Water In Ethiopia Research Articles

Bacteriological quality of drinking water and its associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Drinking contaminated water is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in Sub-Saharan Africa, where access to safe drinking water is limited. Although numerous studies have investigated the bacteriological quality of drinking water in Ethiopia, their findings have been inconsistent and varied, hindering the implementation of effective water quality monitoring. Moreover, there is a lack of nationwide assessment of the bacteriological quality of drinking water in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the bacteriological quality of drinking water and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods An international electronic database, including PubMed, Science Direct, Global Health, CINAHL, African Journals Online, HINARI, and Google Scholar was employed to retrieve the relevant articles. The study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect size, and the Egger regression model was employed using STATA 14 software to assess potential publication bias. Results A total of 26 studies involving 7,962 water samples met the eligibility criteria for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of at least one bacteriological contamination of drinking water was 52.26% (95%CI: 39.09–65.43), with extreme heterogeneity (I2 = 99.7%; p-value < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of total and fecal coliform in drinking water was 49.55% (95% CI: 34.88–64.23) and 44.27% (95%CI: 34.36–54.19), respectively. 14.13% of the water source was at a very high sanitary risk level (unfit for drinking), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 94.1%, p< 0.001). The absence of household-level water treatment (OR = 3.3; 95%CI: 1.28–5.32) and drawing water using dipping methods (OR = 4.52; 95%CI: 1.71–7.34) were determinant factors for bacteriological contamination of drinking water. Conclusion We found that the bacteriological quality of drinking water did not comply with the World Health Organization and Ethiopia’s standard guidelines for drinking water, which call for urgent intervention. One out of seven water sources was at a high sanitary risk level, which could increase the risk of infectious disease in the country. The absence of household-level water treatment and drawing water using dipping was a significant factor in the bacteriological quality of drinking water. Based on these findings, the water supply and sewerage authority should prioritize regular monitoring of the bacteriological quality of drinking water.

Prevalence and epidemiological distribution of indicators of pathogenic bacteria in households drinking water in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundEnsuring the availability of safe drinking water remains a critical challenge in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this paper aimed to investigate the prevalence of fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria and, geographical, children availability, and seasonal exposure assessment through a meta-analysis.MethodsTwo independent review groups extensively searched internet databases for English-language research articles published between 2013 and 2023. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality of each included study was evaluated using the STROBE guidelines. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of a funnel plot and then tested by the Egger regression test, and meta-analysis was performed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse variance weighting. Subgroup analyses were also conducted to explore heterogeneity.ResultsOut of 48 potentially relevant studies, only 21 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of fecal coliform and E. coli was 64% (95% CI: 56.0–71.0%, I2 = 95.8%) and 54% (95% CI: 45.7–62.3%, I2 = 94.2%), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence of fecal coliform bacteria increased during the wet season (70%) compared to the dry season (60%), particularly in households with under-five children (74%) compared to all households (61%), in rural (68%) versus urban (66%) areas, and in regions with high prevalence such as Amhara (71%), Gambela (71%), and Oromia (70%). Similarly, the prevalence of E. coli was higher in households with under-five children (66%) than in all households (46%).ConclusionsThe analysis highlights the higher prevalence of fecal coliform and E. coli within households drinking water, indicating that these bacteria are a significant public health concern. Moreover, these findings emphasize the critical need for targeted interventions aimed at improving drinking water quality to reduce the risk of fecal contamination and enhance public health outcomes for susceptible groups, including households with under-five children, in particular geographical areas such as the Amhara, Gambela, and Oromia regions, as well as rural areas, at point-of-use, and during the rainy season.RegistrationThis review was registered on PROSPERO (registration ID - CRD42023448812).

Navigating the Nile: Ethiopia's Development Plans and the Future of Water Sharing

This article explores the dynamics of the relationship between Egypt and the countries in the Nile River Basin, with a specific focus on the natural challenges Ethiopia faces in developing water projects. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach with the aim of identifying Ethiopia's natural conditions and their impact on water infrastructure development. Data sources include secondary literature from official reports, case studies, and statistical data related to Ethiopia's water resources and climate. Data were collected through literature reviews and document analysis. The research findings indicate that Ethiopia faces various challenges such as uneven rainfall distribution, high evaporation rates, difficult topography, and rock types that do not support water storage. Data analysis was conducted using qualitative methods to evaluate the impact of natural conditions on Ethiopia's capacity to develop water projects. In conclusion, Ethiopia, despite being a major contributor to the Nile River's water, faces significant natural barriers that limit its ability to build large and stable water infrastructure.

Studies on the conservation and sustainability challenges of the wetland resources of the Baro-Akobo River Basin in Gambella and Benishangul-Gumuz regions, Ethiopia

Studies on the conservation and sustainability challenges of the wetland resources of the Baro-Akobo River Basin in Gambella and Benishangul-Gumuz regions, Ethiopia

Hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater in mountainous catchment and its suitability for drinking purposes in Irob, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract The primary source of drinking water in Ethiopia's semi-arid mountainous regions is groundwater. The present study aims to assess the hydrogeochemical characteristics of low-grade basement rocks dominated by mountainous catchments. Moreover, it examines the suitability of the groundwater quality for drinking purposes in Irob, Tigray, northern Ethiopia. However, relatively little is known about the water chemistry and groundwater quality of the resources in the area. Fifteen samples of groundwater were collected and examined for ions according to standard procedures. The outcomes were assessed against the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water quality criteria. To identify the source of dissolved ions and the process involved, graphic interpretations were applied. The results show that Ca–Mg–SO4–HCO3 and Ca–SO4–HCO3 were the dominant water types. Gibbs plots and ionic ratios reveal that silicate weathering, carbonate dissolution and ion exchange control water chemistry. Furthermore, the findings reveal that 60, 80, 46.67, 46.67, 60, 6.67, 60 and 53.33% of samples are above the safe limits of the WHO for hardness, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), bicarbonate (HCO3-) and sulfate (SO42-), respectively. Consequently, the groundwater quality assessment demonstrates that the water sources in lower parts of the catchment are unsuitable for drinking.

Seed priming with gas plasma-activated water in Ethiopia’s “orphan” crop tef (Eragrostis tef)

Main conclusionSeed priming with gas plasma-activated water results in an increased ageing resilience in Eragrostis tef grains compared to a conventional hydropriming protocol.Tef (Eragrostis tef) is a cereal grass and a major staple crop of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Despite its significant importance in terms of production, consumption, and cash crop value, tef has been understudied and its productivity is low. In this study, tef grains have undergone different priming treatments to enhance seed vigour and seedling performance. A conventional hydropriming and a novel additive priming technology with gas plasma-activated water (GPAW) have been used and tef grains were then subjected to germination performance assays and accelerated ageing. Tef priming increases the germination speed and vigour of the grains. Priming with GPAW retained the seed storage potential after ageing, therefore, presenting an innovative environmental-friendly seed technology with the prospect to address variable weather conditions and ultimately food insecurity. Seed technology opens new possibilities to increase productivity of tef crop farming to achieve a secure and resilient tef food system and economic growth in Ethiopia by sustainable intensification of agriculture beyond breeding.

Validation of Blood Glucose and Lipid-Lowering Effect of Solvent Fractions of the Crinum Abyssinicum Shoot Tips in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Diabetes mellitus prevalence has reached epidemic levels despite the existence of contemporary treatments. People thus started looking at the possible therapeutic value of natural therapies. Crushed shoot tips of Crinum abyssinicum (Amaryllidaceae) are mixed with water in Ethiopia to treat diabetes, yet this practice is not well supported by science. In this experiment, mice models were used to verify the blood sugar and lipid-lowering benefits of solvent fractions of C. abyssinicum shoot tips. In a single-dose treated Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model, mice were randomly grouped into eleven categories which include diabetic negative control, diabetic positive control, and 9 diabetic treatment groups. In repeated daily doses treated STZ-induced model, Mice were divided into 6 groups which included normal and diabetic negative control (TW80), diabetic positive control (5mg/kg glibenclamide), and three diabetic treatment groups 100, 200, and 400mg/kg). Finally, blood glucose, lipid level, and body weight were examined. In the single-dose treated diabetic model, there was a significant blood glucose reduction at 200 and 400mg/kg doses of aqueous fraction and glibenclamide starting from the sixth-hour post-administration unlike ethyl acetate and chloroform fraction compared to baseline and negative control. In repeated daily dose-treated diabetic mice, all three doses (100, 200, and 400mg/kg of aqueous fraction) resulted in a substantial reduction (P < .001) in blood glucose compared to baseline and negative control on the seventh day and 14th day. Besides the AQF shows improvement in lipid levels and body weight parameters. The results of the study demonstrated that C. abyssinicum shoot tip fractions have the greatest potential to lower blood sugar and lipid levels, supporting conventional claims for the treatment of diabetes.

Socio-cultural and Biomedical Beliefs for Causalities and Healing of Diabetic Mellitus Around the Globe: Systematic Review 2021.

Diabetic mellitus is the main public health problem nowadays, and the burden is higher in developing countries. Different anthropologic literatures were published to integrate socio-cultural beliefs and biomedical practice for managing diabetes mellitus. The current study reviews anthropology perspectives on diabetic mellitus and the relationship between health, socio-cultural beliefs and biomedicine using literature around the globe. This review included published studies in electronic databases such as Pubmed, World Wide Science and Google scholar. Published studies from the search database were exported to reference manager software, Endnote version 7, to remove duplicate studies. We screened the title and abstract, then the full text per settled inclusion criteria, followed by a full-text review to find eligible studies. Studies without abstract and/or full text, unspecified reports, viewpoints and any systematic reviews and meta-analyses were excluded. The protocol for this review was sent for registration on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD 237899. The search has been collected a total of 72 studies in the world. Five articles were excluded due to duplication in each database. About 47 articles and 15 articles were excluded based on the title and abstract screen, respectively. After full-text reviews were assessed, one article was removed due to that comparative study, and finally, we have approved only 4 articles for systematic review. The review identified those beliefs about socio-cultural, spiritual and biomedical aspects of the causalities, symptoms, and treatment. As there were limited studies worldwide, we extracted data from a few countries, including Ethiopia. Almost all studies identified the sociocultural causalities of diabetes mellitus as "hereditary, uncertainty, feeding habit and GOD." The socio-cultural beliefs of healing are also summarized as "GOD allows holy water in Ethiopia only by orthodox Christians, traditional plants like Shiferaw or moringa also believed only in Ethiopia study, exercise, diet selection." All studies found that biomedical regimens were believed to bring healing congruent with socio-cultural beliefs.

Unimproved source of drinking water and its associated factors: a spatial and multilevel analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey

BackgroundDrinking water quality has been a major public health concern in lower and middle income countries where access to improved water supplies is limited. Ethiopia is thought to have one of the worst drinking water infrastructures in the world. This study aimed to assess the spatial variation and determinants of using unimproved sources of drinking water in Ethiopia using recent nationally representative data.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study was employed with the recent EDHS data of 2019. A total of 8663 households were sampled using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling method. Kuldorff’s SaTScan version 9.6 software was used to generate spatial scan statistics. ArcGIS version 10.7 software was used to visualize the spatial patterns of unimproved drinking water sources. A multilevel multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the use of an unimproved drinking water source. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, those variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered to be significant predictors of using an unimproved source of drinking water.ResultAround 31% (95% CI: 30%, 32%) of the population in Ethiopia uses unimproved sources of drinking water with significant spatial variation across the country. Households aged 41–60 [AOR = 0.69; 95%CI; 0.53, 0.89] as compared to the households aged 10–25, households having middle wealth index [AOR = 0.48; 95%CI; 0.40, 0.59], and households having a rich wealth index [AOR = 0.31; 95%CI; 0.25, 0.39] as compared to the poor households, living in high community literacy level [AOR = 0.36; 95%CI; 0.16, 0.80], living in high-level community poverty [AOR = 3.03; 95%CI; 1.32, 6.98], rural residence [AOR = 7.88; 95%CI; 2.74, 22.67] were significant predictors of use of unimproved source of drinking water. Hot spot areas of use of unimproved drinking water sources were observed in Amhara, Afar, and Somalia regions and some parts of SNNPR and Oromia regions in Ethiopia. The primary clusters were found in Ethiopia’s Somalia and Oromia regions.ConclusionAround one third of the Ethiopian population utilizes unimproved source of drinking water and it was distributed non-randomly across regions of Ethiopia. The age of the household head, wealth status of the household, residence, community poverty level, and community literacy level were found to be significantly associated with utilizing unimproved drinking water source. State authorities, non-governmental organizations and local health administrators should work to improve the quality of drinking water particularly for high risk groups such as communities living in high poverty and low literacy, poor households, rural residents, and hot spot areas to decrease the adverse consequences of using unimproved drinking water source.

Bacteriological and physicochemical quality of drinking water and associated risk factors in Ethiopia

The problem of drinking water quality is critical public health concern in Ethiopia in which poor sanitation and the use of contaminated water are blamed for 80% of disease cases. This is very important for monitoring water supply to identify and address any potential contaminants as well as investment in infrastructures and treatment technology that can improve water quality. This review aimed to evaluate the quality of drinking water in Ethiopia based on the concentration status of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters and its risk factors. Different studies in most parts of Ethiopia indicated that physicochemical quality of drinking water meet the prescribed standard limit, but in some parts of Ethiopia, water did not meet quality standard. Accordingly, an overall coliform count of drinking water in different areas of Ethiopia indicated that drinking water was at risk. Microbiological implications in the country showed that considerable amounts of drinking water were tainted with E. coli and fecal coliforms, which indicated the existence of dangerous pathogens. The quality issues several parts of Ethiopia were significantly influenced by poor handling practices. Consequently, proper handling practices of drinking water both at the source and point of use is essential to have a safe water supply and thereby protect public health. In order to guarantee that people have access to safe and clean water. The review’s findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced water quality monitoring and treatment in Ethiopia.

Public health implications of heavy metals in foods and drinking water in Ethiopia (2016 to 2020): systematic review

BackgroundBesides their benefits, heavy metals are toxic, persistent, and hazardous to human health, even at their lower concentrations. Consumption of unsafe concentrations of food contaminated with heavy metals may lead to the disruption of numerous biological and biochemical processes in the human body. In developing country including Ethiopia, where untreated or partially treated wastewater is used for agricultural purposes, the problems related to the consumption foods contaminated with heavy metals may poses highest risk to human health. Therefore, this review was aimed to determine the public health implications of heavy metals in foods and drinking water in Ethiopia.MethodsThe articles published from 2016 to 2020 were identified through systematic searches of electronic databases that include MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CINAH, Google Scholar, WHO, and FAO Libraries. The data was extracted using a predetermined data extraction form using Microsoft Excel, 2016. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) version 2018 and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of the studies. Finally, the results were evaluated based on the FAO/WHO guidelines for foods and drinking water.ResultsA total of 1019 articles published from 2016 to 2020 were searched from various electronic databases and by manual searching on Google. Following the initial screening, 317 articles were retrieved for evaluation and 49 articles were assessed for eligibility, of which 21 studies were included in the systematic review. The mean concentration of Cr, Cd, Pb, As, Hg, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe and Mn in fruits and vegetables ranged from 2.068–4.29, 0.86–1.37, 1.90–4.70, 1.01–3.56, 3.43–4.23, 19.18–98.15, 4.39–9.42, 1.037–5.27, 0.19–1.0, 199.5–370.4, 0.26–869 mg/kg, respectively. The mean concentration Cr, Cd, Pb, As, Zn, and Fe in meat and milk ranged from 1.032–2.72, 0.233–0.72, 1.32–3.15, 0.79–2.96, 78.37–467.7, and 505.61–3549.9 mg/kg, respectively. The mean concentration of Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu in drinking water ranged 0.0089–0.054, 0.02–0.0237, 0.005–0.369, 0.625–2.137, and 0.176–1.176 ml/L, respectively. The mean concentration of Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, and Mn in other edible cereals ranged from 0.973–2.165, 0.424–0.55, 0.65–1.70, 70.51–81.58, 14.123–15.98, 1.89–13.8, 1.06–1.59, 67.866–110.3, and 13.686–15.4 mg/kg, respectively.ConclusionThis systematic review identified heavy metals in foods and drinking water and determined their public health implications. The results of this finding imply that the majority of the studies reported high concentrations of toxic heavy metals in foods and drinking water that are hazardous to human health. Therefore, effective food safety and risk-based food quality assessment are essential to protect the public health.

Ethiopia Water Resources Quantitative Potentials, Management Issues and Challenges. A literature Review Article Paper

Ethiopia Water Resources Quantitative Potentials, Management Issues and Challenges. A literature Review Article Paper

Revisiting money and labor for valuing environmental goods and services in developing countries

Many Stated Preference studies conducted in developing countries provide a low willingness to pay (WTP) for a wide range of goods and services. However, recent studies in these countries indicate that this may partly be a result of the choice of payment vehicle, not the preference for the good. Thus, low WTP may not indicate a low welfare effect for public projects in developing countries. We argue that in a setting where 1) there is imperfect substitutability between money and other measures of wealth (e.g. labor), and 2) institutions are perceived to be corrupt, including payment vehicles that are currently available to the individual and less pron to corruption may be needed to obtain valid welfare estimates. Otherwise, we risk underestimating the welfare benefit of projects. We demonstrate this through a rural household contingent valuation (CV) survey designed to elicit the value of access to reliable irrigation water in Ethiopia. Of the total average annual WTP for access to reliable irrigation service, cash contribution comprises only 24.41 %. The implication is that socially desirable projects might be rejected based on cost-benefit analysis as a result of welfare gain underestimation due to mismatch of payment vehicles choice in valuation study.

Hotspots of unimproved sources of drinking water in Ethiopia: mapping and spatial analysis of Ethiopia demographic and health survey Data 2016

BackgroundMore than 35% of the Ethiopian population are using drinking water from unimproved sources. As per the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, Ethiopia is aspiring to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030. For these goals to be accomplished, it is important to map the country’s hotspot areas of unimproved source of drinking-water so that resource allocation and disease control can be optimized there. Therefore, the objective of this study is to map and identify hotspot areas of unimproved sources of drinking water in Ethiopia.MethodsA population based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ethiopia from January 18 to June 27, 2016. Data were collected from 10,064 households using a pretested and structured questionnaire. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling was employed where the enumeration areas were primary sampling units and households were secondary sampling units. Systematic sampling with probability proportional to size was employed to select samples. Datasets were cleaned and entered into SaTScan and ArcGIS software for mapping and analysis. The Global Moran’s I and spatial scan statistical tests (Bernoulli model) were done to explore the presence of clustering in the study area and local spatial clusters (hotspots) of unimproved sources of drinking water using ArcGIS version 10.3 and Kuldorff’s SaTScan version 9.4 software, respectively.ResultsUnimproved sources of drinking water were spatially clustered in the study area (Moran’s I: 0.35, p < 0.05). A total of 143 significant clusters was identified. Of which, eight were most likely (primary) clusters and the other 135 were secondary clusters. The first spatial window which contains primary clusters was located in Amhara and Afar regions (LLR: 78.89, at p < 0.001). The other 33 spatial windows which contain secondary clusters were found in all regions, except Gambela region and Addis Abeba city administration (with a range of LLR: 10.09–78.89, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study allowed the identification of important non-random clusters and hotspots of unimproved sources of drinking water. Therefore, these results will be determinant to help decision makers in their geographical interventions to combat problems related to drinking water quality.

Determination of Phenolic Compounds from Jimma Drinking Water Using 4-Aminoantipyrine

The quality of drinking water in Ethiopia is an influential environmental factor of health and water can use as a medium for disease transmission in countries on all continents; all are affected from the poorest to the richest. Moreover, in our globe millions of people are unprotected to unsafe concentration of chemical pollutants in the drinking water. Dichlorohenols are considered as key water pollutants that are destructive to creatures at stumpy concentrations and many of them have been clustered as detrimental pollutants because of their probable to damage human health even in low concentration. This research aimed to determine phenolic compounds from drinking water of Jimma town which is found south west of Ethiopia, by using 4-Aminoantipyridine (AAP). The sample of drinking water before and after treatment was collected for determination of pollutants which classified as raw water (RW), treated water (TW) and system distributed water (SDW). The sample of water was preserved by phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid under pH 4 and distillation was carried out in order to remove sulfur containing compounds by addition of CuSO4 solution. In the analysis of water using 4-Aminoantipyrine the treated water and the system distributed water have been contained 2.73 ppb and 3.64 ppb which had more phenolic compounds as compared to raw water of 1.18 ppb. Therefore, the existence of phenolic compound in both treated and system distributed water of Jimma town drinking water has more phenolic compounds as compared to the permissible level of both Ethiopian Standard, 2 ppb and EPA Standards, 1 ppb.

The African and Arabian Moringa Species:Chemistry, Bioactivity and Therapeutic Applications

Moringa species grow in arid and semiarid areas with mean annual rainfall below 100 cm. They are usually fast-growing and reach maturity in a couple of years. The species are greatly valued for their traditional uses, socio-economic significance and therapeutic applications. Apart from being used as salad/vegetable, many species are effective in the cure of obesity, diabetes, cancer and other diseases. Further, seeds of Moringa stenopetala (Baker.f.) Cufod., the African Moringa, are used in cleansing turbid water in Ethiopia. For these varied and veritable attributes and at different degrees of authenticity/efficacy, a focused publication on these ‘miracle plants’ is in fact called for and a book of this kind is truly welcome.

Virological and bacteriological quality of drinking water in Ethiopia

Background: Since unsafe water is responsible for serious illness, deaths due to highest burdens of diseases and greatest economic failure, monitoring the quality of water is essential. Water Quality monitoring is assessed widely using different indicators. Bacterial and viral indicators provide more complete picture of water quality. Virological quality of water hasn’t been assessed in most countries including Ethiopia. The use of E. coli CB390 minimizes resource and time to perform the tests in simultaneous detection of somatic and male-specific coliphages. Methods & Materials: A cross sectional study was conducted on 218 drinking waters samples collected from various regions of Ethiopia from February to June 2016 to assess water quality using coliphages by the help of CB390 E. coli host, plaque assay; Multiple tube fermentation method for coliforms and pour plate technique for counting heterotrophic bacteria at Ethiopian Public Health Institute. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20. Results: Heterotrophic bacteria, total and thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli and phages were detected in 72.9%, 51.8%, 38.5%, 23.9% and 2.3% of the total samples respectively. Heterotrophic plate count greater than 100 CFU/ml were noted in 41 (18.8%) samples and detections of total and thermotolerant coliforms and E. coli in 38 (17.4%), 24 (11.0%) and 10 (4.6%) samples respectively and no detection of phages in chlorinated waters. While, Heterotrophic plate count greater than 100 CFU/mL were observed in 100 (45.9%) samples and detections of total and thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli and coliphages in 75 (34.4%), 60 (27.5%), 42 (19.3%) and 5 (2.3%) samples respectively for untreated waters. Conclusion: Majority of the waters contained indicators above standard limits. This indicates that the sources are contaminated with environmental and fecal contaminants signifying poor quality and it is a potential threat to human and animals health. Hence regular water monitoring using various indicators should be a priority agenda by all stake holders.

Mycological and bacteriological quality and safety of bottled water in Ethiopia

Mycological and bacteriological quality and safety of bottled water in Ethiopia

Mycological and Bacteriological Quality and Safety of Bottled Water in Ethiopia.

Background:Safe water supply is vital and can result in significant benefits to health. However, contaminated bottled water poses a great health risk due to the poor microbiological quality of water.Methods and Materials:A retrospective study was conducted on 222 Bottled water samples collected from various regions of Ethiopia from January 2008 to December 2015, tested and recorded in Ethiopian Public Health Institute to determine heterotrophic plate count and Staphylococcus aureus by pour plate method; for coliforms using multiple tubes fermentation techniques; for mould and yeast count using spread method, and for Salmonellae and Shigella spp. using ES ISO 6579 and ES ISO 21567. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20 statistical package.Results:Among the total samples examined from 44 brands, detections of heterotrophic plate count, mould, yeast, total and thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were observed in 114 (51.4%), 33 (14.9%), 5 (2.3%), 2 (0.9%), 1 (0.5%), 1 (0.5%) and 1 (0.5%) samples respectively, but there were no detections of Salmonellae nor Shigellae species.Conclusion:About 40% of bottled water samples were mycologically and bacteriologically unsafe for human consumption. To prevent public health hazards, regular monitoring of bottled water using quality indicators should be a priority agenda.

Comparison of purified and crude extracted coagulants from plant species for turbidity removal

The coagulation properties of crude extracts and purified proteins of seeds of Moringa stenopetala and tubers of Maerua subcordata, which are locally used for purification of turbid water in Ethiopia, were studied. The turbidity removal effectiveness was compared using synthetic turbid and natural river water where the initial turbidity of synthetic water was approximately 260 NTU, whereas, for river water, the initial turbidity was 30 NTU. The active coagulants from the extracts were purified by the single-step and the two-step ion exchange (IEX) chromatography technique using 0.1, 0.3 and 0.6 M concentrations of NaCl solutions. The protein quantification of a single-step purified active coagulant eluted using 0.6 M showed that the protein content of the M. stenopetala extract was 1016 µg/mL, whereas the concentration of the M. subcordata extract was 700 µg/mL. The dose for coagulation using crude extracts and purified proteins of M. subcordata on surface water was 4 and 2 mg/L, respectively, with 85% of coagulation activity. In the case of M. stenopetala, 14 mg/L dose of crude extracts, which was seven times higher than that of the purified protein, was needed to obtain the desired residual turbidity (5 NTU). The results also indicated that in the two-step purified coagulants, the sludge volume was reduced compared to crude extracts and alum. In conclusion, active coagulants from seeds of M. stenopetala could be scaled up and used in water treatment technology, whereas purifying the extracts from M. subcordata is not required as the crude extracts performed equally well.