Only articles that meet good scientific standards (e.g., acknowledge and build upon other work in the field, rely on logical reasoning and well-designed studies, back up claims with evidence, etc.) are accepted for publication.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
RAMESH BABU AREMANDA; Daniel Tekleweyni; Samuel Tuquabo; Samuel Ghebregziabher; Aklilu Tesfagiorgis
Abstract
Food and agricultural industry expend maximum fresh water sources in the world. Unfortunately, Eritrean water resource completely depends on seasonal rainfalls which are inherently uncertain and insufficient due to ever posing global climate change issues. consequently, the country is striving to manage ...
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Food and agricultural industry expend maximum fresh water sources in the world. Unfortunately, Eritrean water resource completely depends on seasonal rainfalls which are inherently uncertain and insufficient due to ever posing global climate change issues. consequently, the country is striving to manage its available limited water sources. In connection, to mitigate with currently challenging water supply problems, a comprehensive water assessment survey carried out for a vegetable soup making process at Barka Canneries, a food processing industry managed by Eritrean Live Stock Corporation. The two-week survey study revealed that the specific water consumption as 8.73 L/kg of soup while wastewater estimated as 8.39 L/kg of soup by leaving 0.3468 L of water in every kg of the soup product. Specifically, vegetable preparations consume about 54 % of total fresh water and generate 72% of total wastes while canning and cooking sections consume 31% and 15%, and generate 25% and 3% of waste respectively. Further, water consumption rates in vegetable preparation section depends on variety of vegetables and their quantities used for the recipe. In addition, there are several choices available to mitigate with currently challenging water supply issues by reusing wastewater for secondary applications.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Shamsudeen Muhammad Muhammad; Abubakar Muhammad Sani
Abstract
Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right critical for health, yet a large portion of the global population lacks adequate and uncontaminated water sources. This study aimed to assess the bacteriological quality and public health risks of well water in Zuru. Twelve (12) samples from wells ...
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Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right critical for health, yet a large portion of the global population lacks adequate and uncontaminated water sources. This study aimed to assess the bacteriological quality and public health risks of well water in Zuru. Twelve (12) samples from wells used for drinking purposes were collected across four (4) areas (Rikoto, Jarkasa, Zango, and Tudun wada). Standard Plate Count and Total Coliform Count were conducted using the Spread Plate Method and Most Probable Number Technique, respectively. The risk of contamination was evaluated using the World Health Organization's sanitary inspection checklist and guidelines for drinking water quality. The results showed a range of bacterial loads of 14.3±4.04x105- 76.5±31.34x105 CFU/mL and MPN ranged from 290-9.1MPN/100ML. Various bacterial contaminants, including Escherichia coli, Vibrio spp, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated. Escherichia coli (33.33%), Vibrio spp (25%), and Staphylococcus aureus (16.66%) were the most frequently isolated contaminants. Based on WHO criteria, eight wells were categorized as posing a very high risk. Factors such as proximity to rubbish, standing water within 2 meters of the well, cracks in concrete walls, and uncovered wells were associated with higher contamination rates. The findings indicate significant contamination in a substantial proportion of the well water samples used for drinking purposes. To mitigate public health risks associated with contaminated well water, it is recommended to focus on sanitation improvements, proper construction and maintenance of wells, and fostering collaboration among local authorities, community leaders, and stakeholders.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Erewari Ukoha-Onuoha; Raymond Alex Ekemube; John Chris Nnamdi
Abstract
The effect of storm water runoff microbiological pollution loads on surface water was studied. Runoff samples were collected from tarred road around the faculty buildings and from a primary drain in the Rivers State University campus and labelled sample points A and B respectively. Water sample from ...
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The effect of storm water runoff microbiological pollution loads on surface water was studied. Runoff samples were collected from tarred road around the faculty buildings and from a primary drain in the Rivers State University campus and labelled sample points A and B respectively. Water sample from downstream and upstream of Eagle Island River were also collected and labelled C and D respectively. Sampling was done using standard methods in the months of August, September, and October. Microbiological characteristics including total heterotrophic bacteria (THB), total coliform bacteria (TCB), and total fecal coliform bacteria (TFCB) were analyzed. THB analysis of the water samples revealed least count in the month of August (1.00 x 103 cfu/ml) at sampling point B and highest count in the month of October (5.10x 104 cfu/ml) at sampling point D. While TCB counts were least (1.30 x 10 cfu/ml) and highest (3.40x 10 cfu/ml) at points B and D in the months of October and September respectively. TFCB count was highest in the month of October at point B, and unlike THB and TCB, the TFCB counts had little dependence on rainfall depth. These results indicate that the impact of the university campus runoff on the microbial characteristics of the Eagle Island River is minimal. However, the primary drain of the university could be infiltrated with septic tank leakages. Also, that the Eagle Island River poses a medium to high potential health risk for users.