Soil Contamination Rate Research Articles

Sustainable remediation of acid mine drainage (AMD)- and crude oil-contaminated sites through wastewater-enhanced Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442 treatment

The increasing rate of soil contamination poses a major challenge to the sustainability of the ecosystem. Acid mine drainage (AMD) and crude oil are among the major soil contaminants contributing to the degradation of soil organic matter. This study aims to evaluate the application of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442 (PA-15442) and wastewater for the treatment of AMD- and crude oil-contaminated soils. A microcosm containing 1 kg each of AMD- and crude oil-contaminated soils was inoculated with PA-15442, and brewery and domestic wastewater were added for the bioaugmentation study. The result of the 28-day study conducted under mesophilic conditions showed an average TPH and metal removal efficiency of 58.84% and 52.75%, corresponding to 51.07, 47.29, 59.32, 58.98, and 47.1% for the individual metals (Fe, Al, Cu, Zn, and Mn), respectively, and 49% for the average sulfate removal after the treatment period. This study has shown that bioaugmentation of contaminated soils with the strain of PA-15442, and the addition of wastewater could be an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach for the remediation of AMD- and petroleum-contaminated soils.Graphical

Molecular Determination of Toxocara spp. Eggs Isolated from Public Parks and Playgrounds in Zahedan, Southeast Iran.

Human toxocariasis (HT) is a zoonotic disease with a global expansion. Contaminated soil with Toxocara spp. eggs is the main source of human infection, which may lead to severe complications depending on the organs invaded by migrating larvae. This study is aimed at eliciting the prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in public parks in Zahedan, southeast Iran, and providing new insight into the soil contamination rate in this area using microscopic and molecular methods. Based on five municipal districts, 240 soil samples were collected from public parks and playgrounds in Zahedan. The modified Sheather's flotation technique was employed to isolate Toxocara spp. eggs from the soil, followed by microscopic assessment and molecular evaluation of internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (ITS1 and 2 rDNA) using nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) to identify the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs. The Sanger sequence was used to differentiate the Toxocara species. Subsequently, all the sequenced data were blasted and compared with other sequences available in the GenBank. Out of 240 soil samples collected, 7 (2.9%) samples were identified to contain Toxocara spp. eggs using Sheather's flotation and microscopic techniques. Meanwhile, 19 (7.9%) samples were positive using nested PCR. According to the Sanger sequencing analysis findings, all positive samples were contaminated with Toxocara cati. As evidenced by the obtained results, only T. cati species were detected in public parks and playgrounds in Zahedan; therefore, control and prevention programs against this species should be considered in human and animal communities.

Phytoremediation capacity of hybrid aspen at sites affected by industry and agriculture.

Fast-growing Populus spp. are well-acknowledged to restore contaminated soils from heavy metals in industrial areas. Thus far, there is no knowledge about the phytoremediation capacity of Populus spp. plantations in hemiboreal Estonia conditions to restore industrially polluted areas. The objective of this study was to assess the soil contamination rate of heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn) and their uptake by mature hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × Populus tremuloides Michx.) in plantations in different industrial pollution areas (e.g. cement factory, oil shale mining). For the reference, industrially polluted plantations were compared with the low pollution area hybrid aspen plantation on former agricultural soil, which was influenced by fertilization and liming before afforestation. Twenty-one years after afforestation, soil samples were collected from the 0-10cm topsoil layer. Aboveground biomass sampling was performed for bark and stem wood by ingrowth cores to separate wood formed during early (1-10years) and late (11-21years) stand development. Two decades after the afforestation of industrially polluted areas, the heavy metal concentrations in the soil were higher than the reference plantation and the standard reference for unpolluted soils in most cases. The highest concentrations of heavy metals in woody biomass were in the oil shale quarry spoil; because of poor growth, the accumulated pools in aboveground biomass were low. Cd differed from other metals and accumulated less in wood and more in bark. The concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn) was higher in the first decade of stand formation (1-10years) than in the last 10years (11-21years). High pools of heavy metals were accumulated in aboveground biomass in the reference plantation, indicating the considerable removal of heavy metal residues from the previous fertilization and liming source with harvest. Two decades of afforestation with hybrid aspen is too short for complete ecosystem restoration from heavy metals in industrially polluted areas.

Penyuluhan dan Pemberian Obat Cacing Sebagai Upaya Pencegahan Kecacingan Bagi Siswa Kelas IV/A di UPT SPF SD Negeri Pannara

Intestinal diseases caused by transmission from worms as a source of helminthiasis generally occur in areas with subtropical and tropical climate conditions which have a wet climate and lack of awareness among the public regarding maintaining health and sanitation of the surrounding environment. Around 60 percent of Indonesians experience worm infections. The largest age group is 5-14 years old. The prevalence figure is 60 percent, 21 percent of which attack elementary school age children. This disease can be spread by eggs in human waste found in soil and water, therefore awareness of clean and sanitary living is very influential, the process or pattern of feces disposal is also very influential in the spread of this worm. The high rate of soil contamination by Ascaris, which reaches >70%, can also be caused by feces that are thrown anywhere, such as in bushes or around houses close to where you live. Preventing recurrent infections is very important by practicing clean and healthy living habits such as avoiding contact with soil that may be contaminated with human feces, washing hands with soap and water before handling food, protecting food from soil and washing or heating food that falls on the floor. Several researchers have shown that school age is a group that is often affected by worm infections because they are often in contact with soil. Apart from the government, the role of teachers and parents is very important in providing understanding or knowledge about worms so that they are more disciplined. The aim of community service is to provide knowledge and understanding to class IV/A students at SD N Pannara regarding the dangers of worms and how to prevent them and administer worm medicine.

Contamination of Soils with Helminthic Eggs in Some Districts of Duhok Governorate / Kurdistan Region-iraq

Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region consists of many districts, where there is a high distribution of animals, presences of public parks and pastures. The present study was conducted in some of districts (Duhok center, Semel, Amadyia and Sharya) of Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region. The current study amid to determine the contamination of soils with helminthic ova and their correlation with the district residents, type of soil and presence of animals (Mainly stray Dogs and Cats). During this study, 533 soil samples were collected randomly from October 2021 to May 2022.  The samples were collected from different places such as dog shelters, general parks, groves, Hospital parks, near pastures, near sewage, private gardens, school parks, and near slaughter houses.  The collected samples were tested by flotation technique using saturated zinc sulphate (specific gravity 1.2).    The total rate of soil contamination with helminthic ova in all examined samples was 23.45% (125 / 533). The highest contamination rate with these ova was reported in soil samples examined from Sharya Camp 53.57% (30/56), while the lowest contamination rate was from Semel district 19.22% (49/255). The rates of ova in soils collected from Amadyia and Duhok center were 23.61% (34/144) and 15.38% (12/78), respectively. Regarding to the locations, soil samples examined from rural areas revealed high rate of contamination 29.33% (107/366) as compared with urban areas, in which the rate was 10.78% (18/167). The contamination rates with helminthic ova according to the type of soil, in clay soil was 26.54%, while in silty and sandy soils were 24.39% and 14.96%, respectively. The contamination rate of soils with these ova was higher in areas populated with animals mainly dogs and cats which was 26.44% (78/295) as compared to areas free from animals 19.75% (47/238) (19. Regarding to different places, the results showed that soils in places close to the sewage were highly contaminated with ova 50.00% (3/6), followed by those near pasture 37.50% (15/40), groves 35.56% (16/35), dog shelters 32.18% (28/87), school Parks 29.41% (10/34), near slaughter houses 27.50% (11/40), public places 21.05% (32/152). On the other hand, the lowest contamination of the soil with these ova was recorded in private gardens 8.26% (10/121), while the soil samples from hospital parks were free from parasitic ova. According to the type of helminths, ova of 6 helminthic genera were reported in all (533) examined soil samples, with Toxocara ova being the most prevalent helminths detected in 34 (6.38%), samples, then ova of Hymenolepis nana in 32 (6.00%), Taeniid ova in 26 (4.88%), Ancylostoma ova in 15 (2.81%), Ascaris ova in 12 (2.25%), and Trichuris ova in 6 (1.13%).  In conclusion, the soils of some districts were contaminated with different types of helminthic eggs. Therefore, the people of these districts will be at a high risk of acquiring infection with different species of these parasites when they get contacts with the soil

Detection and Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in the Environmental matrices (Soil and Water) in Gaza-Palestine

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of the present study was to detect the prevalence as well genotyping of T. gondii oocysts, which is the environmental infectious stage, in Gaza- Palestine. METHODS: For this purpose, 290 environmental samples were collected for T. gondii oocysts detection and genotyping through the use of sheather’s solution and PCR techniques. More specifically, soil samples were collected from five sites, which were Wadi-Gaza, Near trash dumpsters, residential house yards, open-air markets, public squares and gardens. RESULTS: The results of the present study revealed that from the 290 environmental samples, 22 (7.58%) and 31 (10.68%) were contaminated with T. gondii oocyst according to the test methods of PCR and Sheather’s solution, respectively. The highest rate of contamination detected was from samples collected from residential house yards, while public squares and gardens represented the lowest rate. Moreover, 26 (13%) from the 200 soil samples pool were contaminated according to the Sheather’s solution method, while under the PCR, 18 (9.99%) samples were contaminated. Regarding the prevalence of contamination in water samples, only samples collected from Wadi-Gaza reported contamination levels. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that the contamination of T. gondii oocyst in soil is higher than water. The highest rate of soil contamination detected were from samples collected from residential house yards, while public squares and gardens represented the lowest rate. On another hand, the contaminated water samples are only from running water samples collected from Wadi- Gaza, while water which collected from other sources are free of contamination. Finally, this study concluded that all samples that were genotyped belong to T. gondii type I. It is recommended that the Gaza Municipality should take measure towards the sanitation of the contaminated sites. KEY WORDS : Toxoplasma gondii – oocysts – Environment – Soil- Water – PCR- Sheather’s - Gaza

Soil Contamination and Infection of School Children by Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Associated Factors at Kola Diba Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are among the most prevalent parasitic worms infecting humans worldwide. They are still a major public health concern in the developing world, school-age children being the most affected segment of the population. Soil polluted with parasite ova and/or infective larvae is a source of human parasitic infections. There is a substantial shift in the notion of sanitation in many countries, and control of STHs contamination in the environment is becoming an emerging topic of research. However, data are scarce on the extent of soil contamination with STHs in Ethiopia in general and the study area in particular. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of STHs in soil, and school children and associated factors at Kola Diba primary school, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 at Kola Diba primary school. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 400 participants. About 150 soil samples were collected. A structured Amharic version questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic variables and the factors associated with STH infection. Two grams of stool specimen was processed using the Kato-Katz technique. Data were entered and analyzed using STATA version 14.1. Binary and multiple logistic regressions were performed, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was 50.0% with Ascaris lumbricoides (26.2%), hookworm species (16.5%), and Trichuris trichiura (3.5%). The overall soil contamination rate was 13.3% with A. lumbricoides (9.3%) and T. trichiura (4.0%). No habit of handwashing after toilet (AOR; 2.2, 95%CI: 1.3–3.6, P value = 0.002), no habit of regular shoe-wearing (AOR; 3.7, 95%CI: 2.1–6.2, P value <0.001), untrimmed fingernail status (AOR; 4.3, 95%CI: 2.6–7.1, P value <0.001), and playing with soil (AOR; 3.5, 95%CI: 2.2–5.7, P value <0.001) were significantly associated with STHs infection. Conclusion The prevalence of STHs remains high among primary school children, with a considerable soil contamination rate. No habit of handwashing after defecation, untrimmed fingernail status, and no habit of regular shoe-wearing and playing with soil were significantly associated with the STHs infections.

Кинетика загрязнения почв тяжелыми металлами

The paper shows that the rate of soil contamination with heavy metals depends on a combination of soil properties: humus content, cation absorption capacity, granulometric composition of soils. The rate of absorption of heavy metals in soils depended on the position of the soils in the catena. On ordinary chernozems for plateaus and slopes, the content of mobile forms of lead was estimated by the equation: Pb = 20.1 - 0.02 N cm, where H is the depth of the layer r = -0.72, for the accumulative relief of the beam Rb = 27.4 - 0.14 N cm, r = -0.86. The rate of accumulation of heavy metals in soils differs for gross and mobile forms of compounds, for short-term and long-term forecasts. Thus, the change in the content of mobile forms of lead in chernozems was estimated by the equation: Y = 0.143t + 1.42; R2 = 0.6; for cadmium, Y = 0.003t + 0.0003; R2 = 0.9. For the short-term forecast, Rb = 0.143t + 1.42, R2 = 0.63; for the medium-term forecast, Rb = 0.417t + 1.7; R2 = 0.71. It is proved that when making forecasts of soil pollution with heavy metals, it is necessary to take into account the combination of soil properties, the position of the relief, the forecast period - the growing season, a number of years. Keywords: HEAVY METALS, SOIL POLLUTION, KINETICS OF PROCESSES, FORECAST

Caracterização do elemento químico arsênio e a biorremediação de solos contaminados

Arsenic is a major concern for the environment, as its rate of soil contamination is intense, whether in natural processes or by human activities (use of insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers). Bioremediation is a sustainable technique that can be considered safe, less costly and aggressive to the environment and uses microorganisms as a tool for the remediation of soils contaminated by arsenic, in order to reduce or eliminate the degradation of these soils. Given the need for the scientific community to improve its techniques and several companies, especially those related to consulting and environmental remediation, arouse interest in the implementation of bioremediation, as an option for the rehabilitation of contaminated areas. The objective is to elaborate a wide literature review and identify the main characteristics of arsenic soil contamination, using bioremediation. An integrative literature review was applied using the terms Arsenic, Bioremediation and Soil in Portuguese, English and Spanish. We searched the databases Scielo, Pubmed, Academic Google and BDTD using a 10 years time-frame. The review showed that soil contamination with arsenic directly affects the quality of agricultural products, productivity, ecosystem sustainability and biodiversity. It is concluded that the available bioremediation techniques often need to be used together, in order to face the mixture of different toxic components in the same area

The geoecological analysis performed for the geochemical composition of ash and slag waste obtained at Zmiiv thermal power plant

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The objective of the study was the composition of ash and slag waste from the Zmiiv TPP (thermal power plant) and the peculiarities of migration of heavy metals (HM) from the place of storage of ash and slag waste into the ecosystem. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were solved: chemical analysis of ash and slag waste of the Zmiiv TPP; identification of the probability of HM migration into the soil environment in the places of ash and slag waste storage. Ash and slag of the Zmiiv TPP contain Cu, Cr, As, Cd, Ni, Pb in quantities several times higher than the threshold limit value (TLV). For ash and slag wastes, the total pollution rate was Zc = 43, which corresponds to a high level. That is, this artificial horizon is dangerous. HMs migrate to groundwater and soils near the ash stockpiles as a result of infiltration of precipitation waters, leaks from water-bearing communications, water filtration through the base of the ash stockpiles of the Zmiiv TPP. To determine soil contamination near the ash stockpiles, we analyzed soil at the distances of 0, 5, 10, 50 and 100 meters. The contents of the HM decreased further away from the stockpiles. At the distance of up to 100 meters from the dump, there were excesses of the threshold limit values for Ni, Cu, As, Cr in the soil. The concentration factor exceeded one for Cr, As, Cu, Cd, Ni. Only at the distance of 100 meters did the contents of Pb and Zn reached the background values. The calculation of the total rate of soil contamination allowed us to classify these soils as moderately dangerous and acceptable. However, the Zn indicator has several significant disadvantages, particularly it does not take into account the differences in the potential hazards of the elements, as well as, most importantly, the synergistic effects of polymetallic pollution. The coefficient of synergistic effect of heavy metals was 26.64 (in the soil of the ash stockpiles), then decreased, but even at the distance of 100 meters it equaled 11.23, i.e. at the distance of 0... 100 m from the ash stockpiles, the overall actions exceed the norm. The study revealed that Cu, Ni, Zn and Cr had low mobility in the soil near the ash stockpiles and therefore accumulated near the stockpiles, which may be explained by neutral and slightly alkaline soil pH values. The ratio of mineral phases and glass varied, but we should note the predominance of aluminosilicates, calcium silicates and glass in the ash and slag wastes. Heavy metal compounds are confined mainly to amorphized clay aggregates and soot-coal ash formation, to a lesser extent to slag glass and even less to grains of quartz sand. Since ash contains such fractions that can be easily carried by the wind, it should be assumed that ingress of HM into the ecosystem occurs by air, which also contributes to air pollution. The solution to the problem of ash and slag waste disposal can be found in their utilization in the production of construction materials, in road construction, but it is necessary to study the composition of ash and slag and the probability of migration of HM depending on the conditions of use.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Transmission of Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis in the Mifi Health District (West Region, Cameroon): Low Endemicity but Still Prevailing Risk

The control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) in Cameroon is focused on large-scale deworming through annual mass drug administration (MDA) of albendazole or mebendazole to at-risk groups, principally pre-school and school-age children. After a decade of intervention, prevalence and intensity of infection have been significantly lowered, encouraging the paradigm shift from control to elimination. However, STH eggs are extremely resistant to environmental stressors and may survive for years in soils. It therefore appeared important to assess whether the risk of transmission was still prevailing, especially in a context where transmission of soil-transmitted helminths in the human population had almost been interrupted. A retrospective and a prospective cross-sectional surveys were conducted in five Health Areas of the Mifi Health District (West Region, Cameroon) to: (i) assess the trends in infestation rates over three-years (2018–2020) using health facility registers, and (ii) investigate, in 2020, the contamination rates of the environment by dissemination stages of soil-transmitted helminths using the sucrose centrifugal flotation method. The overall soil-transmitted helminth infestation rate was 4.9% (95% CI: 4.3–5.6), significantly lower than the overall soil contamination rate (12.0%; 95% CI: 8.2–17.2). These results are supportive of the low endemicity level of STHs in the Mifi Health District, but environmental pollution by dissemination stages of the parasites outlines that the risk of transmission is still persistent. It therefore appears compulsory to account for the environment when considering policy/recommendations for transmission interruption and stopping MDA, as it is in the case with vector-borne diseases.

Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon

Background: Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections disproportionately affect poor populations in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. They contaminate soil and pupils are mostly at risk of these infections due to their soil related habits. Aims: to assess pupils’ knowledge, attitude and practice in relation to the rate of soil contamination in public primary schools. Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered to 729 consenting participants to obtain information on their awareness status of STH infections. A total of 552 soil samples were collected around toilets, classrooms backyards and playground in 23 public schools randomly selected in Penka-Michel subdivision and examined for the presence of STH eggs using the sucrose flotation method. Results: up to 80% of respondents do not actually know how to avoid getting infected with worms. About 50% of pupils do not actually wash their hands after defecating or wash their fruits/vegetables before eating. Pupil’s nails were mostly untrimmed (74.1%). 77.1% declared they always defecate out of the toilets when they are in school. Out of 552 soil samples examined, 97 (17.6%) were contaminated by Ascaris sp, Trichuris sp, Toxocara sp, Capillaria sp, Cooperia sp, hokworms and Nematodirus sp. Soil from around toilets were significantly more contaminated with Ascaris sp and Trichuris sp eggs. Soil contamination was also significantly associated with absence of water during class hours, unhygienic conditions of toilets, and lack of school perimeter fence. Overall 65% of schools selected showed a low level of hygiene. Conclusion: Pupils of these schools played a major role in the contamination of their environment. Therefore, in order to prevent the STHs transmission cycles in school environment and possibly in pupils, it is necessary to develop specific sustainable intervention programs.

High contamination of soil with Toxocara spp. eggs in the north of Iran.

Toxocarosis is an important emerging zoonotic disease, which is caused by larvae of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, the most widely distributed nematode parasites of dogs and cats. The soil, where Toxocara eggs become infective, is the natural source of infection. The aim of this work was to determine the levels of soil contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs in Sari district, north of Iran, in order to estimate the risk of infection of the population living in this region. A total of 141 soil samples were collected from 12 parks, 12 primary schools and 45 backyards from three regions. Soil samples were investigated for the presence of Toxocara eggs by flotation technique using sucrose solution and examined under light microscope using 10× and 40× objective. Out of 141 soil samples, 67 (47.5%) were found to contain Toxocara spp. eggs. The contamination rate in public parks, primary schools and backyards were observed 50%, 58.3% and 33.3%, respectively. The comparison of soil contamination rate from different areas, public parks, primary schools and backyards, was statistically significant (χ2=6.00, d.f.=2 and P=0.049). The public parks, backyards and primary schools, which are main places that children play, are suitable for defecation of dogs and cats. The knowledge of the soil contamination with Toxocara eggs indicates the need to take an appropriate and effective measures to prevent the infection.

&lt;i&gt;Echinococcus granulosus&lt;/i&gt; Batsch, 1786; Rud., 1801 as a probable sanitary threat in the mountainous zone of the North Caucasus

The purpose of the research is studying environmental objects contaminated with Taeniidae eggs, and egg stability and viability in soil and feed supplies in the mountainous zone of the North Caucasus.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in the mountainous zone of the North Caucasus in 2016–2019 at the laboratory of infective diseases of animals and birds of the Caspian Zonal Research Veterinary Institute. We examined 200 samples of dog feces, 3,600 soil samples and 1,000 samples of different types of food for Taeniidae eggs at altitudinal belts of 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000 and 3500 m above sea level in winter, spring, summer and autumn using conventional methods. Experiments were also carried out to determine the viability and possible overwintering from November to March of Echinococcus granulosus eggs at an altitude of 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000 and 3,500 m above sea level. In order to study the sanitary state of infrastructure facilities of the mountainous zone for contamination with Taeniidae eggs, we studied 300 soil samples from near-village pastures, distant pastures, rural households, near-shed areas, shelters, near watering stations, along the sides of mountain rivers, and in places of daytime rest of sheep and cattle in pastures using the methods generally accepted in helminthology. We studied possible survival in the winter of Taeniidae eggs in external environment in samples of feces, soil, after-grass, hay, silage and compound feed from November to March. After winter, Taeniidae eggs were examined by coproovoscopy methods. The data were processed by statistical methods according to N.A. Plokhinsky (1978).Results and discussion. It was found that temperature fluctuations of 13.4 to 25.8 ºС in spring and summer seasons in the mountainous zone had a more favorable effect on cestode egg preservation and development. Eggs became invasive in 8–10 days in June and August. The maturation of E. granulosus eggs to the invasive stage was observed in 13 days in September (20.5 ºС), and in 22 days in November (8.3 ºС), which was associated with a decrease in ambient temperature. In dynamics, soil contamination with E. granulosus eggs in the Dagestan mountainous zone in 2016–2019 was characterized by an annual increase in soil contamination with eggs. The soil contamination rate with Taeniidae eggs increased from 63.00% to 88.00% (mean 80.50% of samples). In Dagestan, there is a deterioration in sanitary state of soils of infrastructure facilities as indicated by an increase in Taeniidae eggs in 4–5 g of soil from 7.60±0.40 to 19.30±1.10 eggs (mean 12.30±0.70 eggs). The soil of all studied infrastructure facilities was almost 100% contaminated with Taeniidae eggs. At biological sites, at an altitude of 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000 and 3,500 m above sea level, there were 26.30% 19.84%; 12.55%; 8.0%; 4.99% and 0% of E. granulosus eggs viable in March, respectively. E. granulosus eggs do not survive the winter at an altitude of 3,500 m in March. The study of the possibility of E. granulosus eggs to overwinter showed that the eggs kept in after-grass, silage, hayand compound feed samples during the winter retained viability in the amount of 37.30%, 74.30%, 81.70% and 92.40 % respectively. In case of sanitary requirements violated during grazing, procurement and storage, the aftergrass, silage, hay and compound feed contaminated with Taeniidae eggs are factors for ensuring preservation and viability of invasive elements and continuous implementation of an epizootic process of taeniidosis in populations of ruminants..

Environmental Implications from Long-term Citrus Cultivation and Wide Use of Cu Fungicides in Mediterranean Soils

Citrus fruits are cultivated in more than 100 countries around the world. The main citrus fruit–producing counties are Brazil, China, and the USA although the whole Mediterranean region ranks first worldwide. In Greece, citrus occupy an area of about 40.000 ha, representing 43% of total fruit crops. Soil quality is affected by long-term citrus cultivation. Soil organic matter is depleted in long-term citrus cultivation, in contrast to nutrients that seemed to increase in the following descending order: POlsen > Naecxh > NO3-N > Kecxh > Caecxh > Mgecxh due to usual management practices. To evaluate the environmental impact due to broad use of Cu fungicides in long-term citrus cultivation, Cu total fraction and DTPA-extractable in agricultural soil were determined. Soil contamination rate was evaluated via proper indices of different sensitivities on their calculations. In particular, 22% of samples in older orchards were highly polluted based on the single-factor pollution index (PI). The index geo-accumulation index (Igeo) presented hysteresis in comparison with PI, which was more sensitive, comprehensive, and reliable, able to describe better the pollution classification of citrus soils. The calculation of monomial potential ecological risk for Cu showed that in older citrus groves, the average value was 11.8, while the max value was 49.8 indicating moderate ecological risk suggesting the negative environmental impact of intensive citrus cultivation. These results denote the need to preserve soil fertility and prevent potential toxic element accumulation due to long-term cultivation management practices, aiming to achieve soil sustainability and food security in National or Euro-Mediterranean scale.

The Study of Soil Contamination by Toxocara spp. Eggs in Different Areas of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Southwest Iran

Background and aims: Toxocariasis caused by the larvae of Toxocara spp. is a zoonotic infection with global distribution that is considered an important health problem in the humans. The soil is regarded as the main source of the transmission of Toxocara infection to susceptible hosts. This study investigated the existence of Toxocara spp. ova in rural and urban public areas of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Methods: A total of 180 soil samples were randomly collected from 74 public places from urban and rural areas of nine counties of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province during May to September, 2017. The samples were examined for Toxocara spp. eggs by the modified sucrose flotation method. Results: The contamination rate of the soil samples with Toxocara spp. ova varied within 0%-18.1% in different counties. Overall, 9 (5%) out of 180 examined soil samples were found positive for Toxocara spp. ova. Of nine investigated districts, Toxocara spp. ova were observed in four counties and the highest rate of soil contamination was found in Farsan county with 18.1%. Finally, the prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs was more in the rural areas (6.7%) compared to the urban ones (3.3%). Conclusion: This study was the first investigation regarding the contamination of Toxocara spp. eggs in the soil of public places in rural and urban areas of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. According to the results, the rate of soil contamination in this region was lower compared with the other parts of Iran. Therefore, a further study is required to determine factors that may be involved in the distribution of Toxocara spp. in different areas of this province.

Soil parasite contamination of public places within Lokoja metropolis, Kogi state

The study which was conducted within Lokoja metropolis, aimed at assessing the rate of soil contamination of school playgrounds, markets and recreational parks with Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH). A total of one hundred and sixty soil samples were collected from eight different sites and examined for various parasite stages using Zinc Sulphate floatation technique. The overall rate of soil contamination was 50.6% and the rate of contamination with STH was higher (80%-100%) in markets situated along the river bank whereas only one third (30%) of the samples collected from Mammy market and Lugard beach had STH. The species of STH encountered in the study were: Ascaris lumbricoides, Ascaris bovis, Taenia saginata, Strongyloides sp and Fasciola sp. The most frequently occurring STH were Ascaris lumbricoides, T.saginata and Fasciola sp. Mammy market contributed to the bulk of the Fasciola sp recovered from the soil samples. However, variations in distribution of STH across sites did not statistically differ significantly (d2 = 159.65; P&gt;0.05). The findings suggest a need for a strategic intervention to improve the sanitary status of public places in the city.Keywords: Soil contamination, STH, Niger-Benue River Valley, Lokoja, Nigeria

Soil Contamination Rate, Prevalence, Intensity of Infection of Geohelminths and Associated Risk Factors among Residents in Bazou (West Cameroon).

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections remain an important public health problem in the tropics. This study aimed to evaluate the soil contamination rate and prevalence of infestations of geohelminth among residents in Bazou. Four hundred (400) soil samples and 182 stool specimens were collected respectively from four sites and from inhabitants aged 1 to 40 years and above in 12 households. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate risk factors of STH-infections. Soil samples were screened using sucrose centrifugal flotation method while stool specimens were analyzed using two techniques. Out of the 400 soil and 182 stool samples examined, 13(3.3%) and 9(4.95%) were positive respectively after analyses. Soil contamination rates were 2%, 1% and 0.3% for Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm eggs respectively while 4.95% of stool samples were positive to one species nematode (Ascaris lumbricoides). The soil contamination rate observed (5%) in the rainy season was significantly different (p>0.05) from the one observed (1.5%) in the dry season. Irrespectively of the season, the most frequent parasite identified was Ascaris spp. Soils around houses were more contaminated 6(12%) as compared to those collected from markets 5(10%) and roads 2(4%) while those around classrooms were not contaminated. Participants in the age group of 1-10 were more infected. Factors such as no hand washing habit and untrimmed finger nails were found to be important risk factors for STH. These results suggest the necessity to promote measures that could help to reduce STH infections.

Profile of Geohelminth Eggs, Cysts, and Oocysts of Protozoans Contaminating the Soils of Ten Primary Schools in Dschang, West Cameroon.

Helminthiasis and protozoans infections have been recognized as an important public health problem. The aim of the present study was to screen soil samples collected from 10 primary schools in the city of Dschang for the presence of soil-transmitted helminth eggs, cysts, and oocysts of protozoans. A total of 400 soil samples were collected around latrines, at playgrounds, and behind classrooms in each school. These samples were examined using the sucrose flotation method. From the result obtained, an overall contamination rate of 7.75% was observed. Five genera of nematodes (Ascaris, Trichuris, Capillaria, Cooperia, and hookworms) were identified, while neither cysts nor oocysts of protozoans were detected. The contamination rate and the number of species found were significantly different in wet season as compared to the dry season. During the rainy season, this rate was 12.5% with all the parasitic stages identified, while, in the dry season, the soil contamination rate was 3% with the presence of only two genera (Ascaris and Trichuris). This suggests that parasite infection may occur mainly in rainy season rather than in the dry season. The most common eggs were those of Ascaris with 2% and 5% contamination rates in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Also, the soils around latrines were more contaminated (11.9%) as compared to those collected behind classrooms (7.5%) and those at playground (2.5%). It was concluded that the pupils of these schools may have played a major role in the contamination of their environment. Thus, sanitary education, enforcement of basic rules of hygiene, and deworming remain a necessity in the entire population of the study area in general and in the schools in particular in order to prevent helminth infections and to ensure effective environmental health.

Soil Contamination with Soil Transmitted Helminthes in Schools and Play Areas of Kermanshah City, West of Iran

Background: Geohelminth infections are common infections worldwide. These helminthes are parasitic nematodes, which could infect humans and animals by contact with eggs or infective larvae and in some cases cause serious disorders, especially in children. Objectives: The present study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of geohelminth eggs in the soil of schools and play areas of Kermanshah city, western Iran. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ninety-two soil samples were collected from 24 primary schools and 24 play areas from four different parts of each area. Diagnosis of geohelminth was confirmed by the recovery of their eggs by the flotation technique using sucrose solution and examined under light microscope using 10X and 40X objectives. Results: Out of 192 soil samples, soil of play areas from four regions was contaminated with geohelminth eggs. The rate of soil contamination with Trichuris spp. eggs was 3.12% while this was 2.1% for hookworm eggs, yet no Ascaris eggs were found in the examined soil samples. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study there is a risk of infection with soil transmitted helminthes among children of Kermanshah, Iran.