosis, fractures in bones, immune deficiency, cancer and other diseases caused by high concentration of fluoride in water since it possesses properties capable of greatly reducing fluoride concentration. The experimental result shows that fluoride concentration in the sample obtained was 2.3 mg/l which exceeds the 0.7 mg/l - 1.2 mg/l range recommended by WHO. The effective contact time for fluoride removal was found to be 6 hours while the maximum dose of activated carbon for the effective removal of fluoride concentration in 100 mg of water was found to be 1.05 g which removed 85.6%. However, subsequent addition of the activated carbon tends to increase fluoride concentration in the sample.

The sources of water supply, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices in oil producing communities in central senatorial district of Bayelsa state, Nigeria

Background: It has been estimated that 100million Nigerians still lack basic sanitation facilities and 63 million also do not have access to portable drinking water and as many as 80% of all diseases worldwide are related to unsafe water as well as poor environmental hygiene. Most infectious, diseases are caused by living organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasitic worms, and a disease is transmitted by the passing of these organisms from one person's body to another or through intermediate hosts. The World Bank reports that 30% of the total disease burden in developing countries results from contamination at the household level and that 75% of life years lost within this 30% are due to lack of good water supply and sanitation and the prevalence of risky hygiene behaviour. This study aimed to assess the sources of water supply, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices in oil producing communities in Central Senatorial District of Bayelsa State. Materials and method: The study designs adopted for this research work were quantitative analysis and descriptive research method. The study population covered all housing units in the randomly selected communities in the central senatorial district of Bayelsa state. The 400 sample size for housing units was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, and systematic sampling method was used with a sampling interval of three. A 26-item administered closed-ended structured questionnaire was used. Data was collected from 296 out of 400 questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics with frequency counts and simple percentages using SPSS. Results: The result identified multiple sources of water supply which includes rain, river/stream, pipe borne, borehole and hand-dug well with borehole being the major source (91%). The major toilet facility used was the flush toilet (45%) and majority of residents clean their toilet once weekly (60%), however, about half of the residents (51%) practice unsafe excreta disposal. Hygiene practices such as bathing occurred among all resident at least once daily and hand washing was frequent after toilet visit (73%) but not before eating (35%). Conclusion: Water supply was seen to be relatively adequate, but its quality was poor, necessitating treatment. Unsafe excreta disposal is still widely practiced. Critical hand washing practice was still poor amongst residents. The State and Local Government including Oil companies in oil producing communities in Central Senatorial District should provide adequate portable water and sanitation facilities in public places with hygiene enlightenment campaign.

Characterization of multi-drug resistant Salmonella typhi from clinical specimens

Characterization of multidrug resistant Salmonella typhi from clinical specimens was investigated. Three hundred and sixty-four (364) clinical specimens of both stool and blood were collected from patients attending selected health facilities in Bauchi metropolis. The specimens were cultured using standard media, biochemical as well as serological tests for somatic H and O antigens were used to identify isolates. Antibiotics susceptibility test was performed using standard disk diffusion method, the isolates were screened for Multidrug resistance. The total of 9(2.4%) of the 364 specimens collected yielded positive for Salmonella typhi. of the Nine (9) positive Salmonella typhi 5(55.5%) were from females and 4(44.4%) from males. Typhoid fever was most frequent in children 5(55.5%) than in adults. There was no significant difference in isolates from the different health facilities with their p values >0.05. All isolates screened were resistant to more than three (3) antibiotics, of the total isolates, 88.8% were found to be resistant to ampicillin, 77.7% resistant to cotrimoxazole, and 88.8% resistant to chloramphenicol. However, resistance to ciprofloxacin by the isolates were not found. Therefore, ciprofloxacin remains the drug of choice for severe cases of typhoid fever, although caution should be exercised by clinicians in their prescription such that fluoroquinolones antibiotics therapy is used only in laboratory-proven cases of the disease and Salmonella-associated bacteremia to preserve its efficacy. To prevent occurrence of typhoid fever, good personal hygiene, provision of portable drinking water and environmental sanitation should be employed.

Study of opportunistic and other intestinal parasitic infections in relation to CD4 count among human immuno deficiency virus positive patients

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a significant health problem facing in Asia and Africa. Gastrointestinal infections are very common in patients with HIV infection or AIDS where diarrhea is a common clinical presentation caused by intestinal parasites. The main objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among HIV positive people in Nepal. Methods & Materials: A total of 202 stool samples from HIV positive patients were examined by Formalin- ether sedimentation and Sheather-sucrose floatation followed by modified acid fast (Ziehl-Neelsen) staining techniques during the period of June to November 2015 at National public health laboratory (NPHL), Kathmandu. Results: Among 40 total infected patients, 33 (82.5%) were found to be infected with single parasite. Giardia lamblia was the most predominant one i.e. 9 (27.27%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica 6 (18.18%), Trichuris trichiura 5 (15.15%), hookworm 4 (12.12%), Ascaris lumbricoides 4 (12.12%), Cryptosporidium 3 (9.09%) and Cyclospora 2 (6.06%) respectively. Co-infection of hookworm and E. histolytica 2 (28.57%) and T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides 2 (28.57%) were the most predominant followed by G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium 1 (14.29%) and T. tichiura and E. histolytica 1 (14.29%). Co-infection with Cryptosporidium, hookworm and G. lamblia 1 (14.29%) was also observed. The prevalence of diarrhoea in infected cases was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the non-infected cases. Significant difference existed in HIV patients with or without the use of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) and in cases with or without the use of anti-parasitic drugs with p < 0.05 in both the cases. There was no significant difference between the occupation and the parasitic infection (p > 0.05) and between the CD4 count and the parasitic infection (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Opportunistic intestinal infection was observed only in AIDS patients (CD4 count < 200 cells/μl). The result indicates that parasitic infection in HIV patients are mainly due to illiteracy, poor hygiene and lack of access to the portable drinking water. Government and related health sector should take the preventive action for the control of HIV/AIDS and proper screening of intestinal parasitosis in HIV patients.

Optimal solar energy on thermoelectric cooler of water generator in case study on flood crisis

The purpose of this research is to study the drinking water production using a photovoltaic-thermoelectric hybrid system. The methodology used in this study was simulated by using a psychrometric chart and MATLAB/Simulink software to validate the operating conditions (temperature and humidity). We construct a portable drinking water system, consisting of a TEC-12706 array which is powered by a photovoltaic hybrid system. The system comprises a 50 W solar cell and an 80 AH battery. The thermoelectric module is mainly used to recover waste heat from the heat exchanger (hot side). On the basis of the principle of latent heat, molecules of water vapor can be converted into water droplets from the heat exchanger (cold side). The prototype has been tested at the Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (Doi Saket campus), Chiang Mai, Thailand. The preliminary results showed that drinking water can be produced approximately 1 L per day at a temperature of 10–30 °C and a humidity of 60–80%. Hence, such a portable drinking water module may serve 1–2 persons per day under a flood crisis.

The Nexus of Statutory Allocation to the Public Water Sector and Population Density of Nigerian States

This paper posits that lack of maintenance, planning and bad governance including corruption led to the failure of the Nigerian public water supply system. A reconnaissance literature survey showed that virtually every city has decayed public taps and infrastructure causing most rural dwellers to trek long distances to obtain water for use with spurious quality. These are inspite of grants and interventions from international donors and credit agencies including the World Bank. Against this backdrop, an investigation was caused to examine the correspondence between financial allocation to the sector and every swelling population. Using analysis of variance for a test population of 20 states from the 36 states in Nigeria with data from National Bureau of Statistics and National Planning Commission, results showed that linearity of statutory allocation was positive with the population density of states with R2 values at &lt; 10%. Also, financial allocations to water supply over the period (1994 – 1996) were unstable occasioned by political and economic instability in the country. Further, the study observed that the epileptic water supply gave to private participation to provide portable drinking water which was hitherto alien to developing economies. The paper recommends that state governments should adopt a responsive model that will adjust allocations to water projects

The Nexus of Statutory Allocation to the Public Water Sector and Population Density of Nigerian States

This paper posits that lack of maintenance, planning and bad governance including corruption led to the failure of the Nigerian public water supply system. A reconnaissance literature survey showed that virtually every city has decayed public taps and infrastructure causing most rural dwellers to trek long distances to obtain water for use with spurious quality. These are inspite of grants and interventions from international donors and credit agencies including the World Bank. Against this backdrop, an investigation was caused to examine the correspondence between financial allocation to the sector and every swelling population. Using analysis of variance for a test population of 20 states from the 36 states in Nigeria with data from National Bureau of Statistics and National Planning Commission, results showed that linearity of statutory allocation was positive with the population density of states with R2 values at &lt; 10%. Also, financial allocations to water supply over the period (1994 – 1996) were unstable occasioned by political and economic instability in the country. Further, the study observed that the epileptic water supply gave to private participation to provide portable drinking water which was hitherto alien to developing economies. The paper recommends that state governments should adopt a responsive model that will adjust allocations to water projects

Urogenital Schistosomiasis among Schoolchildren and the Associated Risk Factors in Selected Rural Communities of Kwara State, Nigeria.

Urogenital schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease that causes severe morbidity among schoolchildren in many poor-resource communities in Nigeria. We investigated the prevalence, intensity, and risk factors of the infection in three communities of Kwara State to ascertain the current status of the disease. Of the 724 urine samples screened, using filtration method, 332 (45.6%) school-aged children were infected with average intensity and mean population eggs load of 127.9 eggs/10 ml of urine and 0.794, respectively. Prevalence and intensity of infection varied with communities: high in Ajase-Ipo (57.1%; X = 100.7 ± 23.01 eggs/10 ml) and low in Shonga (37.5%; X = 91.4 ± 78.0). Infection was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in males (50.8%) than the females (42.4%). Similarly, infection significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increasing age. Multivariate logistic analysis of risk factors revealed that lack of portable drinking water (adjusted odd ratio (aOR) = 4.76; 95% CI = 2.64–5.98), unemployment (aOR = 2.23; 1.87–2.294), lack of knowledge of infection (aOR = 2.16; 0.59–3.83), and frequent contact with contaminated water bodies (aOR = 2.01; 1.45–2.70) were important predictors of urinary schistosomiasis. Therefore, continuous evaluation of the intervention strategies that address risk factors must compliment Mass Drug Administration to curtail the transmission and debilitating health consequences of infection in endemic settings.

Vertical Electrical Sounding Survey for Groundwater Exploration for Rural Water Supply in Parts of Ketu South in the Volta Region of Ghana

Hydrogeological investigations and geophysical surveys are important methods in many subsurface characterization studies. This work examines the importance of geophysical surveys in the construction and development of boreholes to provide portable drinking water to rural communities. The paper discusses the interpretation of subsurface features that can be used to assist in the evaluation of groundwater resources in a typical rural area. Lack of infrastructure in these areas is a constraint on borehole drilling due to limited subsurface data availability. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) stations were established to investigate the subsurface geology and aquifer potentials in the study area. VES technique was performed by measuring the resistivity change with depth. The resistivitymeasurements were conducted using ABEM SAS 100C Terrameter by using Schlumberger electrode configuration. The hydrogeological information obtained by the methods discussed in this paper can be used as estimates of the depth of groundwater, aquifer geology, and recharge and discharge zones. The objective of the study was to provide guidelines with sufficient data and information to evaluate borehole options and future borehole drilling and development campaigns in typical rural settings.

Photocatalytic water disinfection under solar irradiation by Ag@TiO2 core-shell structured nanoparticles

Abstract The Ag core-TiO 2 shell structured (Ag@TiO 2 ) nanoparticles were found to be efficient in the disinfection of water under solar light irradiation both in free and immobilized form. Complete disinfection of 40 ∗ 10 8 CFU/mL Escherchia coli cells was achieved in 15 min by solar photocatalysis with 0.4 g/L Ag@TiO 2 catalyst loading. Ag@TiO 2 nanoparticles were found to be superior to TiO 2 nanoparticles in solar disinfection. Photocatalysis rate was found to increase with increase in catalyst loading and with decrease in cell concentration. Ag@TiO 2 nanoparticles showed their efficacy in the degradation of endotoxin, a harmful disinfection byproduct. Kinetics of solar disinfection with Ag@TiO 2 nanoparticles followed Chick’s law. The kinetics of endotoxin degradation followed zero order kinetics at high concentrations of endotoxin. However at lower concentrations, rate followed a nth order model with n = 6.99. A lower rate of photocatalytic disinfection with Ag@TiO 2 nanoparticles immobilized on cellulose acetate as compared to that in their free form was observed, owing to diffusional and light penetration limitations. The re-growth of cells after photocatalytic disinfection was below the detectable limits, thus proving the potential of the process to produce safe drinking water. Ag@TiO 2 nanoparticles can find potential application in solar water disinfection and the process which harnesses the solar energy may prove to be energy efficient and economical, thus can be easily adopted for large scale applications and portable drinking water treatment units for domestic applications.

Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasitic Infection among School Children in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infection is a serious and continuous health issue in Nigeria due to the suboptimal nature of sanitary equipment and housing facilities. Knowing the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school pupils is a very vital concern to develop appropriate control measure in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State (PHALGA). A total of 250 children were examined. A study to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was conducted. A Structured questionnaire was used to establish environmental, behavioral and sociodemographic factors of the pupils. Stool samples were collected from all study subjects into sterile sample bottles and examined for parasites using a direct smear and formol-ether concentration technique. The results were analyzed statistically using GraphPad prism version 7 statistical tool. A total of 24.8% (62 of 250 children) carried on intestinal parasite. The most prevalent intestinal parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (12.4%), Trichuris trichiura (6.8%) and hookworm (5.6%). This study indicated that the prevalence of intestinal parasites is associated with drinking unprotected well/spring water and less educated parents who do not practice hand washing before meal. Therefore, interventions such as chemotherapy, provision of adequate sanitary facilities and portable drinking water, improved personal hygiene and health education should be considered and implemented. Thus, these segments of the population should be considered by governmental and nongovernmental health institutes for any community-based intervention program.

Improving the yield of fresh water in conventional solar still using low cost energy storage material

As there is a larger need for drinking water, expensive methodologies are employed in order to get portable drinking water. This work aims at improving the yield of freshwater from a conventional solar still using the different low-cost energy storage material. Theoretical and experimental studies are carried out to analyze the performance of a single slope solar still. From this study, it is observed that the yield of freshwater from the solar still with spherical ball salt storage achieves the maximum yield of 3.7kg/m2 as compared to a conventional single slope solar still with sponge and without any storage material as 2.7 and 2.2kg/m2 respectively. The deviations between theoretical and experimental values for with spherical ball salt storage, with sponge and conventional solar still are found as 16.1%, 9.7% and 4.0% respectively. Payback period of the present solar still is found as 4.3months as it is quicker than other conventional single slope solar still. Finally, single slope solar still with spherical ball heat storage gives low cost of water.