WHO Limits Research Articles

Water Quality Analysis of Water Bodies of Karwi Chitrakoot

Water has the ability to dissolve most substances and all living organisms depend on it in their living whether these organisms are plants or animals. Groundwater is the cheapest and most practical means of providing water to small communities and it is superior to surface water because the ground itself provides an effective filtering medium. The present study focused to assess the probable ground water predicts zone of defined area as Karwi Block part of Chitrakoot District, Uttar Pradesh India. This study assessed groundwater quality across selected stations. pH ranged from 6.82 to 7.80 (WHO limit: 6.5- 8.5), and EC from 695-1800 mg/l, with only S2 exceeding the BIS limit (800 mg/l). Turbidity varied from 0-9.9 NTU. Total hardness (332-884 mg/l) and calcium hardness (53.1-505.1 mg/l) were within BIS limits, while magnesium exceeded the limit (35 mg/l) at S2 and S4. Chloride (40.52-325.3 mg/l), sulphate (61-113.62 mg/l), total solids (440-1410 mg/l), and total dissolved solids (435-1400 mg/l) met permissible standards. The groundwater is mostly safe for consumption, except for elevated magnesium levels at some stations.

Assessing the Arsenic Contents and Associated Risks in Groundwater of Vehari and Lodhran Districts, Pakistan

Exposure to arsenic (As) can induce numerous lethal diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular issues, skin diseases, and diabetes in humans. The major route of human and animal exposure to As is through drinking As-rich groundwater. This study assessed As occurrence in the groundwater of two districts in the Punjab (Vehari and Lodhran) provinces of Pakistan. Groundwater analysis revealed an average As concentration of 7.7 µg/L (n = 79) in the study area, with a maximum As concentration up to 41.4 µg/L (33% of samples exceeding the WHO limit of 10 µg/L). Arsenic traces were found in animal milk (n = 15, mean: 0.79 µg/L, 17% exceeding 2.0 µg/L), human hair (n = 12, mean: 0.36 µg/g, 17% exceeding 1.0 µg/g), and human nails (n = 8, mean: 0.03 µg/g, none of the samples exceeded 1.0 µg/g). Health risk assessment indices revealed that about 33% of the hazard quotient and 54% of the cancer risk factor exceeded their thresholds. Despite the low–moderate As concentration in groundwater and the accumulation of As in a few biological samples, there is a possibility of potential As poisoning via the long-term and continuous use of groundwater for drinking. Monitoring and blanket testing of wells for As in well water can provide baseline data to minimize the threat of As-mediated arsenicosis in As-affected areas of Pakistan. Moreover, a detailed study of potential As accumulation in biological samples with a higher number of samples is recommended in the area.

Quantification and characterization of municipal solid waste at aler dumpsite, Lira City, Uganda: Assessing pollution levels and health risks

Managing municipal solid waste (MSW) in urban areas of developing countries is a significant challenge due to rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure. This study aims to quantify the MSW at Aler dumpsite in Lira City, Uganda, and assess the associated environmental and health risks. Our findings revealed a daily dumping rate of 7.38 tons, predominantly organic waste. Leachate from the site exceeded WHO limits for nutrients and heavy metals, with exceptionally high amounts of cadmium (Cd) found in soil (4.8 mg/kg) and vegetables. The water quality in nearby streams was poor, rendering it unfit for consumption due to elevated ion and nutrient levels. Health risk assessments indicated significant non-carcinogenic risks from heavy metal ingestion, with a hazard index (HI) of 4.6 for adults and 9.6 for children. While dermal exposure risks were generally low, children were at risk from stream 1 (HQderm = 1.165). Vegetable analysis revealed levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) above safe doses, posing significant non-carcinogenic risks. To address these issues, we recommend increasing public awareness to avoid consuming water and vegetables from areas around the dump site. Additionally, we suggest that the responsible authorities improve MSW management by constructing sanitary landfills to minimize water, soil, and plant pollution from landfill leachate.

Chromium speciation from tannery wastewater using spectroscopic techniques

The toxicity and reactivity of chromium (Cr) depend on its chemical form or oxidation state which directs the significance of chromium speciation. Cr(VI) is a ‘Class A’ carcinogen whereas Cr(III)) is considered as essential for metabolism. In this work, concentrations of Cr species in different sampling sites of a tannery effluent have been spectroscopically determined. Cr(VI) was determined by UV-visible spectrophotometer through azo dye formation. Total Cr was determined by FAAS while Cr(III) was through subtraction. The Cr(IV) concentration before and after treatment was found in close proximity since the wastewater treatment process was evidently not effective at reducing the level of Cr(IV) in the waste stream (i.e., 3.34 mg/ L versus 3.15 mg/L). The Cr(VI) concentration after treatment (3.15 mg/L) is more than 31 times higher than the permissible limit of WHO (0.1 mg/L). Furthermore, the concentration of Cr(VI) in the downstream of the receiving river (0.59 mg/L) is more than 12 times higher than the upstream (0.046 mg/L) while Cr(III) in the downstream (25.73 mg/L) is more than 50 times higher than the upstream concentration (0.51 mg/L), confirming that the pollution of the river is from the tannery effluent.

Bacterial isolates from drinking water river sources exhibit multi-drug resistant trait.

Freshwater habitat is a natural reservoir for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR poses serious human, animal, and environmental public health threats. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of five selected rivers (Apitipiti 1, Apitipiti 2, Apitipiti 3, Sogidi, and Aba Apa Akinmorin) in Oyo town, Nigeria, as well as the antibiotic resistance pattern of isolated bacterial species, using conventional methods. Most physicochemical parameters were within WHO and NIS permissible limits. Pearson's correlation matrix indicated that there were significant (p < 0.05) interactions among pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, sulphate and chloride salts, and BOD and COD. A total of thirty-two (32) bacterial species were isolated and identified as: Aeromonas (9), Bacillus (2), Corynebacterium (13), Lactobacillus (1), Pseudomonas (2), Staphylococcus (4), and Streptococcus (1). Of the rivers, Sogidi had the highest microbial load (6.36 log CFU/mL) while Apititipiti 1 had the lowest (5.76 log CFU/mL). With regard to antibiotic sensitivity, 81.8% were multidrug-resistant, with Corynebacterium kutscheri and Aeromonas spp. isolated from Apitipiti 2 and Aba Apa Akinmorin rivers, respectively, exhibiting a relatively high antibiotic resistance of 90.9%. This study reveals that these rivers may be unfit for consumption as multidrug-resistant bacteria of public health risk were associated with them.

Impact of ceramic packaging on the quality and safety of Armenian fermented dairy product Matsoun

Background: Packaging is essential for food safety, as it acts as a barrier against contaminants that can cause spoilage and affect human health. The Armenian fermented dairy product, matsoun, is packaged not only in plastic and glass but also in clay pots. However, the impact of traditional packaging on the quality and safety of matsoun, especially heavy metal migration, remains under-researched. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of ceramic packaging material on the quality and safety of matsoun during storage. Specifically, it compared the physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) populations, and metal migration during storage. Methods: Six samples of matsoun were prepared and packaged in sterilized glass and ceramic containers. The samples were stored at 4 °C and analyzed on days 1, 7, and 15 of storage. The parameters measured included pH, titratable acidity, and LAB counts (coccus and bacillus). Heavy metal migration (Cd, Pb, Hg, As) was analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: The pH of samples packaged in ceramic and glass containers decreased over 15 days of storage, from 4.61 to 4.24 and 4.6 to 4.27, respectively. Titratable acidity increased in both groups, reaching 1.2 % lactic acid. A decrease in bacilli was observed in ceramic-packaged matsoun. The lead concentration remained constant at 0.0045 ppm across all samples. In ceramic containers, cadmium concentration increased from 0.0015 ppm to 0.0029 ppm by day 15. Conclusion: This study observed a decrease in pH, an increase in titratable acidity, and a relatively constant number of lactic acid bacteria indicating ongoing fermentation. The results showed nondetectable concentrations of arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). The lead (Pb) concentration in all samples remained within the World Health Organization’s (WHO) allowed limit of 0.02 ppm. However, the concentration of cadmium (Cd) concentration in ceramic-packed increased, exceeding the WHO limit of 0.002 ppm. Further research is necessary to identify the sources of cadmium contamination. Keywords: food packaging, ceramic, matsou​​n​, heavy metal migration, food safety

Assessment of the activity concentration of radon and its health hazard in surface water around the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) site, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Radon is a colourless, unscented, radioactive inert gas. As a gaseous element, Rn-222 can be effectively breathed in, leading to a health hazard. The main objective of this study is to measure the amount of Rn-222 concentration in surface water and its associated health hazards around the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) construction site area in Bangladesh. Twenty water samples were collected each year (2022 and 2023) from different specific locations of the Padma River and investigated for radon concentration through a Durridge RAD7 detector with RAD H2O accessories. The range of radon activity in surface water measured from 0.070 ± 0.035 to 0.385 ± 0.211 BqL−1 with a mean activity of 0.194 ± 0.114 BqL−1 in the year 2022 and in the year 2023, the range of radon activity in surface water measured from 0.035 ± 0.070 to 0.455 ± 0.239 BqL−1 with an average activity of 0.228 ± 0.140 BqL−1. All the radon concentration results were below the recommended limits of WHO (100 BqL−1) and USEPA (11.1 BqL−1). The ranges of annual effective dose (AED) were from 0.1911 to 1.051 µSvy−1 and from 0.095 to 1.242 µSvy−1 in the years 2022 and 2023, respectively, which were lower than the AED recommended by WHO (0.1 mSvy−1). The mean values of excess lifetime cancer risk are 0.0021 × 10−3 and 0.0025 × 10−3 in the years 2022 and 2023, respectively, which were lower than the average standard value recommended by UNSCEAR (0.29 × 10−3). The result of this investigation can be applied as baseline data for radon concentration measurement in the under-construction nuclear power plant site area vicinity of Bangladesh.

Case-study analysis of traffic noise at Vesterbrogade, Aarhus, Denmark

This paper analyses the livability, concerning traffic noise, in apartment buildings along one of the most heavily trafficked streets in Aarhus, Denmark. The case-study site is analyzed with noise prediction models and different improvements on the sound environment are proposed through qualitative aspects. The analyses are conducted using two different noise prediction models, opeNoise in QGIS and SoundPLAN. OpeNoise uses the noise prediction method CNOSSOS and SoundPLAN uses Nord2000. Noise maps 1,5 m above the terrain and facade noise levels are calculated. The results show noise levels on the facade far above WHO's limit, of . The noise pollution in the open space next to the roads also shows noise levels far above the recommendations, while the inner courtyard shows acceptable noise levels. Several subjective improvements of the sound environment are proposed, such as vegetation between the road and the building. Furthermore, different designs were proposed to reduce the amount of noise-polluted facades. This research work emphasizes the importance of considering qualitative parameters simultaneously with the noise prediction models.

Mobilization mechanisms and spatial distribution of arsenic in groundwater of western Bangladesh: Evaluating water quality and health risk using EWQI and Monte Carlo simulation

Arsenic (As) contamination in groundwater is emerging as a significant global concern, posing serious risks to the safety of drinking water and public health. To understand the release mechanisms, mobilization processes, spatial distribution, and probabilistic health risks of As in western Bangladesh, forty-seven samples were collected and analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). The As concentrations in groundwater ranged from 1.97 to 697.4 μg L⁻1 (mean: 229.9), significantly exceeding recommended levels. The dominant hydrochemistry of As-enriched groundwater was Ca–Mg–HCO₃, with the primary sources of arsenic in groundwater being the dissolution of arsenic-bearing minerals in sediment and the recharge of aquifers from the Ganges River Basin. The assessment using the Entropy Water Quality Index revealed that the groundwater is unsuitable for drinking, with 89.36% (n = 42) of the samples surpassing the WHO's limit for arsenic. Rock-water interactions, including calcite dissolution and silicate weathering within the confined aquifer, predominantly influenced hydrochemical properties. The significant relationships among Fe, Mn, and As indicate that the reductive dissolution of FeOOH and/or MnOOH considerably contributes to the release of As from sediment into groundwater. Geochemical modeling analysis revealed that siderite and rhodochrosite precipitate into aquifer solids, suggesting a weak to moderate relationship among As, Fe, and Mn. The long residence time of groundwater, combined with the presence of a clayey aquitard, likely controls the mobilization of arsenic in the aquifer. For the first time, Monte Carlo simulations have been used in arsenic-prone areas to assess the severity of arsenic contamination in western Bangladesh. The analysis indicates that out of 100,000 people, 10 may develop cancer as a result of drinking arsenic-contaminated water, with children being more susceptible than adults.

Interactive effects of long-term exposure to air pollutants on SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity: a northern Italian population-based cohort study.

We examined interactions, to our knowledge not yet explored, between long-term exposures to particulate matter (PM 10 ) with nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and ozone (O 3 ) on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and severity. We followed 709,864 adult residents of Varese Province from 1 February 2020 until the first positive test, COVID-19 hospitalization, or death, up to 31 December 2020. We estimated residential annual means of PM 10 , NO 2 and O 3 in 2019 from chemical-transport and random-forest models. We estimated interactive effects of pollutants with urbanicity on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, hospitalization, and mortality endpoints using Cox regression models adjusted for socio-demographic factors and comorbidities, and additional cases due to interactions using Poisson models. 41,065 individuals were infected, 5,203 were hospitalized and 1,543 died from COVID-19 during follow-up. Mean PM 10 was 1.6 times higher and NO 2 2.6 times higher than WHO limits, with wide gradients between urban and non-urban areas. PM 10 and NO 2 were positively associated with SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and mortality, and PM 10 with hospitalizations in urban areas. Interaction analyses estimated that the effect of PM 10 (per 3.5 µg/m 3 ) on infectivity was strongest in urban areas (HR=1.12, 95%CI:1.09-1.16), corresponding to 854 additional cases per 100,000 person-years, and in areas at high NO 2 co-exposure (HR=1.15, 1.08-1.22). At higher levels of PM 10 co-exposure the protective association of ozone reversed (HR=1.32, 1.17-1.49), yielding to 278 additional cases per µg/m 3 increase in O 3 . We estimated similar interactive effects for severity endpoints. We estimate that interactive effects between pollutants exacerbated the burden of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in urban areas.

Groundwater quality assessment using revised classical diagrams and compositional data analysis (CoDa): Case study of Wadi Ranyah, Saudi Arabia

This research aims to assess the status and chemical properties of groundwater in the shallow aquifer of the Wadi Ranyah region, Saudi Arabia, using robust statistical methods (CoDA) that take into account the unique characteristics of chemical analysis data from forty-five (45) groundwater samples collected in the Wadi Ranyah valley. A centered logarithmic transformation (clr) approach and isometric logarithmic transformation (ilr) plots for compositional data were utilized to determine the different water types and to understand the hydrogeochemical processes influencing groundwater chemistry in the region. The results of principal component analysis and K-means clustering reveal the existence of three groundwater groupings: (i) The first group occupies the recharge region with a relationship between trace metal elements (F, Pb, Mn, Zn), pH, and TDS, indicating the effect of alteration of igneous and metamorphic rock minerals. (ii) The second group characterizes the downstream part of the Al-Hujrah area with a relationship between calcium and nitrates, indicating the influence of agricultural activities. (iii) The third group, located in the Ranyah area, shows a relationship between major ions (Na+, SO42−, Mg2+, HCO3–, Cl−, K+), which explains water mineralization influenced by silicate weathering and evaporation phenomena. According to the modified Piper diagram (ilr Piper), two hydrochemical facies are identified. The upstream region is categorized as Ca-HCO3– while the downstream region is classified as Na-K-HCO3–. Calculated water quality index (WQI) values indicate that all Wadi Ranyah groundwater samples are of very poor quality (WQI > 300). This is due to higher concentrations of polluting elements (Pb, Mn and F), in particular the high lead concentrations which vary between 0.24 and 0.4 mg/L, and are well above the WHO limit (0.01 mg/L) for consumption of drinking water. The application of CoDA for the first time in the study region has provided a more detailed and reliable assessment of the mechanisms governing groundwater quality, permitting suggestions for the management of groundwater resources and defining future research needs.

Detection and Measurement of Bacterial Contaminants in Stored River Water Consumed in Ekpoma

This study was conducted in Ekpoma, a town dependent on rainwater and river water from nearby areas because of a lack of groundwater sources, and the physicochemical and bacteriological (heterotrophic plate count [HPC], total coliform count [TCC], and fecal coliform count [FCC]) properties of 123 stored river water samples grouped into five collection districts (EK1 to EK5). The results were compared with regulatory standards and previous regional studies to identify water quality trends. While most physicochemical properties met drinking water standards, 74% of samples had pH values &gt; 8.5. Twenty-seven samples were fit for drinking, with EK4 having the highest number of bacterio-logically unsuitable samples. Ten bacterial species were identified, with Gram-negative short-rod species such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhimurium being predominant. HPC values varied from 367 × 10⁴ to 1320 × 10⁴ CFU/mL, with EK2 (2505 × 10⁴ CFU/mL) and EK5 (1320 × 10⁴ CFU/mL) showing particularly high counts. The TCC values ranged from 1049 × 10⁴ to 4400 × 10⁴ CFU/mL, and the FCC values from 130 × 10⁴ to 800 × 10⁴ CFU/mL, all exceeding WHO limits (1.0 × 102 CFU/mL). Historical data show no improvement in water quality, emphasizing the need for individuals to treat water properly before consumption. The findings provide baseline data for local water authorities and serve as a wake-up call for adequate water treatment, storage interventions, and community education on water security. Additionally, this study offers a practical process for improving the quality of water stored in similar regions.

Assessing Trace Metal Contamination and Associated Risks in the Kossan River Ecosystem, Southern Côte d'Ivoire

Trace metals accumulate in aquatic systems and can pose a threat to human health and wildlife. In recent decades, human activity has become the main source of metals in the environment. In order to gain a better understanding of metal contamination in Ivorian rivers impacted by human activity, and to help set up a database, we studied the distribution of arsenics (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in the Kossan River. A total of 21 surface water and sediment samples were taken at 7 stations along the River Kossan between March 2019 and July 2020. Total concentrations of the metals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were assessed in surface water. Contamination indices such as EF, CF; Igeo and PLI were calculated to determine the level of sediment contamination. Ecological risk indices Er and RI were used to assess the potential risks associated with metals. The concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn found in surface water samples fell within the following ranges: 2.03 - 17.19, 1.752 - 13.264, 0.067 - 0.774, 17.44 - 2369.11 and 136.72 - 3669.37 µg/L, respectively and in sediment: 0.69 - 4.60, 2.10 - 11.30, 0.13 - 5.00, 1.70 - 28.20 and 4.10 - 90.30 µg/g, respectively. The results showed high levels of As, Cu, Pb and Zn contamination in places, above WHO limits. The calculation of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk indices revealed that arsenic and copper can present major health risks for humans through the consumption of water. Cd concentrations exceeded geochemical background values. The results suggest moderate to very severe Cd contamination of the sediments by anthropogenic origin at certain sampling points. In general, the results of the ecological risk indices revealed low to moderate levels of contamination for metals, with the exception of heavy cadmium contamination in the river. The highest concentrations of trace metals were observed in water and sediment samples collected from stations with high anthropogenic pressure. The continuing intensification of human activity may in the long term present a major risk to man and his environment, hence the need to set up a system for monitoring river watercourses and to develop a system for remediating trace metals in river water such as phytoremediation.

Quality evaluation and determination of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, and Pb) in Libyan sidr honey by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

This work aimed to evaluate four samples of honey collected from the area extending from the city of Misrata in the east to the city of Tripoli in the west and up to the city of Bani Walid in the south of Libya. Various tests (pH estimation, moisture content estimation, ash content, and electrical conductivity) were applied to confirm the quality of honey samples. The pH values were 4.4 to 5.8, the moisture content was 12% to 17% while the ash content was 0.10% to 0.2%, and the electrical conductivity was 0.32 to 0.50 mS/cm. However, there is a variation in the obtained results due to the difference in the regions. By comparing the obtained results with international standards, all honey samples were found to be acceptable and lower than the maximum level of FAO limits. The concentration of zinc was less than the maximum level of 20 (µg/g) in the Bani Walid and Zliten samples (12.8 and 18.6 µg/g, respectively), while Misrata and Tripoli samples were higher than the WHO limit, with 21.7 for the former and 29.58 for the latter. However, the lead content was slightly higher than the WHO limit of 2 (µg/g) in the Zliten sample with 2.1 (µg/g), while the other three samples were within acceptable limits with 1.15 µg/g for the Bani-Waleed sample, 1.35 µg/g for the Tripoli sample, and 1.49 µg/g for the Misurata sample. Nevertheless, the Misurata sample had the highest iron level with 50 µg/g among the four samples. It was found to be higher than the WHO limit (40 µg/g), while the other three samples were lower than the maximum level with 37 µg/g, 35 and 40 µg/g for Bani-Waleed, Tripoli, and Zliten samples, respectively. Honey can be used as a biosensor of environmental pollution with heavy metals.

Highly selective and flexible silver nanoparticles-based paper sensor for on-site colorimetric detection of paraquat pesticide.

Paper-based sensors or paper-based analytical devices (PADs) have recently emerged as the cost-efficient, and portable, on-site detection tools for various biological and environmental analytes. However, paper-based sensors often suffer from poor selectivity. Here, a single-step paper-based flexible sensor platform has been developed for the on-site detection of paraquat (PQ) pesticide in real samples, utilizing chitosan and citrate-capped silver nanoparticles integrated with a flexible paper. The nanocomposite paper film was thoroughly characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The composite paper platform demonstrated a color change with a reaction time within a few minutes (6-7 min) in the presence of PQ pesticide. The trace level PQ pesticide has been detected with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 μM and a linear range (LR) of 10-100 μM. The sensor shows 3× more selective signal towards PQ pesticide compared to other similar pesticides. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was found to be 5% for repeatability, 4% for reproducibility, 2% for interference, and 3.5% for real sample analysis, indicating high precision sensing and within the WHO limit of RSD (20%). The present work will open up new avenues for the advancements in flexible paper sensors; cost-effective, portable, on-site sensors, and sustainable device development.

Potential of Heavy Metals and Microplastics Contamination in River Mpanga, Fort Portal, Kabarole District, Uganda

Anthropogenic environmental pollution is a major development challenge in Ugandan rivers and lakes, the key drivers being industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization. The aim of the study was to assess the potential of heavy metal and microplastic contamination in River Mpanga, Fort Portal, Uganda. Triplicate water and sediment samples were collected from three sampling sites, preserved, and analyzed at the Chemistry Department, Makerere University for heavy metals, while microplastics analysis was conducted at NaFIRRI, Jinja. Sediment heavy metal contamination was assessed from the geoaccumulation index, while microplastic characterization and quantification were determined from stereomicroscopy and morphological features. Arsenic was the most prevalent metal with a mean concentration of 13.2 ppm thus higher than permissible maximum limits of WHO. The mean concentrations (ppm) of copper, lead, and cadmium were 0.01, 0.01, and 0.001 respectively, and below the permissible maximum. Sediment samples revealed very strong arsenic contamination, strong contamination for copper, moderate to strong contamination for lead, and a potential lack of contamination for cadmium. The higher concentrations of the heavy metals in the sediments compared to water could be attributed to bioaccumulation, as evidenced by the high geoaccumulation values. Microplastics occurred throughout the river and included fragments, filaments, film, pellets, form, and fibers. The presence of heavy metals and microplastics was attributed to anthropogenic activities within the river vicinity, which discharged heavy metal-laden waste into River Mpanga. High arsenic concentrations and sediment accumulation of contaminants pose serious potential public health threats to the local communities.

Assessment of Lead and Iron Concentration in Cosmetics Traded in the AL-Ajilat City Market

This study examined the concentrations of heavy metals, namely lead (Pb) and iron (Fe), in lipsticks, foundations, and face powders to ensure compliance with international safety standards and assess potential health risks. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), samples were analyzed for heavy metal content and compared to WHO, FDA, and Health Canada guidelines. Results included that lead levels in lipsticks ranged from 0.03 to 6.15 ppm, with one sample exceeding the WHO limit of 0.01 ppm, raising safety concerns. Iron levels were alarmingly high, with a maximum of 2,566 ppm, well above the WHO guideline of 0.3 ppm. Baseline samples consistently showed low levels of lead at 0.03 ppm, but iron concentrations reached 5,735 ppm, indicating significant safety deviations. Lead concentrations in the face powders ranged from 0.03 to 2.14 ppm, with some exceeding the WHO limit, while iron levels averaged 2,613 ppm, well above acceptable limits. The study concluded that high iron levels in these cosmetic products pose health risks, stressing the need for stricter regulatory oversight and quality control in the cosmetics industry.

Some Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metals Concentration in Water and Organs of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Ajiwa Reservoir, Katsina State

Ajiwa Reservoir serves as a vital drinking water source and protein source to the nearby communities and Katsina metropolitan. Fishes are a great dependable source of protein and assessment to determine their safety or otherwise is very crucial. In this work, four vital organs (gills, gonads, liver and muscles) collected from Ajiwa reservoir in Katsina state were analyzed for some heavy metals (Cobalt, Copper, Manganese, Nickel, and Lead). This preliminary investigation was carried out between September to December (2023) to expose additional information on the concentration of heavy metals in both water and tissues of Oreochromis niloticus, four sampling stations were randomly chosen for the survey along the bank of the reservoir. Samples were collected fortnightly throughout the research. The mean physicochemical parameters of the Ajiwa reservoir were pH (7.10±0.48), Temperature (22.93±4.02), Transparency (12.61±2.46), Conductivity (113.97±10.63), DO (6.78±1.09), and BOD (3.52±0.88). Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) instrument was used to determine the heavy metal concentrations in the samples and their levels compared with the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020) specified maximum levels. The results showed the concentration of heavy metals in the water to be (mg/L) Co (0.45±0.23), Cu (0.05±0.03), Mn (0.06±0.09), Ni (0.10±0.07), and Pb (0.40±0.18). Co, Mn, Ni and Pb were higher than the set standards limits of WHO (2023). The results indicate that the concentration of heavy metals in the analyzed fish tissues are in (mg/L) Co (1.03±0.16), Cu (0.13±0.05), Mn (0.10±0.19), Ni (0.18±0.22) and Pb (0.21±0.66). The concentration of Co, Ni and Pb were above the set standards of WHO (2020). Co, Mn and Pb concentrations mostly in the liver and gills were higher than the maximum permissible limit recommended by standard bodies.

Elemental Profiling with Reference to Metal Index to Study Pollutant Load in Northern River of India

Present light was to determine elemental load in Sirsa river ecosystem to know the concentration of toxicants in this Sutlej river’s tributary that act as a gutter for industrial effluents of Baddi region. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy was used to detect concentration of elements in the department of biochemical engineering and biotechnology at IIT Delhi and the collected data was further analyzed statistically using one way ANOVA at (p≤0.05) followed by post hoc Duncan’s test to predict degree of variations and comparative profile in Table 1. The application of metal index was also performed to estimate water quality and co-related it with health hazards. Variations in concentration of elements was reported near common effluent treatment plant on pollutant Nallah (S2) in deceasing order read as Mg&gt;Na&gt;Ca&gt;B&gt;Zn&gt;Cu&gt;Mn&gt;Fe&gt;Mo&gt;Al&gt;Tl&gt;Se in ppb. The concentration of elements reported at S1, S2, S3 were within permissible limit of WHO and Bureau of Indian Standards, except the value of Boron, Magnesium and Thallium were exceeded these guidelines constantly at site S2 of study area.The metal index values at S1, S2 and S3 were 1.55, 5.80 and 2.57 respectively. The site S2 was affected strongly due to presence of elemental dust and un-treated waste water discharged by chemical industrial units of Baddi region. This site (S2) was nearer to common effluent treatment plant on the bank of Sirsa river and found to be unsuitable at all with more value of metal index. It was also viewed to adopt such scale indices to estimate drinking water quality with respect to concentration of elements after equal interval of time; as there may be seasonal change in the load of debris due to rate of pollutants dumping in the riverine ecosystem which is directly proportional to the content of elements. The load of pollutants in water system was underlined to know the impact of inorganic waste discharges on water quality of river in this region of Himachal Pradesh along industrial belt.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF BOREHOLE WATER FROM EIGHT SELECTED LOCATIONS WITHIN BENIN METROPOLIS, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

In Nigeria, borehole water is a dominant source of drinking water. The quality of the water has diminished substantially due to various anthropogenic activities. Thus, this study seeks to x-ray the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of borehole water in some crowded localities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Heterotrophic plate count and total coliform count were carried out sing pour plate method. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the Kirby-Bauerdisc diffusion test. Except for one case each of iron (0.32 ± 0.11), Manganese (0.16 ± 0.06), Cadmium (0.005 ± 0.01) and Lead (0.12 ± 0.01) that were found to be above the recommended WHO and NAFDAC limits, the heavy metals had concentration levels that were within the stipulated limits. Isolates were phenotypically and molecularly identified as:Klebsiella aerogenes, strain OBANOR&amp;OKWU 100; Streptococcus pneumoniae, OBANOR&amp;OKWU 101; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, OBANOR&amp;OKWU 102; Staphylococcus aureus, OBANOR&amp;OKWU 103 and Micrococcus lylae, OBANOR&amp;OKWU 104 using the 16S rRNA gene analysis. Isolates were deposited in the United States GenBank under accession numbers: OK017170, OK017423, OK017480, OK017486 and OK019091 respectively. Generally, the isolates showed low resistance rates (14.29 % - 19.05 %) to the antibiotics used in this study except for Cefuroxime and Ampicillin with extremely high resistance rates of 80.95 % and 85.71 % respectively. Majority of borehole water samples were found to be contaminated. This study highlights the need for continuous monitoring and quality assessment of the borehole water available for consumption.